Patent Application
20240085128
The techniques described herein are generally related to linkage mechanisms, especially for a firearm.
Generally, a firearm is a device that is designed to expel a projectile (e.g., a bullet) through the barrel of the firearm upon activation of an explosive (e.g., gunpowder within a casing of a cartridge that also holds the bullet). Firearms often include a trigger configured to actuate a firing pin to strike a fuse (e.g., a primer) of the cartridge to ignite the explosive, which causes the projectile(s) (e.g., including a bullet) to be expelled through the barrel of the firearm. Such interaction of the firing pin to the fuse is often controlled by depressing the trigger.
Some embodiments relate to a multi-linkage mechanical system comprising: a four-bar linkage mechanism comprising: a first ground connected to other linkages via a first revolute grounded joint and a second revolute grounded joint; a first crank; a first coupler; and a first output; and a slider-crank mechanism comprising: a second ground connected to other linkages via the second revolute grounded joint and a prismatic joint; a second crank; a second coupler; and a second output, wherein the first output of the four-bar linkage mechanism is connected to and configured to drive the second crank of the slider-crank mechanism.
Some embodiments relate to a firearm comprising: a lever; a four-bar linkage mechanism; and a slider-crank mechanism, wherein the lever includes at least one linkage of the four-bar linkage mechanism.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features of the disclosed subject matter in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosed subject matter that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Various objectives, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered in connection with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements.
The techniques described herein provide for linkage mechanisms that are disposed within a firearm. The linkage mechanisms allow a firearm user to operate components of the firearm, such as the lever, bolt assembly, and/or bolt carrier group, via mechanical interactions of the mechanisms. For example, some firearms use bolt carrier groups in which the bolt carrier is the larger physical component and the bolt assembly is inserted into the bolt carrier. A bolt assembly assembled to a bolt carrier can be a bolt carrier group. Such a configuration can be used for firearms in which, for example, the bolt carrier group reciprocates to function the action, and, at the closed position, the bolt locks into the barrel assembly or the receiver. This will stay locked until some outside force (e.g., a linkage actuated by a lever, gas system, or a human hand) acts upon it (e.g., via the mechanism described herein). As shown and described herein, the bolt carrier group travels forward and backwards actuated by the linkages. In the forward position, the bolt can be forced to rotate via a helical cam slot. This rotated position puts the lugs of the bolt in front of lugs on the barrel assembly. As the explosion occurs in the chamber of the barrel when firing, the bolt is being pushed rearwards by the explosion. The bolt cannot travel rearwards because the lugs that are part of the barrel assembly are engaging with the lugs on the bolt. This can keep the user safe from the bolt traveling rearwards towards them at uncontrollable speeds as the explosion occurs inside the chamber of the barrel. Once the explosion is over, the user can open the lever, which causes the bolt to rotate to an angle where the lugs of the bolt can clear and travel past the lugs of the barrel assembly.
Some firearms, such as some lever actions, can use bolt assemblies but not a bolt carrier group. In some examples, similar to the bolt assemblies used in bolt carrier groups, bolt assemblies used on their own can contain an extractor and have a firing pin that will slide through it upon actuation. Mechanisms that contain no bolt carrier may have a wedge housed in the receiver, which is forced into and out of position by the lever into a notch in the bolt. When the wedge is in position, the bolt will stay locked in position, and not travel rearwards as the cartridge is fired. The bolt will only be able to travel rearwards when the user opens the lever, disengaging the wedge. This keeps the user safe from the bolt traveling rearwards towards them at uncontrollable speeds as the explosion occurs inside the chamber of the barrel.
The linkage mechanisms described herein include, for example, multi-bar linkages, slider-cranks, locking mechanisms, and other mechanisms that interact with the components used to operate the firearm (e.g., the lever, the bolt and bolt carrier, etc.). In some examples described herein, the techniques will be referred to as a linkage mechanism generally, without intending to be limiting.
The inventors have appreciated deficiencies with conventional mechanisms that are used to operate firearm components such as the lever, bolt, and bolt carrier. In particular, the inventors have appreciated that various types of firearms have mechanisms that could be safer, smoother, and/or longer lasting. For example, conventional mechanisms typically use and/or rely heavily on cam slots or paths, such as a cam path in the crank, a cam path in the lever, and so on. However, cam paths can create significant friction during use, and thus suffer from potential undesirable customer perception due to the challenge of working the action and/or wear over time. Accordingly, such mechanisms sometimes force the user to push or pull hard on the lever resulting in discomfort or even to replace parts.
Some conventional mechanisms are gear-driven, such as implementations where the firearm lever spins one or more gears within the firearm. However, like the use of cam slots or paths, gear-driven mechanisms can often provide undesirable customer perception and also wear over time, leading to problems such as skipping.
