Patent Publication Number: US-2022214132-A1

Title: Modular stock for a weapon

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63/136,573, filed on Jan. 12, 2021, titled MODULAR STOCK FOR A WEAPON, and to U.S. Application No. 63/134,957, filed on Jan. 7, 2021, titled MODULAR STOCK FOR A WEAPON, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Projectile launchers, such as crossbows and slingshots, utilize a string that is drawn backward and released to fire a projectile. Flexible limbs are loaded with force by the drawstring being drawn, and limbs are unloaded with force when the crossbow is fired to aggressively power the movement of the drawstring toward the front of the crossbow. 
     Overall size of not just the projectile launcher, but a weapon in general, is important for both accuracy and maneuverability. Typically, if a user can shoulder a weapon with the use of a stock, the more stable a user can make the weapon, which leads to improved accuracy. However, the longer the weapon, the more cumbersome it is to maneuver. Therefore, improvements are desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     This application generally relates to a modular stock for a weapon. In one example, a stock is disclosed that includes a toolless interface (also referred to as a “tool free” interface) for attaching to a projectile launcher and a removable arrow quiver. 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a stock for a weapon is disclosed. The stock includes a body having a first end and a second end. The first end having a mounting interface and a quiver mounting feature. The mounting interface is at least one of a projection or a recess and the mounting interface is configured to mate with a like mounting interface using an interference fit. The body also includes the second end that has a quiver pocket that is configured to at least partially receive a portion of a quiver therein. The quiver pocket has at least one quiver grip positioned therein. The stock includes a quiver that is configured to store a plurality of projectiles. The quiver has a stock mounting feature that is at least one of a projection or a recess. The quiver is configured to be positioned within the quiver pocket at the second end and attached to the first end at the quiver mounting feature via the stock mounting feature. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a weapon system is disclosed. The weapon system includes a weapon that is configured to propel a projectile from a front end. The weapon has a rear interface at a rear end, and the rear interface has at least two stock mating elements. The weapon includes a stock configured to be positioned against a shoulder of a user. The stock has a stock mounting interface configured to mate with the rear interface of the weapon. The stock mounting interface has at least two weapon mating elements. At least one weapon mating element of the stock and at least one stock mating element of the weapon mate together using an interference fit to secure the stock to the weapon. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a stock for a weapon is disclosed. The stock includes a body having a first end and a second end, the second end opposite the first end. The first end that has a stock mounting interface that is configured to mate with a like interface of a weapon. The first end has a quiver mounting feature configured to attach to a quiver. The second end has a quiver pocket defined therein to at least partially receive a portion of a quiver therein. The quiver pocket has at least one quiver grip positioned therein. 
     Another aspect is a removable stock for a weapon, the stock comprising: a body having a stock interface configured to removably couple the stock to a rear interface of the weapon, the stock interface including at least a first and a second mating element, wherein the first mating element is a pivotal connection element which, when connected with the rear interface of the weapon, permits the stock to pivot with respect to the weapon about the pivotal connection element, and wherein the second mating element is an interference fit element that releasably engages the rear interface of the weapon with an interference fit such that, when the second mating element is engaged with the rear interface of the weapon, the stock is prevented from pivoting about the pivotal connection element, and when the second mating element is disengaged from the rear interface of the weapon, the stock is free to pivot about the pivotal connection element. 
     Yet another aspect is a removable stock for a weapon comprising a body including a stock interface for removably connecting the stock with a rear interface of the weapon, wherein the stock interface comprises one or more mating elements that provide a snap-fit connection with the rear interface of the weapon. 
     A further aspect is a removable stock for a weapon, the stock comprising: a body having a stock interface configured to removably couple the stock to a rear interface of the weapon, the stock interface including at least a first and a second mating element, wherein the first mating element is connectable to the rear interface of the weapon, and wherein the second mating element is an interference fit element that releasably engages the rear interface of the weapon with an interference fit such that, when the second mating element is engaged with the rear interface of the weapon, the stock is prevented from moving at the first mating element, and when the second mating element is disengaged from the rear interface of the weapon, the stock can move at the first mating element. 
