Patent Abstract:
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for a selectable barrel support that can be inserted into a forend of a firearm stock to support a first barrel type and flipped, rotated, or otherwise moved to support a second barrel type (or third or fourth barrel types). A tensioning mechanism is provided. Bull and tapered barrels are examples of two barrel types that the selectable barrel support can be used to support. The selectable barrel support enables a firearm owner or gunsmith to exchange barrel types on a firearm without having to switch out the firearm stock.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/664,229, filed Mar. 20, 2015 and entitled “MODULAR STOCK FOR A FIREARM,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all proper purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to firearms. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to systems and methods for firearm stocks. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Rifles often can be fitted with two primary types of barrels: tapered or bull barrels (also known as target barrels or heavy barrels). The bull or target barrel typically has a non-tapered or cylindrical shape, whereas a tapered barrel (typically affixed to most firearms) is tapered toward the muzzle such that the diameter at the muzzle is less than a diameter at the receiver. The non-tapered nature of bull barrels means that they are steadier due to greater weight, less prone to vibration due to their geometry, and can absorb more thermal energy due to their greater mass of metal (and hence are less prone to warping under repeated firing), and are therefore preferred in some applications. Most firearm stocks are shaped to support either of these barrel types, but not both. This means that users who wish to switch barrel types must buy and install an entirely new stock when installing a new barrel. U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,278 to Bentley provides one solution to this problem in the form of a stock that supports a bull barrel and an insert that can be fitted into the stock to support a tapered barrel. Thus, the &#39;278 patent enables a change in barrel types without the purchase and installation of an entirely new stock. However, this design suffers from the need to store and keep track of the insert when the stock is used with a bull barrel and hence without the insert. 
         [0004]    One application where the switching of barrels occurs is the RUGER 10/22, a widespread .22 caliber rifle platform. The RUGER 10/22 includes a safety pin that is perpendicular to the barrel and arranged on the top front portion of the trigger guard just below the stock. When the trigger guard is inserted into the stock the safety pin must clear an opening in the bottom of the stock shaped to pass the trigger guard. However, the safety pin will impinge one or another side of this opening unless the safety pin is ‘centered’ in the trigger guard such that neither end of the safety pin extends beyond the sides of the trigger guard. 
         [0005]    In other examples, it is known that less expensive or lighter rifles may be manufactured to looser tolerance standards, have excessive relative movement between the barrel and the stock, and/or have an undesirable amount of bending within the barrels themselves, any or all of which result in a less accurate weapon. 
         [0006]    Moreover, it appears that manufacturers have recognized this as a problem as well, given that factory 10/22 rifles are generally provided with a barrel band. The barrel band is a ring of material that slips over the end of the stock and the barrel, and, by design, mounts the barrel to the stock—that is, locks the parts together. However, the barrel band does not pull the stock and the barrel together in a manner that is finely adjustable, and therefore does not improve the accuracy of the weapon. 
         [0007]    There therefore remains a need for a system or method of improving accuracy in lighter rifles and/or rifles manufactured to relatively loose tolerance standards and/or other new and innovative features. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention that are shown in the drawings are summarized below. These and other embodiments are more fully described in the Detailed Description section. It is to be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the forms described in this Summary of the Invention or in the Detailed Description. One skilled in the art can recognize that there are numerous modifications, equivalents and alternative constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the claims. 
         [0009]    In one example, a firearm stock is provided. In this example, the stock has a forend, a buttstock coupled to the forend, a selectable barrel support, and a tensioning mechanism. The forend has a recess formed from first and second inner sides and an inside bottom of the forend. The selectable barrel support is seated in the recess in the forend and is configured to support a barrel of a firearm. The selectable barrel support has an elongate frame with a longitudinal axis, a first concave barrel recess shaped to support a first barrel type and positioned on a first side of the elongate frame, and a second concave barrel recess shaped to support a second barrel type and positioned on a second side of the elongate frame. The barrel tensioning mechanism has a first support frame and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to be positioned between the first support frame and the selectable barrel support. The first support frame has a first position and a second position and is configured to move between and including the first and second positions. In the first position the first support frame is substantially flush with or recessed in the first concave barrel recess. In the second position the first support frame protrudes into the first concave barrel recess. 
