Abstract:
Systems and methods for mounting accessories to a firearm are disclosed. The systems include a rail connector, and quick release device for mounting on a firearm. The connector includes at least one mounting rail, and a fastening member for securely fastening the connector directly to the firearm. The quick release is then mounted to the mounting rail.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60/884,812, filed Jan. 12, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates in general to the field of firearms. More particularly, the present invention relates to gun mounts. Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a quick release-mounting device for an assault rifle 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0005]    As the field of combat weaponry expands, numerous add-on enhancements have become available for attachment to standard firearms thereby significantly upgrading the capability of the firearm. However, because of the variety of shapes of the upper receivers of different firearms, the add-on enhancements must be modified each time they are sold for a different firearm. This also results in high cost for the add-on enhancements. 
         [0006]    The Swan/Weaver rail described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,871, incorporated herein by reference and hereinafter referred to as the &#39;871 patent, addresses a portion of this problem. The female portion of the rail is a quick detachable interface means for modular enhancements. However, the rail requires a first rail (Weaver rail) to be attached to the firearm, typically to the arced handle on the U.S. Army M16 combat firearm, and different means on other types. The first rail must be designed for each firearm to accommodate the differences between firearm receivers. Since the male portion of the Swan/Weaver rail is easily removed by the firearm operator, they are also easily lost and calibration and weapon sighting are difficult and nonuniform. 
         [0007]    As mentioned, the increasing complexity of combat has generated a need for weapons with increased accuracy and which are capable of supporting various accessories. These accessories include flashlights, infrared and night vision scopes, laser spotters, and so forth. Consequently, a wide variety of mounts for rifles and other hand weapons have been developed which permit mounting on the weapon, often along the barrel. 
         [0008]    These modular weapon systems generally include Picatinny rails or other such rails or tracks, often using MIL-STD-1913 for standardization of the mounting systems, and are affixed to the barrel or stock of the rifle for mounting accessories thereon. A variety of designs have been suggested for such modular weapon systems and such rails, as well as differing numbers of rails, which can be coupled at one time to a rifle. At present, it is known to mount up to four rails to a rifle. 
         [0009]    Since the rails are generally mounted on the handguard (or handguard replacement) of the rifle, accessories mounted thereon must be zeroed often, since the alignment of the accessory relative to the barrel changes slightly during firing of the weapon or if the weapon receives a shock (i.e., falls). 
         [0010]    Recently, floating rails have been suggested such as rails attached to a weapon in such a way as not to contact the barrel. These generally are attached at the rear of the rifle only, in order to attempt to provide more stability over time. However, these rails, also, suffer from alignment problems due to the shock created by the gases during firing. In addition, most of these rails can be mounted only by an armorer, by taking apart the barrel and sight and reassembling the weapon with the floating rails. 
         [0011]    The below-referenced U.S. patents and published U.S. applications, disclose embodiments that were at least in part satisfactory for the purposes for which they were intended. The disclosures of all of the below-referenced prior United States patents and applications, in their entireties, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application for purposes including, but not limited to, indicating the background of the present invention and illustrating the state of the art. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,620 to Zeh entitled “Device for mounting a telescopic sight on a weapon” is a device for mounting a telescopic sight onto a weapon. The device is equipped with two mounting feet, which are positioned at a distance from one another and provided with mounting elements for engaging in corresponding receiving openings on the weapon. The aim of the invention is to enable the sight to be positioned accurately without the need for a complex adjustment and fitting process. To achieve this, the mounting elements are configured by clamping bolts, which comprise laterally protruding lugs, are contained in the corresponding mounting feet and can be rotated through a release and locking position. The lugs can be inserted into recesses between inward-facing projecting shoulders of the receiving openings in the release position of the clamping bolts and engage with the underside of the projecting shoulders in the locked position of the bolts. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,997 to Oz discloses an “Accessory mount for a firearm.” The accessory mount, and a method for mounting accessories for a hand held firearm has a barrel and a mounting rail coupled beneath the barrel, the accessory mount including a frame, defining a substantially flattened bottom surface and a track for mounting along the mounting rail, the frame having a cavity for receiving a light, and a bipod mount coupled adjacent the track and behind the light cavity and arranged to hold a bipod having legs which can be folded substantially adjacent the barrel. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,214 to Oz discloses a “Flashlight mount for a firearm.” The flashlight mount, and a method for mounting a flashlight, for a rifle having a barrel and a mounting rail coupled to the barrel includes a frame having a bore for receiving a flashlight, the frame defining a substantially flattened bottom surface, and a base for mounting along the mounting rail, the base being distanced from the frame, thereby creating a finger-receiving aperture therebetween. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,484, to Mooney et al., discloses a universal mount for a rifle which is formed to support a series of accessory devices simultaneously. The mount comprises an upper rail, a lower rail, a heat shield, and a retaining clip. When in place, this mount enables the rifle to be used as a weapons&#39; platform, simultaneously supporting a plurality of accessory devices that enhance the operational capabilities of the weapon. A major feature of this invention is that the mount is secured to the barrel so that it “follows” the direction of the barrel when the latter undergoes thermal deformation as a result of firing successive rounds of ammunition, which enables the weapon to remain accurate despite the number of rounds fired or the temperature of the barrel. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,015 to Baumann, et al., discloses a holding device for a weapon barrel which includes a casing extension on the casing of the weapon, and a longitudinal rail integrally formed on the top of the casing and on the casing extension as a mounting for the telescopic sight. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,486 to Bilgeri et al. discloses a hand-held firearm with a light casing. This firearm also includes a casing extension having a mounting for a telescopic sight. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,105 to Teetzel discloses an apparatus for attaching an accessory to a firearm. This apparatus includes a chassis containing a flashlight that can be mounted in various positions, depending on the weapon selected. The weapons factory installed hand grips are replaced by modified hand grips that contain the flashlight electronic controls, water proof activation switches, and power source. 
         [0019]    Other U.S. patents of interest include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,845,871, 5,276,988 and 5,142,806 to Swan, 6,026,582 LaRue. 
         [0020]    Some of the above devices suffer from a number of disadvantages. First, conventional mounts are substantially cylindrical in cross-section, such that their bottom surface is curved, so they provide no stability if the weapon is leaned upon a wall, for example. Second, often the mounts are relatively small, so as to permit mounting of several different accessories and reduce weight. However, this structure makes it difficult to comfortably grip the weapon while holding the mount, and often places the user&#39;s hand in close proximity to the hot barrel during firing. Third, conventional mounts generally have a selected location along the barrel at which they are affixed. Thus, this location is often not optimal for users of different heights and different arm lengths. 
         [0021]    Accordingly, there is a long felt need for an accessory mount for a rifle or other hand-held firearm which provides a strong grip and stability for the weapon, and it would be desirable to have such a mount whose mounting location along the barrel is adjustable according to the length of the arm of the user. 
         [0022]    Therefore, what is needed is a rail and quick release mount that is easy to use, durable, flexible, will not damage the rifle or the mounting rail, and does not require special tools to mount. 
       SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    By way of summary, the present invention provides a mounting system for a rifle or carbine, such as an AR-15, M-16, or other handheld firearm preferably having a barrel and a mounting rail coupled to the barrel. The mounting system includes a frame defining a substantially flattened bottom surface, and a base for mounting along the mounting rail, the base being distanced from the frame, creating a finger-receiving aperture therebetween. 
         [0024]    The present invention generally includes a system for mounting an accessory to a firearm rail. The mounting system includes a mounting device that is selectively attachable to the rail of a firearm. The system further includes a locking mechanism attached to the mounting device. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the mounting device to the rail of the firearm. There is thus provided, in accordance with the present invention, a quick-release mounting device for mounting an accessory such as, for example, a front sight, to a firearm. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the accessory may include a high-powered scope, night vision sight, or other such accessory. The accessory sits on top of the gun barrel or the rail mount. The goal is to provide a quick-release mechanism that will not jam up when it gets dirty or is subject to extreme conditions such as hot or cold. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the mounting device comprises a base and a frame coupled together by way of a connecting rod or yoke. The frame and base are preferably spring biased with respect to one another so as to accommodate rails of varying size therebetween. The system preferably further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a lever with an integrally disposed button. The locking mechanism is configured to be selectively in communication with a cam member having a notch on a surface thereof. 
         [0027]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a mount for a firearm comprises a two-piece mounting device having a base and a frame coupled to one another and having a bottom cavity designed to receive a rail of a firearm therebetween. In addition, a lever mechanism is provided for adjusting the distance between the frame and the base to thereby accommodate varying rail sizes therebetween. 
