Patent Application
20250237464
The present invention related to fire arms. More particularly, the present invention relates to a simulated bolt carrier system for replacing a bolt carrier group in a gun to facilitate simulated filing of the gun for practice purposes.
Modern long guns are designed to be easily disassembled and customized. An example of a customizable gun is the AR-15. Consumers are able to purchase a complete stock rifle or purchase parts individually to create a custom build. Parts for an AR-15 are described, in part, as upper group parts and lower group parts.
Upper Receiver Group Parts include an upper receiver, a barrel, a gas block and gas tube, a bolt carrier group, charging handle, forward assist, rails system or hand guard and ejection port cover.
Upper Receiver—The upper receiver is the part that contains the bolt carrier group, and charging handle. The barrel is also attached to the upper receiver.
Barrel—Barrels are available in a variety of lengths and weights. Generally, a longer barrel provides greater accuracy, and a shorter barrel provides greater movability.
Gas Block and Gas Tube—A typical rifle relies on gas pressure to operate. When firing an AR-15, gas pressure forces a bolt carrier group into a buffer tube. This process facilitates the ejection of a used round and the chambering of a new one. After the rifle is fired gas moves behind the bullet that is exiting the barrel and moves through a gas port. The gas then goes inside the gas block, down the gas tube, and exits through a gas key in the bolt carrier. There are four different types of gas lengths: rifle-length, mid-length, carbine-length, and pistol-length. These different gas lengths are named after the location of the gas port on the barrel. Typically, gas blocks are installed on the barrel inside the handguard. The gas tube connects to the block and the upper receiver.
Bolt Carrier Group—The bolt carrier group typically includes a number of components including a firing pin, a bolt, a cam pin, an extractor, and a gas key. The bolt carrier group is responsible for loading the rifle, ensuring bullets are fired correctly and ejecting spent rounds from the chamber.
Charging Handle—The charging handle is the part that pulls the bolt carrier group towards the rear when a user chambers a round or clears a malfunction. For example, if a round doesn't fire as it should, the charging handle can be pulled to release the faulty shell and to reload a new one. The charging handle also facilitates loading of the first round of a new magazine if the bolt is closed. When an AR-15 is fired, the charging handle remains stationary.
Forward Assist—To enhance the AR-15's reliability, a forward assist may be added to the upper receiver. If the bolt isn't operating properly and does not fully close, a forward assist urges the bolt back into battery.
Rail System or Handguard—A rail systems and handguards is provided to protect a user's hand from heat. Additionally, rail systems and handguards a allow for the addition of AR-15 parts and accessories, such as lasers, flashlights, optics, grips, sights, and bi-pods.
Ejection Port Cover—An ejection port cover may be provided to keep the AR-15 clean. When closed, the ejection port cover will prevent dirt, dust, and other debris from affecting the bolt carrier group and upper receiver clean. Typically, the ejection port cover will open when the bolt carrier group moves to the back.
There are many different individual components that make up your lower receiver, including a lower receiver, a trigger group, a lower parts kit, a buffer tube/buffer, a buttstock and a magazine.
Lower Receiver—The lower receiver is the part of a rifle that is generally considered to be the firearm itself (rather than just a component). For this reason, the lower receiver is one of the most legally regulated parts of an AR-15. On AR-15s, the serial number is located on the lower receiver.
Trigger Groups—The trigger group consists of the trigger and the hammer of an AR-15, as well as other necessary housing components. A trigger group may be customized to achieve a heavy pull or a light pull.
Buffer Tube/Buffer—The buffer is part of a rifle's recoil system. The buffer helps absorb kick. Buffer tubes house both the buffer and the buffer spring. Together, these components slow down the faster parts of your rifle's action, protecting both the components and the frame.
Buttstock—A buttstock is the portion of the rifle that rests on a user's shoulder.
Magazines—Magazines hold multiple bullets and are available in different sizes to accommodate a larger or smaller number of bullets.
