Firearm quick connection mount

Abstract

Firearm accessories, accessory mounts, and associated components and methods. An accessory mount includes a mount housing and first and second jaws supported by the mount housing. The first jaw is moveable relative to the second jaw. The first and second jaws are configured for insertion into a slot of the firearm and engage opposite ends of the slot to connect the accessory mount to the firearm. A spring biases the first and second jaws away from one another. An accessory connector is coupled to the mount housing. The accessory connector connects to the accessory.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 747,522, filed January 21, 2025, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to mounting accessories to firearms, and more particularly to an accessory mount for mounting a firearm accessory to a firearm.BACKGROUND

[0003] Firearms may include mounting structures, such as M-LOK rails, that permit accessories to be attached to the firearm. SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, an accessory mount for attaching an accessory to a firearm comprises a mount housing and first and second jaws supported by the mount housing. The first jaw is moveable relative to the second jaw to arrange the jaws in a non-securing configuration and arrange the jaws in a securing configuration in which the jaws are farther from each other than in the non-securing configuration. The first and second jaws are configured to be inserted into a slot of the firearm in the non-securing configuration and to engage opposite ends of the slot in the securing configuration to connect the accessory mount to the firearm. A spring biases the first and second jaws away from one another. An accessory connector is coupled to the mount housing. The accessory connector is configured to connect to the accessory.

[0005] Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective of a firearm with a brass catcher connected to the firearm with an accessory mount according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective of the brass catcher and the accessory mount;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective of the accessory mount;

[0009] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional perspective of the accessory mount attached to the firearm;

[0010] FIGS. 5 and 6 are additional enlarged, fragmentary cross-sections of the accessory mount and the firearm illustrating the steps of connecting and disconnecting the accessory mount and the firearm;

[0011] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the accessory mount;

[0012] FIG. 8 is a perspective of the firearm with a barrel support connected to the firearm with an accessory mount according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective of the accessory mount of FIG. 8;

[0014] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective of the accessory mount of FIG. 8;

[0015] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-section of the accessory mount of FIG. 8 attached to the firearm;

[0016] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional perspective of the accessory mount of FIG. 8, a jaw of the accessory mount being moved to a release position; and

[0017] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the accessory mount of FIG. 8.

[0018] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure relates to accessory mounts for attaching or mounting accessories (e.g., firearm accessories, weapon accessories) to a firearm (e.g., a rifle). The accessory mounts of the present disclosure enable rapid attachment and detachment of accessories to and from the firearm (without the use of any tools), and therefore can be referred to quick connection mounts. Examples of accessories connectable to the firearm with the accessory mounts of the present disclosure include a brass catcher (FIG. 1) and a barrel support (FIG. 8). It is understood the accessory mounts of the present disclosure can be used to attach other types and / or configurations of accessories to a firearm without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It is also understood the accessory mounts can be used to attach accessories to other structures, besides firearms, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, one embodiment of an accessory mount (e.g., quick connection mount) for attaching an accessory A to a firearm F is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. In this embodiment, the accessory A is a brass catcher or shell casing collector 100, with the accessory mount 10 ("mount") connecting the brass catcher to the firearm F. The mount 10 can be used to attach other types or configurations of accessories A to the firearm F without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] The mount 10 includes a mount housing or body 12 and a firearm connector 14. The firearm connector 14 is configured to connect the mount to the firearm F. The firearm F includes mounting structure 2 for the mount 10 to connect or attach to. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting structure 2 is in the form of a handguard over a barrel B of the firearm F (e.g., rifle). The mounting structure 2 comprises a Modular Lock (M-LOK) structure (e.g., M-LOK rail). The M-LOK mounting structure 2 includes a mounting structure body 6 having a plurality of elongated slots 4 extending generally parallel to the barrel B of the firearm F. The slots 4 are all generally identical. Each slot 4 (e.g., mounting slot) has a generally racetrack shape with parallel opposing sides and opposite rounded ends. Accordingly, the ends of each slot 4 are closed (completely defined by the body 6). The firearm connector 14 of the mount 10 is insertable into any one of the slots 4 of the mounting structure 2 to connect the mount to the firearm F. The mount can be used with other types of mounting structures without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] The firearm connector 14 comprises a first jaw 16 and a second jaw 18.. The first and second jaws 16, 18 are supported by the mount housing 12. The mount housing 12 includes a jaw holder 20 supporting the first and second jaws 16, 18. The first jaw 16 is moveable relative to the second jaw 18. One or both of the first and second jaws 16, 18 can be moveable with respect to the mount housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first jaw 16 is moveable relative to the mount housing 12 and the second jaw 18 is fixed to the mount housing 12. Thus, the second jaw 18 is not moveable relative to the mount housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the second jaw 18 and the mount housing 12 (specifically, the jaw holder 20) are an integrally formed, one-piece component. In other embodiments, the second jaw and the mount housing are separate pieces connected together, such as by welding or fasteners.

