Patent Publication Number: US-9851175-B2

Title: Fully adjustable gunstock with integrated tool holder

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for an adjustable firearm. The present disclosure relates more specifically to a method and apparatus for a gunstock attachment, which includes multiple adjustable features. 
     Description of Related Art 
     A stock or gunstock is generally a part of a rifle or other firearm, to which the barrel and firing mechanism are attached. The stock provides a means for the shooter to firmly support the firearm and easily aim it. The stock also transmits recoil from firing the firearm into the shooter&#39;s body. 
     The most basic breakdown of stock types is into one-piece and two-piece stocks. A one piece stock is a single unit from butt to fore-end, such as that commonly found on bolt action rifles. Two piece stocks use a separate piece for the butt and fore-end, such as that commonly found on break open shotguns, lever-action rifles and shotguns. Traditionally two piece stocks were easier to make, since finding a wood blank suitable for a long one piece stock is harder than finding short blanks for a two piece stock. 
     The grip area is one that varies widely. A straight grip stock proceeds smoothly from toe to the trigger, giving a nearly horizontal angle for the trigger hand, while a full grip stock contains a separate piece for the grip, providing a near vertical angle for the trigger hand, and is commonly found on modern military rifles, such as the AK-47 and M16 rifle families. A semi-grip stock is the most common sport stock, with a steeper angle cut into the stock to provide a more diagonal angle for the trigger hand. Modern target style stocks have moved towards a fuller, more vertical grip, though built into the stock rather than made as a separate piece, and may be considered grip stocks. Other stocks use a nearly vertical grip, and many thumbhole style stocks are similar to full grips in shape. 
     Sliding or folding stocks are often seen on military-grade weapons and their civilian-derived arms. A collapsible stock makes the weapon more compact for storage or transport, but is usually deployed before shooting for better control. A butt hook, which is an attachment to the butt of the gun that is put under the shooter&#39;s arm to prevent the rifle from pivoting forward from the weight of the barrel is sometimes used in competitive rifle shooting. These stocks are also used on combat shotguns. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method and apparatus for adjustment. 
     A first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a firearm attachment for adjustment including a gunstock comprising a cavity for attachment to a barrel, a handgrip port including a mount, a buttstock port, and a magazine port, the magazine port located on the gunstock to align with a magazine, the mount operable to slideably move and be affixed along a longitudinal axis of the gunstock, and a handgrip, the handgrip removeably attached to the mount, the handgrip able to rotate relative to the gunstock to a plurality of locations, wherein the handgrip can be rotatably fixed at each one of the plurality of locations. The firearm attachment further includes a buttstock, the buttstock removeably attached to the buttstock port, the buttstock able to rotate relative to the gunstock to a plurality of locations, wherein the buttstock can be rotatably fixed at each one of the locations, and a forearm grip, the forearm grip removeably attached to the gunstock, the forearm grip operable to slide to a plurality of locations relative to the gunstock, wherein the forearm grip can be affixed at each one of the locations. 
     A second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method including providing a gunstock comprising a cavity for attachment to a barrel, a handgrip port including a mount, a buttstock port, and a magazine port, the magazine port located on the gunstock to align with a magazine, the mount operable to slideably move and be affixed along a longitudinal axis of the gunstock, and affixing a handgrip to the gunstock at the mount, the handgrip removeably attached to the mount, the handgrip able to rotate relative to the gunstock to a plurality of locations, wherein the handgrip can be rotatably fixed at each one of the plurality of locations. The method further includes affixing a buttstock to the gunstock at the buttstock port, the buttstock removeably attached to the buttstock port, the buttstock able to rotate relative to the gunstock to a plurality of locations, wherein the buttstock can be rotatably fixed at each one of the locations, and affixing a forearm grip at the forearm grip port, the forearm grip removeably attached to the gunstock, the forearm grip operable to slide to a plurality of locations relative to the gunstock, wherein the forearm grip can be affixed at each one of the locations. 
     A third exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for attachment. The apparatus includes a gunstock comprising a cavity for maintaining a receiver, the gunstock including a mount, the mount operable to slideably be affixed along the longitudinal axis of the gunstock, and a handgrip removeably attached to the mount, the handgrip operable to rotatably affix to a plurality of locations relative to the gunstock. 
     A fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for attachment. The method includes providing a gunstock comprising a cavity for maintaining a receiver, the gunstock including a mount, the mount operable to slideably be affixed along the longitudinal axis of the gunstock. The method further includes providing a handgrip removeably attached to the mount, the handgrip operable to rotatably affix to a plurality of locations relative to the gunstock. 
