Firearm

FIELD

The present invention relates to firearms. More particularly, the present invention relates to an upper receiver assembly of a firearm.

BACKGROUND

Referring to FIG. 1a, a lower assembly 1000 of a traditional AR15 firearm has a lower receiver 1500, a buffer 2000, a recoil spring 2500, an end plate 3000, a castle nut 3500, a buffer tube 4000, and a stock 4500. The buffer tube 4000 houses the buffer 2000 and the recoil spring 2500 therein, while the castle nut 3500 fastens the end plate 3000 and the buffer tube 4000 to the lower receiver 1500. The stock 4500 is typically attached to the buffer tube 4000 though its own latching mechanism (not shown), such that the stock 4500 can slide forward and backward as well as fasten to the buffer tube 4000 at various points on the buffer tube 4000, so that adjustment can be made to satisfy a specific length of arms of a user to allow the user to operate the firearm comfortably.

As known in the art, traditional AR15 firearms also contain a bolt carrier assembly 5000 located in an upper receiver (not shown) of the traditional AR15. When traditional AR15 firearm fires a cartridge, hot gas directed from a gas tube (not shown) of a firearm flows into the bolt carrier assembly 5000 causing the bolt carrier assembly 5000 to retract back toward the back of the firearm and compress the main spring 2500. A tail portion of the bolt carrier assembly 5000 would sink into or otherwise be received in the buffer tube 4000. As such, the traditional AR15 firearms require the buffer tube 35 to protrude (i.e. extend) from the lower receiver 1500 in order to safely and properly fire a cartridge.

Although there are some folding stock adaptor designs that allow for the buffer tube and stock of a firearm to be folded to one side of the firearm to shorten the weapon system for carrying by a user in various compact situations, the firearms with such folding stock adaptors cannot safely fire a cartridge when the buffer tube/stock is folded.

In view of the above, there exists a need for an improved firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1a depicts lower assembly of a traditional AR15 firearm known in the prior art.

FIGS. 1b-d depict a partially exploded view of a firearm according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 2a-d depict an assembled view of the firearm in FIG. 1b.

FIGS. 3a-b depict a partially exploded view of a firearm according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 4 depicts a partially exploded view of a firearm according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 5a-b depict an exploded view of an upper receiver assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 5c-d depict an assembled view of the upper receiver assembly in FIG. 5a.

FIGS. 6a-b depict another exploded view of an upper receiver assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 6c-d depict an assembled view of the upper receiver assembly in FIG. 6a.

FIGS. 7a-b depict another exploded view of an upper receiver assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 7c-f depict an assembled view of the upper receiver assembly in FIG. 7a.

FIGS. 8a-b depict another exploded view of an upper receiver assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 8c-d depict an assembled view of the upper receiver assembly in FIG. 8a.

FIG. 9a depicts another exploded view of an upper receiver assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 9b-c depict an assembled view of the upper receiver assembly in FIG. 9a.

FIGS. 10a-c depict an assembled view of a bolt carrier assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 10d-e depict an exploded view of the bolt carrier assembly in FIG. 10a.

FIGS. 11a-b depict another embodiment presently disclosed.

FIGS. 12a-b depict another embodiment presently disclosed.

FIG. 13 depicts another embodiment presently disclosed.

FIGS. 14a-c depict another embodiment presently disclosed.

FIGS. 15a-b depict another embodiment presently disclosed.

FIGS. 16a-d depict another embodiment presently disclosed.

FIGS. 17a-b depict another embodiment presently disclosed.

FIG. 18a depicts an exploded view of another embodiment presently disclosed.

FIG. 18b depicts an assembled view of the embodiment in FIG. 18a.

FIG. 19 depicts an assembled view of a firearm according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 20a depicts an exploded view of the firearm in FIG. 19.

FIGS. 20b-c depict an exploded view of an upper receiver in FIG. 20a.

FIGS. 21-27 depict partial view of a firearm according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 28-30 depict an exploded view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 31-33 depict an exploded, partial view of a firearm according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 34 depicts a bolt carrier assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 35 depicts a partial, exploded view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 36 depicts another partial, exploded view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 37 depicts a partial, top view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 38 depicts a partial, side view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 39 depicts another partial, side view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 40 depicts another partial, exploded view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 41-43 depict another partial view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 44-47 depicts another partial, exploded view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 48 depicts another partial, exploded view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 49 depicts another partial, exploded view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 50 depicts another partial, exploded view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 51 depicts another partial, exploded view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 52 depicts another partial, exploded view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 53 depicts another partial view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIGS. 54-55 and 57-59 depict another partial view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 56 depict a cutaway view of the assembly in FIG. 55.

FIGS. 57-59 depict another partial view of an assembly according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 60 depicts a cutaway view of a firearm according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 61 depicts a view of a firearm according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 62 depicts a magnified view of section C in FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 depicts a cutaway view of a firearm according to some embodiments presently disclosed.

FIG. 64 depicts a magnified view of section B in FIG. 63.

In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of every implementation nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to clearly describe various specific embodiments disclosed herein. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the presently claimed invention may be practiced without all of the specific details discussed below. In other instances, well known features have not been described so as not to obscure the invention.

As described herein, the term “pivotally connected” shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more identified objects are joined together in a manner that allows one or both of the objects to pivot, and/or rotate about or in relation to the other object in either a horizontal or vertical manner.

As described herein, the term “removably coupled” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated.

Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

Referring to FIGS. 1b-d, an upper receiver assembly 10 is shown according to some embodiments presently disclosed. The upper receiver assembly 10 comprises a barrel 15, a handguard 20 and an upper receiver 25. According to some embodiments the upper receiver 25 is coupled to a lower receiver 26 shown in FIGS. 2a-d to form a firearm 27. The handguard 20 may removably encircle the barrel 15. According to some embodiments the upper receiver 25 is coupled with the barrel 15 as shown in FIG. 2b. According to some embodiments the upper receiver 25 is coupled with the hand guard 20. According to some embodiments the handguard 20 is coupled with the barrel 15 as shown in FIGS. 8a-d.

According to some embodiments, the lower receiver 26 comprises a trigger 14 and a fire control selector or switch 13. The fire control selector 13 enables the user to switch between modes of fire, such as for example, SAFE and SEMI-AUTOMATIC (i.e. FIRE). Other modes, such as burst (not shown) and/or automatic (not shown), may also be provided. The user rotates the fire control selector 13 with a thumb or other finger(s) to switch between firearm modes of operation.

According to some embodiments, the lower receiver 26 comprises a magazine release assembly 12 for a quick release of a magazine from a magazine well 17 of the lower receiver 26.

