CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.

62/1 15,941 entitled, "Optical Weapon Mounting Apparatus" filed February 13, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to mounting devices and more particularly is related to a weapon mount.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Optical devices are commonly used in various environments to enhance the capabilities of the user's vision. Tn military environments, various optical devices are used to give a soldier enhanced visibility in harsh conditions. For example, devices like the PVS 14 night vision monocular are commonly used in the military to enhance a soldier's visibility in low light conditions. These optical devices are affixed to combat helmets, weapons, or other structures that a soldier uses, and during a field operation, a soldier may move the optical device between the various mounting structures.

The use of a shoe to secure an optical device to a mounting structure, such as a combat helmet or a weapon, is well-known in the art. The shoe may have various designs, depending on the mounting structure the optical device is mounted to, and it is beneficial for the various designs of the shoe to be interchangeable with different mounts. There are two main types of conventional shoes: a shoe for engagement with a butterfly clip commonly used to mount optical devices to weapons; and a shoe with a pocket, commonly used to mount optical devices to a combat helmet. Both types of conventional shoes are static, unitary structures with a dovetail shape and a plurality of angled sidewalls which allow the shoe to engage with a receiver. The shoe for engagement with the butterfly clip utilizes an angled back surface, such as a 10° angle along the edge at the wide end of the dovetail shape, to engage with a butterfly clip when the shoe is inserted into the mounting receiver. The shoe with the pocket is secured within the mounting receiver with a retractable locking mount which moves into the pocket to engage with the shoe.

There are many difficulties that a soldier may experience when attempting to mount, remount, or remove the optical device from the mounting structure. For instance, the mounting devices needed for mounting the optical device to a weapon may be different from those needed to mount the optical device to a helmet. The soldier may be required to carry and use a number of mounting components to ensure universal mounting on the mounting structures, which can add unneeded weight to a soldier's pack and increase remounting time from one mounting structure to another. Additionally, many conventional mounting devices do not allow for quick mounting or quick dismounting of the optical device. When the optical devices are successfully mounted, they may be exposed to rough, forceful conditions which can lead to inadvertent loosening or dismounting of the optical device, or complicate removal of the optical device. For example, discharging a weapon outfitted with an optical device may loosen the mounting structures retaining the optical device to the weapon, which can lead to complications in using the optical device.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for a mounting apparatus used to connect an optical device to a mounting structure. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The mounting apparatus has a base portion connectable to a mounting structure. A receiving portion is connected to the base portion with a pivot join. A mounting shoe receiver is formed on the receiving portion. A retaining clip is connected to the receiving portion and pivotally mounted along an entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver.

The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing an optical device mounting system. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The optical device mounting system has a mounting rail. A base portion is connected to the mounting rail. A receiving portion is connected to the base portion with a pivot joint, the receiving portion having a mounting shoe receiver formed on the receiving portion. A mounting shoe is connectable to an optical device, wherein the mounting shoe is removably positioned within the mounting shoe receiver. A retaining clip is connected to the receiving portion and pivotally mounted along an entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver.

The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods of mounting an optical device to a rail mounting structure. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: engaging a base portion of a mounting apparatus to a rail mounting structure by clamping the rail mounting structure within a rail groove positioned on the base portion; pivotally connecting a receiving portion of the mounting apparatus to the base portion; removably mounting a mounting shoe within a mounting shoe receiver pocket formed within the receiving portion of the mounting apparatus; and controlling a locking of the mounting shoe within the mounting shoe receiver pocket with at least one retaining clip connected to the receiving portion and pivotally mounted along an entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of a mounting apparatus for an optical device mounted to a mounting structure, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an isometric illustration of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an isometric illustration of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1 with the receiving portion in a raised position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4-5 are side view illustrations of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6-7 are rear view illustrations of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8-9 are top and bottom view illustrations of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10-13 are side view illustrations of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1 in various steps of engagement with a mounting shoe, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14-15 are isometric view illustrations of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1 in various steps of engagement with a mounting shoe, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 16A-16C are various view illustrations of a movement restraint for use with the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 17-20 are isometric view illustrations of the movement restraint for use with the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1 ih various positions of engagement, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a method of mounting an optical device to a rail mounting structure, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of a mounting apparatus for an optical device 10 mounted to a mounting structure 12, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting apparatus for an optical device 10, referred to simply as 'apparatus 10' may be used to connect optical devices to a mounting structure 12. More specifically, the apparatus 10 may provide significant benefits in mounting optical devices to a rail 14 of firearms or weapons, such as an AR-15 as shown in FIG. 1. When the mounting structure 12 is a weapon, the apparatus 10 may affix to a top rail 14 of the weapon such that it can hold the optical device within a viewing path of a user of the weapon. While the apparatus 10 is disclosed herein relative to weapon mounting structures 12, other mounting structures 12 may also be used, including a helmet mounting structure, and/or a pole mounting structure, as well as others.

