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US 2014/0110285 A1
FIREARM CLEANING KIT
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONS
tional accessories such as advanced optics become more com
[0007]
As the complexity of ?rearms increases, and addi
monplace, there is a need for specialized implements to
complement the ?rearms and accessories. This need for spe
cialized implements is compounded when the user has several
[0001] Reference is made to and this application claims
priority from and the bene?t of US. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 61/515,653, ?led Aug. 5, 2011, entitled “MODU
LAR FIREARM CLEANING KIT CASE,” which applica
tion is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. This is
a continuation of the invention described in US. patent appli
cation Ser. No. 13/566,504, ?led Aug. 3, 2012 by the same
inventors herein, titled “MODULAR FIREARM CLEAN
ING KIT CASE.” The invention described in US. patent
One solution is to scavenge cleaning implements and cram
them into an existing or home-made case, but this approach is
not favored due to the likelihood of losing implements or,
application Ser. No. 13/566,504 is assigned to the assignee
worse, packing the wrong implements.
hereof.
[0008] Disclosed herein is a ?rearm cleaning kit that alle
viates the problems noted in the art. In one aspect, the ?rearm
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002]
This invention relates generally to the ?eld of ?re
arm cleaning kits, and more particularly to a modular kit case
adapted for releasable securement to a base cleaning kit case.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003]
Proper cleaning of a ?rearm after use is essential to
?rearms at their disposal, as may be the case for a soldier in an
infantry squad. As specialized implements are continually
added to a cleaning kit, the compactness of the kit suffers.
Further, multiple ?rearms may require multiple cleaning kits.
cleaning kit includes a case comprising a ?rst side and a
second side joined along a fold line, and a fastener for joining
together the ?rst and second side of the case. A tool-holding
insert is secured to an interior region of the case. The tool
holding insert includes a plurality of tool cavities and a ?rst
?rearm cleaning implement removably secured in one of the
tool cavities. The ?rst ?rearm cleaning implement is adapted
for cleaning a ?rst type of ?rearm. The ?rearm cleaning kit
ensuring the ?rearm retains its accuracy, safety, and reliabil
further includes a cable reel adapted to store a coiled ?exible
ity. With each ?ring, the breech and bore of a ?rearm accu
cable cleaning rod.
mulate residue such as powder, priming compound, and cop
per fragments from ammunition casings. In addition,
environmental elements such dirt, snow, and moisture can
[0009] In one embodiment, the cable reel includes a circu
lar ?at base on which the coiled ?exible cable cleaning rod
accumulate in the bore, causing further fouling. Fouling and
debris may also accumulate in the ?rearm’s action due to its
design, or improper maintenance. Failure to remove the resi
due and debris results in a decrease in the ?rearm’s accuracy
and reliability, and may even pose a safety hazard to the
operator. Therefore, proper cleaning is one of the most impor
tant elements of ?rearm ownership.
[0004] Civilians who shoot and clean ?rearms often fash
ion their own tools to aide in the cleaning process. However,
these homemade cleaning tools are generally not portable or
lightweight. When cleaning a ?rearm, components or clean
ing tools may be set aside during the cleaning process and,
due to their small size, may be misplaced or lost. Therefore,
civilians have a need for a lightweight and compact ?rearm
cleaning kit that stores cleaning tools and provides additional
storage capability.
[0005] Military personnel need to be able to clean their
weapons in the ?eld, preferably immediately after shooting so
that their ?rearm is ready for use at all times. An important
aspect of the cleaning process is that the cleaning kit be
compact and lightweight, organized, and able to store ?rearm
components or spare tools and cleaning supplies. Therefore,
military personnel also need for a lightweight and compact
?rearm cleaning kit that stores cleaning tools and provides
additional storage capability for the cleaning of military
weapons.