According to some embodiments, the lower receiver 26 comprises an upwardly extending lobe 28. According to some embodiments, the upwardly extending lobe 28 is integral with the lower receiver 26. According to some embodiments, the upwardly extending lobe 28 may be used to mount a buttstock 31 (shown in FIGS. 3a-b) to the lower receiver 26. According to some embodiments, the upwardly extending lobe 28 comprises a generally circular threaded through-hole 29 adapted to receive the mating male threads on the buttstock 31. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the buttstock does not contain a recoil spring and does not contain a buffer.

According to some embodiments, the upwardly extending lobe 28 may be used to mount a receiver extension (not shown) to the lower receiver 26. According to some embodiments, the receiver extension is a buffer tube. According to some embodiments, the upwardly extending lobe 28 comprises a generally circular threaded through-hole 29 adapted to receive the mating male threads on the receiver extension. According to some embodiments, the stock 31 is attached to the receiver extension (not shown) such that the stock 31 can slide forward and backward as well as fasten to the receiver extension at various points on the receiver extension, so that adjustment can be made to satisfy a specific length of arms of a user to allow the user to operate the firearm comfortably.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the receiver extension (not shown) is solid piece of material. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the receiver extension (not shown) is hollow. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the receiver extension (not shown) does not contain a recoil spring and does not contain a buffer.

Upon discharge of a round, a bolt carrier assembly 115 (described below in more detail) within the upper receiver 25 is driven rearward by action of the gas discharged by the firing action. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, no portion of the bolt carrier assembly 115 (described below in more detail) enters the through-hole 29 when the firearm 27 discharges a round.

According to some embodiments, the upwardly extending lobe 28 is adapted to receive a feature 41 shown in FIG. 4. According to some embodiments, the feature 41 is a folding stock adaptor for coupling a foldable buttstock (shown shown) to the lower receiver 26. According to some embodiments, the firearm 27 is configured to fire one or more rounds while the foldable stock is folded to one side of the firearm 27.

According to some embodiments, the feature 41 is a cap to cover the through-hole 29 and/or to prevent dust/dirt from entering the upper receiver 25. According to some embodiments, the through-hole 29 remains open (i.e. not covered) during the firing of the firearm 27 shown in FIGS. 2c-d.

According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises the barrel 15 removably coupled with an extension block 50 as shown in FIGS. 5a-d. According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 comprises a through aperture (i.e. through opening) 51 configured to accommodate a first end 53 of the barrel 15. According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 comprises a generally circular threaded through aperture (i.e. through opening) 51 adapted to receive the mating male threads on the first end 53 of the barrel 15.

According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 comprises an aperture 55 configured to accommodate a handguard mounting fastener 57 as shown in FIGS. 5a-d. According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 comprises an aperture (i.e. an opening) 55 configured to accommodate a first end 56 of the handguard mounting fastener 57. According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 comprises a generally circular threaded aperture 55 adapted to receive the mating male threads on the first end 56 of the handguard mounting fastener 57. According to some embodiments, the aperture 55 is a through-aperture (i.e. through opening). According to some embodiments, the aperture 55 is formed in a protrusion 355 of the extension block 50.

According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 comprises an aperture 59 configured to accommodate a fastener 162 (shown in FIGS. 12a-b) to be pivotally coupled with the lower receiver 26 as shown in FIGS. 12a-b.According to some embodiments, the aperture 59 is a through-aperture (i.e. through opening).

According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises the upper receiver 25 coupled with the extension block 50 using, for example, one or more fasteners 61 as shown in FIGS. 6a-d. According to some embodiments, the one or more fasteners 61 are shoulder bolts.

According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 comprises one or more apertures 62 and the upper receiver 25 comprise one or more apertures 63 configured to accommodate the one or more fasteners 61. According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 is completely enclosed by the upper receiver 25 as shown in FIGS. 6c-d. According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 is substantially enclosed by the upper receiver 25 as shown in FIGS. 6c-d. According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 is covered by the upper receiver 25 as shown in FIGS. 6c-d. According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 is surrounded by the upper receiver 25 as shown in FIGS. 6c-d.

According to some embodiments, the extension block 50 comprises an aperture 69 configured to accommodate a fastener 161 (shown in FIGS. 12a-b) to be coupled with the lower receiver 26. According to some embodiments, the aperture 69 is a through-aperture (i.e. through opening).

According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises a gas block 71 coupled with the barrel 15 and a piston assembly 72 coupled with the gas block 71. According to some embodiments, the piston assembly 72 comprises a piston rod 73 extending through an aperture 74 of the extension block 50. According to some embodiments, the piston rod 73 extends through the aperture 74 of the extension block 50 and abuts a bolt carrier assembly 115 (discussed in more detail below).

According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises a handguard mounting block 75 coupled with the barrel 15 using a slide lock plate 76 as shown in FIGS. 7a-d. According to some embodiments, the handguard mounting block 75 comprises an aperture 77 configured to accommodate the gas block 71 and the barrel 15. According to some embodiments, the handguard mounting block 75 comprises an aperture 78 configured to accommodate a second end 79 of the handguard mounting fastener 57. According to some embodiments, the apertures 77 and/or 78 are through-apertures (i.e. through openings). According to some embodiments, the apertures 78 is formed within the aperture 77. According to some embodiments, the apertures 78 is formed as part of the aperture 77. According to some embodiments, the apertures 78 is part of the aperture 77.

According to some embodiments, the handguard mounting block 75 comprises an aperture 81 configured to accommodate the slide lock plate 76 as shown in FIGS. 7e-f. According to some embodiments, the slide lock plate 76 is U-shaped. According to some embodiments, the slide lock plate 76 comprises an inner surface 82 configured to abut the barrel 15 and prevent the handguard mounting block 75 from being removed from the barrel 15. According to some embodiments, the barrel 15 comprises a channel 83 configured to accommodate at least a portion of the slide lock plate 76. According to some embodiments, the barrel 15 comprises a channel 83 configured to accommodate the inner surface 82 of the slide lock plate 76 and prevent the handguard mounting block 75 from being removed from the barrel 15.

According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises the handguard 20 removably coupled with the handguard mounting block 75 using one or more fasteners 83 as shown in FIGS. 8a-d. According to some embodiments, the one or more fasteners 83 are mounting screws.

