U.S. patent application number 12/246192 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for multi-caliber ambidextrously controllable firearm.
This patent application is currently assigned to RMDI, LLC. Invention is credited to Alexander J. Robinson.
Application Number | 20090031605 12/246192 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36682361 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090031605 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robinson; Alexander J. |
February 5, 2009 |
MULTI-CALIBER AMBIDEXTROUSLY CONTROLLABLE FIREARM
Abstract
A multi-caliber ambidextrously controlled firearm that includes
an adjustable ejection system to facilitate the ejection of spent
cartridge casings from a firearm. The adjustable ejection system
includes an ejection port defined by an aperture in the firearm and
a deflector. The deflector is attached to the firearm to adjust the
size of the ejection port and may be attached at one of at least
two attachment positions of the firearm. The adjustable ejector
system includes an ejector selectively attached to the firearm at
one of at least two ejector attachment positions. The improved
firearm also includes an ambidextrous magazine catch system for
selectively retaining a magazine within a firearm. The magazine
catch system includes a first button opposite a second button such
that either button may be actuated by a user to release the
magazine retained with the firearm.
Inventors: |
Robinson; Alexander J.;
(Salt Lake City, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STOEL RIVES LLP - SLC
201 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUITE 1100, ONE UTAH CENTER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Assignee: |
RMDI, LLC
Salt Lake City
UT
|
Family ID: |
36682361 |
Appl. No.: |
12/246192 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10911963 |
Aug 4, 2004 |
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12246192 |
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60492378 |
Aug 4, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 15/12 20130101;
F41A 33/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/2 |
International
Class: |
F41A 3/64 20060101
F41A003/64 |
Claims
1. A firearm, comprising: a receiver; and an adjustable ejection
system to eject cases of different calibers, the adjustable ejector
system comprising, an ejector coupled to the receiver at a first
attachment position and moveable to a second attachment position,
and an ejection port.
2. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the ejection port further
comprises: an aperture disposed in the receiver; and a deflector to
adjust the size of the ejection port and coupled to the receiver at
a first deflector attachment position and moveable to a second
deflector attachment position.
3. The firearm of claim 2, wherein the deflector is comprised of
plastic.
4. The firearm of claim 2, wherein the deflector is comprised of
metal.
5. The firearm of claim 2 wherein the aperture comprises a rearward
edge, and deflector is configured to adjust the size of the
ejection port by covering a portion of the rearward edge.
6. The firearm of claim 2, wherein the receiver comprises a slot to
define the first and second deflector attachment positions.
7. The firearm of claim 6, wherein the deflector comprises a pin to
couple the deflector to the receiver.
8. The firearm of claim 6, wherein the deflector comprises a bolt
to couple the deflector to the receiver.
9. The firearm of claim 2, wherein the receiver comprises a
plurality of holes to define first and second deflector attachment
positions, wherein the deflector comprises a pin to engage at least
one of the plurality of holes.
10. The firearm of claim 2, wherein the receiver comprises a
plurality of holes to define first and second deflector attachment
positions, wherein the deflector comprises a bolt to engage at
least one of the plurality of holes.
11. The firearm of claim 2, wherein the deflector is configured to
direct an ejecting case downward.
12. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises a slot
to define the first and second attachment positions and the ejector
engages the slot at the first attachment position.
13. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises a
plurality of holes to define the first and second attachment
positions and the ejector engages a hole at the first attachment
position.
14. A firearm, comprising: a receiver; and an adjustable ejection
system, the adjustable ejector system comprising, an ejector
coupled to the receiver, and an ejection port, comprising, an
aperture disposed in the receiver, and a deflector to adjust the
size of the ejection port, disposed in proximity to the aperture,
extending at least partially to an exterior of the receiver, and
coupled to the receiver at a first deflector attachment position
and moveable to a second deflector attachment position.
15. The firearm of claim 14, wherein the aperture comprises a
rearward edge and the deflector is configured to adjust the size of
the ejection port by covering a portion of the rearward edge.
16. The firearm of claim 15, wherein the ejector is coupled to the
receiver at a first ejector attachment position and moveable to a
second ejector attachment position
17. The firearm of claim 15, wherein the receiver comprises a slot
to define the first and second ejector attachment.
18. The firearm of claim 15, wherein the receiver comprises a
plurality of holes to define the first and second ejector
attachment positions and the ejector engages a hole at the first
ejector attachment position.
19. The firearm of claim 14, wherein the receiver comprises a slot
to define first and second deflector attachment positions.
20. The firearm of claim 14, wherein the receiver comprises a
plurality of holes to define first and second deflector attachment
positions.
21. The firearm of claim 14, wherein the deflector is configured to
direct an ejecting case downward.
22. The firearm of claim 21 wherein the deflector comprises a first
portion and a second portion, where the first portion of the
deflector is configured to be thicker than the second portion of
the buffer.