[0023] The mount housing 12 (specifically, the jaw holder 20) includes a channel 22. The first jaw 16 is slideably disposed in the channel 22. This allows the first jaw 16 to move relative to the second jaw 18 and the mount housing 12. The first jaw 16 includes a base or slider 24 and an arm 26 extending from the base. The arm 26 forms a hook for engaging the mounting structure 2 (e.g., body 6 thereof). The channel 22 includes a mouth 28. The mouth 28 is disposed on an exterior of the mount housing 12. The first jaw 16 extends out of the channel 22 through the mouth 28. The base 24 is disposed in (e.g., entirely disposed in) the channel 22 and the arm 26 extends out of the channel through the mouth 28. The base 24 slides (e.g., linearly slides) within the channel 22. The cross-sectional shapes of the base 24 and the channel 22 (the portion of the channel opposite the mouth 28) generally match or correspond to one another, to enable the base to slide smoothly and easily within the channel. The first jaw 16 is inhibited from pivoting or rotating relative to the mount housing 12. In particular, the first jaw 16 is inhibited from pivoting or rotating about an axis generally perpendicular to the channel 22 (e.g., inhibited from pivoting or rotating about an axis generally normal to the mouth 28 of the channel). The size and shape of the base 24 and the base's engagement with the internal surfaces of the mount housing 12 bounding the channel 22 inhibit the base (an thereby the first jaw 16) from rotating or pivoting relative to the mount housing.

[0024] The mount housing 12 is configured to retain the first jaw 16 with the mount housing. In particular, the mount housing 12 and the base 24 of the first jaw 16 are arranged relative to one another to retain the first jaw in the channel 22. The base 24 of the first jaw 16 is wider than the arm 26 of the first jaw. The mouth 28 of the channel 22 includes a first or wide mouth section 28A and a second or narrow mouth section 28B. The narrow mouth section 28B is defined by a neck of the mount housing 12. The wide mouth section 28A is sized and shaped to permit the first jaw 16 (specifically, the base 24 thereof) to be inserted into (and removed from) the channel 22 through the wide mouth section. The width of the wide mouth section 28A is equal to or larger than the width of the base 24, thereby allowing the base (broadly, the first jaw 16) to be inserted into (and removed from) the channel 22 through the wide mouth section. For example, the base 24 can be inserted through the wide mouth section 28A when assembling the mount 10. The narrow mouth section 28B is sized and shaped to inhibit the first jaw 16 (specifically, the base 24 thereof) from moving out of (and inserted into) the channel 22 through the narrow mouth section. The width of the narrow mouth section 28B is less than the width of the base 24, thereby preventing the base (broadly, the first jaw 16) from moving out of (and being inserted into) the channel 22 through the narrow mouth section. This retains the base 24, and thereby the first jaw 16, in the channel 22 during use of the mount 10. The arm 26 of the first jaw 16 extends through the narrow mouth section 28B. The arm 26 of the first jaw 16 can also extend through the wide mouth section 28A.

[0025] The mount 10 includes a spring 30 (e.g., first or jaw spring) for biasing the first and second jaws 16, 18 away from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 30 comprises a coiled spring. The first jaw 16 is moveable against the bias of the spring 30. The spring is disposed in the channel 22. The base 24 of the first jaw 16 can include a cavity or blind-hole 32 for receiving a first end portion of the spring 30. The first end of the spring 30 engages the base 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the mount housing 12 includes a spring opening or bore 34 extending from an end of the channel 22 to an exterior of the mount housing. The opposite second end portion of the spring 30 is received in the spring bore 34. The mount housing 12 can include threads in the spring opening 34. A set screw 36 (broadly, spring retainer) is threadably connected to the threads in the spring opening 34 for securing the spring 30 to the mount housing 12. The second end of the spring 30 engages the set screw 36.