According to some embodiments, the handguard 20 comprises one or more apertures 87 and the handguard mounting block 75 comprises one or more apertures 89 configured to accommodate the one or more fasteners 83. According to some embodiments, the handguard mounting block 75 is at least partially enclosed by the handguard 20 as shown in FIGS. 8c-d. According to some embodiments, the handguard mounting block 75 is at least partially covered by the handguard 20 as shown in FIGS. 8c-d. According to some embodiments, the handguard mounting block 75 is at least partially surrounded by the handguard 20 as shown in FIGS. 8c-d.

According to some embodiments, the handguard 20 comprises an aperture 91 configured to accommodate the barrel 15. According to some embodiments, a second end 91 of the barrel 15 is inserted through the aperture 91. According to some embodiments, the aperture 91 configured to accommodate at least a portion of the handguard mounting block 75. According to some embodiments, the aperture 91 is a through-aperture (i.e. through opening).

According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises a pair of guide rods 105 coupled with a rear recoil block 110 as shown in FIGS. 9a-c. According to some embodiments, the pair of guide rods 105 are permanently coupled with a rear recoil block 110. The pair of guide rods 105 may comprise metal material and the rear recoil block 110 may comprise polymer material. The pair of guide rods 105 may be permanently coupled with the rear recoil block 110 using overmolding process. The overmolding process may form the rear recoil block 110 over a portion of the pair of guide rods 105.

According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises a bolt carrier assembly 115 shown in FIGS. 10a-e. The bolt carrier assembly 115 comprises two through apertures 120 and 125 configured to accommodate the pair of guide rods 105 as shown in FIGS. 11a-b. According to some embodiments, the through apertures 120 and 125 are a through-openings.

According to some embodiments, the bolt carrier assembly 115 comprises an outer housing 130, a bolt 131, a firing pin 132, a spring 133, a cam pin 134, and a firing pin 135. The bolt carrier assembly 115 may also comprise a charging handle 136. According to some embodiments, the bolt 131 is at least partially positioned within the housing 130, the firing pin 132 is at least partially positioned within the housing 130, the spring 133 is positioned within the housing 130, the cam pin 134 is at least partially positioned within the housing 130, and the firing pin 135 is at least partially positioned within the housing 130.

According to some embodiments, the bolt carrier assembly 115 is configured to slide along the guide rods 105 between a first (i.e. locked) position and a second (i.e. unlocked) position. The bolt carrier assembly 115 supports and positions the bolt 131. The first (locked) position is position in which the bolt carrier assembly 115 has positioned the bolt 131 for firing ammunition through the barrel 15. The second (unlocked) position is any position other than the first (locked) position.

According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises a pair of recoil springs 140 as shown in FIGS. 11a-b. The recoil springs 140 may dampen the kickback experienced by a user while also redirecting the bolt carrier assembly 115 back toward the first (locked) position in preparation for firing another round.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the guide rods 105 pass through the recoil springs 140 shown in FIGS. 11a-b. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the recoil springs 140 are positioned between the bolt carrier assembly 115 and the rear recoil block 110.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, moving the bolt carrier assembly 115 towards the second (unlocked) position compresses the recoil springs 140 between the bolt carrier assembly 115 and the rear recoil block 110. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, applying a first force to the bolt carrier assembly 115 compresses the recoil springs 140 between the bolt carrier assembly 115 and the rear recoil block 110. Removing the first force causes the compressed recoil springs 140 to move the bolt carrier assembly 115 towards the first (locked) position.

According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises another pair of recoil springs 141 as shown in FIGS. 18a-b. The recoil springs 140 together with recoil springs 141 may dampen the kickback experienced by a user while also redirecting the bolt carrier assembly 115 back toward the first (locked) position in preparation for firing another round.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the guide rods 105 pass through the recoil springs 140 and 141 as shown in FIGS. 18a-b. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the recoil springs 140 and 141 are positioned between the bolt carrier assembly 115 and the rear recoil block 110.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, moving the bolt carrier assembly 115 towards the second (unlocked) position compresses the recoil springs 140 and 141 between the bolt carrier assembly 115 and the rear recoil block 110. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, applying a first force to the bolt carrier assembly 115 compresses the recoil springs 140 and 141 between the bolt carrier assembly 115 and the rear recoil block 110. Removing the first force causes the compressed recoil springs 140 and 141 to move the bolt carrier assembly 115 towards the first (locked) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, one of the recoil springs 141 is positioned between one of the guide rod 105 and one of the recoil springs 140. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the recoil spring 141 is wound in a first direction around the guide rod 105 and the recoil spring 140 is wound in a second direction around the guide rod 105. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first direction is clockwise direction and the second direction is counter clockwise direction. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second direction is clockwise direction and the first direction is counter clockwise direction.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the recoil spring 141 is wound around the guide rod 105 in a direction that is opposite from the direction of the recoil spring 140. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the recoil spring 141 is wound around the guide rod 105 in the same direction as the recoil spring 140.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the upper receiver 25 comprises a through aperture 165 configured to accommodate the bolt carrier assembly 115, the recoil springs 140 and/or springs 141, and the guide rods 105 as shown in FIGS. 12a-b and 13. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the rear recoil block 110 abuts the upper receiver 25 when the bolt carrier assembly 115, the recoil springs 140 and/or springs 141, and the guide rods 105 are positioned within the aperture 165 as shown in FIGS. 12b. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the rear recoil block 110 sandwiched between the upper receiver 25 and the lower receiver 26 when the upper receiver 25 is coupled with the lower receiver 26. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the rear recoil block 110 sandwiched between the upper receiver 25 and the upwardly extending lobe 28 when the upper receiver 25 is coupled with the lower receiver 26. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the rear recoil block 110 is not coupled with the upper receiver 25 when the bolt carrier assembly 115, the recoil springs 140 and/or springs 141, and the guide rods 105 are positioned within the aperture 165 as shown in FIGS. 12b.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the rear recoil block 110 is partially inserted into the aperture 165 of the upper receiver 25 when the bolt carrier assembly 115, the recoil springs 140 and/or springs 141, and the guide rods 105 are positioned within the aperture 165 as shown in FIGS. 12b. According to some embodiments, the through aperture 165 is through opening.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the upper receiver 25 comprises one or more protrusions 170 extending into the aperture 165 as shown in FIGS. 14a-c. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the one or more protrusions 170 are formed during manufacturing of the upper receiver 25. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the one or more protrusions 170 are extruded during manufacturing of the upper receiver 25. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the one or more protrusions 170 run along a portion of the upper receiver 25.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the one or more protrusions 170 form a channel 175 (shown in FIG. 14b) configured to accommodate the one or more protrusions 176 extending from the bolt carrier assembly 115 as shown in FIGS. 11a and 13. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the channel 175 run along the entire length of the one or more protrusions 170 as shown in FIGS. 14a and 14c. The protrusions 176 is configured to slide within the channel 175 from a first (locked) position to a second (unlocked) position and back to the first (locked) position.

