Patent Grant
12222177
The present invention relates to the field of firearms, and more particularly to methods and devices for converting an automatic style of rifle to achieve the form and benefits of a bolt-action style rifle but with auto-loading rates of fire and common automatic rifle parts.
It is common for high-power automatic rifles to be utilized by law-enforcement, military and competitive shooters. An example of a high-power tactical rifle is the AR-15 platform. There are a number of different tactical rifles on the market, including those that are modified. One difference between a tactical rifle and other sport rifles is that the tactical rifle utilizes a pistol style grip in addition to a forward hand grip and buttstock. The AR-15 rifle system or style system, includes a number of derivatives, examples of which include the AR-10 which is provided in .308 caliber, the M-4, as well as other variants. An AR-15 rifle platform typically comprises a lower receiver, a trigger group located in the lower receiver, an upper receiver, a handguard, a pistol grip and a buttstock. The main structural components are the upper and lower receiver elements. The external components include the handguard, pistol grip and the buttstock which attach to the lower receiver and upper receiver, with the pistol grip and buttstock attaching to the lower receiver and the handguard attaching to the upper receiver. The handguard typically encircles the barrel of the rifle. The trigger group or trigger assembly is housed within the lower receiver. There are a number of aftermarket triggers that may be placed within the trigger housing of the lower receiver. Because of the typical design of the automatic rifles, most rifle users consider the rifles to have a handguard, pistol grip and buttstock. In many instances one of the most widely used accessories for attachment to a rifle is a sight or other form of an optic or sighting system. In some instances the sight may include a laser. A laser sight is used which projects a narrowly focused beam of light that is visible on an intended target. Some sights utilize magnifying objectives to maximize performance of the rifle. There are some optical sights that utilize telescopic finders, such as advanced optical combat gunsights (acog's) which attach to an upper receiver.
The AR-15 rifle is different than its predecessor breech-loading rifles, which typically had a single receiver housing both the trigger and reloading mechanism. The AR-15 provides a distinguishing feature of modular construction in order to facilitate the substitution of parts making repairs easier for military rifles. In an AR rifle arrangement, the lower receiver typically includes the trigger guard that is situated ahead of a detachable pistol grip, and behind the magazine well that is designed to receive and hold detachable ammunition magazines. The typical AR rifle lower receiver provides an attachment point for the buttstock and holds the trigger assembly. The trigger assembly includes the hammer. The lower receiver is attached to an upper receiver and may be removably decoupled for cleaning or repair of malfunctions. The AR style rifle upper receiver contains the bolt carrier assembly and is attached to the barrel assembly. Sights are attached to the upper receiver or the barrel assembly. A handguard usually is attached to the upper receiver, and, in some instances, may be attached to the barrel. The handguard functions to enclose the barrel and a gas-operated reloading device. Burnt powder gas is vented from an opening in the barrel near the forward end of the handguard.
There are a couple of styles of AR-15 type rifles. Some AR-15 rifles have been constructed using a direct gas impingement system (DGI), while others are configured using a short-stroke gas piston design. With the DGI style, a tube vents burnt powder gas back into the bolt carrier assembly. The gas expands within the variable volume chamber to force the bolt open. That action ejects the spent cartridge case. The bolt is then closed by the action of a buffer spring, typically located within the buttstock, which pushes the bolt closed and picks up a new cartridge from the magazine. The DGI system is designed to release the unburned smokeless powder residue to minimize the tendency for malfunctions. The other style, which employs a short-stroke gas piston, involves a metal rod that pushes against the bolt carrier. The metal rod is driven by a piston, which typically is situated behind the barrel gas port.
