Patent Publication Number: US-2016238346-A1

Title: Optical weapon mounting apparatus and related methods

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/115,941 entitled, “Optical Weapon Mounting Apparatus” filed Feb. 13, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is generally related to mounting devices and more particularly is related to a weapon mount. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Optical devices are commonly used in various environments to enhance the capabilities of the user&#39;s vision. In military environments, various optical devices are used to give a soldier enhanced visibility in harsh conditions. For example, devices like the PVS  14  night vision monocular are commonly used in the military to enhance a soldier&#39;s visibility in low light conditions. These optical devices are affixed to combat helmets, weapons, or other structures that a soldier uses, and during a field operation, a soldier may move the optical device between the various mounting structures. 
     The use of a shoe to secure an optical device to a mounting structure, such as a combat helmet or a weapon, is well-known in the art. The shoe may have various designs, depending on the mounting structure the optical device is mounted to, and it is beneficial for the various designs of the shoe to be interchangeable with different mounts. There are two main types of conventional shoes: a shoe for engagement with a butterfly clip commonly used to mount optical devices to weapons; and a shoe with a pocket, commonly used to mount optical devices to a combat helmet. Both types of conventional shoes are static, unitary structures with a dovetail shape and a plurality of angled sidewalls which allow the shoe to engage with a receiver. The shoe for engagement with the butterfly clip utilizes an angled back surface, such as a 10° angle along the edge at the wide end of the dovetail shape, to engage with a butterfly clip when the shoe is inserted into the mounting receiver. The shoe with the pocket is secured within the mounting receiver with a retractable locking mount which moves into the pocket to engage with the shoe. 
     There are many difficulties that a soldier may experience when attempting to mount, remount, or remove the optical device from the mounting structure. For instance, the mounting devices needed for mounting the optical device to a weapon may be different from those needed to mount the optical device to a helmet. The soldier may be required to carry and use a number of mounting components to ensure universal mounting on the mounting structures, which can add unneeded weight to a soldier&#39;s pack and increase remounting time from one mounting structure to another. Additionally, many conventional mounting devices do not allow for quick mounting or quick dismounting of the optical device. When the optical devices are successfully mounted, they may be exposed to rough, forceful conditions which can lead to inadvertent loosening or dismounting of the optical device, or complicate removal of the optical device. For example, discharging a weapon outfitted with an optical device may loosen the mounting structures retaining the optical device to the weapon, which can lead to complications in using the optical device. 
     Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for a mounting apparatus used to connect an optical device to a mounting structure. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The mounting apparatus has a base portion connectable to a mounting structure. A receiving portion is connected to the base portion with a pivot join. A mounting shoe receiver is formed on the receiving portion. A retaining clip is connected to the receiving portion and pivotally mounted along an entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver. 
     The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing an optical device mounting system. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The optical device mounting system has a mounting rail. A base portion is connected to the mounting rail. A receiving portion is connected to the base portion with a pivot joint, the receiving portion having a mounting shoe receiver formed on the receiving portion. A mounting shoe is connectable to an optical device, wherein the mounting shoe is removably positioned within the mounting shoe receiver. A retaining clip is connected to the receiving portion and pivotally mounted along an entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver. 
     The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods of mounting an optical device to a rail mounting structure. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: engaging a base portion of a mounting apparatus to a rail mounting structure by clamping the rail mounting structure within a rail groove positioned on the base portion; pivotally connecting a receiving portion of the mounting apparatus to the base portion; removably mounting a mounting shoe within a mounting shoe receiver pocket formed within the receiving portion of the mounting apparatus; and controlling a locking of the mounting shoe within the mounting shoe receiver pocket with at least one retaining clip connected to the receiving portion and pivotally mounted along an entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver. 
     Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric illustration of a mounting apparatus for an optical device mounted to a mounting structure, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric illustration of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric illustration of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1  with the receiving portion in a raised position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4-5  are side view illustrations of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 6-7  are rear view illustrations of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 8-9  are top and bottom view illustrations of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10-13  are side view illustrations of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1  in various steps of engagement with a mounting shoe, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 14-15  are isometric view illustrations of the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1  in various steps of engagement with a mounting shoe, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 16A-16C  are various view illustrations of a movement restraint for use with the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 17-20  are isometric view illustrations of the movement restraint for use with the mounting apparatus of  FIG. 1  in various positions of engagement, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  is a flowchart illustrating a method of mounting an optical device to a rail mounting structure, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric illustration of a mounting apparatus for an optical device  10  mounted to a mounting structure  12 , in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting apparatus for an optical device  10 , referred to simply as ‘apparatus  10 ’ may be used to connect optical devices to a mounting structure  12 . More specifically, the apparatus  10  may provide significant benefits in mounting optical devices to a rail  14  of firearms or weapons, such as an AR-15 as shown in  FIG. 1 . When the mounting structure  12  is a weapon, the apparatus  10  may affix to a top rail  14  of the weapon such that it can hold the optical device within a viewing path of a user of the weapon. While the apparatus  10  is disclosed herein relative to weapon mounting structures  12 , other mounting structures  12  may also be used, including a helmet mounting structure, and/or a pole mounting structure, as well as others. 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric illustration of the mounting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3  is an isometric illustration of the mounting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  with the receiving portion  30  in a raised position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to  FIGS. 2-3 , the apparatus  10  includes a base portion  20  which is connectable to the mounting structure  12 , such as along the rail  14  thereof. The receiving portion  30  is movably connected to the base portion  20 , such as with a pivot joint  32  positioned along a side of the receiving portion  30 . The receiving portion  30  is movable between a raised position shown in  FIG. 3  and a lowered position shown in  FIG. 2 . Normally, a user of the apparatus  10  will keep the receiving portion  30  in the lowered position when using the optical device attached thereto, and will raise the receiving portion  30  to the raised position, e.g.  90  degrees relative to the lowered position along an axis of the pivot joint  32  which is commonly aligned with a length of the weapon, when they wish to have a viewing path without using the optical device. For example, when the optical device is a night vision device, the receiving portion  30  may be placed in the raised position during daylight hours when the night vision device is not used. 
     The pivot joint  32  may include a hinge having a detent therein which allows the user to raise the receiving portion  30  by overcoming the force provided by the detent. The use of this ‘force to overcome’ feel with the pivot joint  32  may prevent inadvertent raisings of the receiving portion  30  or inadvertent lowering thereof. The pivot joint  32  includes a threaded fastener  34  that may control the force required to raise or lower the receiving portion  30  thereby allowing the force to overcome to be adjustable. In one example, adjustment of the threaded fastener  34  may compress angled washers, beveled washers, spring washers, and/or truncated cone-shape washers within the pivot joint  32 , which increase the force required to overcome the rotation of the pivot joint  32 . Other mechanisms for providing an adjustable force to overcome may be used as well. 
     The apparatus  10  includes a number of features which assist in retaining the various components thereof in proper positions. For example, the base portion  20  includes a locking hole  50  positioned on a top side of the base portion  20  which is engagable with locking structure  52  positioned on an underside of the receiving portion  30 , such as directly below the mounting shoe receiver  36 . When the receiving portion  30  is in the lowered position, the locking structure  52  may connect with the locking hole  50  and prevent the receiving portion  30  from being moved to the raised position. Locking structure  52  is connected to plunger  54  which is positioned on the side of the receiving portion  30  and which may move the locking structure  52  to disengage it from the locking hole  50 . The plunger  54  is slidable within the receiving portion  30  and a spring biases the locking structure  52  away from the pivot joint  32  (although the opposite biasing may be used). Accordingly, the user can access the push tab of the plunger on the lateral side edge of the receiving portion  30  and can push the plunger  54  in the direction towards the pivot joint  32  to disengage the locking structure  52  from the locking hole  50 . 
