Patent Publication Number: US-2011047851-A1

Title: Removable foregrip with laser sight

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING” 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to firearms, and, in particular, to sight assemblies used with firearms. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     It is now common in law enforcement and certain military operations for weapons to be equipped with a laser sighting device, that is, a laser mounted on the weapon that propagates a relatively narrow, intense laser light beam to a target so as to produce a spot on the target essentially where the projectile will intercept the target if the weapon is discharged. This enables the weapon to be aimed precisely by pointing the weapon so that the spot lies on the target at the point where the person using the weapon wants the projectile to strike the target. Such a laser sighting device is disclosed, for example, in Toole et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,091. Laser sights are particularly effective as sighting devices because the lasers do not require users to align an eye with a sighting device, which can limit or obscure the user&#39;s view of the targets or their surroundings. 
     Laser sights have been mounted from conventional accessory mounts, such as Picatinny rails, in the same way that scopes and other accessories have been mounted on firearms. Typically, the laser sight modules include receptors for engaging the accessory mounts on the firearms. For example, dovetail-type receptors have been formed in laser sight modules for engaging Picatinny rails on the firearms. Laser sights have been mounted from different types of accessory mounts on the firearms, including from other types of rails, using mating receptors and have also been mounted on firearms using clamping devices or other forms of attachment for engaging firearm barrels, frames, or other components that are not otherwise intended as accessory mounts. 
     Often, it is desirable to mount the laser sights so that the sights can be removed and transferred between firearms, generally with as little adjustment as possible. Again, rails, particularly Picatinny-type rails, have been used for this purpose. The rails can be formed integral with the firearm frames or clamped or otherwise attached to the firearm barrels or frames. 
     Both the accessory mounts presented on firearms and the receptors for engaging them tend to offset the laser sights from the barrels. Alternative adapter structures used for attaching laser sights to firearm components that are not otherwise arranged as mountings also tend to offset the laser sights from firearm barrels. Among the accessory mounts, rail mounts, such as Picatinny rails, offset laser sights by the space occupied by the rails themselves and any attachments for fixing the rails to the firearm barrels or frames. In addition, the receptors used for engaging the rails can take up more space and displace the laser sights farther from firearm barrels. The known laser sights mounted in this way are also exposed to jarring and can encumber the handling or operation of firearms, particularly as the laser sights are mounted at increasing offset from firearm barrels. In addition, known laser sights are only configured to emit a single laser and are not configured to operate multiple lasers using a single control circuit. 
     Accordingly, the disclosed systems and methods are directed toward overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a sight assembly for a firearm includes a foregrip removably attachable to the firearm, a first light source disposed within the foregrip, and a different second light source disposed within the foregrip. The assembly also includes a power source electrically connected to the first and second light sources, and a control circuit configured to control activation of the first and second light sources. 
     In such an exemplary embodiment, a position of the first light source is adjustable relative to a position of the second light source. In addition, the assembly further includes an adjustment assembly configured to position the first and second light sources relative to the foregrip, a selection device configured to allow activation of at least one of the first light source and the second light source at a time, and an activation device configured to activate the one of the first light source and the second light source. Activating the one of the first light source and the second light source produces one of a continuous laser beam and a pulsed laser beam. 
     In such an exemplary embodiment, the first and second light sources include one of a green laser, a red laser, an infra-red laser, an infra-red LED, a white and colored LED, a class 3A laser having an output of less than 5 mW, a search light, a traveling light, and a guide light. In addition, the assembly also includes a locking assembly configured to substantially immobilize the foregrip with respect to the firearm. Moreover, the power source comprises at least one battery and the at least one battery comprises one of a plurality of AA batteries and a DL-123 battery. In addition, the power source is disposed within the foregrip and the control circuit is disposed within the foregrip, the first light source is a laser, and the second light source is an LED. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a sight assembly for a firearm includes adjustably mounting a first light source and a second light source within a foregrip of the firearm and connecting the first and second light sources to a control circuit configured to activate the first and second light sources in response to a control signal. 
