MODULAR FIREARM HANDGUARD WITH INTEGRATED MOUNTING SYSTEM

Abstract

A firearm foregrip comprising: a lower section hingably attached to an upper section; an attachment arm carried by the lower section with an arm open position and an arm closed position, wherein the attachment arm is adapted to be received within a frame of a firearm securing the lower section to the frame when the attachment arm is in the arm open position; and a barrel clamp, connected to the lower section, with a clamp open position and a clamp closed position, wherein the barrel clamp is adapted to receive a barrel of the firearm and secure the lower section to the barrel when the barrel clamp is in the clamp closed position. The foregrip may include a heat shield, multiple attachment rails, and a second attachment arm. The barrel clamp may comprise multiple clamp assemblies to securely attach the foregrip to the firearm barrel.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to firearm accessories, specifically to a forearm system for firearm platforms. More particularly, the invention pertains to a modular forearm that provides a secure mounting surface for attaching various accessories including foregrips, flashlights, slings, and optical devices to a firearm.

BACKGROUND

Firearms have long been designed with forearms or handguards to provide users with a secure gripping surface and protect hands from hot barrels during operation. As firearms evolved, particularly with the advent of semi-automatic and automatic designs, the need for attaching various accessories to firearms became increasingly important. These accessories can include optical sights, illumination devices, foregrips, and sling attachment points, among others.

Traditional wooden stocks and simple handguards were not well-suited for securely mounting modern accessories. This led to the development of rail systems, such as the Picatinny rail, which allowed for standardized attachment of accessories. However, early rail systems often had limitations in terms of weight, heat dissipation, and the ability to maintain zero for optical devices.

The accuracy of firearms, especially for long-range shooting, can be affected by how the barrel is mounted and secured. Floating barrel designs, where the barrel does not directly contact the handguard, have become popular for improving accuracy. However, implementing a floating barrel while also providing a stable platform for mounting accessories has presented challenges for firearm designers.

Additionally, the modularity of modern firearms has increased demand for handguard systems that can be easily installed or removed without specialized tools. Users often desire the ability to quickly change configurations or perform maintenance without compromising the stability and accuracy of their firearm setup.

Heat management is another important consideration in handguard design. During sustained fire, barrels can become extremely hot, potentially causing discomfort or injury to the user and affecting the performance of attached accessories. Effective heat shielding and ventilation in handguard systems have become increasingly important features.

As the variety of firearms and user preferences has expanded, there is a growing need for versatile handguard systems that can adapt to different firearm platforms while providing secure mounting options for a wide range of accessories. Balancing factors such as weight, durability, heat management, and ease of installation remains an ongoing challenge in the field of firearm accessories.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a firearm foregrip is provided. The firearm foregrip includes a lower section hingably attached to an upper section. The firearm foregrip also includes an attachment arm carried by the lower section with an arm open position and an arm closed position, wherein the attachment arm is adapted to be received within a frame of a firearm securing the lower section to the frame when the attachment arm is in the arm open position. The firearm foregrip further includes a barrel clamp, connected to the lower section, with a clamp open position and a clamp closed position, wherein the barrel clamp is adapted to receive a barrel of the firearm and secure the lower section to the barrel when the barrel clamp is in the clamp closed position.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the firearm foregrip may include one or more of the following features. The attachment arm may be biased open by a spring in connects with the attached arm. The attachment arm may be held in the arm open position by a set screw carried by the lower section. The firearm foregrip may include a second attachment arm carried by the lower section wherein the second attachment arm is adaptable to be received within the frame of the firearm securing the lower section to the frame when the attachment arm and the second attachment arm are in the arm open position. The barrel clamp may be a first barrel clamp, and the firearm foregrip may include a second barrel clamp in line with the first barrel clamp and carried by the lower section wherein the second barrel clamp is adapted to straddle the barrel of the firearm and secure the lower section to the barrel. The lower section may have an attachment rail adapted to receive accessories selected from the group consisting of sights, scopes, lights, hand grips, bipods, sling mounts, lasers, grenade launchers, hand stops and any combination. The upper section may have an attachment rail. A portion of the attachment rail may extend beyond the lower section. The firearm foregrip may include a heat shield carried the upper section and disposed between the barrel or a gas tube and the upper section. The firearm foregrip may include voids defined in the lower section, the upper section, or both. The firearm foregrip may include a cross section of the lower section having a U shape. The firearm foregrip may include one or more sling mounts integrally formed into the lower section, the upper section, or both.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a firearm foregrip is provided. The firearm foregrip includes a lower section removably attached to an upper section. The firearm foregrip also includes an attachment arm carried by the lower section having an open position and a closed position, wherein the attachment arm is adapted to be received within a frame of a firearm securing the lower section to the frame when the attachment arm is in the open position. The firearm foregrip further includes a barrel clamp carried by the lower section and adapted to secure the lower section to a barrel.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a firearm foregrip is provided. The firearm foregrip includes a lower section. The firearm foregrip also includes an attachment arm within the lower section with an arm open position and an arm closed position, wherein the attachment arm is adapted to be received within a frame of a firearm securing the lower section to the frame when the attachment arm is in the arm open position. The firearm foregrip further includes a barrel clamp, connected to the lower section, with a clamp open position and a clamp closed position, wherein the barrel clamp is adapted to secure the lower section to a barrel.