According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises a cam slot 179 removably coupled to the side wall of the aperture 165 using a fastener 181 as shown in FIGS. 14a-c. The cam slot 179 aligns with a top protrusion 170 to prevent the cam pin 134 from impacting the top protrusion 170 during normal operations of the firearm 27. The cam slot 179 aligns with a top protrusion 170 to prevent the cam pin 134 from damaging the top protrusion 170 during normal operations of the firearm 27. According to some embodiments, the one or more protrusions 170 are formed using aluminum material and the cam slot 179 is formed using steel material. According to some embodiments, the upper receiver 25 is formed using aluminum material and the cam slot 179 is formed using steel material.

According to some embodiments, the cam pin 134 is configured to move between a first (up) position and a second (down) position. According to some embodiments, the cam pin 134 may move from the second (down) position to the first (up) position (shown in the FIGS. 15a) during normal operations of the firearm 27. To avoid damaging the top protrusion 170, the cam slot 179 is configured to reposition the cam pin 134 back to the second (down) position (as shown in FIGS. 15b).

According to some embodiments, the cam slot 179 comprises a profile that is substantially similar to a profile of the top protrusion 170 as shown in FIG. 14c. According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises an insert bumper 191 removably coupled with the upper receiver 25 using the fastener 181 as shown in FIGS. 14a-c. The insert bumper 191 may be used to prevent foldable stock (not shown) from damaging the firearm 27 when the foldable stock is folded to one side of the firearm 27.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the upper receiver 25 comprises a cavity 401 configured to accommodate the protrusion 355 of the extension block 50. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the upper receiver 25 comprises an aperture 403 configured to accommodate the first end 56 of the handguard mounting fastener 57.

As described above, the handguard mounting block 75 comprises the aperture 81 configured to accommodate the slide lock plate 76 as shown in FIGS. 7e-f. According to some embodiments, the slide lock plate 76 comprises the inner surface 82 configured to abut the barrel 15 and prevent the handguard mounting block 75 from being removed from the barrel 15. According to some embodiments, the inner surface 82 a tight fit around a portion of the barrel 15 to prevent the handguard mounting block 75 from being removed from the barrel 15.

According to some embodiments, the guide rods 105 prevent removal of the slide lock plate 76 from the aperture 81. After the handguard mounting block 75 is inserted into the aperture 81, the guide rods 105 are inserted into the upper receiver and interact with the slide lock plate 76 to prevent the slide lock plate 76 from being removed as shown in FIGS. 16a-d.

According to some embodiments, the slide lock plate 76 comprises arms 201 and 202 as shown in FIGS. 16b. The arms 201 and 202 may comprise curved surfaces 211 and 222 configured to accommodate the guide rods 105. According to some embodiments, the guide rods 105 must be at least partially removed from the upper receiver 25 to allow removal of the slide lock plate 76 from the aperture 81.

According to some embodiments, the upper receiver assembly 10 comprises a dust cover 221 pivotally coupled with the upper receiver 25 using a dust door pin 223 as shown in FIGS. 12a and 17a-b. According to some embodiments, the dust cover 221 pivotally coupled with apertures 225 of the upper receiver 25 shown in FIG. 14c.

According to some embodiments, the dust cover 221 comprises a ramping surface 230 (shown in FIG. 17a) configured to interact with a ramping surface 235 of the bolt carrier assembly 115 (shown in FIGS. 10c-d and 17a). According to some embodiments, the ramping surface 235 of the bolt carrier assembly 115 interacts with the ramping surface 230 of the dust cover 221 when the bolt carrier assembly 115 moves from the first (i.e. locked) position and the second (i.e. unlocked) position. According to some embodiments, the ramping surface 235 of the bolt carrier assembly 115 moves the dust cover 221 away from the upper receiver 25 when the bolt carrier assembly 115 moves from the first (i.e. locked) position and the second (i.e. unlocked) position. According to some embodiments, the ramping surface 235 of the bolt carrier assembly 115 unlocks the dust cover 221 from the upper receiver 25 when the bolt carrier assembly 115 moves from the first (i.e. locked) position and the second (i.e. unlocked) position.

According to some embodiments, the ramping surface 230 and the ramping surface 235 are at an angle of 45 digress with respect to a bore axis A of the barrel 15 shown in FIG. 17a.

It is to be understood that the upper receiver assembly 10 described above may be implemented on different types of firearms. The upper receiver assembly 10 described above may be implemented on firearms using a blowback system of operation, and/or firearm using a direct impingement system of operation, and/or firearm using piston system of operation. Blowback is a system of operation for self-loading firearms that obtains energy from the motion of the cartridge case as it is pushed to the rear by expanding gas crated by the ignition of the propellant charge. Direct impingement is a type of gas operation for a firearm that directs gas from a fired cartridge directly into the bolt carrier to cycle the action. Piston system uses gas pressure to mechanically move the bolt carrier to cycle the action. It is also to be understood that the upper receiver assembly described above may be implemented on M-16 and Armalite style rifles (ARs).

It is to be understood that the upper receiver assembly 10 described above may be coupled to any existing lower receivers known in the art. It is to be understood that any existing lower receivers known in the art can be shot without a stock using the upper receiver assembly 10 described above. It is to be understood that any existing lower receivers known in the art can be shot with a stock in a folded position using the upper receiver assembly 10 described above.

Referring to FIG. 19, a firearm 500 is shown according to some embodiments presently disclosed. The firearm 500 may comprise a barrel 515, a hand guard 520 an upper receiver 525 and a lower receiver 526. According to some embodiments, the upper receiver 525 may be removably coupled to the lower receiver 526. According to some embodiments, the hand guard 520 may removably encircle the barrel 515. According to some embodiments the upper receiver 525 may be removably coupled with the barrel 515. According to some embodiments the upper receiver 525 may be removably coupled with the hand guard 520. According to some embodiments the hand guard 520 may be removably coupled with the barrel 515.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the firearm 500 comprises, for example, a direct impingement system. Direct impingement is a type of gas operation for a firearm that directs gas from a fired cartridge directly into the bolt carrier to cycle the action. The firearm 500 comprises a gas block 751 (shown in FIGS. 60 and 63) coupled with the barrel 515, and a gas tube 753 (shown in FIGS. 60 and 63) positioned between the gas block and a carrier key 545.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20a-c, the firearm 500 comprises a rear charging system. The rear charging system comprises a T-shaped charging handle 521. When the charging handle 521 is pulled back away from the upper receiver 525, the operator of the firearm 500 can eject a spent shell casing or an unfired cartridge from a chamber, load a round from the magazine, clear a jam or misfire, move a bolt into battery, and/or release a bolt locked to the rear.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the firearm 500 comprises an assembly 501 shown in FIGS. 28-30. The assembly 501 comprises a bolt carrier assembly 540 (FIGS. 21-34). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the bolt carrier assembly 540 is movable between a first (i.e. locked) position (shown in FIGS. 21-27) and a second (i.e. unlocked) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the bolt carrier assembly 540 is movable between a first (i.e. locked) position (shown in FIGS. 21-27) and a second (i.e. unlocked) position by the T-shaped charging handle 521. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the T-shaped charging handle 521 is configured to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 from a first (locked) position to a second (unlocked) position.

