US20110099876A1

US20110099876A1 - Accessory for a firearm

Info

Publication number: US20110099876A1
Application number: US12/612,952
Authority: US
Inventors: James K. Bentley
Original assignee: Krow Innovation LLC
Current assignee: Krow Innovation LLC
Priority date: 2009-11-05
Filing date: 2009-11-05
Publication date: 2011-05-05

Abstract

A magazine fed shotgun may not use the space within a magazine tube. An accessory, such as a light or a laser, may be inserted into the magazine tube. A switch that operates the accessory may be located on the pump grip of the shotgun. The switch may be connected to the accessory with a wiring harness that may extend through an opening in the tube. The opening may be elongated so that the wiring harness can move with the pump grip when the pump grip is cycled by an operator.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure generally relates to accessories for a long gun. More specifically, the present disclosure generally relates to an accessory that may be installed in a portion of a firearm, such as, for example, a shotgun.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the field of firearms, there is a need to improve the shell carrying capacity for long guns, including shotguns. One type of repeating shotgun is a pump-action shotgun. An example of a prior art pump-action shotgun 300 is shown in FIG. 5. The pump-action shotgun includes a receiver 310 into which a magazine tube 390 and a barrel 395 may be inserted. The receiver 310 of the shotgun 300 is the main component that houses the chamber and firing mechanism. The magazine tube 390 is a tube that generally runs parallel underneath the barrel 395 of the shotgun and that can hold shotgun shells. The number of shells that the magazine tube 390 is constrained to its length. Five shells is often the maximum number of shells that a magazine tube 390 can hold. The end of the magazine tube 390 that is inserted into the receiver 310 usually includes exterior threads 391 (shown in FIG. 6) so that the magazine tube 390 can be secured to a threaded opening 311 of the receiver 310.
The barrel 395 of the pump-action shotgun 300 is inserted into an upper opening 312 in the receiver 310 and includes a lug 396 that slides onto the front end (the far end from the receiver 310) of the magazine tube 390. The front end of the magazine tube 390 includes threads 392 as shown in FIG. 5 so that a nut (not shown) may be threaded onto the magazine tube 390 securely against the lug 396. The nut threaded against the lug 396 retains the end of the barrel 395 within the receiver 310. The pump-action shotgun 300 includes a pump grip 393 that is adapted to travel along the magazine tube 390. As is known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as the pump grip 393 is cycled a carriage (not shown) connected to the pump grip 393 is adapted to load a shell from the magazine tube 390 into the chamber and property position the bolt.
The introduction of a detachable shotgun magazine may increase the carrying capacity of the shotgun. FIG. 1 shows the side view of a typical configuration of a shotgun magazine 280. The shotgun magazine 280 includes a tab or locking profile 281 that engages a corresponding profile within the magazine port 213 of a shotgun receiver 210 (shown in FIG. 2). The corresponding profile is typically a static latching structure 282, such as another tab or recess, as shown in FIG. 4. In order to lock the magazine 280 into the magazine port 213, the operator first must align the locking tab 281 with the static latching structure 282. Once aligned, the magazine 280 then is rotated about the locking tab 281 to engage a second locking feature that corresponds to a release lever 285 (shown in FIG. 2). Once the magazine is locked into the magazine port 213, the release lever may be actuated to release the magazine 280 from the receiver 210. The requirement to first align to static structures and then rotate the magazine 280 to engage a second locking feature may potentially cause a user to improperly insert the magazine 280 into the magazine port 213. For example, if the locking profile 281 is not properly aligned with the static latching structure 282 the second locking feature may fail to properly lock the magazine 280 into the magazine port 213 instead causing the magazine 280 to fall out of the magazine port 213 when it is rotated to engage the second locking feature within the magazine port 213. The failure to properly insert and load the magazine may be especially problematic in high pressure situations, such as in combat.
Another type of shotgun is a gas powered semiautomatic shotgun. FIG. 2 shows a portion of a SAIGA® gas powered shotgun 200 with a magazine 280 being rotated to be inserted and locked into the magazine port 213 of the receiver 210. As shown in FIG. 2, the user of the gun is unable to view the mating of the static latching structures 281, 282 (shown in FIG. 4) while inserting the magazine 280, which may lead to misalignment prior to rotating the magazine 280 to engage the second locking profile on the release lever 285. The magazine 280 will not properly lock within the magazine port 213 if it is misaligned potentially allowing the magazine 280 to fall out of the magazine port 213.
FIG. 3 is a cross-section side view of a prior art shotgun 200 having static latching structures 281, 282. FIG. 3 shows the magazine 280 partially inserted into the magazine port. A second static locking structure 286 has contacted the release latch 285, but the magazine 280 is not fully rotated and thus, locked into the magazine port 213. FIG. 4 is a close up cross-section view showing the static locking structure 281 of the magazine 280 properly aligned and engaged by the static latching structure 282 of the receiver 210. In order to properly lock the magazine 280 into the magazine port 213, the static locking structure 282 must be properly positioned and aligned above the static latching structure 281 of the receiver 210. The engagement of latching structure 282 with locking structure 281 retains the magazine in the proper location within the magazine port 213. Otherwise, the magazine 280 may simply come out of the magazine port 213 when the magazine 280 is rotated to engage the locking feature of the release lever 285.
