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2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Case 4:09-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 10/29/09 Page 1 of 7 Peter B. Goldman, State Bar No. 018011 AL TFELD BATTAILE & GOLDMAN PC 250 North Meyer Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701-1047 Tel: (520) 622-7733 Fax: (520) 622-7967 Attorneys for Plaintiff IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA ) 10 ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING, ) 11 INC., ) ) NO. 12 Plaintiff, ) ) v. ) ) ) DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL ) 16 Defendant. ) 17 VERIFIED COMPLAINT 18 19 Plaintiff, Abrams Airborne Manufacturing, Inc. (hereinafter "Abrams"), by its 20 attorneys, for its complaint, alleges that: 21 NATURE OF THE ACTION 22 23 This is an action for patent infringement under the United States Patent Act, 35 24 U.S.C. §§ 271, 281, 284 and 285. Abrams seeks injunctive relief and damages. 25 PARTIES 26 1. Plaintiff Abrams is an Arizona corporation having a principal place of 27 28 business at 3735 N. Romero Rd., Tucson, Arizona 85705.

Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Page 1: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 7

Peter B Goldman State Bar No 018011 AL TFELD BATTAILE amp GOLDMAN PC 250 North Meyer Avenue Tucson AZ 85701-1047 Tel (520) 622-7733 Fax (520) 622-7967 Attorneys for Plaintiff

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

) 10 ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING ) 11 INC )

) NO 12 Plaintiff )

) v )

) ) DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL )

16 Defendant )

17

VERIFIED COMPLAINT 18

19 Plaintiff Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc (hereinafter Abrams) by its

20 attorneys for its complaint alleges that

21

NATURE OF THE ACTION 22

23 This is an action for patent infringement under the United States Patent Act 35

24 USC sectsect 271 281 284 and 285 Abrams seeks injunctive relief and damages

25 PARTIES

26 1 Plaintiff Abrams is an Arizona corporation having a principal place of

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28 business at 3735 N Romero Rd Tucson Arizona 85705

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 7

2 On information and belief Defendant Magpul Industries Corp

(hereinafter Magpu1) is a Colorado corporation having a principal place of business at

400 Young Court Unit 1 Erie Colorado 80516

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

3 This is an action for patent infringement under the patent laws of the United

States Title 35 USC sectsect 271 281284 and 285

4 Subject matter jurisdiction of this Court is founded upon 28 USc sectsect

13311332 and 1338(a)

5 Defendant has intentionally reached into the State of Arizona to damage

Plaintiff

6 Defendant knew or had reason to know that its acts aHeged herein were

intentional acts expressly aimed or purposefully directed at a resident of the State of

Arizona targeting a known resident of the State of Arizona and would cause harm the

brunt of which would be suffered and which Defendant knew was likely to be suffered in

the State of Arizona

7 The exercise of personal jurisdiction is also proper because Magpul is doing

business within this judicial district

8 The exercise of personal jurisdiction is also proper because Magpul has

committed acts of patent infringement within this judicial district

9 Venue is proper in this district under 28 USC sectsect 1391(c) and 1400(b)

because Magpul is subject to the exercise of personal jurisdiction within this judicial

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1012909 Page 3 of 7

district and has committed acts of patent infringement within this judicial district

10 Venue is also proper in this district because Magpul is subject to the

personal jurisdiction of this Court under Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

and the long-arm statute of the State of Arizona Ariz R Civ P42(a)

PATENT INFRINGEMENT

11 On August 9 2005 US Patent No 6925744 B2 (the 744 patent) entitled

Modular Firearm Buttstock was duly and legally issued on application Serial No

10843246 filed May 112004 A copy of the 744 patent is attached as Exhibit A

12 On May 10 2004 Eric Stephen Kincel owner of all rights title and interest

in and to the modular firearm buttstock invention and Application Serial No 10843246

sold assigned and transferred the full and exclusive right to the invention and the

Application Serial No1 01843246 to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC A copy of the

Assignment (including Notice of Recordation) is attached as Exhibit B

13 On January 262005 Vltor Weapon Systems LLC sold assigned and

transferred the full and exclusive right to the invention and the Application Serial No

10843246 to Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc A copy of the Assignment

(including Notice of Recordation) is attached as Exhibit C

14 Abrams is the assignee of the 744 patent and the owner of all rights to

recover for past infringements thereof and to enjoin ongoing and future infringements

thereof

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1012909 Page 4 of 7

15 The 744 patent is valid

16 The 744 patent is enforceable

17 Magpul has advertised offered for sale made used andor sold products

affected by this action within this judicial district and elsewhere

18 The products at issue include but are not necessarily Jimited to an

Adaptable CarbineStorage Stock (ACS Stock)

19 Magpul has been and now is directly infringing the 744 patent in the State

of Arizona in this judicial district and elsewhere in the United States by among other

things offering for sale selling making and using a buttstock covered by one or more

claims of the 744 patent to the injury of Abrams and without authority or license from

Abrams

20 On infonnation and belief Magpul has been and now is indirectly

infringing the 744 patent by way of inducing infringement andor contributing to the

infringement of the 744 patent in the State of Arizona in this judicial district and

elsewhere in the United States

21 Magpul continues to engage in acts which infringe the 744 patent

22 As a direct and proximate result of Magpuls acts of infringement Abrams

has suffered monetary losses and other damages the full amount and extent of which

cannot be ascertained until discovery is completed

23 As a result of Magpuls infringement of the 744 patent the instant case is

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 7

an exceptional case such that Abrams is entitled to treble the damages finally determined

under 35 USC sect 284 as well as reasonable attorneys fees under 35 USC sect 285

24 Unless a permanent injunction is issued enjoining Magpul and its agent

servants employees attorneys representatives affiliates partners allies and all others

acting in concert with them andlor on their behalf from infringing the 744 patent

Abrams will be greatly and irreparably harmed

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE Plaintiff Abrams requests that the Court

(A) issue a final and permanent injunction enjoining Magpul from infringing

the 744 patent

(B) award Abrams treble the damages suffered as a result ofMagpuls

infringement of the 744 patent

(C) award Abrams an accounting to determine the full extent and amount of its

damages which shall be computed to be no less than a reasonable royalty pursuant to 35

USC sect 284

(D) award Abrams its costs and reasonable attorneys fees and

(E) award Abrams such other and additional reJief as the Court deems just and

proper under the circumstances

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 6 of 7

JURY DEMAND

Pursuant to Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Abrams hereby

demands a jury trial in this action

Dated October 292009 Altfeld Battaile amp Goldman PC

I

lsi Peter B Goldman Peter B Goldman Attorneys for Plaintiff ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1029109 Page 7 of 7

VERIFICATION

STATE OF ARIZONA ) ) ss

County of Pima )

Eric Kincel being first duly sworn deposes and says that he is the Genera1

Manager for the Plaintiff that he is familiar with the facts in this matter the he has

reviewed the foregoing Verified Complaint that the information contained therein is true

and correct to the best of his knowledge information and belief

~-=== 4 c= ~ EIkKincel

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me tJ1is5 centUcday of October 2009 by

Eric Kincel

Notary Public

My Commission Expires

7

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 24

EXHIBIT A

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 24

1111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111II USOO6925744B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No US 6925744 B2 Kincel (45) Date of Patent Aug 9 200S

(54) MODUlAR FIIDARM BUITSTOCK

(75) lavenlor Eric Stephen Kincel Coeur dAlene In (US)

(73) Altsignee Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc Tucson AZ (US)

( ) Notice Subject to any disclaimer tbe lerm of Ibis palent is eJClended or adjusted under 35 Usc I54(b) by 0 days

(21) App No 10843246

(22) Filed May 112004

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 200510108915 Al May 26 2005

Related us Application Data

(60) Provisional application No 60470050 filed on May 132003

(51) (52) (58)

Int cC F41C 2300 US Cl 427101 4272 Field of Search 4271017273

427485

(56) References Cited

Us PATENT DOCUMENTS

146859 A 121903 Marble 1266024 A 51918 Kennedy 1485456 A 31924 Frommer 1489677 A 41924 Slampfli

2100514 A bull 1111937 Miller e a 42iLOI 2298678 A 101942 Chase 2495977 A bull 11950 Madsen 427101 2667005 A 11954 Weis 3011283 A 121961 Lunn e a 3618248 A 111971 11110 et aL 4512101 A 41985 Waterman Jr 4850127 A 71989 Davis et ~l 5048213 A 91991 Gerhard 5068991 A 121991 Reed 5225613 A 71993 Oaridge 5755055 A 51998 Thompson e al 5907918 A 61999 Lal1gevin et al 5924233 A 71999 Strobel 6012246 A 12000 Robinson el aI 6481143 B2 112002 McCarthy 4274 6543172 81 42003 Armstrong bull 427101 6651371 B2 112003 Fitzpatrick et al 6779289 B2 812004 Kay 427503

2003010163) Al 62003 Fitzpatrick el al 20030200693 Al 102003 Seifert 427101 20040016167 AI 12004 Fitzpatrick el a

cited by examiner

Primary Examiner-l Woodrow Eldred (74)Allomey Agent or Firm-Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich amp McKee LLP

(57) ABSTRACT

AbuUslock for a firearm is provided and iocludes a buttslock frame and a bultstock accessory The bUltslock frame bas a frame wall with ao exterior surface The buttslOck accessory is supported on the bUltstock frame along tbe exterior surface

29 Claims 14 f)rnwing Sbeets

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us Patent Aug 9 2005

Sheet 1 of 14

Vs 6925744 B2

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us Patent Aug 92005 Sheet 2 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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us 6925744 B2 Sheet 6 of 14

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 2: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 7

2 On information and belief Defendant Magpul Industries Corp

(hereinafter Magpu1) is a Colorado corporation having a principal place of business at

400 Young Court Unit 1 Erie Colorado 80516

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

3 This is an action for patent infringement under the patent laws of the United

States Title 35 USC sectsect 271 281284 and 285

4 Subject matter jurisdiction of this Court is founded upon 28 USc sectsect

13311332 and 1338(a)

5 Defendant has intentionally reached into the State of Arizona to damage

Plaintiff

6 Defendant knew or had reason to know that its acts aHeged herein were

intentional acts expressly aimed or purposefully directed at a resident of the State of

Arizona targeting a known resident of the State of Arizona and would cause harm the

brunt of which would be suffered and which Defendant knew was likely to be suffered in

the State of Arizona

7 The exercise of personal jurisdiction is also proper because Magpul is doing

business within this judicial district

8 The exercise of personal jurisdiction is also proper because Magpul has

committed acts of patent infringement within this judicial district

9 Venue is proper in this district under 28 USC sectsect 1391(c) and 1400(b)

because Magpul is subject to the exercise of personal jurisdiction within this judicial

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1012909 Page 3 of 7

district and has committed acts of patent infringement within this judicial district

10 Venue is also proper in this district because Magpul is subject to the

personal jurisdiction of this Court under Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

and the long-arm statute of the State of Arizona Ariz R Civ P42(a)

PATENT INFRINGEMENT

11 On August 9 2005 US Patent No 6925744 B2 (the 744 patent) entitled

Modular Firearm Buttstock was duly and legally issued on application Serial No

10843246 filed May 112004 A copy of the 744 patent is attached as Exhibit A

12 On May 10 2004 Eric Stephen Kincel owner of all rights title and interest

in and to the modular firearm buttstock invention and Application Serial No 10843246

sold assigned and transferred the full and exclusive right to the invention and the

Application Serial No1 01843246 to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC A copy of the

Assignment (including Notice of Recordation) is attached as Exhibit B

13 On January 262005 Vltor Weapon Systems LLC sold assigned and

transferred the full and exclusive right to the invention and the Application Serial No