[0026] The mount housing 12 limits how far the spring 30 can move the first jaw 16 away from the second jaw 18. The spring 30 pushes the first jaw 16 against the mount housing 12, thereby setting the first jaw in a first or home position (FIG. 3). The mount housing 12 includes a stop 38 which engages the arm 26 of the first jaw 16 to set the first jaw in the home position. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 38 bounds an end of the narrow mouth section 28B.

[0027] The second jaw 18 includes an arm 40 extending from the mount housing 12. The arm 40 of the second jaw 18 also forms a hook for engaging the mounting structure 2 (e.g., body 6 thereof). In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 26, 40 of the first and second jaws 16, 18 are generally mirror images of one another. The arms 26, 40 are oriented away from each other for reception in opposite ends of the slot 4. Each arm 26, 40 includes a wedge, cam, or ramp 42 arranged to engage the portions of the body 6 of the mounting structure 2 defining the ends of the slot 4. The wedges 42 are configured such that as the first and second jaws 16, 18 are moved away from one another, the wedges 42 engage the body 6 of the mounting structure 2 to move or draw the mount housing 12 against the body of the mounting structure. In other words, the body 6 of the mounting structure 2 can be sandwiched between the wedges 42 (broadly, the first and second jaws 16, 18) and the mount housing 12. This helps inhibit the mount 10 from moving relative to the mounting structure 2 when attached to the mounting structure. The bias applied by the spring 30 urges the wedges 42 of the first and second jaws 16, 18 against the portions of the body 6 at each end of the slot 4, thereby retaining the mount 10 on the firearm F.

[0028] The first and second jaws 16, 18 are configured to be inserted into the slot 4 of the firearm F and engage opposite ends of the slot to connect the mount 10 to the firearm. In particular, the arms 26, 40 of the first and second jaws 16, 18 are inserted into and through the slot 4 of the firearm F. The spring 30 urges the first and second jaws 16, 18 into engagement with the ends of the slot 4. The arms 26, 40 overlie the portions of the body 6 defining the ends of the slot 4, thereby securing the mount 10 to the mounting structure 2. The wedges 42 of the arms 26, 40 causes the arms to engage the rounded ends of the slot 4 and apply a laterally outward force against the slot edges, thereby drawing the mount housing 12 against the body 6.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the first jaw 16 is moveable between a first or securing position (FIG. 4) and a second, release, or non-securing position (FIGS. 5 and 6) to change the jaws between a securing configuration and a non-securing configuration. The securing position can be the same as the home position or adjacent to the home position. The first jaw 16 is closer to the second jaw 18 in the release position than in the securing position. In the securing position, the first jaw 16 engages one end of the slot 4 and overlaps the body 6 at said end. The first jaw 16 is separated by a sufficient distance from the second jaw such that, when the first and second jaws are in the slot 4, the distance between the first and second jaws causes the second jaw to engage the other end of the slot and overlap the body 6 at this other end. In the release position, the distance between the first and second jaws 16, 18 is such that at least one of the jaws (e.g., the second jaw) does not engage its corresponding end of the slot 4. The distance between the outer most ends of the first and second jaws 16, 18 is equal to or less than the length of the slot 4 (FIG. 5), thereby permitting the jaws to move through the slot (to attach the mount 10 to or detach the mount from the firearm F).

[0030] To disconnect the mount 10 from the firearm F, the user engages and moves (e.g., pushes) the mount housing 12 in an connection direction CD. The connection direction CD extends from the second jaw 18 toward the first jaw 16. The exterior of the mount housing 12 can include gripping features, such as protrusions 44, enhance the users grip of the mount housing 12 and prevent the user's fingers from moving (e.g., sliding) relative to the mount housing when moving the mount housing relative to the firearm. The protrusions 44 can be disposed on opposite sides of the mount housing 12. As the user moves the mount housing 12 in the connection direction CD, the first jaw 16 is moved towards its release position (the first jaw 16 remains engaged with the end of the slot 4, thereby causing the first jaw to move relative to the mount housing as the mount housing is moved) against the spring 30. With the first jaw 16 is in the release position, the second jaw 18 is clear of the other end of the slot 4 (FIG. 5). At this time, the user can withdraw the jaws 16, 18 from the slot 4. The user rocks or pivots the mount housing 12 so that the second jaw 18 moves out of the slot 4 first (FIG. 6). After the second jaw 18 is removed from the slot 4, the user can move the mount housing 12 to move the first jaw 16 out of the slot 4. Once the second jaw 18 is moved out of the slot 4, it does not matter if the first jaw 16 is in the securing or release position. Removing the first jaw 16 from the slot 4 will disengage the first jaw from the body 6 of the mounting structure 2. As a result, the spring 30 will move the first jaw 16 to the home position.