The bolt carrier assembly 540 comprises a bolt carrier 701, a bolt assembly 702, a cam pin 703, a firing pin 704, a firing pin retaining pin 705, the carrier key 545 (as shown in FIG. 34). The bolt carrier assembly 540 supports and positions the bolt assembly 702.

According to some embodiments, the first (locked) position is position in which the bolt carrier assembly 540 has positioned the bolt assembly 702 for firing ammunition through the barrel 515. According to some embodiments, the first (locked) position is position in which the bolt carrier assembly 540 locks the bolt assembly 702 into battery. According to some embodiments, the first (locked) position is position in which the bolt carrier assembly 540 is locked into battery. According to some embodiments, the second (unlocked) position is any position other than the first (locked) position. According to some embodiments, the second (unlocked) position is a position away from the first (locked) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the T-shaped charging handle 521 is positioned over the carrier key 545 and configured to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 from a first (locked) position to a second (unlocked) position.

Referring to FIGS. 28-30 and 34, according to some embodiments presently disclosed, the carrier key 545 is removably coupled with a top portion of the bolt carrier 701. One or more fasteners 550 may be used to couple the carrier key 545 with the bolt carrier assembly 540. The one or more fasteners 550 may be a pin, a screw, a set screw, a full dog point set screw, or a dogleg set screw.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the carrier key 545 comprises an aperture (i.e. opening) 565 (shown in FIGS. 21-22 and 28) configured to accommodate the gas tube 753.

Referring to FIGS. 28-30, according to some embodiments presently disclosed, the assembly 501 comprises a recoil guide 567, two outer recoil springs 568, and two inner recoil springs 569.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the bolt carrier 701 comprises aperture 566 (shown in FIGS. 29-30 and 34-35) configured to accommodate the first outer springs 568 and the first inner springs 569 (as shown in FIGS. 36-40). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the bolt carrier 701 comprises aperture 573 (shown in FIGS. 29-30 and 34-35) configured to accommodate the second outer spring 568 and the second inner springs 569 (as shown in FIGS. 36-40).

