Tactical rail-mounted ammunition caliber tag (TRAC tag) and modular identification system

Abstract

The Tactical Rail-Mounted Ammunition Caliber Tag (TRAC Tag) is an adaptable identification system that can be customized to display ammunition caliber, slogans, names, logos, unit identifiers, or other communicable information on a firearm's accessory mounting surface. The system is designed to fit various firearm platforms, including long guns, shotguns, pistols, and Any Other Weapons (AOW) as defined under the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the National Firearms Act of 1934. The system is also adaptable to other platforms, including less-than-lethal systems, paintball markers, airsoft guns, and crossbows. The TRAC Tag system offers multiple configurations to ensure compatibility with different rail systems and is designed for ease of installation and removal without requiring specialized tools.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Firearms are typically marked with their caliber on the barrel or receiver, as may be required by regulations such as the U.S. Gun Control Act of 1968. However, these factory markings are often small, discreet, and can be difficult to identify quickly. This issue is compounded when an individual owns multiple firearms that are visually similar or identical in appearance but are chambered for different calibers. In such situations, the risk of ammunition misidentification increases, which can be problematic in a home, sporting, or professional environment. As used herein, the term firearm includes, but is not limited to, long guns, shotguns, pistols, and Any Other Weapons (AOW) as defined under regulations such as the National Firearms Act of 1934.

[0002] A common solution for certain platforms, such as AR-15 style rifles, involves replacing the standard ejection port door with one that is laser-engraved with the specific caliber. While this provides a clear visual indicator, the solution has significant drawbacks. The installation process is often complex, requiring the user to partially disassemble the firearm and utilize specialized tools. Furthermore, this solution is platform-specific and not transferable to the wide variety of other platforms that do not have a compatible, replaceable ejection port door.

[0003] Therefore, a need exists for a universal, user-friendly, and non-permanent identification system that can be easily applied to a wide range of firearms and other platforms, including less-than-lethal systems, paintball markers, airsoft guns, and crossbows. Such a system should provide a clear and prominent visual indication of caliber or other critical information without requiring permanent modification to the host platform. The present invention was conceived to address this need by providing a tag that can be securely mounted and removed to common accessory rail systems.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides a modular and adaptable identification tag system configured for attachment to standardized accessory rails, including but not limited to MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny, M-LOK, and KeyMod mounting systems. The tag serves as a prominent display for critical information such as ammunition caliber, unit identifiers, or other visual data configured to be communicable to a human user or a robotic vision system.

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, the identification tag comprises a main body with an external inscription surface. Integral to the main body is a mounting structure, such as a pair of resilient arms, configured to securely engage corresponding geometric features of a MIL-STD-1913 rail. The engagement of the mounting arms is designed to provide audible or tactile feedback to confirm secure installation. The structure is further designed to resist movement from shock and recoil.

[0006] In another aspect of the invention, the tag may be configured for attachment to other rail systems using standard fasteners. In such embodiments, the tag comprises a main body with one or more mounting apertures for receiving screws. The underside of the body is contoured with features, such as protrusion interfaces, configured to interface with the rail system and mate flush against the mounting surface thereof. These embodiments may also include ergonomic features, such as canting surfaces or filleted edges, to improve handling and reduce snagging in addition to contributing to the ergonomics of the system.

[0007] A further aspect of the invention includes a method for displaying information on a weapon platform's handguard or rail system. The method includes providing a modular tag, installing the tag onto an accessory rail, and confirming the secure attachment via tactile, visual or audible feedback.

[0008] These aspects provide a versatile, durable, and user-friendly identification system.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a TRAC Tag configured for a MIL-STD-1913 rail system, shown in orthographic, sectional and detail views.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the FIG. 1 TRAC Tag shown in a mounted state on a MIL-STD-1913 rail system, shown in orthographic and detail views.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a TRAC Tag for an M-LOK handguard, shown in orthographic, sectional, detail views and in its mounted state.

[0012] FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a second-generation TRAC Tag for an M-LOK handguard, shown in orthographic, sectional, detail views and in its mounted state.

[0013] FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a TRAC Tag for a KeyMod handguard, shown in orthographic, sectional, detail views and in its mounted state.

