PROTECTIVE APPARATUS AND MOUNTING ACCESSORIES FOR WEAPONS MOUNTED RANGING DEVICES

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to Provisional Application No. 63/706,307, filed Oct. 11, 2024, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Endeavor

The present invention relates to weapons accessories, and more particularly, to a device for protecting weapons mounted ranging devices, such as weapons mounted laser range finders, and accessories, therefore.

Background of Related Art

Weapons-mounted laser range finders (WMLRF) are optical or electronic devices attached directly to firearms or weapon systems to measure the distance to targets, enabling more accurate engagement. Typically, WMLRFs come in a variety of technologies, such as: Optical Range Finders, Laser Range Finders, or Thermal/IR Range Finders Combined with thermal imaging systems. Optical Range Finders, such as traditional coincidence or stereoscopic rangefinders, use geometric principles to estimate distance, and are still found on some heavy weapons systems despite having largely become obsolete for small arms. Thermal/IR Range Finders Combined with thermal imaging systems utilize infrared technology for range finding in low-light conditions. Laser Range Finders (LRF), the most common modern type, use time-of-flight measurement of laser pulses providing highly accurate distance readings and, additionally, can be integrated with ballistic computers.

Traditional WMLRFs have a variety of technical issues and limitations related to durability, reliability, size and weight constraints, and modularity of design. Mounting points for WMLRFs are sensitive to recoil stress, and vibrations, that can damage sensitive electronics therein, and/or cause misalignment, resulting in loss of accuracy. Additionally, once mounted WMLRFs are not easily removed, leading to difficulties in reconfiguration of weapons systems. WMLRFs are typically mounted at the end of a weapons system, leaving no room for additional optics, such as red dot sights, which further limits the ability to configure a weapons system.

As can be seen, there is a need for a modular protective apparatus configured to mount a WMLRF securely and durably, and to provide additional mount points for accessories thereby increasing the modularity and reconfigurability of a weapons system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, the present invention is a Rangefinder Integration Platform, having a cage configured to protect a rangefinder, an accessory panel disposed within a frame of the cage, the accessory panel having a pattern configured to prevent light reflection, an accessory mount configured to receive at least one accessory, the accessory mount affixed to the frame, and a mount having a first rail configured to securably affix the rangefinder, and a second rail configured to securably affix the mount to a weapon system, wherein the cage is affixed to the mount.

In embodiments, the cage of the present invention includes: a first front cage support bracket, a first middle cage support bracket, and a first rear cage support bracket, disposed on a first plurality of support rods, a second front cage support bracket, a second middle cage support bracket, and a second rear cage support bracket, disposed on a second plurality of support rods, wherein each of the first middle cage support bracket and the second cage support bracket include a mounting bracket for mounting each of the first middle cage support bracket and the second cage support bracket to a surface of the mount.

In embodiments, the pattern of the accessory device is a honeycomb pattern.

In embodiments, the first rail of the mount is a picatinny rail.

In embodiments, the first plurality of support rods, and the second plurality of support rods are made of carbon fiber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Protective Apparatus for a WMLRF, shown in use.

FIG. 2 is a top front perspective view of the Protective Apparatus for a WMLRF.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the Protective Apparatus for a WMLRF.

FIG. 4 is a bottom front perspective view of the Protective Apparatus for a WMLRF.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the Protective Apparatus for a WMLRF.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

WMLRF systems are needed for proper ranging and target acquisition in civilian and military engagements. However, traditional WMLRF systems suffer from deficiencies associated with field use, mounting restrictions, and lack of modularity, that hinder proper operation and widespread adoption.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a protective apparatus and mounting accessories configured to mount a WMLRF securely and durably, and to provide additional mount points for accessories thereby increasing the modularity and reconfigurability of a weapons system.

Broadly, components of the present invention are manufactured from one or more durable materials, such as, but not limited to, Aluminum, Titanium, Steel, Carbon Fiber, plastic, Nylon, etc., utilizing additive, or subtractive, manufacturing, such as 3D printing, and/or machining, respectively.

Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate aspects of the protective apparatus of the present invention. The protective apparatus of the present invention, hereinafter Rangefinder Integration Platform (RIP), includes a plurality of components formed from durable materials and configured to provide an adaptive and secure structure for mounting a WMLRF and one or more accessories to a weapons system.

