Powered tactical rail (aka picatinny rail) system and method of using the same

Abstract

A tactical rail incorporating integral conductive elements positioned in rail channels or grooves wherein the conductive elements are powered by a single battery. Accessory mounts incorporate conductive elements positioned to contact the conductive elements in the rail grooves thus receiving electric current from the conductive elements and delivering the same to the connected accessories. A rubber O-ring strip or gasket may be removably positioned over the conductive elements positioned in the rail grooves thereby preventing the system from shorting out and protecting the conductive elements from external conditions, including moisture. When needed, portions of the O-ring strip may be cut-away to accommodate the conductive elements of one or more accessory mounts.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a tactical rail configured to attach to a firearm and receive one or more accessory mounts, said tactical rail including conductive elements positioned within one or more grooves running along a length of said tactical rail;   one or more accessory mounts configured to retain and secure electrical accessories for use with said firearm, said accessory mounts including electrical contacts positioned to communicate with said conductive elements within said one or more grooves when attached to said tactical rail; and   one or more power sources integrated into said firearm and attached to said conductive elements, said one or more power sources configured to provide electrical power to said conductive elements for transmission to said one or more accessory mounts to power said retained and secured accessory.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said conductive elements are flat metal members retained by spaced slots running along a top and bottom of said channels. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said power sources are selected from batteries, fuel cells and solar cells. 
     
     
         4 . A system comprising:
 a tactical rail configured to attach to a firearm and receive one or more accessory mounts, said tactical rail including conductive elements positioned within one or more grooves running along a length of said tactical rail;   one or more gaskets positioned within said one or more grooves;   one or more accessory mounts configured to retain and secure electrical accessories for use with said firearm, said accessory mounts including electrical contacts positioned to communicate with said conductive elements within said one or more grooves when attached to said tactical rail and at least a portion of said one or more gaskets is first removed; and   one or more power sources integrated into said firearm and attached to said conductive elements, said one or more power sources configured to provide electrical power to said conductive elements for transmission to said one or more accessory mounts to power said retained and secured accessory.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein said conductive elements are flat metal members retained by spaced slots running along a top and bottom of said channels. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4  wherein said power sources are selected from batteries, fuel cells and solar cells. 
     
     
         7 . A system comprising:
 a tactical rail configured to attach to a firearm and receive one or more accessory mounts;   one or more accessory mounts configured to retain and secure electrical accessories for use with said firearm;   one or more short range wireless button transmitters affixed to said firearm;   one or more receivers integrated into one or more accessories for use with said firearm;   one or more accessory mounts configured to retain and secure said one or more accessories to said tactical rail; and   wherein said one or more wireless button transmitters transmit instructional signals to said one or more receivers thereby controlling actions of said one or more corresponding accessories.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  further comprising (i) conductive elements positioned within one or more grooves running along a length of said tactical rail; (ii) said accessory mounts including electrical contacts positioned to communicate with said conductive elements within said one or more grooves when attached to said tactical rail; and (iii) one or more power sources integrated into said firearm and attached to said conductive elements, said one or more power sources configured to provide electrical power to said conductive elements for transmission to said one or more accessory mounts to power said retained and secured accessory. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein said conductive elements are flat metal members retained by spaced slots running along a top and bottom of said channels. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8  wherein said power sources are selected from batteries, fuel cells and solar cells.