23. A firearm, comprising: a receiver; and an adjustable ejection
system coupled to the receiver, the adjustable ejector system
comprising, an ejector moveable between multiple ejector attachment
positions, and an ejection port, comprising, an aperture disposed
in the receiver, and a deflector disposed in proximity to the
aperture to define the size of the ejection port and moveable
between multiple deflector attachment positions.
24. The firearm of claim 23 wherein a portion of the ejector port
is configured to deflect an ejecting case in a predetermined
direction.
25. A firearm, comprising: a receiver having an aperture; a
deflector disposed in proximity to the aperture; a means for
coupling the deflector to the receiver in one of at least two
possible locations; an ejector; and a means for coupling the
ejector to the receiver in one of at least two possible
locations.
26. A firearm, comprising: a receiver having an aperture; an
ejector coupled to the receiver at a first attachment position and
moveable to a second attachment position, and a deflector coupled
to the receiver at a first deflector attachment position and
moveable to a second deflector attachment position, wherein the
deflector and the ejector can be moved independently of each other.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This utility application is a continuation of and claims
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/911,963, filed Aug.
4, 2004, entitled MULTI-CALIBER AMBIDEXTROUSLY CONTROLLABLE
FIREARM, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/492,378, filed Aug. 4, 2003. All of the forgoing
applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to firearms. More
specifically, the present invention relates to firearms that can be
configured to fire different calibers of ammunition with improved
reliability in harsh environmental and firing conditions. In
addition, the invention relates to improved modularity of firearm
systems and ambidextrous control.
[0003] The U.S. Government has been and will be involved in many
conflicts and operations worldwide. Each of these conflicts and
operations present their own individual circumstances and
challenges that must be met by soldiers relying on firearms. To
optimize the chances of success in each conflict and operation, a
variety of firearms are needed to perform a variety of functions
that change according to the specific circumstances of each
operation and conflict. These functions range from long range
sniping to close quarter battle. In addition, these functions
include the use of different calibers and different configurations
of firearms.
[0004] Presently, armies around the world field a variety of
different firearms to fulfill each of these functions. For
instance, soldiers may use an H&K MP5 for close quarter combat,
an M16 for general combat, or a Barrett Model 82A1 for support
fire. These different firearms have differently positioned systems
that require different training to effectively use and maintain
each type of firearm. However, a soldier is unlikely to carry more
than one firearm into combat, because of the weight and bulk of an
additional firearm with accessories and ammunition. It is this
inability to optimize and adapt a firearm to the circumstances and
functions of the operational environment that is a great
disadvantage of known firearms.
[0005] It should be noted that there are some firearms known in the
art that are capable of firing different calibers by changing the
barrel, and other components without a gun-smith or tools. For
example, the recoil operated H&K Model 21 and 23 series
firearms are capable of firing several different cartridges,
specifically 7.62 NATO, 5.56 NATO and 7.62.times.39 mm, by changing
out the barrel, the feed attachment device (magazine well or belt
feed device), and bolt. The Belgian FN Model "D" BAR Rifle is
similarly capable of firing different calibers including 30.06
Springfield and 8 mm Mauser. Additionally, the M96 EXPEDITIONARY is
also capable of firing 7.62.times.39 mm in addition to 5.56 NATO by
changing the barrel, and other components.
[0006] However, a significant disadvantage of known firearms is
that the position of a selector switch, magazine release, and bolt
hold open on a firearm are positioned differently in different
configurations and on different firearms, which requires the user
to take time to adapt to each configuration to smoothly handle a
firearm without mistakes. In addition, the positioning of the
safety mechanism, fire selector, magazine release, and bolt hold
open may be designed for exclusive use by a right- or left-handed
user, which may make it difficult for an opposite-handed user to
smoothly use the firearm.
[0007] Another disadvantage of known firearms is the inability to
fully adapt to the use of different calibers. Specifically, the
ejection system may eject the cartridge casing ("case") of one
caliber perfectly and another may have a tendency to "stove pipe"
or double feed another. Stovepipe is a term describing a case that
fails to completely eject and is pinned sticking out of the
firearm. A double feed describes a case that is not ejected and
remains held by the bolt. As the bolt moves forward to load the
chamber with a round, the bolt picks up a second round from the
feeding device and attempts to force both the case and the round
into the chamber. Additionally, the ejection port may be properly
sized for one caliber but too small for another caliber. On the
other hand the ejection port may be too large and allow foreign
debris to enter and collect in the receiver, which may cause the
firearm to fail to function.
[0008] An additional disadvantage of known firearms is a tendency
to "blow up" when fired after being removed from an immersed state
in water. "Blow up" is the term that describes pressures in a
chamber and/or barrel exceeding the specified tolerances, causing
stress fractures in or fragmentation of the barrel, chamber, and/or
parts surrounding the chamber and/or barrel. Such a condition can
lead to severe injury and even death to the firearm user.
