US3060612A - Means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacent members - Google Patents

Description

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ..D .NR E wv MWA ADH N oww. mw. N M\ om NWS \Nm www NW/ wW/QWV w QA W lwmm S NN A m um# M D mw m. Em m N l vm HQ wm m vm. .WNY wv W m E. BROWN ETAL MEANS FOR IMPOSING A PREDETERMINED FORCE BETWEEN ADJACENT MEMBERS Filed oct. 1s, 1958 OCt- 30, 1962 E, BROWN Erm. 3,060,612

MEANS EoR IMPosING A PREDETERMINED FORCE BETWEEN ADJACENT MEMBERS Filed Oct. 13, 1958 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /f/y 6 ."a 108 f@ 5 /y- INVENTOE EDWARDS BROWN.:

WILLIAM S. WOODWARD und . FR nERlcK D. ADE

BY Q A k nent 3,060,612 MEANS FOR IMPGSFNG A PREDETERMINED FORCE BETWEEN ADJACENT MEMBERS Edwards Brown, 3433 N. 47 th Way, and Wiiliam S. Woodward, 6742 N. 48th St., both of Phoenix, Ariz., and

Frederick D. Wade, 7014 E. Cypress, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Filed Oct. 13, 1958, Ser. No. 767,033 11 Claims. (Cl. 42-75) This invention relates to a means and method `for imposing a predetermined force between adjacent members and more particularly to a means and method for imposing a predetermined stress between the forearm and barrel of a rifle.

It is well known that the engaged or stressed relationship of a rifle barrel and forearm greatly affects accuracy of the rifle or its ability to deliver a plurality of projectiles into a small group.

Bolt action and other rifles are normally provided with a barrel which is supported in a cantilever fashion from the action of the rifle and the forearm of a stock of such bolt action riiles is usually also cantilevered forward of the rifle action. It is well known that rifle stock forearms are subject to warpage due to changes in the Weather or due to seasoning which occurs after the stock is nished and becomes a part of the rifle. Changes which Voccur in a rifle stock effect changes in accuracy and also change the point of impact at which bullets strike a target with a given sight setting and holding of the riiie. Y

Many stock makers and gunbuilders have continually faced the problems of fitting a stock forearm properly to a given rifle in order to obtain accuracy with various loads which may include several different bullet weights and sizes together with varying powder charges and resultant pressure intensities within the rifle barrel.

Normally a rie stock which engages the barrel some distance from its cantilever support may shoot well with one load and may not shoot accurately with other loads. lt is oftentimes notable that a rifle will not shoot maximum loads properly nor will it accurately handle certain desired loads which a rieman wishes t shoot. Such desirable loads may produce conditions of vibration and barrel action in relation to the stock which are not compatible with accurate grouping.

It is known that the bearing of the stock forearm on the barrel has a particular effect on barrel vibration and possibly the damping of certain barrel movements which are imposed by the passage of a bullet through the barrel and the effects of gas pressures propelling the bullet.

It has been established that varying stresses imposed between the riile stock forearm and the barrel may be purposely imposed in order to adjust the stressed relationship of the stock and the barrel to be compatible with various loads shot in the rifle. Difculty has been encountered in predetermining such stressed relationships between the stock forearm and the barrel and later adjust-l ing precisely to such stressed relationships so that the rifle may be rendered compatible with a given desired load. .This ditliculty is encountered because of changes which may occur in the stressed relationship between the stock and the barrel as hereinbefore discussed. These changes being the result of weather conditions which may cause warpage or further seasoning of the rifle stock. For example, the forearm of the rifle stock may warp laterally or vertically or may warp in both directions. Such changes in the forearm have always created a serious problem in the adjustment of forearm stresses which are normally known as forearm tension since it is necessary to maintain precise forearm tension for a given rifle load. The engaged or stressed relation of the stock with the barrel requires lalmost universal adjustment and means BblZ Patented Oct. 30, 1962 for predetermining an initial stress between the stock and the barrel in which a stress or force adjustment must be made.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means and method for imposing a predetermined stress between adjacent members whereby the forearm of a rifle stock may be stressed relative to the rille barrel precisely regardless of various changes in the rifle stock relative to the barrel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means which may be adjusted precisely to indicate an initial stress imposed between a rifle stock forearm and a barrel whereby further adjustments may be made incrementally to attain an accurate shooting condition of the rie and whereby this accurate shooting condition may be duplicated at any future time regardless of changes which may occur in the rifle stock during the interim.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means for indicating precisely a preliminary stressed condition or position of the rifle stock forearm relative to an adjacent barrel whereby an index is provided for a further precision adjustment of the stress condition between the rie stock forearm and the barrel.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for adjusting the stress or force between a ride stock and barrel wherein a screw threaded adjusting means is disposed to deflect a spring which imposes stress or force between the forearm of the rifle stock and the barrel until the spring is deected to a predetermined degree which indicates a predetermined stress or degree whereupon the screw threaded means may then be further adjusted in precise increments to a'given stressed relationship between the stock forearm and the barrel.