         [0010]    In another example, a barrel support system for a firearm stock is provided. In this example, the barrel support system has a selectable barrel support, and a first barrel tensioning mechanism. The selectable barrel support has an elongate frame with a longitudinal axis, a first concave barrel recess shaped to support a first barrel type positioned on a first side of the elongate frame, and a second concave barrel recess shaped to support a second barrel type on a second side of the elongate frame. The first barrel tensioning mechanism has a first support frame and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to be positioned between the first support frame and the selectable barrel support. The first support frame has a first position and a second position and is configured to move between and including the first and second positions. In the first position, the first support frame is substantially flush with or recessed in the first concave barrel recess. In the second position, the first support frame protrudes into the first concave barrel recess. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a selectable barrel support kit is provided. In this example, the selectable barrel support kit has a selectable barrel support and a barrel tensioning mechanism. The selectable barrel support has an elongate frame with a longitudinal axis, a first concave barrel recess shaped to support a first barrel type positioned on a first side of the elongate frame, and a second concave barrel recess shaped to support a second barrel type on a second side of the elongate frame. The barrel tensioning mechanism has a first support frame, a second support frame, and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a seating position of at least one of the first support frame or the second support frame. The seating position is adjustable between a first position in which the at least one of the first support frame or the second support frame is flush with or recessed in the selectable barrel support, and a second position in which the at least one of the first support frame or the second support frame protrudes from the selectable barrel support. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of the present invention are apparent and more readily appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and to the appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  shows a firearm stock including a selectable barrel support implemented in a complete firearm; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  shows another view of the stock of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows yet another view of the stock of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the stock of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  shows the selectable barrel support of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows another view of the selectable barrel support of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7A  shows an additional view of the selectable barrel support of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7B  shows an additional view of the selectable barrel support of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  shows a cross section of the trigger guard region of the firearm of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  shows another cross section of the trigger guard region of the firearm of  FIG. 1  but without showing the action; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  shows yet another top view of the trigger guard region of the firearm of  FIG. 1  but without showing the action; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  shows a cross sectional view of the trigger guard region of the firearm of  FIG. 1  but without showing the receiver; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  shows another cross sectional view of the trigger guard region of the firearm of  FIG. 1  but without showing the receiver; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  shows yet another cross sectional view of the trigger guard region of the firearm of  FIG. 1  but without showing the receiver; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  shows a method of attaching a reversible barrel support to a firearm stock; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  shows another embodiment of a selectable barrel support; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  shows yet another embodiment of a selectable barrel support; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  shows a firearm stock including a selectable barrel support implemented in a complete firearm according to some embodiments; 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a top view of the selectable barrel support in  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  illustrates a detail of the selectable barrel support and tension mechanism in  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 20  illustrates a detail of the selectable barrel support in  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the tensioning mechanism in  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another tensioning mechanism suitable for use with the barrel support in  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a tensioning kit according to some embodiments; 
           [0037]      FIG. 23 a    is a perspective view of another tensioning mechanism according to some embodiments; 
           [0038]      FIG. 23 b    is a perspective view of another tensioning mechanism according to some embodiments; 
           [0039]      FIG. 23 c    is a perspective view of another tensioning mechanism according to some embodiments; 
           [0040]      FIG. 23 d    is a perspective view of another tensioning mechanism according to some embodiments; 
           [0041]      FIG. 23 e    is a perspective view of another tensioning mechanism according to some embodiments; 
           [0042]      FIG. 23 f    is a perspective view illustrating features of another tensioning mechanism according to some embodiments; 
           [0043]      FIG. 23 g    is a perspective view illustrating features of another tensioning mechanism according to some embodiments; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 24  is a flowchart of a method according to some embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0045]    This disclosure discusses a firearm stock including at least a selectable barrel support insert shaped to support at least two different barrel types or shapes, for instance either a tapered or bull barrel. In a particular embodiment, this discussion enables a bull barrel or barrel tapered toward a front of the barrel to be used in a firearm stock without requiring a change of the firearm stock. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate different views of an embodiment of a firearm stock and selectable barrel support according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The selectable barrel support can be reversible, and therefore a selectable barrel support includes at least a reversible barrel support.  FIG. 1  shows the firearm stock  100  including the selectable barrel support  120  (see  FIGS. 2-4 ) implemented in a complete firearm  101 . The stock  100  can include a forend  102  and a buttstock  104  coupled to each other, or further including a grip section  106  coupled between the forend  102  and the buttstock  104 . In some embodiments, these two or three components can be modular and detachable. Modular means that a firearm user or a firearm manufacturer can combine any two modular parts to form a functional assembly. For instance, different forends  102  can be combined with different buttstocks  104  or different grip sections  106 . In this way, the stock  100  can be manufactured in polymer at far less cost than if the whole stock  100  were manufactured as a single component. 
         [0047]    The firearm  101  having the stock  100  can further include a receiver  108 , a trigger assembly  110 , and a barrel  112  coupled to the receiver  108 . The barrel can rest on the selectable barrel support  120 . 
         [0048]    The forend  102  can extend from behind the receiver  108  to a front end of the forend  114 . The illustrated stock  100  is shown with a receiver  108  and a trigger assembly  110  inserted in the stock  100 . The forend  102  can include a recess  116  formed from first and second inner sides  121 ,  123  and an inside bottom  125 . The forend  102  can include a selectable barrel support  120  (see  FIGS. 2-4 ) shaped to fit into the recess  116  in the forend  102 , and can include an elongate frame having a longitudinal axis  138  (see  FIGS. 7A and 7B ) parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stock  100 . A longitudinal dimension  140  of the selectable barrel support  120  extending from proximal a front end of the forend  114  to proximal a front end of the receiver  108  of the firearm  101  along the longitudinal axis  138  can be greater than a lateral dimension  142  of the elongate frame. The selectable barrel support  120  can include a first side  122  and a second side  124  (see  FIGS. 5-6 ), each side  122 ,  124  shaped to fit a respective inner side  121 ,  123  of the stock  100 . The shape of the first and second sides  122 ,  124  and the respective inner sides  121 ,  123  can be such that the selectable barrel support  120  releasably forms a snap, friction, or interference fit with the recess  116  in the forend  102 . 
