Accessory attaching device for standardized small arm mounting rails

Abstract

The present invention is an easily detachable “rail clip” to provide an inexpensive, rapid and secure fastening means to affix sight components, flashlights, lasers, electrical wires, tags, tools, carrying straps, or other tactical gear or accessories to a standardized firearm mounting rail as defined by MIL-STD-1913(AR). The herein disclosed rail clip is economically manufactured as a single piece spring without moving parts, can be operated silently, can be repositioned in seconds, and can be attached and detached from the weapon without the need for any tool making this an important alternative attachment means for military and police forces.

1 . A single piece spring clip for mounting an accessory to a standardized firearm mounting rail, comprising: a main part that provides two primary locking arms extended perpendicularly downward, configured with a locking claw formed to couple to the lower angular side of said mounting rail; a secondary spring arm that includes a retaining lip formed transversely to the said main part to snap past the corner formed by the angular sides of the said mounting rail, directly opposed to said primary locking arms, retaining the rail clip in a fixed position relative to the said mounting rail; two locating tabs that extend perpendicularly downward that engage the side walls of a transverse slot of the said mounting rail, thereby preventing front to back motion of the rail clip when the weapon is handled or fired; and including offset top and side accessory holes for attaching an accessory or carrying options. 
     
     
         2 . The accessory mounting rail clip of  claim 1 , wherein the device single piece structure provides simultaneous rigid and flexible mounting characteristics. 
     
     
         3 . The accessory mounting rail clip of  claim 1 , wherein the device provides a practical disengagement lever that is formed as an integral part of said main part. 
     
     
         4 . The accessory mounting rail clip of  claim 1 , wherein the device provides a uniform centerline accessory mounting hole for mounting sight components or optics.