Some conventional firearms are configured such that the trigger travels with the trigger guard and/or the lever (e.g., as opposed to the trigger remaining attached to the firearm receiver). The trigger guard can, for example, be the portion of the lever that is in front of, below, and/or behind the exposed spur portion of the trigger. Not only are such configurations undesirable from an aesthetic standpoint, but such configurations can compromise the operation of the firearm. For example, such configurations can result in an undesirable loose/mushy trigger pull.
Some conventional firearms include mechanisms where, when the lever is actuated, the bolt carrier and/or other portions of the firearm extend backwards from the firearm. Similar to firearms where the trigger travels with the lever, such configurations can be undesirable, including for aesthetic, design and/or safety reasons.
The inventors recognized and appreciated that safer, smoother, longer lasting, and/or lower-cost linkage mechanisms can be achieved according to the techniques and embodiments described herein to provide for an improved lever action firearm. Techniques described herein can provide for the use of pivot or revolute joints instead of cam slots or cams for many components, including components related to the operation of the firearm lever. For example, using pivot joints in a linkages system can greatly reduce friction while providing a cost-efficient solution to some of the problems of conventional firearms, as described herein.
The techniques described herein address the above-described deficiencies of conventional firearms and others. The techniques provide for a linkage mechanism that includes a four-bar linkage mechanism and a slider-crank mechanism, wherein the rocker output of the four-bar linkage mechanism is connected to and configured to drive the crank of the slider-crank mechanism. In some embodiments, the four-bar linkage mechanism includes a ground link, a crank, a coupler, and the rocker output. In some embodiments, the slider-crank mechanism includes a ground sharing one of the four-bar linkage mechanism's revolute grounded joints, a crank, a coupler, and a slider output.
As will be described herein, linkage mechanisms can allow for the design of a lever action firearm with a solid back portion, such that the bolt carrier and/or other components can be entirely concealed within the firearm (e.g., rather than traveling beyond the back of the firearm when the lever is actuated), while keeping the lever out of the way of the magazine that is inserted within the firearm in front of the lever. Accordingly, the techniques described herein can allow the lever and magazine of a firearm to be disposed closer to each other without colliding than conventionally possible. The techniques described herein can further allow for keeping the trigger and trigger guard separate, such that the trigger can be mounted to the trigger housing and thus not travel with the lever when actuated.
The techniques described herein can be used to achieve improved bolt carrier operation. In some embodiments, the techniques described herein can allow for the bolt carrier or bolt to be accelerated during an actuation event of the lever that is at a constant angular velocity. (e.g., rather than moved at constant velocity). In some embodiments, the techniques described herein can allow the bolt carrier or bolt to be enclosed in the firearm, allow for linkages to operate as locking mechanisms, among other things. Accordingly, the firearm configurations achievable according to the techniques described herein can improve overall safety by concealing mechanical components entirely within the firearm. Doing so can allow, for example, for a mechanical safety to be disposed at the back portion of the firearm.
Techniques described herein can further allow for inexpensive stamping or diecasting to be used for the manufacturing of numerous components. For example, in some embodiments, the techniques can leverage components that are manufactured using diecasting. Such diecast components can include, for example, a diecast trigger housing. As an illustrative example, the linkages described herein can be configured for use with a trigger housing configured to accommodate the linkage components, where the trigger housing has a tongue-like portion extending in the middle of the trigger housing, with open cavities on the left and right of the tongue.
Accordingly, the linkage mechanisms described herein provide for a lever action firearm where the components all fit within the firearm and allow for smooth operation of the lever with a short throw such that the lever does not interfere with a magazine inserted within the firearm.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth regarding the systems and methods of the disclosed subject matter and the environment in which such systems and methods may operate, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed subject matter. In addition, it will be understood that the examples provided below are exemplary, and that it is contemplated that there are other systems and methods that are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.
The firearm 100 further includes a barrel 106 and a chamber 108 (not visible, internal to the barrel) disposed adjacent to the barrel and sized to receive a cartridge. In some embodiments, the firearm is a lever action firearm. For example, the firearm 100 may include a lever 160 that, when actuated by the user, loads a cartridge into the chamber 108 and/or unloads a cartridge from the chamber. The firearm 100 also includes a firing pin assembly or firing pin (not shown) that is mechanically actuatable by the trigger 130, such that upon actuation, the firing pin is configured to contact the fuse of the cartridge loaded into the chamber 108 to ignite the explosive and to cause the projectile(s) to be expelled through the barrel 106 of the firearm 100.