FIG. 2 is an isometric illustration of the mounting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an isometric illustration of the mounting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 with the receiving portion 30 in a raised position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to FIGS. 2-3, the apparatus 10 includes a base portion 20 which is connectable to the mounting structure 12, such as along the rail 14 thereof. The receiving portion 30 is movably connected to the base portion 20, such as with a pivot joint 32 positioned along a side of the receiving portion 30. The receiving portion 30 is movable between a raised position shown in FIG. 3 and a lowered position shown in FIG. 2. Normally, a user of the apparatus 10 will keep the receiving portion 30 in the lowered position when using the optical device attached thereto, and will raise the receiving portion 30 to the raised position, e.g. 90 degrees relative to the lowered position along an axis of the pivot joint 32 which is commonly aligned with a length of the weapon, when they wish to have a viewing path without using the optical device. For example, when the optical device is a night vision device, the receiving portion 30 may be placed in the raised position during daylight hours when the night vision device is not used.

The pivot joint 32 may include a hinge having a detent therein which allows the user to raise the receiving portion 30 by overcoming the force provided by the detent. The use of this 'force to overcome' feel with the pivot joint 32 may prevent inadvertent raisings of the receiving portion 30 or inadvertent lowering thereof. The pivot joint 32 includes a threaded fastener 34 that may control the force required to raise or lower the receiving portion 30 thereby allowing the force to overcome to be adjustable. In one example, adjustment of the threaded fastener 34 may compress angled washers, beveled washers, spring washers, and/or truncated cone-shape washers within the pivot joint 32, which increase the force required to overcome the rotation of the pivot joint 32. Other mechanisms for providing an adjustable force to overcome may be used as well.

The apparatus 10 includes a number of features which assist in retaining the various components thereof in proper positions. For example, the base portion 20 includes a locking hole 50 positioned on a top side of the base portion 20 which is engagable with locking structure 52 positioned on an underside of the receiving portion 30, such as directly below the mounting shoe receiver 36. When the receiving portion 30 is in the lowered position, the locking structure 52 may connect with the locking hole 50 and prevent the receiving portion 30 from being moved to the raised position. Locking structure 52 is connected to plunger 54 which is positioned on the side of the receiving portion 30 and which may move the locking structure 52 to disengage it from the locking hole 50. The plunger 54 is slidable within the receiving portion 30 and a spring biases the locking structure 52 away from the pivot joint 32 (although the opposite biasing may be used). Accordingly, the user can access the push tab of the plunger on the lateral side edge of the receiving portion 30 and can push the plunger 54 in the direction towards the pivot joint 32 to disengage the locking structure 52 from the locking hole 50.

It is noted that during use of the weapon, the force from firing ammunition may cause significant forces to be transferred through the apparatus 10. For example, the force from firing the weapon may cause the receiving portion 30 to move slightly relative to the base portion 20 in a direction aligned with the direction of ammunition fire.

Accordingly, to prevent the locking structure 52 from becoming jammed in the locking hole 50, the head of the locking structure 52 may be tapered on its sides to retain the receiving portion 30 when the apparatus 10 experiences the forces associated with weapon fire, yet allow it to be released when desired by the user.

The receiving portion 30 includes a mounting shoe receiver 36 which has angled sides (dovetailed) to retain a mounting shoe (not shown) therein. The mounting shoe may be connected to the optical device, as is known in the art. The mounting shoe may be engageable with the mounting shoe receiver 36, i.e., mounting shoe pocket 36, which has inverted angled edges with a wide front opening or entrance and a more narrow rear portion. Unlike the conventional devices available which have a fully closed rear portion, e.g., a rear portion of the mounting shoe pocket which has a closed sidewall, the mounting shoe receiver 36 may have an open rear, narrow end 38. The open narrow end 38 may allow debris and other contaminants to be pushed through the mounting shoe receiver 36 when the mounting shoe is inserted therein. Pushing the debris out of the mounting shoe receiver 36 may prevent jamming and other malfunctions of the connection.

Further, it is noted that the size of the mounting shoe is often selected based on the necessary forces needed to be withstood during use. For example, a helmet-mounted optical device may require a smaller mounting shoe than a weapon-mounted optical device due to the lesser forces acting on an optical device carried on one's head as opposed to a weapon. The differently- sized mounting shoe commonly includes mounting shoes with different lengths. The apparatus 10 may provide benefits in the industry by allowing both larger and smaller-sized mounting shoes to be used in the same mounting shoe receiver 36 based on the open narrow end 38, since the longer or larger mounting shoes can be positioned through the open narrow end 38, thereby allowing their forward edge to assume a proper position relative to the retaining clip 60. Thus, the size of the mounting shoe receiver 36 may be increased to accommodate large mounting shoes which may be required for large optical devices, as well as to accommodate regular-size mounting shoes used within the industry.