A further object of the invention is to provide a means for adjusting the stressed relationship of a rifle stock and barrel wherein either visual or audible means is provided to indicate an index position or stressed relation between said forearm and barrel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means, for establishing a predetermined stress or force between the forearm of the rifle stock and a rifle barrel, which is very compact and which neatly tits into the forearm of a conventional rie stock below the barrel and without alteration to the external contours or shape of the riile stock forearm.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means to impose a predetermined stress or force between a rie stock forearm and barrel which is adjustable laterally and vertically and which maybe locked in such position precisely to maintain an adjusted relationship between the riile stock forearm and the rifle barrel.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for imposing -a predetermined stress or force between adjacent members whereby an initial stress or index force may be imposed between two members by deflection of a resilient means which precisely indicates such index stress or force whereupon further incremental adjustments may be made to further stress the adjacent members relative to each other, thereby permitting precise stressing of the adjacent members relative to each other even though their spaced relationship or relative position to each other may change from time to time.

Further objects and advantages of the invention may be apparent from the following specification, appended claims and accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view longitudinally of a rifle fore end structure and showing means according to the present invention in section and disposed to exert or maintain a predetermined stressed relationship between the cantilever elements of the rie barrel and the rifle stock.

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken from the line 2-2 of FIG. l.

FIG. 3 is a top or plan view of the upper or movable member of the means shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional View taken from the line 4-4 of FIG. l of the drawings.

FIG. 5 is a top or plan view of the lower or stationary member of the means shown in FIG. l of the drawings.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional View of a rie fore end structure showing a modification of the present invention therein and showing parts and portions of the means in section and elevations to amplify the illustration.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary View taken from the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 showing the adjustment dial of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken from the line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of a riile stock yforearm in adjacent relationship with a rifle barrel and showing a longitudinal sectional view of a further modified means according to the preset invention.

FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view taken from the line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. l1 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of a rifle stock forearm and a barrel adjacent thereto and showing a longitudinal sectional view of a further modiiied means of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a transverse sectional view taken from the line 12-12 of FIG. ll.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional View taken from the line 13-13 of FIG. ll; and

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken from the line 14-14 of FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. l of the drawings the present invention is installed to cooperate with a rifle barrel 20 and a rifle stock forearm 22 which are supported in cantilever fashion from a conventional action which may be of any configuration or structure, however, the present invention most commonly applies to conventional bolt action rifles.

The rifle barrel 20 is normally bedded in a groove portion 24 of the stock forearm and the means of the present invention is located in a recess 26 within the rie forearm 22 directly below the barrel 20. The means of the present invention is referred to herein as a bedding device and this bedding device is provided with a base plate 28 which rests in a bottom 30 of the recess 26 in the stock forearm. Projecting through openings in the base plate 28 are wood screws 32 and 34 which extend into the wood of the stock forearm 22 and secure said base plate 28 in the bottom 30 of the recess 26.

Supported on the upper side of the base plate 28 is an adjustable plate 36 having upwardly projecting spaced fingers 38 and 40 which engage the barrel 20 as shown best in FIG. 2 of the drawings. These lingers 38 and 40 are disposed in spaced relationship to each other so that they form a cradle for the barrel 20 and support it precisely with relation to the forearm 22. The normally rear end of the adjustable plate 36 is provided with a conical opening 42 which is engaged by a conical pin 44 secured to the base plate and extending upwardly therefrom. The adjustable plate 36 is thus pivotally mounted with respect to the base plate 28. A clamping screw 46 extends through the base plate 28 and the adjustable plate 36 and is screw threaded in the clamping nut 48 which rests on the upper Side of the adjustable plate 36. The screw 46 is provided with an enlarged head 50 disposed in a bushing 52 which is substantially flush with the lower surface 54 of the stock forearm. The bushing 52 is stationary and provides a clamping support for the head 50 of the screw 46 so that this screw may be tightened screw threadably with relation to the nut 48 in order to clamp the adjustable plate 36 securely in stationary position against the base plate when the ad- 4 justable plate has become aligned with the barrel in its normal lateral position relative to the stock.

As shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings the adjustable plate 36 is provided with a laterally elongated opening 56 which permits lateral movement of the adjustable plate 36 with relation to the clamping screw 46 thereby permitting lateral movement of the fingers 38 and 40 with respect to the forearm 22 of the rifle stock.

The forward end of the base plate is provided with an opening 58 in which an adjustment nut 60 is rotatably mounted. This adjustment nut is provided with a notched detent flange 62 on its normally upper end. This ange 62 is enlarged and provides an axial abutment for the nut 60 at the upper side of the base plate 28. A snap ring 64 is disposed in an external groove in the nut 60 adjacent the lower side of the plate 2.8 thereby fixing the nut 60 longitudinally of its axis relative to the plate 22 so that the nut 60 may rotate but is retained axially with respect to the plate 28. The nut 60 is provided with an internally screw threaded bore in which an externally screw threaded adjustment screw 66 is threadably engaged. This screw at its normally upper end is fixed to a platform plate 68 which engages the lower side of the adjustable plate 36 below the fingers 38 and 40. The platform plate is provided with a linger portion 69 which extends downwardly through an opening 70 in the base plate 28. This iinger 69 in the opennig 70 prevents rotation of the platform member 68 when the internally screw threaded nut 6i) is rotated to screw threadably project and adjust the screw 66 axially thereof and thereby adjust the adjustable plate 36 relative to the base plate 28. It will be noted that the adjustable plate 36 is a resilient plate which is capable of being deflected upwardly when the screw 66 and platform 68 are projected upwardly from the base plate 28 by rotational adjustment of the nut 66.

A screw 72 is threaded into the base plate 28 and iixes one end 74 of a detent spring 76 to the base plate 28. A pin 78 engages the detent spring 76 thereby supporting the spring so that a curved detent portion 80 at one end thereof is maintained iirmly in engagement with any one of several detent notches 82 in the periphery of the ange 62 which is integral with the nut 60. The detent spring 76 in engagement with any one of the detent recesses 82 operates to maintain the nut 60 in precisely adjusted position and provides for incremental click adjustment of the nut 60 in order precisely to project the screw 66 and platform 68 axially of the nut 60 and relative to the plate 28.

Fixed to the upper side of the adjustable plate 36 by means of a screw 84 is a spring 86 which extends between the lingers 38 and 40 and this spring is provided with an extending end 88 which engages the lower surface of the rifle barrel 20. The spring 86 is utilized to impose `a preliminary or index stress between the rifle stock forearm 22 and the 'barrel 20 and this spring when deflected to a certain degree provides an audible signal to indicate a preliminary or index stress between .the riiie stock forearm and the barrel so that further incremental adjustments of such stress may be made by adjustment of the screw 60 as will be hereinafter described. The `audible signal which is provided by the spring 86 at a given deection thereof is caused by la dimpled portion 90 of the spring which has a reversible snap action when the spring 86 is deiiected. This dimple 90 is substantially circular and is quite shallow. As shown by dash lines A the spring when deflected toward the plane of the adjustable plate 36 causes a reversal of the dimple 90 so that it presents a convex surface at the side which is normally concave. When the spring 86 is thus deiiected and the concavity of the dimple '90 reverses itself it provides a deiinite audible snapping sound and thus precisely indicates a predetermined deilection or index stress of the spring 86 and a corresponding stress or pressure between the forearm 22 of the riiie stock and the barrel 20.

In operation the `bedding device of the present invention compensates for changes in the position of the stock forearm 42 relative to the barrel 20.

Itis known that some stock woods warp or change due to continued seasoning of the wood long after the stock has been installed in connection with the rifle action and barrel. Sometimes the forearm may warp laterally or it may warp vertically. In some instances there isa combination of vertical and lateral warpage of the stock forearm relative to the barrel. This condition may occur over a period of time and causes considerable difficulty in the maintenance of accuracy of a rifle on which the stock forearm engages the barrel. As shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings the groove 23 in the forearm has slight clearance relative to the barrel so that changes in the stock forearm will not cause it to engage the barrel 20 whereby the ngers 3S and 40 are the only supports for the riile stock forearm relative to the barrel. When the position ofthe stock forearm 22 changes laterally or vertically with respect to the barrel the bedding device of the invention may be adjusted precisely to engage the ' fingers 38 and 40 with the barrel and thereby compensate for such changes of the stock forearm. Equilibrium of the barrel and forearm is thus established on one plane laterally of the barrel axis.