In some embodiments, the multi-linkage mechanical system may include a four-bar linkage driving a slider-crank. For example, the multi-linkage mechanical system may comprise a four-bar linkage mechanism 180. In some embodiments, the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 may comprise a first ground 181, a first crank 182, a first coupler 183, and a first output 184 (which may comprise a rocker). In some embodiments, the first ground 181 may interact with other linkages via a first revolute grounded joint 162 and a second revolute grounded joint 165.
In some embodiments, the multi-linkage mechanical system may additionally comprise a slider-crank mechanism 190. In some embodiments, the slider-crank mechanism 190 may comprise a second ground that interacts with other linkages via the second revolute grounded joint 165 and a grounded prismatic joint 197, a second crank 192, a second coupler 193, and a second output 194 (which may comprise a slider). In some embodiments, the first output 184 of the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 is connected to and configured to drive the second crank 192 of the slider-crank mechanism 190.
In some embodiments, some or all of the bars of the multi-linkage mechanical system may include two main structural parts joined by one or more joining members. As a result, different components can move around and through each other depending on their relative openings and so on. For example, bar A1 181, bar A2 182, bar A3 183, bar A4 184, bar B2 192, bar B3 193, and/or bar B4 194 may each have two main structural parts both with the profiles shown in
In some embodiments, the slider-crank may pivot under 360 degrees. For example, the second crank 192 may be configured to pivot less than 360 degrees around the second revolute grounded joint 165. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that the slider-crank may operate in some embodiments as a piston, while not being required to perform full rotations as a piston conventionally would.
In some embodiments, the slider-crank may pivot less than 180 degrees. For example, the second crank 192 may be configured to pivot less than 180 degrees around the second revolute grounded joint 165.
In some embodiments, at least one linkage may perform double duty, such as functioning as a linkage in both the four-bar linkage and the slider-crank. For example, the second crank 192 may include the first output (which may be a rocker) 184 as a single linkage, such as is shown in
In some embodiments, at least one revolute joint may be shared between multiple linkages. For example, the first output 184 and the first ground 181 may share the second revolute grounded joint 165.
In some embodiments, the first crank 182 may comprise at least part of the lever 160 of a lever action firearm and may be connected to ground by the first revolute grounded joint 162. In some embodiments, the first crank 182 may form a portion of the trigger guard 131, which may be part of the lever 160.
In some embodiments, the first ground 181 may comprise a first structure (e.g., provided by the trigger housing 186) between the second revolute grounded joint 165 and the first revolute grounded joint 162.
The inventors have recognized and appreciated that a trigger guard, especially one having this structure, may be difficult to manufacture conventionally, such as with metal machining. For example, the inventors have recognized and appreciated that trigger guards include small areas that are hard to reach with conventional metal machining. In some embodiments, the trigger guard is manufactured using diecasting, investment casting or other casting or molding methods.
As a result, in some embodiments the trigger 130 is able to be structurally separate from the lever 160. For example,
In some embodiments, the first crank 182 may comprise a second structure between the first revolute grounded joint 162 and a third revolute joint 163, which may be ungrounded. In some embodiments, the second structure may be part of the lever 160.
In some embodiments, the lever 160 may provide, and therefore be used to drive, the first crank 182, which may drive the first coupler 183. For example, pivoting of the lever 160 around the first revolute grounded joint 162 may be configured to drive the first crank 182 such that the first crank 182 drives the first coupler 183.
In some embodiments, the multi-linkage mechanical system may include a rocker and a slider. For example, the first output 184 may comprise a rocker and the second output 194 may comprise a slider.
In some embodiments, the second output 194 may comprise a bolt carrier or bolt 195 of a firearm. In some embodiments, the bolt carrier or bolt 195 may compress on or into or around itself, which may reduce its functional length by at least 10%. For example, the bolt carrier or bolt 195 may reduce its functional length by at least 15%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that such a compression configuration may provide significant travel for the bolt carrier or bolt with much less travel of the lever, which makes the firearm more usable and more compact, as it allows the lever and magazine to be closer to each other without colliding. Moreover, such a compression configuration may provide acceleration to the bolt carrier or bolt rather than constant velocity. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that accelerating the bolt carrier or bolt rather than translating it at constant velocity can provide it with smoother travel during use, which can result in a better user experience. In particular, for example, being able to accelerate the bolt carrier gradually while maintaining a somewhat constant force and/or constant angular lever velocity allows the user to feel less discomfort while working the lever.
In some embodiments, the bolt carrier or bolt may be entirely internal to the firearm. For example, the bolt carrier or bolt may be enclosed by the structure of the firearm, as shown in
In some embodiments, the hammer may be entirely internal to the firearm. For example, the hammer may be enclosed by the structure of the firearm, as shown in
In some embodiments, both a four-bar linkage mechanism and a slider-crank mechanism may be used in the same device. For example, a firearm may include a lever 160, a four-bar linkage mechanism 180, and a slider-crank mechanism 190. In some embodiments, at least two of these three components may share structure. For example, the lever 160 may include at least one linkage of the four-bar linkage mechanism 180.