     It is noted that during use of the weapon, the force from firing ammunition may cause significant forces to be transferred through the apparatus  10 . For example, the force from firing the weapon may cause the receiving portion  30  to move slightly relative to the base portion  20  in a direction aligned with the direction of ammunition fire. Accordingly, to prevent the locking structure  52  from becoming jammed in the locking hole  50 , the head of the locking structure  52  may be tapered on its sides to retain the receiving portion  30  when the apparatus  10  experiences the forces associated with weapon fire, yet allow it to be released when desired by the user. 
     The receiving portion  30  includes a mounting shoe receiver  36  which has angled sides (dovetailed) to retain a mounting shoe (not shown) therein. The mounting shoe may be connected to the optical device, as is known in the art. The mounting shoe may be engageable with the mounting shoe receiver  36 , i.e., mounting shoe pocket  36 , which has inverted angled edges with a wide front opening or entrance and a more narrow rear portion. Unlike the conventional devices available which have a fully closed rear portion, e.g., a rear portion of the mounting shoe pocket which has a closed sidewall, the mounting shoe receiver  36  may have an open rear, narrow end  38 . The open narrow end  38  may allow debris and other contaminants to be pushed through the mounting shoe receiver  36  when the mounting shoe is inserted therein. Pushing the debris out of the mounting shoe receiver  36  may prevent jamming and other malfunctions of the connection. 
     Further, it is noted that the size of the mounting shoe is often selected based on the necessary forces needed to be withstood during use. For example, a helmet-mounted optical device may require a smaller mounting shoe than a weapon-mounted optical device due to the lesser forces acting on an optical device carried on one&#39;s head as opposed to a weapon. The differently-sized mounting shoe commonly includes mounting shoes with different lengths. The apparatus  10  may provide benefits in the industry by allowing both larger and smaller-sized mounting shoes to be used in the same mounting shoe receiver  36  based on the open narrow end  38 , since the longer or larger mounting shoes can be positioned through the open narrow end  38 , thereby allowing their forward edge to assume a proper position relative to the retaining clip  60 . Thus, the size of the mounting shoe receiver  36  may be increased to accommodate large mounting shoes which may be required for large optical devices, as well as to accommodate regular-size mounting shoes used within the industry. 
       FIGS. 4-5  are side view illustrations of the mounting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to  FIGS. 2-5 , at the wide end of the mounting shoe receiver  36 , a retaining clip  60 , referred to herein as a butterfly clip  60 , may be used to retain the mounting shoe within the mounting shoe receiver  36 . The butterfly clip  60  is pivotal on an axis  62  which is offset from an actuation surface  64  of the butterfly clip  60 . The offset distance allows easier use of the butterfly clip  60  over conventional retaining clips, which often have an actuation surface that is aligned with the axis of the clip. For example, conventional retaining clips have an actuation surface which is positioned aligned with or very closed to alignment with the pivot axis, e.g., where the actuation surface effectively wraps back around towards the axis. This design increases the force required to actuate conventional retaining clips. To overcome this shortcoming, the actuation surface  64  of the butterfly clip  60  is positioned offset a distance from the axis, to give the user more leverage in actuating the butterfly clip  60 . This offset distance may be highly beneficial when the apparatus  10  is used on a weapon that experiences significant forces from firing ammunition, since the greater the forces, the higher tendency there is for the mounting shoe to become frictionally jammed with the butterfly clip  60 . The offset distance of the butterfly clip  60  may be, for example, greater than 0.3 inches, such as 0.7 inches. The actuation surface  64  may also be positioned to the side of the butterfly clip  60 , thereby allowing the user to actuate the butterfly clip  60  easily. 