[0006] To answer the need for portable, compact, and light
weight storage cases for ?rearm cleaning materials and tools,
many different types of ?rearm cleaning kits have been
designed for military and consumer use. Specialized, com
pact cleaning kits have been custom-designed to store the
precise tools and components needed to thoroughly clean a
particular ?rearm. For example, ?rearm cleaning tool kits
have been designed to store speci?c cleaning tools such as
brushes, picks, scrapers, and rods.
rests, and a plurality of capture elements disposed around the
outer perimeter of the base. The capture elements each
include a capture cavity to secure the coiled ?exible cable
cleaning rod.
[0010] The capture element may include a back spine
extending transversely from the base, and a cap portion
extending transversely from the spine.
[0011]
In another aspect of the invention, a ?rearm cleaning
kit includes a case comprising a ?rst side and a second side
joined along a fold line, and a fastener for joining together the
?rst and second side of the case. The ?rearm cleaning kit
further includes a tool-holding insert secured to an interior
region of the case. The tool-holding insert includes a plurality
of tool cavities and a ?rst ?rearm cleaning implement remov
ably secured in one of the tool cavities. The ?rearm cleaning
kit further includes a hardened implement protective shell
sized to fully surround and enclose by friction ?t at least a
portion of a second ?rearm cleaning implement.
[0012] In one embodiment, the second ?rearm cleaning
implement is a brush having a plurality of bristles, and the
protective shell fully surrounds and encloses the bristles by
friction ?t.
[0013]
The implement protective shell may be formed of
hardened plastic.
[0014]
In another aspect of the invention, a ?rearm cleaning
kit includes a base cleaning kit, at least one module attach
ment element a?ixed to an exterior portion of the base clean
ing kit, and a ?rst modular kit case adapted for storing at least
one specialized cleaning implement. The base cleaning kit is
adapted to store cleaning implements for a ?rst class of ?re
arm. The base cleaning kit includes a case having a ?rst side
and a second side joined along a fold line, a fastener for
joining together the ?rst and second side of the case, a tool
insert secured to an interior region of the case, and a ?rst
?rearm cleaning tool secured within the tool insert. The ?rst
modular kit case is sized smaller than the base cleaning kit,
Apr. 24, 2014
US 2014/0110285 A1
and includes a ?rst external fastening element adapted for
releasable securement to the at least one module attachment
element of the base cleaning kit. The specialized cleaning
implement not included in the base cleaning kit.
[0015]
In one embodiment, the ?rearm cleaning kit further
includes a second modular kit case different from the ?rst
modular kit case. The second modular kit case includes a
second external fastening element adapted for releasable
securement to a second module attachment element on the
base cleaning kit.
[0016] The second external fastening element may be iden
tical to the ?rst external fastening element of the ?rst modular
[0035] FIG. 15 is a front plan view ofa ?rearm cleaning kit
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a plan view ofthe interior of the ?rearm
cleaning kit shown in FIG. 15;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a magni?ed view of the interior shown in
FIG. 16;
[0038] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view through a capture
element shown in FIG. 17;
[0039]
FIG. 19 is a plan view of a modular kit case in a
stowed position according to yet another embodiment of the
invention; and
[0017] In another embodiment, the specialized cleaning
[0040] FIG. 20 is a plan view ofthe modular kit case ofFIG.
18 out of the stowed position.
implement of the ?rst modular kit case is adapted for a second
class of ?rearm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
kit case.
[0018] In another embodiment, the specialized cleaning
implement of the ?rst modular kit case comprises a cleaner
for optical surfaces of a ?rearm.
[0019] In another embodiment, the ?rst modular kit case is
[0041]
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a ?rearm clean
ing kit 1000 includes case 1002 having a ?rst side 1004 and a
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
second side 1006 separated by a fold line 1008. The fold line
1008 joins the ?rst side 1004 to the second side 1006, allow
ing the two to be folded up in a clamshell-type arrangement.