In some embodiments, the bolt carrier or bolt of the firearm may be cycled via pivot or revolute joints. For example, the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 and the slider-crank mechanism 190 may be configured to cycle a bolt carrier or bolt 195 of the firearm entirely via revolute joints, other than a prismatic joint between the bolt carrier or bolt 195 and ground (e.g., the receiver). The inventors have recognized and appreciated that such use of pivot or revolute joints may reduce or eliminate the use of cam slots or paths, at least in these particular components, thereby significantly reducing friction.
In some embodiments, the bolt or bolt carrier 195 may be cycled without the use of cam slots. For example, the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 and the slider-crank mechanism 190 may lack a cam slot. In some embodiments, the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 and the slider-crank mechanism 190 may lack a cam slot in the regions involved in cycling the bolt or bolt carrier 195. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that manufacturing and operating these mechanisms without cam slots or paths provide much more smoothness than conventional usage of cam slots, which introduce significant friction.
In some embodiments, the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 may include a bolt carrier or bolt 195. For example, the slider-crank mechanism 190 may itself comprise a slider 194, which may comprise the bolt carrier or bolt 195.
In some embodiments, the bolt carrier group or bolt assembly 195 is configured to collapse upon or over or into itself. For example, the bolt carrier or bolt 195 may collapse via telescoping or similar means. As a further example, the firing pin assembly (which can be part of the bolt carrier group or bolt assembly 195) may collapse.
In some embodiments, the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 may include a first ground 181 a first revolute grounded joint 162 and a second revolute grounded joint 165. In some embodiments, the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 may comprise a first crank 182, a first coupler 183, and a first output (e.g., a rocker) 184.
In some embodiments, the slider-crank mechanism 190 may comprise a second ground. For example, the second ground may include the second revolute grounded joint 165 and a prismatic joint. The slider crank mechanism may comprise of a second crank 192, a second coupler 193 and a second output (e.g., a slider) 194.
In some embodiments, one of the mechanisms may drive the other. For example, the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 may be configured to drive the slider crank mechanism 190. For example, the first output 184 of the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 may be connected to and configured to drive the second crank 192 of the slider-crank mechanism 190.
In some embodiments, the firearm may include a magazine 196 adjacent to the lever 160. For example,
In some embodiments, the firearm may lock via the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 and/or the slider-crank mechanism 190. In some embodiments, the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 and/or the slider-crank mechanism 190 may be configured such that motion of one or more parts directly or indirectly causes an action of the firearm to lock. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in
In some embodiments, the over-center configuration can be used to prevent opening of the bolt when firing. If the linkages are at an under center configuration, for example, the rearward force on the bolt can cause the linkages to buckle (e.g., which could open the lever since it is connected via bar B2 and Bar A3). When in an at center configuration, such a configuration could be sufficient to prevent opening of the bolt, as the configuration may not put any force on the lever to push it open via the linkage BAR A3 or to pull it closed. The force at center would transfer from the cartridge, through the bolt, linkages and into the trigger guard at the upper grounded joint. With the linkages in a (slightly) over center configuration, the forces from the cartridge would transfer to the bolt, and attempt to buckle the linkages at PIN 166 upwards instead of downwards. This would result the lever being pulled upwards via BAR A3. The lever cannot close any further since the trigger housing is in the way. As a result, such a configuration can be beneficial (e.g., including over an at center configuration) since it can ensure that the lever cannot open, and also that the bolt cannot travel rearwards when the explosion is occurring in the chamber.
In some embodiments, one or more of the linkages of the four-bar linkage mechanism 180 and/or the slider-crank mechanism 190 may be manufactured in whole or in part via stamping. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that using the configurations described in some embodiments herein may allow for such usage of stamping, which may significantly reduce manufacturing expenses as well as replacement complexity, especially versus highly specific cam slots or paths.
In some embodiments, the firearm is a lever action firearm.
It should be appreciated that while
It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the disclosed subject matter. It is important, therefore, that the description provided herein be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.
Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.
Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment, implementation, process, feature, etc. described herein as exemplary should therefore be understood to be an illustrative example and should not be understood to be a preferred or advantageous example unless otherwise indicated.
Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustrated in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the disclosed subject matter may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.
Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which include, but are not limited to, the following aspects:
This patent claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/406,055, titled “FIREARM FOUR-BAR LINKAGE AND SLIDER-CRANK MECHANISMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES,” filed on Sep. 13, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63406055 | Sep 2022 | US |
