Firearms and Ammunition Patent Grants

US12379181 - Counterclockwise twisted fiber material twisted together in counterclockwise direction to form a bow string and/or cable

A string such as a bowstring or cable used in archery bows and crossbows include multiple strands. The multiple strands are not bound to each other but remain parallel and positioned side-by-side. The desired number of strands are laid up to a determined length and grouped together to create a bundle. The bundles can have different properties such as strength and stability depending on the direction the strands and bundles are twisted.

US12379182 - Air rifle device

An air rifle device for using a cylinder of carbon dioxide as a propellant includes a housing having a front end, a rear end, a top side, and a bottom side defining a chamber extending through the housing. A barrel coupled to the front end is in fluid communication with the chamber. A clip removably couplable to the housing holds a plurality of projectiles. A canister removably mounted to the housing holds a propellant. The canister comprises a neck and a body. A collar configured to receive the neck is mounted to the housing. A cradle configured to receive the body is coupled to the housing. The cradle is aligned with the collar to facilitate coupling the canister to the collar. A trigger mechanism mounted to the housing expels a quantity of the propellant into the barrel sufficient to propel one of the plurality of projectiles outwardly through the barrel.

US12379183 - Angled support grip for firearms

An angled support grip for a firearm, such as a long gun, includes an upper portion configured to attach to the frame of the firearm beneath the barrel and forward of the trigger guard; and a forward support extending downward from an end of the upper portion opposite from the trigger guard. The angled support grip also includes an angled handle configured to be gripped by a hand of a user and attached to the forward support at a lower end thereof, opposite from the upper portion, the angled handle extending upward and rearward toward the upper portion along a length thereof away from the forward support. A flashlight head attaches to a forward face of the forward support to project light toward a target. The angled handle is selectively removable from the angled support grip and attachable directly to the flashlight head to form a flashlight assembly.

US12379184 - Trigger guard stabilizer

A trigger guard stabilizer for a holster provides trigger guard side-to-side support. Because the trigger guard stabilizer is spring-loaded, and can be depressed into a receiving pocket, it automatically moves downward out of the way if a taller light passes over the stabilizer top during a holstering action. Once the light has passed over the stabilizer, the stabilizer springs back into a position with portions that extend on either side of the trigger guard. This helps to hold the trigger guard centered laterally in the holster, thus impeding unwanted access to the trigger.

US12379185 - Modular firearm block

A modular firearm block that can attach to the frame of a firearm. The block can have a member that can attach to a recess on the frame. The block can also have holes for a pin and a pin connector which also attach the block to the frame of the firearm.

US12379186 - Adjustable sight assembly

In one example, the disclosure relates to adjustable flip up sight assembly that can be adjusted vertically and laterally in particular, for an automatic firearm, comprising a front sight support element that is supported by an axle on a mount, in particular such that they can pivot thereon, wherein the front sight support element has an adjustment element supported on a spring element and releasably connected to a front sight, which contains a keyhole type opening through which the axle is inserted, wherein the adjustment element can be moved in relation to the axle against the spring force between two positions inside the front sight support element such that the keyhole opening prevents a lateral movement of the front sight support element along the axle when engaged with the axle, and allows the lateral adjustment of the front sight support element in a released position.

US12379187 - Laser irradiation apparatus and laser irradiation method

A laser irradiation apparatus includes a controller configured to calculate a predicted movement position into which a target is predicted to move at a future specific time, a transmission laser source configured to generate a transmission laser, irradiation optics configured to emit the transmission laser to the target and emit a search laser to the predicted movement position and wavefront correction optics. The wavefront correction optics are configured to correct a wavefront of the transmission laser at the future specific time based on observation light that returns when the search laser is emitted to the predicted movement position.

US12379188 - Interactive weapon targeting system displaying remote sensed image of target area

Systems, devices, and methods for determining a predicted impact point of a selected weapon and associated round based on stored ballistic information, provided elevation data, provided azimuth data, and provided position data.

US12379189 - Camouflage external coating

Camouflage coating systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein may include a coating deposited and bonded to a region of an external surface of an object to be camouflaged. The coating may include a plurality of stacked material arrangements deposited and bonded sequentially onto the region of the external surface and arranged to define a laterally distributed plurality of independent camouflage profiles. The coating may be configured to adjust coating emissivity at visual and IR wavelengths and to block or adjust infrared (IR) emitted by the object, thereby concealing the region of the external surface of the object from detection by a detection method in the visual, infrared, and electromagnetic regimes.

