Modular Accessory System For Rifle

Abstract

A rifle is provided. The rifle comprises a barrel, a handguard partly axially surrounding the barrel, and a modular accessory system. The modular accessory system comprises a housing and a modular accessory support system positioned within the housing, wherein the support system includes at least two modular accessory slots. The modular accessory system also comprises a modular accessory removably secured and individually adjustable within each slot. The housing partly axially surrounds the barrel and is positioned axially adjacent to the handguard such that a combination of the handguard and the housing surrounds the barrel completely in an axial manner. Support system configurations of preferably either tray-type or platform-type may be contemplated. The modular accessory system may further comprise a common power source and a display system. A modular accessory system for rifles capable of exchangeably mounting accessories thereto in plug-and-play fashion is therefore achieved.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to the field of rifles, and, more specifically, to modular accessory systems for rifles capable of exchangeably mounting accessories thereto in plug-and-play fashion.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The continuing advancements of combat has led to a clear need for sophisticated weaponry with increased accuracy and multiple operational capabilities. With respect to rifles, particularly of the M4, M16, and AR-15 type, this need is reflected in the requirement that the rifle be able to support various accessories such as spotlight, floodlight, flashlight, targeting device, spotter, illuminator, night vision device, laser dazzler, rangefinder, etc., any of which may utilize visible light, infrared (IR) light, visible laser, IR laser, and electro-optical, etc. Consequently, conventional rifles have utilized various types of rifle mounts capable of holding the above-mentioned accessories. The following are various types o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a rifle with a barrel, handguard, and a modular accessory system. The accessory system includes a housing and a support system with at least two modular accessory slots. Each accessory is individually adjustable in two directions while being secured in a slot. The housing surrounds the barrel and is removably secured to the rifle. The accessories can be accessed through an opening in the housing or through a door in the housing. The accessories include a power source and a display system that receives data from each accessory and displays it on the display. The technical effects of the invention include improved customization options for a rifle and convenient access to modular accessories.

Problems solved by technology

The above conventional accessory mounting systems all suffer from various drawbacks.

Therefore, there is no location commonality of the accessories when comparing one rifle to another, thereby increasing the learning curve.

Also, since these accessories are positioned some distance away from each other and because each accessory is designed by various manufacturers typically with very angular and sharp portions, the potential for snagging along objects, people, buildings, becomes quite large.

Another disadvantage of utilizing rail-type mounts is that the accessories mounted thereon are individually exposed and independently operable thereby requiring large protective shell housings, separate batteries and corresponding circuitry, all of which are costly and increases weight.

Thus, if an entire accessory or one component within an accessory is non-functioning, the entire accessory (including the protective shell housing, separate battery, and corresponding circuitry) needs to be replaced at an increased cost.

Yet another disadvantage occurs each time an accessory is replaced.

As a further disadvantage, since each accessory is independently powered by a separate battery, each battery needs to be monitored.

Since the accessories are likely to consume power at different amounts and times and since accessories and their corresponding batteries are themselves likely to be replaced at different times, determining the charge remaining for all the various batteries will be a constant struggle.

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