The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a firearm foregrip assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of components of a firearm foregrip assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled firearm foregrip, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side orthogonal view of a firearm foregrip assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a firearm foregrip assembly relative to a barrel, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a lateral view of a firearm with the installed foregrip assembly, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

The firearm foregrip assembly described herein provides a secure and versatile platform for attaching various accessories to a firearm. Referring to FIG. 1, the foregrip assembly comprises several main components that work together to create a functional accessory mounting system. A forearm base 10 forms the lower portion of the assembly and may serve as the primary interface with the firearm. The forearm base 10 may include one or more attachment arms 12 for securing the assembly to a firearm receiver. A forearm top 16 forms the upper portion of the assembly and may be designed to cover and protect the barrel of the firearm.

In some cases, a heat shield 18 may be positioned between the forearm top 16 and the firearm barrel to provide thermal protection. The assembly may also include a barrel clamping mechanism, which may comprise a barrel clamp first leg 25 and a barrel clamp second leg 24, for securing the foregrip to the firearm barrel. The foregrip assembly may incorporate multiple rail systems for attaching accessories. A top rail 38 may be integrated into the forearm top 16, while a side rail 40 and a bottom rail 42 may be incorporated into the forearm base 10. These rails may provide mounting surfaces for various accessories such as sights, lights, or grips.

In some cases, the forearm base 10 and forearm top 16 may be hingably connected. This connection may allow for easy installation and removal of the foregrip assembly from the firearm, while maintaining a secure attachment when in use.

The components of the firearm foregrip assembly may work in concert to provide a stable, customizable platform for mounting accessories while securely attaching to the firearm. The modular design may allow for adaptability to different firearm models and user preferences.

Referring to FIG. 2, the firearm foregrip assembly comprises several detailed components that work together to provide a secure and adaptable mounting platform. The forearm base and the forearm top may be connected using multiple fastening mechanisms to ensure a robust assembly. In some cases, a forearm top hinge 30 may be incorporated into the forearm top, while a corresponding forearm base hinge 44 may be integrated into the forearm base. A forearm hinge connector 32 may join these hinge components, allowing the forearm top and forearm base to pivot relative to each other. This hinged connection may facilitate easy installation and removal of the foregrip assembly. The forearm top and forearm base may be further secured using a forearm top fastener 34. In some cases, the forearm top fastener 34 may engage with a forearm top fastener point 46 on the forearm top and a corresponding top connection point 208 on the forearm base. This additional fastening point may provide enhanced stability to the assembled foregrip.

The heat shield may be secured to the forearm top using one or more heat shield fasteners 22. These fasteners may engage with heat shield mounting points on the forearm top, ensuring proper positioning and retention of the heat shield.

A barrel clamping mechanism may be incorporated into the foregrip assembly to secure it to the firearm barrel. The barrel clamp first leg 25 and the barrel clamp second leg 24 may be pivotably connected to the forearm base. A barrel clamp anchor connector 26 may engage with a barrel clamp anchor receptacle 48 on each barrel clamp leg and a clamp receptacle 210 on the forearm base. This configuration may allow the barrel clamp legs to pivot between open and closed positions. In some cases, the barrel clamp legs may be secured in the closed position using a barrel clamp hinge actuator 28. The barrel clamp hinge actuator 28 may engage with an actuator receiver 212 on the barrel clamp second leg 24 and pass through an actuator port 214 on the barrel clamp first leg 25. This arrangement may allow for adjustable tension on the barrel clamp legs, accommodating various barrel diameters.