         [0028]    In still another embodiment, a mounting device for receiving a rail of a barrel of a firearm includes a base having a downwardly facing receiving side defining a channel. A frame is coupled to the base by way of a connecting rod or yoke defining a gap therebetween and defining a second channel. The frame and base are preferably spring-biased with respect to one another. A locking mechanism comprising a cam having a notch on a surface thereof is also provided. The cam is configured to selectively receive a button disposed within a cavity of a lever to lock the base with respect to the frame. 
         [0029]    One object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is ruggedized and reliable, thereby decreasing down time and operating costs. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that has one or more of the characteristics discussed above but which is relatively simple to manufacture and assemble using a minimum of equipment. 
         [0030]    These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which: 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an assault rifle to which the present invention may be mounted; 
           [0033]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of a mount of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective top down view of a device of the present invention which may be mounted on the mount of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective top view of the device of  FIG. 2B ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective bottom view of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the base of the device of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  is an alternative embodiment of the cap of the device of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the lever of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the device of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing the bottom of the base of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the top of the base of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the base of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-11 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of the base of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-12 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the yoke of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the frame member of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 16  is a side perspective view of the lever of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of the locking mechanism of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 18  is side view of the device of the present invention mounted to a firearm rail and having an accessory mount attached thereto; 
           [0051]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 18  shown from the opposite side; 
           [0052]      FIG. 20  is a side view of the device of the present invention having an extendible accessory mounted thereto; and 
           [0053]      FIG. 21  is a side view of two of the devices of the present invention mounted to a firearm rail and having an accessory mount attached thereto. 
       
    
    
       [0054]    In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. 
       DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0055]    The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description. 
       1. System Overview 
       [0056]    The invention solves the problem of having a locking mechanism that automatically locks the scope or other accessory onto a rail mount or rail system. As tolerances of the rail may be off, the locking mechanism of the present invention may be adjusted without the use of specialized tools to maintain a constant tension and is more durable than many of the prior art devices discussed above. 
       2. Detailed Description 
       [0057]    Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like elements are indicated by like numerals, there is shown in  FIG. 1  an outline of a conventional combat firearm  1  having a conventional stock  11 , upper receiver  12 , lower receiver  17 , barrel  16 , pistol grip  7 , magazine  9 , and arced handle  18  is preferably joined to the upper receiver  12 . The barrel  16  is also joined to the upper receiver  12 , i.e., the upper receiver  12  “receives” the barrel  16 . The arced handle  18  has the after part of a non-optical bead sight with windage and elevational adjustment devices  15 ,  19  located at the rear thereof remote from the barrel  16 . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  show a typical receiver and mount system including a rail. As may be seen in  FIG. 2A , the receiver sleeve  2  has a top section  20  and a bottom section  40  and a longitudinal axis extending in spaced, parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the firearm  1 . The receiver sleeve top section  20  has a longitudinal, horizontally positioned base portion  21  along its length. The base portion  21  has two long side edges  29 . A first longitudinal rail  22  extends upward from the base portion  21  adjacent one of the long side edges  29  and a second longitudinal rail  23  extends upward from the base portion  21  adjacent the other of the long side edges  29 . The second rail  23  is in spaced parallel relationship to the first rail  22 . A longitudinal opening, i.e., channel  28 , is formed between the first and second rails  22 ,  23 . The upper surface  24  of the first rail  22  lies on the same horizontal plane as the upper surface  25  of the second rail  23 . 
         [0059]    Optional notches  26  may also be provided in the rails  22 ,  23 . The notches  26  provide additional means of engaging other components. The quantity and placement of pairs of notches  26  are as required or needed. In this embodiment of the invention, a series of identical and facing, rectangular notches  26  are formed transversely through the first and second rails  22 ,  23  (second rail not shown), respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . 