In the embodiment shown, the case 1002 is generally rectan
[0020] The features described herein can be better under
stood with reference to the drawings described below. The
and the second side 1006 to be folded together in clamshell
fashion is suitable. For example, the case 1002 could be
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead gen
circular or oval in shape. The case 1002 may be made from a
a drop pouch.
gular in shape, but any shape that permits the ?rst side 1004
erally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the
soft, durable fabric, or may be a rigid, hard shell construction
invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate
if increased toughness is required. In the embodiment shown,
like parts throughout the various views.
the case 1002 is constructed of nylon fabric to allow some
compression. In one example, the case 1002 is made out of
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inner portions of
a ?rearm cleaning kit according to an embodiment of the
nylon with a special coating for low infrared (IR) re?ectivity
invention;
to reduce how it might stand out if an enemy is using night
[0022]
vision equipment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front face of the
tool-holding insert shown in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the inner por
tions of a ?rearm cleaning kit shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the back face of the
tool-holding insert shown in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of the attach
ment element shown in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective exterior view of a ?rearm
[0042] The kit 1000 further includes a fastener 1010 to
secure the ?rst side 1004 to the second side 1006 when the
case 1002 is in the closed position. The fastener 1010 in the
disclosed embodiment is a zipper, con?gured to zip along
three sides of the case 1002. Other fastener con?gurations are
possible. For example, the fastener 1010 may be one or more
cleaning kit shown in FIG. 1;
snaps, hook and loop strips such as VELCRO® brand fasten
ers, or ties. The fastener 1010 in the preferred embodiment is
a silent zipper due to its strength, ease of use, and quiet
[0027]
operation.
FIG. 7 is a perspective exterior view of a ?rearm
cleaning kit case and a modular kit case according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective interior view of the modular
kit case shown in FIG. 7;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a protective shell
shown in FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the inven
[0043] The ?rearm cleaning kit 1000 may further include a
length of material formed into a closed loop, hereinafter
referred to as loop 1012. The loop 1012 is af?xed to the case
1002 at a ?xed end 1014, leaving a free end 1016 distal to the
?xed end. The width of the material is substantially greater
tion;
than the material thickness, so as to aide in forming a storage
compartment, as will be discussed below. In the disclosed
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a protective shell
shown in FIG. 8 according to another embodiment of the
embodiment, the material is elastic, approximately 0.75
inches in width, and approximately 0.045 inches thick. The
invention;
length of the material is such that when doubled over to form
the loop, the loop nests into the case 1002. The loop 1012 may
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective exterior view of a ?rearm
cleaning kit case and a modular kit case according to another
embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective interior view of the modular
kit case shown in FIG. 11;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a perspective exterior view of a ?rearm
cleaning kit case and a modular kit case according to yet
another embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a perspective interior view of the modular
kit case shown in FIG. 13;
be ?xed to the case 1002 at any convenient location. In the
disclosed example, the loop 1012 is af?xed to an interior
region of the case 1002. However, the loop 1012 may alter
natively be af?xed to the fold line 1008, or the exterior of the
case.
[0044] A divider piece 1018 has a single slot therethrough.
The slot width is slightly greater than the width of the elastic
material. In the disclosed embodiment, the width of the slot is
approximately 0.80 inches. The slot height is dimensioned to
Apr. 24, 2014
US 2014/0110285 A1
be no more than twice the thickness of material. In the dis
closed embodiment, the height of the slot is approximately
0.08 inches.
[0045] The divider piece 1018, coupled with a portion of
the loop 1012, forms an adjustable storage compartment
1020. FIG. 1 depicts a plurality of storage compartments
1020a-10200. The storage compartment 1020 is formed by
inserting the free end 1016 of the loop 1012 through the slot
in the divider piece 1018, and sliding the divider piece along
the length of the loop 1012 until the desired width is achieved.
Since the width of the slot is slightly larger than the width of
between the raised wall 1038 and the tool base cavity 1030.
The relief 1042 allows the ?exible back plate 1028 to de?ect
a greater degree during replacement and removal of tools.