     In such an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is configured to direct power to one of the first and second light sources while the other of the first and second light sources is deactivated. The exemplary method further includes mounting a selection device to the foregrip, the selection device being configured to allow activation of at least one of the first light source and the second light source at a time, mounting an activation device to the foregrip, the activation device being configured to activate the one of the first light source and the second light source. Such an embodiment also includes defining a power source compartment within the foregrip, the power source compartment being configured to receive a removable power source. Such an embodiment also includes defining a storage compartment within the foregrip configured to receive a removable sight assembly adjustment tool, and securing an adjustment assembly to the foregrip, the adjustment assembly configured to enable adjustment of the first light source relative to the second light source. 
     In still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of activating a component of a sight assembly for a firearm includes connecting a foregrip to a mounting rail of the firearm, selecting between a first light source and a second light source disposed substantially within the foregrip, and activating the selected light source. 
     In such an exemplary embodiment, activating the selected light source includes sending a control signal to the selected light source via a control circuit electrically connected to the first and second light source, and the control signal originates at an activation device mounted to the foregrip. In addition, activating the selected light source includes directing a beam of light in the direction of a target and manipulating an activation device mounted to the foregrip. The activation device is substantially noise-free. Moreover, in such an exemplary embodiment, selecting between the first light source and the second light source includes manipulating a selection device mounted to the foregrip, and the selected light source comprises a warning laser and includes a mechanism configured to assist in removably attaching the foregrip to the firearm wherein the clamping mechanism is reversible and further includes a third light source disposed within the foregrip. 
     In still another exemplary embodiment, the first light source comprises a laser and the second light source comprises a range finder wherein at least one of the first and second light sources includes a laser having an output of greater than 5 mW. In addition, at least one of the first and second light sources includes a laser having friend or foe data encoding. Such exemplary embodiment activates the one of the first light source and the second light source produces one of a continuous laser beam and a pulsed laser beam. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one battery comprises one of a plurality of AA batteries and a DL-123 battery. 
     In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a sight assembly for a firearm includes a foregrip removably attachable to the firearm, and a first light source disposed within the foregrip, a vertical axis of the first light source being collinear with a vertical axis of a firearm barrel when the foregrip is attached to the firearm. Such an embodiment further includes a second light source disposed within the foregrip, a vertical axis of the second light source being collinear with the vertical axis of the firearm barrel when the foregrip is attached to the firearm. In addition, the foregrip is removably attachable to a rail of the firearm and the foregrip is removably attachable beneath the firearm barrel. The first light source includes a laser, and the sight assembly further includes a second light source disposed within the foregrip. In an exemplary embodiment, the second light source is a travelling light and an adjustment tool is disposed within a power source compartment of the foregrip. The assembly further includes a plurality of AA batteries disposed within the power source compartment and a reversible clamping mechanism configured to assist in removably attaching the foregrip to the firearm. In addition, the foregrip is removably attachable to a plurality of different firearm rails. 
     In such an exemplary embodiment, the foregrip further includes a selection device configured to transition the first light source between a continuous and a pulsed mode of operation. In another embodiment, the foregrip further includes an activation device configured to operate the first light source in one of a momentary mode and a latched mode. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a sight assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic illustration of a side of the sight assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is another diagrammatic illustration of a side of the sight assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is still another diagrammatic illustration of a front of the sight assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is yet another diagrammatic illustration of a back of the sight assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is another diagrammatic illustration of a top of the sight assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is still another diagrammatic illustration of a bottom of the sight assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a sight assembly control schematic according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric illustration of the sight assembly of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric illustration of the sight assembly of  FIG. 1  removably attached to a firearm according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of a firearm barrel axis in vertical alignment with an axis of a light source according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric illustration of the sight assembly of  FIG. 1  according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric illustration of the sight assembly of  FIG. 1  according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIGS. 1-7  and  FIGS. 9-13  illustrate a sight assembly  10  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the assembly  10  includes, for example, a foregrip  12  configured to be removably attached to a firearm of any type. The assembly  10  also includes a first light source  14  and a second light source  16 , and both of the light sources  14 ,  16  are disposed within the foregrip  12 . It is understood that the assembly  10  can also include additional light sources (now shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the foregrip  12  may define a housing  13 , and at least the first light source  14  and the second light source  16  may be disposed substantially within the housing  13  of the foregrip  12 . In such an exemplary embodiment, each component of the light sources  14 ,  16  may be disposed within the housing  13  and the housing  13  may define one or more orifices  15 ,  17  through which light beams  19 ,  21  emitted from the light sources  14 ,  16  may exit the housing  13 . 