[0014] FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a TRAC Tag with a two-piece construction, shown in orthographic, sectional and isometric views.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals may designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0016] Before describing the specific structural details of each embodiment, it is important to provide context for certain features shown for illustrative purposes. Specifically, Licensing Required Marking (11), depicted in figures such as FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, indicates a marking that may be required for commercial product licensing. On commercial versions of embodiments compatible with the M-LOK standard, this marking is the M-LOK logo, the inclusion of which is a requirement under the licensing agreement with Magpul Industries. This feature is shown in the drawings solely for contextual accuracy and to faithfully represent a potential commercial embodiment. This patent application makes no claim to the Licensing Required Marking (11) itself, nor to any intellectual property, logos, or trademarks owned by Magpul Industries. Feature (11) is included for contextual reference only and does not form any part of the claimed invention.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a TRAC Tag is shown, configured for a MIL-STD-1913 rail system. This embodiment comprises a Main Body (1) that provides the primary structural form. An expansive Inscription / Engraving Surface (3) is integral to the Main Body (1), designed to bear customized Inscription / Engraving Text (2). Projecting from the Main Body (1) are Bottom Tag Arms (4) and Top Tag Arms (6), which are configured to resiliently engage the slots of a rail system. Detail B and Section A-A further illustrate the functional surfaces of these arms. On the interior of the Bottom Tag Arm (4) is a Bottom Retention Surface (7) and a Bottom Tag Mount Fillet (9), which assist in securing the tag and can produce an audible snap upon installation. A Slot Clearance Feature (8) provides precise fitment within a rail slot. On the interior of both the top and bottom arms are Alignment Surfaces (10) that ensure proper positioning. Section A-A also shows the Top Fastening Interface (16) on the Top Tag Arm (6) and the Top Retention Surface (15) on the interior of the main body, which work together to secure the tag to a rail.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 2, the embodiment of a TRAC Tag from FIG. 1 is illustrated in a mounted state on a Rail / Handguard (12). In this view, the Top Tag Arms (6) and Bottom Tag Arms (4) are shown engaged with the Rail / Handguard (12). The Alignment Surface (10) is shown flush against the side of the rail, and the Top Fastening Interface (16) and a Bottom Fastening Surface (24) are engaged with the rail's structure. The Main Body (1) holds the Inscription / Engraving Text (2) in a visible position. The Rail Mounting Surface (23) of the rail is shown for contextual reference.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a TRAC Tag for an M-LOK handguard is shown. This embodiment comprises a Main Body (1) with an Inscription / Engraving Surface (3) for Inscription / Engraving Text (2). The Main Body (1) features through-hole Mounting Apertures (17) designed to receive fasteners. The underside of the Main Body (1) has a Flange Surface (21) and Rail Protrusion Interfaces (19) shaped to mate with the host platform. The body also features a Canting Surface (18) at each end and a Body Fillet Feature (20) that extends along the top perimeter of the tag for improved ergonomics. Also depicted for illustrative purposes are Machine Screws (25), Retention Nuts (26), a Rail / Handguard (12), and a Licensing Required Marking (11). The Rail Mounting Interface (27) denotes the area of contact between the Rail Protrusion Interface (19) and the handguard.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of a TRAC Tag for an M-LOK handguard is shown. This version integrates Mil-Std-1913 Rail Features (28) into the top surface at one end of the Main Body (1), allowing other accessories to be mounted to the TRAC tag itself. The body features an Inscription / Engraving Surface (3) and Mounting Apertures (17) for attachment using Machine Screws (25) and Retention Nuts (26). This embodiment includes a Canting Surface (18), Rail Protrusion Interfaces (19) for mating with the handguard, a Body Fillet Feature (20) surrounding the perimeter of the tag, and a Flange Surface (21) to accommodate the fasteners. This embodiment can also be configured to mount to other systems, such as KeyMod handguards.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of a TRAC Tag for a KeyMod-style handguard is depicted. The Main Body (1), featuring an Inscription / Engraving Surface (3) and Inscription / Engraving Text (2), includes Mounting Apertures (17). In this version, one aperture is a countersunk through-hole while the opposing aperture is a Bugle Nut Aperture (5), shaped to receive a correspondingly shaped Bugle Nut (22) for retaining the Main Body (1) to a Rail / Handguard (12). The body includes a Canting Surface (18) for ergonomic handling, Rail Protrusion Interfaces (19) for mounting, a Body Fillet Feature (20) along the top perimeter, and a Flange Surface (21) to accommodate Machine Screws (25).