Firearms have been converted into firearm simulators by replacement of parts of the firearm with simulator parts for simulated shooting such that the resultant firearm comprises a combination of actual firearm components and simulated firearm components. The simulated firearm components have included a simulated barrel unit and a simulated magazine unit. The prior simulated magazine units have included a compressed gas container or a connection to an external compressed gas source. The compressed gas is used to provide energy to operate the weapon simulator by actuating valve means in the simulated barrel unit. The compressed gas is conducted from the compressed gas container, or the external compressed gas source to the simulated barrel unit.
When actuated, the valve means forces movement of a slide and compression of a recoil spring and subsequent venting. The resulting recoil simulates the feel of actual weapon firing.
A laser beam pulse means that is responsive to the simulated weapon firing has been utilized, whereby the laser beam pulse means emits a laser beam onto a target.
It would be advantageous to facilitate simulated weapon firing by providing an easy transition from a standard configuration to a firearm simulator while permitting use of standard components, such as magazines, for providing a realistic user experience with their fire arm while practicing in a firearm simulator configuration.
A weapon, such as an AR style rifle has a lower receiver that defines a magazine receptacle and houses a trigger group received in the lower receiver. The trigger group includes a trigger for activating a hammer. An upper receiver is removably affixed to the lower receiver. The upper receiver defines an ejector port to allow spent cartridge casings to be ejected upon firing of the weapon. A bolt carrier group is received in the upper receiver to actuate firing of the weapon. The bolt carrier group has a firing pin or striker for receiving an impact from the hammer and for delivering an impact to a bullet (primer). The weapon also typically includes a butt stock affixed to a rear of the lower receiver, a barrel affixed to the upper receiver, and a magazine received in the magazine receptacle of the lower receiver. The magazine stores and feeds cartridges into the bolt carrier group for firing bullets through the barrel toward a target.
This disclosure relates generally to converting an actual firearm to a firearm simulator by replacing the bolt carrier group with a, preferably composite, simulated bolt carrier group. Although an AR-15 is primarily used as an example gun into which a simulated bolt carrier group can be placed, the simulated bolt carrier group of the invention is easily adapted to other guns and to guns produced by other manufacturers including, but not limited to an HK G36, a FN P90, and a SIG Arms 5.56.
One aspect of the present invention is a composite bolt carrier for a firearm simulator actuator which provides pneumatic recoil for a firearm employing a metal receiver. The composite bolt carrier includes a first segment constructed of a material which is softer than the metal receiver and a second segment constructed of a material of greater mass than the material of the first segment.
Another aspect of the present invention is a simulated recoil assembly for a semi-automatic rifle having a receiver with an ejection port including an actuator adapted to reciprocate within the receiver upon metered delivery of compressed gas; and a compressed gas reservoir in fluid communication with the actuator through the ejector port.
The side charge pressure vessel of the present disclosure may be configured in any desired geometry and may be adapted to receive and store compressed gas from a compressed gas source or may, alternatively, house a inserted (commonly disposable) pressure cartridge (such as a CO2 cartridge).
The disclosure facilitates reducing the number of parts resulting in a reduction of cost, and also a less complex weapon simulator.
The invention of the disclosure includes a bolt carrier group with polymer side charge reservoir pneumatic recoil.
A magazine clip with a counter may be utilized.
The invention of the disclosure utilizes compressed gas that passes through an ejector window of the gun. In one embodiment, a pressure vessel contains liquified CO2, that boils off into a gas, which is used to power the actuator.
Advantages of the system of the invention include the following:
1. The system of the invention makes use of unaltered weapon.
2. The system of the invention uses a side feed that facilitates use of a regular magazine. Alternatively, the magazine could be a counting magazine. Compressed air may pass through and thread to the bolt or a T-slot connector or other quick release connector may be utilized. Use of polymers in the composite bolt carrier reduces cost of production and reduces wear on the weapon, particularly the inside of the upper receiver (such as in an AR style firearm).