[0031] To connect the mount 10 to the firearm F, the process is generally reversed. The first jaw 16 is moved through the slot 4 and into engagement with one end of the slot. The mount housing 12 will be oriented at an angle relative to the slot 4, as the second jaw 18 cannot yet move into the slot. The user moves the mount housing 12 in the connection direction CD. This press the first jaw 16 against the end of the slot 4 and moves the first jaw 16 relative to the mount housing 12 to the release position (against the spring 30). With the first jaw 16 in the release position, the user moves (e.g., pivots or rocks) the mount housing 12 toward the mounting structure 2 to move the second jaw 18 into and through the slot 4. After the second jaw 18 is in the slot 4, the user releases the mount housing 12, which permits the spring 30 to move the first jaw 16 toward the securing position. As the first jaw 16 is moved to the securing position, the mount housing 12 and the second jaw 18 move relative to the mounting structure 2, thereby engaging the second jaw with the other end of the slot 4. The first and second jaws 16, 18 are now engages with the opposite ends of the slot 4. The first and second jaws 16, 18 overlies the slot edge margins of the body 6 bounding the ends of the slot 4, securing the mount 10 to the firearm F.

[0032] Thus, the mount 10 (specifically, the first and second jaws 16, 18) can be connected and disconnected from the firearm F without the use of any tools (e.g., screwdriver, wrench, etc.). This allows the user or shooter to rapidly attach and detach the accessory A to the firearm. For example, the user can rapidly detach the accessory A for storage and / or to attach the accessory to a different firearm. In addition, in this embodiment, the mount 10 is free of an actuator for moving the first jaw 16 relative to the second jaw 18 (broadly, from moving the first and second jaws relative to one another and / or relative to the mount housing 12). Specifically, the mount 10 is free of an actuator that moves relative to the mount housing 12 for moving the first jaw 16 relative to the second jaw 18 (e.g., for moving the first jaw toward the release position). Instead, the user engages or grips the mount housing 12 to move the first jaw 16 by pressing the first jaw against the body 6 of the mounting structure 2.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 7, the mount 10 includes an accessory connector 46. The accessory connector 46 attaches or connects to the accessory A, thereby connecting the accessory to the mount 10. The accessory connector 46 is, broadly, coupled or connected to the mount housing 12. In this embodiment, the accessory connector 46 permits the accessory A to move relative to the mount to change a longitudinal position of the accessory along the firearm F. This allows the user to move the accessory A between the butt and muzzle of the firearm F to position the accessory as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory connector 46 comprises a tunnel, bore (broadly, an opening), or track 48 with opposite open ends. The accessory A extends into (and through) the tunnel 48. The tunnel 48 extends generally parallel to the slot 4 when the mount 10 is attached to the mounting structure 2. In other words, the tunnel 48 extends generally parallel to the direction of movement of the first jaw 16 along the channel 22. The tunnel 48 is defined by the mount housing 12. Other configurations of the accessory connector 46 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the mount housing 12 defines the tunnel 48. The mount housing 12 includes a cover or plate 50. The cover 50 and the jaw holder 20 cooperate to define the tunnel 48. Cover 50 is secured to the jaw holder 20 with one or more fasteners 52 (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.). The accessory connector 46 (broadly, the mount 10) can include one or more accessory retainers 54 for securing the accessory A to the accessory connector. In the illustrated embodiment, two accessory retainers 54 are provided. Each accessory retainer 54 engages the accessory A to inhibit the accessory from moving relative to the mount 10 (keep the accessory in the desired longitudinal position relative to the firearm F), when the accessory is disposed in the tunnel 48. The accessory retainers 54 are arranged to engage the portion of the accessory A disposed in the tunnel 48. In the illustrated embodiment, each accessory retainer 54 comprises a detent (e.g., spring-loaded detent), although other configurations of the retainers can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the accessory A the mount 10 is connecting to the firearm F is a brass catcher or shell casing collector 100. The brass catcher 100 is connected to the accessory connector 46 of the mount 10. The brass catcher 100 includes a brass receiver or container 102 configured to receive and collect shell casings (also called brass) ejected from the firearm F during firing. The brass receiver 102 includes a receiver frame 104 and a bag or netting 106 (e.g., netting) supported by the receiver frame. The receiver frame 104 defines a generally trapezoidal or bucket-shaped structure. The bag 106 is secured around the perimeter of the receiver frame 104 and extends rearward to form a collection receptacle. The brass receiver 102 has a brass receiving opening 108 defined by the receiver frame 104. The brass receiving opening 108 permits shell casings ejected from the firearm F to enter the bag 106 for collection. When the brass catcher 100 is connected to the firearm F via the mount 10, the brass receiving opening 108 overlies the action of the firearm F (the ejector port thereof) to receive spent shells ejected therefrom.

