Firearms – Stocks
Reexamination Certificate
1996-11-14
2001-10-16
Johnson, Stephen M. (Department: 3641)
Firearms
Stocks
C042S075030
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301817
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a stock for a long gun, and more particularly to such a stock comprising a molded, reinforced plastic insert over-molded with a material which provides the desired outer surface characteristics of the stock.
BACKGROUND ART
The invention is directed to improved stocks for long guns such as rifles, shotguns and the like. While not intended to be so limited, the invention will be described in its application to a rifle. It will be understood that the basic teachings of the present invention can be applied to stocks for other types of long guns.
Prior art workers have devised many types of rifle stocks to better hold and aim a rifle, to reduce recoil, and to improve the comfort and accuracy of a rifle. Heretofore, rifle stocks have been constructed from rigid materials such as wood or plastic. However, wood stocks are easily scratched and can be damaged by water and weather. Molded plastic stocks can be slippery and often have a poor finish due to foam filling. As a result, plastic stocks are frequently painted.
Another disadvantage of prior art molded plastic stocks lies in the fact that they produce a hollow, noisy sound when carried through brush or caused to contact some other object. This hollow sound is highly undesirable to hunters, law enforcement personnel, military snipers and the like. Finally, most rifles must be properly fit and bedded to conventional wood or synthetic stocks for maximum accuracy. This is usually a custom process that is sometimes difficult.
The present invention is based upon the discovery that a rifle stock, comprising an insert of reinforced thermoplastic material with an appropriate foaming agent, and an over-molded thermoplastic material which determines the characteristics of the stock's outer surface, can overcome the above-noted problems. When an un-foamed hard material is used as the over-mold material, an extremely hard stock is provided with an aesthetically pleasing, very smooth surface. When a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) over-mold material is used, the stock is provided with a soft, comfortable, non-slip, and aesthetically attractive surface over the entirety of the stock. The thermoplastic elastomer also serves as a noise insulator which significantly reduces the noise of the stock when carried through brush and the like. The thermoplastic rubber material also reduces the action noise of the bolt which is highly desirable for hunting, police and military applications.
Rubberized elastomeric hand gun grips are old and well-known in the art. It will be understood, however, that rifles and hand guns are entirely different in both size and configuration. These differences pose many engineering and technical problems which had to be solved in order to produce the rifle stock of the present invention. These problems and their solution will be set forth hereinafter.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a rifle stock which is both strong and durable, and at the same time is relatively lightweight.
It is an object of the invention to provide a stock with a finish superior to that which is possible to achieve in conventional rigid plastic stocks molded by conventional techniques. This is true of both the soft thermoplastic elastomer over-mold and the hard un-foamed material over-mold of the present invention.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a stock of exceptional aesthetic appearance.
It is an object of the invention to provide a stock which will allow for maximum accuracy by selectively providing adjustable means to free float or pressure bed the rifle barrel. The stock of the present invention may also be provided with hard bedding components strategically integrated into the stock.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a more comfortable and secure stock than is achievable with existing designs and conventional construction techniques.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a quiet stock which does not possess the noise problems with which conventional hard, synthetic, molded stocks are characterized.
Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide a cushioned rifle stock shaped to fit comfortably in the hands and arms of the user.
According to the invention there is provided a strong, durable, lightweight rifle stock. The stock comprises a rigid insert molded of reinforced plastic material, together with a foaming agent. The insert is over-molded with a thermoplastic material which provides the stock with the desired surface characteristics.
The insert is precisely dimensioned so that its over-molded areas are smaller than the finished stock. The insert is designed to give maximum strength to the stock and is shaped to promote the flow of the over-mold material to minimize joint and weld problems. The insert is designed to minimize shrinking, swelling or distortion of the insert, and to this end is provided with strategically located ribs and appropriate cored areas.
When the over-mold material is such as to provide a hard, un-foamed over-mold (such as nylon or the like), the over-mold material mechanically bonds with the insert and provides the stock with an extremely smooth, hard, aesthetically pleasing outer surface.
When thermoplastic material of the insert and the over-mold thermoplastic elastomer are both olefin based, the over-mold will bond both mechanically and chemically with the insert and will provide the stock with a soft, quiet, non-slip surface. The surface may be textured to further enhance the grip. Nevertheless, when the user relaxes his grip, the surface will allow manual mobility similar to that offered by a smooth stock.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2753642 (1956-07-01), Sullivan
patent: 3299558 (1967-01-01), Karl
patent: 3926866 (1975-12-01), Komatsu et al.
patent: 4504604 (1985-03-01), Pilkington et al.
patent: 4512101 (1985-04-01), Waterman, Jr.
patent: 4934084 (1990-06-01), Thomas
patent: 5020260 (1991-06-01), Houghton
patent: 5265366 (1993-11-01), Thompson
patent: 5465520 (1995-11-01), Cupp
patent: 2017087 (1971-10-01), None
patent: 2677743 (1992-12-01), None
Brochure—“Fine Handgun Stocks” Hogue Gripus, Paso Robles, CA. pp. 1-10.
Hogue Aaron G.
Hogue Patrick L.
Johnson Stephen M.
Logan II Charles C.
LandOfFree
Long gun stock does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Long gun stock, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Long gun stock will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2614490