     Another aspect is a projectile launcher comprising: a rear interface configured to mate with a stock interface of a removable stock, the rear interface including at least a first and a second mating element, wherein the first mating element is a pivotal connection element which, when connected with the stock interface of the removable stock, permits the stock to pivot with respect to the projectile launcher about the pivotal connection element, and wherein the second mating element is an interference fit element that releasably engages the stock interface of the removable stock with an interference fit such that, when the second mating element is engaged with the stock interface of the removable stock, the stock is prevented from pivoting about the pivotal connection element, and when the second mating element is disengaged from the stock interface of the removable stock, the stock is free to pivot about the pivotal connection element. 
     A further aspect is a rear interface of a projectile launcher, the rear interface being configured to mate with a stock interface of a removable stock, the rear interface comprising one or more mating elements that provide a snap-fit connection with the stock interface of the removable stock. 
     Yet another aspect is a projectile launcher comprising: a rear interface configured to mate with a stock interface of a removable stock, the rear interface including at least a first and a second mating element, wherein the first mating element is connectable to the stock interface of the removable stock, and wherein the second mating element is an interference fit element that releasably engages the stock interface of the removable stock with an interference fit such that, when the second mating element is engaged with the stock interface of the removable stock, the stock is prevented from moving at the first mating element, and when the second mating element is disengaged from the stock interface of the removable stock, the stock can move at the first mating element. 
     A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a weapon system, according to one example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows another perspective view of the weapon system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows another perspective view of the weapon system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows another perspective view of the weapon system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the weapon system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a rear interface of a weapon, according to one example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a stock and a quiver, according to one example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  shows a longitudinal cross section of the weapon system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  shows another perspective view of the stock and the quiver of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  shows a front perspective view of the stock of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  shows a rear perspective view of the stock of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 12  shows another rear perspective view of the stock of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 13  shows another front perspective view of the stock of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of the quiver of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference to numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. 
     A stock  100  for a weapon is disclosed herein. The stock  100  is configured to be positioned against a user&#39;s shoulder to stabilize the attached weapon. In some examples, the stock  100  is configured for use with a projectile launcher, such as a crossbow. In some examples, the stock  100  includes a mounting feature  109  for a quiver  104 . In some examples, the stock includes a storage feature  106  for storing an arming tool  108  (e.g., a hand crank) for a crossbow. In some examples, the stock  100  can be mounted to an auxiliary location (e.g., a user&#39;s belt, backpack, etc.) to allow for full maneuverability of the weapon until the user needs to attach the stock to the weapon for firing. For example, a user can attach the stock  100  to the user&#39;s belt while hiking to a hunting location. Once at the hunting location, the user can attach the stock  100  to the weapon and improve the stability of the weapon during firing. 
       FIGS. 1-4  show perspective views of a weapon system  101  including a projectile launcher  102  with the stock  100 . The stock  100  is shown including a quiver  104  removably attached thereto, and a storage feature  106  for an arming tool  108 . 
     The projectile launcher  102  is configured to propel a projectile from a front end  131 . The projectile launcher  102  operates by utilizing flexible limbs  132 ,  134  that are flexed by drawing a drawstring  136  toward a rear end  133 . As the drawstring  136  is drawn rearward, the limbs  132 ,  134  that are connected thereto are drawn downward and loaded. Once fully rearward, the drawstring  136  can be released by a trigger  138  to propel a projectile  107  (i.e., an arrow) toward the front end  131 . While a projectile launcher  102  is shown, it is considered within the present disclosure that a variety of different weapons can be utilized, such as a firearm. 
       FIG. 5  shows the stock  100 , quiver  104 , and arming tool  108  separated from the projectile launcher  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the projectile launcher  102  includes a rear interface  110  that is configured to mate with the stock  100 . In some examples, the rear interface  110  includes at least two mating elements. In some examples, the mating elements include an upward facing hook  112  and a post  114 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the stock  100  includes a stock interface  116  that is configured to mate with the rear interface  110  of the projectile launcher  102 . In some examples, the stock interface  116  includes at least two mating elements. In some examples, the mating elements include a first mating element such as a hook recess  118  that is sized and shaped to mate with the hook  112  of the rear interface  110  and a second mating element such as a post recess  120  that is sized and shaped to mate with the post  114  of the rear interface  110 . In some examples, the hook recess  118  has a vertical pocket  140 . 
     In some examples, the first mating element is a pivotal connection element, which when connected to the rear interface of the weapon, permits the stock to pivot with respect to the weapon about the pivotal connection element. 
     In some examples the second mating element is an interference fit element that releasably engages the rear interface of the weapon with an interference fit. When the second mating element is engaged with the rear interface of the weapon, the stock is prevented from pivoting about the pivotal connection element. When the second mating element is disengaged from the rear interface of the weapon, the stock is free to pivot about the pivotal connection element. 