FIG. 1 illustrates the RIP in use on a weapons system, such as a rifle 28, and mounted above, or in the 12 o'clock position, a shooting optic. The RIP mounts to the optic using one or more adapters and provides a rugged and durable protective cage for a WMLRF, such as laser range finder 26, removably affixed thereto. Additionally, the RIP includes an accessory device 10 configured to house one or more accessories, such as an accessory device that shields the lenses on the WMLRF from glare bounce back concealing the position of a user. Furthermore, the RIP includes an accessory mount 12 configured to removably affix one or more accessories. In embodiments, one or more optics, such as a red dot optic, are affixed to accessory mount 12. In an exemplary embodiment, accessory mount 12 is a Micro Red Dot Optic (MRDO) mount, configured to affix a micro red dot sight, providing a familiar and versatile aiming system for firearms.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate varying views of the RIP, according to aspects of present invention. Broadly, and described in more detail hereinafter, the RIP includes a plurality of components, such as, but not limited to: a cage configured to protect a WMLRF disposed therein, an accessory device 10 configured to disperse light so as to provide accessory capabilities, an accessory mount 12, removably affixable to accessory device 10, configured to removably affix one or more accessories, and mount 22 configured to mount the plurality of components to a weapons system, and to secure an WMLRF thereto.

Referring now to the cage of the RIP, the cage is formed from a plurality of components such as a frame of accessory device 10, cage support brackets 14-18, and a plurality of cage support rods 20.

The plurality of cage support rods 20 are formed from one or more durable materials and are configured to provide rigid support to for the cage support brackets 14-18, and to prevent damage to an WMLRF mount in the RIP. In embodiments, each of the plurality of cage support rods 20 are rod-shaped, cylindrical, or tubular, but are not so limited, as other shapes are contemplated. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of cage support rods 20 are tubular having a plurality of bores extending radially from a first part of the curved surface through the center of each of the support rods to a second part of the curve surface, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the number of bores for each of the support rods 20 is equivalent to a number of the support brackets 14-18, i.e. 3, and are configured to receive a fastener so as to both align and affix each rod to a proper position with respect to one or more of the support brackets 14-18, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4-5.

A Front cage support bracket 14 is formed from one or more durable materials. Front cage support bracket 14 includes a body with a plurality of tabs extending therefrom. The body and the plurality of tabs include a front surface, defined as the surface viewable in FIGS. 1-4, a rear surface opposing the front surface, and at least one side surface disposed between, and connecting the front surface and the rear surface. In embodiments, the body is shaped as a trapezoidal prism, but is not so limited, as other shapes are contemplated.

The body of front cage support bracket 14 includes a plurality of bores, or apertures extending from the front surface to the rear surface. In embodiments, a subset of the plurality of bores are configured to receive one of the plurality of support rods 20, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and 4-5. In embodiments, the at least one side surface includes a plurality of bores, or apertures, proximate to each of the bores that receive a support rod, such that a fastener is inserted to secure and align each of the support rods disposed therein, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4-5. The tabs of front cage support bracket 14 each include a plurality of bores, or apertures, configured to receive a mount point, attachment, or fastener, such that accessory device 10 is removably affixable to each of the tabs of front cage support bracket 14.

A Middle cage support bracket 16 is formed from one or more durable materials. Middle cage support bracket 16 includes a body with a mounting bracket extending therefrom. The body includes a front surface, defined as the surface viewable in FIGS. 1-4, a rear surface opposing the front surface, and at least one side surface disposed between, and connecting the front surface and the rear surface. In embodiments, the body is shaped as a trapezoidal prism, but is not so limited, as other shapes are contemplated. The mounting bracket includes a front surface, defined as the surface viewable in FIGS. 1-4, a rear surface opposing the front surface, and at least one side surface disposed between, and connecting the front surface and the rear surface.

The body of middle cage support bracket 16 includes a plurality of bores, or apertures extending from the front surface to the rear surface. In embodiments, a subset of the plurality of bores are configured to receive one of the plurality of support rods 20, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and 4-5. In embodiments, the at least one side surface includes a plurality of bores, or apertures, proximate to each of the bores that receive a support rod, such that a fastener is inserted to secure and align each of the support rods disposed therein, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4-5. The mounting bracket includes a plurality of bores, or apertures, thereon. Specifically, a first bore extends from the front surface to a first of the side surfaces and is configured to receive a fastener, such that middle cage support bracket 16 can be removably affixed to mount 22. Additionally, a second bore extends from the rear surface to the first of the side surfaces and is configured to receive a fastener, such that middle cage support bracket 16 can be removably affixed to mount 22.