[0036] The brass catcher 100 can include a hinge or pivot connection 112 between the brass receiver 102 and the mount 10. The hinge 112 permits the brass receiver 102 to pivot relative to the mount 10. The brass receiver 102 is pivotable about the hinge 112 to permit the brass receiver 102 to be moved between an operational position and an access position. In the operational position (FIG. 1), the brass receiving opening 108 is positioned to overlie the action of the firearm F for receiving ejected shell casings. In the access position, the brass receiver 102 is pivoted away from the operational position to permit the user to access the collected shell casings in the bag 106, access the action of the firearm F, and / or to otherwise manipulate the brass receiver 102 and / or firearm.

[0037] The hinge 112 includes hinge members 114 having meshed teeth 116 defining preset pivoted positions of the brass receiver 102 with respect to the mount 10. A spring biases the teeth 116 in mesh engagement with each other. The spring bias can be overcome by applying manual force on the brass receiver 102 tending to pivot the brass receiver about the hinge 112 and / or by moving (e.g., lifting) one of the hinge members 114 away from the other hinge member. The spring biases the teeth 116 in retaining engagement to maintain the brass receiver 102 in a pivoted position selected by the user. The meshed teeth 116 provide discrete angular positions for the brass receiver 102, allowing the user to adjust the orientation of the brass receiving opening 108 relative to the firearm F.

[0038] The brass catcher 100 (broadly, the accessory A) includes a mount connector 120 for connecting the brass catcher to the mount 10. The mount connector 120 connects with the accessory connector 46, thereby coupling the mount 10 and the brass catcher 100 together. In the illustrated embodiment, the mount connector 120 comprises a slide or bar 122 extending into (and through) the tunnel 48 of the accessory connector 46. One end of the slide 122 is connected to the hinge 112 (specifically, on of the hinge members 114) and the opposite end of the slide is a free end. The slide 122 supports the hinge 112 and therefore can be considered a hinge support (broadly, the mount connector 120 is a hinge support). In the illustrated embodiment, the slide 122 includes an elongate slot 124. The fasteners 52 of the mount 10 extending through the slot 124 of the slide 122 to brace the slide relative to the mount housing 12 and guide sliding movement of the slide relative to the mount housing. The slide 122 includes a series of recesses or openings 128 spaced apart along the length of the slide. Each accessory retainer 54 of the mount 10 is engagable or mateable with the recesses 128 (one at a time) to locate the brass receiver 102 relative to the mount 10 (broadly, the firearm F). Each accessory retainer 54 engages a selected one of the recesses 128 to set the position of the slide 122 relative to the mount housing 12. This arrangement permits a user to move the brass receiver 102 forward or rearward along the firearm F, such as to align the brass receiving opening 108 with the action (e.g., ejector port) of the firearm F. To move the slide 122 relative to the mount 10, the user applies a sufficient force in the forward or rearward direction (relative to the firearm) to overcome the biasing force of the accessory retainers 54 (e.g., spring-loaded detents) to slide the mount connector 120 along the tunnel 48, thereby adjusting the longitudinal position of the brass receiver 102 along the firearm F.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 8-13, another embodiment of an accessory mount (e.g., quick connection mount) for attaching an accessory A to a firearm F is generally indicated by reference numeral 10'. The accessory mount ("mount") 10' of FIGS. 8-13 is generally analogous to the mount 10 of FIGS. 1-7, and thus, for ease of comprehension, where similar, analogous, or identical parts are used, identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions regarding the mount 10 of FIGS. 1-7 also apply to the mount 10' of FIGS. 8-13. In this embodiment, the accessory A being mounted to the firearm F by the mount 10' is a barrel support 200.

