Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for transporter shaft coupling and decoupling to assure alignment of a user interface with a control shaft through matching asymmetric cylindrical surfaces and alignment of an upper shaft segment and a lower shaft segment with ribs meshing with grooves on rings attached to the upper shaft. A tone confirms proper connection. Alignment apparatus is protected from damage associated with torques applied to the control shaft by tab features designed to first give way before other damage is incurred and from moisture by apparatus that seals the connection between upper and lower shaft segments. The user is protected from sudden loss of control by requiring the user interface to execute a sequence of linear and rotational manipulations during assembly of the shaft.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for transporter shaft coupling and decoupling to assure alignment of a user interface with a control shaft through matching asymmetric cylindrical surfaces and alignment of an upper shaft segment and a lower shaft segment with ribs meshing with grooves on rings attached to the upper shaft. A tone confirms proper connection. Alignment apparatus is protected from damage associated with torques applied to the control shaft by tab features designed to first give way before other damage is incurred and from moisture by apparatus that seals the connection between upper and lower shaft segments. The user is protected from sudden loss of control by requiring the user interface to execute a sequence of linear and rotational manipulations during assembly of the shaft.
Abstract:
A holster (10) includes one or more modular inserts (90, 100) positioned within a rigid body (20) of the holster (10) to fit and position a preselected handgun (56) or group of similar handguns or other service items. Also described are security devices including a pivoting security hood (66) and an internal handgun retention device that engages an ejection port (136) of the handgun. The hood (66) and internal retention device may be both opened by a common release lever (70) of the holster (10) that is preferably located along a portion of the holster (10) substantially adjacent a user wearing the holster (10). The release lever (70) drives a rocking latch located along a front wall of the holster body (20), which latches the hood (66) in the closed position and engages an ejection port (136) of a holstered handgun (56). When actuated by the release lever (70), the latch (120) disengages the hood (66) and the ejection port (136), allowing the hood (66) to rotate open and the handgun (56) to be withdrawn from the holster (10).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for substituting a different stock, and a forend assembly, in a long gun (e.g., a shotgun) without the use of tools by a user in the field. Applicants' preferred apparatus for substituting a stock comprises: a long gun (e.g., an illustrated shotgun) having a stock and a receiver assembly; and an adaptor which removably interconnects the stock to the receiver assembly, wherein the adaptor includes: an adaptor base bolted to the receiver assembly; and a tool-less stock release means slidably attached to the base, whereby the stock release can be lifted up by a user to release the stock from the adaptor. Upon a new stock being placed in the adaptor, the stock release means can be pushed down, back into the adaptor base, to lock the adaptor, whereupon the adaptor interconnects the substitute stock with the receiver assembly. Applicants' preferred forend assembly comprises: a modified forend carrier that is affixed to the long gun (e.g., the illustrated shotgun); and a forend which removably mounts onto the fixed carrier by a tool-less forend release means attached to the forend and carrier, wherein the tool-less forend release means comprises a tongue-and-groove arrangement and a releasable lock. This permits the forend to be swapped out.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for transporter shaft coupling and decoupling to assure alignment of a user interface with a control shaft through matching asymmetric cylindrical surfaces and alignment of an upper shaft segment and a lower shaft segment with ribs meshing with grooves on rings attached to the upper shaft. A tone confirms proper connection. Alignment apparatus is protected from damage associated with torques applied to the control shaft by tab features designed to first give way before other damage is incurred and from moisture by apparatus that seals the connection between upper and lower shaft segments. The user is protected from sudden loss of control by requiring the user interface to execute a sequence of linear and rotational manipulations during assembly of the shaft.