     Movement of the butterfly clip  60  is depicted in  FIGS. 4-5 , where  FIG. 4  illustrates the butterfly clip  60  in the raised (locked) position and  FIG. 5  illustrates the butterfly clip  60  in the lowered (unlocked position). Specifically, the butterfly clip  60  is mounted proximate to an entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver  36 , such that in a first position, the butterfly clip  60  blocks the entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver  36 , thereby preventing a mounting shoe positioned in the mounting shoe receiver  36  from exiting. In a second position, the butterfly clip  60  is lowered such that it does not block the entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver  36 , thereby allowing the mounting shoe to be moved out of the mounting shoe receiver  36 . When in the second position or release position, the top surface of the butterfly clip  60  may be positioned below a floor of the mounting shoe receiver  36 , as is shown in more detail relative to  FIG. 14 . Additional detail on the movement of the butterfly clip  60  is shown in  FIGS. 10-13 . 
       FIGS. 6-7  are rear view illustrations of the mounting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to  FIGS. 2-3 and 6-7 , the base portion  20  includes a clamping system  80  for clamping the base portion  20  to the rail  14 . The clamping system  80  may include a rail groove  84  in which the rail  14  can be positioned and one or more threaded fasteners  82  which can be retained against a side of the rail  14 . As shown, the side of the rail  14  may have a culminating point with angled edges which can be engaged with the edges of the rail groove  84 . The threaded fasteners  82  may be moveable with the user&#39;s fingers or may require tools. As is shown in the previous figures, there may be two threaded fasteners  82  used. 
     In use, the threaded fastener  82  may be withdrawn from the rail  14  to enlarge the rail groove  84  ( FIG. 6 ) therebetween. With this rail groove  84 , the user can linearly move the apparatus  10  to the proper position on the rail  14 . Then, the threaded fastener  82  may be tightened on to the rail  14  to retain the apparatus  10  in place. It is noted that the interface between the threaded fastener  82  and the rail  14  may include an angled interface  86  which biases the apparatus  10  downwards towards the upper surface of the rail  14  as the threaded fastener  82  is actuated towards the rail  14 . Thus, the angled edges of the rail  14  with the corresponding angled interface  86  of the rail groove  84  may allow for the later movement of the threaded fasteners  82  to effect a vertical compressive force applied to the rail  14 . 
     It is noted that conventional fastening systems use a fastener which is positioned at the rear of the mounting device and aligned with the rail  14  itself, which is cumbersome to use when the optical device is connected to the mounting device. Positioning the clamping system  80  to the side of the rail  14  and the apparatus  10 , and orienting the threaded fasteners  82  to be perpendicular to the rail  14 , allows for significantly better access to the components which control the clamping of the mounting device to the rail  14  and allows the mounting device to be shorter in length, smaller in size, and prevents spatial interference with a mounted optical device. 
       FIGS. 8-9  are top and bottom view illustrations of the mounting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to  FIGS. 2-9 , it can be seen how the threaded fasteners  82  are positioned perpendicular to the rail  14 . FIG.  9  illustrates the underside of the locking hole  50  with the locking receiver  52  engaged therein.  FIG. 9  also illustrates the rail path  22  along which the rail  14  can be slid through. 
       FIGS. 10-13  are side view illustrations of the mounting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  in various steps of engagement with a mounting shoe  16 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 14-15  are isometric view illustrations of the mounting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  in various steps of engagement with a mounting shoe  16 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 14 , the mounting shoe  16  is about to be connected to the receiving portion  30  of the apparatus  10 , such that the dovetailed shoe is approaching the wide end of the mounting shoe receiver  36 . The butterfly clip  60  is positioned in the raised or locked position. In  FIG. 11 , the mounting shoe  16  is partially positioned within the mounting shoe receiver  36  with the butterfly clip  60  positioned in the lower or unlocked position. In this position, the butterfly clip  60  allows the mounting shoe  16  to enter the mounting shoe receiver  36  unobstructed. In  FIG. 12 , the mounting shoe  16  is shown in a partially engaged position (almost fully engaged) within the mounting shoe receiver  36 , whereby the butterfly clip  60  is still in the lowered, unlocked position. In  FIGS. 13 and 15 , the mounting shoe  16  is shown in the fully engaged position within the mounting shoe receiver  36  and the butterfly clip  60  is in the raised, locked position, whereby it prevents removal of the mounting shoe  16  from the mounting shoe receiver  36 . 