         [0049]    The selectable barrel support  120  includes a first concave barrel recess  126  and a second concave barrel recess  128 , each arranged on separate sides (e.g., opposing or adjacent sides) of the selectable barrel support  120 , and each configured to support a different type of barrel when the selectable barrel support  120  is engaged in the forend  102  of the firearm stock  100 . However, the selectable barrel support  120  can also be configured to support more than two different barrel types. In the illustrated embodiment, the first concave barrel recess  126  is shaped to support a tapered barrel, while the second concave barrel recess  128  is shaped to support a bull barrel or competition barrel. To do this, the first concave barrel recess  126  has radii at fore and aft portions shaped to support a first barrel type (e.g., a tapered barrel  112 ), and the second concave barrel support  128  has radii at fore and aft portions shaped to support a second barrel type. In particular, the firearm  101  of  FIG. 1  has a tapered barrel  112 , and the first concave barrel recess  126  of the selectable barrel support  120  faces upward toward the barrel  112  and supports the barrel  112 . In this embodiment, the first concave barrel recess  126  has a greater radius at an aft portion  132  than at a fore portion  134 . The second concave barrel recess  128  is illustrated with an equal radius at fore and aft portions  134 ,  132  of the first concave barrel recess  126 . However, the second concave barrel recess  128  can have a radius at the fore portion  134  that is equal to or greater than a radius at the aft portion  132  (e.g., where a bull barrel or competition barrel has a reverse taper—tapering from the muzzle toward the chamber). Said another way, the radii at the fore and aft portions of the first concave barrel recess  126  can be equal and the radii at the fore and aft portions of the second concave barrel recess  128  can be unequal. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, the first and second concave barrel recesses  126 ,  128  can be configured to support barrel types other than bull or tapered barrels. For instance, one type of supported barrel can include a stepped or staggered barrel having two or more cylindrical sections, where no two adjoining sections have the same radius. Other barrel types may taper toward a middle of the barrel and then flare toward the opposing end, thus very roughly being referred to as an hourglass shape (e.g., an M16 barrel). Other barrel types may include a combination of steps as well as tapering. Some barrel types can use a stepped or staggered shape to approximate a tapered barrel (i.e., an average radius of the barrel along its length tapers). Whatever the barrel types, the first and second concave barrel recesses  126 ,  128  can be configured and shaped to support any one or more barrel types (e.g., bull, tapered, staggered, hourglass, etc.), such that rotating the selectable barrel support  120  allows two or more different barrel types to be installed on the firearm  101  without a change in the stock  100 . 
         [0051]    The selectable barrel support  120  has been shown and described as having two concave barrel recesses  126 ,  128 . Yet, in other embodiments, three or more concave barrel recesses can be implemented. For instance, a selectable barrel support (or a rotatable barrel support) having three sides, and one concave barrel recess in each of those three sides, can be implemented (see, for example,  FIG. 15 ). In such an embodiment, the forend  102  can include a recess  116  shaped like a “V”, having angled ribs to support two of the three sides of the selectable barrel support, or any other structure shaped to support and/or engage with the three-sided selectable barrel support. In another embodiment, the concave barrel recess can include four sides, each having a concave barrel recess configured to support a different barrel type (see, for example,  FIG. 16 ). 
         [0052]      FIG. 15  shows yet another embodiment of a selectable barrel support. The selectable barrel support  1500  includes three sides  1502 ,  1504 ,  1506  each arranged on separate (or adjacent) sides of the selectable barrel support  1500 , and each configured to support a different type of barrel when the selectable barrel support  1500  is engaged in the forend of a firearm stock. At least the first concave barrel recess  1508  is illustrated as shaped to support a tapered barrel, and the figure is shown from an aft perspective such that a muzzle of a barrel supported by the tapered barrel support  1500  would be directed into the page. 
         [0053]      FIG. 16  shows yet another embodiment of a selectable barrel support. The selectable barrel support  1600  includes four sides  1602 ,  1604 ,  1606 ,  1608  each arranged on separate sides of the selectable barrel support  1600 , and each configured to support a different type of barrel when the selectable barrel support  1600  is engaged in the forend of a firearm stock. At least the first concave barrel recess  1610  is illustrated as shaped to support a tapered barrel, and the figure is shown from a fore perspective such that a muzzle of a barrel supported by the tapered barrel support  1600  would be directed out the page. One of the four concave barrel recesses  1610 ,  1612 ,  1614 ,  1616 , and it&#39;s corresponding side  1602 ,  1604 ,  1606 ,  1608  would typically be arranged facing upward toward a barrel of a firearm, while an opposing side  1602 ,  1604 ,  1606 ,  1608  would face downward into the forend of the firearm. As illustrated, the fourth side  1608  and the fourth concave barrel recess  1616  face upwards towards where a barrel might reside, while the opposing side, the second side  1604 , as well as its corresponding second concave barrel recess  1612 , face downward. The second and fourth concave barrel recesses  1612 ,  1616  are shaped to support a bull barrel, while the first concave barrel recess  1610  is shaped to support a tapered barrel. 
         [0054]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , the selectable barrel support  120  is inserted in the stock  100  such that the first concave barrel recess  126  is oriented upward to support a barrel  112  (e.g., a tapered barrel) while the second concave barrel recess  128  is oriented downward toward a bottom of the recess  116  of the forend  102 . In this arrangement, the barrel  112  can rest in the first concave barrel recess  126  and contact the selectable barrel support  120 . Similarly, when the second concave barrel recess is oriented upward toward the barrel  112 , the barrel  112  can rest in the second concave barrel recess  128  and contact the selectable barrel support  120 . However, the selectable barrel support  120  can also be used with free-float barrels or assemblies and in these cases, while a free-float barrel may fit partially into the first and/or second barrel recesses  126 ,  128 , the barrel does not contact the selectable barrel support  120 . In the illustrated embodiments, the first and second concave barrel recess  126 ,  128  have a longitudinal dimension  144  that is less than the longitudinal dimension  140  of the selectable barrel support  120 . 
