Patent Grant
12181243
Field of Invention. This invention relates to firearms, particularly a firearm charging system to replace the existing firearm charging system.
The following discussion is not to be deemed admitted prior art but merely related art to show possible background and information related to firearm charging systems.
A firearm charging system is a mechanism used to prepare the weapon for firing by loading a cartridge into the firing chamber and cocking the firearm's internal components, such as the hammer or striker, in preparation for discharge. The specific type of charging system can vary depending on the firearm's design, but its primary purpose is to make the weapon ready to fire.
The type of charging system a firearm uses can significantly affect its operation, rate of fire, and ease of use. The system choice depends on the firearm's intended purpose and design considerations.
A pistol-caliber AR-15 platform is built on the AR-15 rifle platform but chambered for pistol cartridges instead of rifle cartridges. In other words, it looks and operates like an AR-15 but fires smaller, handgun-caliber ammunition.
Many firearms include rear charging systems (e.g., the AR-15 and M16 platforms), which do not have a gas-operated system. The lack of a gas-operated system is most common in pistol caliber AR-15 platforms that operate in an open bolt or blow-back system, utilizing only the recoil from the cartridge pressure to cycle the firearm. Without a gas system, this leaves an opening in the front of the upper receiver where a gas tube would traditionally pass through.
Operating the firearm with a rear charging system requires the following steps: (1) the user removes the firearm from their shoulder, thus breaking their firing sightline; (2) the user locates the rear charging handle on the firearm, and depending on the specific design, it may be located at the rear of the upper receiver, above the stock or buffer tube, or elsewhere on the firearm's rear; (3) the user grasps the rear charging handle and pulls it rearward (toward the stock or buffer tube) until it stops or resistance is felt; (4) the user allows the charging handle to move forward under spring tension which will chamber a round from the magazine if one is present, the firearm will be in a “cocked” position, ready to fire once the safety is disengaged and the trigger is pulled.
Having to remove the firearm from a shooting position causes inefficiencies when attempting to fire on a target.
Therefore, a need exists for a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm that can be installed on an existing rear charging system firearm.
This invention relates generally to, but is not limited to, a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm.
Disclosed are numerous aspects of a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm.
It is desirable to have a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm for installation by a user on an existing firearm. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm that uses the existing firearm components like upper receivers, bolt carriers, and recoil systems. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm that is less expensive than other systems.
The disclosed device advantageously fills these needs and addresses the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm.
In general, the embodiments provided herein relate to a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm. The system includes a handguard 001 that houses a forward charging rod. The forward charging rod includes a minor diameter that engages with the charging catch. A barrel nut is threaded over an upper receiver to tighten a barrel in a suitable position; the side-mounted forward charging system permits the conversion of a non-gas operated firearm to a side-mounted forward charging firearm.
These embodiments function with off-the-shelf standard AR and M-16 style parts. Unlike other systems that require proprietary upper receivers, bolt carriers, and recoil systems, this invention allows users to upgrade an existing complete rifle or build a rifle utilizing widely available and substantially less expensive parts. The side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm also allows the end user to customize the platform using a vast selection of standard components for their specific application that would not be an option with prior existing technology due to the need to use proprietary components.
The rotational bolt lock allows for the bolt to be locked back using the forward charging system and is not available in any prior existing technology for an AR/M-16 platform and therefore is advantageous because it allows single-handed bolt locking and unlocking, and the “Slap Bolt” unlocking is a desirable and sought-after unlocking function in the firearms industry.
A side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.
While aspects of a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm will be described with reference to the details of the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings (and some embodiments not shown in the drawings), these details are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The order of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.
This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. A side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art.
The invention does not require that all the features and advantages need to be incorporated into every version of the invention.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, other versions and embodiments of the invention are certainly possible. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments herein. All features disclosed in this specification including any claims, abstract, and drawings may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose unless expressly stated otherwise.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same, only as examples and not intended to be limiting.
The terms “firearm”, “AR platform”, “AR-15 platform”, and “M16 platform” may be used interchangeably herein.