10843246 to Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc A copy of the Assignment

(including Notice of Recordation) is attached as Exhibit C

14 Abrams is the assignee of the 744 patent and the owner of all rights to

recover for past infringements thereof and to enjoin ongoing and future infringements

thereof

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1012909 Page 4 of 7

15 The 744 patent is valid

16 The 744 patent is enforceable

17 Magpul has advertised offered for sale made used andor sold products

affected by this action within this judicial district and elsewhere

18 The products at issue include but are not necessarily Jimited to an

Adaptable CarbineStorage Stock (ACS Stock)

19 Magpul has been and now is directly infringing the 744 patent in the State

of Arizona in this judicial district and elsewhere in the United States by among other

things offering for sale selling making and using a buttstock covered by one or more

claims of the 744 patent to the injury of Abrams and without authority or license from

Abrams

20 On infonnation and belief Magpul has been and now is indirectly

infringing the 744 patent by way of inducing infringement andor contributing to the

infringement of the 744 patent in the State of Arizona in this judicial district and

elsewhere in the United States

21 Magpul continues to engage in acts which infringe the 744 patent

22 As a direct and proximate result of Magpuls acts of infringement Abrams

has suffered monetary losses and other damages the full amount and extent of which

cannot be ascertained until discovery is completed

23 As a result of Magpuls infringement of the 744 patent the instant case is

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 7

an exceptional case such that Abrams is entitled to treble the damages finally determined

under 35 USC sect 284 as well as reasonable attorneys fees under 35 USC sect 285

24 Unless a permanent injunction is issued enjoining Magpul and its agent

servants employees attorneys representatives affiliates partners allies and all others

acting in concert with them andlor on their behalf from infringing the 744 patent

Abrams will be greatly and irreparably harmed

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE Plaintiff Abrams requests that the Court

(A) issue a final and permanent injunction enjoining Magpul from infringing

the 744 patent

(B) award Abrams treble the damages suffered as a result ofMagpuls

infringement of the 744 patent

(C) award Abrams an accounting to determine the full extent and amount of its

damages which shall be computed to be no less than a reasonable royalty pursuant to 35

USC sect 284

(D) award Abrams its costs and reasonable attorneys fees and

(E) award Abrams such other and additional reJief as the Court deems just and

proper under the circumstances

11111

11111

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 6 of 7

JURY DEMAND

Pursuant to Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Abrams hereby

demands a jury trial in this action

Dated October 292009 Altfeld Battaile amp Goldman PC

I

lsi Peter B Goldman Peter B Goldman Attorneys for Plaintiff ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1029109 Page 7 of 7

VERIFICATION

STATE OF ARIZONA ) ) ss

County of Pima )

Eric Kincel being first duly sworn deposes and says that he is the Genera1

Manager for the Plaintiff that he is familiar with the facts in this matter the he has

reviewed the foregoing Verified Complaint that the information contained therein is true

and correct to the best of his knowledge information and belief

~-=== 4 c= ~ EIkKincel

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me tJ1is5 centUcday of October 2009 by

Eric Kincel

Notary Public

My Commission Expires

7

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 24

EXHIBIT A

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 24

1111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111II USOO6925744B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No US 6925744 B2 Kincel (45) Date of Patent Aug 9 200S

(54) MODUlAR FIIDARM BUITSTOCK

(75) lavenlor Eric Stephen Kincel Coeur dAlene In (US)

(73) Altsignee Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc Tucson AZ (US)

( ) Notice Subject to any disclaimer tbe lerm of Ibis palent is eJClended or adjusted under 35 Usc I54(b) by 0 days

(21) App No 10843246

(22) Filed May 112004

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 200510108915 Al May 26 2005

Related us Application Data

(60) Provisional application No 60470050 filed on May 132003

(51) (52) (58)

Int cC F41C 2300 US Cl 427101 4272 Field of Search 4271017273

427485

(56) References Cited

Us PATENT DOCUMENTS

146859 A 121903 Marble 1266024 A 51918 Kennedy 1485456 A 31924 Frommer 1489677 A 41924 Slampfli

2100514 A bull 1111937 Miller e a 42iLOI 2298678 A 101942 Chase 2495977 A bull 11950 Madsen 427101 2667005 A 11954 Weis 3011283 A 121961 Lunn e a 3618248 A 111971 11110 et aL 4512101 A 41985 Waterman Jr 4850127 A 71989 Davis et ~l 5048213 A 91991 Gerhard 5068991 A 121991 Reed 5225613 A 71993 Oaridge 5755055 A 51998 Thompson e al 5907918 A 61999 Lal1gevin et al 5924233 A 71999 Strobel 6012246 A 12000 Robinson el aI 6481143 B2 112002 McCarthy 4274 6543172 81 42003 Armstrong bull 427101 6651371 B2 112003 Fitzpatrick et al 6779289 B2 812004 Kay 427503

2003010163) Al 62003 Fitzpatrick el al 20030200693 Al 102003 Seifert 427101 20040016167 AI 12004 Fitzpatrick el a

cited by examiner

Primary Examiner-l Woodrow Eldred (74)Allomey Agent or Firm-Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich amp McKee LLP

(57) ABSTRACT

AbuUslock for a firearm is provided and iocludes a buttslock frame and a bultstock accessory The bUltslock frame bas a frame wall with ao exterior surface The buttslOck accessory is supported on the bUltstock frame along tbe exterior surface

29 Claims 14 f)rnwing Sbeets

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us Patent Aug 9 2005

Sheet 1 of 14

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us 6925744 B2 Sheet 6 of 14

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 3: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1012909 Page 3 of 7

district and has committed acts of patent infringement within this judicial district

10 Venue is also proper in this district because Magpul is subject to the

personal jurisdiction of this Court under Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

and the long-arm statute of the State of Arizona Ariz R Civ P42(a)

PATENT INFRINGEMENT

11 On August 9 2005 US Patent No 6925744 B2 (the 744 patent) entitled

Modular Firearm Buttstock was duly and legally issued on application Serial No

10843246 filed May 112004 A copy of the 744 patent is attached as Exhibit A

12 On May 10 2004 Eric Stephen Kincel owner of all rights title and interest

in and to the modular firearm buttstock invention and Application Serial No 10843246

sold assigned and transferred the full and exclusive right to the invention and the

Application Serial No1 01843246 to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC A copy of the

Assignment (including Notice of Recordation) is attached as Exhibit B

13 On January 262005 Vltor Weapon Systems LLC sold assigned and

transferred the full and exclusive right to the invention and the Application Serial No

10843246 to Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc A copy of the Assignment

(including Notice of Recordation) is attached as Exhibit C

14 Abrams is the assignee of the 744 patent and the owner of all rights to

recover for past infringements thereof and to enjoin ongoing and future infringements

thereof

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1012909 Page 4 of 7

15 The 744 patent is valid

16 The 744 patent is enforceable

17 Magpul has advertised offered for sale made used andor sold products

affected by this action within this judicial district and elsewhere

18 The products at issue include but are not necessarily Jimited to an

Adaptable CarbineStorage Stock (ACS Stock)

19 Magpul has been and now is directly infringing the 744 patent in the State

of Arizona in this judicial district and elsewhere in the United States by among other

things offering for sale selling making and using a buttstock covered by one or more

claims of the 744 patent to the injury of Abrams and without authority or license from

Abrams

20 On infonnation and belief Magpul has been and now is indirectly

infringing the 744 patent by way of inducing infringement andor contributing to the

infringement of the 744 patent in the State of Arizona in this judicial district and

elsewhere in the United States

21 Magpul continues to engage in acts which infringe the 744 patent

22 As a direct and proximate result of Magpuls acts of infringement Abrams

has suffered monetary losses and other damages the full amount and extent of which

cannot be ascertained until discovery is completed

23 As a result of Magpuls infringement of the 744 patent the instant case is

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 7

an exceptional case such that Abrams is entitled to treble the damages finally determined

under 35 USC sect 284 as well as reasonable attorneys fees under 35 USC sect 285

24 Unless a permanent injunction is issued enjoining Magpul and its agent

servants employees attorneys representatives affiliates partners allies and all others

acting in concert with them andlor on their behalf from infringing the 744 patent

Abrams will be greatly and irreparably harmed

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE Plaintiff Abrams requests that the Court

(A) issue a final and permanent injunction enjoining Magpul from infringing

the 744 patent

(B) award Abrams treble the damages suffered as a result ofMagpuls

infringement of the 744 patent

(C) award Abrams an accounting to determine the full extent and amount of its

damages which shall be computed to be no less than a reasonable royalty pursuant to 35

USC sect 284

(D) award Abrams its costs and reasonable attorneys fees and

(E) award Abrams such other and additional reJief as the Court deems just and

proper under the circumstances

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 6 of 7

JURY DEMAND

Pursuant to Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Abrams hereby

demands a jury trial in this action

Dated October 292009 Altfeld Battaile amp Goldman PC

I

lsi Peter B Goldman Peter B Goldman Attorneys for Plaintiff ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1029109 Page 7 of 7

VERIFICATION

STATE OF ARIZONA ) ) ss

County of Pima )

Eric Kincel being first duly sworn deposes and says that he is the Genera1

Manager for the Plaintiff that he is familiar with the facts in this matter the he has

reviewed the foregoing Verified Complaint that the information contained therein is true

and correct to the best of his knowledge information and belief

~-=== 4 c= ~ EIkKincel

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me tJ1is5 centUcday of October 2009 by

Eric Kincel

Notary Public

My Commission Expires

7

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 24

EXHIBIT A

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 24

1111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111II USOO6925744B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No US 6925744 B2 Kincel (45) Date of Patent Aug 9 200S

(54) MODUlAR FIIDARM BUITSTOCK

(75) lavenlor Eric Stephen Kincel Coeur dAlene In (US)

(73) Altsignee Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc Tucson AZ (US)

( ) Notice Subject to any disclaimer tbe lerm of Ibis palent is eJClended or adjusted under 35 Usc I54(b) by 0 days

(21) App No 10843246

(22) Filed May 112004

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 200510108915 Al May 26 2005

Related us Application Data

(60) Provisional application No 60470050 filed on May 132003

(51) (52) (58)

Int cC F41C 2300 US Cl 427101 4272 Field of Search 4271017273

427485

(56) References Cited

Us PATENT DOCUMENTS

146859 A 121903 Marble 1266024 A 51918 Kennedy 1485456 A 31924 Frommer 1489677 A 41924 Slampfli

2100514 A bull 1111937 Miller e a 42iLOI 2298678 A 101942 Chase 2495977 A bull 11950 Madsen 427101 2667005 A 11954 Weis 3011283 A 121961 Lunn e a 3618248 A 111971 11110 et aL 4512101 A 41985 Waterman Jr 4850127 A 71989 Davis et ~l 5048213 A 91991 Gerhard 5068991 A 121991 Reed 5225613 A 71993 Oaridge 5755055 A 51998 Thompson e al 5907918 A 61999 Lal1gevin et al 5924233 A 71999 Strobel 6012246 A 12000 Robinson el aI 6481143 B2 112002 McCarthy 4274 6543172 81 42003 Armstrong bull 427101 6651371 B2 112003 Fitzpatrick et al 6779289 B2 812004 Kay 427503

2003010163) Al 62003 Fitzpatrick el al 20030200693 Al 102003 Seifert 427101 20040016167 AI 12004 Fitzpatrick el a

cited by examiner

Primary Examiner-l Woodrow Eldred (74)Allomey Agent or Firm-Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich amp McKee LLP