There are a number of styles of AR rifles, which may include a detachable magazine, a pistol grip, as well as folding or collapsible stocks that reduce the overall length of the rifle. An example of a handguard mounting device for an AR style rifle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,716,865 entitled, “Systems and Methods for Providing a Hand Guard and Accessory Mounting Device for a Firearm”. The '865 patent discloses a handguard and a mountable accessory that connects to threads provided on the barrel. The '865 patent also discloses set screws used for securing the accessory along the barrel. U.S. Pat. No. 8,931,197 discloses a “Handguard for Firearm” with a barrel that is free-floating and is supported by the receiver assembly. The forearm is connected to the barrel or receiver assembly and is provided with rails for receiving accessories thereon. A conversion for a rifle, such as an AR-15, is disclosed in US 2012/0291329 for “Rimfire Action Platform Conversion” and discloses a handguard mount provided on the main stock for attaching a handguard thereto. US 2016/0209136, entitled, “Convertible Lower Receiver”, provides a device for changing rounds, which is designed to allow a user to configure from one round to another by allowing switching from one upper receiver to another. U.S. Pat. No. 7,640,689 discloses a “Hand Guard System For Use With A Firearm” that comprises a first support or holding unit and a second support or holding unit, each of which removably couples to a firearm to support a handguard shell therebetween without having to remove or disassemble a barrel of the firearm to remove the holding units. The barrel may be used as a mounting surface to attach a base member. US 2010/0186278 discloses a “Handguard Assembly and Stanag Mount Adapter Assembly,” with a securing mechanism for attaching a handguard to the barrel nut. US patent application 2019/0178608 A1 for a “Firearm Chassis With Integrated Rail System”, discloses a chassis for a firearm that includes a lower receiver and a lower forend that are monolithically formed with one another.
US patent application 2013/0014418 A1 for a “Detachable Chassis Base For Rifle” discloses a lower chassis receiver assembly with a detachable chassis base that can be completely removable, or hingedly attached to provide access without completely removing the chassis base in order to handle different magazines and to permit removal of the chassis base for cleaning of the trigger mechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 10,443,963, discloses a “Modified Rifle Lower Receiver, Related Components, Cartridges, and Methods” that includes removing the standard lower receiver and firing pin from an upper receiver, installing a longer, modified firing pin into the upper receiver, and installing the modified lower receiver on the upper receiver.
US 2015/0184976 “Firearm Having a Removable Hand Guard” discloses a rifle having a receiver with a receiver frame, a barrel removably connected to the receiver frame, a cover coupled to the barrel and a removable handguard section extending over and surrounding the barrel. A “Firearm Accessory Mounting System” is disclosed in US2009/0056191 which has a handguard surrounding a portion of the barrel, and an upper shell and lower shell. A modular receiver system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,313,883 comprising a barrel and receiver assembly providing a quick changeover coupling means for connecting the barrel to the receiver.
On rifles that have mating upper and lower receiver assemblies, there exists tolerance stack-up, or “slop” that will allow small movements between the two receivers when firing the rifle. These movements impact accuracy and precision, especially at extended ranges. Accuracy and precision are impacted due to angular projections of the movement between the receivers. Therefore, as the shooter attempts shots at longer ranges, the error from receiver movement is magnified.
Attempts to mitigate the tolerance slop however still have contact from the user on the upper receiver causing movement between the receivers. No matter what device is used between the receivers to mitigate tolerance stack-up, there will always be some movement allowed between the receivers due to every physical part having an associated tolerance. When the operator fires the rifle, his or her off-hand remains in contact with the handguard, grip, or other parts connected to the upper receiver that will force movement between receivers.
In addition to receiver tolerance differences, the traditional free float handguard can bend slightly based on material composition and length. If the sights or laser accessories are attached to that handguard, they will be subject to the movement from bending and decrease accuracy.
A need exists for a method and device that can provide versatility to the existing AR type rifles and improve accuracy.
Devices and methods for implementing a conversion of an automatic type rifle are provided. The devices and methods provide a chassis conversion for autoloading rifles with upper and lower receiver subassemblies.
A chassis conversion is provided for automatic type rifles, including AR-15, AR-10, and combat assault style rifles, such as special operations combat assault type rifles (also sold and/or referred to as SCAR-type rifles, and/or SCAR rifles when used by FN Herstal, S.A. for its brand of rifles), and CZ Bren rifles (CZUB). The chassis being implemented is similar to that of traditional bolt action platforms but is instead intended for AR-15 style rifles and similar variations including, but not limited to, the M16 and its sub-variations, the M4 and its sub-variations, the DPMS LR-308 and its sub-variations, the FN-SCAR, the Bushmaster ACR, the Smith & Wesson M&P 10, CZ Bren and the like. The design is also applicable to the SCAR pattern of rifles. The chassis conversion may be implemented for a variety of different caliber/chambering rifles.