3. The bolt carrier may be constructed of polymer and metal, e.g., nylon with filler, glass filled Delrin and nylon, or other polymer materials that may be injection molded.
4. The side feed of compressed air facilitates use of an unaltered weapon.
5. Metal slug for added weight on end (over molded or pinned)
6. Designing the bolt carrier to contact a trigger hammer at 10 degree less travel than vertical facilitates less travel, while still setting off pressure release, makes the weapon easier to cock, increases longevity, by e.g., reducing an impulse into the firing pin.
7. Pressure vessels can be provided in desired sizes, e.g., a small pressure vessel that provides for approximately 100 cycles, a medium pressure vessel that provides for approximately 160 cycles and a big pressure vessel that provides for 260 cycles, at pressures from, e.g., 600 to 1000 psi, or other suitable pressures.
8. The bolt carrier may be combined with a laser located adjunct to the chamber for shooting a laser beam down the barrel, which is preferably in communication with the actuator;
9. The system of the invention allows for use of a factory or plastic magazine since the magazine does not receive pressure. The design of the invention allows for practice changing the magazine. In one embodiment, specially designed magazines can be utilized that can indicate when a bullet filled magazine would indicate, “empty”.
10. An empty factory magazine can be inserted without restriction to practice drills with the simulator of the invention.
11. Alternatively, a simulated magazine can be fabricated as part of this invention. An advantage of the invention is that it does not require a pressure vessel in communication with the magazine. Therefore, the magazine be made readily out of plastic.
12. In one embodiment the simulated magazine is provided with a limit switch for insertion, a proximity sensor for bolt presence, a microprocessor and a selector switch, and a solenoid that catches the simulated bolt carrier, batteries and an electric charging port.
The present disclosure includes a simulated composite bolt carrier assembly for converting a weapon from a conventional configuration to a simulation configuration. The present disclosure also includes a compressed gas reservoir apparatus adapted to be in fluid communication with the simulated bolt carrier through the side ejector port of the weapon. This frees up the magazine well for insertion of an actual magazine to simulate magazine exchanges or a simulated magazine counting apparatus as set forth herein.
Simulated actuator 100 (see, e.g.,
Bolt carrier 110 defines a forward end 112 and a rearward end 114. Bolt carrier 110 further defines a hammer cavity 116 having a forward end 118. Bolt carrier 110 defines piston passageway 120 that communicates with forward end 118 of hammer cavity 116. In one embodiment, bolt carrier 110 is constructed of a polymer or a two piece composite assembly for reducing wear on the metal upper receiver 40 (
Striker 130 is received in piston passageway 120. Striker 130 has a rearward end that is extendable into hammer cavity 116 for receiving an impact from hammer 35 (
With further regard to
End screw 160 is received in piston passageway 120 of bolt carrier 110 of actuator 100. End screw 160 has rearward end 162 and forward end 164. End screw 160 defines passageway 166 for receiving forward end 134 of striker 130. In some embodiments, end screw 160 is provided with a vent path 168 (
Seat 170 is located on forward end 164 of end screw 160. Seat 170 defines an orifice for selectively permitting forward end 134 of striker 130 to pass therethrough.
Check valve 180 in located in longitudinal passageway 150 of piston 140. Check valve 180 has a forward facing side 182 and a rearward facing side 184. Check valve 180 is provided for maintaining pressure on forward facing side 182 unless activated by striker 130. In an example embodiment, check valve 180 includes a poppet or ball 186 for sealing against seat 170 and spring 188 for forcing ball 186 against seat 170. Spring 188 has a forward end in contact with front end 152 of longitudinal passageway 150 and a rear end in contact with ball 186.
Preferably, rearward end 132 of striker 130 is positioned such that a hammer 35 (
With additional reference to
The effective bore of the simulated bolt carrier 110 of actuator 100 is preferably vented as the carrier returns to battery in order to prevent air lock. Slight venting provides desired air cushion for the returning carrier and dampens its impact. This venting can be accomplished in several ways, including: 1) providing a tiny vent hole in the piston end 160; 2) providing a tiny hole in the bore 120 of simulated bolt carrier 110; or, 3) omitting the o-ring on the piston 142 or on striker 130 and providing a precise non-airtight slip fit instead.