(57) ABSTRACT

AbuUslock for a firearm is provided and iocludes a buttslock frame and a bultstock accessory The bUltslock frame bas a frame wall with ao exterior surface The buttslOck accessory is supported on the bUltstock frame along tbe exterior surface

29 Claims 14 f)rnwing Sbeets

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005

Sheet 1 of 14

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us Patent Aug 92005 Sheet 2 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 5 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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us 6925744 B2 Sheet 6 of 14

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us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 14 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 4: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1012909 Page 4 of 7

15 The 744 patent is valid

16 The 744 patent is enforceable

17 Magpul has advertised offered for sale made used andor sold products

affected by this action within this judicial district and elsewhere

18 The products at issue include but are not necessarily Jimited to an

Adaptable CarbineStorage Stock (ACS Stock)

19 Magpul has been and now is directly infringing the 744 patent in the State

of Arizona in this judicial district and elsewhere in the United States by among other

things offering for sale selling making and using a buttstock covered by one or more

claims of the 744 patent to the injury of Abrams and without authority or license from

Abrams

20 On infonnation and belief Magpul has been and now is indirectly

infringing the 744 patent by way of inducing infringement andor contributing to the

infringement of the 744 patent in the State of Arizona in this judicial district and

elsewhere in the United States

21 Magpul continues to engage in acts which infringe the 744 patent

22 As a direct and proximate result of Magpuls acts of infringement Abrams

has suffered monetary losses and other damages the full amount and extent of which

cannot be ascertained until discovery is completed

23 As a result of Magpuls infringement of the 744 patent the instant case is

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 7

an exceptional case such that Abrams is entitled to treble the damages finally determined

under 35 USC sect 284 as well as reasonable attorneys fees under 35 USC sect 285

24 Unless a permanent injunction is issued enjoining Magpul and its agent

servants employees attorneys representatives affiliates partners allies and all others

acting in concert with them andlor on their behalf from infringing the 744 patent

Abrams will be greatly and irreparably harmed

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE Plaintiff Abrams requests that the Court

(A) issue a final and permanent injunction enjoining Magpul from infringing

the 744 patent

(B) award Abrams treble the damages suffered as a result ofMagpuls

infringement of the 744 patent

(C) award Abrams an accounting to determine the full extent and amount of its

damages which shall be computed to be no less than a reasonable royalty pursuant to 35

USC sect 284

(D) award Abrams its costs and reasonable attorneys fees and

(E) award Abrams such other and additional reJief as the Court deems just and

proper under the circumstances

11111

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 6 of 7

JURY DEMAND

Pursuant to Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Abrams hereby

demands a jury trial in this action

Dated October 292009 Altfeld Battaile amp Goldman PC

I

lsi Peter B Goldman Peter B Goldman Attorneys for Plaintiff ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1029109 Page 7 of 7

VERIFICATION

STATE OF ARIZONA ) ) ss

County of Pima )

Eric Kincel being first duly sworn deposes and says that he is the Genera1

Manager for the Plaintiff that he is familiar with the facts in this matter the he has

reviewed the foregoing Verified Complaint that the information contained therein is true

and correct to the best of his knowledge information and belief

~-=== 4 c= ~ EIkKincel

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me tJ1is5 centUcday of October 2009 by

Eric Kincel

Notary Public

My Commission Expires

7

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 24

EXHIBIT A

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 24

1111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111II USOO6925744B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No US 6925744 B2 Kincel (45) Date of Patent Aug 9 200S

(54) MODUlAR FIIDARM BUITSTOCK

(75) lavenlor Eric Stephen Kincel Coeur dAlene In (US)

(73) Altsignee Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc Tucson AZ (US)

( ) Notice Subject to any disclaimer tbe lerm of Ibis palent is eJClended or adjusted under 35 Usc I54(b) by 0 days

(21) App No 10843246

(22) Filed May 112004

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 200510108915 Al May 26 2005

Related us Application Data

(60) Provisional application No 60470050 filed on May 132003

(51) (52) (58)

Int cC F41C 2300 US Cl 427101 4272 Field of Search 4271017273

427485

(56) References Cited

Us PATENT DOCUMENTS

146859 A 121903 Marble 1266024 A 51918 Kennedy 1485456 A 31924 Frommer 1489677 A 41924 Slampfli

2100514 A bull 1111937 Miller e a 42iLOI 2298678 A 101942 Chase 2495977 A bull 11950 Madsen 427101 2667005 A 11954 Weis 3011283 A 121961 Lunn e a 3618248 A 111971 11110 et aL 4512101 A 41985 Waterman Jr 4850127 A 71989 Davis et ~l 5048213 A 91991 Gerhard 5068991 A 121991 Reed 5225613 A 71993 Oaridge 5755055 A 51998 Thompson e al 5907918 A 61999 Lal1gevin et al 5924233 A 71999 Strobel 6012246 A 12000 Robinson el aI 6481143 B2 112002 McCarthy 4274 6543172 81 42003 Armstrong bull 427101 6651371 B2 112003 Fitzpatrick et al 6779289 B2 812004 Kay 427503

2003010163) Al 62003 Fitzpatrick el al 20030200693 Al 102003 Seifert 427101 20040016167 AI 12004 Fitzpatrick el a

cited by examiner

Primary Examiner-l Woodrow Eldred (74)Allomey Agent or Firm-Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich amp McKee LLP

(57) ABSTRACT

AbuUslock for a firearm is provided and iocludes a buttslock frame and a bultstock accessory The bUltslock frame bas a frame wall with ao exterior surface The buttslOck accessory is supported on the bUltstock frame along tbe exterior surface

29 Claims 14 f)rnwing Sbeets

IO~

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005

Sheet 1 of 14

Vs 6925744 B2

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 1 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 24

us Patent Aug 92005 Sheet 2 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 1029109 Page 5 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 3 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 6 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 4 of 14 US 6925744 82

14

150

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 5: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 7

an exceptional case such that Abrams is entitled to treble the damages finally determined

under 35 USC sect 284 as well as reasonable attorneys fees under 35 USC sect 285

24 Unless a permanent injunction is issued enjoining Magpul and its agent

servants employees attorneys representatives affiliates partners allies and all others

acting in concert with them andlor on their behalf from infringing the 744 patent

Abrams will be greatly and irreparably harmed

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE Plaintiff Abrams requests that the Court

(A) issue a final and permanent injunction enjoining Magpul from infringing

the 744 patent

(B) award Abrams treble the damages suffered as a result ofMagpuls

infringement of the 744 patent

(C) award Abrams an accounting to determine the full extent and amount of its

damages which shall be computed to be no less than a reasonable royalty pursuant to 35

USC sect 284

(D) award Abrams its costs and reasonable attorneys fees and

(E) award Abrams such other and additional reJief as the Court deems just and

proper under the circumstances

11111

11111

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 6 of 7

JURY DEMAND

Pursuant to Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Abrams hereby

demands a jury trial in this action

Dated October 292009 Altfeld Battaile amp Goldman PC

I

lsi Peter B Goldman Peter B Goldman Attorneys for Plaintiff ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1029109 Page 7 of 7

VERIFICATION

STATE OF ARIZONA ) ) ss

County of Pima )

Eric Kincel being first duly sworn deposes and says that he is the Genera1

Manager for the Plaintiff that he is familiar with the facts in this matter the he has

reviewed the foregoing Verified Complaint that the information contained therein is true

and correct to the best of his knowledge information and belief

~-=== 4 c= ~ EIkKincel

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me tJ1is5 centUcday of October 2009 by

Eric Kincel

Notary Public

My Commission Expires

7

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 24

EXHIBIT A

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 24

1111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111II USOO6925744B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No US 6925744 B2 Kincel (45) Date of Patent Aug 9 200S

(54) MODUlAR FIIDARM BUITSTOCK

(75) lavenlor Eric Stephen Kincel Coeur dAlene In (US)

(73) Altsignee Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc Tucson AZ (US)

( ) Notice Subject to any disclaimer tbe lerm of Ibis palent is eJClended or adjusted under 35 Usc I54(b) by 0 days

(21) App No 10843246

(22) Filed May 112004

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 200510108915 Al May 26 2005

Related us Application Data

(60) Provisional application No 60470050 filed on May 132003

(51) (52) (58)

Int cC F41C 2300 US Cl 427101 4272 Field of Search 4271017273

427485

(56) References Cited

Us PATENT DOCUMENTS

146859 A 121903 Marble 1266024 A 51918 Kennedy 1485456 A 31924 Frommer 1489677 A 41924 Slampfli

2100514 A bull 1111937 Miller e a 42iLOI 2298678 A 101942 Chase 2495977 A bull 11950 Madsen 427101 2667005 A 11954 Weis 3011283 A 121961 Lunn e a 3618248 A 111971 11110 et aL 4512101 A 41985 Waterman Jr 4850127 A 71989 Davis et ~l 5048213 A 91991 Gerhard 5068991 A 121991 Reed 5225613 A 71993 Oaridge 5755055 A 51998 Thompson e al 5907918 A 61999 Lal1gevin et al 5924233 A 71999 Strobel 6012246 A 12000 Robinson el aI 6481143 B2 112002 McCarthy 4274 6543172 81 42003 Armstrong bull 427101 6651371 B2 112003 Fitzpatrick et al 6779289 B2 812004 Kay 427503

2003010163) Al 62003 Fitzpatrick el al 20030200693 Al 102003 Seifert 427101 20040016167 AI 12004 Fitzpatrick el a

cited by examiner

Primary Examiner-l Woodrow Eldred (74)Allomey Agent or Firm-Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich amp McKee LLP

(57) ABSTRACT

AbuUslock for a firearm is provided and iocludes a buttslock frame and a bultstock accessory The bUltslock frame bas a frame wall with ao exterior surface The buttslOck accessory is supported on the bUltstock frame along tbe exterior surface

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 6: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 102909 Page 6 of 7

JURY DEMAND

Pursuant to Rule 38(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Abrams hereby

demands a jury trial in this action

Dated October 292009 Altfeld Battaile amp Goldman PC

I

lsi Peter B Goldman Peter B Goldman Attorneys for Plaintiff ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1029109 Page 7 of 7

VERIFICATION

STATE OF ARIZONA ) ) ss

County of Pima )

Eric Kincel being first duly sworn deposes and says that he is the Genera1

Manager for the Plaintiff that he is familiar with the facts in this matter the he has

reviewed the foregoing Verified Complaint that the information contained therein is true

and correct to the best of his knowledge information and belief

~-=== 4 c= ~ EIkKincel

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me tJ1is5 centUcday of October 2009 by

Eric Kincel

Notary Public

My Commission Expires

7

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 24

EXHIBIT A

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 24

1111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111II USOO6925744B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No US 6925744 B2 Kincel (45) Date of Patent Aug 9 200S

(54) MODUlAR FIIDARM BUITSTOCK

(75) lavenlor Eric Stephen Kincel Coeur dAlene In (US)

(73) Altsignee Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc Tucson AZ (US)

( ) Notice Subject to any disclaimer tbe lerm of Ibis palent is eJClended or adjusted under 35 Usc I54(b) by 0 days

(21) App No 10843246

(22) Filed May 112004

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 200510108915 Al May 26 2005

Related us Application Data

(60) Provisional application No 60470050 filed on May 132003

(51) (52) (58)