[0022] Finally, referring to FIG. 6, an embodiment of a TRAC Tag with a two-piece construction is depicted. This version consists of a Strikeforce Tag Body (13) and a separate Strikeforce Tag Label (14). The Tag Label (14) contains the Inscription / Engraving Surface (3) with its Inscription / Engraving Text (2) and is configured to fit securely within the Label Retention Housing (35) of the Tag Body (13). The Tag Body (13) features Mounting Apertures (17) for Machine Screws (25). As shown in Section K-K, the Tag Body (13) includes a Magnet Aperture (29) configured to hold a Magnet, Rare Earth (30), and a Retention Recess (32). The Tag Label (14) has a corresponding Retention Protrusion (31) that engages the recess to lock the two parts together. For removal, a Removal Slot (33) is provided on the label, which may be leveraged against a Removal Fulcrum Aperture (34) located in the Label Retention Housing (35). This embodiment also features Rail Protrusion Interfaces (19) on the back of the Label Retention Housing (35), a Body Fillet Feature (20), and a Flange Surface (21).

Claims

1. A modular identification tag for an accessory rail, the tag comprising:a main body having a top side, a bottom side, and an exterior surface;an inscription surface formed on the exterior surface of the main body, the inscription surface being configured to receive visual information; anda mounting structure integral to the main body, the mounting structurecomprising a plurality of resilient arms configured to engage corresponding slots of a MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail, wherein the engagement of the resilient arms provides a tactile or audible feedback upon secure installation.

2. The tag of claim 1, wherein the resilient arms comprise a top tag arm and a bottom tag arm, each having an alignment surface on an interior side thereof configured to abut a side surface of the MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail.

3. The tag of claim 2, wherein the bottom tag arm further comprises a bottom retention surface configured to secure the tag against vertical and horizontal movement relative to the accessory rail.

4. The tag of claim 1, wherein the main body is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a composite material, and a metal.

5. The tag of claim 1, wherein the inscription surface is configured to receive information via a marking method selected from the group consisting of laser engraving, mechanical engraving, additive manufacturing, and embossing.

6. An identification tag system for a firearm, the system comprising:a main body having an exterior surface and an underside mounting face;an inscription surface formed on the exterior surface;at least one mounting aperture extending through the main body, the at least one mounting aperture configured to receive a fastener; anda canting surface formed on the main body, the canting surface comprising an angled face configured to facilitate ergonomic handling.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the underside mounting face comprises at least one rail protrusion interface configured to mate with a corresponding feature on a firearm handguard.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the main body further comprises a body fillet feature extending along a perimeter of a top surface of the main body, the body fillet feature being configured to reduce sharp edges.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the main body further comprises an integrated Mil-Std-1913 rail feature on a top surface thereof.

10. The system of claim 6, further comprising a magnet disposed within a magnet aperture in the main body, wherein the magnet is positioned to provide a retentive force against shock.

11. A method of visibly displaying information on a weapon platform having an accessory rail, the method comprising the steps of:providing a modular tag having a main body and an integral inscription surface displaying visual information;aligning the modular tag with the accessory rail;applying pressure to the modular tag to engage a mounting structure on the tag with the accessory rail; andconfirming a secure installation of the modular tag by receiving one of an audible snap and a tactile feedback from the engagement of the mounting structure.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of engaging the mounting structure is performed without the use of specialized tools.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the accessory rail is a MIL-STD-1913 rail and the mounting structure comprises resilient arms that snap into place over the rail.

14. The system of claim 6, wherein the main body is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a composite material, and a metal.

15. The tag of claim 2, further comprising a bottom tag mount fillet formed on the bottom tag arm, the fillet being configured to guide the tag onto the accessory rail.

16. The tag of claim 2, further comprising a slot clearance feature formed on the bottom tag arm, the feature configured to provide a precise fit within a slot of the accessory rail.

17. The system of claim 6, further comprising a flange surface formed on the underside mounting face adjacent to the at least one mounting aperture.

18. The system of claim 6, wherein the main body is of a two-piece construction, comprising a tag body and a separate tag label configured to be securely received within the tag body.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the tag label comprises a retention protrusion and the tag body comprises a corresponding retention recess configured to engage the retention protrusion to lock the label to the body.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the tag body further comprises a removal fulcrum aperture positioned adjacent to the tag label to facilitate removal of the tag label from the tag body.

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