In some embodiments of a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm a firearm is typically a pistol-caliber AR platform rifle.
A “handguard 001 extrusion” is the raw material from which a handguard 001 is machined from.
A “handguard” as used here in is the actual finished component machined out of the “handguard extrusion.”
A handguard extrusion in this invention is a unique designed profile that incorporates a cylindrical bearing guide 107 that houses a charging rod, which is differentially significant then other “handguard extrusions” that are used to manufacture other handguards.
A “forward retention unit” as used herein is a pressed together assembly of a magnetic catch housing 007, a magnetic catch magnet 009, held in place in the handguard by the magnetic catch retainer screw 008 in the cylindrical bearing guide 107.
Disclosed is a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm, comprising the following components: (1) a handguard 001, (2) a charging rod 002, (3) a charging catch 006, (4) a barrel nut 005, (5) a forward retention unit.
These components generally speaking, are configured as follows: (1) a barrel nut 005 is threaded onto an upper receiver 003; (2) a charging rod 002 is inserted into a handguard 001; (3) a charging handle mount plate 010 with a charging handle knob 014 attached slides into a slot 100 in the charging rod 002; (4) the charging handle mount plate 010 is attached by a flat head screw 011; (5) the handguard 001 assembly slides over the barrel nut 005 while passing the charging rod 002 through the upper receiver 003 and clamp screws 013 are tightened to a clamp nut plate 012; (6) resulting in compressing the handguard 001 onto the barrel nut 005; (7) a charging catch 006 is then dropped into a charging handle slot 101 in the upper receiver 003 and pushed forward until the charging rod 002 slides into a bore 102 on the charging catch 006; (8) resulting in the charging catch retainer 020 securely clipping into a groove 103 on the charging rod 002.
The disclosed device and method for a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm is unique when compared with other known apparatuses and solutions because it provides: (1) for converting non gas operated (blow back or open bolt) AR-15 and M16 platforms, usually found on pistol caliber firearms, to a side-mounted forward charging system; (2) for installation with off the shelf upper receivers, lower receivers, barrels, and bolt carriers; (3) in the rear position the handle can be tilted upward to engage a stop machined in the handguard 001 to hold the bolt open against the buffer spring tension. The charging handle can then be slapped down to release the catch and send the firearm into battery. The handguard 001 is designed in an ambidextrous fashion allowing the charging handle to be mounted in a left or right-handed orientation.
The disclosed device and method for a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm is unique in that it is structurally different from other known apparatuses or solutions. More specifically, a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm is unique due to the presence of (1) a proprietary handguard 001 extrusion profile with a built-in cylindrical bearing channel that guides a charging rod through the unused gas tube opening, where it locks into and engages a proprietary charging catch, which mimics the interaction of a standard rear charging handle (which this system replaces) with the bolt carrier to cycle the bolt carrier; (2) a side-mounted charging handle mounted to the charging rod and used to cycle the rod from the forward (closed bolt) position to the rearward (open bolt) position.
A handguard 001 is generally cylindrical with a barrel front open end and an attachment end.
A handguard 001 may be of a size, but not limited to, having a length of 12 cm to 41 cm (approximately 4.75 inches to 16.1 inches) and a diameter of 3.5 cm to 7 cm (approximately 1.5 inches to 2.75 inches).
A handguard 001 may be made of a material like, not meant to be limiting, aluminum, steel, plastic, carbon fiber.
In some embodiments, a handguard 001 is an aluminum extrusion profile which is then machined with additional functional and aesthetic features. The handguard 001 is mounted on the front of the firearm and surrounds the barrel 004 of the firearm. The handguard 001 provides a place to mount accessories as well as a place to hold the firearm, acting as a heat break. The handguard 001 is also the housing for the charging rod assembly 002. The handguard 001 mounts to the barrel nut 005 via an integral clamp by tightening the two clamp screws 013 into the clamp nut plate 012.
A charging rod 002 is a generally cylindrical object.
A charging rod 002 may be of a size, but not limited to, having a length of 10 cm to 25.5 cm (approximately 4 inches to 10 inches) and having a diameter of 4 mm to 13 mm (approximately 0.15 inches to 0.5 inches).