The conversion device and methods provide a chassis style rifle configuration for automatic type or style rifles, including AR-15/AR-10/SCAR pattern rifles, comprising a conversion component that attaches to a standard or modified standard lower receiver while allowing the rifle to remain capable of being used as either a chassis gun or standard rifle configuration under different circumstances, as the operator desires.
The device eliminates the need for the operator to contact the upper receiver assembly during firing except to work firing controls when necessary (e.g., when the lower receiver component, such as a trigger or other firing control component, engages with an action component of the upper receiver). By eliminating the need to contact the upper receiver during the act of firing a shot, particularly for gripping with the off-hand or having a hand resting on separate shooting accessories, the rifle's accuracy and precision are enhanced. Accuracy and precision are enhanced by eliminating movement that would normally be caused by gripping the forearm of the rifle causing movement between the upper receiver and lower receiver assemblies or flexion of the handguard.
According to some embodiments, the devices may be adapted and configured to convert mostly any AR-15/AR-10/SCAR style derivation or rifle that uses separated lower and upper receiver assemblies by providing a lower receiver extension to form a rifle forearm.
The devices and methods provide the AR/SCAR styles of rifles with a configurable and deconfigurable capability of achieving a form similar to that of a bolt action rifle but with auto-loading rates of fire and common AR parts. The present method for converting the automatic type rifles involves configuring the rifle with one or more conversion parts, referred to in some embodiments herein as a mount piece. The conversion devices are fitted to the automatic rifle, such as an AR style rifle. The devices may comprise a mount piece that connects to the rifle. The mount piece may comprise a plurality of elements that enable connection of the mount piece to the rifle, and more preferably, the magazine well or other portions of the lower receiver of the rifle. The present devices and methods minimize, and more preferably eliminate the need to handle the upper receiver or components attached to the upper receiver, allowing for improved accuracy.
The seam of an AR style rifle (or other style rifle having a receiver assembly that is comprised of an upper receiver and lower receiver) where the upper and lower receivers meet generally provides an area where machining tolerance stack-up, or “slop”, is present and allows small movements between the two mating parts. When a user touches any parts connected to the upper receiver (barrel, handguard, etc.), the user is causing small movements of the upper receiver relative to the lower. In the case of rifles equipped with free float handguards, the pressure on the handguard by the user causes flexion of the handguard creating similar small movements. The small movements accentuate reduction of accuracy, especially when firing from long ranges. The present invention provides an AR chassis conversion, which according to preferred embodiments, is constructed to completely free float the entire upper receiver of an AR to the lower receiver. The embodiments eliminate the need to touch any part of the upper receiver or the upper's mating parts when firing the rifle. In other words, even when using a free-float style handguard, there is still a point of contact with the upper receiver when gripping and firing the firearm. The present configuration of the conversion design eliminates that point of contact with the upper receiver by extending the reach of the lower receiver with a forearm originating solely from the lower receiver subassembly. According to preferred embodiments, the conversion may be accomplished with a mount piece that connects to the lower receiver. The mount piece or a component attached to the mount piece, such as a forearm piece, may be integrated as part of the mount piece, or alternatively, may be connectable to the mount piece and released or disconnected therefrom. The detachment of the component, such as a forearm piece, from the mount piece enables the return to the rifle configuration where the mount piece is still connected to the lower receiver. In this configuration, the mount piece may serve to attach and support one or more other components, such as accessories, or a different forearm piece or handguard.
The invention permits ready change of components, such as accessories, to the mount piece. The configuration of the mount piece holds the accessories to the lower receiver, and does not rely on the upper receiver to support the accessories or the mount piece, thereby eliminating user contact with the upper receiver or accessories connected thereto.
According to preferred embodiments, the conversion device is configured to comprise a mount piece that is securable to the magazine-well or other portions of the lower receiver. According to some preferred embodiments, the securable mount piece may extend a new forearm for gripping which may be disposed outward, parallel to the barrel.