The addition of a magazine well (not shown) may help to prevent misalignment when a magazine 280 is inserted into the magazine port 213 of a shotgun 200. However, the addition of a magazine well increases the complexity of the shotgun 200 as well as weight and cost. Additionally, the inclusion of a magazine well prevents the use of a standard shotgun receiver 210 requiring additional manufacturing costs. A magazine well typically provides a channel for the alignment of the magazine 280 as it is inserted into the magazine port with the locking profile of the release lever 285 securing the magazine 280 within the magazine port 213 and magazine well.
Typically, the magazine fed shotgun 200 is fed exclusively with the detachable magazine 280 that is inserted into the magazine port 213 at the bottom of the receiver 210. The magazine tube 290 that may have formerly held and fed shells into the magazine fed shotgun 200 remains on the shotgun 200 and functions to attach the barrel 295 and as a guide for pump grip 295.
Accessories, such as a light, laser, bipod, and/or pistol grip, among other suitable accessories, have been connected to firearms to add functionality to the firearm. Typically, the accessories are attached to a permanently attached mounting rail, such as a picatinny rail or the like. Alternatively, accessories have been mounted to a portion of the firearm, such as a forend or a pump grip, with an accessory specific mounting device. For example, a flashlight may be mounted to the pump grip of a shotgun using a mount with a cylindrical opening. However, such mounts are not generally considered universal and may be inconvenient for a shooter when the accessory isn't installed or isn't used.
The present disclosure is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects, of one or more of the issues set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of an accessory for a firearm is disclosed. The accessory may comprise a body, which may be configured to be partially inserted into to a magazine tube of a firearm, a wiring harness, which may be operatively connected to the body, and a switch, which may be operatively connected to the wiring harness. The switch may be configured to actuate an element in the body. The accessory may further comprise a circuit positioned within a cavity in the body and a power source that may be operatively connected to the circuit. The switch may be operatively connected to the circuit and may be configured to signal the circuit when actuated. The accessory may further comprise a power source and an electric component. The switch may be connected to a terminal of the power source and to a terminal of the electric component, and may be configured to switch a flow of power to the electric component between on and off states. The accessory may further comprise a connecting mechanism configured to connect the body to the magazine tube. The connecting mechanism may comprise a flared profile or threads. The switch may be located on a portion of the firearm. The switch may be located on a pump grip of a shotgun. The wiring harness may be configured to permit the pump grip to travel along the magazine tube. The accessory may further comprise a light or a laser. The accessory may further comprise a capturing member configured to secure the body to the tube.
An embodiment of a forend assembly is disclosed. The forend assembly may comprise a tube, which may have a cavity and may have an opening in a side. The opening in the side may connect to the cavity. The tube may be configured to connect to a receiver of a firearm. The forend assembly may further comprise a forend, which may have an outer surface and may be configured to connect to a carrier and to slide along the tube. The forend assembly may further comprise a switch mounted on the outer surface of the forend. The forend assembly may further comprise a wiring harness positioned within the cavity of the tube. The wiring harness may connect the accessory and the switch through the opening in the side of the tube. An accessory may be partially inserted into the inner cavity of the tube. The switch may be configured to actuate the accessory. The forend may further comprise a dynamic latch that is configured to connect the tube to the receiver. The forend may further comprise a power source operatively connected to the accessory. The accessory may comprise a circuit operatively connected to the switch. The accessory may comprise a light or a laser. The forend may be a pump grip and the firearm may be a shotgun.
An embodiment of a shotgun is disclosed. The shotgun may comprise a receiver, a tube connected to the receiver, which may have an inner cavity and may have an opening in a side that may connect to the inner cavity, a barrel connected to the receiver and connected to the tube with a lug. The lug may encircle the outer circumference of the tube. The shotgun may further comprise a pump grip connected to a carrier and configured to slide along the tube, a switch mounted to an outer surface of the pump grip, and a wiring harness comprising wire. The wiring harness may be operatively connected to the switch. The wiring harness may extend through the opening in the side of the tube. The shotgun may further comprise an accessory inserted partially into the inner cavity of the tube. The accessory may be connected to the wiring harness and may be configured to be actuated by the switch. The accessory may comprise a light or a laser. The tube may be connected to the receiver by a portion of a dynamic latch. The accessory may comprise a power source. The power source may comprise a capacitor or a battery.
These and other embodiments of the present application will be discussed more fully in the description. The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the claimed invention, or may be combined in yet other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a shotgun magazine with a locking profile.