     The following will describe embodiments of the present disclosure, but it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and various modifications of the disclosure are possible without departing from the basic principle. The scope of the present disclosure is therefore to be determined solely by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a configuration of a device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a configuration of a device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of a configuration of a device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of a configuration of a device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a configuration of a device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an exemplary removeable tool suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a logic flow diagram in accordance with a method and apparatus of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A gunstock (also known as stock or shoulder stock) is the component of a firearm that is attached to the barrel of the firearm and interfaces with the user (i.e., shooter). A stock is also found on crossbows though a crossbow stock is more properly referred to as a tiller. The stock provides a means for the shooter to firmly support the device and easily aim it. The stock also transmits recoil into the user&#39;s body. The size and configuration of the gunstock is related to the safe and comfortable operation of the firearm. Accuracy of the firearm is also greatly impacted by the interface of the gunstock and the user. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, rifle refers to any firearm or weapon that through the use of an explosion, spring or compressed gas emits a projectile from a barrel. This includes but is not limited to a rifle, shotgun, BB gun, pellet gun, blow, and the like. Buttstock or simply butt refers to the part of a rifle or other firearm, to which the barrel and firing mechanism are attached. During use, the butt stock is typically held against the user&#39;s shoulder. 
     A cheek rest is the portion of the gunstock that interfaces with the user&#39;s cheek when aiming the firearm. Proper positioning of the cheek rest allows the user to align their eye in a stable and comfortable alignment with the sighting means of the firearm. The forearm (also known as handguard, forend, or forestock) is a section of the firearm between the receiver and the muzzle and positioned below the barrel. It is used to hold the firearm steady. 
     A handgrip is that portion of the firearm and/or stock that is held by the hand that operates the trigger and orients the hand in a forward, vertical orientation, similar to the position one would take with a conventional pistol. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an adjustable gunstock that adjusts to fit the shooter in multiple dimensions quickly and easily through the use of one or more tools. These adjustments provide improved accuracy of the firearm through an improved user interface with the buttstock, forearm, cheek rest, and handgrip. All adjustments provide a firearm that fits a large range of arm length and hand sizes. Embodiments of the adjustable gunstock provides improved firearm control to the user. The adjustable gunstock can be adjusted through the use of one or more simple hand tools that can be maintained within the gunstock. Embodiments of the adjustable gunstock with the simple hand tool allows the firearm user to perform field adjustments. Embodiments further allow a user to carry a single tool rather than multiple tools for adjustment. 
     Embodiments also provide an adjustable gunstock that can be adjusted at one or more adjustment points (e.g., handgrip, buttstock, forearm grip) to the fit the user in multiple dimensions quickly and easily with the use of one or more tools. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , shown is a side perspective view of a configuration of a device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 1  is stock (also known as gunstock)  102 , handgrip  104 , buttstock  106 , forearm grip  108 , and barrel compartment  109 . 
     Handgrip  104  is removeably attached to stock  102  at mount  110 . Handgrip  104  can be removeably affixed to stock  102  at mount  110  through the use of one or a combination of screws, nuts, bolts, clasps, or clamps such that hand grip  104  can be removeably attached to mount  110  and detached from mount  110 . Handgrip  104  includes any type of firearm handgrip located below the trigger port  114 . In other words, handgrip  104  is located between buttstock  106  and the trigger port  114 . Handgrip  104  is further operable to rotate relative to stock  102  such that the rake angle  112  between handgrip  104  and stock  102  can be adjusted from 0 to 90 degrees. A plurality of rake angles  112  can be maintained using one or more screws, nuts, bolts, clamps or comparable engagement structure. 
     Mount  110  is also moveable relative to stock  102  along the longitudinal axis of stock  102  to either increase or decrease the distance between mount  110  and trigger port  114 . One or more like screws, nuts, bolts, clamps, or comparable method of attachment can maintain a location of mount  110 . The longitudinal location of mount  110  relative to stock  102  can be affixed to the stock  102  at a plurality of locations through means of a rail, slide, notched interface, jack Screw, Dovetail, and/or other comparable means. 
     While embodiments of the present disclosure as shown in  FIG. 1  include a stock or gunstock with a handgrip, buttstock, and forearm grip, it should be appreciated that embodiments include a gunstock with handgrip, or a gunstock with a handgrip and a buttstock, or a gunstock with a handgrip and a forearm grip. 