The recoil guide 567 comprises a base 713 and two protrusions 714 and 715. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the two protrusions 714 and 715 are integrally coupled with the base 713. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the two protrusions 714 and 715 are removably coupled with the base 713. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the two protrusions 714 and 715 extend from the base 713. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the two protrusions 714 and 715 are elongated rods.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 714 comprises a forward portion 572 (shown in FIG. 40). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 715 comprises a forward portion 571 (shown in FIG. 40). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the aperture 566 of the bolt carrier 701 (shown in FIGS. 29-30) is configured to accommodate the protrusion 714 (as shown in FIGS. 41-42 and 56-59). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the aperture 573 of the bolt carrier 701 (shown in FIGS. 29-30) is configured to accommodate the protrusion 715 (as shown in FIGS. 41-42 and 56-59). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the aperture 566 (shown in FIGS. 29-30) is configured to accommodate the forward portion 572 of the protrusion 714 (as shown in FIGS. 41-42 and 56-59). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the aperture 573 (shown in FIGS. 29-30) is configured to accommodate the forward portion 571 of the protrusion 715 (as shown in FIGS. 41-42 and 56-59). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the aperture 566 (shown in FIGS. 29-30) is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the protrusion 714 (as shown in FIGS. 41-42 and 56-59). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the aperture 573 (shown in FIGS. 29-30) is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the protrusion 715 (as shown in FIGS. 41-42 and 56-59). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the aperture 566 (shown in FIGS. 29-30) is configured to accommodate the protrusion 714 in its entirety (as shown in FIG. 56-59). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the aperture 573 (shown in FIGS. 29-30) is configured to accommodate the protrusion 715 in its entirety (as shown in FIG. 56-59). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the aperture 566 (shown in FIGS. 29-30) is configured to encompass the protrusion 714 in its entirety (as shown in FIG. 56-59). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the aperture 573 (shown in FIGS. 29-30) is configured to encompass the protrusion 715 in its entirety (as shown in FIG. 56-59).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the base 713 may comprise a through aperture 716 (shown in FIGS. 28-30).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusions 714 and 715 can be different length with respect to each other. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusions 714 and 715 are sufficiently long enough to pass though the bolt carrier assembly 540 when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the first (locked) position (as shown in FIGS. 41-42). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusions 714 and 715 are positioned within the apertures 566 and 573 respectively when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the first (locked) position (as shown in FIGS. 41-42).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusions 714 and 715 are positioned away from the bolt carrier assembly 540 when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the first (locked) position (as shown in FIGS. 27 and 43). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusions 714 and 715 are positioned away from the apertures 566 and 573 when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the first (locked) position (as shown in FIGS. 27 and 43).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 714 passes through the first inner recoil spring 569 and the first outer recoil spring 568 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 714 passes through the first inner recoil spring 569 and the first outer recoil spring 568 when the first inner recoil spring 569 and the first outer recoil spring 568 are positioned between the base 713 and the bolt carrier 701 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, at least a portion of the protrusion 714 passes through the first inner recoil spring 569 and the first outer recoil spring 568 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, at least a portion of the protrusion 714 passes through the first inner recoil spring 569 and the first outer recoil spring 568 when the first inner recoil spring 569 and the first outer recoil spring 568 are positioned between the base 713 and the bolt carrier 701 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 715 passes through the second inner recoil spring 569 and the second outer recoil spring 568 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 715 passes through the second inner recoil spring 569 and the second outer recoil spring 568 when the second inner recoil spring 569 and the second outer recoil spring 568 are positioned between the base 713 and the bolt carrier 701 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, at least a portion of the protrusion 715 passes through the second inner recoil spring 569 and the second outer recoil spring 568 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, at least a portion of the protrusion 715 passes through the second inner recoil spring 569 and the second outer recoil spring 568 when the second inner recoil spring 569 and the second outer recoil spring 568 are positioned between the base 713 and the bolt carrier 701 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, moving the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the second (unlocked) position compresses the outer recoil springs 568 and the inner recoil springs 569 between the bolt carrier assembly 540 and the base 713. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, applying a first force to the bolt carrier assembly 540 compresses the outer recoil springs 568 and the inner recoil springs 569 between the bolt carrier assembly 540 and the base 713. Removing the first force causes the compressed outer recoil springs 568 and the compressed inner recoil springs 569 to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the first (locked) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 714 and the first inner recoil spring 569 both pass through the first outer recoil spring 568 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 715 and the second inner recoil spring 569 both pass through the second outer recoil spring 568 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first inner recoil spring 569 is positioned between the protrusion 714 and the first outer recoil spring 568 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first outer recoil spring 568 is wound in a first direction around the protrusion 714 and the first inner recoil spring 569 is wound in a second direction around the protrusion 714. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first direction is clockwise direction and the second direction is counter clockwise direction. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second direction is clockwise direction and the first direction is counter clockwise direction.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first outer recoil spring 568 is wound around the protrusion 714 in a direction that is opposite from the direction of the first inner recoil spring 569. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first outer recoil spring 568 is wound around the protrusion 714 in the same direction as the first inner recoil spring 569.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second inner recoil spring 569 is positioned between the protrusion 715 and the second outer recoil spring 568 (shown FIGS. 27 and 41-43). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second outer recoil spring 568 is wound in a first direction around the protrusion 715 and the second inner recoil spring 569 is wound in a second direction around the protrusion 715.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first direction is clockwise direction and the second direction is counter clockwise direction. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second direction is clockwise direction and the first direction is counter clockwise direction.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second outer recoil spring 568 is wound around the protrusion 715 in a direction that is opposite from the direction of the second inner recoil spring 569. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second outer recoil spring 568 is wound around the protrusion 715 in the same direction as the second inner recoil spring 569.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, applying a first force to the bolt carrier assembly 540 compresses the outer recoil springs 568 and the inner recoil springs 569 between the bolt carrier assembly 540 and the base 713. Removing the first force causes the compressed outer recoil springs 568 and the compressed inner recoil springs 569 to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the first (locked) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the compressed outer recoil springs 568 and the compressed inner recoil springs 569 together apply a second force against the bolt carrier assembly 540 in the direction that is opposite the first force. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the compressed outer recoil springs 568 and the compressed inner recoil springs 569 together apply a second force against the bolt carrier assembly 540 to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the first (locked) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the compressed outer recoil springs 568 provide a first portion of the force required to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the first (locked) position and the compressed inner recoil springs 569 provide a second portion of the force required to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the first (locked) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first portion of the force required to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the first (locked) position is larger than the second portion of the force required to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the first (locked) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first portion of the force required to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the first (locked) position is smaller than the second portion of the force required to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the first (locked) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first portion of the force required to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the first (locked) position is equal to the second portion of the force required to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 towards the first (locked) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, applying a first force to move the bolt carrier assembly 540 to the second (unlocked) position compresses the outer recoil springs 568 and the inner recoil springs 569 between the bolt carrier assembly 540 and the base 713. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, applying a first force to the bolt carrier assembly 540 compresses the first outer recoil spring 568 between the inner shoulder 5004 of the through aperture 566 and the base 713 (shown in FIG. 37). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, applying a first force to the bolt carrier assembly 540 compresses the first inner recoil spring 569 between the inner shoulder 5004 of the through aperture 566 and the base 713 (shown in FIG. 37). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, applying a first force to the bolt carrier assembly 540 compresses the second outer recoil spring 568 between the inner shoulder 5005 of the through aperture 573 and the base 713 (shown in FIG. 37). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, applying a first force to the bolt carrier assembly 540 compresses the second inner recoil spring 569 between the inner shoulder 5005 of the through aperture 573 and the base 713 (shown in FIG. 37).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, a portion of the protrusion 714 is positioned inside the aperture 566 when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the second (unlocked) position (shown in FIGS. 54-59). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, a portion of the protrusion 715 is positioned inside the aperture 573 when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the second (unlocked) position (shown in FIGS. 54-59). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, a portion of the first outer recoil spring 568 is positioned inside the aperture 566 when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the first (locked) position (shown in FIGS. 21-24). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, a portion of the first inner recoil spring 569 is positioned inside the aperture 566 when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the first (locked) position (shown in FIGS. 21-24). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, a portion of the second outer recoil spring 568 is positioned inside the aperture 573 when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the first (locked) position (shown in FIGS. 21-24). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, a portion of the second inner recoil spring 569 is positioned inside the aperture 573 when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the first (locked) position (shown in FIGS. 21-24).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first outer recoil spring 568 is positioned between an inner surface of the upper receiver 525 and the protrusion 714 to prevent the first outer recoil spring 568 from bowing (i.e. bending) when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the second (unlocked) position (shown in FIG. 60). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second outer recoil spring 568 is positioned between an inner surface of the upper receiver 525 and the protrusion 715 to prevent the second outer recoil spring 568 from bowing (i.e. bending) when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the second (unlocked) position (shown in FIG. 60).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first outer recoil spring 568 is positioned between an inner surface of the upper receiver 525 and the protrusion 714 to prevent the first outer recoil spring 568 and the first inner recoil spring 569 from bowing (i.e. bending) when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the second (unlocked) position (shown in FIG. 60). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second outer recoil spring 568 is positioned between an inner surface of the upper receiver 525 and the protrusion 715 to prevent the second outer recoil spring 568 and the second inner recoil spring 569 from bowing (i.e. bending) when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the second (unlocked) position (shown in FIG. 60).

According to some embodiments, the bolt carrier assembly 540 is configured to slide along at least a portion of the protrusions 714 and 715 when the bolt carrier assembly 540 travels from the first (i.e. locked) position to the second (i.e. unlocked) position. According to some embodiments, the bolt carrier assembly 540 is configured to slide along at least a portion of the protrusions 714 and 715 when the bolt carrier assembly 540 travels from the second (i.e. unlocked) position to the first (i.e. locked) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusions 714 and 715 extends along at least a portion of the upper receiver 525 (FIGS. 21-27, 60 and 63). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusions 714 and 715 extends along at least a portion of the lower receiver 526 (shown in FIGS. 21-27, 60 and 63).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the base 713 is positioned within the upper receiver 525 (shown in FIGS. 60 and 63). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the base 713 is not positioned beyond the lower receiver 526. According to some embodiments, the bolt carrier assembly 540 does not extend beyond the lower receiver 526 when in the second (i.e. unlocked) position (shown in FIGS. 60 and 63).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the upper receiver 525 comprises an aperture 575 (FIG. 20c) configured to accommodate the bolt carrier assembly 540, the outer recoil springs 568, the inner recoil spring 569 and the recoil guide 567. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the base 713 abuts the lower receiver 526 to prevent the bolt carrier assembly 540, the outer recoil springs 568, and the inner recoil springs 569 from being removed from the upper receiver 525. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the base 713 abuts an adapter 591 (described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 44-47 and 51-59) to prevent the bolt carrier assembly 540, the outer recoil springs 568, and the inner recoil springs 569 from being removed from the upper receiver 525.