FIGS. 4-5 are side view illustrations of the mounting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to FIGS. 2-5, at the wide end of the mounting shoe receiver 36, a retaining clip 60, referred to herein as a butterfly clip 60, may be used to retain the mounting shoe within the mounting shoe receiver 36. The butterfly clip 60 is pivotal on an axis 62 which is offset from an actuation surface 64 of the butterfly clip 60. The offset distance allows easier use of the butterfly clip 60 over conventional retaining clips, which often have an actuation surface that is aligned with the axis of the clip. For example, conventional retaining clips have an actuation surface which is positioned aligned with or very closed to alignment with the pivot axis, e.g., where the actuation surface effectively wraps back around towards the axis. This design increases the force required to actuate conventional retaining clips. To overcome this shortcoming, the actuation surface 64 of the butterfly clip 60 is positioned offset a distance from the axis, to give the user more leverage in actuating the butterfly clip 60. This offset distance may be highly beneficial when the apparatus 10 is used on a weapon that experiences significant forces from firing ammunition, since the greater the forces, the higher tendency there is for the mounting shoe to become frictionally jammed with the butterfly clip 60. The offset distance of the butterfly clip 60 may be, for example, greater than 0.3 inches, such as 0.7 inches. The actuation surface 64 may also be positioned to the side of the butterfly clip 60, thereby allowing the user to actuate the butterfly clip 60 easily.

Movement of the butterfly clip 60 is depicted in FIGS. 4-5, where FIG. 4 illustrates the butterfly clip 60 in the raised (locked) position and FIG. 5 illustrates the butterfly clip 60 in the lowered (unlocked position). Specifically, the butterfly clip 60 is mounted proximate to an entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver 36, such that in a first position, the butterfly clip 60 blocks the entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver 36, thereby preventing a mounting shoe positioned in the mounting shoe receiver 36 from exiting. In a second position, the butterfly clip 60 is lowered such that it does not block the entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver 36, thereby allowing the mounting shoe to be moved out of the mounting shoe receiver 36. When in the second position or release position, the top surface of the butterfly clip 60 may be positioned below a floor of the mounting shoe receiver 36, as is shown in more detail relative to FIG. 14. Additional detail on the movement of the butterfly clip 60 is shown in FIGS. 10-13.

FIGS. 6-7 are rear view illustrations of the mounting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to FIGS. 2-3 and 6-7, the base portion 20 includes a clamping system 80 for clamping the base portion 20 to the rail 14. The clamping system 80 may include a rail groove 84 in which the rail 14 can be positioned and one or more threaded fasteners 82 which can be retained against a side of the rail 14. As shown, the side of the rail 14 may have a culminating point with angled edges which can be engaged with the edges of the rail groove 84. The threaded fasteners 82 may be moveable with the user's fingers or may require tools. As is shown in the previous figures, there may be two threaded fasteners 82 used.

In use, the threaded fastener 82 may be withdrawn from the rail 14 to enlarge the rail groove 84 (FIG. 6) therebetween. With this rail groove 84, the user can linearly move the apparatus 10 to the proper position on the rail 14. Then, the threaded fastener 82 may be tightened on to the rail 14 to retain the apparatus 10 in place. It is noted that the interface between the threaded fastener 82 and the rail 14 may include an angled interface 86 which biases the apparatus 10 downwards towards the upper surface of the rail 14 as the threaded fastener 82 is actuated towards the rail 14. Thus, the angled edges of the rail 14 with the corresponding angled interface 86 of the rail groove 84 may allow for the later movement of the threaded fasteners 82 to effect a vertical compressive force applied to the rail 14. It is noted that conventional fastening systems use a fastener which is positioned at the rear of the mounting device and aligned with the rail 14 itself, which is

cumbersome to use when the optical device is connected to the mounting device.

Positioning the clamping system 80 to the side of the rail 14 and the apparatus 10, and orienting the threaded fasteners 82 to be perpendicular to the rail 14, allows for significantly better access to the components which control the clamping of the mounting device to the rail 14 and allows the mounting device to be shorter in length, smaller in size, and prevents spatial interference with a mounted optical device.

FIGS. 8-9 are top and bottom view illustrations of the mounting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to FIGS. 2-9, it can be seen how the threaded fasteners 82 are positioned perpendicular to the rail 14. FIG. 9 illustrates the underside of the locking hole 50 with the locking receiver 52 engaged therein. FIG. 9 also illustrates the rail path 22 along which the rail 14 can be slid through.