US12379190 - Ballistic-resistant composite with maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene

A ballistic-resistant composite includes at least one layer that has a network of ballistic fibers and a resin matrix. The resin matrix includes maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP).

US12379191 - Safety net

Safety net devices described herein may include a microphone array, a net launcher, a rotation control device, a fireable electroshock weapon, and a camera. The safety net device may be set up to automatically reorient and fire a net in the direction of a high decibel event upon detection of that high decibel event. The fireable electroshock weapon and the camera may be remotely controlled by an operator as part of a response to the high decibel event.

US12379192 - Flexible metal/metal oxide and/or intermetallic reactant ribbon cutting system

Provided is a blast-free alternative tool for breaching operations for the intended purpose of cutting metal, including rebar, steel cables, I-beams, thin walled containers, welding doors, and the like. The apparatus includes a flexible and cuttable tube containing metal oxide/metal (thermite) mixture, capable of being formed around a target material and of NONEL ignition. The apparatus can be used to cut, weld, or ignite target material. Protective caps are included with provisions to insert shock tube or time fuse to transmit ignition to first fire mix. A fire proof or flame retardant flexible outerwrap with adhesive (such as hydrogel) or malleable retention wires covers the cutting ribbon for heat and slag retention. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is issued/manufactured in rolls or precut lengths.

US12379193 - Tandem charge for underwater targets

A tandem charge for prosecution of underwater targets includes both a precursor charge (PC) and a follow through charge (FTC) oriented within and along an axis of a charge casing with the FTC positioned in front of the precursor charge. The precursor charge includes an explosive charge and a liner configured such that upon detonation of the explosive charge the liner forms an annular explosively formed penetrator (EFP) that is projected along the axis and passes around the FTC to cut a first hole in an outer surface of the target. The FTC is configured to be carried through the first hole in the outer surface of the target by the flow of water therethrough for detonation on the other side of the outer surface of the target, perhaps forming a second hole in an inner surface of the target.

US12379194 - Polymer jacketed powder core projectile

A method is disclosed for coating a projectile for use in an ammunition cartridge. A polymer jacket is applied to an undersized projectile core of a first standard caliber to bring the outer dimensions of the jacketed projectile into compliance with those of a second, larger caliber projectile. The polymer jacket coating may produce a non-uniform outer diameter of the polymer jacketed projectile and may include a plurality of circular cavities defined therein. The polymer-jacketed projectile may be a bullet for pistol or rifle ammunition, or a pellet, or shot for use in a shotgun shell.

US12379195 - Method for manufacturing an ammunition cartridge and ammunition cartridge

The present invention pertains to the field of the arms industry and metallurgy, and also to the fields of materials engineering and chemical engineering. More specifically, the present invention refers to a novel ammunition cartridge comprising reinforced polymer and the manufacturing process thereof. The ammunition cartridge serves for receiving the gunpowder so that explosion can occur inside the weapon barrel. The technology proposed reduces the quantity of components to be pre-manufactured and assembly processes on the product, producing a full cartridge, directly upon injecting the thermoplastic, and can also use bi-component injection. With this, the portion of the collar ring can be made entirely of fiber-reinforced polymer material, which reduces the weight of the item and is beneficial for the useful life of the weapon in the bolt region.

US12379196 - Control mechanism of a volumetric dispenser forming part of a gunpowder dosing device

A control mechanism of a volumetric dispenser forming part of a gunpowder dosing device, enabling adequate volume control of the gunpowder compartment for easy and accurate dosing of gunpowder. The control mechanism includes a holder with a fastening element attached to the gunpowder compartment and a recess for receiving limiting means, an outer and an inner member, each with a gear section and a synchronising pinion connecting the gear sections. The outer member is coaxially fixed to the head of an adjusting screw. The slide is connected to the adjusting screw. The outer member has a scale and a window for displaying units on a measuring scale. The surface of the outer circumference has shallow grooves which the limiting element engages when the outer member is displaced a fraction of a turn. The inner member has the measuring scale displaying the displacement of the outer member by one complete turn.

US12379739 - Modular controller system for use with a weapon

The invention is a controller system that can be used with or integrated with one or more weapons, such as a gun. The controller system includes a grip comprising one or more buttons and an optional thumb stick. The system also includes a base with an interior that houses the button circuitry. The base includes an opening that facilitates attachment to the weapon. When installed, the controller system allows the single hand of the user to access the grip buttons and the trigger of the weapon to simultaneously control the weapon and an accessory device, such as a drone.