According to a preferred implementation, the method for converting the rifle involves the removal of the original handguard to allow the new conversion chassis handguard to remain close to the barrel much like a standard handguard. Then a cover for the gas tube or gas piston assembly is affixed to the upper receiver to protect those parts without the original handguard in place to do so. The cover may incorporate picatinny rail sections to facilitate accessory mounting.
According to preferred embodiments, the conversion chassis is comprised of a mount piece and, preferably also includes a forearm piece. The mount piece attaches to the lower receiver. According to some embodiments, the mount piece may be mounted to the magazine-well. The mount piece provides a mounting structure to which accessories or other mounting components may be attached. According to some preferred embodiments, the mount piece provides a forward extension that is located after the magazine well. The mount piece may be configured to comprise a plurality of portions.
According to some preferred embodiments, the conversion chassis is comprised of a mount piece and forearm piece. According to some embodiments, the mount piece may be comprised of a series of parts that conform to the magazine-well or other portions of the lower receiver. According to some preferred configurations, the mount piece may extend a mounting surface onto the front of the magazine-well when joined together or installed on the magazine well. The surfaces formed by the mount piece subassembly are then used to fasten (e.g., screw or clip) the forearm piece subassembly in place to form the entire conversion chassis assembly.
The present devices and configuration allow the entire upper receiver assembly to remain free floated with respect to the entire lower receiver assembly. For example, accessories such as a bipod (or other accessory) may be mounted to the forearm piece and, as a result of the present conversion configuration and mount, will not apply pressure to the upper receiver in any way. The top cover for the gas tube or gas piston can be affixed to the barrel nut, upper receiver, barrel, gas block, or front sight base to provide a steady base for accessory mounting without touching the forearm piece and compromising accuracy.
The present method and devices provide improved accuracy from the automatic rifle platforms, such as, for example, the AR-15/AR-10/SCAR type platforms, and mimics the accuracy of precision bolt-action rifles. The AR-style of rifle is already an accurate platform, but it is subject to the same tolerance issues present in any machine. The present conversion devices and methods mitigate the issues present in the rifle to provide a more accurate, precise, and stable shooting system. The conversion chassis also prevents the need for permanent modifications to be made to the rifle. The system further allows rapid fire of a chassis-based rifle system compared to the rate of fire achievable with a bolt-action rifle. For example, the invention also provides shooters with the ability to quickly transform and reconfigure a carbine or similar style rifle into a precision platform with the ability to quickly reverse the changes at will. The conversion system also allows for a user to have a more traditional style of forearm, if the user prefers. Finally, the conversion system allows users with minimal rifle building skills the ability to install and maintain the conversion by using an automatic rifle, such as the AR-15/AR-10/SCAR, as the base rifle.
Embodiments of the method and devices provide a lower receiver mounting method with a separate, detachable forearm subassembly. The devices and methods of the invention prevent the necessity for any permanent changes to the lower receiver for practicality, reliability, as well as in some instances for legal purposes. From a practicality standpoint, allowing removal minimizes the impact the chassis conversion system has on impeding the natural pivoting motion of the upper receiver during firearm disassembly. For practicality, a nonpermanent option also provides the user the ability to maintain one lower receiver that can provide the benefits of a chassis rifle under some circumstances and a normal rifle configuration under other circumstances. In other words, it allows easy removal to revert back to a non-converted lower receiver at the user's will which makes the same lower receiver serve a variety of roles. The same lower receiver serving as a chassis gun or a standard rifle configuration under different circumstances also allows the serialized part of the firearm to be used in a variety of roles. Therefore, only one serialized part needs to be controlled versus having a dedicated chassis gun and dedicated standard rifle. The ability to meet lawful compliance and provide versatility is accomplished with the invention. Also, the ability to separate the forearm from the mount subassembly allows a variety of different forearm pieces (varying in length, height, width, material, etc.) to be installed onto the same mount subassembly. The ability to install a variety of different forearm pieces allows the user to tailor a forearm piece to his or her individual needs. Additionally, the mount subassembly can then be made for a specific firearm model and a multitude of forearm piece options will mate with the clamp or mount portion.