Int cC F41C 2300 US Cl 427101 4272 Field of Search 4271017273

427485

(56) References Cited

Us PATENT DOCUMENTS

146859 A 121903 Marble 1266024 A 51918 Kennedy 1485456 A 31924 Frommer 1489677 A 41924 Slampfli

2100514 A bull 1111937 Miller e a 42iLOI 2298678 A 101942 Chase 2495977 A bull 11950 Madsen 427101 2667005 A 11954 Weis 3011283 A 121961 Lunn e a 3618248 A 111971 11110 et aL 4512101 A 41985 Waterman Jr 4850127 A 71989 Davis et ~l 5048213 A 91991 Gerhard 5068991 A 121991 Reed 5225613 A 71993 Oaridge 5755055 A 51998 Thompson e al 5907918 A 61999 Lal1gevin et al 5924233 A 71999 Strobel 6012246 A 12000 Robinson el aI 6481143 B2 112002 McCarthy 4274 6543172 81 42003 Armstrong bull 427101 6651371 B2 112003 Fitzpatrick et al 6779289 B2 812004 Kay 427503

2003010163) Al 62003 Fitzpatrick el al 20030200693 Al 102003 Seifert 427101 20040016167 AI 12004 Fitzpatrick el a

cited by examiner

Primary Examiner-l Woodrow Eldred (74)Allomey Agent or Firm-Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich amp McKee LLP

(57) ABSTRACT

AbuUslock for a firearm is provided and iocludes a buttslock frame and a bultstock accessory The bUltslock frame bas a frame wall with ao exterior surface The buttslOck accessory is supported on the bUltstock frame along tbe exterior surface

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 7: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 Filed 1029109 Page 7 of 7

VERIFICATION

STATE OF ARIZONA ) ) ss

County of Pima )

Eric Kincel being first duly sworn deposes and says that he is the Genera1

Manager for the Plaintiff that he is familiar with the facts in this matter the he has

reviewed the foregoing Verified Complaint that the information contained therein is true

and correct to the best of his knowledge information and belief

~-=== 4 c= ~ EIkKincel

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me tJ1is5 centUcday of October 2009 by

Eric Kincel

Notary Public

My Commission Expires

7

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 24

EXHIBIT A

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 24

1111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111II USOO6925744B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No US 6925744 B2 Kincel (45) Date of Patent Aug 9 200S

(54) MODUlAR FIIDARM BUITSTOCK

(75) lavenlor Eric Stephen Kincel Coeur dAlene In (US)

(73) Altsignee Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc Tucson AZ (US)

( ) Notice Subject to any disclaimer tbe lerm of Ibis palent is eJClended or adjusted under 35 Usc I54(b) by 0 days

(21) App No 10843246

(22) Filed May 112004

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 200510108915 Al May 26 2005

Related us Application Data

(60) Provisional application No 60470050 filed on May 132003

(51) (52) (58)

Int cC F41C 2300 US Cl 427101 4272 Field of Search 4271017273

427485

(56) References Cited

Us PATENT DOCUMENTS

146859 A 121903 Marble 1266024 A 51918 Kennedy 1485456 A 31924 Frommer 1489677 A 41924 Slampfli

2100514 A bull 1111937 Miller e a 42iLOI 2298678 A 101942 Chase 2495977 A bull 11950 Madsen 427101 2667005 A 11954 Weis 3011283 A 121961 Lunn e a 3618248 A 111971 11110 et aL 4512101 A 41985 Waterman Jr 4850127 A 71989 Davis et ~l 5048213 A 91991 Gerhard 5068991 A 121991 Reed 5225613 A 71993 Oaridge 5755055 A 51998 Thompson e al 5907918 A 61999 Lal1gevin et al 5924233 A 71999 Strobel 6012246 A 12000 Robinson el aI 6481143 B2 112002 McCarthy 4274 6543172 81 42003 Armstrong bull 427101 6651371 B2 112003 Fitzpatrick et al 6779289 B2 812004 Kay 427503

2003010163) Al 62003 Fitzpatrick el al 20030200693 Al 102003 Seifert 427101 20040016167 AI 12004 Fitzpatrick el a

cited by examiner

Primary Examiner-l Woodrow Eldred (74)Allomey Agent or Firm-Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich amp McKee LLP

(57) ABSTRACT

AbuUslock for a firearm is provided and iocludes a buttslock frame and a bultstock accessory The bUltslock frame bas a frame wall with ao exterior surface The buttslOck accessory is supported on the bUltstock frame along tbe exterior surface

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 8: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 24

EXHIBIT A

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 24

1111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111II USOO6925744B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No US 6925744 B2 Kincel (45) Date of Patent Aug 9 200S

(54) MODUlAR FIIDARM BUITSTOCK

(75) lavenlor Eric Stephen Kincel Coeur dAlene In (US)

(73) Altsignee Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc Tucson AZ (US)

( ) Notice Subject to any disclaimer tbe lerm of Ibis palent is eJClended or adjusted under 35 Usc I54(b) by 0 days

(21) App No 10843246

(22) Filed May 112004

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 200510108915 Al May 26 2005

Related us Application Data

(60) Provisional application No 60470050 filed on May 132003

(51) (52) (58)

Int cC F41C 2300 US Cl 427101 4272 Field of Search 4271017273

427485

(56) References Cited

Us PATENT DOCUMENTS

146859 A 121903 Marble 1266024 A 51918 Kennedy 1485456 A 31924 Frommer 1489677 A 41924 Slampfli

2100514 A bull 1111937 Miller e a 42iLOI 2298678 A 101942 Chase 2495977 A bull 11950 Madsen 427101 2667005 A 11954 Weis 3011283 A 121961 Lunn e a 3618248 A 111971 11110 et aL 4512101 A 41985 Waterman Jr 4850127 A 71989 Davis et ~l 5048213 A 91991 Gerhard 5068991 A 121991 Reed 5225613 A 71993 Oaridge 5755055 A 51998 Thompson e al 5907918 A 61999 Lal1gevin et al 5924233 A 71999 Strobel 6012246 A 12000 Robinson el aI 6481143 B2 112002 McCarthy 4274 6543172 81 42003 Armstrong bull 427101 6651371 B2 112003 Fitzpatrick et al 6779289 B2 812004 Kay 427503

2003010163) Al 62003 Fitzpatrick el al 20030200693 Al 102003 Seifert 427101 20040016167 AI 12004 Fitzpatrick el a

cited by examiner

Primary Examiner-l Woodrow Eldred (74)Allomey Agent or Firm-Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich amp McKee LLP

(57) ABSTRACT

AbuUslock for a firearm is provided and iocludes a buttslock frame and a bultstock accessory The bUltslock frame bas a frame wall with ao exterior surface The buttslOck accessory is supported on the bUltstock frame along tbe exterior surface

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 9: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 24

1111111 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111II USOO6925744B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No US 6925744 B2 Kincel (45) Date of Patent Aug 9 200S

(54) MODUlAR FIIDARM BUITSTOCK

(75) lavenlor Eric Stephen Kincel Coeur dAlene In (US)

(73) Altsignee Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc Tucson AZ (US)

( ) Notice Subject to any disclaimer tbe lerm of Ibis palent is eJClended or adjusted under 35 Usc I54(b) by 0 days

(21) App No 10843246

(22) Filed May 112004

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 200510108915 Al May 26 2005

Related us Application Data

(60) Provisional application No 60470050 filed on May 132003

(51) (52) (58)

Int cC F41C 2300 US Cl 427101 4272 Field of Search 4271017273

427485

(56) References Cited

Us PATENT DOCUMENTS

146859 A 121903 Marble 1266024 A 51918 Kennedy 1485456 A 31924 Frommer 1489677 A 41924 Slampfli

2100514 A bull 1111937 Miller e a 42iLOI 2298678 A 101942 Chase 2495977 A bull 11950 Madsen 427101 2667005 A 11954 Weis 3011283 A 121961 Lunn e a 3618248 A 111971 11110 et aL 4512101 A 41985 Waterman Jr 4850127 A 71989 Davis et ~l 5048213 A 91991 Gerhard 5068991 A 121991 Reed 5225613 A 71993 Oaridge 5755055 A 51998 Thompson e al 5907918 A 61999 Lal1gevin et al 5924233 A 71999 Strobel 6012246 A 12000 Robinson el aI 6481143 B2 112002 McCarthy 4274 6543172 81 42003 Armstrong bull 427101 6651371 B2 112003 Fitzpatrick et al 6779289 B2 812004 Kay 427503

2003010163) Al 62003 Fitzpatrick el al 20030200693 Al 102003 Seifert 427101 20040016167 AI 12004 Fitzpatrick el a

cited by examiner

Primary Examiner-l Woodrow Eldred (74)Allomey Agent or Firm-Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich amp McKee LLP

(57) ABSTRACT

AbuUslock for a firearm is provided and iocludes a buttslock frame and a bultstock accessory The bUltslock frame bas a frame wall with ao exterior surface The buttslOck accessory is supported on the bUltstock frame along tbe exterior surface

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

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NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 10: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 24

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

5

10

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25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

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NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 11: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1 1 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 24

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 12: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 1029109 Page 5 of 24

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

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NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 13: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

10

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40

50

60

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

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- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 14: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 7 of 24

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

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EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

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I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

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I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

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Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

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~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 17: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 10 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 8 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 11 of 24

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 16 of 24

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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45

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65

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

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NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 18: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 11 of 24

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us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 14 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

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- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 19: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 12 of 24

us Patent Aug 92005 Sheet 10 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 13 of 24

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 16 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 14 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

10

20

30

40

50

60

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 20: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 13 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 11 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 12 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 15 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005

Sheet 13 of 14

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 16 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 14 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 21: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 14 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 12 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 14 of 14 US 6925744 B2

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

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I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 22: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 15 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 23: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 16 of 24

us Patent Aug 9 2005 Sheet 14 of 14 US 6925744 B2

700

808~

10

20

30

40

50

60

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 24: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 17 of 24

US 6925744 B2 1

MODULAR Jlt1REARM BUTTSTOCK

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No 60470050 filed on May 13 2003 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its 5 entirety

BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to the art of firearms and more particularly to a firearm butlstock adapted for selective mounting of related accessories and components

It will be appreciated that tbe present invention finds particular application in conjunction with firearms sucb as ARMALfTE AR15M16 rifle series models and COLT 15 CAR15M4 carbine series models and is sbown and described berein with specific reference to these weapons However it is to be distinctly understood tbat the present invention bas broader application and is equally applicable for use on many oiber sboulder fired weapon of various types makes and models For example tbe SUbject modular butlstock can also be used on FARRIQUE NAllONALE FAL SIG 5-series and HECKLER amp KOCH G-series rifles for exampeAUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV 47fi4 RODlNshySON ARMS M96 and HECKLER amp KOCH XMB carbines 25 for example and REMINGTON 870 MOSSBERG 500 and BENELU M3 SUPER 90 shotguns for example Accordshyingly the subject disclosure and reference to ARMAUTE and COLT models is nOI to be in anyway construed as a limitation of tbe present invention to sucb specific applicashytions

from the early days of firearm history shoulder-fired small arms bave had tbe ability to store items in small compartments usually located in the firearms buttstock From the earliest accounts dating back hundreds of years to 35

the use of matchlock flinllock and related firearms the butlstock of firearms have included a compartment to house various items such as fuses flints percussion caps and patches to aid the user in being prepared The intent was for the firearm lO function as closely to a self-ltontained unit as possible This lowered the chances of the shooter being caught off guard and without vilal firing components

With the progress of the last two hundred years or so modern firearm technology bas reduced the need for a compartment to house firing components More modem 4S firearms typically use a similar compartment 10 aid in tbe care of firearms with components such as firearm cleaning kits typically beiog stored therein

For example sboulder-fired weapons such as the MAUSER bolt-action systems of the late IBOOs to present and the AUTOMAT KALASHNIKOV Model 1947 (also known as AJ(47) use the buttstock to carry some of the components to aid in fieldstripping and cleaning ihe firearm These menlioned firearms also rely on an accessible area to house a bore-cleaning rod Usually located under the fireshy 55 arms barrel wilhin the foregrip tbe cleaning rod (usually in a similar length to the firearms barrel) is unobtrusive but easily accessible to aid in the firearms cleaning or to dislodge a srock cartridge casing that failed to extract under normal means