         [0055]    To enable the selectable barrel support  120  to be releasably held in the forend  102  to the firearm stock  100 , the selectable barrel support  120  can be shaped so as to have a snap fit, friction fit, or interference fit with the recess  116  (e.g., a snap, friction, or interference fit with one or more of the first inner side  121 , the second inner side  123 , and the inside bottom  125 ). Alternatively, and as illustrated, the selectable barrel support  120  can include one or more optional fastener apertures enabling optional fasteners  136  to be used to secure the selectable barrel support  120  to the stock  100  or to the forend  102  (these are not required as the barrel  112  can also perform the role of holding the selectable barrel support  120  to the stock  100 ). The illustrated embodiment includes three optional fasteners  136  with corresponding apertures in the forend  102 , but this number is not limiting, and greater than or less than three can be implemented. In some cases, no fasteners are implemented. For instance, the selectable barrel support  120  may be releasably held in place via a snap, friction, or interference fit with the first and second inner sides  121 ,  123 . The releasable hold on the selectable barrel support  120  can be aided by contact with a bottom of the barrel  112 . In other instances, limited or no friction between the barrel support  120  and the forend  102  exists, and instead, contact from a bottom of the barrel  112  holds the barrel support  120  in place. Further, in some instances, a combination of fasteners, and a snap, friction, or interference fit can be implemented. While the illustrated optional fasteners  136  are round-head screws, other types of fasteners can also be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, the firearm stock  100  can also include structure to assist a firearms user to insert the trigger assembly  110  into the stock  100  (see  FIGS. 8-13 ). A typical safety pin  170  of the trigger assembly  110  has two stable manufacturer-intended positions: fire or safe. In both of these positions, the safety pin  170  extends laterally from the trigger assembly  110  perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the stock  100 . For instance, in  FIGS. 8, 11, and 13  the safety pin  170  extends to a left of the trigger assembly  110 , which can either be a safe or fire position, depending on specifications of the firearm  101 . In order to insert the trigger assembly  110  into the stock  100  or remove the trigger assembly  110  from the stock  100 , the trigger assembly  110  must pass at least partially through an aperture  143  (e.g., having a substantially rectangular shape). In the safe or fire positions, the safety pin  170  typically extends beyond a perimeter of the aperture  143  (see  FIG. 11 ), and thus the trigger assembly  110  cannot pass at least partially through the aperture  143  while the safety pin  170  is in either the safe or fire positions (e.g., either extending to the left or right of the trigger assembly  110 ). Therefore, a user typically ‘centers’ the safety pin  170  between the safe and fire positions, which is an unstable arrangement not intended by manufacturers and one not easily achieved or maintained while the trigger assembly  110  is being passed through the aperture  143 . 
         [0057]    To overcome this challenge, the herein disclosed stock  100  can include angled faces  146  that are adjacent to the first and second inner sides  121 ,  123  and the inside bottom  125  of the stock  100 . These angled faces  146  are shaped to urge the safety pin  170  to the ‘centered’ position (i.e., centered across the trigger assembly  110 , see for instance,  FIG. 12 ) when the trigger assembly  110  is inserted into the stock  100  and passed at least partially through the rectangular aperture  143 . Once the safety pin  170  has passed through the aperture  143 , the safety pin  170  can return to the safe or fire position under the force of its own internal structure (i.e., since the ‘centered’ position of  FIG. 12  is unstable), as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0058]    The stock  100  is illustrated as being configured for a RUGER 10/22 platform, other firearms platforms, including other .22 caliber firearms and firearms of different calibers, can also use the herein disclosed features. 
         [0059]      FIG. 14  illustrates a method of attaching a selectable (or reversible) barrel support to a firearm stock. The method  1400  includes removing a reversible barrel support from a recess in a forend of a firearm stock, wherein the reversible barrel support has a first concave barrel recess facing upward (Block  1402 ). For the purposes of this disclosure, upward can reference a vector starting at a bottom of a forend and traversing toward a barrel of the firearm. In an embodiment, this reversible barrel support can be shaped to fit two different barrel types, for instance a bull or competition barrel, and a tapered barrel tapering from the chamber toward the muzzle. The first concave barrel recess can be shaped to support a first barrel type, and a second concave barrel recess can be shaped to support a second barrel type. Where either or both barrel types are floating, the term “support” may not include physical contact between the reversible barrel support and the one or more floating barrels. The reversible barrel support may be releasably held in place via a snap, friction, or interference fit with first and second inner sides of the forend. This releasable hold on the reversible barrel support can be aided by contact with a bottom of the barrel. In other instances, limited or no friction between the barrel support and the forend exists, and instead, contact from a bottom of the barrel holds the barrel support in place. The method  1400  further includes flipping the reversible barrel support over such that a second concave barrel recess of the reversible barrel support faces upward (Block  1404 ), and inserting the reversible barrel support back into the recess in the forend (Block  1406 ). The method  1400  can be reversed and can be repeated as many times as desired. Further, the method  1400  can be implemented when switching between any two different types of barrels. 
         [0060]    Turning now to  FIGS. 17-21 , some embodiments of the selectable barrel support  720  and/or a tensioning mechanism  750  are now described in further detail, with a general explanation of the embodiments in  FIGS. 17-21  preceding the detailed explanation. 
