Modular system for mounting firearm accessories and method for attaching firearm accessory to firearm

Abstract

A modular system for mounting firearm accessories and a method for attaching a firearm accessory to a firearm are provided. In one example, the modular system includes a first mounting member capable of receiving a firearm accessory, the first mounting member having a channel and a stopping means in the channel, a second mounting member capable of combining with the first mounting member, the second mounting member having a cavity, and a joining mechanism disposed in the channel of first mounting member and the cavity of the second mounting member for releasably combining the first mounting member with the second mounting member. The joining mechanism is rotatable about an axis parallel to the channel and perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a firearm.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular system for mounting firearm accessories, comprising;
 a first mounting member capable of receiving a firearm accessory, the first mounting member having a channel and a stopping means in the channel;   a second mounting member capable of combining with the first mounting member, the second mounting member having a cavity; and   a joining mechanism disposed in the channel of first mounting member and the cavity of the second mounting member for releasably combining the first mounting member and the second mounting member;   wherein the joining mechanism is rotatable about an axis parallel to the channel and perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a firearm.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the joining mechanism comprises a column, a guiding means on an end of the column and operably coupled to the stopping means in the channel, and a grip pivotably coupled to an opposing end of the column for rotating the joining mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first mounting member includes a recess at an upper portion thereof for receiving a firearm accessory. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first mounting member includes a first mounting mechanism at a bottom portion thereof, the first mounting mechanism being shaped to complimentarily engage with a substantial portion of the mounting site of the firearm. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the second mounting member includes a second mounting mechanism at a bottom portion thereof, the second mounting mechanism being shaped to complimentarily engage with a remaining portion of the mounting site of the firearm. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second mounting member is combinable with the first mounting member at a first side of the first mounting member, the first side being substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the firearm. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the first mounting member comprises a first engagement mechanism at the first side, and the second mounting member comprises a second engagement mechanism at an upper portion thereof, the first engagement mechanism is complimentarily attachable to the second engagement mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the first engagement mechanism is one of a trench and a ridge, and the second engagement mechanism is the other of a trench and a ridge. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the joining mechanism comprises a neck portion, and the second mechanism comprises one or more protrusions in the cavity, the joining mechanism being operably coupled with the second mounting member by complimentarily engaging the protrusions in the cavity with the neck portion of the joining mechanism. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more washers disposed proximate the cavity, with the joining mechanism inserted therethrough, for supporting the joining mechanism 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more washers disposed between the channel and the cavity, with the joining mechanism inserted therethrough, for providing elastic force between the first and second mounting members. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the guiding means comprises a notch having a helical shape. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the grip comprises a locking means and the second mounting member comprises a blocking means. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the locking means is aligned with the blocking means when the first and second mounting members are securely fastened with each other. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the locking means is securely coupled with the blocking means. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the grip further comprises a void proximate the locking means and the second mounting member further comprises a protrusion proximate the blocking means. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the locking means is complimentarily engaged with the blocking means. 
     
     
         18 . A method for attaching a firearm accessory to a firearm, the method comprising:
 A) providing a modular system for mounting firearm accessories, the system comprising:
 a first mounting member capable of receiving a firearm accessory, 
 a second mounting member capable of combining with the first mounting member, and 
 a joining mechanism for releasably combining the first mounting member with the second mounting member; 
   B) attaching the first and second mounting members to a mounting site of a firearm; and   C) joining the first and second mounting members by rotating the joining mechanism about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a firearm.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising D) attaching a firearm accessory to the first mounting member of the modular system. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein rotating the joining mechanism comprises rotating the joining mechanism for an angle of approximately 180 degrees.