On some modem sboulder-mounled firearms the cleaning components are located al the rear portion of the buttstock just under the bUllplate Access to these components is obtaioed by removing the bullplale (by use of a latcb system) or through ao aCcess door located on the butlplate However 65

within Ihe last few decades most modern shoulder-fired weapons have eliminated the firearms capability to house a

2 cleaning kit or cleaning rod As mentioned above however some firearms do feature a compartment for accessing a cleaning kit or related tools and components This is often dependent upon the country of origin and Ihe particular use of the firearm

Currently tbe United States government and other westmiddot em countries use a variation of tbe ARMALITE Rifle model number 15 (also known as the AR15) In the United States inventory the improved version of tbe AR15 is the US rifle Model No 16 (known as Ml6) ALo used in the United States inventory is a firearm utilizing the AR15 charactershyistics but in a shorter form This carbine is known as Ihe US carbine Model NO4 (alSO known as the M4)

Even though the M16 and M4 are exact in function and somewhat compatible for parts interchangeability they both differ in storage capability The M16 features a trap door located in tbe buttstock which accesses a small compartshyment for the rifles cleaning kit The M4 carbine does not offer such a compartment because of its size and multiple uses The M4 bas a smaller bUlIstock whicb is collapsible to aid in making tbe firearms overall length smaller

This design was carried over originally from the early coer Automatic Rifle Model No 15 (also known as the CAR15) Making the firearm smaller is beneficial to help the shooter move safely and comfortably in confined areas or egnss from a ught opening such as an aircraft or a vebicle doorway The M4 buttstock is not only collapsible bul also includes various intermediate extended positions providing for an adjustable overall Iengtb of the firearm

The M4s buttstock telescopes along the carbines receiver extension which protrudes from the rear of tbe carbine The M4 bultstock has the ability to lock onto tbe receiver extension in multiple positions providing the adjustshyable leogth Ibis aids various sized shooters by belping 0

beller fit the firearm andor assist in shoulder mounting tbe firearm over top of webcombat gear that tbe shooter might be wearing

The M4 collapsible stock is in some cases considered to be too sbort even with it fully extended outward Also the stock is sometimes found to be uncomfortable against tbe face of the shooter when the same is placed against the cheek weld This is al least partly because of the uneven surfaces and sharp edges Ihroughoutthe top surfaces of the bultstock

Current military bultstocks in both the rifle and carbine configurations usually are of a basic design The manufacshyturers and buyers of firearms typically require very lillIe from the buttstock design As sucb other than comfort and strength the bUltstock has-few other requirements Since the development of tbe earliest shoulder-fired firearms the buttstock bas simply been there for support in aiming tbe weapon to transfer recoil aClion from the weapon 10 tbe shoulder of the shooter and to aid in the comfort of Ihe sbooter

During tbe early days of firearm development the goal was to get a projectile from point A (the fIrearm mU7zle) to point B (the target) the most accurate way possible In the last twenty years modem firearms are forced into new and unexpecled roles Tbis is true especiaUy for the military and law enforcement market Unfortunately tbe roles cbange depending on mission requirements So tbe modern combat firearms have become a mounting platform for a variety of accessories For example a number of companies have developed mounting platforms bat can be added to existing firearms or developed an integral mounting surface into the firearms construction These mounting platforms are usually located near the mU7~Jc end of the nrealTI1 This mentioned mounting platform is usually located on or

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 25: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 18 of 24

US 6925744 B2 3

around Ihe firearms barrel and has the ability to mount a number of accessories such as lighting systems night vision hardware thermal imaging systems surveillance equipment and hardware 10 aid the user in achieving the best accuracy possible 5

With the array of items being mounted to the firearm a number of things occur First the area for placement of this mounting hardware is limited Second by mounting tbe hardware in the forward portion of the firearm the muzzle gets uncomfortably heavy Excess muzzle weight leads to difficult target acquisition Third the mounted components can in some cases need supplies to maintain reliable funcshytion Fourth the mounted component can be too large or complex to mount solely to the muzzle end of the firearm So the component may need to be dispersed tbroughoutthe 15 fireanu balancing the firearms overall weight A such it is desirable to develop a butlStock having the flexibility to mount additional accessories and provide mounting arrangeshyment for future use

One example of a modern buttstock that is known to have provisiollS for storing cylindrical objects sucb as batteries for example is disclosed in US Pal No 6543172 to Armstrong This butlSlock has an elongated central cavity and is supported on a firearm along that central cavity in a typical manner The bu tstock also includes an open-ended 25

passage extending longitudinally along each side of the butlStock parallel with the central cavity An elongated tube is received in each of Ihe passages and [onus a sliding fit tberewitb Tbe rubes each have one closed end and one open end An eno cap is used to seal tbc opcn end of eacb tube and tbereby form a sealed cavity for storage purposes

Such buttstocks however suffer from a number of shortshycomings and disadvantages that limit the utility of the same One disadvantage is that the passages that house the tubes are integrally formed on the hutlStock As a result the 3S

butlStock includes provisiollS for two rubes even in cases in whicb it is desired to use only one tube As such the exterior profile of tbe butlStock cannot be adapted or changed as mission requirements or personal preference dictate Another disadvantage is tbat the tubes comprise additional equipment componenlS that must be accounted for so tbat the device is functional in tbe first iostance and that must be properly secured to minimize the chance of tbe tubes being lost or producing a raU Ie or other noise Js sucb it is also desirable to develop a buttstock in which as many eompo- 45 nenlS as possible are secured to the buttstock frame 10

minimize the risk of loss while providing maxialum mountshying Ilexibility

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A butlStock for a firearm is provided and includes a bUllStock frame and a butlStock accessory The butlStock frame bas a frame wall with an exterior surface The butlStock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame 55

along the exterior surface A buttstock for use on an associated fircafIII having an

associated receiver extension is provided and includes a butlStock frame and a bUllSlock accessory The bUllStock frame bas a frame wall wilb an interior surface ao exterior surface and a shoulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially fOfIIls a 10ngitudinaUy extending frame passage for accepting the associated receiver extension The bullStock accessory is supported on tbe butlStock frame in proximal relation to the eXlerior surface 65

A butlStock kit for installation on an associated firearm having an associated receiver extension is provided and

4 includes a buttslock frame a bUllstock accessory and a retaining member The bUllstock frame has a frame wall with an interior surface 3n exterior surface and a sboulder engaging surface The interior surface at least partially defines a frame passage adapted to accept the associated receiver extension The butlstock accessory is supportablc on the butlStock frame along the exterior surface The retaining member is adapted to secure the butL~tock frame on the associated receiver extension

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIlE DRAWINGS

FlG 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modu lar butlStock shown assembled on a firearm in accorshydance with the present invention

FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a buttstock accessory for use on a modular bUltstock in accordance witb the present invention

FlG3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a butllttock accessory for use on a modular bUilStock in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a buttslOck accessory for use on a modular bullSlock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a bullstock accessory for use on a modular butlStock in accordance with the present invention

FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular butlStock shown in FlG 1 taken along line 6---i thereof

FIG 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlstock to a firearm in accordance with Ihe present ioyention

FIG 8 is a perspective view of various mounting passages and hardware shown on a modular bUIIS10Ck frame

FIG 9 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement for securing a bUllstock accessory to a modular butlStock frame

FIG 10 is a perspective view of the butlStock accessories sbown in FIGS 2 and 3 with one embodiment of an end cap therefor

FlG II is a perspective view of a known firearm and a known receiver extension having an indexing slol with indexing boles disposed there along

FlG 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting arrangement for attaching a modular butlStock to a firearm in accordance with the present invention

FIG 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manual locking pin for securing the modular butlStock to a firearm as shown in FIG 12

FIG 14 is a perspective view of the bULlStock and mounting arrangement shown in FIG U with the butlStock mounled on the firearm in an extended position

FIG 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular buttstock shown assembled on a firearm in accordance witb the present invention

FIG 16 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance with the present invention shown assembled on a firearm

FI G 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular butlstock in accordance witb the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in grealer detail to the drawings wberein the showings are for the purpose of illusrrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting tbe invention FIG 1 illustrates a firearm 10

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 26: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 19 of 24

US 6925744 B2 5

shown with a modular bultstock 100 in accordance with the present invenlion assembled thereon Butllock 100 includes a buttslock frame 102 and a bullstock accessory sucb as a compartment 104 supported on the buttstock frame It will be appreciated tbat tbe buttstock frame is skeletonized to 5 have a minimal mass and is suitable for use as a bare slock without any attachments The bultstock frame acts as a bare mounting platform and can be manufactured in any suitable length shape or configuration to best fit the application or use of the firearm

Examples of suitable buttstock accessories are sbown in FIGS 2-5 Compartment 1M shown in FIG 2 includes a compartment body 106 having a generally cylindrical passhysage 108 extending therethrough to form a compartment for storing supplies or other accessories for example A pair of J5

spaced-apart tabs 110 and 112 extends from body 106 and each includes a pair of mounting holes 114 Extending from compartment body 106 generally opposite tabs 110 and 112 are a plurality of locking fingers or teeth 116 Compartment 104 in FIG 3 is of shorter length but otherwise substantially identical to compartment 104 in FIG 2 As such it will be appreciated that buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention can be of any suitable size or shape For example compartment 104 could be manufactured in varishyous embodiments each having a different passage diameter 2S

or wilh mulliple smaller diameter passages extending parmiddot allel to onc another As such compar1mcnts suitable for storing different use dependent supplies could be accommoshydated by simplY switching from one compartment configushyration to another

Oleek weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 includes an adapter body 120 but does not include a cylindrical passage extending theretbrough as in compartment 104 Rather adapter body UO bas a contoured outer surface 122 Spacedshyapar1 tabs 124 and 126 extend from body 120 and each 35

include mounting holes U8 A plurality of locking fingers or teetb 130 extend from body 120 generally opposite tabs 124 aad 126 Cheek weld adapter U8 in FIG 5 is of shorter length but otberWise substantially identical to check weld adapter 118 shown in FIG 4 One primary benefit of tbe cbeek weld adapter is that the contoured outer surface provides a relatively smooth and comfortable resting place for tbe face of the shooter

In addition to any of tbe buttstock accessories being of any suitable size andor lengtb it will be further appreciated 45

that buttstock a=ssories can be of any suitable shape form or configuration and formed from any suitable material As sucb buttstock accessories in accordance with the present invention are also intended to include instrumentation elecshytronic sensors or otber equipment sucb as lights or cameras for example that are adapled to and suitable for mounting on a buttstock frame in accordance witb the present invention

As shown in FIG 1 firearm 10 includes a firearm body or receiver 12 that supports a generally cylindrical bollow receiver extension 14 shown in FIG 6 A pin (not shown) 55 extends from the butlstock frame into a hole (not shown) in the receiver of the firearm in a known manner to counter any rotalional force applied to tbe buttstock A passage 131 eX1ends througb buustock frame 102 and includes a genershyally cylindrical portion 132 and a radially outwardly extcndshying groove portion 134 Portion 132 is suitably dimensiuned to a=pt receiver extension 14

Mounting grooves 144 and 146 extend along cylindrical portion 132 of passage 131 I t will be appreciated tbal mounting grooves 144 and 146 are substantially identical 65

and are given separate item numbers solely to distinguish between relative positions on buttstock frame 102 Ridges