[0040] In this embodiment, the mount 10' includes an actuator 60 (e.g., a jaw actuator) for facilitating attachment and detachment of the mount 10' to the firearm F. The actuator 60 moves at least one of the first and second jaws 16, 18 relative to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 60 moves the first jaw 16 relative to the second jaw 18. In particular, the actuator 60 moves the first jaw 16 from the home position / securing position toward (e.g., to) the release position (moves the first jaw toward the second jaw 18) to permit connection and / or disconnection of the mount 10' and the firearm F. The actuator 60 pushes the first jaw 16 toward the second jaw 18. The actuator 60 moves the first jaw 16 relative to (e.g., toward) the second jaw 18 in a direction (e.g., first or jaw movement direction). The jaw movement direction is generally parallel to an axis (e.g., barrel axis) of the firearm F, when the mount 10' is attached to the firearm. In the illustrated embodiment, the jaw movement direction is generally forward. The first jaw 16 can be referred to as a rear jaw and the second jaw 18 can be referred to as a front jaw, as the first jaw is rearward of the second jaw when the mount 10' is mounted to the firearm F in the illustrated embodiment (although the mount can be attached to the firearm in the opposite orientation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] The actuator 60 is supported by the mount housing 12. The actuator 60 is moveable relative to the mount housing 12. The actuator 60 can move between a first, home, or closed position (FIGS. 9 and 10) and a second or open position (FIG. 12). The actuator 60 moves from the closed position toward the open position to move the first jaw 16 relative to the second jaw 18 (e.g., move the first jaw from the securing position to the release position). In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 60 pivots or rotates about a pivot axis PA. The actuator 60 pivots as the actuator moves the first jaw 16 relative to the second jaw 18 (as the actuator moves between the open and closed positions). The pivot axis PA extends generally perpendicular to the jaw movement direction. The actuator 60 is pivotably connected to the mount housing 12 by a pivot connection 62. The pivot connection 62 defines the pivot axis PA. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot connection 62 includes a fastener 64 (e.g., pin) connecting the actuator 60 and the mount housing 12 together. The fastener 64 is secured with a retaining ring 66 (e.g., E-clip).

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 60 comprises a lever 68 and a cam or ram 70. The ram 70 is attached to one end of the lever 68. The lever 68 includes a finger tab or handle 72 arranged to be engaged by the user to move (e.g., pivot) the actuator 60 between the open and closed positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the finger tab 72 extends laterally outward and forward from a remainder (e.g., central body) of the lever 68. The finger tab 72 is disposed at one end of the lever 68 and the ram 70 is attached to the opposite end of the lever. The pivot connection 62 is disposed between the finger tab 72 and the ram 70 along the lever 68.

[0043] The ram 70 engages and moves (e.g., push) the first jaw 16 as the actuator 60 moves from the closed position to the open position. The ram 70 includes a cam or ram surface 74 that pushes the first jaw 16 toward the second jaw 18. The ram surface 74 is arranged to engage the base 24 of the first jaw 16. In the illustrated embodiment, ram 70 includes a ram base 76, a ram or actuator spring 78, and a pusher 80. The pusher 80 forms the ram surface 74. The ram spring 78 is disposed between the pusher 80 and the ram base 76 and biases these two components away from one another. The ram base 76 includes an opening (e.g., blind bore) that receives the pusher 80 and the ram spring 78 (at least portions thereof). The pusher 80 also includes an opening (e.g., blind bore) that receives the ram spring 78 (at least a portion thereof). As the actuator 60 pivots about the pivot axis PA, the ram surface 74 pushes the first jaw 16 (the base 24 thereof) toward the second jaw 18 against the bias of the spring 30. The compression of the ram spring 78 can be limited to ensure the pusher 80 (e.g., the ram surface 74 thereof) is able to engage the first jaw 16. Alternatively, if the pusher 80 is pushed completely into the ram base 76 during actuation of the actuator 60, the end of the ram base 76 facing the first jaw can also form a ram surface that engages and pushes the first jaw 16 toward the second jaw 18. Other configurations of the actuator can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] In the closed position (FIGS. 9 and 10), the actuator 60 (specifically, the lever 68) extends alongside the mount housing 12. The actuator 60 is disposed adjacent to and generally parallel with an exterior surface of the mount housing 12, providing a compact and low-profile configuration. In the open position (FIG. 12), the actuator 60 is pivoted away from the mount housing 12.