         [0060]    Each of the two long side edges  29  of the base portion  21  and rails  22 ,  23  are integral with external angled engagement surfaces  30  which extend the full length of the top section  20 . The surfaces  30  each have a middle longitudinal section  32 , upper longitudinal section  31 , and lower longitudinal section  33 . The upper section  31  surface planes are directed outwardly and downwardly at a forty-five degree angle from the horizontal planes of the rail upper surfaces  24 ,  25 . The middle section  32  surface planes are directed vertically downwardly from the upper section  31  surface planes in planes perpendicular to the horizontal planes of the rail upper surface  24 ,  25  planes. The lower section  33  surface planes are directed inwardly and downwardly at a forty-five degree angle from the vertical planes of the middle sections  32  to the bottom section base side edges  49 . In this embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal opening  28 , having a rectangular U-shaped cross section, has a transverse width of 0.375 inches. The outer transverse width of the receiver sleeve top section  20  is 0.835 inches. The transverse width of the bottom base side edges  49  is 0.630 inches. The dimensions of the receiver sleeve top section  20  remain the same regardless of the firearm the receiver sleeve  2  is attached to. This ensures that all modular enhancements need meet only one interface requirement, regardless of the firearm. 
         [0061]    The receiver sleeve top section  20  is joined to the receiver sleeve bottom section  40 . The receiver sleeve bottom section also has a longitudinal, horizontally positioned base portion  41  along its length. The base portion  41  has two long side edges  49 . A first rail  42  extends downward from the base portion  41  adjacent one of the long side edges  49  and a second rail  43  extends downward from the base portion  41  adjacent the other of the long side edges  49 . The second rail  43  is in spaced parallel relationship to the first rail  42 . The top section base  21  is joined in a mirrored, face-to-face relationship to the bottom section base  41 . The joining faces of both bases  21 ,  41  have the same dimensions. 
         [0062]    The lower surface  44  of the first rail  42  lies on the same horizontal plane as the lower surface  45  of the second rail  43 . Each of the two long side edges  49  of the base portion  41  and the rails  42 ,  43  are integral with an angled engagement surface  50  which extends the full length of the bottom section  40 . The surface  50  has an upper longitudinal section  51  and a lower longitudinal section  53 . The upper section  51  surface planes are directed outwardly and downwardly at a forty-five degree angle from the horizontal plane of the bottom section base  41 . The lower section  53  planes are directed vertically downward from the upper section  51  surface planes to the lower surfaces  44 ,  45  of the first  42  and second  43  rails, respectively. A longitudinal resultant opening  48  is formed between the integrated rail-angled engagement surfaces  42 ,  50  and  43 ,  50 . The cross section shape of the opening  48  will vary from firearm to firearm depending on the upper receiver top  13  contour of the particular firearm. The opening  48  is the interface and engagement means between the receiver sleeve  2  and the firearm  10 . The nominal cross section of the opening  48  and the cross section of the receiver sleeve top section  20  are identical. This permits complex integration of various modules to a firearm  10 . 
         [0063]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A , the longitudinal opening  28 , having a rectangular U-shaped cross section, has a transverse width of 0.375 inches. The outer transverse width of the receiver sleeve top section  20  is 0.835 inches. The transverse width of the bottom base side edges  49  is 0.630 inches. The dimensions of the receiver sleeve top section  20  remain the same regardless of the firearm the receiver sleeve  2  is attached to. This ensures that all modular enhancements need meet only one interface requirement, regardless of the firearm. In this embodiment of the invention, the receiver sleeve  2  has pins  4  affixing it to the firearm upper receiver  12  to prevent removal from the firearm  1  by other than an official armorer. Each pin  4  passes through one of a plurality of holes  46  formed transversely through said bottom section first and second rails  42  and  43  for pinning said receiver sleeve  2  to said firearm upper receiver  12 .  FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the receiver sleeve  2  mounted on a firearm  10 . However, as may be seen in  FIG. 7 , in practice, the receiver sleeve  2  would incorporate a standard non-optical, flip up sight  6  at the rear  35  of the receiver top section  20 . Windage and elevational adjustments  15  and  19  may also be included. 