USD1087276 - Firearm sight accessory mount

USD1087278 - End cap plug for a lower receiver of a firearm

USD1087280 - Trigger for guns

US12370777 - Aircraft seeker windows and aircraft window systems including the same

An approach to seeker windows for aircraft comprises a window layer comprising an IR transparent material, the window layer comprising a first side and a second side substantially opposite the first side; and a heating layer on the first side or the second side of the window layer, the heating layer configured to apply a heating profile to the window layer to reduce thermal shock imparted to the window layer when the seeker window is exposed to hypersonic flight conditions.

US12372112 - Barrel nut positioning frame

A barrel nut positioning frame for maintaining a barrel nut in a desired position in a bore of a component is disclosed having a frame body configured to receive a barrel nut therein, the frame body being adapted to fit, together with a received barrel nut, within a bore, and a bore engagement element configured to engage with a positioning feature in the bore so as to restrict movement of the frame within the bore.

US12372315 - Firearm frame with a relief

Firearm with a relief for debris. The relief can sit below where the barrel would typically sit once assembled with the frame. The relief can be shaped such that the debris that would typically be held in the barrel void would instead fall into the relief.

US12372316 - Takedown lever, takedown safety, and trigger shoe

A handgun trigger has a trigger body configured for pivotable or rotatable movement when installed in a handgun. A trigger shoe is removably attached or attachable to the trigger body and defines a user interface for firing the handgun. The trigger shoe can be made of polymeric material and can be attached to the trigger body using a snap fit. For example, the trigger shoe snaps over rear-facing surfaces of the trigger body when installed. Also disclosed is a takedown lever assembly for a semiautomatic handgun, where the takedown actuation lever operable between a firing position and a takedown position. In the takedown position the takedown actuation lever permits removal of the slide from the frame. In the takedown position the trigger is blocked from rotating to the pulled trigger position.

US12372317 - Bolt carrier with gas exhaust pocket

A bolt carrier for gas impingement rifles equipped with a sound suppressor mechanism. The bolt carrier is configured to tortuously direct gas to a gas exhaust pocket and into a magazine well of the gas impingement rifle, thereby lessening ejection port light signature and significantly reducing the peak noise in the vicinity of the firer's ears. The gas exhaust pocket of the bolt carrier also improves the operator air quality and reduces bolt lug and chamber fouling associated with the other devices that have attempted to address the noise problem.

US12372318 - Trigger shoe assembly

Trigger assembly with a trigger shoe, a trigger bow, and a set screw.

US12372319 - Fire control mechanism

The present disclosure provides systems and techniques for a fire control mechanism that is implementable in a gun. The fire control mechanism is operable to cause projectiles to be fired by the gun. The gun may include a trigger, a barrel defining a bore axis, a firing component, and an actuator configured to i) obstruct the firing component while in a default position and ii) be displaced in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the bore axis in response to movement of the trigger, where displacement in the direction that is substantially perpendicular to the bore axis causes the firing component to be released and results in the gun firing a projectile. The gun may include an energy store located below the barrel when the gun is in an upright position, and the actuator may be displaced based on the energy store.

US12372320 - Systems and techniques for testing a gun

The present disclosure provides systems and techniques for testing guns by simulating firing a round of live ammunition. A striker may be used to apply force onto a gun, and one or more compressible rods may be used to modulate the application of force onto the gun. A system may include a striking mechanism configured for displacement along an arcuate path of travel that includes a first compressible rod, a second compressible rod coupled with a first component of the gun, an attachment mechanism coupled with a second component of the gun such that the second compressible rod is located in the arcuate path of travel, and a backstop mechanism coupled with the attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism may stably hold the gun and the backstop mechanism may accommodate planar movement of the attachment mechanism, so as to simulate a shooter holding the gun.

US12372321 - Conversion kit for replacing a barrel on a service weapon with a training barrel to fire reduced energy training rounds

A conversion kit for installation into weapon to replace the service barrel with a sub-caliber barrel for firing reduced energy training cartridges. The conversion kit includes a barrel sleeve, a barrel support and a collet disposed between in the barrel support for fixedly securing the barrel sleeve therein. The collet is disposed in a double tapered bore formed in the barrel support for fixedly securing the barrel sleeve at both ends of the collet into the barrel support. A flash hider, which has been removed from the service barrel, is threadably received in the barrel support and functions as a collet nut for clamping the collet onto the barrel sleeve.