[0050] Still referring to FIG. 2, the tool-holding insert 1022
may further include a plurality of tool base cavities 1030
aligned along the base portion 1026 to hold respective clean
ing tools 1034 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the
cavities 1030 are identically sized because the shank 1032 of
each tool is similar. As shown, the tool-holding insert 1022 is
adapted to secure a variety of ?rearm cleaning tools such as a
right-angle pick 1044, a straight pick 1046, a centerpiece
the elastic material, and the slot height is no more than twice
the thickness of material, the doubled-over thickness of the
material forming the loop 1012 causes a slight friction ?t in
the slot. In this manner, the divider piece 1018 slides along the
length of the loop 1012 with a small amount of force, e.g.,
1048, and a slotted tip 1050.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in some embodiments
the ?rearm cleaning kit 1000 includes a tool-holding insert
1022 that is double-sided to provide additional tool storage in
greater than the friction force, but is held in place when the
sliding force is released. By virtue of this con?guration, the
width of the storage compartment 1020 is both adjustable and
tool-holding insert 1022, and FIG. 3 illustrates a second face
1054 of the tool-holding insert. The ?rst face 1052 and the
second face 1054 include a plurality of tool base cavities
1030a and 1030b, respectively, as well as ?exible back plates
self-locking. In the preferred embodiment, the doubled-over
thickness of material is approximately 0.09 inches, or 0.01
inches greater than the height of the slot. In order to insert the
a compact space. FIG. 1 illustrates a ?rst face 1052 of the
1028a and 1028b. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 1, the
loop 1012 through the slot, the elastic material must be
smooth planar surface below the tool base cavities 1030a
forms the back side of the ?exible back plate 1028b on the
stretched to decrease its thickness.
second face 1054 (FIG. 3).
[0046]
The ?rearm cleaning kit 1000 further includes at
least one tool-holding insert 1022 secured to the interior of the
case 1002 by an attachment element 1024. In one example,
the attachment element 1024 is secured to the fold line 1008.
The attachment element 1024 may permanently secure the
tool-holding insert 1022 to the case 1002 or, as disclosed
herein, the attachment element 1024 may provide a means to
release the tool-holding insert 1022 from the case.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, the tool
holding insert 1022 is shown in greater detail, detached from
the case 1002. The tool-holding insert 1022 includes a base
portion 1026 joined to a ?exible back plate 1028. The base
portion 1026 includes a tool base cavity 1030 con?gured to
accept the shank 1032 of a ?rearm cleaning tool 1034. In the
disclosed embodiment, the base portion 1026 may include a
plurality of slots 1036. The slots 1036 are primarily to prevent
air from becoming entrapped in the tool base cavity 1030
during molding, or when the ?rearm cleaning tool 1034 is
inserted into the cavity. The tool base cavity 1030 may be
sized to snugly accept the ?rearm cleaning tool 1034 to pre
vent the tool from slipping out.
[0048] The ?exible back plate 1028 includes a raised wall
1038 de?ning a enclosure 1040. The raised wall 1038 is
shaped to ensconce and protect the particular type of cleaning
tool being stored. For example, the cleaning tool 1034 may be
a scraper. The raised wall 1038 will form a generally rectan
gular shape, as illustrated. In other examples, the cleaning
tool 1034 may be a right-angle pick, and the raised wall 1038
will form an L-shaped enclosure 1040. The possible shapes of
the raised wall 1038 are as varied as the types of tools being
stored, as will be described in more detail below.
[0049] To provide ?exibility, the tool-holding insert 1022
may comprise a rubber compound such as a thermoplastic
[0052]
As best seen in FIG. 3 with the tool-holding insert
1022 moved out of the way, the case 1002 may include a ?rst
interior region 1056 de?ned by the ?rst side 1004, and a
second interior region 1058 de?ned by the second side 1006.
A pocket 1060 sewn into the ?rst interior region 1056 and/or
the second interior region 1058 of case 1002 holds cleaning
materials, such as a ?exible cleaning rod and bore patches
(not shown).