[0009] The ideal firearm could: 1) fire a variety of cartridges of
existing and future designs required by varying missions without
the substitution of many parts; 2) use existing and future feeding
devices (magazines) for those calibers; 3) regardless of caliber,
have the same controls for cycling the weapon, fire control,
changing feeding devices (magazines), and holding open or releasing
the bolt; 4) be able to fire reliably in the semi and fully
automatic modes; and 5) be able to operate in any environment.
[0010] The problem in creating the ideal firearm described above is
that different cartridges have different lengths, shapes, and
weights. These differences effect the way cartridges are fed,
fired, extracted, and ejected. Each of these elements is critical
and must be optimized for reliable operation. Therefore, a design,
which may work reliably for one caliber, may not work well at all
for another caliber.
[0011] To further complicate things, existing feeding devices which
hold the ammunition ready to be fed into the chamber, vary by: 1)
size, 2) method of restraining the cartridges (e.g., different feed
lips), 3) method of attachment to the firearm; 4) features (e.g.,
some have provisions for a bolt hold open device and some do
not).
[0012] Accordingly, a need exists for a modular firearm that can
fire a wide variety of calibers of ammunition, utilize many types
of currently existing magazines and have ambidextrous controls
located in the same position in different configurations. A need
exists for a firearm that is able to function long periods of time
under harsh conditions without needing to be cleaned or serviced. A
need also exists for a firearm configuration that is able to fire
immediately after being fully immersed in water. In addition a need
exists for a firearm to perform a variety functions with improved
durability and that may be adapted to the specific circumstances of
each operation and conflict.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available firearms. In accordance with the invention
as embodied and broadly described herein in the embodiments, an
improved firearm is provided. According to one exemplary
embodiment, the firearm may take the form of a rifle with a main
receiver to which can be attached a variety of barrels, bolts
(including the extractor and firing pin), ejectors, and feeding
device fixtures (magazine wells) that can reliably fire the desired
calibers from existing and future feeding devices.
[0014] The design of the breech mechanism (bolt and bolt carrier)
and the housing that contains the breech mechanism are designed to
accommodate the differences in the calibers and feeding devices.
The bolt, bolt carrier, and rails of the receiver that support and
guide the movement of the bolt and bolt carrier must have ample
clearance to accept the differing feed attachment devices (magazine
wells or magazine well inserts), and yet must leave a clear path to
the ejection port. The bolt and bolt carrier must be designed to
adequately engage the rear of the cartridge to push it into the
chamber, yet the bolt and bolt carrier must adequately clear all
features of the feeding devices (e.g., a magazine), such as the
lips, which restrain the cartridges in a magazine. Some of the feed
attachment devices may require feed ramps to help guide the
cartridge smoothly in the transition from the feeding device into
the chamber (e.g., feed device fixture for an AK47 magazine). Other
feed attachment devices may require stops and catches to properly
position the magazine and hence the cartridges for proper feed into
the chamber (e.g., AK47 and M14 magazines).
[0015] There are many types of ejectors used in automatic firearms.
The most reliable and efficient ejector must be solid so that when
the empty cartridge case hits the ejector, the ejector does not
flex or break and the empty case is ejected forcefully and
completely from the firearm. To handle the lengths, weights and
shapes of the various cartridges, the ejector must be able to be
attached at various positions between the back end of the feeding
device and the chamber. In some configurations, the position of the
ejector may be ahead of the rear end of the feeding device. If the
ejector is placed behind the feeding device (e.g., the FN FAL), the
cartridge case may not be ejected before the bolt picks up a new
cartridge if the bolt is not carried sufficiently to the rear
during cycling.
[0016] Furthermore, the direction the empty cartridge is ejected is
important. The rifle should be able to be shot from either the
right or left hand with the cartridge being ejected forward and
away from the shooter. Ejection should not be so high as to reveal
the shooters position. Directing the ejection of empty cartridge
cases of various dimensions may be assisted by a case deflector,
which can be positioned at various points in relation to the
position of the ejector. Different case deflectors may be necessary
for different calibers because the angle of the deflector with
respect to the receiver may need to be different as well as its
position. Additionally, directing the ejection of an empty
cartridge case may also be assisted by positioning the ejector for
each type of cartridge in the firearm.
[0017] One embodiment of the invention may have the deflector
and/or the ejector as part of the feeding device fixture, such as a
magazine well. Alternatively, an adjustable ejection port may be
used that would act similarly to a deflector, by adjusting the
length and width of the ejection port.
[0018] Some feeding devices (such as M14, M16, and FAL magazines)
have features that operate bolt hold open systems. When the
magazine is empty, its follower pushes up a protrusion on the bolt
hold open system, which stops the bolt behind the feeding device.