     The light sources  14 ,  16  can comprise, for example, any of a variety of lasers. Typically, the light sources  14 ,  16  are self-contained and include lenses. The light sources  14 ,  16  can comprise, for example, any combination of a green laser, a red laser, an infra-red laser, an infra-red laser emitting diode (LED), a white and colored LED, a class 3A laser having an output of less than 5 mW, a search light, a laser having an output of greater than 5 mW, a guide light, a travelling light, a warning laser, a range finder, and a communication laser. The light sources  14 ,  16  can also comprise a laser capable and/or otherwise having friend or foe data encoding. 
     The housing  13  of the foregrip  12  can be, for example, substantially fluid-tight such that the light sources  14 ,  16  can be operable in wet conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, the foregrip  12  may be rated for substantially complete submersion in a liquid for a period of at least thirty minutes. In such an exemplary embodiment, the liquid may comprise, for example, fresh water or salt water. The assembly  10  may also be configured to withstand a substantial level of shock, vibration, and/or other contact typical of rugged use. For example, the assembly  10  may be configured for use in harsh environments such as, for example, jungles, swamps, deserts, rocky terrain, and/or other law enforcement, combat, or self-defense environments. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly  10  may be configured to successfully pass National Institute of Justice and/or Department of Justice drop tests. 
     An adjustment assembly  22  can be disposed proximate the light sources  14 ,  16  and can be configured to position the light sources  14 ,  16  relative to the foregrip  12 . The adjustment assembly  22  can also be configured to position the first light source  14  relative to the second light source  16  and vise versa. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment assembly  22  may be configured to position the light sources  14 ,  16 , in unison, relative to the foregrip  12 . The adjustment assembly  22  may be useful in adjusting the path of the light beams  19 ,  21  emitted by the laser sources  14 ,  16  and exiting the housing  13 . To assist in adjusting the beam paths, the adjustment assembly  22  may be configured to manipulate the light sources  14 ,  16  in any useful direction such as, for example, in the direction of arrows  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  ( FIG. 11 ). In addition, the adjustment assembly  22  may be configured to rotate the light sources  14 ,  16  in the clockwise direction of arrow  44  and/or in the counterclockwise direction of arrow  46  ( FIG. 11 ). The adjustment assembly  22  may include, for example, one or more screws, pneumatic devices, piezoelectric devices, solenoids, gears, motors, and/or other components configured to assist in positioning an optical device in an enclosed and/or portable environment. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the adjustment assembly  22  may be manually adjusted by using one or more sight assembly adjustment tools (not shown). The sight assembly adjustment tool may be utilized to manipulate the adjustment assembly  22  when the housing  13  is closed and/or substantially sealed. In such an exemplary embodiment, the sight assembly adjustment tool may be configured to access and/or otherwise engage the adjustment assembly  22  via, for example, one or more substantially fluid-tight channels defined by the housing  13  of the foregrip  12 . In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the adjustment tool may be utilized to manipulate the adjustment assembly  22  while the housing  13  is opened and the adjustment assembly  22  is easily accessible. In still another exemplary embodiment, the adjustment assembly  22  may be electromechanically adjusted without the use of a sight assembly adjustment tool. In such an exemplary embodiment, the foregrip  12  may include one or more buttons, knobs, levers, and/or other interfaces allowing the user to electromechanically manipulate the adjustment assembly  22  and to thereby position the light sources  14 ,  16  relative to the foregrip  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , when the foregrip  12  is connected to an exemplary firearm  52  of the present disclosure, at least one of the light sources  14 ,  16  may be disposed along a vertical axis  50  of a barrel  54  of the firearm  52 . In an