[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, the second face 1054 of the
tool-holding insert 1022 is shown in greater detail, detached
from the case. The second face 1054 of the tool-holding insert
1022 includes a plurality of tool base cavities 1030b and
corresponding raised walls 1038a]. The raised walls 1038a-f
are spaced a distance D apart from each other, for example. In
one embodiment, the distance D is suf?cient to allow the tool
base cavities 1030a and 1030b to be arranged in an alternating
pattern, such that the distance D on one side forms the back
side of the raised wall 1038 and tool tip enclosure 1040 on the
other side. In the disclosed embodiment, the second face
1054b of the tool-holding insert 1022 is adapted to secure a
variety of ?rearm cleaning tools such as bore cleaning brush
1062a-1062d, an angled pick 1064, and a second slotted tip
1066.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 5, the attachment element
1024 is shown with the tool-holding insert 1022 detached
from the case 1002. A ?xed portion 1068 of the attachment
element 1 024 is sewn or otherwise permanently secured to the
fold line 1008 on the interior ofthe case 1002. In the disclosed
embodiment, the ?xed portion 1068 includes a thin-wall
clamp 1070 de?ning a bore 1072 along a longitudinal axis
1074 therethrough. The axis 1074 is oriented generally along
the fold line 1008. The clamp 1070 further includes a slot
1076 oriented along the longitudinal axis 1074 and an
elastomer (TPE). Depending upon the choice of material, the
engagement recess 1078 aligned perpendicular to the longi
tool-holding insert 1022 may be injection molded to form a
unitary, one-piece construction. The raised wall 1 038 and tool
tip enclosure 1040 are aligned with the tool base cavity 1030
to provide a unitary holding structure. In one embodiment, the
raised wall 1038 is formed integral with tool base cavity 1030.
In another embodiment, a relief 1042 may be provided
tudinal axis.
[0055]
A detachable portion 1080 of the attachment ele
ment 1024 includes a cylindrical element 1082 joined to the
tool-holding insert 1022 by a stem 1084. The cylindrical
element 1082 includes a raised detent 1086 on the cylindrical
surface. To secure the tool-holding insert 1022 to the case
Apr. 24, 2014
US 2014/0110285 A1
1002, the stem 1084 of the cylindrical element 1082 is aligned
soldiers, may be out?tted with a M145 Machine Gun Optic,
with the slot 1076 on the ?xed portion 1068 of the attachment
which is a small arms scope of 3.4x magni?cation mounted
on the tactical rail.
element 1024, which also aligns the raised detent 1086 with
the engagement recess 1078. The cylindrical element 1082
slideably engages the bore 1072 until the raised detent 1086
snaps into the engagement recess 1078.
[0061]
All of the above-described optical gunsights, as well
as infrared night vision equipment, range?nders, binoculars,
The disclosed arrangement is only one example of
cameras, and eyewear perform best when cleaned of dust,
?ngerprints, dirt, and water spots. Therefore, a gun cleaning
an attachment element 1024. In other arrangements, the
kit ideally should include implements that provide quick and
attachment element 1024 may comprise snaps, VELCRO®
brand fasteners, or the like. In other embodiments, the case
1002 may not include the attachment element 1024, such
when the tool-holding insert 1022 is permanently ?xed to the
accurate cleaning while protecting the delicate optical sur
faces. Some gun cleaning kit manufacturers offer additional
cleaning kits for optics, but these kits must be carried sepa
rately, often occupying valuable space on the MOLLE attach
ment. Some gun cleaning kits include optics cleaners stored
within the kit case, but due to space limitations the optics
[0056]
case 1002, for example by sewing.