The purpose of the bolt hold open system is to keep the bolt open
while the operator ejects an empty magazine and inserts a full one.
After the full magazine is inserted, the operator can simply
depress part of the bolt hold open system and the bolt
automatically closes and loads a cartridge into the chamber.
Without a bolt hold open system, the operator must eject the old
magazine, insert a new one and then manually cycle the action.
[0019] Some feeding devices (such as the AK47 and G3 magazines) do
not have features that can operate a bolt hold open system. Yet a
bolt hold open system even if not automatically operated by the
empty magazine, is useful. At times an operator may want to
manually engage the bolt hold open system to load or inspect
it.
[0020] The firearm may have an ambidextrous magazine release that
is roughly the same place and which is operated in the same way
regardless of the caliber or feeding device used. The ideal
solution may also have a bolt hold open system, which works with
all types of feeding devices (though manually with some) and which
is located in the same position regardless of caliber or feeding
device used.
[0021] The way that the invention works to solve the problem is
described below: the bolt moves back and forth within the bolt
carrier. As the bolt moves back and forth within the carrier, it
can rotate at a fixed point on the bolt, which is near the front of
the bolt. Because the point of rotation is closer to the front of
the bolt than to the rear, the front of the bolt does not rotate
much but is held in a certain position with respect to the feeding
device and chamber. The rear of the bolt may rotate further so that
it can lock into engagement with a locking surface.
[0022] Because the front of the bolt is constrained by the bolt
carrier rather than something adjacent to it (as is the case with
the FAL and SKS rifles), there is more room to accommodate a wide
variety of feed attachment devices and corresponding feeding
devices. Additionally, all calibers can use the same bolt carrier.
The bolts for all calibers begin as the same casting or forging and
are machined slightly differently to fit the head of the
appropriate caliber and accept the correct extractor.
[0023] The magazine release buttons are the positioned in the same
location on the firearm regardless of which caliber or feeding
device is used. If the magazine release button is depressed from
either side of the receiver, the feeding device (e.g., s magazine)
may be removed from the firearm. The feeding device fixtures are
different depending on feeding device used.
[0024] For example, the fixture for the AK47 magazine works as
follows: As the button on either the right or left side is
depressed, rounded portions of the button engage angled portions of
the slide, drawing the slide toward the rear and compressing the
slide's springs. The slide's tip is pulled from under the tab on
the back of the AK47 magazine and the magazine is released. The
mechanism works very much the same for M14 and FN FAL magazines but
the parts used are different.
[0025] The M16 magazine release is different. M16 magazines are
held in place by an arm with a tab, which engages a slot on the
side of the magazine. The M16 magazine release of the invention is
also ambidextrous. The magazine release button on the right side of
the receiver is directly connected with the magazine release arm on
the left side of the receiver. When the right magazine release
button is depressed the magazine release arm is pushed out to the
left releasing the magazine. When the left magazine release button
is depressed, the magazine release arm is drawn via a cam to the
left also, thereby releasing the magazine.
[0026] The firearm according to the invention is generally more
ergonomic than other automatic firearms. With firearms made for the
military and police, it is very important that the operator can
manipulate all controls while holding the rifle by the pistol grip
with his strong hand and while looking at the intended target
through the sights. The strong hand is the right hand if the person
is right handed; or the left hand if the person is left handed.
[0027] While holding the rifle by the pistol grip with the strong
hand, the operator can manually cycle the firearm by drawing the
charging handle to the rear with his other hand and then releasing
it. The fire control selector which allows the operator to choose
between the fire control positions of safe, semi-automatic, and
fully automatic can be easily manipulated with the thumb of the
strong hand. The charging handle is positioned such that the
charging handle can be actuated with one hand while the bolt hold
open device is actuated with the tip of the index finger of the
other hand that is holding the grip of the firearm.
[0028] If the firearm is empty, the operator can use the index
finger of his strong hand to push the magazine release button,
which will drop the empty magazine. This may be done simultaneously
while grabbing a loaded magazine with the operator's other hand and
then inserting the magazine into the magazine well. If the magazine
is of the type that has features that automatically operate the
bolt-hold-open-device, the bolt can be closed and a round loaded
into the chamber by simply depressing the bolt-hold-open-device
with either the index finger of the strong hand or by the thumb of
the other hand immediately after the loaded magazine is
inserted.