Initial adjustment of the bedding device of the present device is accomplished as follows. The screw 46 and clamping nut 448 are set in a loose condition so that the adjustable plate 36 is freely pivotal on the conical pin 44 thereby permitting the adjustable plate 36 to move laterally of the plate 28 with absolute freedom. The nut 60 is then rotated in a direction to project the screw 66 and elevate the platform 68 together with the adjustable plate 36 so that the spring 86 is deflected beyond a snapping stress of the dimple 90 thereby firmly engaging the fingers 38 and 40 with the barrel to accomplish a proper and precise cradling condition of the barrel 20 between the fingers 38 and 40. This causes lateral pivotal movement of the adjustable plate 36 into alignment with the barrel whereupon subsequent tightening of the screw 46 clamps the adjustable plate 36 precisely with respect to the lateral disposition of the barrel 20 in the forearm 22. Then the plate 36 is clamped securely to the base plate 28 and the lateral adjustment is thus fixed. This relieves all lateral stresses between the forearm and the rifle barrel. The nut 60 is then screw threadably adjusted in the opposite direction so that the platform 68 is retracted toward the base plate 28 permitting relaxation of the spring 86 so that the dimple 90 again reverses itself to the solid line position as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The nut 60 is then adjusted to project the screw 66 and platform 68 toward the barrel 20. This adjustment is done incrementally according to the clicking action of the end 80 of the detent spring '76 in the detent notches 82 in the ange 62 of the nut 60. When the nut has been adjusted sufficiently to deflect the spring 86 the dimple 90 snaps into reverse or dash line position A providing an audible signal which indicates a predetermined stress or force between the forearm 22 and the barrel 20. This predetermined stress or force is imposed by the end y88 of the spring 86 and thereby indicates a preliminary or index adjustment of the forearm 22 relative to the barrel 20. The rifleman may then increase the adjustment of the forearm tension by incrementally adjusting the nut 60 in the same direction to further move the platform 68 toward the barrel 20 and cause additional stress or force to be applied to the barrel 20 by engagement of the fingers 38 and 40 therewith. The rifleman may then shoot successive groups at a target whereupon dispersion of each successive group may be studied. With each successive group incremental adjustments of the nut 160 may be made to provide additional forearm tension or force relative to the barrel 20 until an optimum accuracy condition is attained whereupon the rieman will note the number of adjustment clicks made following the snap action of the `dimple 90. The number of .clicks madeafter the audible signal provided by the snap action of the dimple 90 are counted and these clicks as hereinbefore described are precise clicks occasioned by incremental adjustment of the nut which causes the detent recesses 82 to be successively engaged by the curved detent portion 861 of the spring 76.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that initial deflection of the spring 86 to a predetermined distance or stress, which causes snap action of the dimple, will always be the same regardless of the `spaced relationship of the forearm 22 relative to the barrel 20. Additionally a given number of clicks indicate a certain precise adjustment of the nut 60 and attendant additional forearm tension applied relative to the barrel 28. Thus, the riileman after once having adjusted forearm tension to reach an optimum shooting condition with a given load subsequently may precisely adjust the forearm tension to the optimum condition to match the desired load even though a considerable interim change may have occurred in the relative position or normal stress of the forearm 22 relative to the barrel Ztl. It is quite usual that a hunting rifle or target rifle may be utilized with a given load during one season and may not be used with the same load again for several months. During the interim the stock forearm may change, as hereinbefore pointed out, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the bedding device of the present invention will permit the riileman to attain the identical vertically stressed relationship between the forearm 22 and the barrel 20 as was previously found to be optimum.

It will be further appreciated that the lateral adjustability of the adjustable plate 36 readily compensates for any lateral Warpage or change of the stock 22 relative to the barrel 26 so that only vertical tension or stress is applied between the stock forearm 22 and the barrel. Further, when the lateralalignment of the fingers 38 and 4d is established to cradle the barrel 20 the adjustable plate 36 is fixed laterally relative to the plate 28 and forearm 22 by means of the clamp screws 46 and nut 48.

It will be apparent that the bedding device of the present invention which is specifically disclosed in connection with rie stock forearms and rie barrels may be used for other purposes and mainly for the purpose of imposing a predetermined stress between adjacent members the spaced or stressed relation of which may vary from time to time.

Accordingly, the device of the present invention is also utilized in connection with a method of the invention which covers the operation of imposing a predetermined stress between adjacent members. The method comprises the following steps.