The forearm base may incorporate one or more attachment arms for securing the foregrip to the firearm receiver. An arm connection point 204 on the forearm base may accept an attachment arm connector, allowing the attachment arm to pivot. An arm screw 202 may engage with a screw connection point 206 to secure the attachment arm in a desired position.

The top rail on the forearm top and the side rail and bottom rail on the forearm base may provide versatile mounting surfaces for various accessories. These rails may feature standardized dimensions and spacing to accommodate a wide range of firearm accessories.

Referring to FIG. 3, the firearm foregrip assembly may be shown in an assembled configuration. The forearm base 10 and the forearm top 16 may be connected to form a unified structure. In some cases, the forearm top 16 may be hingably attached to the forearm base 10. The forearm top hinge 30 and the forearm base hinge 44 may be joined by the forearm hinge connector 32, allowing the forearm top 16 to pivot relative to the forearm base 10. This hinged connection may facilitate easy installation and removal of the foregrip assembly from a firearm. The assembled foregrip may incorporate multiple rail systems for attaching accessories. The top rail 38 may be integrated into the forearm top 16, while the side rail 40 and the bottom rail 42 may be incorporated into the forearm base 10. In some cases, these rails may feature integral attachment points for accessories such as slings.

A heat shield fastener 22 may be visible on the forearm top 16, securing the heat shield within the assembly. The heat shield may provide thermal protection between the firearm barrel and the foregrip components. The foregrip assembly may include attachment arms for securing the foregrip to a firearm receiver. A first attachment arm 310 and a second attachment arm 312 may protrude from the forearm base 10. In some cases, the attachment arms may be biased in the open position by a spring. The attachment arms may be held in the open position by the arm screw 202, which may engage with the screw connection point 206 on the forearm base 10.

The barrel clamping mechanism, comprising the barrel clamp first leg 25 and the barrel clamp second leg 24, may be connected to the forearm base 10. The barrel clamp anchor connector 26 may engage with the barrel clamp anchor receptacle 48 on each barrel clamp leg and the clamp receptacle 210 on the forearm base 10. The barrel clamp hinge actuator 28 may secure the barrel clamp legs in a closed position, engaging with the actuator receiver 212 on the barrel clamp second leg 24 and passing through the actuator port 214 on the barrel clamp first leg 25. In some cases, the forearm top 16 and forearm base 10 may be further secured using the forearm top fastener 34. The forearm top fastener 34 may engage with the forearm top fastener point 46 on the forearm top 16 and the corresponding top connection point 208 on the forearm base 10, providing additional stability to the assembled foregrip.

The assembled configuration may result in a rigid and versatile mounting platform, capable of accommodating various accessories while securely attaching to a firearm. The modular design may allow for adaptability to different firearm models and user preferences.

Referring to FIG. 4, a side orthogonal view of the firearm foregrip assembly is shown. The assembly comprises the forearm base 10 and the forearm top 16 that are connected by the forearm hinge connector 32. The forearm top 16 includes the top rail 38 that extends along its upper surface, while the forearm base 10 features the bottom rail 42 along its lower surface. Both rails may have a serrated pattern for mounting accessories. The forearm base 10 may include an attachment point 14 integrated into its structure. Attachment point 14 may provide a secure location for attaching accessories such as slings or other equipment. The first attachment arm 310 and the second attachment arm 312 may extend from the rear portion of the forearm base 10. These attachment arms may be designed to engage with a firearm receiver when the foregrip is installed. The heat shield fastener 22 may be visible on the side of the assembly, securing the heat shield within the forearm top 16. This arrangement may help protect the user's hand from heat generated by the firearm barrel during operation.

In some cases, the forearm base 10 and the forearm top 16 may include multiple ventilation holes arranged in a pattern along their surfaces. These ventilation holes may serve several purposes. Firstly, the ventilation holes may allow for heat dissipation, helping to cool the firearm barrel and internal components during extended use. This cooling effect may contribute to improved firearm performance and user comfort. Secondly, the ventilation holes may reduce the overall weight of the foregrip assembly, potentially improving the balance and handling characteristics of the firearm. Additionally, the ventilation holes may provide access to underlying components or fasteners that may be integral to a particular firearm platform. This access may facilitate maintenance or adjustment of the firearm without requiring complete removal of the foregrip assembly. The pattern and placement of the ventilation holes may be designed to maintain structural integrity while maximizing airflow and accessibility.