     Buttstock  106  includes an extending member (also known as buffer tube) that is moveable along the longitudinally axis of stock  102  between an extended position and a compressed position to thereby increase or decrease the length of stock  102 . Embodiments of buttstock  106  and stock  102  provide an overall length that is adjustable by extending buttstock  106  between approximately 26 inches to 33 inches. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of buttstock  106  and stock  102  include any length able to accommodate a receiver and operate as described herein. Buttstock  106  is also operable to pivot or rotate relative to the longitudinal axis of stock  102  at pivot point  116  toward handgrip  104  to any angle between approximately 0 to 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of stock  102 . Buttstock  106  thus allows the user to alter the height and/or angle of the stock  102  relative to the user. Rotation of buttstock  106  allows a user to position the cheek rest portion of stock  102  to provide an optimal user interface. The cheek rest portion of stock  102  is the part of stock  102  that would contact a user when aiming and firing a firearm maintained within cavity  118  of stock  102 . Adjustment of buttstock  106  either by extending or rotating buttstock  106  can be performed both simultaneously and/or independently through means of a rail, slide, notched interface, jack screw, dovetail, and/or other comparable means. 
     Forearm grip  108  is slideably and removeably attached to stock  102  such that it can operably slide longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of stock  102  in front of trigger location  114 . Forearm grip  108  is operably affixed to a plurality of locations along stock  102  through the use of one or more fasteners which may include screws, nuts, bolts, clamps or comparable fastening means. 
     Barrel compartment  109  defines cavity  118 , which is operable for removeably maintaining the barrel of a firearm, such as a rifle. Barrel compartment  109  includes trigger port  114  located adjacent to mount  110 . Trigger port  114  provides a passage for a trigger of a firearm to pass through stock  102  such that a user can operate the trigger of the firearm. Trigger port  114  is operably sized to allow the passage of a trigger of a firearm. It should be appreciated that embodiments of stock  102  do not include a trigger port  114  for the case that barrel compartment  109  is sized to accommodate a receiver of a firearm, which would not require a buttstock. Barrel compartment  109  also includes a magazine port  124  located adjacent trigger port  114 . Magazine port  124  provides a passage through stock  102  such that a magazine can be removeably attached to a barrel that is maintained by barrel compartment  109 . 
     Embodiments of stock  102  include one of handgrip  104 , buttstock  106 , and forearm grip  108  having a cavity  120  (not shown) for removeably maintaining removeable tool  122 . Removeable tool  122  is operable for adjusting and affixing handgrip  104 , buttstock  106  and forearm grip  108  at the plurality of locations/angles relative to stock  102 . Removeable tool  122  includes any type of allen wrench, screwdriver, wrench, or other tool operable for interacting or manipulating screws, nuts, bolts, clamps or other fastening means employed by stock  102  for moveably affixing a location of handgrip  104 , buttstock  106 , or forearm grip  108 . Removeable tool  122  can be maintained within cavity  120  by the use of clasps, clamps, holders, or the like. Embodiments of stock  102  include handgrip  104 , buttstock  106  and forearm grip  108  being moveably and removeably affixed to stock  102  through the same mechanism whether it be one of screws, nuts, bolts, or clamps. Accordingly, embodiments of removeable tool  122  is operable for removing and affixing each one of handgrip  104 , buttstock  106 , and forearm grip  108 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , shown is a top perspective view of a configuration of a device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Depicted in  FIG. 2  is stock  102 , handgrip  104 , buttstock  106 , barrel compartment  109 , trigger port  114 , and magazine port  124 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , barrel compartment  109  provides a hollow cavity  118  that has a tubular shape sized to contact the outside surface of a barrel of a firearm. Barrel compartment  109  includes screws, nuts, or bolts  126  for removeably affixing a barrel of a firearm to barrel compartment  109 . Embodiments of barrel compartment  109  provide screws, nuts, or bolts  126  at a plurality of locations along the longitudinal axis of barrel compartment  109  operable to removeably affix a barrel of a multiple types of firearms to stock  102 . 