         [0061]    First, put broadly, the tensioning mechanism  750  may be provided so as to introduce a tensioning or expanding force between the barrel  112  and the insert  720  (and, ultimately, the forend  702 ). This is in contrast to the barrel band previously mentioned in the background of this document, which compresses the barrel and the forend together. In doing so, Applicants have introduced to users the ability to finely tune a relatively inexpensive or lighter rifle in a manner that competes with more expensive and finely toleranced rifles. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, a tensioning mechanism  750  may be provided so as to enable a user to adjust a relationship between the barrel  112  and the selectable barrel support  720 . For example, tolerance stack-up across multiple components and/or manufacturing inconsistencies in the barrel  112  and/or the selectable barrel support  720  or forend  702  may result in the selectable barrel support  120  (illustrated and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 ) not fully contacting the barrel  112  and/or a loose relationship between the barrel  112  and the selectable barrel support  120 . To overcome this potential problem, the user may adjust the tensioning mechanism  750 , seated in the selectable barrel support  720 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 19 . 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, the selectable barrel support  720  is shaped to distribute a concentrated force from the tensioning mechanism  750  (caused by the barrel  112 ) across a broader surface area on the forend  702 , while simultaneously roughly limiting motion between the barrel  112  and the selectable barrel support  720 , providing a strengthening and/or stiffening effect to the barrel  112  or forend  702 , and/or providing an additional barrier (such as supplemental to the forend  702 ) between a user and the barrel  112 . 
         [0064]    When referencing features illustrated in  FIGS. 17-21 , unless otherwise described, the features are substantially as illustrated and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 . 
         [0065]    As previously described with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 , the selectable barrel support  720  may be provided with a first concave recess  726  and a second concave recess  728 , (or third and fourth recesses, not illustrated), first and second sides  722 ,  724 , and fastener(s)  736 . These features are substantially as described with reference to first and second sides  122 ,  124 , first and second concave recesses  126 ,  128 , and fasteners  136 , except as otherwise described below. 
         [0066]    Similarly, the selectable barrel support  720  is configured for attachment to a firearm stock  700  having a forend  702  that is coupled to a buttstock  104  with a grip  106  substantially as previously described and illustrated, unless otherwise described below. 
         [0067]    Some embodiments provide a firearm stock  700 , a buttstock  104  coupled to the forend  702 , a selectable barrel support  720 , and a barrel tensioning mechanism  750 . The firearm stock  700  may have a forend  702  comprising a recess formed from first and second inner sides  721 ,  723  and an inside bottom of the forend  702 . 
         [0068]    The selectable barrel support  720  may be removably seated in the recess in the forend  702 , and is configured to support a barrel  112  of a completed firearm  701 . As illustrated, the selectable barrel support  720  may have an elongate frame with a longitudinal axis and a first concave barrel recess  726  shaped to support a first barrel type (see e.g. barrel  112  illustrated in  FIG. 17 ). The first concave barrel recess  726  may be positioned on a first side  722  of the elongate frame. A second concave barrel recess  728  shaped to support a second barrel type (for example a bull barrel, not illustrated) may be positioned on a second side  724  of the elongate frame. 
         [0069]    With specific reference to  FIG. 21 , a barrel tensioning mechanism  750  is provided in some embodiments. The barrel tensioning mechanism  750  may have a first support frame  752  and an adjustment mechanism  754 . The adjustment mechanism  754  may be configured to be positioned between the first support frame  752  and the selectable barrel support  720  (see  FIG. 17 ). By adjusting the adjustment mechanism  754  a seating position of the first support frame  752  can be moved between a first position wherein the first support frame  752  is substantially flush with the first concave barrel recess  726  or recessed in the first concave barrel recess  726 , and a second position wherein the first support frame  752  protrudes into the first concave barrel recess  726 . In some embodiments, the first support frame  752  has one or more legs  764 ,  766 , which may serve to strengthen and/or align the support frame  752  relative to the selectable barrel support  720 . Where a second support frame  772  (see e.g.  FIG. 23 ) is provided, leg(s)  764 ,  766  of the first support frame  752  may abut or align with leg(s)  784 ,  786  of the second support frame  772  (not illustrated, and not required in all embodiments). In some embodiments, the leg(s)  764 ,  766  of a first support frame  752  may be unitary with or coupled to the leg(s)  784 ,  786  of a second support frame  772 . In some embodiments, a first leg  764  in the first support frame  752  may abut, couple to, or be unitary with a first leg  784  in the second support frame  774 . In some embodiments, first and second support frames  752 ,  772  may seat in the selectable barrel support  720  about a support surface  768  (see e.g.  FIG. 20 ). 
         [0070]    Although a threaded mechanism such as a screw is generally illustrated as the adjustment mechanism  754 , those skilled in the art will understand that a thread is only one type of cammed feature, and that other cammed mechanisms may be suitable for use as an adjustment mechanism  754 . Those skilled in the art will also recognize that other solutions for selective adjustment include, but are not limited to, detent mechanisms, interference fittings, gear mechanisms, levers, and/or other means known to those skilled in the art. A threaded mechanism nonetheless may be selected as the adjustment mechanism  754  so as to provide infinite adjustment, and, in turn, fine tuning capabilities between the barrel  112  and the barrel support  720  or forend  702 . 
         [0071]    Although not illustrated, in some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism  750  may be configured to apply a first pressure and a second pressure on the barrel  112 . That is, in a first position, the tensioning mechanism  750  may be configured to not apply a pressure on the barrel  112 , and, in contrast, the tensioning mechanism  750  may be configured to apply a pressure on the barrel  112  when in the second position. For instance, the actual position of the barrel  112  (relative to the selectable barrel support  720 ) may not change when the tensioning mechanism  750  is moved between the first and second positions, even though the tensioning mechanism  750  may touch or apply a force to the barrel  112  in either or both positions. Instead, what changes is the amount of force the tensioning mechanism  750  applies on the barrel  112 . In other words, the pressure or tension can be used to dampen vibrations even without any noticeable physical differences in the barrel  112 . In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism  750  may be configured to apply a first force on the barrel  112  when in the first position, and a second force on the barrel  112  when in the second position, the second force greater than the first force. In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism  750  may be configured to cause the barrel  112  and/or the forend  702  of the stock  700  to flex slightly, relative to the selectable barrel support  720  when the tensioning mechanism  750  is in the second position. 