A pressure vessel 200 (see, e.g.,
In one embodiment, pressure vessel 200 defines cylindrical walls and a passage bolt engaging portion 206 defining flat surfaces 208. In one embodiment, pressure vessel 200 is a pressurized cartridge 210 having a discharge end 212. Pressure vessel 200 may be provided in different sizes for providing a different number of cycles. For example, small pressure vessel 214 provides compressed gas for approximately 90 cycles. Medium pressure vessel 216 provides compressed gas for approximately 160 cycles. Large pressure vessel 218 provides compressed case for approximately 160 cycles. Pressure vessel 200 preferably from 600 to 1000 psi, more preferably pressure vessel 200 holds from 700 to 900 psi, and more preferably pressure vessel 200 holds about 800 psi. In one embodiment the pressurized gas in pressure vessel 200 is carbon dioxide (CO2) gas which turns to liquid at higher pressures. This assures ample supply of pressurized fluid for a multitude of cycles.
Passage bolt 220 (see, e.g.,
In one embodiment depicted in
Pressure gauge 240 may be received in receiving end 224 of the passage bolt 220 (
Passage bolt check valve 250 (
Laser housing 260 (see, e.g.,
Laser housing 260 is preferably used in conjunction with piston 140 having a battery spring 270, insulator 272 and activator limit switch 274 including base cavity 276 containing activator 278, base cavity insulator 280 and activator spring 282. Laser module 268 may be energized by activator limit switch 274, by another switch that can complete or break a circuit to energize laser module 268 and can be made as normally closed or normally open. Laser module 268 may also be vibration activated as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 10,054,385, in which case a switch is not required.
In the embodiment where switch 334 is a magnetic switch, magnetic switch 338 senses a permanent magnet embedded in the bolt carrier 110. When the actuator cycles, the permanent magnet in bolt carrier 110 becomes positioned adjacent to magnetic switch 338. This causes switch 338 to close, completing the circuit to energize the laser as described above.
A gas supply 270 (see, e.g.,
Proximity sensor 312 ensures that the magazine is properly inserted and active in the magazine well and communicates with board/display 317 accordingly. Proximity sensor 314 detects movement of actuator 302 and thus records a simulated shot to communicate to board/display 317 to be recorded and/or displayed. The selector can be adjusted for the desired number of simulated “shots” that can be fired before the magazine is deemed “empty” thus simulating the number of cartridges expended from a live magazine. Upon reaching an empty condition, actuator 302 can be retained by bolt catch lifter 304 in an open position as in an actual weapon. This is accomplished by energizing solenoid 300 by board/display 317 once the empty condition is achieved based on the number of shots selected on selector 316. Solenoid 300 then urges bolt catch lifter 304 to engage the bolt carrier to an open bolt position simulating the action of a live semiautomatic rifle. Battery 320 provides electrical energy and may be charged/recharged through charging port 318.
It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.
If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.
It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.
Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.
Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.
The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.
The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%.
When, in this document, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted to mean a range whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 100. Additionally, it should be noted that where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within that range is also specifically intended unless the context indicates to the contrary. For example, if the specification indicates a range of 25 to 100 such range is also intended to include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., as well as any other possible combination of lower and upper values within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph for purposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values (e.g., 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible subrange endpoints unless specifically excluded.
It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where context excludes that possibility), and the method can also include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility).
Further, it should be noted that terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) are to be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise herein. Absent a specific definition within this disclosure, and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be plus or minus 10% of the base value.
Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While the inventive device has been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to the drawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made therein by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/623,702, filed on Jan. 22, 2024, and incorporates such provisional application by reference into this disclosure as if fully set out at this point.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63623702 | Jan 2024 | US |