     As is evident from  FIG. 2 , trigger port  114  provides a hollow passage through stock  102  to barrel compartment  109 . Magazine port  124  also provides a hollow passage through stock  102  to barrel compartment  109 . Embodiments of trigger port  114  and magazine port  124  include any size or shape such that trigger port  114  and magazine port  124  are operable to different types of triggers and magazines. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 3 , which depicts a bottom perspective view of a configuration of a device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 3  is stock  102 , handgrip  104 , buttstock  106 , forearm grip  108 , trigger port  114 , and magazine port  124 . Forearm grip  108 , as depicted in  FIG. 3 , is located at the front end of stock  102 . However, it should be appreciated that forearm grip  108  is operable to slide and be affixed anywhere along the longitudinal axis of stock  102  between the front end of stock  102  and magazine port  124 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 3  is cavity  120  located within handgrip  104 . Cavity  120  includes removeable tool  122  for moveably affixing a location of handgrip  104 , buttstock  106 , and forearm grip  108  relative to stock  102 . Removeable tool  122  is removeably maintained within cavity  120  such that a user can affix removeable tool  122  within cavity  120  and remove removeable tool  122  from cavity  120  when desired. Removeable tool  122  is operably maintained within cavity  120  such that use of stock  102  including handgrip  104  is not obstructed or interfered with by removeable tool  122 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , shown is a rear perspective view of a configuration of a device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 4  is stock  102 , handgrip  104 , buttstock  106 , and forearm grip  108 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , buttstock  106  includes an extending member (or buffer tube)  128  that allows buttstock to move from a compressed position to an extended position. Thus, embodiments of extending member  128  allow a user to selectively extend the overall length of stock  102 . It should be appreciated that embodiments of extending member  128  include any type of tube or slide that allows buttstock  106  to move longitudinally along the long axis of stock  102  relative to stock  102 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , shown is a front perspective view of a configuration of a device suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Illustrated in  FIG. 5  is stock  102 , handgrip  104 , forearm grip  108  and barrel compartment  109 . As is evident from  FIG. 5 , barrel compartment  109  extends through the longitudinal axis of stock  102  providing a cavity  118  that has a tubular shape. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the barrel compartment  109  include any shape that is sized to fit the long axis of a barrel of a firearm. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 6 , which depicts an exemplary removeable tool  122  suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 6 , removeable tool  122  is an allen wrench. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of removeably tool  122  include any type of tool that can be (1) removeably attached to one of the inside of the handgrip  104 , buttstock  106 , or stock  102 , and (2) can removeably affix handgrip  104 , buttstock  106 , and forearm grip  108  to stock  102  through screws, nuts, bolts, clamps, clasps and the like. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , removeable tool  122  is operably sized to fit within cavity  120  of handgrip  104 . Embodiments of removeable tool  122  include screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and driver sockets. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , shown is a logic diagram in accordance with a method of the present disclosure. Block  702  relates to (a) providing a gunstock comprising a cavity for attachment to a barrel, a handgrip port including a mount, a buttstock port, and a magazine port, the magazine port located on the gunstock to align with a magazine, the mount operable to slideably move and be affixed along a longitudinal axis of the gunstock; (b) affixing a handgrip to the gunstock at the mount, the handgrip removeably attached to the mount, the handgrip able to rotate relative to the gunstock to a plurality of locations, wherein the handgrip can be rotatably fixed at each one of the locations; (c) affixing a buttstock to the gunstock at the buttstock port, the buttstock removeably attached to the buttstock port, the buttstock able to rotate relative to the gunstock to a plurality of locations, wherein the buttstock can be rotatably fixed at each one of the locations; and (d) affixing a forearm grip at the forearm grip port, the forearm grip removeably attached to the gunstock, the forearm grip operable to slide to a plurality of locations relative to the gunstock, wherein the forearm grip can be affixed at each one of the locations. Block  704  further relates to wherein one of the handgrip, the buttstock, or the forearm grip comprises a tool cavity for removeably maintaining a removeable tool, the removeable tool operable to attach and detach the handgrip, the buttstock and the forearm grip to the gunstock. 
     Following block  704 , further non-limiting implementations begin at block  706 . Block  706  includes wherein the removeable tool is an allen wrench. Then block  708  specifies wherein the buttstock comprises an extending member operable to selectively move the buttstock from an extended position and a compressed position. Block  710  then states wherein the handgrip, the buttstock and the forearm grip are removeably attached to the gunstock by one or more removeable screws, nuts, and bolts compatible with removeable tool. 
     The logic flow diagram of  FIG. 7  may be considered to illustrate the operation of a method. The logic flow diagram of  FIG. 7  may also be considered a specific manner in which components of the device are configured to cause that device to operate, whether such a device is an stock, gunstock, firearm, buttstock, handgrip, forearm grip, or one or more components thereof. 
     This disclosure has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.