[0057]
Referring now to FIG. 6, the ?rearm cleaning kit
1000 may further include a belt attachment 1088 af?xed to the
exterior of the case 1002. In one embodiment, the belt attach
cleaners may not be optimized for the particular optics being
used.
ment 1088 comprises a rugged strip of nylon fabric sewn at
each end to the case 1002, thereby forming a loop through
which a belt (not shown) may be passed. In one example (not
[0062] In addition to cleaning optics, the exterior surfaces
of a ?rearm may need periodic cleaning. For example, in
shown), a piece of heavy duty fabric is secured through the
load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) attachment. The kit 1000
and dust, ?rearm owners must periodically wipe down the
exterior surfaces of their ?rearms to prevent the ?ne-grain
sand and dust from interfering with the ?rearm’s internal
may further include one or more straps 1090 to secure the case
components. A common implement used for this purpose is a
loop to which clips are adapted for a modular lightweight
geographic locations that are prone to environmental sand
1002 to a backpack or the like.
3-inch stiff bristle paint brush. Although a household paint
[0058] Standard-issue or off-the-shelf gun cleaning kits
include a wide variety of cleaning tools and implements to
brush can be useful for exterior cleaning, the brush is too large
to ?t within the interior of most cleaning kits and therefore
accommodate as many types of guns as possible. For
must be carried separately. Any implement carried separately
example, a manufacturer may offer a military gun cleaning kit
caliber, 0.50 caliber, and 12 gauge weapon systems. By serv
is prone to being lost or forgotten.
[0063] As can be appreciated, as ?rearm accessories
become more specialized and the geographical ?eld of opera
tion becomes more speci?c, a gun cleaning kit may require a
ing the needs of many different types of gun owners with a
large number of speci?c cleaning implements for optimum
single product offering, the manufacturer of the gun cleaning
care. However, manufacturing and carrying inventory on a
large number of model-speci?c gun cleaning kits is less eco
nomical and therefore increases the retail price, and in some
that is compact, lightweight, and is designed to clean and
maintain all 5.56 MM, 7.62 MM, 9 MM, 0.40 caliber, 0.45
kit is able to utilize economies of scale and keep manufactur
ing costs low. In turn, the retail price for the cleaning kit is
quite affordable. However, a one-kit-?ts-all approach inevi
tably results in some of the implements going unused. In a
markets the price increase is prohibitively expensive.
compact kit, unused implements occupy valuable space that
may otherwise be used for other useful implements.
[0059] To this end, gun cleaning kit manufacturers have
disclosure has devised a modular gun cleaning kit that
attaches to a base cleaning kit. The base cleaning kit may
offered products that are tailored to a speci?c class of ?re
arms, such as 5.56 MM military variants. A cleaning kit for
this class may be speci?cally designed to clean the C7, C8,
M16, M249 SAW, M4, Mod 46, and HK 416 ?rearms, for
example. Although a cleaning kit designed for a class of
[0064]
To address this dilemma, the inventor of the present
provide standard cleaning implements, and the modular
attachment may provide storage for specialized cleaning
implements. For example, the cleaning implements in the
modular attachment may be adapted for speci?c ?rearms,
applications, it suffers from drawbacks. For example, the kit
speci?c ?rearm accessories such as optics, speci?c geo
graphical or climatological environments, or speci?c mis
sions. In this manner, any number of specialized, modular
cleaning kits may be provided with common attachment fea
may not include implements to clean and scrape hard to reach
tures to the base cleaning kit case.
?rearms can be useful and may be advantageous for certain
places such as the locking lugs, the slides, the bolt face, and
[0065]
rails. Or, the kit may not include implements to clean and
includes a case 1002 such as that disclosed in FIGS. 1-6 and
a module attachment element 2092 af?xed to an exterior
Referring now to FIG. 7, a ?rearm cleaning kit 2000
maintain the optical gunsights.