additional exemplary embodiment, each of the light sources  14 ,  16  may be disposed along and/or aligned with the vertical axis  50  of the barrel  54  when the foregrip  12  is mounted to the firearm  52 . For example, the vertical axis  50  of the barrel  54  may pass through and/or be collinear with the vertical axis of at least one of the light sources  14 ,  16  when the foregrip  12  is connected to the firearm  52 . In an additional exemplary embodiment, the light sources  14 ,  16  may be disposed within the foregrip  12  such that the horizontal axes  58 ,  60  of the light sources  14 ,  16 , respectively, are positioned as close to the horizontal axis  48  of the barrel  54  as possible when the foregrip  12  is connected to the firearm  52 . Such an exemplary embodiment may assist in alleviating the barrel offset deficiencies found in prior art foregrip sight assemblies. It is also understood that the adjustment assembly  22  may be configured to move the light sources  14 ,  16  in the direction of arrows  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42  and/or to pivot the light sources  14 ,  16  in the direction of arrows  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 , in order to achieve the configurations discussed above. Additionally, a longitudinal axis of at least one of the light sources  14 ,  16  may be aligned coplanar with and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the barrel  54  by manipulating the adjustment assembly  22 . 
     A selection device  24  of the assembly  10  can be mounted to the foregrip  12  such that the device  24  can be actuated by a finger of the user. The selection device  24  can be configured to allow activation of the light sources  14 ,  16  as desired. For example, the selection device  24  can be a switch configured to be manipulated so as to only allow activation of one of the light sources  14 ,  16  at a time. Alternatively, the selection device  24  can be a button, rotatable knob, and/or other operator interface configured to select more than one of the light sources  14 ,  16  for activation at one time. For example, the selection device  24  may be manipulated to select either the first light source  14 , the second light source  16 , or both of the light sources  14 ,  16  for activation by the user. The selection device  24  may also have a setting for pulsed activation of the light sources  14 ,  16  and a different setting for continuous activation of light sources  14 ,  16 . In an exemplary embodiment, the selection device  24  may have a first setting to turn on one of the light sources  14 ,  16 . In such an embodiment, the selection device  24  may also have a second setting for operating the other of the light sources  14 ,  16  in a continuous mode, a third setting for operating the other of the light sources  14 ,  16  in a pulsed mode, and a fourth setting in which both light sources  14 ,  16  are turned off. In such an embodiment, the one of the light sources  14 ,  16  may be an LED and the other of the light sources  14 ,  16  may be a laser of the type described above. 
     An activation device  26  of the assembly  10  can be disposed at a front end of the foregrip  12  to allow activation of the light sources  14 ,  16  selected for use. The activation device  26  can have a configuration similar to a trigger or a depressible switch. In such an embodiment, the activation device  26  may be configured to energize and/or otherwise activate one or more of the light sources in the mode specified by the selection device  24 . 
     In addition to controlling the light sources  14 ,  16  in a continuous mode or in a pulsed mode, the activation device  26  may have two or more configurations or settings, enabling the activation and/or operation of the light sources  14 ,  16  either momentarily when the activation device  26  is in a first setting or continuously when the activation device  26  is in a second setting. In an exemplary embodiment, when the activation device  26  is in the second setting, components of the activation device  26  may be in a latched configuration such that the selected light source  14 ,  16  may be activated without continuous manipulation of the activation device  26  by the user. In such an exemplary embodiment, the assembly  10  may be operated substantially hands-free by the user in the latched configuration. In addition, in each of the embodiments discussed herein, the activation device  26  may be operated substantially noise-free for stealth applications. 