A rear cage support bracket 18 is formed from one or more durable materials. Rear cage support bracket 18 includes a body having a front surface, defined as the surface viewable in FIGS. 1-4, a rear surface opposing the front surface, and at least one side surface disposed between, and connecting the front surface and the rear surface. In embodiments, the body is shaped as a trapezoidal prism, but is not so limited, as other shapes are contemplated.

The body of rear cage support bracket 18 includes a plurality of bores, or apertures extending from the front surface to the rear surface. In embodiments, a subset of the plurality of bores are configured to receive one of the plurality of support rods 20, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and 4-5. In embodiments, the at least one side surface includes a plurality of bores, or apertures, proximate to each of the bores that receive a support rod, such that a fastener is inserted to secure and align each of the support rods disposed therein, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4-5.

A mount 22 is formed from one or more durable materials and includes a plurality of surfaces. In embodiments, the plurality of surfaces include a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface disposed between, and connecting, the top surface to the bottom surface. In embodiments, the top surface includes a plurality of bores, or apertures, disposed proximate to a first end thereof, and configured to receive one or more fasteners, or mounts, such that accessory device 10 can be removably affixed thereto. Additionally, a rail 24, or mount, can be affixed, or continuously formed, to the top surface of mount 22. In embodiments, rail 24, as a picatinny rail, is configured to receive a WMLRF thereon. In embodiments, rail 24, as a picatinny rail is configured to receive any commercial, or military specification (MILSPEC) WMLRF, thereon.

The bottom surface of mount 22 includes a mounting interface, such as a shelf, shoulder, ledge or wedge, illustrated in FIG. 4. In embodiments, the mounting interface is configured to removably affix mount 22 to a weapon system, such as rifle 28, or an accessory thereof. In embodiments, the mounting interface is configured to mate, or attach, to a quick detach system having a recessed portion configured to receive the mounting interface. In an exemplary embodiment, the quick detach system is a single lever tri-lock mount, such as the Throw Lever® system made by Atlantic Research Marketing Systems, but is not so limited, as any system configured to receive the mounting interface is contemplated.

The at least one side surface of mount 22 includes a first side surface having a plurality of bores, or apertures, disposed therein, and a second side surface, disposed opposite of the first side surface, and having a plurality of bores, or apertures disposed therein. In embodiments, the plurality of bores of the first side surface are configured to each receive a fastener, such that a first of the middle cage support brackets 16 are removably affixed thereto, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In embodiments, the plurality of bores of the second side surface are configured to each receive a fastener, such that a second of the middle cage support brackets 16 are removably affixed thereto, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

An Accessory device 10 includes frame and an accessory panel. In embodiments, the frame includes a plurality of bores, or apertures, on a first surface thereof each configured to receive a mount, or fastener, such that accessory mount 12 is removably affixed thereto. Additionally, a plurality of mounts are disposed on a second surface of the frame, opposite from the first surface, such that accessory device 10 is removably mounted to mount 22. Additionally, the frame includes a plurality of bores, or apertures, on a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, each configured to receive a mount, or fastener, to secure the accessory panel inside thereof.

In embodiments, the accessory panel has one or more functions with respect to the WMLRF, such as antireflective capabilities, shielding, etc. In embodiment the accessory panel is a honeycomb panel disposed within the frame, forming accessory device 10. In embodiments, the honeycomb panel shields lenses, or optical components of the WMLRF from light, or glare bounce back, thereby concealing a position of a user. The accessory panel is removable, and swappable with one or more additional accessory panels depending on the needs of the user.

An accessory mount 12 is formed from one or more durable materials, and includes a plurality of surfaces. In embodiments, the plurality of surfaces include a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and at least one side surface disposed between, and connecting, the top surface and the bottom surface. In embodiments, the top surface includes a plurality of tabs, or protrusions, disposed proximate to a first end, and configured to accept an accessory thereon. In embodiments, the accessory is a micro red dot sight, or similar sighting optic, but is not so limited. In embodiments, a plurality of bores, or apertures, disposed from the top surface through to the bottom surface, and proximate to a second end, are configured to receive one or more fasteners, so as to mount accessory mount 12 to the frame of Accessory device 10 using the plurality of bores, or apertures, on the first surface thereof.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.