6 148 and 150 extend along each side of bUltstock frame 102 adjacent respective mounting grooves 144 and 146 As sbown in FIGS 6 and 7 a plurality of notches 152 are provided along eacb of ridges 148 and 150 The notches are of sufficient dimension to extend into tbe respective mountshying grooves extending along passage 131 As sucb a corshyresponding rectangular hole 154 extends through each of ridges 148 and 150 into tbe associated mounting groove at each notch In one preferred embodiment notcbes 152 are spaced apart from One another by about one-balf of an inch (2) However it will be appreciated that any suitable dimension or configuration can be used

BUtstock frame 102 can be retained on receiver extension 14 in any suitable manner One example of a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG 7 in wbich a bultslock frame 102 is retained on the receiver extension by a bUllcap 136 The bUllcap is received within a corresponding cavity 138 on bultplate 140 adjacent passage 131 The bultcap is secured within cavity 138 by a fastener (not shown) thai extends tbrougb a hole 142 on bUllcap 136 and engages a corresponding fastener receiving hole (not shown) in receiver extension 14 (FIG 6) As such the bUllcap and buttstock frame can be secured on tbe receiver extension of the firearm in this manner

Again referring to FIGS 6 and 7 buttstock frame 102 also includes a mounting rail 156 extending generally parallel with passage 131 The mounting rail includes a web portion 158 and an flange portion 160 A plurality of mounting passages 162 extend through wcb portion 158 Mounting passages 162 arc also preferably spaced apart from one another by about onc-half of an inch (2) As such it is desirable 10 have notches 152 and passages 162 spaced apart at compatible distances so that the mounting Hexibility for the accessories provided by the bUitstock frame can be maximized However any suitable mounting dimensions can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention

As shown in FIG 8 secondary mounting holes 163 as well as otber passages andor slots can also be provided on the buttstock frame for mOUnting or altaching any other suitable accessory II will be appreciated that secondary mounting holes 163 can be spaced apart from one another in eitber or both tbe borizontal and vertical directions by any suitable increment For example mounting boles 163 are sbown in FIG 8as being spaced equally with passages 162 at about one-half of an inch (l2) increments However any suitable spacing or increment can be used For example a swivel 164 can be supported on be buttstock frame adjacent slots 166 for attacbment of a strap or sling (not shown)

Referring once again to FIG 6 one or more of tbe buttstock accessories sucb as compartmenlS 104 and 104 and adapters 118 and 118 can be supported on buttstock frame 102 Each of the buttstock accessories has a plurality of teetb sucb as teeth 116 and 130 on compartment 104 and adapter 118 respectively The teeth are suitably spaced and dimensioned to interengage rectangular boles 154 extending tbrougb ridges 148 and 156 of the butlslock frame Prefershyably the teeth arc space apart from one another at about one-balf of 3n incb (Y2) increments to correspond with holes 154 and to aligJ1 holes ll4 andor 128 with passages 162 However any suitable increment can be used As tbe teeth are filled into the corresponding holes and tbe buttstock accessory is properly seated onto tbe frame the spaced-apart tabs sucb as 110 and ll2 or 124 and U6 for example arc positioned adjacent web portion 158 of mountshying rail 156 so (bal tbe mounting holes sucb as holes 114 or

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 27: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 20 of 24

US 6925744 B2 7

128 for example align with mounting passages 162 of rail 156 Preferably each of Ihe tabs is secured 10 the mounting rail by a suitable faslener arrangement II will be appreciated that eacb of Ihe bullSIOCk accessories can be positioned in anyone of many horizontal positions along a side of tbe butlSlock

One example of such a faslener arrangement is sbown in FIG 9 and includes a Ibreaded fastener 168 and a threaded T-nut 170 The T-nul includes a cylindrical stern 172 and elongated flange 174 exlending generally transverse the cylindrical stern Preferably tbe cylindrical stern of Ill T-nul is dimensioned 10 fit closely into the mounting boles of tbe accessory as well as tbe mounting passages in the mounting rail This aclS to center the boles and passages and ~nsure alignment of tbe bUilStock accessory on the butlStock frame h will be appreciated however tbat any suitable fastener can be used 10 secure tbe butlStock accessory 10 the bullStock frame For example suilable rivets could be used for a more permanent mounting of an accessory on tbe butlStock frame

FIGS 2 3 and 10 illustrate compartments 104 and 104 As melllioned above it should be appreciated that compartshymenlS 104 and 104 are substantially identical except for the relative lengths thereof As such the descriptions herein of comparlment 104 are equally applicable to compartment 104 and therefore detailed dcscriptions will not be repeated with reference to item numbers of tbe Jailer compartment

To form a compartment suitable for securely storing articles passage lOS of compartment body 106 is preferably enciosed on botb ellds End caps 176 are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal on each end alld include a genmiddot erally cylindrical portion 178 suitably dimensioned to fit into an end of passage lOS The end caps also include a sboulder portion 1RO extending radially outwardly from cylindrical portion 178 and a lever portion 182 projects from tbe shoulder portion Extending axially fmm adjacent a tbumb paddle or lever portiof 182 in tbe direction of cylindrical ponion 182 is a male detent 184 that is suitable for engaging a female detent (not sbown) in an end wa11186 of compartshyment body 106 A notch 188 is provided in compartment body 106 adjacent each of end walls 186 The notcb is suitable for at least partially receiving shoulder portion ISO to retain end cap 176 on the compartment body and to minimize the possibility of inadvertent removal of tbe end cap from tbe compartment In use cylindrical portion 178 is inserted into passage 108 until shoulder portion 180 engages end wa11186 Thereafter tbe end cap is rOlated into a locked position by a force applied 10 lever portion 182 The end cap is rotated until shoulder portion ISO engages nOlch 188 and male delent 184 engages tbe female detent to help minimize inadvertent rotation of the end cap Additionally a lanyard at other retaining device (not shown) can optionally be used 10 secure an end cap to the firearm [n one embodiment a loop (not shown) on the end of tbe lanyard (not sbown) slips over tab 115 (FIG 6) of compartment 104 before the compartment is secured to mounting rail 156 of butlStock frame 102 Once the loop is filled over tbe tab tbe comshypartment is secured to the buttstock frame in tbe described manner It will be appreciated from FIG 6 that limited clearance between the distal end of the tab and the web portion of the mounting rail prevents the inadvcrtent removal of the loop from the tab As such tbe lanyard and end cap are securely retained on tbe firearm

It sbould be appreciated that olher mounting arrangements can be used to secure butlStock frame 102 to a suitable receiver extellSion in addition to the arrangement discussed above using butlcap 136 engaging bUllplate 140 One example of an alternate mounting arrangement [or securing

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8 a butlSlock On a firearm 10 is shown in FIGS 11-14 A receiver extension 14 of reduced length from tbat of receiver extension 14 is shown in FIG 11 and includes a generally cylindrical portion 16 and a rib portion IS extendshying along the cylindrical portion Receiver extension 14 also includes an indexing slot 20 extending along the rib portio[l with indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 disposed along the slot for providing variable mounting positions of the butlStock on tbe receiver extension Additionally receiver extension 14 includes a ramp portion 30 extending between cylindrical portion 16 and rib portion 18 adjacent receiver 12

Turning to FIG U butLstock frame 102 is positioned on receiver extension 14 such thai one of locking ports 190 and 192 are aligned with one of tbe indexing holes of tlle receiver extension As sucb a manllallocking pin 194 can be used to secure the butlStock frame on the receiver eXlellSion in either of the Iwo positiollS shown in FIGS 12 and 14 As can be beller seen in HG 13 manual locking pin 194 includes a body 196 having a pin portion 198 extending therefrom A pivot lock portion 200 is supported on body 196 by a pivot pin 202 As mentioned above manual locking pin 194 can be received in either of locking porlS 190 or 192 in butlStock frame 102 depending on the desired mounting position of tbe butlStock frame on the receiver extension As shown in FIG 12 wbere a first end 204 of bUlIstock frame 102 is in abulling engagemcnt with receiver 12 of firearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 190 As shown in FIG 14 where first end 204 is spaced from receiver 12 of frrearm 10 manual locking pin 194 is secured in locking port 192 It will be appreciated that pin portion 198 of manual locking pin 194 engages indexing bole 22 (FrG 11) when he butlstock frame is in the position shown in FIG 12 and engages indexing bole 28 (FIG 11) when tbe bUllstock frame is in the position sbown in FIG 14 It will be furtber appreciated that other intermediate mounting positions are contemplated and are intended 10 be included wit bin the scope of this disclosure

Another embodiment of a butlStock 300 ill accordance witb Ihe present invention is shown in FIG 15 ButlStock 300 includes a bullStock frame 302 and is adapted to receive one or more of the buitslock accessories (not sbown) as discussed herein It will be appreciated tbat bullstock frame 302 is substantially similar to butlStock frame 102 sbown in and described with regard to FIGS 1 6 and 12-14 and can be secured on tbe receiver e1ension of the firearm in either of the above-discussed manners However second end 406 of butlStock frame 302 has a different profile from that of second end 206 on butlStock frame 102

Yet another embodiment of a bullstock SOO is shown in FIG 16 supported on receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 ButlSlock 500 includes a butlStock frame 502 and can include any suitable bullstock accessory sucb as compartshyment 104 for example shown supported on the butlStock frame It will be appreciated from FIG 16 that butlStock frame 502 and compartment 104 are significantly shorter in length when compared to bullstock frame 102 and accessory 104 shown in FIG 1

Additionally FIG 16 illustrates another example of mounting arrangement for securing a butlstock on a firearm 10 It can be observed that locking ports such as POIS 190 aod 192 on frame 102 are not provided on butlStock frame 502 Rather a springassisted locking pin 608 is provided on butlStock frame 502 and includes a spring-loaded pin 610 and a release lever 612 Whereas butlStock 100 is used in a generally fixed position on the firearm bu llstock 500 is designed to be quickly displaceable between collapsed and

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 28: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 21 of 24

US 6925744 B2 9 10

extended positions In a collapsed position first end 604 of buttstock frame 502 is in abutting engagement with receiver 12 of fireann 10 In such position pin 610 is adjacent ramp portion 30 of rib portion 18 on receiver extension 14 As buttstock SOO is moved from tbe collapsed position toward an extended position spring-loaded pin 610 is displaced along ramp ponion 30 and along rib 18 engaging indexing slot 20 wbich is shown in FIG 11 The pin can then be moved between indexing boles 22 24 26 and 28 also shown in FlG 11 using release lever 612 to disengage tbe pin

FlG 17 illustrates still another embodiment of a buttstock 700 in accordance witb tbe present invention Buttstock 700 includes a buttstock frame 702 having a bullstock accessorv supported on each side tbereof In middotFIG 17 the buttstock accessories are compartments 104 However it will be appreciated that any suitable butlstock accessory can be used and supporied on frame 702 in accordance with tbe present invention It will be furtber appreciated that bUllstock frame 702 includes a serond end 806 tbat is substantially similar to second end 406 of butlstock frame 302 Buustock 700 however is retained on tbe receiver extension by a springshyassisted locking pin 808 and is displaceable between colshylapsed and extended positions as discussed above witb regard to FlG 16

The foregoing modular buttstocks and buttstock accessoshyries can be manufactured from any suitable material includshying a wide variety of polymeric composite amlor metal materials One polymeric material suitable for some comshyponents is nylon and more specifically nylon 66 Anotber polymeric material suitable for other romponents is polyproshypylene and more specifically glass-filled polypropylene Additionally the subject components can be manufactured by any suitable method or process including extrusion injection molding machining or any combination thereof 11 will be appreciated that tbe present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific material construction or method of manufacture