[0029] These and other features of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description, or may
be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other features and advantages of the invention are obtained will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the invention
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view illustrating an embodiment
of a firearm according to the invention;
[0032] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d illustrate a bolt, bolt carrier,
and extractor of the firearm of FIG. 1 in three perspective views
and an elevated front view showing the bolt face 36,
respectively;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a side elevation section view illustrating the
systems of the barrel of the invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 3a is a bottom view of the barrel of FIG. 3
illustrating the angled slot;
[0035] FIG. 3b is a perspective view of a head space adjustment
device;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the receiver of
the firearm of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 4a is a perspective view illustrating an alternative
variation of the receiver of FIG. 4;
[0038] FIG. 5 is an elevated side view of area A of FIG. 1 of the
receiver;
[0039] FIG. 5a is an elevated side view of an alternative
configuration of area A of the receiver shown in FIG. 1;
[0040] FIG. 5aa is a cross-section view of a pin and detent
securing a deflector to the receiver;
[0041] FIG. 5b is an elevated side view of another alternative
configuration of area A of the receiver shown in FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 6 is an elevated side view of the bolt hold open system
and the magazine catch system;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a magazine catch system and bolt
hold open system shown in FIG. 6; and
[0044] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a magazine catch system
designed for use with M16 type magazines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like
parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be
readily understood that the components of the present invention, as
generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be
arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of
the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present
invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 9, is not intended to
limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely
representative of presently preferred embodiments of the
invention.
[0046] The present invention utilizes a number of physical
principles to enhance the motion of parts in a firearm. For
example, a beveled surface or angled slot is used to convert force
from one direction into a resulting force in another. The manner in
which the present invention utilizes these principles to provide a
modular ambidextrously controlled firearm will be shown and
described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1 through
9.
[0047] For this application, the phrases "connected to," "coupled
to," and "in communication with" refer to any form of interaction
between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical,
magnetic, electromagnetic, and thermal interaction. The phrase
"attached to" refers to a form of mechanical coupling that
restricts relative translation or rotation between the attached
objects. The phrases "pivotally attached to" and "slidably attached
to" refer to forms of mechanical coupling that permit relative
rotation or relative translation, respectively, while restricting
other relative motion.
[0048] The phrase "attached directly to" refers to a form of
attachment by which the attached items are either in direct
contact, or are only separated by a single fastener, adhesive, or
other attachment mechanism. The term "abutting" refers to items
that are in direct physical contact with each other, although the
items may not be attached together.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a side elevation view illustrates a
firearm 10 according to the invention that can, by the substitution
of a barrel 12, bolt (shown in FIG. 2), and feed attachment device
14 be adapted to fulfill a variety of functions using future and
existing calibers and their associated feeding devices 16. In this
configuration, the feeding device 16 is a magazine well. In
addition, the fire selector 18, safety 20, magazine release 22, and
bolt hold_open control surface 24 may be ambidextrously controlled
and disposed in the same position on the firearm 10 regardless of
caliber or configuration. As shown the fire selector 18 and safety
20 are integrally formed and positioned in the lower receiver 26.
The feed attachment device 14 is attached to the lower receiver 26,
and the lower receiver 26 is attached to the receiver 28. Area A
will be described in detail in FIGS. 5, 5a, and 5b.
[0050] As shown, the magazine release 22 is disposed above a front
portion of a trigger guard 29 on a side of the firearm. In this
configuration, the magazine release 22 includes a first button 23
(as shown) that is accessible from this side of a firearm. In
addition, the magazine release 22 includes a second button (not
shown) that is accessible on the opposite side of the firearm. The
bolt hold open control 24 extends along both sides of the front
portion of the trigger guard 29 and therefore, may accessed on both
sides of the firearm 10. This positioning allows a user to easily
actuate the magazine release 22 and the bolt hold open control 24
with a trigger finger of the user regardless of whether the user is
right or left handed.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, a bolt 30, bolt
carrier 32, and extractor 34 of the firearm of FIG. 1 are
illustrated in three perspective views and an elevated front view
showing the bolt face 36, respectively. In order for the firearm to
perform a variety of functions, the invention utilizes a number of
improved systems. The first improved system is found in the bolt 30
and bolt carrier 32. The bolt carrier 32 is shaped to enclose the
bolt 30 on three sides. The bolt carrier 32 is open at the back 42
so that the total length of the bolt 30 is minimized and the length
of travel optimized. Length of travel is the movement of the bolt
30 relative to the bolt carrier 32. Length of travel is important
as it affects the recoil properties of the firearm. Typically, a
greater length of travel yields a slower cyclical rate of fire. In
addition, in an adjustable operating system where gas may be vented
to reduce pressure in a gas system, it may be easier to determine
how much gas to vent when the length of travel is longer.