FIGS. 10-13 are side view illustrations of the mounting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 in various steps of engagement with a mounting shoe 16, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 14-1 are isometric view illustrations of the mounting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 in various steps of engagement with a mounting shoe 16, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As is shown in FIGS. 10 and 14, the mounting shoe 16 is about to be connected to the receiving portion 30 of the apparatus 10, such that the dovetailed shoe is approaching the wide end of the mounting shoe receiver 36. The butterfly clip 60 is positioned in the raised or locked position. In FIG. 11, the mounting shoe 1 is partially positioned within the mounting shoe receiver 36 with the butterfly clip 60 positioned in the lower or unlocked position. In this position, the butterfly clip 60 allows the mounting shoe 16 to enter the mounting shoe receiver 36 unobstructed. In FIG. 12, the mounting shoe 16 is shown in a partially engaged position (almost fully engaged) within the mounting shoe receiver 36, whereby the butterfly clip 60 is still in the lowered, unlocked position. In FIGS. 13 and 15, the mounting shoe 16 is shown in the fully engaged position within the mounting shoe receiver 36 and the butterfly clip 60 is in the raised, locked position, whereby it prevents removal of the mounting shoe 16 from the mounting shoe receiver 36.

FIGS. 16A-16C are various view illustrations of a movement restraint 90 for use with the mounting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 17-20 are isometric view illustrations of the movement restraint 90 for use with the mounting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 in various positions of engagement, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to FIGS. 16A-20, the movement restraint 90, also known as a movement restraint bridge 90, may be used to prevent the receiving portion 30 of the apparatus 10 from being moved to the raised position (FIG. 3) when the mounting shoe 16 is engaged with the mounting shoe receiver 36. The movement restraint 90 includes a connector 92 (bridge) which is attached to the mounting shoe 16 at one end and has a restraint structure 94 at another end. The optical device (not shown) can be connected to the top side of the connector 92 and the underside of the connector 92 may be sized to allow the butterfly clip 60 to be raised upwards after engagement of the mounting shoe 16 and the mounting shoe receiver 36.

The restraint structure 94 has an inward-facing protrusion which is sized to fit within a guiding hole 28 on the base portion 20. When the mounting shoe 16 engages with the mounting shoe receiver 36 on the receiving portion 30, the protrusion of the restraint structure 94 is positioned within the guiding hole 28. This positioning of the movement restraint 90 effectively structurally connects the base portion 20 to the receiving portion 30, which prevents movement of the receiving portion 30. In other words, the positioning of the restraint structure 94 within the guiding hole 28 prevents the receiving portion 30 from being rotated about the pivot joint 32, since the contact between the restraint structure 94 and the guiding hole 28 prevents such movement. As can also be seen, the connector 92 may be positioned at least partially over the butterfly clip 60 yet leave enough clearance over the butterfly clip 60 to allow for a user to actuate it. Accordingly, use of the movement restraint 90 does not interfere with the ability to connect or release the mounting shoe 16 from the mounting shoe connector 36.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart 100 illustrating a method of mounting an optical device to a rail mounting structure, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure.

As is shown by block 102, a base portion of a mounting apparatus is engaged with a rail mounting structure by clamping the rail mounting structure within a rail groove positioned on the base portion. A receiving portion of the mounting apparatus is pivotally connected to the base portion (block 104). A mounting shoe is removably mounted within a mounting shoe receiver pocket formed within the receiving portion of the mounting apparatus (block 106). A locking of the mounting shoe within the mounting shoe receiver pocket is controlled with at least one retaining clip connected to the receiving portion and pivotally mounted along an entrance side of the mounting shoe receiver (block 108).

The method may include any number of additional steps, features, processes, or functions, including any disclosed relative to any other figure of this disclosure. For example, the at least one retaining clip may be actuated to unlock the mounting shoe from the mounting shoe receiver pocket by applying a force on an actuation surface of the at least one retaining clip, wherein the actuation surface is located an offset distance from a pivot axis of the retaining clip. The receiving portion may be removably locked to the base portion with a locking hole positioned on the base portion and a locking structure positioned on an underside of the receiving portion, whereby the locking structure is engagable with the locking hole, and the engagement of the locking structure to the locking hole is controlled by a plunger positioned at least partially on a lateral side edge of the receiving portion. Additionally, the receiving portion of the mounting apparatus may be removably locked to the base portion with at least one movement restraint bridge, wherein the movement restraint bridge is connected between the mounting shoe and a guiding hole positioned within the receiving portion, wherein the movement restraint bridge is positioned at least partially above the at least one retaining clip.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any "preferred" embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.