It is important to mention that the non-permanent mount assembly is only necessary to avoid permanent modification to a standard AR pattern or SCAR pattern lower receiver. And while the non-permanent solution provides the many benefits such as those listed above and is preferable, this invention, in one or more alternate embodiments, is also applicable to lower receivers that are permanently modified to provide a mount for the forearm. The forearm mounting point can be welded, forged, or provided from virtually any manufacturing process. In which case, the lower receiver after modification would become the new “standard” lower receiver as long as the role of being useable in the non-chassis configuration is still possible. This invention of a chassis conversion is to provide the user with a single lower receiver that can be used as a standard (aka traditional) rifle setup or as a chassis gun at will. It does not make the lower receiver strictly a chassis gun regardless of lower receiver modification. This invention is a conversion, not a monolithic AR pattern receiver.
The chassis conversion methods and devices for the AR style rifle is designed to eliminate the need to grip/mount accessories from any parts touching the upper receiver due to the accuracy error imparted from tolerance slop between the upper and lower receivers or traditional free float handguard flexion. The invention enhances the accuracy of the AR-style rifle in many calibers and configurations. This style of rifle is already an accurate platform, but it is subject to the same tolerance issues present in any machine. This invention mitigates the issues present in the rifle to provide a more accurate, precise, and stable shooting system. Additionally, this invention being a chassis style forearm allows the shooter to have a rifle that resembles a bolt action rifle but with the common parts, availability, and rapid rate of fire of the AR family of rifles. The invention also provides shooters with the ability to quickly transform and reconfigure a carbine or similar style rifle into a precision platform with the ability to quickly reverse the changes at will. Finally, the conversion system provides a more traditional style forearm for shooters who prefer such a component.
By providing a forearm attached to the lower receiver and not contacting the upper receiver, a degree of freedom is removed from the system (the rifle). The forearm allows the operator to only touch parts of the lower receiver assembly when shooting. Contacting the upper receiver is now only necessary to work other controls (charging, sight adjustments, scope adjustments, clearing malfunctions, etc.).
While the two receivers are still free to move relative to each other due to tolerance stack-up, they will be free of additional movement caused by operator contact on the upper receiver. The two receivers have a tendency to settle back into what shall be referred to in this document as a “home position.” The home position is where the two assemblies settle back into after a shot from the rifle as long as there is no interference from the operator. This chassis style conversion eliminates the additional interference thereby allowing the rifle receiver assemblies to settle back into the home position to increase accuracy and precision.
These and other advantages may be provided by the devices and methods. Features disclosed in connection with one embodiment may be employed in other embodiments and/or may be combined together with one or more features of other embodiments.
Referring to the drawing figures, the present invention is used in conjunction with a firearm, such as a rifle, and more particularly, to military or tactical style rifles, such as, for example, an AR-15, AR-10, SCAR, M-16, M-4, etc., and the like. For example, the devices of the invention may be applied to convert rifles, such as automatic type rifles, AR-10, AR-15, and SCAR type rifles. The present method implements conversion of an automatic type rifle, such as an AR-10, AR-15, SCAR or other rifle, to provide a chassis style rifle configuration for AR-15/AR-10/SCAR pattern rifles by attaching a conversion component to a standard or modified standard lower receiver while remaining capable of being used as either a chassis gun or standard rifle configuration under different circumstances, as desired by the user. This device configuration eliminates the need for the operator to contact the upper receiver assembly during firing except to work firing controls when necessary (to translate the actuation to an action component). By eliminating the need to contact the upper receiver during the act of firing a shot, particularly for gripping with the off-hand or resting on separate shooting accessories, the rifle's accuracy and precision are enhanced. Accuracy and precision are enhanced by eliminating movement that would normally be caused by gripping the forearm of the rifle causing movement between the upper receiver and lower receiver assemblies or flexion of the handguard. The conversion devices may be employed to convert an AR-15/AR-10/SCAR derivation or rifle that uses separated lower and upper receiver assemblies by using the same principle of providing a lower receiver extension to form a rifle forearm.