     In some examples the stock interface comprises one or more mating elements that provide a snap-fit connection with the rear interface of the weapon. In some examples the snap-fit connection is a toolless/tool free connection that can be connected and disconnected by hand without tools. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the hook  112  of the rear interface  110  is mated in the hook recess  118  of the stock  100  and the post  114  of the rear interface  110  is positioned within the post recess  120  of the stock  100 . In some examples, the mating between the stock interface  116  and the rear interface  110  utilizes an interference fit. In some examples, an interference fit is used between the post  114  and the post recess  120 . In some examples, the stock  100  can be removed from the projectile launcher  102  without the use of tools. It is considered within the scope of the present disclosure that a variety of different toolless connections can be used between the stock  100  and the projectile launcher  102 . It is also considered within the present disclosure that the stock interface can include at least one projection that mates with at least one recess of the rear interface  110 . For example, the post  114  and post recess  120  can be reversed in some embodiments such that the post  114  is part of the stock  100  body and the post recess  120  is part of the rear interface  110  of the weapon. 
     To attach the stock interface  116  to the rear interface  110 , a user first mates the hook  112  and hook recess  118 . This can be done by positioning the hook recess  118  above the hook  112  and guiding the hook into the recess  118 . Once the user mates the hook  112  and hook recess  118 , the user then pivots the stock  100  and exerts a force to position the post  114  within the post recess  120 . This force is to ensure a mating between the stock interface  116  and the rear interface  110  via an interference fit. This interference fit will allow the stock  100  to stay attached to the projectile launcher  102  so that the connection between the stock  100  and the projectile launcher  102  is not loose. To remove the stock, a user exerts a force upward at a rear end  133  of the stock  100  of the projectile launcher  102  to break loose the interference fit between the post  114  and the post recess  120 . Once released, the hook  112  can be slid out of the hook recess  118  and the stock  100  uncoupled with the projectile launcher  102 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a longitudinal cross-section of the weapon system  101  of  FIG. 1 , including the stock interface  116 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the stock  100  with the attached quiver  104  and arming tool  108 . 
       FIGS. 10-13  show the stock  100 . The stock  100  includes a body  111  including a front end  103  and a rear end  105 . At the front end  103 , the stock  100  includes the stock interface  116 , a plurality of quiver mounting features  109 , and the arming tool storage feature  106 . At the rear end  105 , the stock  100  includes a quiver pocket  122 , a plurality of quiver grips  124 , and the arming tool storage feature  106 . 
     In the depicted examples, the quiver  104  can be secured to either side of the stock  100  via the quiver mounting features  109 . In some examples, the quiver mounting features  109  are apertures that are configured to mate to and secure the quiver  104 . By allowing for mounting of the quiver  104  at either side of the stock  100 , the stock  100  can be used by either right-handed or left-handed users. 
     In the depicted example, the arming tool storage feature  106  includes a cradle  126  at the front end  103  of the stock  100  and an aperture  128  at the rear end  105  of the stock  100 . In some examples, the cradle  126  is part of a block that is detachable from the stock  100  and can be mounted to either side of the stock  100  for ambidextrous use. 
     The quiver pocket  122  is configured to receive an end of the quiver  104  to at least partially nest the quiver  104  within the stock  100 . In some examples, the quiver grips  124  are positioned within the quiver pocket  122  so as to at least partially grip the quiver  104 . In some examples, the quiver grips are rubber. 
       FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of the quiver  104 . The quiver is configured to store the plurality of projectiles  107  (e.g., arrows). In some examples, the quiver  104  can include at least one stock mounting feature  130 . In some examples, the quiver  104  includes a plurality of stock mounting features  130 . In some examples, the stock mounting features  130  are posts. In some examples, the stock mounting features  130  are configured to mate to and secure the quiver mounting features  109  of the stock. 
     The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims. 
     In some examples, the components of the rear interface  110  of the weapon and the stock interface  116  of the stock  100  described with reference to  FIGS. 5-9  are configured to be interchangeably positioned on either one of the rear interface  110  of the weapon and the stock interface  116  of the stock  100 . For example, one or more of the hook recess  118  or the post recess  120  may be placed on the rear interface  110  of the weapon, while one or more of the hook  112  or post  114  is positioned on the stock interface  116  of the stock.