Cover assembly for weapon handguard
A cover assembly for a weapon handguard can include a cover panel and end connectors configured to mount within an elongated slot, such as an M-LOK® style or other slot. The cover panel can include opposing interior rails that engage corresponding rails on the end connectors. Each end connector includes a capture flange that extends beyond the slot to engage the interior of the handguard, securing the cover panel externally without extending into the slot. Ramps on the cover panel and end connectors can urge the connectors apart along the slot, achieving a fixed spacing and securement. Cable slots can be defined between components to route cables under the cover panel and above the handguard. The assembly can enable a secure, tool-free attachment of a cover panel over a weapon handguard slot, allowing for cable management and protective coverage without permanent modification. A related method of use is provided.
1 . A cover assembly for a weapon handguard comprising:
a cover panel including an exterior surface and an interior surface having a first cover rail;
a first end connector including a first capture flange configured to engage an interior of the weapon handguard, the first end connector disposable between opposing side edges of an elongated slot defined by the weapon handguard, the first end connector including a first connector rail; and
a second end connector, separate and distinct from the first end connector, the second end connector including a second capture flange configured to engage the interior of the weapon handguard distal from the first flange, the second end connector disposable between opposing side edges of the elongated slot defined by the weapon handguard, the second end connector including a second connector rail,
wherein at least one of the first connector rail and the second connector rail engage the first cover rail, thereby securing the cover panel to the first connector and the second connector,
wherein the cover panel engages the first end connector and the second end connector to space the first end connector and the second end connector at a fixed distance from one another such that the first capture flange and the second capture flange engage the interior of the weapon handguard at opposite ends of the slot to secure the cover panel fixedly to the weapon handguard.
2 . The cover assembly of claim 1 ,
wherein the first end connector defines a first cable slot above the first capture flange, the first cable slot configured to receive a cable that conveys voltage therethrough,
wherein the second end connector defines a second cable slot above the second capture flange, the second cable slot configured to receive the cable.
3 . The cover assembly of claim 1 ,
wherein the cover panel includes a first cover panel ramp,
wherein the first end connector includes a first end connector ramp,
wherein the first cover panel ramp engages the first end connector ramp to urge the first end connector toward a first slot end of the slot.
4 . The cover assembly of claim 3 ,
wherein the cover panel includes a second cover panel ramp,
wherein the second end connector includes a second end connector ramp,
wherein the second cover panel ramp engages the second end connector ramp to urge the second end connector away from the first end connector and toward a second slot end of the slot distal from the first slot end.
5 . The cover assembly of claim 1 ,
wherein the first end connector is configured for positioning within the slot adjacent a first slot end,
wherein the second end connector is configured for positioning within the slot adjacent a second slot end disposed opposite the first slot end along a longitudinal axis of the slot,
wherein the cover panel engages the first end connector and the second end connector to urge the first end connector and the second end connector away from one another along the longitudinal axis to achieve the fixed distance therebetween.
6 . The cover assembly of claim 1 comprising:
a ramp engaged between the cover panel and the first end connector, the ramp configured to urge the first end connector between the opposing side edges of the slot toward a first slot end.
7 . The cover assembly of claim 1 ,
wherein no portion of the cover panel, the first cover rail and a second cover rail on the cover panel extend into the slot when the cover assembly is fully installed relative to the handguard.
8 . The cover assembly of claim 1 ,
wherein the first end connector and cover panel define a cable passageway therebetween through which a cable is configured to extend and be retained therein.
9 . The cover assembly of claim 8 ,
wherein the cable passageway extends between the first cover rail and a second cover rail opposite the first cover rail on the cover panel.
10 . The cover assembly of claim 1 ,
wherein the first capture flange is configured to extend beyond a first slot end to engage the interior of the handguard, and
wherein the second capture flange is configured to extend beyond a second slot end, disposed forward of and opposite the first slot end along a longitudinal axis of the slot, to engage the interior of the handguard.
11 . A cover assembly for a weapon handguard defining an elongated slot, the cover assembly comprising:
a cover panel including opposing rails;
a first end connector and a second end connector configured to engage the opposing rails, each including a respective capture flange; and
at least one ramp engageable between the cover panel and at least one of the first and second end connectors to space the first and second end connectors from one another,
wherein the capture flange of the first end connector is configured to extend beyond a first end of the elongated slot and engage an interior of the handguard adjacent a first end of the elongated slot, and the capture flange of the second end connector is configured to extend beyond an opposite second end of the elongated slot and engage the interior of the handguard adjacent the second end of the elongated slot, to secure the cover panel fixedly to the handguard over the elongated slot.
12 . The cover assembly of claim 11 ,
wherein each of the first end connector and the second end connector defines a cable slot configured to contain a cable below the cover panel and above an exterior of the handguard.
13 . The cover assembly of claim 11 ,
wherein the cover panel is a plate without any apertures defined therein,
wherein the opposing rails are defined on an interior of the plate.
14 . The cover assembly of claim 11 ,
wherein the first end connector includes first and second wings,
wherein the second end connector includes third and fourth wings,
wherein the first and third wings engage a first rail of the opposing rails,
wherein the second and fourth wings engage a second rail of the opposing rails,
wherein the opposing rails extend along a longitudinal axis of the cover panel.
15 . The cover assembly of claim 11 ,
wherein the capture flange of the first end connector faces forward and extends below the interior of the handguard at the forward slot end, forwardly beyond the elongated slot,
wherein the capture flange of the second end connector faces forward and extends below the interior of the handguard at the rearward slot end, rearwardly beyond the elongated slot.
16 . The cover assembly of claim 11 ,
wherein the at least one ramp includes a cover panel forward ramp and a cover panel rearward ramp extending downward from a plate of the cover panel,
wherein the at least one ramp includes a rearward facing ramp on the first end connector and a forward facing ramp on the second end connector,
wherein the cover panel forward ramp is configured to engage the rearward facing ramp to urge the first end connector toward the forward slot end,
wherein the cover panel rearward ramp is configured to engage the forward facing ramp to urge the second end connector toward the rearward slot end.
17 . A method of using a cover assembly with a handguard, the method comprising:
providing a handguard defining an elongated slot including opposing side edges, a first slot end and an opposing second slot end;
moving at least one of a first end connector toward the first slot end so that a first capture flange of the first end connector is positioned adjacent an interior of the handguard and extends beyond the first slot end, and a second end connector toward the second slot end so that a second capture flange of the second end connector is positioned adjacent the interior of the handguard and extends beyond the second slot end; and
joining a cover panel with the first end connector and the second end connector after the first end connector and second end connector are disposed in the slot to secure the cover panel adjacent the handguard.
18 . The method of claim 17 ,
wherein the cover panel extends only exterior to the slot and handguard after said joining.
19 . The method of claim 17 comprising:
urging with a ramp the first end connector toward the first slot end.
20 . The method of claim 17 comprising:
urging with a ramp the second end connector toward the second slot end.