First, lateral equilibrium is established in one plane between the adjacent members, as for example, a rifle barrel and forearm. As an example, this lateral equilibrium is established by lateral adjustment of the cradle fingers 38 and 40, yshown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, and subsequent xing of the screw 46. Then a deilectable spring is stressed between two adjacent members until the spring deflects to a precise index position on a predetermined amount and exerts a corresponding index stress between the adjacent members whereupon additional stress is applied incrementally between the adjacent members until an optimum vibratory performance or stress of one of the members is attained.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings the invention comprises a modification wherein a base plate 92 is secured in the recess 26 o-f the stock forearm 22 by a screw 94.

An adjustable plate 96 is slidably adjustable laterally of the plate 92 and may be xed lrelative thereto by a clamping screw 98 and a clamp nut 100 screw threadably engaged therewith. One end of the adjustable plate 96 is bifurcated and the bifurcated portions 102 straddle the clamp screw 98. These bifurcated portions 102 are hook shaped and engage a hook shaped portion 104 of the base plate 92. This engagement permits lateral adjdstment of the adjustable plate 96 relative to the base plate 92 but provides for the location of the adjustable plate 96 longitudinally of the base plate 92. As shown in FIG. 14 the bifurcated portions 102 of the adjustable plate 96 are sufficiently spaced to permit lateral adjustment of the plate 96 relative to the clamp screw 98.

Pivoted -to the forward end of the adjustable plate 96 by means of a pin 106 is a barrel band 188 which surrounds the barrel 20.

Screw threaded in the base plate 92 below the pin 106 is `an adjusting screw 110 having a spring loaded plunger 112 therein. The spring loaded plunger 112 is mounted in a bore 114 of the screw 10 and the plunger is provided with an enlarged head at its normally upper end which abuts the end of the screw 110 outwardly of the bore 114. The plunger is provided with a reduced diameter shank 116 which is surrounded by a spring 118 which tends to project the head of the plunger into engagement with the adjustable plate 96. The shank 116 of the plunger 112 is provided with a fiat end 120 which is liush with the normally lower end of the screw 110 when the enlarged head of the plunger is engaged with the normally upper end of the screw 110. This arrangement of the plunger 112 and the spring 11-8 provides a means by which a preliminary or index stress may be observed visually or by touch rather than audibly as hereinbefore described. In operation the screw 110 is initially adjusted away from the movable plate 96 by a Spanner wrench which is engaged in openings 122 in the outer end of the screw 110. The clamp screw 98 is loosened to permit lateral alignment of the barrel and the adjustable plate 96 relative to the base plate 92. The clamp screw 98 may then be tightened to fix the adjustable plate 96 laterally relative to the base plate 92. The screw 116 may then be screwed threadably adjusted inwardly toward the adjustable plate 96 whereby the spring 118 is stressed under a compression load which is imposed between the forearm 22 and the barrel 20. When the end 120l of the plunger 112 becomes flush with the normally lower end of the screw 110 a predetermined force or index stress exists in the spring 118 and between the forearm 22 and the barrel 20. Further incremental adjustment of the screw 110 may be made to arrive at a desired tension or stress of the forelarm 22 relative to the barrel in a similar fashion as hereinbefore described in connection with the structure disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings.

In the structure shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 of the drawings the additional incremental adjustments are made according to calibrations 124 on a bushing 126 surrounding the screw 10. Thus, the spring 118 when deflected D sufnciently to permit the end 120 of the plunger to become ush with the end of the Screw 110 provides for an initial index stress between the forearm 22 and the barrel so that further incremental adjustments may be made to reach an optimum forearm tension relative to the barrel.

In the modification as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings the bedding device of the invention is provided with a box shaped frame 125 which is disposed in the recess 26 of the forearm 22. This box shaped frame is provided with a rectangular recess 126 having a bedding block 128 movably mounted therein. The bedding block 128 is provided with upwardly diverging fingers 130 and 134 which serve as a cradle in a similar fashion to the fingers 38 and 40 hereinbefore described.

At its forward end, the block 128 is provided with a vertical slot 136 into which a screw 138 projects to retain the block 128 in the frame 12'5. 'Ihe slot 136 is of considerably greater length and breadth than the diameter of the screw 138 permitting vertical and lateral freedom of the block 128 in the recess of the frame 125. The frame 125 is secured to the forearm 22 by screws 140 and 142 which project through a bottom plate 144.

