Caps for accessory receiving rail of a firearm and methods of operating the same

Abstract

A cap for a receiving rail of a firearm and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An illustrated cap includes a resiliently deformable plate. The example cap also includes engaging members on the opposite sides of the center of the plate where the plate is curved such that the engaging members approach each other when the cap is unloaded.

1 . A cap for a receiving rail of a firearm, comprising: 
 a resiliently deformable plate; and    engaging members on the opposite sides of the center of the plate, the plate being curved such that the engaging members approach each other when the cap is unloaded.    
   
   
       2 . A cap as defined in  claim 1 , where a projection is constructed adjacent one of the engaging members.  
   
   
       3 . A cap as defined in  claim 2 , where the projection is a protuberance sized to engage a slot in the receiving rail.  
   
   
       4 . A cap as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the projection is sized to engage a slot of the receiving rail to secure the cap against longitudinal movement along the rail.  
   
   
       5 . A cap as defined in  claim 1  where corners of the cap are rounded.  
   
   
       6 . A cap as defined in  claim 1  where the plate and engagement member are formed from a single piece plastic.  
   
   
       7 . A cap as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the engaging member comprises engagement rails.  
   
   
       8 . A cap as defined in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the engagement members comprise a series of projections.  
   
   
       9 . A cap as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the cap includes ribs to enhance its rigidity.  
   
   
       10 . A cap as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the cap includes marking to facilitate cutting of the plate.  
   
   
       11 . A kit, comprising: 
 a plurality of resiliently flexible caps to secure to a receiving rail of a firearm, each of the caps being structure to resiliently grip an upper surface of the receiving rail.    
   
   
       12 . A kit as defined in  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the caps is curved in the unstressed state and the at least one cap is flexed against its curvature to mount to the receiving rail.  
   
   
       13 . A method of mounting a cap to a receiving rail of a firearm comprising: 
 engaging a first engagement member beneath a first longitudinal edge of the receiving rail;    stretching the cap to reach over a top of the receiving member; and    engaging a second engagement member beneath a second longitudinal edge of the receiving member.    
   
   
       14 . A method as defined in  claim 13  further comprising engaging a projection into a slot of the receiving rail to secure the cap against longitudinal movement relative to the rail.