Tactically advanced combat mount (TACM III .TM.) illuminating devices and illuminating mounting systems for firearms and other applications

• US 6,023,875 A
• Filed: 10/16/1995
• Issued: 02/15/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/16/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mark Kevin Fell, Michael Jon Squillante
• Original Assignee: Mark Kevin Fell, Michael Jon Squillante
• Inventors: Fell, Mark Kevin, Squillante, Michael Jon
• Primary Examiner(s): JOHNSON, STEPHEN
• Application Number:
  US08/543,276
• Time in Patent Office: 1,583 Days
• Field of Search: 42/103, 362/110, 362/113, 362/114
• US Class Current: 42/146
• CPC Class Codes: F41C 23/22 Stocks having space for the storage of objects
• CPC Class Codes: F41C 27/00 Accessories; Details or attachments not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 1/35 for illuminating the target , e.g. flash lights

Abstract

A lightweight illumination source and illumination mount system consisting of an illumination device that may be a small flashlight or laser, and a mount that can be detachably secured to a family of firearms, namely pistols, revolvers, and long guns. The illuminating system, consisting of flashlight and mount, may be attached to the base of a pistol grip by removing the floor plate from the pistol'"'"'s magazine and installing the mount in place of the original magazine floor plate. The magazine'"'"'s spring seat(insert) locks the mount in place. Another variation of the invention may be mounted to the butt of a revolver. The resulting Integrated Weapon/Illuminating System provides the user the capability to simultaneously activate the illuminating device while using a standard two handed grip on the firearm, and if the need arises, the capability to operate both light and gun with one hand, while performing other tasks such as finding a light switch, making a phone call, etc. With the mount attached to the grip or butt of the weapon, the firearm can be stored in any standard holster when not in use. Changing magazines restores a pistol to its factory-original condition without leaving a trace that an illuminating system was ever mounted to the gun. The mount may also be configured to support any laser having a 1/2 inch diameter. Another variation of the mount may be secured to the barrel of any long gun, such as a 12 gauge shotgun, or any other device, such as, but not limited to, binoculars, scopes, etc. that may have a 3/4 inch to 11/4 inch diameter. The flashlight may have either a remote pressure switch, which is secured to the firearm by hook and loop (Velcro) fasteners, or a turn/push switch configuration. The flashlight may also be used independently from the firearms mounting systems. The mount may also accept any flashlight the user may have that is 1 inch in diameter.

Claims

1. A handgun in combination with a mounting device comprising:

(a) said handgun having a handgrip wherein said handgrip contains a magazine for holding ammunition;

said magazine including a magazine spring and follower and a magazine spring seat;

said magazine spring seat located at the bottom of the magazine and including an extending lock key;

(b) said mounting device mounting either a flashlight or laser to said firearm;

said mounting device being attached to the bottom of the handgrip adjacent the magazine;

said mounting device including a mount with a lock key aperture that receives the extending lock key when the mounting device is attached to the handgun;

said mounting device further comprising flanges that extend along an upper portion of the mount;

wherein said flanges interconnect with structure on a lower portion of the magazine to attach said mounting device to the handgun.

2. The handgun in combination with a mounting device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

(c) a switch attachable to the handgrip for activating and deactivating either said flashlight or said laser.

3. The handgun in combination with a mounting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mount contains an opening for either said flashlight or said laser with said mount further comprising screw holes and screws for fixedly attaching either said flashlight or said laser to the mount.

4. The handgun in combination with a mounting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said flanges contain either an inside flange or an outside flange relate to the mount.