[0060] A growing percentage of current military weapons
include advanced optical gunsights. For example, the M16
portion thereof (opposite belt attachment 1088, FIG. 6) to
ri?e and M4 carbine are often out?tted with a M68 Close
attachment element 2092 is designed for rapid, reliable
Combat Optic (CCO), a red dot laser sight mounted on the
tactical rail. Designed for use at close quarters of less than 100
modular, detachable kit is very important to a military team,
yards, the M68 is a non-magni?ed, both-eyes-open aiming
solution which provides rapid target acquisition and allows
accurate aiming in low-light conditions. For long-range sight
for example, because a team may have several weapons at
their disposal, but may only select one ri?e and one side arm
for a particular mission. In some applications, such as mili
ing, the M16 and M4 may be out?tted with the Advanced
tary usage, the module attachment element 2092 is designed
Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG), a telescopic sight that
depending on model. Additionally, the M240 machine gun, or
for quiet operation so as to not attract attention during attach
ment and detachment. In the illustrated embodiment, the
module attachment element 2092 comprises two loops of
squad automatic weapon (SAW) in wide usage by infantry
heavy-weight fabric, one spaced about 1 inch vertically from
provides ?xed power magni?cation levels from 1.5x to 16x,
secure one or more modular kit cases 2094. The module
attachment and detachment of the modular kit case 2094. A
Apr. 24, 2014
US 2014/0110285 Al
the other. Each loop is formed by positioning a strap of
material horizontally relative to the case 1002, and sewing
each end of the strap to the case 1002. As can be seen with
reference to FIG. 7, a su?iciently wide case 1002 may accom
modate two (or more) module attachment elements 2092 so as
to allow more than one modular kit case 2094 to be secured to
the case.
[0066] The modular kit case 2094 may be formed of fabric
or hard-shell, and includes a backing portion 2096 with an
external fastening element 2098 adapted for securement with
subjected to heavier load and extreme forces. The protective
shell 2116 may be formed of hardened plastic, hardened
rubber, or soft rubber, for example. The protective shell 2116
is adapted to secure the cleaning implement by a slight fric
tion ?t. In this manner, the cleaning implement may be snugly
held in place to prevent the tool from falling out of the modu
lar kit case 2094, yet may be removed without excessive force
or damage to the tool. Prior art protective cases for bore or
chamber cleaning brushes, such as a bottle with cap, had to be
removed from the case to access and utilize the brush in a
the module attachment element 2092 of the case 2002. In the
cleaning operation. By securing the protective shell 2116 to
disclosed embodiment, the fastening element 2098 includes a
strap of stiff fabric sewn to the backing portion 2096. The stiff
the case, the potential for losing the protective case (or the
strap may be quickly and accurately inserted through the two
loops of the module attachment element 2092, then snapped
[0070] One illustrative example of an implement protective
shell 2116 is shown in FIG. 9.As depicted, the protective shell
2116 is realized on the inside portion of the ?rst ?ap 2110a,
into place as illustrated. Other examples of securement are
case and brush together) is eliminated.
contemplated without departing from the scope of the inven
tion, but a design factor may be that the attachment and
detachment operate quietly. Therefore, in some applications,
but the shell may be located at any convenient location. The
protective shell 2116 surrounds a chamber brush 2118 which,
hook and loop fasteners are not desirable.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 8, shown is an inside storage area
2120 at a ?rst diameter to scrub the chamber, neck and shoul
der of a ?rearm (not shown), and steel bristles 2122 at the base
at a second diameter to scrub the star chamber of the locking
2100 of the backing portion 2096 con?gured to store special
ized cleaning implements that otherwise may not be included
in the illustrated example, includes tapered bronze bristles
lugs (also not shown). The protective shell 2116 is sized to
second elastic strap is sewn in like manner across the base of
secure at least one of the diameters by friction ?t, for example
the larger diameter steel bristles 2122. In this manner, the
chamber brush 2118 is secured within the protective shell
2116, but the wire bristles 2120, 2122 will not suffer defor
mation or damage from storage.