FIG. 2 is a partial side view of a shotgun magazine being inserted into the receiver of a SAIGA® shotgun.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a magazine being inserted into shotgun receiver having a static latch mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section close up view of the locking profile of the magazine engaging the static latch mechanism shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of some of the components of a prior art shotgun.

FIG. 6 is a close up view of the receiver and the end of the magazine tube of the shotgun of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a shotgun including an embodiment of a dynamic latch that may be used to selectively secure a magazine within the magazine port of the receiver.

FIG. 8 is a close up cross-section view of the dynamic latch of FIG. 7 engaging the locking profile on the magazine.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of an embodiment of a dynamic latch.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of an embodiment of a housing that may be a component of a dynamic latch.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of an embodiment of a piston that may be a component of a dynamic latch.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the dynamic latch and shotgun receiver.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a carrier that may be used in connection with the dynamic latch disclosed herein.

FIG. 15A shows a partial side view of an embodiment of a magazine fed shotgun with an accessory installed into the tube.

FIG. 15B shows a cutaway partial side view of the embodiment of FIG. 15A.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments are described below as they might be employed in an accessory for a firearm. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
Further aspects and advantages of the various embodiments will become apparent from consideration of the following description and drawings. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that modifications to the various disclosed embodiments may be made, and other embodiments may be utilized, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
FIG. 7 shows a shotgun 100 that includes an embodiment of a dynamic front latch 20 connected to the receiver 10. The dynamic latch 20 selectively retains a magazine 80 within the magazine port 13 (shown in FIG. 13) of the receiver 10 in combination with a dynamic lever 85. The lever 85 may be actuated to release the magazine 80 from the magazine port 13. Upon actuating the lever 85, which releases the magazine 80 from the rear locking profile, the downward movement of the magazine 80 causes the dynamic latch 20 to also release the magazine 80 because of the dynamic nature of the latch profile, as discussed below. A tube 90, such as a magazine tube, is connected to a portion of the dynamic latch 20. As discussed below, the tube 90 may be threaded onto an end of the dynamic latch 20 securing both the dynamic latch 20 and the tube 90 to the receiver 10. A barrel 95 is inserted into a bore in the receiver 10 so that the bore of the barrel 95 is aligned with the chamber of the receiver 10. A connection mechanism, such as the lug 396 shown in FIG. 5 and a nut, may be used to connect the barrel 95 to tube 90. The lug 396 may be inserted over the end of the tube 90 as the barrel 95 is inserted into the bore in the receiver 10. The end of the tube 90 may include a threaded section such that a nut may be tightened onto the tube 90 against the lug 396 thus, securing the barrel 95 against the receiver 10.
The dynamic latch 20 permits the insertion of the magazine 80 into the magazine port 13 in substantially a single direction as opposed to the prior art latching mechanisms, which first require alignment of a latching profile and then rotation of the magazine 80 to engage a dynamic release lever. Specifically, the prior art requires a magazine tab, or locking profile, to be first inserted into a static latching mechanism, such as a corresponding recess, and requires that the magazine then be rotated about the tab until a profile on the release lever engages a second locking profile on the magazine. As discussed above if the tab is not properly aligned prior to rotation, the magazine may not properly lock within the magazine port. This may require repeated attempts for a user to properly secure the magazine within the magazine port. This may be problematic in various stressful situations, such as in combat. The dynamic latch 20 potentially prevents this problem by eliminating the need to rotate the magazine 80 to secure it within the magazine port 13. The dynamic latch 20 may be adapted to be used in connection with a standard shotgun receiver 110, potentially reducing manufacturing costs.