Screw threaded in the bottom of the frame is a stress adjusting screw 146 which is similar in construction to the adjusting screw shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. A plunger 112 similar to that shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings is actuated by the screw 146 and this plunger 112 is provided with a spring similar to the spring 118 shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. The upper end of the plunger 112 as shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings is fiat to conform with a fiat surface 148 at the lower side of the block 128. The plunger 112 shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings is provided with a finger 150 which extends through an opening 152 in the bottom of the frame 125. The finger 150 is similar to the finger 69 disclosed in FIG. l of the drawings and prevents rotation of the plunger 112 when the screw 146 is rotated in a screw threaded relationship with the lower portion of the frame 125.

A plunger 154 is slidably mounted in the rear end of the frame `and engages the rear end of the block 128 to clamp it into fixed position in the recess 126 of the frame 125 as will be hereinafter described. The outer end of the plunger 154 is engaged by a lever 156 pivoted in the frame 125 on a pin 158. The lever 156 is engaged by a clamp screw 160 which is screw threaded in the frame 125. When the screw 160 is tightened it pivots the lever on the pin 158 thereby projecting the plunger 154 into firm engagement with the rear end of the block 128 for clamping the block 128 securely against the inner front side of the recess 126 in the frame 125.

In operation the modified structure as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 operates substantially as follows. The clamp screw 160 is loosened to permit lateral freedom of the block 128 so that the fingers 130 and 134 may freely align themselves to cradle the barrel 20 without lateral stress relative to the stock forearm 22. The screw 146 may -be adjusted in a similar manner to the hereinbefore described screw 110 until the spring 118 is stressed suiciently to provide an index stress or force between the forearm 22 and the barrel 20. This being indicated by the end 120 of the plunger 112 becoming flush with the end of the screw 146. During rotational adjustment of the lscrew 146 the plunger 112 is prevented from turning by the finger projecting through the opening 152. When the index stress of the spring 118 is indicated by the flush relationship or position of the end 120 of the plunger 112 with respect to the end of the screw 146, further incremental adjustments of the screw 146 may be made to impose a desired stress between the forearm 22 and the barrel 20 `and the incremental adjustments may be made in accordance with calibrations 124 as shown in FIG. 7 which are applied to the bottom of the plate 144 shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings. When the desired stress relationship has been established the clamp screw is tightened thereby axially moving the plunger 154 by means of the lever 156 whereupon the plunger 154 jams the block 128 yagainst the forward wall of the recess 126 thereby fixing it precisely with respect to the box shaped frame 125.

It will be seen that the modified structure, disclosed in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings, operates basically to provide for lateral alignment of the cradle fingers 130 and 134 with the barrel to acccommodate any lateral discrepancy between the forearm and the barrel 20. Whereupon an initial or index stress is set up by the spring 118 and indicated by a position of the end 120 of the plunger 112; and thereafter further incremental adjustments of forearm tension may be made to an optimum condition which corresponds with the most accurate condition of a respective rifle for a given load as hereinbefore described in connection with the operation of the structure disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 5 of the drawings.

In the modified structure as shown in FIG. 1l, l2 and 13 of the drawings, the bedding device includes a base plate 162 fixed by means of screws 164 and 166 in the recess 26 of the forearm 22. Pivotally connected to the base plate 162 by means of a pin 168 is an adjustable plate 170. A clampp screw 172 and screw threaded nut 174 are disposed to clamp the adjustable plate 170 to the base plate 162 and ix lateral pivotal adjustment of plate 170 about a pin 168.

The forward end of the adjustable plate 140 is provided with a pivoted cradle member 176. This cradle member is pivotally connected to the adjustable plate 170 by means of a normally horizontal pin 178. The cradle member 176 is provided with a pair of upwardly projecting spaced linger portions 180 and 182 in which the barrel 20 is cradled. The cradle member 176 is provided with a forwardly projecting portion 184 having a curved surface 186 at its lower side which is engaged by a plunger 112. similar to that shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. A stress adjusting screw 110 similar to that disclosed in FIG. 6 of the drawings is also utilized and is screw threaded in the base plate 162. The plunger 112 and screw 110 shown in FIG. 1l operate in the same fashion as that shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings and a bushing 126 similar to the bushing 126 in FIG. 6 of the drawings operates to carry calibrations which are used to deter-mine incremental adjustments of the screw 110.

Lateral adjustment of the adjustable plate 170 with respect to the screw 172 is permitted by an elongated slot 18S in the adjustable plate 170 through which the screw 172 extends.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the snap spring 86, shown in FIG. 1 may be substituted for the visual indicator mechanism comprising the screw 110, plunger 112. and spring 118.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the means and method of the present invention has been disclosed specifically for use in connection with the fore end structure of rie stocks and barrels but may be used to impose a predetermined stress between other adjacent members if desired and that various modifications of the present invention may be resorted to in a manner limited only by a just interpretation of the following claims.