The overall structure of the foregrip assembly may present a rigid mounting platform with multiple attachment surfaces and mounting options. The combination of rail systems, integrated attachment points, and ventilation features may provide a versatile and functional accessory mounting solution for various firearm configurations.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exploded perspective view of the firearm foregrip assembly is shown, illustrating the installation process and the relationship between components and a barrel 500. The forearm base 10 and the forearm top 16 may be separated to allow for installation around the barrel 500. In some cases, a heat shield 18 may be positioned between the forearm top 16 and the barrel 500. The heat shield 18 may connect to the forearm top 16 at a heat shield connection point 20. Multiple heat shield fasteners 22 may be used to secure the heat shield 18 to the forearm top 16, providing enhanced thermal protection.

The forearm top 16 may include the forearm top hinge 30 for connection to the forearm base 10. The top rail 38 may extend along the length of the forearm top 16, providing a mounting surface for accessories. In some cases, the top rail 38 may extend beyond the forearm base 10 towards a muzzle 504 of the firearm, allowing for forward mounting of optics or other accessories. The forearm base 10 may incorporate the first attachment arm 310 and the second attachment arm 312, which may protrude from the rear portion of the forearm base 10. An attachment arm spring 502 may be visible between the attachment arms, potentially biasing the attachment arms in an open position. The attachment arms may be designed to engage with a firearm receiver when the foregrip is installed, securing the foregrip assembly to the firearm.

In some cases, multiple sets of barrel clamp legs may be used for securing the forearm base 10 to the barrel 500. The barrel clamp first leg 25 and the barrel clamp second leg 24 may form one set of barrel clamp legs. These legs may be connected to the forearm base 10 by the barrel clamp anchor connector 26, which may engage with the barrel clamp anchor receptacle 48 on each barrel clamp leg and the clamp receptacle 210 on the forearm base 10. The barrel clamp hinge actuator 28 may secure the barrel clamp legs in a closed position around the barrel 500.

During installation, the forearm base 10 may be positioned below the barrel 500, while the forearm top 16 with the attached heat shield 18 may be lowered onto the barrel 500 from above. The forearm top hinge 30 and the forearm base hinge 44 may then be aligned and connected using the forearm hinge connector 32. The forearm top fastener 34 may engage with the forearm top fastener point 46 on the forearm top 16 and the corresponding top connection point 208 on the forearm base 10, securing the assembly together. The barrel clamp legs may be closed around the barrel 500 and secured using the barrel clamp hinge actuator 28. The attachment arms may be moved to their open position, engaging with the firearm receiver to provide additional stability to the installed foregrip assembly. In some cases, the arm screw 202 may engage with the screw connection point 206 to hold the attachment arms in the desired position. This installation process may result in a secure attachment of the foregrip assembly to the firearm, with the heat shield 18 providing thermal protection between the barrel 500 and the foregrip components. The multiple rail systems, including the top rail 38, side rail 40, and bottom rail 42, may provide versatile mounting options for accessories once the foregrip is installed.

Referring to FIG. 6, a lateral view of a firearm 600 with the installed foregrip assembly is shown. The firearm 600 may include a shoulder stock 606 at the rear portion and the muzzle 504 at the forward end. The foregrip assembly may comprise the forearm base 10 and the forearm top 16 mounted to a receiver 602 of the firearm 600. In some cases, the top rail 38 may extend along the forearm top 16, providing a mounting surface for accessories. The top rail 38 may extend further forward than the forearm base 10 towards the muzzle 504. This extended top rail 38 may allow for mounting optics or other accessories in a more forward position on the firearm 600.