According to some embodiments, the mount portion may mount the forearm to the rifle. The mount portion may provide a foundation for the attachment of the forearm (which may be one of a variety of user selected forearms), and/or other accessories. According to some alternate embodiments, the mount, such as a forearm mount, may be a permanent addition (integrally provided) to the lower receiver allowing for attachments and removal of accessories, such as the forearm or handguard, so that only the lower receiver is contacted (aside from an action component engagement by the trigger when firing). The mount portion may be comprised of a clamp around the lower receiver or portion thereof. According to some other embodiments, the mount portion may be comprised of a tap or hole pattern integral to the lower receiver. The mount may be attached to the lower receiver based on operator preference, and according to preferred embodiments, may be removed therefrom. The mount portion can extend beyond the magazine-well to be joined to other portions of the lower receiver such as the trigger guard, grip, buffer tube, etc. The mount portion preferably provides a sole foundation for attaching a forearm to the firearm originating from the lower receiver instead of the upper receiver. The mount subassembly consists of a series of parts that grasp various areas of the rifle's lower receiver including but not limited to the magazine well and trigger guard. The mount subassembly has recesses that conform to the lower receiver to “cup” the lower receiver. Then the mount provides a portion of material that allows the forearm subassembly to be joined to it. According to some embodiments, the mount subassembly may extend beyond the magazine-well to be joined to other portions of the lower receiver such as the trigger guard, grip, buffer tube, etc. The attachment points between mount subassembly and lower receiver subassembly are dependent on operator preference and specific lower receiver geometry. The user may implement the conversion of a rifle when desiring to convert the rifle to receive and accept accessories on the lower receiver only, so as to prevent engagement of the accessories with parts of the rifle (i.e., the upper receiver).
Referring to
The devices and methods of the invention may be utilized in conjunction with a firearm, such as the rifle 110 depicted in
Referring to
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The mount piece 220 shown in
According to some alternate embodiments, the mount may be provided as part of the lower receiver. Differences in the mount piece configuration may be required to accommodate lower receivers, such as for example, AR-15s, AR-10s, SCARs styles of rifles, and, according to some implementations, mount piece configurations for installation to other manufacturer's specific lower receivers and their specific configurations, may require extending one or more portions of the present device conversion components, such as the mount piece or mount pieces, for attachment to one or more other areas of the lower receiver assembly (e.g., such as the stock, buffer tube, grip, and the like). The present device and method provide for ready attachment to and detachment from the host rifle to be converted. The conversion components, such as the mount piece or mount pieces, only contact with the lower receiver assembly. In other words, according to preferred embodiments, the mount piece or pieces, only engage with the lower receiver, and do not contact or engage with the upper receiver or barrel (or preferably, any of the rifle portions other than the lower receiver.
Referring to
The devices and methods may be implemented in accordance with the above embodiments, and the embodiments depicted in
According to some embodiments, the mount piece 451 comprises or is configured as a first mount piece, and may remain attached to the lower receiver, such as the lower receiver 413 of the rifle 410 shown herein for illustration purposes, so that accessories or other components may be attached to the mount piece 451. The mount piece 451 is shown having a connecting portion 472 comprising connecting flanges 473, 474 that are inwardly disposed to connect with each other at the front of the magazine well 417 (see
For example, a forearm portion may be reconfigured to suit a variety of user preferences. The forearm portion may be of a variety of sizes or shapes based on operator preference. The forearm may be constructed to partially or fully enclose the gas tube if the operator desires, or a separate gas tube cover may be employed. According to some preferred embodiments, the forearm portion, such as for example, a handguard, may solely provide the gripping surface and extend from the lower receiver mount, such as the removably connectable mount piece (shown installed on the lower receiver).
According to a preferred embodiment, to illustrate the capabilities of the device, the mount piece 451 is shown assembled in a configuration connected to a second mount piece 481. The second mount piece 481 is shown supporting a forearm piece or handguard 482, although the second mount piece 481 or other second mount pieces may connect with the mount piece 451 to removably mount the handguard and/or other accessories that may be used with the rifle, such as scopes, bipods, magazine holders, and the like. The second mount piece 481 is shown having a mounting portion 483 comprised of proximal flanges 484, 485 that are situated to engage the front flanges or connecting flanges 473, 474 of the mount piece 451 (see
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In addition to the handguard 482, other components and accessories may be connected and supported with the mount piece 451. For example, a plurality of accessories or components may be connected to the mount piece 451 via the connecting flanges 473, 474. The handguard 482 may be replaced with other handguards or accessories, or in some instances, connection of multiple accessories may be accommodated, such as for example, a handguard and a bi-pod mount, which may be connected to a mount, such as the mount piece 451, or second mount piece 481.