A charging rod 002 may be made of a material like, not meant to be limiting, aluminum, steel, metal alloys.
In some embodiments, the charging catch 006 replaces a rear charging handle.
In some embodiments, the charging catch 006 permits the forward charging rod to cycle a bolt without a user having to remove the firearm from their shoulder.
In some embodiments, the charging catch 006 is a metal component that replaces the standard rear charging handle on conventional rear charging platforms. The charging catch 006 is designed to interact with the bolt carrier 016 in the same way the original charging handle would, utilizing a catch that engages the top of the bolt carrier. The charging catch 006 has two cylindrical bosses that ride in the charging handle slots 101 of the upper receiver. The front of the charging catch 006 has a bore hole 102 that the charging rod 002 is inserted into until the charging catch retainer 020 engages in the V groove 103 of the charging rod 002.
In some embodiments, the system is designed to convert a non-gas operated traditional firearm to a firearm having a side-mounted forward charging system.
In some embodiments, the barrel nut 005 is a cylindrical metal nut that threads over the barrel nut threads of the upper receiver to tighten the barrel 004 in place.
In some embodiments, the barrel nut 005 is further comprised of a plurality of grooves to allow clearance of the forward charging rod.
In some embodiments, a charging assembly is housed within the handguard 001, the charging assembly provided in a cylindrical bearing guide 107 housed within the handguard extrusion.
In some embodiments, the forward charging rod 002 is configured to cycle the firearm.
In some embodiments, the forward charging rod 002 is further comprised of a charging handle mount plate 010 to mount the charging knob 014 to the charging rod 002.
In some embodiments, the forward charging rod 002 is further comprised of a charging handle knob 014 to permit the manipulation of the charging handle rod while charging the firearm.
In some embodiments, the forward charging rod is configured as a cylindrical rod including a major diameter and a minor diameter, wherein the major diameter travels through a bearing channel of the handguard 001 and wherein the minor diameter travels through a gas tube hole 115 of the upper receiver 003 and engages into the charging catch 006 and charging catch retainer 020 via the V shaped grove. A charging rod also has a slot 100 and a charging rod threaded hole 110 for mounting the charging handle mount plate 010 using the flat head screw 011.
In some embodiments, the charging handle mount plate 010 has two countersunk screw holes 113. One hole is intersected with a thin slot to allow the plate to expand inside the charging rod 100 slot when the screw is tightened to ensure a tight fit.
In some embodiments, a charging handle knob 014 is made of, but not limited to steel. The charging handle knob 014 mounts to the charging handle mount plate 010 to give an ergonomic place for a user's hand to cycle the firearm.
In some embodiments, the minor diameter is engaged with a charging catch 006 and a charging catch retainer 020 via a V-shaped groove.
In some embodiments, the charging rod 002 includes a slot 100 and a charging rod threaded hole 110 to mount the charging handle mount plate using a fastener.
In some embodiments, a proprietary handguard 001 houses a forward charging rod 002 that is passed through an open gas tube hole 115 to engage with a proprietary charging catch 006 that replaces the rear charging handle. The user can then cycle the bolt without removing the rifle from their shoulder and breaking their sightline, which is more ergonomic and comfortable to cycle the rifle in this fashion.
In some embodiments, the system replaces the standard rear charging handle charging system on a traditional AR-15/M-16 platform and similar clones with a forward side charging system. This replacement allows the operator to cycle the charging system without taking it out of the firing position to clear jams or cycle the bolt into the battery, making the platform more efficient and effective. The system also allows the user to lock the bolt back using only the forward charging handle by rotating it upwards at the rear of its travel into a retention notch. Then the user can easily “slap” the charging handle down and allow the charging system to move into the battery; additionally, it allows for a more straightforward gross motor skill function to operate the system by not having to use two hands to accomplish this task as the current platform requires. This system also utilizes a non-reciprocating charging handle, meaning the Charging Handle Knob stays locked in the forward position during normal firing.