US12372322 - Auto-loading firearm with selectable live fire and training modes

An auto-loading firearm having a live fire mode, in which the firearm operates to discharge, and a training mode in which the firearm does not discharge. In the training mode, the firearm provides for resetting the trigger after simulated firing of the firearm.

US12372323 - Crossbow arrow rest

In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a frame, a bow portion comprising a bowstring, a latch and a trigger. An arrow rest is supported by the frame at a first location. The frame is also arranged to support the arrow rest at a second location. A distance between the latch and the first location is different from a distance between the latch and the second location.

US12372324 - Modular hybrid speargun

A system for underwater hunting contains a plurality of components which allow for customization of the speargun based on the user's needs and the conditions where a user is hunting. By allowing rapid additions or removals of certain components, the invention allow the user to easily modify the firing characteristics of the speargun, and thus target a wider range of prey across a wider range of environmental conditions than those designs currently available in the prior art.

US12372325 - Adjustable firearm butt assembly

An adjustable firearm butt assembly comprises a base plate selectively attached to a buttstock of a firearm. The base plate has a base slot. An adjustment nut is aligned with, and transversely movable relative to, the base slot. A pad plate is selectively attached to the base plate with the base plate being interposed longitudinally between the pad plate and the adjustment nut. The pad plate has a plate slot and a guide track. The plate slot is aligned with both the adjustment nut and the base slot. A guide pin has a portion selectively received in the guide track. An attachment fastener selectively extends through the plate slot and into engagement with the adjustment nut to selectively attach the pad plate to the base plate. The attachment fastener is laterally movable with respect to the plate slot. The attachment fastener is selectively movable between unclamped and clamped conditions.

US12372326 - Firearm accessory

A shotgun pump handle that is slidably coupled to a magazine tube of a shotgun that includes a body having a replaceable grip member and a loop portion. The shotgun pump handle includes a body that is manufactured from aluminum or other similar material wherein the body includes a first end and a second end. A grip member is releasably secured to a lower portion of the body wherein the grip member is manufactured from foam rubber or similar material and is provided in alternate sizes. A loop member is integrally formed with the body wherein an end of the loop member is contiguous with the bottom portion of the body proximate the second end and the distal end is formed with the bottom of the body proximate the first end. The loop member creates a void for a human hand to be journaled thereinto.

US12372327 - Accessory mounting system and method of using the same

An accessory attachment system is presented. The accessory attachment system includes a mounting rail. The mounting rail has a plurality of protrusion and recesses. The protrusions and recesses alternate in a repeating pattern along the mounting rail. The accessory attachment system also includes an accessory configured to be mounted on the mounting rail. The accessory attachment system also includes a friction plate configured to hold the accessory in a position on the mounting rail. The friction plate comprises friction feature configured to interact with the plurality of protrusions and recesses to create a friction force that holds the accessory in the position. The accessory attachment system allows for movement of the accessory along the rail with an application of force. The applied force is greater than the friction force.

US12372328 - Laser-rangefinding sight

A sight includes a housing, a rangefinder assembly, a display screen provided in the housing and electrically connected to the rangefinder assembly, an objective lens set, an image inverter set, a reticle set, and an eyepiece set provided in the housing and sequentially arranged from an object side to an eye side, where the reticle set includes a first prism and a second prism cemented to each other, a reflective film is provided on a first cemented plane of the first prism and the second prism; the first prism has a first plane provided on an imaging plane; the second prism has a second plane perpendicular to the first plane; the first plane is provided with a reticle pattern; a light-emitting plane of the display screen is attached to the second plane; and the reflective film is configured to reflect light from the display screen to the eye side.

US12372329 - Method for calculated aimpoint correction in a digital weapon sight

Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed to correct aimpoint of a system of a weapon and affixed digital weapon sight. The method employs the components of a digital weapon sight configured together for a process of sensing of a ballistic event, storing of digital imagery data before and after a shot or series of shots, and then the performing of an image registration algorithm, via a cross-correlation type function. The image registration determines the misalignment between the images as a Cartesian shift, and aimpoint of subsequent shooting is corrected through application of adjusted reticle symbology or adjusted image sensor windowing. Preprocessing methods for enhancing image registration algorithm accuracy are presented.