We claim:

1. 'In a means for imposing force between a rifle stock forearm and barrel the combination of: a rie stock forearm; a barrel adjacent thereto; a first member secured to said forearm; a second member movably mounted adjacent to said first member; screw threaded means supported by said first member and screw threadably adjustable to move said second member toward said barrel, said second member having a cradle portion engageable with said barrel, said second member movable laterally of said barrel permitting alignment of said cradle therewith; means for fixing said second member in a position relative to said first member after said cradle portion is aligned laterally with said barrel and second means cooperable with and responsive to said screw threaded means disposed to indicate a predetermined force imposed by said second member against said barrel by adjustment of said screw threaded means, said second means comprising a dimpled snap action spring disposed to provide an audible signal when deiiected by adjustment of said screw threaded means to force said cradle portion against said barrel.

2. In a means for imposing force between a rifle stock forearm and barrel the Combination of: a rie stock forearm; a barrel adjacent thereto; a iirst member secured to said forearm; a second member movably mounted adjacent to said first member; screw threaded means supported by said lirst member and screw threadably adjustable to move said second member toward said barrel, said second member having a cradle portion engageable with said barrel, said second member movable laterally of said barrel permitting alignment of said cradle therewith; means for fixing said second member in a position relative to said first member after said cradle portion is aligned laterally with said barrel and second means cooperable with and responsive to said screw threaded means disposed to indi- Cate a predetermined force imposed by said second member against said barrel by adjustment of said screw threaded means, said second means comprising a dimpled snap action spring disposed to provide an audible signal when deflected by adjustment of said screw threaded means to force said cradle portion against said barrel, said snap action spring secured to said second member and engageable with said barrel whereby adjustment of said second member toward said barrel by said screw threaded means causes deflection of said snap action spring and causes the dimple thereof to snap into reverse position thereby emitting a snapping sound.

3. In a means for imposing force between a rie stock forearm and barrel the combination of: a rifle stock forearm; a barrel adjacent thereto; a first member secured to said forearm; a second member movably mounted adjacent to said first member; screw threaded means supported by said first member and screw threadably adjustable to move said second member toward said barrel, said second member having a cradle portion engageable with said barrel, said second member movable laterally of said barrel permitting alignment of said cradle therewith; means for fixing said second member in a position relative to said first member after said cradle portion is aligned laterally with said barrel and second means cooperable with and responsive to said screw threaded means disposed to indicate a predetermined force imposed by said second member against said barrel by adjustment of saidV screw threaded means, said second means comprising a dimpled snap action spring disposed to provide an audible signal when deiiected by adjustment of said screw threaded means to force said cradle portion against said barrel, said snap action spring secured to said second member and engageable with said barrel whereby adjustment of said second member toward said barrel by said screw threaded means causes deflection of said snap action spring and causes the `dimple thereof to snap into reverse position thereby emitting a snapping sound, said screw threaded means having a hollow cylindrical internally screw threaded member rotatably mounted in said first member and a second externally screw threaded member screw threadably cooperable with the internally screw `threaded member and disposed to bear against said second member; and means connected with said externally screw threaded member disposed to prevent rotation thereof.

4. In a means for imposing force between a rifle stock yforearm and barrel the combination of: a rifle stock fore-V arm; a barrel adjacent thereto; a first member secured to said forearm; a second member movably mounted adjacent to said first member; screw threaded means supported by said first member and screw threadably adjustable to move said second member toward said barrel, said second member having a cradle portion engageable with said barrel, said second member movable laterally of said barrel permitting alignment of said cradle therewith; means for fixing said second member in a position relative to said first member after said cradle portion is aligned laterally with said barrel and second means cooperable with and responsive to said screw threaded means disposed to indicate a predetermined force imposed by said second member against said barrel by adjustment of said screw threaded means, said second means comprising a `dimpled snap action spring disposed to provide an audible signal when deflected by adjustment of said screw threaded means to force said cradle portion against said barrel, said snap action spring secured to said second member and engageable with said barrel whereby adjustment of said second member toward said barrel by said screw threaded means causes deection of said snap action spring and causes the dimple thereof to snap into reverse position thereby emitting a snapping sound, said screw threaded means having a hollow cylindrical internally screw threaded member rotatably mounted in said iirst member and a second externally screw threaded member screw threadably cooperable with the internally screw threaded member and disposed to bear against said second member; and means connected with said externally screw threaded member disposed to prevent rotation thereof, said hollow cylindrical screw 1 i threaded member having a flange provided with notches therein and a spring detent mounted on said first member and engageable with said notches to provide for incremental click adjustments of said screw threaded means.