The AR15M16 rille series normally has a receiver extenshysion and a fixed bUllstock A longer buttstock bas been developed in acrordance with tbe present invention to fit this application and is sbown in FlGS 1 and 15 as modular buttstocks 100 and 300 respectively The CARI5M4- carshybine series features a shorter receiver extension tbat accepts a collapsible buttstock and is extensible into various posishytions on the receiver extension A sborter collapsible buttstock has been developed in accordance with tbe present invention for use on this carbine series and is shown in FIGS 16 and 17 as modular butlstocks 500 and 700 respectively Additionally buttstocks 100 and 300 tbat were developed for the rifle series can be mounted on a carbine series firearm as shown in FlGS 12-14

It will be appreciated from FIGS 12 and 16 tbat second ends 206 and 606 of buttstocks 100 and 500 respectively are substantially similar For the purposes of this discussion this style buttstock end will be referred to as a clubfoot style end The second ends 406 and 806 of butlstocks 300 and 700 respectively are likewise substantial1y similar as sbown in FIGS 15 and 17 This style bUllstock end will be referred to as a standard style end as the silliouetle or profile appearance of tbe end is similar to tbat of an original or standard buttstock

The clubfoot variation is to aid the user in a firmer shooting position This is possible wben the user uses tbe free band to grasp the clubfoot and compresses tbe stock against shoulder Overall this gives the shooter a stiffer platform wben sbooting tbe firearm in tbe bencb rest or

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prone (laying down) position lbe standard configuration is traditional and is favored by most of the sbooting public

Buttstock 100 sbown in FIG 1 can be used in place of the standard buttstock that normally comes standard on an AR15M16 rifle The installation of the buttstock is done by first removing the original buttstock This is accomplished by unscrewing a fastener (not shown) located at the rear of the original bUllSlock and then sliding the original buttstock off receiver extension 14 A buttstock frame 102 is then slid over receiver extension 14 until first end 204 of the buttstock frame firmly and squarely contacls receiver 12 of rifle 10 Next depending upon the length of tbe buttstock and the lengtb of tbe receiver extension a buttstock spacer (not shown) can be inserted into passage 131 from adjacent buttplate 140 on second end 206 Duttcap 136 is inserted into cavity 138 in bUllplate 140 wbicb fills tbe remaining space in passage 131 and aligns flusb witb butt plate 140 By installing the fastener (not sbown) through hole 142 in buttcap 136 and tightening tbe same into the receiver extension to tbe proper torque specifications buttcap 136 will firmly compress the buttstock frame into the receiver of the firearm It will be appreciated that tbe foregoing discusshysion is equally applicable to buttstock 300

lbe sborter buttstock 500 shown in FIG 16 mounts differently than the longer buttstocks discussed above Like the original carbine collapsible stock buttstock 500 features a spring-assisted locking pin 608 wbich mounts the stock securely to receiver extension 14 of firearm 10 Located on the bottom side of receiver extension 14 are indexing slot 20 and indexing holes 22 24 26 and 28 It will be appreciated tbat different models of receiver extensions can bave a different number of indexing holes Spring-assisted locking pin 608 can be locked into any of the individual boles depending on the overall stock length desired by the sbooter For example the bole closest to tbe receiver of the firearm is tbe closed or collapsed position The hole at tbe far end of the receiver extension is for placing the stock in its furthest most extended position

To move buttstock 500 along receiver extension 14 or to remove the butlStock from the same spring-loaded pin 610 of spring-assisted locking pin arrangement 608 must be retracted from tbe indexing holes This is achieved with the aid of release lever 612 The release Icvcr is located toward a lower portion 614 of second end 606 of the buttslOck frame and works on a basic teeter-totter tbeory By applying pressure at one end of release lever 612 tbe lever will pivot in the center and tbe opposite end will travel tbe opposite direction This action in turn retracts spring-loaded pin 610 Jbis operation retracts tbe pin enougb to slide tbe stock along receiver extension 14 To remove the stock firmly grab the complete release lever and pull it downward and away from tbe stock until tbe complete lever assembly travels no further Keeping pressure applied to the lever assembly move tbe stock to the rear portion of the receiver extension until stock assembly is completely removed

Two different release levers are available for the sborter buttstocks 500 and 700 One shown in FIG 17 as release lever 812 is of a traditional style used on tbe standard style buttstock The otber style sbown in FlG 16 as release lever 612 is for use on the clubfoot style buttstocks The clubfoot version can work on either tbe standard or clubfoot buttslOck but not vice versa The clubfoot protrusion will interfere with the operation of a standard release lever The clubfoot release lever however with iLlt slotted or U sbape works around the clubfoot protrusion

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 29: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 22 of 24

US 6925744 B2 11

As discussed in detail above longer bullstock frames 102 and 302 can also mount to a shorter receiver extension 14 for a carbine series firearm This feature offers tbe sbooter ability to bave a longer lengtb stock that tbe shorter butlstocks cannot provide This feature can improve the comfort level of the shooter when the face of tbe same is placed onto a cheek weld adapter versus being placed parlially on tbe receiver extension which is normal wheo firing a standard carbine style firearm Also the longer butlstock fur1her provides the ability to mouot in two locations ODe is a collapsed length where the butlstock is in abuHing engagement witb tbe receiver of the firearm and tbe other is aD extended length where tbe butlstock is space from tbe receivcr about Slio of an inch

Mouotiog a longer butlsLOck such as butlstocks 100 and 300 to receiver extension 14 of a carbine style firearm is different tbao the practice of mounting the carbine and rifle butlstocks discussed above When mounting a longer butlstock the buHcap 136 and associated fastener (not sbown) are not used iostead the longer butlslock mounts in a similar fashion to that of a shorter butlstock but by using a manually locking pin 194 as showo io FIGS 12-14 rather than a spring-assisted locking pin such as 608 and 808 mentioned above The manual lockiog pin includes a pin portion 198 that locks into an indexing hole in the carbinc receiver extension but is not spring assisled like the stanshydard carbine spring-assisted locking pin

lostalling a longer buttstock sucb as bullstocks 100 and 300 is done by sliding the butlstock frame onlo the carbine style receiver extension until the bullstock is almost conshytacting the receiver extension nut securing the receiver extension to the receiver Two locking ports 190 and 192 are provided on the web portion of the mounting rail and extend upward tbrough tbe frame into passage 131 tbat bouses tbe receiver extension Manual locking pin 194 installs into locking port 190 adjacent second end 206 of buttstock frame 102 and pio portion 198 of be manual locking pin locates and locks into indexing bole 22 on tbe receiver extension Witb tbe manual locking pin 194 inserted pivot lock portion 200 wbicb is pivotally supported on body 196 is rotated downward until it contacts a ramping surface (not shown) located witbin the locking port adjacent flange portion 160 of mounting rail 156 Finally pivot lock ponion 200 is forced aloog tbe ramping surface until the pivot lock portion travels completely througb the locking pan and pivot lock portion 200 can travel no farther At this point tbe manual locking pin is secure and the buttslock is locked into a fixed position on tbe firearm It will be appreciated that Ihe buttstock can be secured in otber positions on tbe receiver extension such as that shown in FIG 14 for example in whicb the overall length of the firearm can be lengthened by about lito of an ineh The removal of the manual locking pio is done by apply pressure to Ihe pivot lock portion from the other side of the buttstock until the pivot lock portion moves downward along the ramping surface The manual locking pin can thercafter be removed from the locking port

The manual locking pin bas an additional feature for reducing the possibility of inadvertent removal of the lockshying pin from the locking port Located on a tip (not shown) of pivot lock portion 200 is a security hole (not shown) 10

ooe preferred embodiment tbe security hole has a diameter of about 5jj(lO of an iocb and is suitable to receive a wire spring hairpin (not shown) In this embodiment the hairpin can have a diameter of about Iioo of an inch and be of any suitable length such as 151i6 of an incb The hairpin is instalJed on the pivot lock portion aDd kceps the same from backing out of tbe locking port within the butlstock

12 Buttstocks in accordance with the present inve~tion offer

multiple sling mounting positions on tbe buttstock Both the longer and shorter butlstocks offer conventional sling mounting provisions similar to those 00 an original carbine bUltstock The buttstocks bave one or more openings such as SIOIs 166 shown in FIG 8 for example on Ibe second end thereof T3ullstocks of the clubfoot style can include three or more venically spaced holes or Slols wbile those of the standard style commonly have two or more vcrtically spaced boles or S)OIs

The other way to mount a sling is with a detachable sling swivel Both loDger and shorter buttstocks are adapted to mount a detachable sling ambidextroumiddotsly Quick-connect sling swivels include features to interlock with a sling lock sleeve such as sleeves 216 and 616 respectively shown in FIGS 7 and 16 for example The sling lock sleeves are preferably anchored or otherwise integrally formed on the butlstock Two or more sling lock sleeves are commonly provided on each buttstock

The quick-conoect sling swivel such as swivel 164 shown in FIG 8 has a number of retractable ball bearings (not shown) By pressing a detent button 165 located on the sling swivel the ball bearings retract to allow the sling swivel to be removed from or installed into the sling lock sleeve If in one embOdiment the bUllstock is manufactured by injection molding the sling lock sleeve can be loaded into the mold before injection of the plasticcomposite material As witb the slots discussed above the sling lock sleeve will accept a quick-ltletacbable sling swivel on either side of Ihe bultstock ambidextrously

What is claimed is 1 A butlstock for a firearm comprising a bullstock frame having a forward end and an opposing

rear end said bUllstock including a frame wall and one of a series of openings and a series of projections extending along said frame wall between said forward and rear ends and

a butlslock accessory supported on said bullstoci frame said butlstock accessory including an accessory wall and tbe otber of said series of openings and said series of projections extending alone said accessory wall

said series of openings and said series of projections being adapted to interengage one another aod at least partially secure said butlstock accessory on said butlstock frame

2 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said frame wall has an interior surface at least partially forming a frame passage extending between said forward end and said rear end

3 A butlstock according to claim 2 wberein said frame passage includes a groove extendiog along at least a portion of said frame passage

4 A bullstock according to claim 2 wherein said buttstock frame includes a mounting rail between said forward end and said rear end

5 A bUllstock according to claim 4 wherein said buttstock accesory includes a mounting flange positiooed adjacent said mounting rail

6 A butlstock according to claim 5 furtber comprising a fastener securing said mounting flange along said mounting rail

7 A butlstock according to claim 1 wherein said accesshysory wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface said interior surface at least partially forming an accessory passhysage with an open end

8 A buttstock according to claim 7 furtber comprising a cap secured on said bUllslock accessory along said open end of said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 30: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 23 of 24

US 6925744 B2 13 14

9 A bUlIstock for use on ao associate firearm baviog ao 17 A butlstock according to claim 1 wberein said series associated receiver extension said butlStock comprising of openings are evenly spaced-apart at a fIrst interval disshy

a bullstock frame baving a frame wall with an ioterior tance and said series of projections are evenly space-apart surface an exterior surface and a firs series of unishy at a second interval distance formly-spaced mounling features disposed along said 5 18 A butllock according to claim 17 wherein said first frame wall said interior surface at least partially formshy

interval distance and said second interval distance are subshying a frame passage for accepting the associated

stantially equal receiver extension and

a bUltslock accessory supported on said butlslock frame in 19 Abutlstock according to claim 17 wherein at least one

proximal relation to said exterior surface said butlstock 10 of said first interval distance and said second interval

accessory including a corresponding second series of distance is about I of an inch

unifOrmly-spaced mounting features adapted to 20 A buttstock according 10 claim 1 wherein said series interengage said firs series of mounting features and at of openings is disposed along said frame wall and at least least partially secure said butlStock accessory on said an opening of said series of openings extends througb said butlslock frame 15 frame wall into a passage extending along said butlStock