[0052] Additionally, the bolt carrier 32 comprises two aligned
grooves 38 positioned proximate the front 40 and the back 42 on
each side of the bolt carrier 32. The grooves 38 engage and ride
upon rails in the receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1). Each groove 38 is
long enough to support the bolt carrier 32 but short enough to
minimize contact between the bolt carrier 32 and the rails of the
receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1). Between the two grooves 38 on each
side is a large gap 44 that allows debris, worked loose by the
movement of the bolt carrier 32, to fall away from the rail and
grooves 38 of the bolt carrier 32. The coupled grooves 38 allow the
bolt carrier 32 to function with foreign matter in the receiver 28
(shown in FIG. 1), such as sand and dirt. The minimum contact
surface lessens the chance of foreign material being caught between
the grooves 38 and the rails causing the bolt carrier 32 to become
stuck within the receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1).
[0053] Another feature of the bolt carrier 32 comprises a second
set of grooves 46 within the bolt carrier 32 that the bolt 30
engages and rides on. This second set of grooves 46 are positioned
proximate the front 40 of the bolt carrier 32. The bolt 30
comprises bolt guide ears 48 that ride within the second set of
grooves 46 in the bolt carrier. The bolt guide ears 48 and the
second set of grooves 46 help position the catch lip 50 of the bolt
face 36 to pick up a new cartridge from the feeding device and move
the cartridge into the chamber (shown in FIG. 3) of the
firearm.
[0054] The bolt guide ears 48 and the second set of grooves 46 also
help to properly position the bolt face 36 to close the chamber
(shown in FIG. 3) in preparation of firing the cartridge. The bolt
30 is securely fixed against the face of the chamber (shown in FIG.
3) when the back end of the bolt 30 drops and locks against a
locking surface 90 (shown in FIG. 4) within the receiver 28 (shown
in FIG. 1). This motion is guided by cam surfaces 52 on the bolt 30
and reciprocal cam surfaces 54 on the bolt carrier 32. The
reciprocal cam surfaces 54 may be formed in the bolt carrier 32
through the window 55. In other words, in forming the window 55 on
a side of the bolt carrier 32, the reciprocal cam surfaces 54 on
both sides of the bolt carrier 32 may also be formed. The window 55
and the reciprocal cam surfaces 54 may be formed through machining,
casting, stamping, forging, or any other method known in the
art.
[0055] The cam surfaces 52 and the reciprocal cam surfaces 54 act
to guide the bolt into and out of proper position of the bolt
locking surface 56 against locking surface of the receiver 28
(shown in FIG. 1). The surfaces 52 and the reciprocal cam surfaces
54 may be formed at any angle.
[0056] Also shown is a piston engagement surface 58 on top of the
bolt carrier 32. The piston engagement surface 58 is struck by a
piston (not shown) to push the bolt 30 and bolt carrier 32 away
from a barrel 12 of the firearm 10.
[0057] It should also be noted that the guide ears 48 on the bolt
in conjunction with the second set of grooves 46 allows the
receiver 28 (shown in FIG. 1) to be designed such that the area
between the bolt 30 and the feeding device is unobstructed by
parts, such as the bolt carrier 32, etc. A wide variety of feed
attachment devices allows the firearm to properly position the wide
variety of known and existing feeding devices, such as magazines or
belted ammunition, for trouble-free feeding of ammunition into the
firearm. For instance, an M16 type magazine, an AK-74 magazine
(converted to handle 5.56 NATO), or a belt of ammunition may be
used in the same gun by merely changing the feed attachment device.
A feed attachment device may be a magazine well or belt feed
device.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, a side elevation section view
illustrates the improved systems of the barrel 60. The barrel 60
comprises a chamber 62, an extended area of free bore 64, the
rifling 66, and the muzzle 68. The area of free bore 64 immediately
following the chamber 62 that is tapered, not rifled, and is larger
than the outer diameter of a bullet designed for the barrel 60. The
rifling 66 begins after the area of free bore 64 continues to the
muzzle 68 of the barrel 60.
[0059] The area of free bore 64 is tapered to allow the expanded
gases of the firing cartridge to pass around and in front of the
bullet. These expanding gases force any collected water out of the
barrel 60, in front of the bullet.
[0060] Alternatively, the free bore 64 is kept short and deep
grooves 70 are cut in the barrel 60 proximate the chamber 62. The
depth of the grooves moves to a normal depth after an inch or two
of deep groove depth. The deep grooves allow the gases to pass in
front of the bullet to push water out of the barrel. By combining
or using individually the elements of an extended free bore 64 and
the deep grooves 70 of the rifling 66, the barrel 60 may be safely
fired after being fully immersed in water without draining the
barrel. The purpose of these changes to the barrel 60 is to prevent
blowing up the firearm, which may kill or severely injure the
user.
[0061] Another feature of the barrel 60 is an angled slot 72 cut
proximate the chamber 62 in the outer wall of the barrel 60. The
angle slot 72 is mated with a head space adjustment device that
sits in a barrel trunion 86 (shown in FIG. 4) of the receiver 28
(shown in FIG. 1). As the head space adjustment device (shown in
FIG. 3b) is moved from one side of the barrel trunion 86 (shown in
FIG. 4) to the other, the barrel is moved forward and backward
within the receiver. This allows for the proper head spacing of
each barrel attached to the firearm. Head spacing is important
because improper head spacing of a firearm can damage the firearm
or injure or kill the user when the firearm is fired. Also note
that the life of the barrel may be extended by nitriding or boron
nitriding the bore of the barrel.