     A locking assembly  28  can be disposed proximate the section of the foregrip  12  configured for mounting to the firearm, and can be configured to assist in substantially immobilizing the foregrip  12  during use and/or attachment to the firearm. The locking assembly  28  can be any conventional locking assembly known in the art. The locking assembly  28  may assist in, for example, using the foregrip  12  in combat, law enforcement, self-defense, and/or other rugged environments or applications. The foregrip  12  may also include a clamping mechanism  29  configured to assist in removably attaching the foregrip  12  to a firearm. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking assembly  28  may be a component of the clamping mechanism  29 . The clamping mechanism  29  may enable the user to mount and/or otherwise connect the foregrip  12  to any one of a plurality of commercially available mounts based on user preference. As shown in  FIG. 10 , in an exemplary embodiment, the foregrip  12  may be mounted on a picatinny rail  56  of a firearm  52 . In additional exemplary embodiments, however, the foregrip  12  may be connected to other known rails such as, but not limited to, dove tail rails and T-rails. In addition, the clamping mechanism  29  and/or the locking assembly  28  may be disposed on either side of the foregrip  12  based on user preference. Such a configuration may enable the foregrip  12  to be easily removably attachable to the picatinny rail  56  or other rails of the firearm  52  between uses. In particular, the clamping mechanism  29  may be reversible in that at least a portion of the components of the clamping mechanism  29  may be disposed on either side of the foregrip  12  based on user preferences. For example, the foregrip  12  illustrated in  FIG. 12  shows the clamping mechanism  29  disposed on a first side of the foregrip  12  while the foregrip  12  illustrated in  FIG. 13  shows the clamping mechanism  29  disposed on the second side of the foregrip  12 . The functionality of the clamping mechanism  29  is substantially the same regardless of which side of the foregrip  12  the clamping mechanism  29  is disposed on. 
     The assembly  10  further includes a power source  18  electrically connected to the light sources  14 ,  16 . The power source  18  can be any source of power known in the art such as, for example, one or more batteries. In an exemplary embodiment, the power source  18  can comprise a plurality of AA batteries. In an additional exemplary embodiment, the power source  18  can comprise a DL-123. The power source  18  is electrically connected to the first and second light sources  14 ,  16 . 
     The foregrip  12  can define a power source compartment  32 . The power source compartment  32  can be sized and/or otherwise configured to receive the power source  18 , and the compartment  32  can be configured such that the power source  18  can be easily removed and/or replaced by the user. The foregrip  12  can also define a storage compartment configured to store and/or otherwise receive a removable sight assembly adjustment tool. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage compartment may be defined by a portion of the housing  13 . In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the storage compartment may be defined by a lid, cap, and/or other closure device of the power source compartment  32 . In such an alternative exemplary embodiment, the sight assembly adjustment tool may be stored within, for example, a cap of the power source compartment  32 . 
     The assembly  10  also includes a control circuit  20  configured to control activation of the first and second light sources  14 ,  16  in response to a control signal. The control circuit  20  can comprise, for example, a first control circuit associated with the first light source  14  and a second control circuit associated with the second light source  16 . The control signal can be sent by the activation device  26  mounted to the foregrip  12 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a control schematic associated with the control of the sight assembly  10 . In particular, the power source  18  can provide power to the light sources  14 ,  16  via the selection device  24 . Distribution of the power provided by the power source  18  (and, thus, activation of the light sources  14 ,  16 ) can be governed by a first control circuit and a second control circuit, both of which are contained within the control circuit  20 . In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit  20  may include a universal circuit board capable of being configured to control multiple similar or dissimilar light sources  14 ,  16 . In such an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board may be configured at the time the assembly  10  is being manufactured. In addition, it may be desirable to maximize the output power of one or more of the light sources  14 ,  16  within the limits of applicable regulations and tolerances. Such regulations and/or tolerances may be dictated by, for example, the class to which the light source belongs. Accordingly, the circuit board may enable the user to calibrate the light sources  14 ,  16  such that their respective outputs are at the appropriate levels, respectively. 
     Other embodiments of the disclosed assembly  10  will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of this specification. For example, additional embodiments of the disclosed assembly  10  may include a shot counter configured to indicate the number of times the firearm has been discharged. Still, other additional embodiments may include a third light source disposed within the foregrip  12 . It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.