         [0072]    In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism  750  is removable from the assembly; for example, the tensioning mechanism  750  may simply be seated in the selectable barrel support  720 . In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism  750  may be removably coupled to the selectable barrel support  720 . For example, the adjustment mechanism  754  may be threaded to, cammed, or pass through the support body  752  to couple the tensioning mechanism  750  to the selectable barrel support  720 . In some embodiments, any means of adjustably and/or removably coupling the tensioning mechanism  750  to the selectable barrel support  720  or the forend  702  are envisioned. Various means of fastening, including, without limitation, one or more of screws, levers, snap-fit mechanism, friction interfaces, or other fastening means now available or as-yet to be developed are envisioned to provide a removable coupling. 
         [0073]    Relatedly, the first support body  752  may be removably coupled to the adjustment mechanism  754 . For example, various means of fastening, including, without limitation, one or more of screws, levers, snap-fit mechanism, friction interfaces, or other fastening means now available or as-yet to be developed are envisioned to removably couple the first support body  752  to the adjustment mechanism  754 . 
         [0074]    Turning now to  FIG. 18 , the selectable barrel support  720  may have a recess  756  configured to receive a tensioning mechanism  750 , or, put simply, the tensioning mechanism  750  may be seated in the selectable barrel support  720  at the recess  756 . As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the recess  756  may include a support surface  768  in the selectable barrel support  720 . In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism  754  may be a threaded or cammed fastener or set screw rotatingly engaged with a socket feature  769  in the selectable barrel support  720 . Rotation of the adjustment mechanism  754  causes the adjustment mechanism  754  to move between a first position and a second position. When the adjustment mechanism  754  is in the first position and a user seats the support body  752  in the selectable barrel support  720 , the support body  752  is in a first position in which a curved support surface  758  (see  FIG. 21 ) in the main body  752  is substantially flush with or recessed in the first concave barrel recess  726 . When the adjustment mechanism  754  is in the second position and a user seats the support body  752  in the selectable barrel support  720 , the support body  752  is in a second position in which the curved support surface  758  (see  FIG. 21 ) in the support body  752  protrudes into the first concave barrel recess  726 . Those skilled in the art will understand that a surface  762  opposing the curved support surface  758  provides the ability to apply, using the adjustment mechanism  754  or screw, a counter force for supporting the barrel  112 . 
         [0075]    Causing the support body  752  (see  FIG. 21 ) to protrude into the first concave barrel recess  726  in this manner may, when part of a complete firearm  701 , eliminate problems of tolerance stack-up and/or manufacturing inconsistencies in the firearm  701 , such as the barrel  112  and/or the selectable barrel support  720  and/or forend  702 . For example, while the interior portions of a barrel  112  may be manufactured to a particular tolerance, the exterior of the barrel may be less controlled, resulting in potential adverse relationships between the barrel and the selectable barrel support  720 . Moreover, after market manufacturers and/or modification may further exacerbate the problems with tolerances and inconsistencies. 
         [0076]    In some embodiments, the selectable barrel support  720  is shaped to distribute a concentrated force from the tensioning mechanism  750  (caused by the barrel  112 ) across a broader surface area on the forend  702 , while simultaneously roughly limiting motion between the barrel  112  and the selectable barrel support  720 , providing a strengthening and/or stiffening effect to the barrel  112  or forend  702 , and/or providing a barrier between a user and the barrel  112 . In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism  750  provides a user the ability to finely tune a position of the barrel  112  relative to the forend  702  to account for tolerance stack-up and other manufacturing inconsistencies in the barrel  112 , the selectable barrel support  720 , and/or the forend  702 . 
         [0077]    With reference now to  FIG. 22 , in some embodiments, a second tensioning mechanism  770  having a second support frame  772  and optionally a second tensioning mechanism  754  may be provided. The second support frame  772  may have a curved support surface  778  configured to support a second barrel shape when protruding into a second concave barrel recess  728  of the selectable barrel support  720  (see e.g.  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 22 ). 
         [0078]    In some embodiments, a firearm barrel support system  760  may be provided, as illustrated in  FIGS. 17-21 . The system  760  may have a selectable barrel support  720 , a forend  702  for a stock  700 , a tensioning mechanism  750 , and one or more fasteners  736  for coupling the selectable barrel support  720  to the forend  702 . The tensioning mechanism  750  may have a first support body  752  and an adjustment mechanism  754 . In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism  750  may include a second support body  772 , or in some embodiments, a first tensioning mechanism  750  and a second tensioning mechanism  770  may be provided. In some embodiments, the first and second support bodies  752 ,  772  may be unitary with or coupled to each other. 
         [0079]    Turning now to  FIG. 23 , in some embodiments, a barrel support kit  790  may be provided. The barrel support kit  790  or tensioning mechanism  791  may include a first support frame  752 , a second support frame  772 , and an adjustment mechanism  754 . That is, the first support frame  752  may be configured to conform to, sit flush with, or recess in the first concave barrel recess  726 , and the second support frame  772  may be configured to conform to, sit flush with, or recess in the second concave barrel recess  728 . Relatedly, the adjustment mechanism  754  may be configured to adjust either the first support body  752  and/or the second support body  772 . The tensioning mechanism  791  may have a first support body  752 , a second support body  772 , and an adjustment mechanism  754 . 