         [0064]    The conventional firearm handle was removed in order to install the receiver sleeve  2 . However, handle  18  is available for semi-permanent, non-removable installation on the receiver sleeve  2  of the present invention for firearm users who do not require optics. The handle  18  is preferably installed directly to the receiver sleeve top section  20  and also has pin holes  46  for pinning to the receiver sleeve top section  20  thereby preventing removal by anyone other than an official armorer. Another embodiment of a handle is shown in the &#39;871 patent. This handle has two fastener devices  14  of the &#39;871 patent type incorporated into the handle base  15 . As illustrated in the &#39;817 patent, the handle may thereby be attached about the receiver sleeve top section  20  and used to carry the firearm  1 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 2B  shows one embodiment of the quick release attaching device  10  of the present invention. Here, the device  10  consists of base  20 , which can receive a rail  3  of a receiver  2  attached to the barrel  16  of a firearm  1 . The base  20  has a slot  21  on one edge. On a bottom side of the base  20  is a receiving cavity  22  which includes receiving cavity groove  22   a . A top side of the base  20  has a slot or groove  23 . The base also includes mounting bores  24   a  and  24   b . Along one edge of the base is a first wall  26  which is generally straight. Opposite the first wall  26  is the second wall  27  that includes a flange  27   a  and a protrusion  27   b . Also included in the base  20  is a lever receiving bore  28 . The bore  28  is preferably countersunk so that it begins with a wider bore  28   a  and is reduced to smaller bore  28   b  as shown. 
         [0066]    The lever  35  preferably includes a shaft  36  perpendicular to an axis A. The shaft  36  has a mounting bore  37  therethrough. The shaft  36  is attached to stand  38  that is a generally flat piece of metal. The arm  39  of the lever  35  is connected to the stand  38 . The arm preferably has lands  39   a  and grooves  39   b  that add a textured surface to the arm  39 . This textured surface allows for better gripping of the lever arm by a firearm operator in the field. 
         [0067]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of device  10  of the present invention. The base  20  of the device  10  supports a washer  25 , which is attached to a lever  35 . Two bearings  40 ,  42  are operably connected to the washer  25  and the base  20 . A fastening cap  50  mounts to the washer  25  on top of a shaft  36  on the lever  35 . Two springs are provided in cavities  52 ,  54  in the fastening cap  50 . The cavities  52 ,  54  receive springs  65 ,  66 , which abut the bearings  40 ,  42 . The springs  65 ,  66  provide a force to the bearings  40 ,  42 , which pushes against the base  20 . A hollow tube or pin roll fastener  70  fits into the cap  50  through a bore  80 , which also travels through the shaft  36  and shaft bore  37  in the lever  35 . Alternatively, another fastener (not shown) is provided to hold the now operably connected components in place. 
         [0068]      FIG. 4  better shows the bottom or underside of the base  20 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the base  20  preferably includes a receiving groove  22   a  configured to receive a mounting rail. As also shown, on the bottom surface is a bottom first protrusion  82  and a bottom second protrusion  84 . The protrusions are provided to be received into grooves in the rail when the quick release device  10  is mounted to the firearm. 
         [0069]    Also shown in  FIG. 4  is the fastening cap  50 . As can be seen, a bottom side of the cap  50 , preferably contains a multitude of receiving cavities. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , two cavities  52  and  54  are provided. A center bore  56  is provided which receives the shaft  36  of the lever arm  35 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 5  shows in detail the base  20 . As can also be seen, the mounting bores  24   a ,  24   b  of the base  20  may be countersunk. The orientation of the slot relative to the wall can also be better appreciated. Opposite the receiving groove  22   a  is an angled or sloping wall  22   b . This wall  22   b  is provided to abut against the rail. 
         [0071]      FIG. 6  shows an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of the cap  50 . In this embodiment, the cap  50  has four bearing receiving cavities  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 . As also is shown, the center bore  56  has an axis B and is surrounded by the receiving cavities. Perpendicular to the axis B is the fastening bore  80 . The bore  80  passes through a first side of the cap  50 , then through the center bore  56 , and out a second side of the cap. 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the lever  35 . As shown, the lever  35  preferably contains a cylindrical protrusion or mounting shaft  36  having a mounting hole  37 . The mounting hole  37  receives the mounting tube  70  as it passes through hole  80  in the cap  50 . The mounting tube  70  is preferably a threaded hollow Allen screw. The shaft  37  is preferably mounted to a flat piece of metal that is a stand  38  having a gradually sloping upper wall. Protruding from the stand is the arm  39 . The arm  39  may have a multitude of lands  39   a  and grooves  39   b  machined or otherwise formed in a front and back surface of the arm. These lands and grooves provide an improved gripping surface for the operator. 