[0071] The protective shell 2116 may be secured to a
the backing portion 2096 to form elasticized pockets. The
particular con?guration of tool holding cavities shown is
mounting board 2124 that provides support for the protective
shell and cleaning implement stored therein. The mounting
suitable for storing implements to clean an M16 or M4 ?re
arm. Speci?cally, a plurality of metal rod segments 2104
board 2124 may be formed of a stiff yet ?exible polymeric
or may not ?t into the base ?rearm cleaning kit. In one
embodiment, the inside storage area 2100 includes an elastic
strap 2102 sewn to the inside surface of the backing portion
2096 at both ends and at least one location in the middle to
provide a plurality of tool holding cavities. As illustrated, a
having internal threads on one end and external threads on an
material, for example, to provide a small degree of ?exibility.
In other examples, the mounting board 2124 may be formed
opposing end may be threaded together along with a metal
of a hardened material.
foldable T-handle segment 2106 to form a metal cleaning rod
of su?icient length to clean the long internal barrel of the M16
[0072]
Another illustrative example of an implement pro
or M4. Also included in the inside storage area 2100 is a
tective shell 3116 is shown in FIG. 10. As shown, a plurality
of protective shells 3116a-3116d surround and secure the
double-headed receiver brush 21 08, the bristles of which may
threaded or base portions of various cleaning implements.
be nylon or bronze, for example.
Shown for illustrative purposes are a bore cleaning brush
[0068]
3062 and a slotted tip 3050 for holding cleaning patches. The
The modular kit case 2094 further includes a pro
tective cover 2110 to protect the cleaning implements stored
protective shells 3116a-3116d are sized to secure the base
within the inside storage area 2100. In one embodiment, the
protective cover 2110 comprises a tri-fold ?ap. That is, a ?rst
be snugly held in place to prevent the tools from falling out of
?ap 211 011 j oined at the base of the backing portion 2096 folds
upwards, and a second ?ap 2110b joined at the top of the
backing portion 2096 folds downwards and overlaps the ?rst
the modular kit case 3094, yet may be removed without
excessive force or damage to the tools.
[0073] The protective shell 3116 secures and protects the
?ap 2110a. A cover attachment 2112, such as a side release
base portion of a cleaning implement, but may expose the top
portion to potential damage. Therefore, in some embodi
buckle, secures the ?rst ?ap 2110a to the second ?ap 2110b.
Additional implement storage space may be utilized on the
inside portions of the protective cover 2110. For example, the
inside of the second ?ap 2110b may include a pouch 2114 for
storing cleaning patches.
portions by friction ?t such that the cleaning implements may
ments, the modular kit case 3094 may include a ?exible ?ap
3 126 for protecting the exposed portion of the cleaning imple
ment. The ?ap 3126 may be formed of a thin, ?ber-reinforced
rubber compound, for example, to withstand wear and tear
[0069] Turning to FIG. 9, in one embodiment of the inven
tion the modular kit case 2094 includes an implement protec
over time. The ?ap 3126 may be secured on one end to the side
tive shell 2116 to enclose and protect cleaning implements
from damage. The protective shell 2116 may be ?xed to the
if present.
case 2094 or, as illustrated, may be ?xed to the inside portion
arm cleaning kit 4000 includes a case 1002 such as that
disclosed in FIGS. 1-6 and a modular kit case 4094 that is
of the ?rst ?ap 2110a. The protective shell 2116 is especially
useful in protecting the wire-bristle portion of chamber and
bore cleaning brushes, or in protecting the ?ne threads of
cleaning implements that are threadably attached to a ?xed
rod or ?exible cable. Protection of the chamber and bore
brushes is very important to the military as their gear is often
of the modular kit case 3094, or to the mounting board 3124,
[0074]
Turning to FIG. 11, in another embodiment a ?re
smaller and lighter than the modular kit case 2094 illustrated
with respect to FIG. 7. The smaller-sized kit case 4094 may be
better suited for carrying a fewer number of specialized clean
ing implements, or for allowing multiple modular kit cases to
be attached to the base case 1002. The modular kit case 4094