FIG. 8 is a close up cross-section view showing the locking profile 81, or tab, of the magazine 80 engaged and thus, retained within the magazine port 13 by the latching profile 42 of the dynamic latch 20. FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the dynamic latch 20. The dynamic latch 20 includes an outer housing 30 having an inner cavity 31 (shown in FIG. 10). A piston 40 having a latch profile 42 (shown in FIG. 12) is positioned within the cavity 31 of the housing 30. The piston 40 includes a cavity 41 (shown in FIG. 12) in which a spring 50 is positioned. The housing 30 includes an opening 33 at a first end that is sized to permit only a portion of the piston 40, such as at least the latch profile 42, to protrude out of the opening 33. A portion of the piston 40 may abut a first interior shoulder 36 when the latch profile 42 protrudes out of the opening 33. A retaining device is used at the second end of the housing 30 to retain the piston 40 and the spring 50 within the cavity 31. For example, a washer 60 and snap ring 70 may be used in combination to retain the piston 40 and spring 50 within the housing 30. The snap ring 70 may engage a groove 37, or interior shoulder, within the inner surface of the housing 30. The washer 60 and snap ring 70 are shown for illustrative purposes only as various fasteners and configurations may be used to retain the piston 40 and spring 50 within the housing 30 as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
The spring 50 may be adapted to be in an initial substantially uncompressed state when assembled within the piston 40 in the housing 30 of the dynamic latch 20. The piston 40, spring 50, and housing 30 are adapted so that the latch profile 42 of the piston 40 protrudes out of the opening 33 when the spring 50 is in a substantially uncompressed state. As a magazine 80 is inserted into the magazine port 13 of the receiver 10, the locking profile 81 engages the latch profile 42. The movement of the magazine 80 will cause the locking profile 81 to push against the latch profile 42 compressing the spring 50 moving the piston 40 away from magazine 80. The movement of the piston 40 permits the locking profile 81 to move past the latch profile 42 into the loaded position within the magazine port 13. Once the locking profile 81 has moved past the latch profile 42, the spring 50 will return to its initial substantially uncompressed state moving the piston 40 outward so that the latch profile 42 engages the locking profile 81 locking the magazine 80 in the magazine port 13, as shown in FIG. 8.
The dynamic latch 20 permits the magazine 80 to be locked in the magazine port 13 by movement in a single direction rather than requiring the alignment and rotation required to load prior long gun magazine mechanisms, such as the shotgun magazine latches discussed above. When unloading the magazine 80 from the magazine port 13, the spring 50 compresses permitting the locking profile 81 to move past the latch profile 42 after the release lever 85 has been actuated releasing the magazine 80 from the lock profile (not shown) at the rear of the magazine 80.
The housing 30 of the dynamic latch 20 may be adapted to connect a tube 90, such as a magazine tube that is often connected to standard shotgun receivers 10. The housing includes an exterior shoulder 34 on one end and external threads 32 on the other end as shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 shows the front end portion of the receiver 10 with an exploded view of the components of an embodiment of the dynamic latch 20. The dynamic latch 20 may be assembled by inserting the spring 50 into the cavity 41 of the piston 40. The piston 40 and spring 50 assembly may then be inserted into the cavity 31 of housing 30 with the washer 60 and snap ring 70 inserted to retain the piston 40 and spring 50 within the housing 30. The dynamic latch assembly 20 may then be inserted through the magazine port 13 into a tube opening 11 of the receiver 10, which may be a magazine tube opening of a standard receiver. The exterior shoulder 34 of the housing 30 will abut against the receiver 10 preventing the entire dynamic latch assembly 20 from moving through the opening 11. The threaded portion 32 of the housing 30 will protrude from the tube opening 11 permitting a tube 90 having internal threads to be threaded onto the housing 30. The tube 90 will be threaded onto the housing 30 until the end of the tube 90 is against the receiver 10 thus, securing both the dynamic latch 20 and the tube 90 to the receiver 10.
The receiver 10 includes an opening 12 for the insertion of a barrel 95 as well as for the travel of a carrier that is attached to a pump grip 96. The pump grip 96 is adapted to travel along the tube 90 and may be actuated to cycle the firing chamber of the shotgun. As is well known by one of ordinary skill in the art, a carrier may be connected to the pump grip 96 such that upon pumping the pump grip 96 the carrier assists in ejecting a shell, if any, in the chamber, moving a shell into the chamber, and properly positioning the bolt so that the chambered shell may be fired. For illustrative purposes, a carrier 120 is shown in FIG. 14 that may be used in conjunction with the dynamic latch 20 disclosed herein.
FIG. 15A is a partial side view and FIG. 15B is a cutaway side view of an embodiment of a shotgun 500 comprising a receiver 510, a tube 590 connected to the receiver 510, a barrel 595 connected to the receiver 510 and to the tube 590 with a lug 596, and a pump grip 593. The magazine fed shotgun 500 does not use the tube 590 to feed ammunition into the chamber of the receiver 510 and typically employs the tube 590 as a connection point to the barrel 595 and as a guide for the pump grip 593, leaving the inner cavity 645 of the tube 590 substantially empty.