[0062] FIG. 3a is a bottom view of the barrel 60, particularly the
angled slot 72 cut into the outer wall 74. Movement of the
headspace adjustment device (shown in FIG. 3b) with respect to the
angled slot forces the barrel 60 to move in and out of the receiver
28 (shown in FIG. 1). It should be noted that the barrel 60 may be
changed by moving the headspace adjustment device (shown in FIG.
3b) to one side such that the angled slot 72 no longer engages the
headspace adjustment device. The barrel 60 may then be easily
removed from the barrel trunion (shown in FIG. 4). Also, the
headspace adjustment device (shown in FIG. 3b) is only able to move
laterally within the barrel trunion. Therefore, movement of the
headspace adjustment device (not shown) with respect to the angled
slot forces the barrel to move in and out of the receiver 28.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 3b, a perspective view illustrates a
headspace adjustment device 75. The headspace adjustment device 75
comprises an adjustment hole 76 and two parallel beveled surfaces
77. The interior of the adjustment hole is threaded so that as an
adjustment pin (not shown) can be turned therein, the headspace
adjustment device 75 moves back and forth within the barrel trunion
(shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a) to secure the barrel 60 within the
firearm and to move the barrel 60 to adjust the head spacing of the
firearm. The two parallel beveled surfaces 77 slide within the slot
72 in the barrel 60 to move the barrel 60 in and out of the
receiver.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view illustrates a
portion 78 of the receiver 28 of the firearm 10 of FIG. 1. As
shown, the receiver 28 comprises rails 80 which are engaged by the
grooves of the bolt carrier. The receiver 28 also comprises a
cocking handle slide 82 and cocking handle slot 84. In addition,
the receiver 28 comprises a barrel trunion 86 and a barrel
attachment slot 88. Also shown is a locking pin 90, which comprises
the locking surface 92 against which the bolt is set when the
chamber 62 (shown in FIG. 3) is closed.
[0065] The invention also includes the ejection system 93 that
removes a fired cartridge from the receiver 28 and the firearm 10
(shown in FIG. 1). In this configuration, the ejector 94 is
positioned forward of a rear end 95 near the middle of a feed
device attachment point 96 positioning to prevent double feeding,
because the case must be knocked away from the bolt face 36 (shown
in FIGS. 2a through 2d), before the bolt is able to pick up another
round from an attached feeding device. The ejector 94 is attachable
to the receiver 28 and can be placed at different attachment
positions 97, such as toward the rear end 95, the middle, or the
front end of the feed device attachment point 96 located between
the barrel trunion 86 and the locking shoulder 92. The invention
provides for at least two different attachment positions 97 for the
ejector 94. The ejector 94 may also be attached to a feed
attachment device (not shown). The attachment positions 97 may be
defined by feature in the receiver 28. In this embodiment, the
attachment positions 97 are defined by a series of evenly spaced
holes 97a in a wall of the receiver 28 for adjusting the position
of the ejector 94. The ejector 94 may comprise a pin, screw or
rivet that is pushed through the hole in the receiver 28 that
corresponds to the desired position of the ejector 94 within the
receiver 28. Additional pins may be used to more fixedly attach the
ejector 94 to the receiver 28. The holes 97a may be square or some
other shape to prevent rotation or movement of the ejector 94 with
respect to the receiver. The ejector 94 may also be bolted to the
receiver 28. Of course, any of the pins or screws discussed above
may be integrally formed with the ejector 94. Alternatively, the
ejector 94 may be integrally formed with a feed attachment device
or attached to the feed attachment device by welding, riveting, or
pinning the ejector in place.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 4a, a perspective view illustrates an
alternative configuration of the receiver 28. In this
configuration, the attachment positions 97 are defined by an
elongated slot 97b. The ejector 94 is attachable along the slot's
97b length, which provides a plurality of attachment positions 97.
The ejector 94 may be bolted, clamped, pinned into a desired
position along the length of the slot 97b.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 5, an enlarged cut away elevation view of
area A shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an outside portion 100 of the
receiver 28. As shown, the outside portion 100 comprises a first
access hole 102 and a second access hole 104. The first access hole
102 provides access to the barrel adjustment device 106, which
allows the head spacing to be adjusted. The second access hole 104
provides access to the locking pin 90 discussed above in reference
to FIGS. 4 and 4a.
