Auxiliary device for a weapon and attachment thereof

Abstract

Abstract of the Disclosure An attachment system is provided for attaching an auxiliary apparatus to a weapon having a frame, and in particular to a weapon frame in the area forward of the trigger guard. An attachment mechanism on the auxiliary apparatus is adapted to be engageable with a rail on the weapon to selectively attach the auxiliary apparatus. The weapon may include a transverse slot which can be engaged by a portion of the auxiliary apparatus to prevent the auxiliary apparatus from sliding relative to the weapon due to recoil forces associated with firing the weapon.

Description

Detailed Description of the InventionCross Reference to Related Applications[0001] This application is a continuation application of and claims priority to co-pending U.S. Application Serial No. 09 / 706,085, filed on November 3, 2000, which is a continuation application of U.S. Patent No. 6,185,854, Serial No. 09 / 109,048, filed on July 2, 1998, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.Background of Invention[0002] The invention relates generally to an auxiliary (e.g., illumination) device for a weapon and, more particularly, to attaching an auxiliary device to a weapon.[0003] The need to be able to effectively see a target and aim a weapon in the direction of the target is well recognized. Auxiliary devices to facilitate illuminating a target or aiming a weapon, especially under low light conditions, are known. Examples of known auxiliary devices include scopes, illuminators, lasers, aiming lights and combined illuminator / laser units. For convenience, these (and other) devic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism for attaching an auxiliary device to a weapon such that the device will maintain or better maintain boresight alignment even after the shocks of repeated weapon fire recoils.

0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism for mounting an auxiliary device to a weapon without temporary or permanent disassembly or removal of any parts from the weapon to which the device is attached.

0017] Another object of the invention is to reduce or minimize the size of an auxiliary device, for example, by providing an auxiliary device which may be attached to the frame of a weapon such that when the device is attached to the weapon, protrusion of the device beyond the overall dimensions of the weapon is reduced or minimized. Preferably, the width of the auxiliary device does not extend beyond the overall width of the weapon to any appreciable degree. Also, the auxiliary device has minimal or no protrusion beyond the front end of the weapon.

0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a battery operated auxiliary device in which the batteries can be easily and readily replaced and such replacement can be performed without tools.

0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a weapon comprising a frame to which an auxiliary device can be easily attached to and removed from the w

Problems solved by technology

Further, such systems typically require use of two hands to mount the device on the weapon, with both hands performing a function beyond merely gripping the weapon.

Moreover, attachment and detachment of these devices can be time consuming and, in law enforcement and military applications, such time may be critical to the safety of the weapon's operator or others.

As a result of these and other problems with conventional devices, the user typically leaves the auxiliary device mounted on the weapon or performs a time consuming operation to mount the device when needed.

These alternatives are undesirable.

Also, in the context of handweapons, for example, many holsters do not readily accommodate weapons having auxiliary devices mounted thereon.

Thus, it is often difficult to holster or carry a weapon having such a device attached to it.

This presents special problems for law enforcement officers and others.

Additionally, the user may not want to use the device during daylight hours, but may want to attach the device to a weapon at night.

Moreover, depending on the configuration of the auxiliary device, the user may need to replace its batteries.

Another problem with conventional auxiliary devices is that the device is often wider than the weapon, or the device protrudes beyond the front end of the weapon.

These characteristics often result in subjecting the auxiliary device to greater wear and tear because the auxiliary device often contacts various obstructions in the environment where the weapon is being used.

For instance, a device extending beyond the end of a barrel of a weapon may collide with doorways, clothing, tree branches, or other objects, tending to tear the device apart from the weapon and possibly damaging, or rendering inoperable, the device or the weapon itself.

Another problem is that an assailant may more easily disarm a us

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