Referring to FIG. 20a, according to some embodiments presently disclosed, the lower receiver 526 comprises openings for accepting the internal mechanisms required to operate the firearm. For example, the lower receiver 526 may comprise an opening 581 configured to accept an ammunition magazine (not shown) and associated hardware to direct rounds loaded within the magazine into a chamber in an upper receiver 525. The lower receiver 526 may also comprise an opening 582 configured to accommodate a firing mechanism (i.e. standard trigger group). According to some embodiments, the firing mechanism (i.e. standard trigger group) comprises a trigger mechanism 583 and a hammer mechanism 584. Referring to FIG. 20a, according to some embodiments presently disclosed, the lower receiver 526 comprises a bolt hold open 585 and an opening configured to accommodate the bolt hold open 585.

Referring to FIGS. 31-33, according to some embodiments presently disclosed, the lower receiver 526 comprises an upwardly extending lobe 587. According to some embodiments, the upwardly extending lobe 587 is integrally coupled with the lower receiver 526. According to some embodiments, the upwardly extending lobe 587 extends from the lower receiver 526.

According to some embodiments, the upwardly extending lobe 587 may be used to mount a buttstock (not shown) to the lower receiver 526. According to some embodiments, the upwardly extending lobe 587 comprises a generally circular threaded through-hole 589. Referring to FIGS. 31-33, according to some embodiments presently disclosed, the assembly 501 comprises a first adapter 591 (shown in FIGS. 44-47 and 51-59) and a second adapter 592 (shown in FIGS. 44-59).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 591 comprises a first surface 593 and a second surface 594 positioned opposite the first surface 593. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 591 comprises an outer threaded surface 595 adapted to mate with the generally circular threaded through-hole 589. According to some embodiments, the generally circular threaded through-hole 589 is adapted to receive the mating male threads 595 on the adapter 591. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 591 is configured to be threaded into the generally circular threaded through-hole 589. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 591 is configured to be threaded into the generally circular threaded through-hole 589 from the side closest to the opening 582.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 591 prevents the bolt carrier assembly 540 from being positioned beyond the lower receiver 526 when the bolt carrier assembly is in the second (unlocked) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 591 prevents the base 713 from being positioned beyond the lower receiver 526.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 591 comprises a protrusion 596 extending from the second surface 594. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the protrusion 596 comprises an outer threaded surface 597.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second adapter 592 comprises a first surface 598 and a second surface 599 positioned opposite the first surface 598. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first surface 598 of the adapter 592 comprises a threaded aperture 601.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the threaded aperture 601 is adapted to mate with the protrusion 596. According to some embodiments, the threaded aperture 601 is adapted to receive the mating male threads 597 on the protrusion 596. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first end plate 591 is configured to be threaded into the adapter 592. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 592 is coupled with the upwardly extending lobe 587 with the adapter 591. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 592 is coupled to the upwardly extending lobe 587 from the side that is farthest from the opening 582.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second surface 599 comprises one or more rails 602 configured to accommodate one or more accessories. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second surface 599 comprises one or more rails 602 to allow coupling of one or more accessories to the lower receiver 526.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 591 comprises a through aperture 718 configured to accommodate a first plunger 717 (as shown in FIGS. 44-46 and 52). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 592 comprises a first aperture 719 (shown in FIGS. 44-45 and 63-64) configured to accommodate the plunger 717 (as shown in FIGS. 50-51). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 592 comprises a second aperture 720 (shown in FIGS. 44-48) configured to accommodate a second plunger 721 (as shown in FIGS. 44-64).