         [0080]    Although the first and second support bodies  752 ,  772  and adjustment mechanism  754  are illustrated as separate components, those skilled in the art will readily envision a number of variations. For example, the first support body  752  and the second support body  772  may be unitary with each other or coupled together about the support surface  768  (see  FIG. 20 ), with the adjustment mechanism  754  threaded to, cammed, or otherwise movabley coupled to the socket feature  769 . More specifically, the curved support surface  758  in the first support body  752  may be rotated  180  degrees relative to the curved support surface  778  in the second support body  772 . In some embodiments, a passage (not illustrated) may be provided through the curved support surface  758 ,  778  in either or both of the support bodies  752 ,  772 , to give a user access to one or more adjustment mechanisms  754  positioned between the kit  790  (or tensioning mechanism  791 , or support bodies  752 ,  772 ) and the selectable barrel support  720 . 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, an aperture (not illustrated) may be provided in the forend  702 , such as at a bottom or side of the forend  702 , to give access to the adjustment mechanism  754  and/or tensioning mechanism  750 . Specifically, the aperture may be positioned on a bottom side of the forend  702  (see  FIG. 17 ), and shaped such that a user may access the adjustment mechanism  754  through the bottom of the forend  702 . In some embodiments, a user may access and manipulate the adjustment mechanism  754  through the aperture in the forend  702  using a screwdriver or other device for rotating the adjustment mechanism  754 , which may have a tool interface on the bottom side. In some embodiments, the user may repeatedly adjust the adjustment mechanism  754 , and hence the tensioning mechanism  750 , and fire the weapon  701  (see  FIG. 17 ) without disassembling the forend  702  or other components from the barrel  112 . 
         [0082]    In some embodiments, and as illustrated in  FIG. 23 a   , a tensioning mechanism  800  having a dual support  802  may be provided, wherein the dual support  802  has a first support body  752  with a first curved surface  758  on a first side  804  and second support body  772  with a second curved surface  778  on a second side  806 , and a screw or other adjustment mechanism  754  configured to be positioned between the dual support  802  and the selectable barrel support  720 . 
         [0083]    Put another way, the first support body  752  and the second support body  772  may be unitary, permanently coupled to each other, or removably coupled to each other. Recesses  855  in the first and second support bodies  752 ,  772  may provide a stabilizing feature and/or an abutment against which the tensioning mechanism  800  may seat. Those skilled in the art will understand that, where the adjustment mechanism  754  is a threaded screw, the adjustment mechanism  754  may be threaded to the tensioning mechanism  750 ,  770 ,  800  or the selectable barrel support  720 . 
         [0084]    Turning now to  FIG. 23 b   , in some embodiments, a tensioning mechanism  900  otherwise substantially as described with reference to  FIG. 23 a    may be provided with a passage  955   a  through the dual support  902 , to give a user access to the adjustment mechanism. For example, the adjustment mechanism  954  may be threaded or cammed to engage the socket feature  769  in the selectable barrel support  720  (see e.g.  FIG. 20 ), and a user may adjust the adjustment mechanism  954  without unseating (or uncoupling or removing) the dual support  954 , or, where applicable, the first and/or second support bodies  752 ,  772 . For example, a tool engagement  953 , such as a flathead interface, may be provided on the adjustment mechanism  954  for engagement with a tool through the dual support  902  or support body  752 ,  772 . Those skilled in the art will understand that the passage and tool engagement features are applicable to other embodiments, including those illustrated in  FIGS. 17-23 . 
         [0085]    In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism  1000 , and as illustrated in  FIG. 23 c   , the adjustment mechanism  1054  may be rotatingly coupled to or threaded to a dual support  1002 , which may have a first support body  752  with a first curved surface  758  to abut a first barrel, and a second support body  772  having a second curved surface  778  to abut a second barrel. The adjustment mechanism  1054  may include a tool engagement feature  1053  on a first end and a barrel support interface  1057  on a second end. 
         [0086]    Turning now to  FIG. 23 d   , in some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism  1100  may have a dual support body  1101  substantially as previously described, with a first support body  752  and a second support body  772  unitary with or coupled to the first support body  752 . The first support body  752  has a first barrel interface  1102  with a first curved support surface  758  and a first flange  1106  recessed in the first curved support surface  758 . That is, the first barrel interface  1102  may be configured to abut a first barrel of a firearm and alternatively abut a ledge or support surface  768  in a selectable barrel support  720 . The second support body  772  similarly has a second barrel interface  1104  with a second curved support surface  778  and a second flange  1108  recessed in the second curved support surface  778 . That is, the second barrel interface  1104  may be configured to abut a second barrel of a firearm and alternatively abut a ledge or support surface  768  in a selectable barrel support  720 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 24 d   , a passage  1110  in the dual support  1101  may be provided for rotatingly engaging an adjustment mechanism  754  that abuts a flange or support surface  768  in the selectable barrel support  720 . The adjustment mechanism  754  may have a tool interface  753  such as a screwdriver interface on both ends, such that user rotation or adjustment of the adjustment mechanism  754  causes the adjustment mechanism  754  to move relative to the dual support  1101 , and, in turn, adjust a seating position of the tensioning mechanism  1100  relative to the selectable barrel support  720 . Those skilled in the art will understand that a user may first seat the tensioning mechanism  1100  with a first orientation to support a first barrel, remove the tensioning mechanism  1100 , and seat the tensioning mechanism  1100  with a second orientation to support a second barrel. In either or both orientations, the user may adjust the adjustment mechanism  754  to adjust the seating position of the tensioning mechanism  1100  by inserting a tool through the passage  1110  to rotate the adjustment mechanism  754 , or otherwise substantially as previously described herein. 