Referring to
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According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated, the second mount piece 481 is shown connected to the first mount piece 451. The second mount piece 481 includes a distal flange 495 which, as shown in
In accordance with a preferred implementation, the first mount piece 451 is secured to the lower receiver of the rifle 410 by assembling the joining piece 455 to the first body portion 453 and second body portion 454 of the mount piece 451. Then the handguard piece 481 shown with the second mount piece 481 already attached thereto, is connected to the front flanges 473, 474 of the mount piece 451 with the fasteners (such as the screws 498 shown in
In the embodiments illustrated, the accessory, such as the handguard 481, is connected to the rifle 410 via the mount piece 451. The mount piece 451 is secured to the lower receiver 413, and in the preferred embodiments is mounted to the magazine well 417. The handguard 482 is entirely supported on the lower receiver 413 via the mount piece 451 and does not engage or contact the other components of the rifle 410, such as the barrel 415 or upper receiver 412 or its components. In the embodiment illustrated, the handguard 482 is shown partially surrounding the barrel 415, on three sides thereof, but is spaced apart from the barrel 415, and does not make contact with it. Thus the accessory weight is carried solely by the lower receiver 413.
According to embodiments, the accessories, such as the handguard 482, or other accessories, may be mounted to the mount piece 451. According to some embodiments the mount piece 451 may include one or more mount piece connectors, such as the second mount piece 481 shown in conjunction with the mount piece 451 and handguard 482. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the second mount piece 481 is shown having a mating configuration to connect with the attachment end 482a of the handguard 482, and, in the embodiment illustrated, the second mount piece 481 includes a first connecting portion shown comprising flanges 484, 485 that connect with the mount piece 451, and a second connecting portion 481b that connects with the accessory connector, such as the handguard mounts 493, 494 Referring to
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The mount piece and conversion devices shown herein, according to some alternate embodiments, may be configured with one or more cut-outs, slots, or recesses to accommodate or allow access to features of the host firearm being converted.
The mount piece, although shown according to some preferred embodiments as being formed from a plurality of components, according to some alternate embodiments, may be formed from a single component that is securable to the lower receiver. For example, the first and second mount body portions may be provided as a single component body that is connectable to the lower receiver, and preferably for example, the magazine well. According to some embodiments, the connector or plate may pass through the trigger space to secure the mount body to the rifle. According to some alternate embodiments, a first mount piece may be integrally provided with a second mount piece. According to some other embodiments, the integrally provided mount piece or pieces may include an integrally provided accessory, such as a handguard.
The conversion components, such as the mount and mount body pieces comprising the mount, may be installed using a clamping force that clamps the mount and/or mount pieces onto the lower receiver. For example, the screws shown may be used to apply a clamping force by securing together the mount pieces on the lower receiver, and according to some embodiments, on the magazine well portion of the lower receiver. The mount pieces preferably are secured against movement so the rifle and any attachments may be carried by or on the user, or be transported and operated in a stable form. Although the mount piece is shown in preferred embodiments being removably connectable to the lower receiver, according to some alternate embodiments, the mount piece may be provided as part of the lower receiver, and include a detachable mounting surface or connector for connecting another component, such as a forearm or handguard, or other accessory, which when installed, provides the capability to operate the firearm without touching the upper receiver or an accessory carried on or mounted to the upper receiver. The devices, such as the conversion components, such as for example, the mount pieces, as well as the forearm, may be constructed from a suitable material, such as metal or other suitable material, and preferably a material that is resistant to corrosion, water, and can withstand weather elements and conditions. According to some embodiments, the material may comprise a plastic material or material that may be extruded, injection molded, 3D printed, or other forming process or procedure. Plastic and alterative materials may be used to reduce the weight of the conversion components such as the mount pieces, as well as of the accessories, such as a forearm piece, cover, or other connectable accessory.
While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the description is illustrative and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Various modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described herein and as defined by the appended claims.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220107154 A1 | Apr 2022 | US |