       FIGS. 16A-16C  are various view illustrations of a movement restraint  90  for use with the mounting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 17-20  are isometric view illustrations of the movement restraint  90  for use with the mounting apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  in various positions of engagement, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to  FIGS. 16A-20 , the movement restraint  90 , also known as a movement restraint bridge  90 , may be used to prevent the receiving portion  30  of the apparatus  10  from being moved to the raised position ( FIG. 3 ) when the mounting shoe  16  is engaged with the mounting shoe receiver  36 . The movement restraint  90  includes a connector  92  (bridge) which is attached to the mounting shoe  16  at one end and has a restraint structure  94  at another end. The optical device (not shown) can be connected to the top side of the connector  92  and the underside of the connector  92  may be sized to allow the butterfly clip  60  to be raised upwards after engagement of the mounting shoe  16  and the mounting shoe receiver  36 . 
     The restraint structure  94  has an inward-facing protrusion which is sized to fit within a guiding hole  28  on the base portion  20 . When the mounting shoe  16  engages with the mounting shoe receiver  36  on the receiving portion  30 , the protrusion of the restraint structure  94  is positioned within the guiding hole  28 . This positioning of the movement restraint  90  effectively structurally connects the base portion  20  to the receiving portion  30 , which prevents movement of the receiving portion  30 . In other words, the positioning of the restraint structure  94  within the guiding hole  28  prevents the receiving portion  30  from being rotated about the pivot joint  32 , since the contact between the restraint structure  94  and the guiding hole  28  prevents such movement. As can also be seen, the connector  92  may be positioned at least partially over the butterfly clip  60  yet leave enough clearance over the butterfly clip  60  to allow for a user to actuate it. Accordingly, use of the movement restraint  90  does not interfere with the ability to connect or release the mounting shoe  16  from the mounting shoe connector  36 . 
       FIG. 21  is a flowchart  100  illustrating a method of mounting an optical device to a rail mounting structure, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. 
     As is shown by block  102 , a base portion of a mounting apparatus is engaged with a rail mounting structure by clamping the rail mounting structure within a rail groove positioned on the base portion. A receiving portion of the mounting apparatus is pivotally connected to the base portion (block  104 ). A mounting shoe is removably mounted within a mounting shoe receiver pocket formed within the receiving portion of the mounting apparatus (block  106 ). A locking of the mounting shoe within the mounting shoe receiver pocket is controlled with at least one retaining clip connected to the receiving portion and pivotally mounted along an entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver (block  108 ). 
     The method may include any number of additional steps, features, processes, or functions, including any disclosed relative to any other figure of this disclosure. For example, the at least one retaining clip may be actuated to unlock the mounting shoe from the mounting shoe receiver pocket by applying a force on an actuation surface of the at least one retaining clip, wherein the actuation surface is located an offset distance from a pivot axis of the retaining clip. The receiving portion may be removably locked to the base portion with a locking hole positioned on the base portion and a locking structure positioned on an underside of the receiving portion, whereby the locking structure is engagable with the locking hole, and the engagement of the locking structure to the locking hole is controlled by a plunger positioned at least partially on a lateral side edge of the receiving portion. Additionally, the receiving portion of the mounting apparatus may be removably locked to the base portion with at least one movement restraint bridge, wherein the movement restraint bridge is connected between the mounting shoe and a guiding hole positioned within the receiving portion, wherein the movement restraint bridge is positioned at least partially above the at least one retaining clip. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.