FIG. 15B shows an embodiment of an accessory 600 that may be installed into the far end of the tube 590. Many accessories may be suitable for mounting on or in the tube 590, such as, for example, a light, a laser, a locator beacon, a bi-pod, a combination light and laser, or another suitable device. For example, the accessory 600 may comprise a light, which may be actuated by the switch 650. A wiring harness 630 may connect the accessory to the switch 650.
The accessory 600 may comprise a body with a connecting mechanism (not shown), such as external threads. The accessory 600 may be inserted into the far end 647 of the tube 590 and, as such, may be positioned within the inner cavity 645 of the tube 590. The accessory 600 may have a flared profile 602 that may mate with the tube 590, stopping the accessory 600 from moving farther into the tube 590. The accessory 600 may be captured within the tube 590 by a capturing member 660 such as a nut or a cap that may be threaded onto the farthest end 647 of the tube 590. The capturing member 660 may also tighten against the lug 596 and may serve to secure the barrel 595 to the receiver 510. Other embodiments of the accessory 600 may extend a larger or shorter distance into the tube 590 than shown in FIG. 15B and/or may extend out from the farthest end 647, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the tube 590 may have internal threads and the accessory 600 may be threaded into the inner cavity 645 of the tube 590.
An opening 640 is formed into the side of the tube 590. As shown in FIG. 15B, the opening 640 provides a path from the outside to the inner cavity 645 of the tube 590 and may be elongated to form a slot. The pump grip 593 may substantially cover the opening 640.
The wiring harness 630 operatively connects to the accessory 600 to the switch 650. The wiring harness 630 extends from the accessory 600, through the inner cavity 645, through the opening 640, and connects to the switch 650. The opening 640 may allow a portion of wiring harness 630 to slide along with the pump grip 593, and thus the switch 650, when the pump grip 593 is cycled by an operator.
The wiring harness 630 may comprise one or more wires and may further comprise one or more electrical connectors, such as sockets or plugs, at one or more ends. Embodiments of the wiring harness 630 with a single wire may use the tube 590 as an additional conductive path. The wiring harness 630 may plug into the accessory 600 or may be affixed to the accessory 600, such as by soldering. Similarly, the wiring harness 630 may plug into or may be affixed to the switch 650.
The switch 650 may be configured to break power path from a power source 620 to the accessory 600. Alternatively, the switch may provide a signal a circuit 610 to indicate a change in the state of the accessory 600. For example, the switch 650 may turn the flow of power from off to on, illuminating a light. Alternatively, the switch may signal a controller in the accessory to change a light level or light pattern of a light, such as from dim light to a brighter light or from a constant light to a blinking light.
The switch 650 may be a rocker, slide, toggle, pushbutton, rotary, or another suitable style of switch, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 15B, the switch 650 may be mounted to the pump grip 593 and may the control the accessory 600 when actuated by an operator. The switch is located roughly in the middle of the pump grip 593 and on the right side of the firearm (from the shooters point of view), which may be most comfortable for a right-handed shooter. Alternatively, the switch 650 may be located on the left or bottom side of the pump grip 593, on the tube 590, on a portion of the body 605, such as a portion extending out from the tube 590, or in another suitable location on the firearm 500, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
The circuit 610 may be positioned within a cavity 607 within the body 605 of the accessory 600. The circuit 610 may comprise a circuit board, a controller, and/or one or more discreet electrical components, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
Additionally, the power source 620, which may be a standard charge storage device, such as a battery or a capacitor, may be positioned within the cavity 607. Alternatively, the power source 620 may extend from the cavity or may be positioned externally from the cavity 607 and/or from the body 605, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
As discussed previously, the wiring harness 640 may operatively connect to the circuit 610. The wiring harness 640 may further connect the power source 620 to the accessory 600, such as to the circuit 610, through the switch 650. Alternatively, the power source 620 may be operatively connected to the accessory 600 with a separate set of wires, leads, traces, and/or connectors, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the invention is not so limited and will be understood to include all such modifications and variations as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, equivalent elements may be substituted for those specifically shown and described, certain features may be used independently of other features, and the number and configuration of various vehicle components described above may be altered, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes, modifications, and/or adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An accessory comprising:

a body, the body being configured to be at least partially inserted into to a magazine tube of a firearm;

a wiring harness, operatively connected to the body; and

a switch operatively connected to the wiring harness, the switch being configured to actuate an element in the body.

2. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a circuit positioned within a cavity in the body and a power source operatively connected to the circuit, the switch being operatively connected to the circuit and configured to signal the circuit when actuated.

3. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a power source and an electric component, wherein the switch is connected to a terminal of the power source and to a terminal of the electric component, and is configured to switch a flow of power to the electric component between on and off states.

4. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a connecting mechanism configured to connect the body to the magazine tube.

5. The accessory of claim 4, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises a flared profile or threads.

6. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the switch is located on a portion of the firearm.

7. The accessory of claim 6, wherein the switch is located on a pump grip of a shotgun and wherein the wiring harness is configured to permit the pump grip to travel along the magazine tube.

8. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a light or a laser.

9. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a capturing member configured to secure the body to the tube.

10. A forend assembly comprising:

a tube having a cavity and an opening in a side connecting to the cavity, the tube being configured to connect to a receiver of a firearm;

a forend having an outer surface, being configured to connect to a carrier and to slide along the tube;

a switch mounted on the outer surface of the forend;

a wiring harness positioned within the cavity of the tube, the wiring harness connecting the accessory and the switch through the opening in the side of the tube;

an accessory at least partially inserted into the inner cavity of the tube,

wherein the switch is configured to actuate the accessory.

11. The forend assembly of claim 10, further comprising a dynamic latch that is configured to connect the tube to the receiver.

12. The forend assembly of claim 10, further comprising a power source operatively connected to the accessory.

13. The forend assembly of claim 10, wherein the accessory comprises a circuit operatively connected to the switch.

14. The forend assembly of claim 10, wherein the accessory comprises a light or a laser.

15. The forend assembly of claim 10, wherein the forend is a pump grip and the firearm is a shotgun.

16. A shotgun comprising:

a receiver;

a tube connected to the receiver, having an inner cavity, and having an opening in a side connecting to the inner cavity;

a barrel connected to the receiver and connected to the tube with a lug, the lug encircling the outer circumference of the tube;

a pump grip connected to a carrier and configured to slide along the tube;

a switch mounted to an outer surface of the pump grip;

a wiring harness comprising at least one wire and being operatively connected to the switch, the at least one wire extending through the opening in the side of the tube;

an accessory inserted at least partially into the inner cavity of the tube, the accessory being connected to the wiring harness and being configured to be actuated by the switch.

17. the firearm of claim 16, wherein the accessory comprises a light or a laser.

18. The firearm of claim 16, wherein the tube is connected to the receiver by a portion of a dynamic latch.

19. The firearm of claim 16, wherein the accessory comprises a power source.

20. The firearm of claim 19, wherein the power source comprises a capacitor or a battery.