In some embodiments, the handguard 001 allows the system to be configured in various lengths for specific firearm applications. Additionally, the outer portion of the handguard 001 is not critical to the system's function and could be modified for other functionalities or aesthetics as is known in the arts.
In some embodiments, the handguard 001 is mounted in the same standard fashion as many handguards with an internal clamp onto the barrel nut. One skilled in the arts will readily understand that various mounting options may be implemented.
In some embodiments, the charging handle knob may be constructed of various shapes, sizes, and materials and provided in an adjustable configuration to meet specific application needs.
In some embodiments, the charging catch retainer shape, size, material, and configuration may adjusted or changed.
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
In some embodiments,
Alternatively with the charging handle knob 014 (as shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
Alternatively, in a second method, the user can simply use a downward motion of their hand to “slap” the charging handle knob 014 and subsequently the charging handle mount plate 010 out of engagement with the retention notch 104 in the handguard 001 sending the bolt carrier 016 forward into battery by the force of the buffer spring. A flathead screw 011 attaches the charging handle mount plate 010 the charging rod 002 and thus allows the charging handle knob 014 to pivot via the charging rod 002.
Method of application of an embodiment of a side-mounted forward charging 375 system for a firearm.
A version of side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm is used with a firearm by first gathering the components: (1) a handguard 001, (2) a charging rod 002, (3) a charging catch 006, (4) a barrel nut 005, (5) a forward retention unit. A user then attaches the components to the firearm by removing the existing handguard. Once the handguard and barrel nut are removed the user will insert the large diameter end of the charging rod into the guide channel from the rear of the handguard 001. Once the charging rod 002 is inserted the user will align the charging rod groove 100 with the slot in the handguard 001 and slide the charging handle mount plate 010, with charging handle knob 014 attached, into the charging rod groove 100. The flat head screw 011 is inserted through the hole in the top of the handguard 001 and tightened into place. Now the barrel nut 005 of the forward side charging system is slid over the barrel and tightened on the upper receiver. Next the handguard 001 is slid over barrel nut 005 and the charging rod 002 is passed through the gas tube hole. Once the handguard 001 is aligned the clamping bolts 013 are tightened. Finally the charging catch 006 is dropped into the charging handle groove and slid forward until the charging rod clips into the bore of the charging catch.
Versions of a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm may be made individually, in batches, or via continuous assembly.
For example, to make an embodiment of a version of a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm prepare an appropriate work surface and assemble all the components disclosed herein. Assemble the components in a logical order as someone skilled in the art would do. (1) Start with an aluminum extrusion for the handguard 001. The extrusion will contain a cylindrical guide channel. Cut the extrusion to the appropriate length and machine the extrusion as desired. (2) Next create a charging rod 002. Start with a round steel rod. Cut the rod to the appropriate length and machine to the appropriate dimensions in a lathe as someone skilled in the art would. (3) Make a charging catch 006. Start with an aluminum block and cut to the appropriate length, machine the block as desired to create the charging catch as someone skilled in the art would. (4) To make a barrel nut 005, start with a round aluminum bar. Cut the bar to the appropriate length and machine to the appropriate dimensions in a lathe as someone skilled in the art would. (5) To make a forward retention unit start with a round aluminum rod. Cut the rod to the appropriate length and machine to the appropriate dimensions in a lathe as someone skilled in the art would. Press magnet into bore using an arbor press. Gather and assemble to components for attachment as a possible embodiment.
Different features, variations, and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by both this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.
The embodiments of a side-mounted forward charging system for a firearm may be utilized individually, concurrently, or in any sequential combination.
Those skilled in the art to which this application relates will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments.
The specification is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments; many additional embodiments of this invention are possible. It is understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the Claims. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic that is described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The invention is described with such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Several specific details are set forth in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details are provided for the purpose of example and the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. In general, the order of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.
Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specifications, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. Also, as used herein, terms such as “positioned on” or “supported on” mean positioned or supported on but not necessarily in direct contact with the surface.
The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. The terms “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.
Further, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the Detailed Description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure. Any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated apparatuses, and such further application of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
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