US12372330 - Missile guidance system

A hypersonic self-guided missile system is described. Particularly, embodiments describe missiles whose trajectories are controlled by an on-board control unit that decrease the effect of damaging heat to sensitive internal components by employing one or more annular windows, internal mirrors, lenses, and/or cameras. Embodiments may have an internal camera oriented substantially toward or away from the nose of the missile.

US12372331 - Device for achieving frictionless linear movement in a single direction and stiffness in all other directions

A device for achieving linear movement in a single direction and stiffness in all other directions. As an example, a recoil causes strong forces in a linear movement, but any ridges will produce errors as two units each try to return to its original position. The device is a damper. The linear displacement by a recoil is mitigated using two set of blades, one absorbing the linear recoil, and a second for hindering the linear parallel deflection of the first set by the recoil or for increasing the stiffness provided by the first set of blades. The produced errors are much smaller or none as the recoil is mitigated using the very strong damper.

US12372332 - Additively manufactured armor and method for making the same

Disclosed herein is an additively manufactured multi-layered ballistic armor and a method of forming a multi-layered ballistic armor. The multi-layered ballistic armor includes a metal layer and a ceramic layer. The metal layer includes first mechanical interconnection features and a plurality of first pores. The ceramic layer includes second mechanical interconnection features configured to mechanically interconnect with the first mechanical interconnection features and a plurality of second pores.

US12372333 - Inflatable ballistic shield device

An inflatable ballistic shield device is provided. The device is preferably comprised of at least three ballistic panels and an inflatable bladder. When not in use, the device can be stored in an uninflated, folded configuration. When in use, the bladder can be rapidly inflated, which unfolds the ballistic panels and forms the device into a rigid ballistic shield.

US12372334 - Neck protecting soft body armor panel

A soft body armor panel where one or more layers are folded over as an apron at the top edge forming a pocket(s) centered on the top edge that captures a bullet directed upwardly. The folded layers can take any number of different configurations. The folded layers can be stacked or nested. Normal layers can separate folded layers and/or be within pockets of folded layers. The apron can be 1-20 inches or extend the full height of the layer.

US12372335 - Plasma burst application system and method

The present disclosure concerns a method and plasma burst application system for applying a plasma burst to a target object at a target location, the system comprising a terawatt femtosecond pulsed laser for emitting femtosecond laser pulses; a distance obtaining unit configured to obtain a target distance to the target location; and one or more controllers configured to receive the obtained target distance; set one or more laser control parameters of the terawatt femtosecond pulsed laser according to the obtained target distance such that, when a laser pulse is emitted by the terawatt femtosecond pulsed laser, the laser pulse collapses at a selected laser pulse propagation distance substantially equal to the obtained target distance, and control the emission of at least one laser pulse towards the target location such that the laser pulse collapses at substantially the target location in order to apply the plasma burst at the target location.

US12372336 - Liner for a shaped charge and method for manufacturing a liner

A liner for a shaped charge including an inner layer made of a material having a density below 10.5 g/cm 3 , and an outer layer made of a material having a density below 2.0 g/cm 3 , wherein the outer layer is formed directly on the inner layer. In a first state, both the inner layer and the outer layer are compressed towards the symmetry axis (x) of the liner, thereby forming a projectile. In a second state, the inner layer forms a penetration jet of the projectile and the outer layer forms a slug of the projectile. The melting point of the outer layer is above 100° C. The invention also concerns a shaped charge including the liner, a method for manufacturing the liner and a method for detonation of the shaped charge.

US12372337 - Precision non-shattering less-lethal projectile

A less-lethal projectile include a rear portion and a front portion. The rear portion can be a base member having a head, a waist, and a skirt configured to obturate a rifled barrel bore of an airgun. The front portion can be a hollow cylindrical cap sealingly engaged with the head such that the cap and the base member define an interior cavity in which a payload is received. The cap can include a plurality of fins and grooves configured to stabilize the projectile during flight toward a target and open without shattering the cap to release the payload from the cavity upon impact of the projectile with the target.