5. In a means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacent members the combination of: a riiie stock forearm; a barrel adjacent thereto; a first member fixed in said forearm; a second member movably mounted relative to said first member and engageable with said barrel; a hollow cylindrical member having external screw threads screw threaded in said first member and axially threadably adjustable toward and away from said barrel; a plunger axially slidably mounted in said screw threaded member; a spring tending to force said plunger toward said barrel relative to said screw threaded member, said plunger having a portion movable with relation to said screw threaded member which indicates a predetermined deiiection of said spring and a corresponding predetermined force which may be imposed by engagement of said plunger with said second member.

6. In a means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacent members the combination of: a rie stock forearm; a barrel adjacent thereto; a first member fixed in said forearm; a second member movably mounted relative to said first member and engageable with said Ibarrel; a hollow cylindrical member having external screw threads screw threaded in said first member and axially threadably adjustable toward and away from said barrel; a plunger axially slidably mounted in said screw threaded member; a spring tending to force said plunger toward said barrel relative to said screw threaded member, said plunger having a portion movable with relation to said screw threaded member which indicates a predetermined deflection of said spring and a corresponding predetermined force which may be imposed by engagement of said plunger with said second member, said first member being a box shaped structure, said second member movably mounted therein laterally and vertically, said second member engaged by said plunger and having diverging fingers forming a cradle engaged with said barrel.

7. In a means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacent members the combination of: a riiie stock forearm; a barrel adjacent thereto; a first member fixed in said forearm; a second member movably mounted relative to said first member and engageable with said barrel, a hollow cylindrical member having external screw threads screw threaded in said first member and axially threadably adjustable toward and away from said barrel; a plunger axially slidably mounted in said screw threaded member; a spring tending to force said plunger toward said barrel relative to said screw threaded member, said plunger having a portion movable with relation to said screw threaded member which indicates a predetermined defiection of said spring and a corresponding predetermined force which may be imposed by engagement of said plunger with said second member, said first member being a box shaped structure, said second member movably mounted therein laterally and vertically, said second member engaged by said plunger and having diverging fingers forming a cradle engaged with said barrel; means for locking said second member in said first member comprising a screw threaded member in said first member; a lever pivotally mounted on said first member and engageable with said screw threaded member and a plunger extending through the box shaped structure of said first member and engaging said lever at one end and disposed to exert force at its opposite end on said second member to thereby jam it in the box'shaped structure of said first member.

8. In a means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacent members the combination of: a barrel; a rie stock forearm; a first member supported therein; a second member laterally movable with respect to said first member; a cradle member pivotally mounted on said second member and having diverging fingers engageable with said barrel; and screw threaded means screw threadably adjustable in said first member and engageable with said cradle member for pivotally moving it relative to said second member and toward said barrel.

9. In a means for imposing a predetermined force between adjacent members the combination of: a barrel; a rifle stock forearm; a first member supported therein; a second member laterally movable with respect to said first member; a cradle member pivotally mounted on said second member and having diverging fingers engageable with said barrel; and screw threaded means screw threadably adjustable in said first member and engageable with said cradle member for pivotally moving it relative to said second member and toward said barrel, said second member pivotally connected with said first member intermediate its ends and means disposed to fix said second member in stationary position relative to said first member to maintain the lateral disposition of said cradle and barrel with relation to said forearm.

10. In a device of the class described the combination of first and second adjacent members; first means adjustable relative to said members, said first means supported by one of said members; resilient means disposed to be defiected by said first means and to impose a force on the other of said members; and indicator means cooperable with and responsive to a predetermined deiiection of said resilient means and disposed to indicate a predetermined force imposed on said other member by said resilient means.

11. In a device of the class described the combination of first and second adjacent members; first means adjustable relative to said members, said first means supported by one of said members; resilient means disposed to be defiected by said first means and to impose a force on the other of said members; and indicator means cooperable with and responsive to a predetermined force imposed on said other member by said resilient means, said first means comprising screw-threaded members disposed to deflect said resilient means and to thereby impose a force between said adjacent members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,205,982 Klipsch June 25, 1940 2,497,861 Brown Feb. 21, 1950 2,589,912 Weld Mar. 18, 1952 2,752,714 Landwehr July 3, 1956 2,841,909 Temple July 8, 1958

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