         [0087]    Those skilled in the art can readily envision any number of variations to the tensioning mechanism  750 ,  770 ,  791 ,  800 ,  900 ,  1000 ,  1100  as taught herein without deviating from the scope of the invention as claimed. 
         [0088]    To name just a few examples, those skilled in the art will understand that, although the dual support  802 ,  902 ,  1002 ,  1101  and support bodies  752 ,  772  described in the preceding paragraphs are illustrated with particular outer contouring, this feature is not necessary, and, specifically, the dual support  802 ,  902 ,  1002  and/or the support bodies  752 ,  772  may be modified so as to seat in or slide within the selectable barrel support  720  in a stable manner. Likewise, the selectable barrel support  720  may be configured to receive and constrict motion of the dual support  802 ,  902 ,  1002  and/or the support bodies  752 ,  772  in a stable manner. 
         [0089]    Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 e   , a tensioning mechanism  1200  may have a dual support  1202  and an adjustment mechanism  1204 . The adjustment mechanism  1204  may be include any feature such as, but not limited to, a rack and pinion mechanism, a detent system, a gear mechanism, a selective interference fit, a lever mechanism, a jack screw variant, and/or a lead screw, configured to effectuate linear motion of the dual support relative to the selectable barrel support  720 . 
         [0090]    Turning now to  FIG. 23 f   , it illustrates a general layout of an embodiment of a tensioning mechanism  1250  and a barrel  112 . In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism  1250  may have a support surface  1258  and an adjustment mechanism  1254 , such that manipulation of the adjustment mechanism  1254  may cause the tensioning mechanism  1250  and/or support surface  1258  to rotate about an axis that is transverse relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel  112 . The adjustment mechanism  1254  may include a ratcheting feature (not illustrated) to interface with the barrel support  720  or forend  702  to allow fine adjustment/rotation of the tensioning mechanism  1250  or selective positioning of the tensioning mechanism  1250 . Those skilled in the art will understand that a ratcheting feature is not the only solution; other solutions for selective positioning include, but are not limited to, detent mechanisms, interference fittings, gear mechanisms, levers, and/or other means known to those skilled in the art for controlling rotation of a mounted component. 
         [0091]    As illustrated in  FIG. 23 g   , in some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism  1350  may include a lever mechanism  1352  rotatingly mounted at a mounting point  1353  to the forend  702  and/or the barrel support  720 , such that adjustment of the adjustment mechanism  1354  may cause different regions of a support surface  1358  to abut or engage the barrel  112 . As in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 23 f   , the tensioning mechanism  1350  illustrated in  FIG. 23 g    may have a support surface  1358  and an adjustment mechanism  1354 , such that manipulation of the adjustment mechanism  1354  may cause the tensioning mechanism  1350  and/or support surface  1358  to rotate about an axis that is transverse relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel  112 . The adjustment mechanism  1354  may include a threaded or cammed engagement with the barrel support  720  or the forend  702  to allow fine adjustment/rotation of the tensioning mechanism  1350  or selective positioning of the tensioning mechanism  1350 . Those skilled in the art will understand that a screw or cam mechanism is not the only solution; other solutions for selective positioning include, but are not limited to, detent mechanisms, interference fittings, gear mechanisms, levers, and/or other means known to those skilled in the art for controlling rotation of a mounted component. 
         [0092]    Turning now to  FIG. 24 , in another example, a method  2400  of attaching a reversible barrel support to a firearm stock is provided. In this example, the method includes placing  2402  a reversible barrel support in a recess in a forend of a firearm stock, wherein the reversible barrel support has a first concave barrel recess facing upward. The method also includes seating  2404  a barrel tensioning mechanism in the first concave barrel recess, the barrel tensioning mechanism having a first support frame and an adjustment mechanism. Seating  2404  includes positioning  2404   a  the adjustment mechanism against the reversible barrel support, and adjusting  2404   b  the adjustment mechanism to control a seating position of the first support frame. Adjustment  2404   b  of the adjustment mechanism moves the seating position of the first support frame between a first position in which the first support frame is flush with or recessed in the first concave barrel recess and a second position in which the first support frame protrudes into the first concave barrel recess. 
         [0093]    In some embodiments, adjustment  2404   b  is performed after assembling a firearm or a barrel of a firearm to the stock, and without disassembling the firearm or barrel from the stock. In some embodiments, adjustment  2404   b  is performed by inserting a tool into an aperture in the forend. Adjustment  2404   b  may be achieved using the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 17-23G . 
         [0094]    The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. More specifically, disclosure of an act or method should be understood as a disclosure of a related device for carrying out the act or method; likewise, disclosure of a device for carrying out an act or method shall be understood as a disclosure of the act or method. For example, disclosure of a fastener shall be understood to include the act of fastening, and vice versa. Moreover, those skilled in the art can readily recognize that numerous variations and substitutions may be made in the invention, its use and its configuration to achieve substantially the same results as achieved by the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, there is no intention to limit the invention to the disclosed exemplary forms. Many variations, modifications and alternative constructions fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention as expressed in the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5