[0045] The mount 10' can include a second spring 31 (e.g., coiled spring) for biasing the first jaw 16 toward the securing position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second spring 31 is disposed inside the first spring 30. The arrangement of the second spring 31 is similar to the first spring 30. One end of the second spring 31 is engaged with the base 24 of the first jaw 16 and is disposed in the cavity 32 thereof. The other end of the second spring 31 is engaged with the set screw 36 and is disposed in the spring opening 34 of the mount housing 12. The actuator 60 moves the first jaw 16 against the bias of the first and second springs 30, 31. In other embodiments, the second spring can be omitted.

[0046] The actuator 60 is biased toward the closed position. The ram spring 78 biases the actuator 60 toward the closed position. The first and second springs 30, 31 can also assist in biasing the actuator 60 toward the closed position, by moving the first jaw 16 toward the home position / securing position. With the first jaw 16 in the home position or securing position, the ram spring 78 pushes the ram base 76 and the pusher 80 apart, thereby moving the lever 68 against the exterior of the mount housing 12. The engagement of the lever 68 with the exterior of the mount housing 12 positions the actuator 60 in the closed position.

[0047] The mount 10' can include a stop 82. The stop 82 is arranged to engage (e.g., be engaged by) the firearm F (specifically, the body 6 of the mounting structure 2) to limit the ability for the firearm to move the first jaw 16 relative to the second jaw 18. In other words, the stop 82 prevents the mount housing 12 and the mounting structure 2 from moving relative to one another in a way that moves the first jaw to the release position. This is different than the mount 10 of FIGS. 1-7, in which the mount housing 12 is moved relative to the mounting structure 2 to move the first jaw 16 to the release position to connect and disconnect the mount to and from the firearm (as described above). The stop 82 prevents the mount 10' from inadvertently disconnecting from the firearm. For example, in use, the firearm could apply enough force to move the first jaw 16 to the release position, if the stop 82 was not present. The stop 82 is arranged to engage the end of the slot 4 the first jaw 16 engages. With reference to FIG. 12, with the second jaw 18 and the stop 82 disposed in the slot 4, the stop inhibits the body 6 of the mounting structure 2 from moving the first jaw 16 or limits the body of the mounting structure from moving the first jaw to the release position. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 82 comprises two posts or projections 84. The posts 84 are spaced apart from one another (across the narrow mouth section 28B), allowing the first jaw 16 (the arm 26 thereof) to move between the posts. Other configurations of the stop can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, to disconnect the mount 10' from the firearm F, the user moves (e.g., pivots) the actuator 60 from the closed position toward the open position. As the actuator 60 pivots, the ram 70 pushes the first jaw 16 toward the second jaw 18, compressing the first and second springs 30, 31 and moving the first jaw to the release position. With the first jaw 16 in the release position, the distance between the first and second jaws 16, 18 is reduced such that the jaws can be withdrawn from the slot 4. The user then withdraws the jaws 16, 18 from the slot 4 to disconnect the mount 10' from the firearm F. The user can rock or pivot the mount housing 12 relative to the firearm F to withdraw the first and second jaws 16, 18.

[0049] To connect the mount 10' to the firearm F, the user moves (e.g., pivots) the actuator 60 from the closed position toward the open position to move the first jaw 16 toward the second jaw 18. With the first jaw 16 in the release position, the user inserts the first and second jaws 16, 18 (and the stop 82) into the slot 4. This can be done with a rocking or pivoting motion of the mount housing 12. After, the user releases the actuator 60. The first and second springs 30, 31 move the first jaw 16 away from the second jaw 18 to the securing position. This also moves the actuator 60 toward the closed position. The ram spring 78 can finish moving the actuator 60 to the closed position (if needed). The first and second jaws 16, 18 engage opposite ends of the slot 4, securing the mount 10' to the firearm F. The first and second jaws 16, 18 are far enough apart from each other to prevent removal of the jaws from the slot 4.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 8-13, in this embodiment, the accessory connector 46 comprises a bore or opening 49 for receiving a fastener for connecting the accessory A to the mount 10'. The bore 49 is defined by the mount housing 12. The bore 49 (broadly, the accessory connector 46) allows the accessory A to pivot or rotate relative to the firearm F (about an axis defined by the bore).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the accessory A is a barrel support 200 for supporting the barrel B of the firearm F. The mount 10' of this embodiment is connecting to the barrel support 200 to the firearm F. In the illustrated embodiment the barrel support 200 comprises a bipod, although other types and configurations of the barrel supports can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The barrel support 200 includes a hub 202 and two legs 204 (broadly, at least one leg) extending from the hub. The legs 204 support the firearm F on a support surface (e.g., ground, tabletop, etc.), such as to assist the user in aiming the firearm. The legs 204 are pivotable with respect to the hub 202 between respective operational positions (FIG. 8) and stowed positions. The legs 204 pivot forward from their respective operational positions to the stowed positions. In the stowed positions, the legs 204 extend generally forward along the firearm F, generally parallel to the barrel B. Springs 206 secure and hold the legs 204 in their respective operational and stowed positions. The hub 202 is connected to the mount 10' via the accessory connector 46. The fastener extends through the bore 49 to connect the hub 202 and mount housing 12 together.