10 A bUllStock according 10 claim 9 furtber comprising a frame retaining member securing said bultstock frame on the 21 A butlstock according 10 claim 20 wherein said associated receiver extension passage includes a groove extending along at least a portion

n A butlStock according to claim 10 wherein said thereof and an opening of said series of openings extends relaining member is an end member engaging said Jutlstock 20 through said frame wall and into said passage along said frame adjacent said frame passage groove

12 A buttslock according to claim 10 wberein said 22 A buttstock according to claim 20 wherein said bUltstock frame includes a retaining passage extending genshy opening is substantially rectangular erally transverse said frame passage and said retaining

23 A bultstock according to claim 4 wherein al least one member is a retaining pin extending through said retaining 25 of said frame passage and said mounting rail extends subshypassage and engaging the associated receiver extension stantially entirely between said forward end and said rear 13 A bullStock according to claim 12 wherein said endretaining pin is relractably supported on said bultstock

24 A bultstock according to claim 1 furtber comprising a frame bultplate supported 00 said buttsock frame at said rear end

baving all associated receiver extension said kit comprising 25 A buttstock according to claim 24 wherein said a buttstock frame having a frame wall with an interior butlplate is integrally formed on said bultstock frame

surface an exterior surface and a plurality of evenlyshy

14 Abutlltock kit for installation on au associated firearm 30

26 A bullstock according to claim 1 wherein said spaced openings extending into said frame wall said butlstock frame includes one of a second series of openings interior surface at Ieat partially defining a frame passhy 35 and a second series of projections extending along said sage adapted to accept the associated receiver extenshy frame wall sion 27 A buttstock according to claim 26 furtber comprising

a buttslock accessory including an accessory wall and a a second bullstock accessory supported on said buttstock plurality of evenly-spaced projections extending from frame said second bulllttock accessory including a second said accessory wall said plurality of projections being

4G accessory wall and including the other of said second series cooperable with said plurality of openings and adapted of openings and said second series of projectionsto at least partially support said buttstock accessory on

28 A buttstock according to claim 9 wberein one of saidsaid butlstock frame along said exterior surface thereof

first series of uniformly-spaced mounting fealures and said and

second series of uniformly-spaced mounting featuresa retaining member adapted to secure said butlSlock frame 45 includes 00 opening and the olher of said firsl series of

on (be associated receiver extension uniformly-spaced mounting features and said second series 15 A butlStock kit according to claim 14 wherein said of mounting features includes a projection

aceessory wall includes an interior surface and an exterior 29 A buttstock according to claim 14 wherein said surface said interior surface at least partially forming an

50 butlStock frame includes a mounting rail extending at leastaccessory passage partially between opposing ends of said buttstock frame 16 A butlSlock kit according to claim 15 further comshy

prising a cap securable on said bullstock accessory along said accessory passage

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 31: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-1 Filed 102909 Page 24 of 24

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO 6925744 B2 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATION NO 10843246 DATED August 9 2009 fNVENTOR(S) Eric Stephen Kince1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below

Colunm 12 line 41 of claim 1 should read as follows

of projections extending along said accessory wall

Signed and Sealed this

Twenty-ninth Day of September 2009

David J Kappos Director oJlhe United Slaies Palenl and Tradmark Office

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 32: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 1029109 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITB

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 33: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page2 6f5shy

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ~~ 5~ OJ A

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND Ii ~ ~ A DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 1gt- ~ v

NOVEMBER 03 2004 PTAS 1111111 11111 11111 lin IIIlllllllllilll1 m~11111111FAY SHARPE FAGAN MINNICH amp MCKEE LLP 102746085A

TIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE vt cJI ~ oJ

SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114-2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVlILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

~

PLEASE RpoundVIEvJ ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION BOX ASSIGNMENTS CG-4 1213 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY SUITE320 1A1ASHINGTON DC 20231

RECORDATION DATE 05112004 REELFRAME 0153220325 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR KINCEL ERIC STEPHEN DOC DATE 05102004

ASSIGNEE VITOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC 1214 SOUTH STARR LANE LIBERTY LAKE WASHINGTON 99019

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

PO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 -WWW5PTOGOV

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 34: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 4Cm-cv-00620-0CB Documenf1-2 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

0153220325 PAGE 2

SHARON BROOKS EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 35: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 4 of 5

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged I the undersigned Eric Stephen Kincel of Coeur dAlene Idaho who has created a certain invention for which an application for United States Letters Patent has been

[Xl executed concurrently herewith o executed on o filed 200 and assigned Application Serial No

and is entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUTTSTOCK

Do hereby sell assign and transfer to Vltor Weapon Systems LLC a corporation of the State of Idaho having a place of business at 1214 South Starr Lane Liberty Lake Washington 99019 its Slccessors assigns and legal representatives the full and exclusive right to said invention and said application and to any and all inventions described in said application for the United States and its territorial possessions and the entire right title and interest in and to any and all Letters Patent which may be granted therefor in the United States and its territorial possessions and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto which have been or shall be filed in the United States and its territorial possessions and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the intemational conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

Agree that Vltor Weapon Systems LLC hereinafter referred to as Assignee may apply for and receive Letters Patent for said invention and said inventions hereinafter referred to as said invention in its own name in the United States and its territorial possessions and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said Assignee its successors assigns and legal representatives the undersigned will execute all continuations-inshypart continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the undersigned relating to said invention and the historj thereof and generally do everything possible which said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives and

Covenant with said Assignee its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 36: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

bull bull

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-2 Filed 102909 Page 5 of 5

2

IL-~~ C ~rSigned at ---~~=-=n 2004~=------1~-t_~0V=--o--I-d_ on ----r---------- I

~ ~Lr-2 Eric Stephen Kincel

State of Ide ~l p ) )55

County of ~ro~~1~)

-L I On this ~ day of C u

)COl before me personally

came Eric Stephen Kineel to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and a~kn~Wledged ex~ecutionof the s~me

QLlQsJ~ 11111111 t P bl~~t-~~~~c~ 0 a u IC

~ lt~-~ -Imiddotmiddot~t1Aly-middotmiddot~r shySeal ~ u ~ _

shy 5~ i i ~ -=- (J) puauC 0 ~

- ~~~- ~

~ ~OF q ~IJIll Jl I

NVL TR200001IEW0001428V001doc

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 37: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 1 of 5

EXHIBITCmiddot

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

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Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 2 of 5

RECEiVED

JUL I B 2005

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRWEMARK OFFICE

UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND

DIRECTOR OF THE UNTED SlATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

JULY 07 2005 PTAS 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

102937250ATIMOTHY E NAUMAN ESQ FAY SHARPE FAGAN ET AL 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE SEVENTH FLOOR CLEVELAND OH 44114 2518

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE NOTICE OF RECORDATION OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT

THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RECORDED BY THE ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OF THE US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE A COMPLETE MICROFILM COpy IS AVAILABLE AT THE ASSIGNMENT SEARCH ROOM ON THE REEL AND FRAME NUMBER REFERENCED BELOW

PLEASE REVIEW ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS NOTICE THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS RECORDATION NOTICE REFLECTS THE DATA PRESENT IN THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM IF YOU SHOULD FIND ANY ERRORS OR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NOTICE YOU MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEE WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THIS NOTICE AT 703-308-9723 PLEASE SEND REQUEST FOR CORRECTION TO US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE MAIL STOP ASSIGNMENT SERVICES DIVISION PO BOX 1450 ALEXANDRIA VA 22313

~ RECORDATION DATE 02072005 REELFRAME 0162320025 NUMBER OF PAGES 5

BRIEF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS)

ASSIGNOR VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC DOC DATE 01262005

ASSIGNEE ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING

INC DBA VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS 3753 NORTH ROMERO ROAD TUCSON 85705 ARIZONA

SERIAL NUMBER 10843246 FILING DATE 05112004 PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE TITLE MODULAR FIRR~~~ BUTTSTOCK

c- tJEmailed to __ ___

On 7l- ) By AJlt

I DO6li ~~EiFjFa pO Box 1450 Alexandria Virginia 22313-1450 - WNWUSPTOGOV t1i ~~il I tbL

f

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

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I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filed 102909 Page 3 of 5

L l i I 0162320025 PAGE 2

r SHAREILL COLES EXAMINER ASSIGNMENT DIVISION OFFICE OF PUBLIC RECORDS

I t I

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 40: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

I

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document -1~-3~File-dmiddot1i7iOU12V9Ov9P~a-g-e-4middotoifi5--~--==

Attorney Docket No VLTR 2 00001

ASSIGNMENT

For ten (10) dollars and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC (an Idaho Corporation) 1214 South Starr Lane Libelty Washington 99019

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNOR) hereby sells assigns and transfers to

ABRAMS AIRBORNE MANUFACTURING INC dba VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS (an Arizona Corporation) 3735 North Romero Road Tucson Arizona 85705

(hereinafter referred to as ASSIGNEE) the undivided full and exclusive right and interest of ASSIGNOR for the United States and its territorial possessions and in all foreign countries including all rights that claim priority in the present invention and to any and all improvements modifications and additions thereto including but not limited to the embodiments disclosed described or othenvise suggested in the United States Letters Patent application having Serial No 10843246 and entitled

MODULAR FIREARM BUITSTOCK

executed and filed on May 1] 2004 hereinafter referred to in its entirety as said invention and the entire right title and interest in and to all Letters Patent that may be granted therefor in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and in and to any and all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof and all other applications for Letters Patent relating thereto that have been or shall be filed in the United States its territorial possessions andor any foreign countries and all rights together with all priority rights under any of the international conventions unions agreements acts and treaties including all future conventions unions agreements acts and treaties

ASSIGNOR agrees that ASSIGNEE may apply for and receive one or more Letters Patents for said invention in its own name in the United States its territorial possessions and all foreign countries and that when requested to carry out in good faith the intent and purpose of this assignment at the expense of said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns and legal representatives ASSIGNOR the undersigned will execute all continuations-in-part continuations divisions substitutes reissues extensions thereof execute all rightful oaths assignments powers of attorney and other papers testify in any legal or quasi legal proceedings communicate to said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives all facts known to the ASSIGNOR relating to said invention and the history thereof and generally do everything possible which

1

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2

Page 41: Vltor vs Magpul Lawsuit

Case 409-cv-00620-DCB Document 1-3 Filea-r0121JroH Page 5 of 5

said ASSiGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives shall consider desirable for aiding in securing maintaining and enforcing proper patent protection for said invention and for vesting title to said invention and all applications for patents on said invention in said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives and

ASSIGNOR covenants with said ASSIGNEE its successors assigns or legal representatives that no assignment grant mortgage license or other agreement affecting the rights and property herein conveyed has been made to others by the undersigned and that the full right to convey the same as herein expressed is possessed by the undersigned

J -bIN WITNESS WHEREOF ASSIGNOR has set its hand and seal this fA) day of JCt h ~ a(f 2005

VLTOR WEAPON SYSTEMS LLC

By f~ lflhLuJrlt1

Title amppoundtlJltftrf

Witness~ ret ~du-dt1L

STATE OF Washflto6~ )) SS

COUNTYOF Sf0)ltaKeuroJ

Personally appeared before me this day the above named Yl c-h e If IJIlstlbJtdt to me personalJy known who acknowledged that he signed the foregoing instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and that the same is his free act and deed

YJt - day of

NIPERZ200271 IEW0272Adoc

2