US12372338 - Method of reducing gun barrel heating

A cartridge includes a bullet on which there is formed a coating. At least an upper layer of the coating is porous and comprises a thermoset polymer and a filler. The filler may be a dry film lubricant. The cartridge may be used in a gun of the type that has a rifled barrel. A rifled barrel has a bore diameter and a groove diameter. The bullet may have a metal diameter that is less than the groove diameter but slightly greater than the bore diameter. The coated bullet may have a diameter that is greater than or equal to the groove diameter. When fired, the bullet produces less barrel friction and heating than a conventional bullet. The velocity of the coated bullets is greater and the velocity distribution is more narrow compared to uncoated bullets.

US12372339 - Projectile alignment and securement device

The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for aligning and securing a projectile. A base defining a receptacle for receiving the projectile comprises a self-centering mechanism for aligning a longitudinal axis of the projectile with a reference axis. An upstanding support projects upwardly from the base. A head member extends from the upstanding support, disposed vertically above the base, and has defined therein an opening aligned with the reference axis. A rod member is slidably mounted in the opening, such that a longitudinal axis of the rod member is aligned with the reference axis. A mounting adapter has a first end configured for adhesively retaining the projectile and a second end defining a coupling mechanism selectively mateable with a distal end of the rod member and with an inspection device used for performing inspection of the projectile.

US12372340 - Vertical interlocking storage system

A storage system is disclosed. The system may include a bottom receptacle configured to hold a first set of items and a top receptacle configured to hold a second set of items. The top receptacle is configured to be stacked over the bottom receptacle. The system may further include a connector having a tubular body. The tubular body may have a connector distal portion and a connector proximal portion. The connector may include a locking mechanism disposed at the connector distal portion. The locking mechanism may be configured to lock the connector distal portion to a bottom receptacle proximal portion, and the connector proximal portion may be configured to removably attach to a top receptacle distal portion.

US12372341 - System and method for underwater shock generation

An underwater shock generation system and method uses an electrolysis generator supplied with an electrolytic liquid to generate an ignitable gas. A housing stores the ignitable gas and is adapted to be disposed in a water environment. An igniter is provided and is operable to ignite the ignitable gas stored in the housing to generate an explosion in the underwater environment. The housing is shaped to control a direction of propagation of the explosion in the water environment.

US12372739 - Turret with a zero stop

A turret comprises a turret screw, cam pin chassis, stop ring, and turret cap. The cam pin chassis has a cam pin extending from the chassis parallel with the axis and is linear moveable within the chassis. The stop ring has a first surface and a second surface comprising a spiral groove terminating at first and second stop surfaces. The cam pin engages the spiral groove. The screw extends through central bores of each of the turret cap, stop ring, and cam pin chassis such that they have a common rotational axis. A rotational limit of the turret is defined by one of the first and second stop.

US12375808 - Real-time image motion correction or stabilization system and methods for projectiles or munitions in flight

The present invention relates to projectiles and munitions, and more specifically to such in flight. More particularly the present invention relates to projectiles and munitions in flight equipped with one or more image sensors adapted for acquiring image data of the environment surrounding the projection or munition in flight. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for correcting or stabilizing motion effects and artifacts present in the image data related to the movement or motion of the projectile or munition in flight, including spin or rotation of the projectile or munition.

USD1085958 - Grille element

USD1086347 - Shotgun

USD1086348 - Shotgun

USD1086349 - Firearm

USD1086350 - Ammunition magazine loader accessory

USD1086351 - Hand stop for a firearm

USD1086352 - Folding rear sight for a firearm

US12364323 - Quick detach belt loop

In embodiments, a belt clamp includes an inboard plate and an outboard plate that are pivotally coupled at their upper ends. The belt clamp may also include a spring biased locking mechanism that selectively and releasably connects the lower end of the inboard plate to the lower end of the outboard plate by way of locking posts in the inboard plate that are displaced upwardly from the lower edge of said plate. The outboard locking plate may have latch members that are entirely contained (except for opposing actuation buttons) within a compartment formed by two portions of the outboard plate connected by a living hinge. The opposing actuation buttons require a motion in a first direction, such as upwardly, to allow motion in a second direction, such as inwardly, to rotate the latching members inwardly to release the locking posts.

US12364947 - Aeration rod

An aeration assembly includes an aeration rod extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end and having a plurality of longitudinal grooves extending along the longitudinal axis from the first end at least partially to the second end around at least a portion of a circumference of the aeration rod. The aeration assembly also includes an air-activated material adjacent the aeration rod at least along the plurality of longitudinal grooves. The plurality of longitudinal grooves are configured to distribute air from the first end of the aeration rod to the air-activated material adjacent the aeration rod.