[0052] It is appreciated that the person of ordinary skill in the art is readily able to determine the scope of terms of degree such as, but not limited to, “about,”“substantially,” and “generally.” For example, when a term of degree is used in relation to a numeric value, the person of ordinary skill in the art understands that the term of degree covers an inclusive range of plus or minus 10% of the numeric value, unless clearly indicated or stated otherwise.

[0053] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0054] As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. An accessory mount for attaching an accessory to a firearm, the mount comprising:a mount housing;first and second jaws supported by the mount housing, the first jaw being moveable relative to the second jaw to arrange the jaws in a non-securing configuration and arrange the jaws in a securing configuration in which the jaws are farther from each other than in the non-securing configuration, the first and second jaws configured to be inserted into a slot of the firearm in the non-securing configuration and to engage opposite ends of the slot in the securing configuration to connect the accessory mount to the firearm;a spring biasing the first and second jaws away from one another; andan accessory connector coupled to the mount housing, the accessory connector configured to connect to the accessory.

2. The accessory mount of claim 1, wherein the second jaw is fixed to the mount housing so that the second jaw is not moveable relative to the mount housing.

3. The accessory mount of claim 1, wherein the first jaw is inhibited from pivoting relative to the mount housing.

4. The accessory mount of claim 1, wherein the accessory mount is free of an actuator for moving the first jaw relative to the second jaw.

5. The accessory mount of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to move the first jaw relative to the second jaw.

6. The accessory mount of claim 5, wherein the actuator is configured to move the first jaw toward the second jaw to arrange the jaws in the non-securing configuration.

7. The accessory mount of claim 5, wherein the actuator is configured to push the first jaw toward the second jaw.

8. The accessory mount of claim 5, wherein the actuator is moveable from a first position toward a second position to move the first jaw relative to the second jaw, the actuator extending alongside the mount housing when in the first position.

9. The accessory mount of claim 8, wherein the actuator is biased toward the first position.

10. The accessory mount of claim 8, further comprising an actuator spring biasing the actuator toward the first position.

11. The accessory mount of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to move the first jaw away from the second jaw in a first direction, the actuator configured to pivot about a pivot axis as the actuator moves the first jaw relative to the second jaw, the pivot axis extending generally perpendicular to the first direction.

12. The accessory mount of claim 11, wherein the actuator comprises a lever.

13. The accessory mount of claim 1, further comprising a stop configured to engage the firearm to limit the ability for the firearm to move the first jaw relative to the second jaw.

14. The accessory mount of claim 1, wherein the mount housing includes a channel, the first jaw being slideably disposed in the channel.

15. The accessory mount of claim 14, wherein the channel includes a mouth, the first jaw extending through the mouth of the channel, the mouth including a first mouth section and a second mouth section, the first mouth section being sized and shaped to permit the first jaw to be inserted into the channel through the first mouth section, the second mouth section being sized and shaped to inhibit the first jaw from moving out of the channel through the second mouth section.

16. The accessory mount of claim 1, wherein the accessory connector is configured to permit the accessory to move relative to the accessory mount to change a longitudinal position of the accessory along the firearm.

17. The accessory mount of claim 1, wherein the accessory connector comprises an opening for receiving a fastener for connecting the accessory to the accessory mount.

18. The accessory mount of claim 1, in combination with the accessory, the accessory connector of the accessory mount being connected to the accessory.

19. The accessory mount of claim 18, wherein the accessory comprises a brass catcher.

20. The accessory mount of claim 18, wherein the accessory comprises a barrel support for supporting a barrel of the firearm.

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