         [0073]    When in use and operation, the base  20  of the present embodiment fits on a rail  3  attached to a gun  1 . The device  10  is most often used to attach an accessory  18  to the gun such as a handle, night scope, light, additional weaponry, etc. Such an accessory  18  would be mounted to the top side of the base  20  on the barrel  16  or top side of the firearm  1 . The bottom side of the base  20  preferably includes a receiving cavity  22  so that the base  20  can be received on the rail  3 . When attaching the accessory  18  and the device  10  to the rail, the operator sets the receiving cavity  22  of the base on the rail. The lever arm  35  is then moved in a direction to effectively lock the base  20  to the rail. One key advantage is that the springs  65 ,  66  and bearings  40 ,  42  automatically adjust the device  10  for a snug fit to the rail. This is true even if different rails on different weapons are used by the operator for the same accessory. Of course, the size and shape of the rail cannot differ significantly, but must be within the required Milspec tolerances. Once the accessory  18  and a device  10  are locked in place, the operator has a greater sense of security that the accessory will not be accidentally lost. The tension or slight outward pressure applied by the ball bearings  40 ,  42  and the springs  65 ,  66  to the locking mechanism on the lever arm also helps prevent damage to the soft, but lightweight, metals typically used for the rail such as aluminum and other alloys. For example, where tolerances are very tight on prior art lever arms, the locking mechanism on such lever arms actually cuts into the rail making grooves or dents into it. 
         [0074]    Now turning to  FIGS. 8-17 , and initially to  FIGS. 8-13 , another embodiment of the device  110  of the present invention includes a base  120  configured to receive a rail  3  of a receiver  2  attached to the barrel  16  of a firearm (not shown). The bottom side of base  120  including a receiving cavity  122  which includes a receiving cavity groove  122   a  (See e.g.,  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). A top side of base  120  includes a slot or groove  123  running along a length thereof. The base also includes mounting bores  124   a  and  124   b . The bottom side of base  120  further includes a pair of detents  125   a  and  125   b . Along one edge of the base  120  is a first wall  126  which is generally straight. Opposite first wall  126  is the second wall  127  having a pair of recesses  128   a  and  128   b  configured to receive springs therein. Base  120  further includes a bore  130  running across the width thereof. Bore  130  is configured to receive a yoke  132  therethrough. First wall  126  includes a recess  134  for receiving the head  136  of yoke  132 . Second wall  127  includes a hole  138  for receiving a threaded portion  140  of yoke  132 . 
         [0075]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , yoke  132  is generally a connecting rod, rod or axle comprising a head  136  and a partially threaded shaft  142  having a threaded portion  140 . Head  136  includes a slot or notch  144  running across the top surface thereof for receiving a tool such as, for example, a screwdriver. Head  136  further includes a bore  146  running through the center thereof. Bore  146  is configured to receiving a spring  147  therethrough and a pair of ball bearings  148   a  and  148   b  are configured to be retained in the ends of bore  146 . Further, the recess  134  of first wall  126  includes a series of detents  149 . The detents  149  are generally configured to contact portions of ball bearings  148   a  and  148   b  such that when yoke  132  is rotated, the ball bearings  148   a  and  148   b  coming into contact with detents  149  give the user audible and tactile feedback as to the relative position of yoke  132  as it is advanced or withdrawn. 
         [0076]    Turning now to  FIG. 15 , the threaded portion  140  of yoke  132  is configured to be received through a centrally positioned bore  150  in a frame member  152  such that an end of the threaded portion  140  extends past the frame  152 . Yoke  132  is thus configured to draw base  120  and frame  152  together. Base  120  and frame  152  are generally spring-biased with respect to one another by springs retained by recesses  128   a  and  128   b  of second wall  127 . A bottom surface of frame  152  defines a receiving cavity  154  having a receiving groove  156  for receiving a portion of a rail  3  of a receiver  2  attached to the barrel  16  of a firearm  1  therein. Frame  152  further includes a pair of recesses  155   a  and  155   b  configured to receive springs therein. 
         [0077]    The end of yoke  132  is received by a threaded receiving portion  158  of a cam member  160 . Threaded receiving portion  158  generally extends upwardly from the generally circular cam member  160 . Cam member  160  includes a notch  162  on an outer surface thereof. Cam member  160  further includes a bore  164  through the center thereof. Bore  164  is configured to receive a dowel pin  166  or the like. Accordingly, as yoke  132  is advanced so as to bring base  120  and frame  152  closer to one another, the end of threaded portion  140  of yoke  132  eventually comes into contact with dowel pin  166  thereby limiting the advancement thereof. 