The foregrip assembly may be positioned between the receiver 602 and the muzzle 504, providing a comfortable gripping surface for the user's support hand. In some cases, the first attachment arm 310 and the second attachment arm 312 may engage with the receiver 602, securing the foregrip assembly to the firearm 600. The barrel clamp first leg 25 and the barrel clamp second leg 24 may secure the foregrip assembly to the barrel 500, providing additional stability. The heat shield 18 may be positioned between the barrel 500 and the forearm top 16, protecting the user's hand from heat generated during firearm operation. The heat shield 18 may be secured to the forearm top 16 using the heat shield fasteners 22 at the heat shield connection points 20. In some cases, the bottom rail 42 and the side rail 40 may provide additional mounting surfaces for accessories such as vertical grips, weapon lights, or laser aiming devices. The attachment point 14 on the forearm base 10 may allow for the attachment of slings or other equipment.

The integration of the foregrip assembly with the firearm 600 may enhance the functionality of the firearm 600 by providing a stable platform for accessory mounting while improving user comfort and control. The modular design of the foregrip assembly may allow for customization to suit various user preferences and mission requirements.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A firearm foregrip comprising: a lower section hingably attached to an upper section;an attachment arm carried by the lower section with an arm open position and an arm closed position, wherein the attachment arm is adapted to be received within a frame of a firearm securing the lower section to the frame when the attachment arm is in the arm open position; anda barrel clamp, connected to the lower section, with a clamp open position and a clamp closed position, wherein the barrel clamp is adapted to receive a barrel of the firearm and secure the lower section to the barrel when the barrel clamp is in the clamp closed position.

2. The firearm foregrip of claim 1, wherein the attachment arm is biased open by a spring connected to the attachment arm.

3. The firearm foregrip of claim 1, wherein the attachment arm can be held in the arm open position by a set screw carried by the lower section.

4. The firearm foregrip of claim 1, further comprising a second attachment arm carried by the lower section, wherein the second attachment arm is adaptable to be received within the frame of the firearm securing the lower section to the frame when the attachment arm and the second attachment arm are in the arm open position.

5. The firearm foregrip of claim 1, wherein: the barrel clamp is a first barrel clamp; andthe firearm foregrip further comprises a second barrel clamp in line with the first barrel clamp and carried by the lower section, wherein the second barrel clamp is adapted to straddle the barrel of the firearm and secure the lower section to the barrel.

6. The firearm foregrip of claim 1, wherein the lower section has an attachment rail adapted to receive accessories selected from the group consisting of sights, scopes, lights, hand grips, bipods, sling mounts, lasers, grenade launchers, hand stops and any combination thereof.

7. The firearm foregrip of claim 1, wherein the upper section has an attachment rail.

8. The firearm foregrip of claim 7, wherein a portion of the attachment rail extends beyond the lower section.

9. The firearm foregrip of claim 1, further comprising a heat shield carried by the upper section and disposed between the barrel or a gas tube and the upper section.

10. A firearm foregrip comprising: a lower section of the foregrip disposed below a barrel of a firearm;an upper section of the foregrip disposed above the barrel wherein the upper section is hingably attached to the lower section;an attachment arm carried by the lower section adapted to secure the lower section to a frame of the firearm; anda barrel clamp connected to the lower section adapted to secure the lower section to the barrel.

11. The firearm foregrip of claim 10, further comprising a heat shield secured between the upper section and the barrel.

12. The firearm foregrip of claim 11, wherein the heat shield is secured to the upper section using one or more fasteners.

13. The firearm foregrip of claim 10, wherein the attachment arm includes an closed position and an open position wherein in the open position the lower section can be secured to the frame.

14. The firearm foregrip of claim 13, wherein the open position includes rotating the attachment arm about a pivot point carried by the lower section.

15. The firearm foregrip of claim 14, includes a set screw adapted to securing the attachment arm in the open position.

16. The firearm foregrip of claim 10, wherein the barrel clamp legs includes an open position and a closed position wherein transitioning from the open position to the closed position secures the lower section to the barrel.

17. A firearm comprising: a receiver;a barrel carried from the receiver; anda foregrip attached to the receiver and the barre;:a lower section included in the foregrip hingably attached to an upper section included in the foregrip;an attachment arm carried by the lower section and engaging the receiver; anda barrel clamp connected to the lower section adapted to secure the lower section to the barrel.

18. The firearm of claim 17, wherein the attachment arm is biased in an open position by a spring connected to the attachment arm.

19. The firearm of claim 18, wherein the attachment arm can be secured in the open position by a set screw carried by the lower section.

20. The firearm of claim 19, further comprising a heat shield carried by the upper section and disposed between the barrel and the upper section, wherein the heat shield is secured to the upper section using one or more fasteners.