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first aperture 719 connects with the second aperture 720. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first aperture 719 is substantially perpendicular to the second aperture 720. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first aperture 719 intersects with the second aperture 720. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first aperture 719 interconnects with the second aperture 720.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second plunger 721 abuts the first plunger 717 when at least a portion of the second plunger 721 is positioned within the second aperture 720 and at least a portion of the first plunger 717 is positioned within the first aperture 719 as shown in FIGS. 63-64.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first plunger 717 and the second plunger 721 may be used (i.e. configured) to allow a user of the firearm 500 to at least partially disassemble the firearm 500. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first plunger 717 and the second plunger 721 may be used (i.e. configured) to allow a user to remove the lower receiver 526 from the upper receiver 525 as shown in FIGS. 60-64. FIGS. 60 and 63-64 depict a cutaway of the firearm 500 for ease of reference.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first plunger 717 is movable between a first (rearward) position and a second (forward) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first (rearward) position is position that prevents the upper receiver 525 from being removed from the lower receiver 526. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second (forward) position is position that allows the upper receiver 525 to be removed from the lower receiver 526. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second (forward) position is any position that away from the first (rearward) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second plunger 721 is movable between a first (assembled) position and a second (disassembled) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first (assembled) position is position that prevents the upper receiver 525 from being removed from the lower receiver 526. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second (disassembled) position is position that allows the upper receiver 525 to be removed from the lower receiver 526. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second (disassembled) position is any position that away from the first (assembled) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first plunger 717 protrudes from the through aperture 718 and abuts a rear surface of the base 713. The rear surface of the base 713 is surface positioned opposite a surface with the two protrusions 714 and 715.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the outer recoil springs 568 and the inner recoil springs 569 are at least partially compressed when the bolt carrier assembly 540 is in the first (locked) position and/or in the second (unlocked) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the compressed outer recoil springs 568 and the compressed inner recoil springs 569 together apply a push force against the bolt carrier assembly 540 and the base 713. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the compressed outer recoil springs 568 and the compressed inner recoil springs 569 together apply a push force against the base 713 to move the base 713 towards the adapter 591.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the push force causes the base 713 to abut the first plunger 717 and keeps the first plunger 717 in the first (rearward) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the push force causes the base 713 to abut the adapter 591 and keep the first plunger 717 in the first (rearward) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first plunger 717 comprises front end surface 723 and a rear end surface 724 (shown in FIGS. 44-47). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the push force causes the base 713 to abut the front end surface 723 of the first plunger 717 and keep the first plunger 717 in the first (rearward) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the rear end surface 724 of the first plunger 717 abuts a contact surface 730 of the second plunger 721 when the first plunger is in the first (rearward) position (shown in FIGS. 44-45 and 64). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first plunger 717 causes the second plunger 721 to be in the first (assembled) position when the first plunger 717 is in the first (rearward) position (shown in FIG. 60). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the push force keeps the first plunger 717 in the first (rearward) position, which in turn keeps the second plunger 721 in the first (assembled) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the push force keeps the first plunger 717 in the first (rearward) position, keeps the second plunger 721 in the first (assembled) position, and prevents the upper receiver 525 from being removed from the lower receiver 526.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, a user may remove the upper receiver 525 from the lower receiver 526 by applying a counter force to the second plunger 721 to move the second plunger 721 away from the first (assembled) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second plunger 721 positions the first plunger 717 in the second (forward) position when the second plunger 721 is in the second (disassembled) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the upper receiver 525 can be removed from the lower receiver 526 when the first plunger 717 is in the second (forward) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the front surface 723 of the first plunger 717 pushes the base 713 away from the adapter 591 which releases the upper receiver 525 from the lower receiver 526. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the counter force must be greater than the push force to allow the upper receiver 525 to be removed from the lower receiver 526.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second plunger 721 comprises an aperture 733 (shown in FIGS. 44-45) configured to accommodate a fastener 735 (shown in FIGS. 44-45). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the aperture 733 is elongated to allow the second plunger 721 to move from the first (assembled) position to the second (disassembled) position and back again.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second plunger 721 comprises an cavity 733 (shown in FIGS. 44-45) configured to accommodate a fastener 735 (shown in FIGS. 44-45). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the cavity 733 is elongated to allow the second plunger 721 to move from the first (assembled) position to the second (disassembled) position and back again.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second plunger 721 comprises a channel 733 (shown in FIGS. 44-45) configured to accommodate a fastener 735 (shown in FIGS. 44-45). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the channel 733 is elongated to allow the second plunger 721 to move from the first (assembled) position to the second (disassembled) position and back again.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 592 comprises a fattener aperture 737 configured to accommodate the fastener 735. The fastener 735 May be a pin, a screw, a set screw, a full dog point set screw, or a dogleg set screw. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the fastener 735 prevents the second plunger 721 from being removed from the aperture 720 while allowing the second plunger 721 to move from the first (assembled) position to the second (disassembled) position and back again.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the rear end surface 724 of the first plunger 717 is angled (shown in FIG. 47). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the contact surface 730 of the second plunger 721 is angled (shown in the FIG. 44). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the angled rear end surface 724 travels along the angled contact surface 730 as shown in FIG. 64.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the first plunger 717 moves substantially horizontally when moving from first (rearward) position to the second (forward) position and back again. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the second plunger 721 moves substantially vertically when moving from the first (assembled) position to the second (disassembled) position and back again. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the angled rear end surface 724 and the angled contact surface 730 allow the horizontally moving first plunger 717 to move the second plunger 721 vertically from the second (disassembled) position to the first (assembled) position. According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the angled rear end surface 724 and the angled contact surface 730 allow the vertically moving second plunger 721 to move the first plunger 717 horizontally from the first (rearward) position to the second (forward) position.

According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the adapter 591 comprises one or more protrusion 741 extending from the surface 593 (shown in FIG. 44). According to some embodiments presently disclosed, the one or more protrusion 741 are configured to accommodate a buffer retainer detent pin (not shown).

It is to be understood that the embodiments described above may be implemented on different types of firearms. The embodiments described above may be implemented on firearms using a blowback system of operation, and/or firearm using a direct impingement system of operation, and/or firearm using piston system of operation. Blowback is a system of operation for self-loading firearms that obtains energy from the motion of the cartridge case as it is pushed to the rear by expanding gas crated by the ignition of the propellant charge. Direct impingement is a type of gas operation for a firearm that directs gas from a fired cartridge directly into the bolt carrier to cycle the action. Piston system uses gas pressure to mechanically move the bolt carrier to cycle the action. It is also to be understood that the embodiments described above may be implemented on M-16 and Armalite style rifles (ARs).

It is to be understood that the assembly 501 described above may be implemented on different types of firearms. The assembly 501 described above may be implemented on firearms using a blowback system of operation, and/or firearm using a direct impingement system of operation, and/or firearm using piston system of operation. Blowback is a system of operation for self-loading firearms that obtains energy from the motion of the cartridge case as it is pushed to the rear by expanding gas crated by the ignition of the propellant charge. Direct impingement is a type of gas operation for a firearm that directs gas from a fired cartridge directly into the bolt carrier to cycle the action. Piston system uses gas pressure to mechanically move the bolt carrier to cycle the action. It is also to be understood that the assembly 501 described above may be implemented on M-16 and Armalite style rifles (ARs).

It is to be understood that the assembly 501 described above may be used with any existing lower receivers known in the art. It is to be understood that the assembly 501 described above may be used with any existing upper receivers known in the art. It is to be understood that any existing lower receivers known in the art can be shot without a stock using the assembly 501 described above. It is to be understood that any existing lower receivers known in the art can be shot with a stock in a folded position using the assembly 501 described above.

While several illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternative embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims,

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “plurality” includes two or more referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

The foregoing detailed description of exemplary and preferred embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and disclosure in accordance with the requirements of the law. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise form(s) described, but only to enable others skilled in the art to understand how the invention may be suited for a particular use or implementation. The possibility of modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. No limitation is intended by the description of exemplary embodiments which may have included tolerances, feature dimensions, specific operating conditions, engineering specifications, or the like, and which may vary between implementations or with changes to the state of the art, and no limitation should be implied therefrom. Applicant has made this disclosure with respect to the current state of the art, but also contemplates advancements and that adaptations in the future may take into consideration of those advancements, namely in accordance with the then current state of the art. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims as written and equivalents as applicable. Reference to a claim element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated. Moreover, no element, component, nor method or process step in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for . . . ” and no method or process step herein is to be construed under those provisions unless the step, or steps, are expressly recited using the phrase “step(s) for . . . ”

	Number	Date	Country
	62794643	Jan 2019	US
	63528061	Jul 2023	US

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	16746909	Jan 2020	US
Child	17490061		US

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	17490061	Sep 2021	US
Child	18770933		US

Information

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Abstract

Description

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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (2)

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Continuation in Parts (1)