         [0078]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , cam member  160  is coupled to a lever  168  having two opposing side surfaces  170   a  and  170   b  configured to receive cam member  160  therebetween. Further, the opposing side surfaces  170   a  and  170   b  include apertures  172   a  and  172   b  for receiving ends of dowel pin  166  therein. Extending from opposing side surfaces  170   a  and  170   b  is an arm  174 . The arm  174  preferably includes grooves  176  that add a textured surface to the arm  174  to allow for better gripping of the lever arm  174  by the operator in the field. 
         [0079]    Operably coupled to the lever  168  is a button  178  which is spring biased with respect to the lever arm  174  by a spring  180 . Button  178  may be secured in place by a pin or the like running through a width thereof through apertures  179   a  and  179   b . Button  178  is configured such that an end portion thereof is selectively and removably retained by the notch  162 . Accordingly, when an end of button  178  is retained in notch  162  of cam  160 , the base  120  and frame  152  become locked with respect to one another. Alternatively, when adjustment of the width of base  120  and frame  152  is desired, the button  178  may be depressed such that it may be removed from notch  162  thereby allowing the arm  174  of lever  168  to swing to the opposite side thereof, thereby freeing base  120  and frame  152  to move horizontally with respect to one another. This allows the width of device  110  of the present embodiment to be adjusted to accommodate varying rail sizes. The presence of button  178  is useful in preventing accidental loosening of the device  110  in the field. Further, the lever  174  configured to allow for ambidextrous operation as the lever  174  may be rotated 180 degrees and adjusted for the particular firearm. 
         [0080]    The width of device  110  is adjusted by turning yoke  132  to draw base  120  and frame  152  closer to one another or to separate base  120  and frame  152  from each other. Preferably, the device  110  of the present invention comprises eight different predetermined positions. The tactile and audible feedback generated by the contacting of ball bearings  148   a  and  148   b  and detents  149  alerts the user to the relative position of the device  110 . Preferably, this embodiment of the present invention provides a user with significant adjustability. Further, the present embodiment provides even pressure distribution between the device  110  and rail  3  thereby limiting the marring of the rail  3  often created by poor-fitting connections. 
         [0081]    Turning now to  FIG. 18-21 , the device  110  of the present invention is shown coupled to a rail  3  and having an accessory mount  182  attached thereto. When in use and operation, the base  120  of the present embodiment fits on a rail  3  attached to a firearm  1 . The device  110  is most often used to attach an accessory  18  to the firearm  1  such as a handle, night scope, light, additional weaponry, etc. Such an accessory  18  would be mounted to the top side of the base  120  on the barrel  16  or top side of the firearm  1 . The bottom side of the base  120  preferably includes a receiving cavity  122  so that the base  120  can be received on the rail  3 . When attaching the accessory  18  and the device  110  to the rail, the operator sets the receiving cavity  122  of the base  120  on the rail  3 . The lever arm  174  is then moved in a direction to move the base  120  and frame  152  together to effectively clamp and lock the base  120  to the rail  3 . 
         [0082]    Now referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the device  110  of the present invention is shown coupled to rail  3 . The bottom side of base  120  is secured around rail  3  and locked into place by way of the cam  160  and yoke  132  mechanism as described previously. Accessory mount  182  is coupled to an upper surface of base  120  and secured in slot groove (not shown) by way of screws or other such fasteners via mounting bores (not shown). 
         [0083]    Turning now to  FIG. 20  an alternative embodiment is shown wherein accessory mount  182  comprises an extendible arm  184  for selectively positioning the accessory to be mounted to device  110 . 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 21 , yet another embodiment is shown wherein two devices  110  of the present invention are coupled to rail  3  to accommodate the mounting of an elongated accessory mount  182   a  and  182   b . Preferably, the present invention may be modified to accommodate a plurality of different accessories mounted thereto. 
         [0085]    The devices  10  and  110  and its components are typically fabricated from a relatively strong, lightweight material such as, for example, aluminum. It is possible, however, to construct devices  10  and  110  from other such materials including both metals and plastics having similar characteristics. 
         [0086]    Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. 
         [0087]    Similarly, although aluminum is preferred for the inventive components, any material could be used in its place. In addition, the individual components need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable materials. 
         [0088]    Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Further, although many components described herein are physically separate modules, it will be manifest that they may be integrated into an associated component. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive. 
         [0089]    It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.