[0068] The receiver 28 includes an adjustable ejection system,
which includes an adjustable ejection port 108. The ejection port
108 is defined by an aperture 110 formed in a wall of the receiver
28 that begins at a position proximate the barrel trunion 86
(outlined in phantom lines) and extends rearward. The length and
width of the aperture 110 is determined by the largest caliber of
ammunition to be used with the firearm. The ejection port 108 is
further defined by a deflector 112 that covers part of the aperture
110 to adjust the size of the ejection port 108. Once the deflector
112 is properly positioned at one of several attachment positions
to allow a caliber of ammunition to properly eject and protect the
receiver against foreign matter from unnecessarily getting in the
receiver, two pins 114 coupled with nuts 115 to secure the
deflector 112 against the receiver 28. In this embodiment, the
deflector 112 is attached to the receiver 28 by the two pins 114
disposed in attachment slots 116. In addition, the deflector 112
may be made of metal, plastic, composite or other suitable
material.
[0069] The adjustable ejection port 108 has the added advantage of
being able to better control the ejection of a case. As the case is
knocked from the bolt face 36 (shown in FIGS. 2a through 2d) by an
ejector 94 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a), the case may not be deflected
fully out of the receiver 28 of the firearm and the case may stove
pipe. To prevent this problem, the back of the ejection port 117
may be positioned to deflect the case out of the firearm and to
generally move in a direction desired by the user. Also, the
deflector 112 may include a buffer 118, which acts to deflect the
shell downward as it exits the firearm. The buffer 118 may be
material that has been bent back to form a thicker surface than the
ordinary thickness of the material used in the deflector 112. In
addition, an adjustable ejection port is one more aspect of the
firearm that the user to may adapt to a case of a specific caliber.
For instance, a .50 BMG case will not eject through an ejection
port 108 set for the ejection of 5.56 cases.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 5a, an enlarged cut away elevation view of
area A shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an alternative configuration for
attaching the deflector 112 to the receiver 28 at one of at least
two attachment positions. The attachment positions are defined by
several holes 119. In this embodiment, the deflector is attached to
the receiver 28 by two pins 119a. Each pin 119a comprises a detent
119b as illustrated in FIG. 5aa. As shown, the detent 119b is a
ball and spring press fit into a hole in the pin 119a.
Alternatively, the detent may be material extending from a surface
of the pin. Additionally, the deflector 112 may include threaded
holes (not shown) and thus may be secured to the receiver by using
threaded pins and bolts extending through the holes 119 in the
receiver 28.
[0071] FIG. 5m illustrates how the detents 119b secure the
deflector 112 to the receiver 28 through holes 119. As shown, the
pins 119a are integrally formed with the deflector 112.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 5b, an enlarged cut away elevation view of
area A shown in FIG. 1 illustrates another alternative
configuration for the deflector 112 attachable on the receiver 28
at one of at least two attachment positions. In this configuration,
the deflector 112 is attached to the firearm by a rail 120 and
clamps 121. The rail 120 provides a plurality of attachment
positions along the rail 120 to which clamps 121 can be used to
secure the deflector 112 to the rail 120. Of course, the deflector
112 may be secured to the outside of the receiver 28 as well as the
inside of the receiver 28 as shown in FIGS. 5, 5a, and 5b.
[0073] FIG. 6 features the ambidextrous access and convenient
positioning of a bolt hold open system 130 and a magazine catch
system 141. The bolt hold open system 130 comprises a bolt hold
open body 132 having a bolt catch surface 134, a bias pin 136, a
biasing spring 138, and a bolt hold open control arm 140. In this
embodiment, the bolt hold open body 132 extends up through the
magazine catch system 141 with the bolt catch surface 134
positioned to catch a bolt 30 (shown in FIGS. 2a through 2d) before
the bolt 30 is allowed to close a chamber (shown in FIG. 3). A bias
pin 136 is pressed into a hole in the bolt hold open body 132 above
the magazine catch system 141 to prevent the bolt hold open body
132 from being pulled from a firearm.
[0074] A biasing spring 138 is positioned over the bottom of the
bolt hold open body 132 to bias the bolt hold open body 132
downward as shown by the direction arrow 145 in the firearm. The
biasing spring 138 extends between the magazine catch system 141
and the bolt hold open control arm 140, which is attached to the
bottom of the bolt hold open body 132.
[0075] As shown, the bolt hold open system 130 and the magazine
catch system 141 are isolated from the rest of a firearm except for
a partially shown trigger guard 142 and a partially shown trigger
144. The trigger guard 142 and the trigger 144 provide perspective
on the relative location of the bolt hold open system 130 and the
magazine catch system 141 when located within the firearm. In this
configuration, the bolt hold open control arm 140 is disposed
adjacent the trigger guard 142 (partially shown). More
specifically, the bolt hold open control arm 140 extends from in
front of the trigger guard 142 (partially shown) toward the trigger
144 (partially shown) horizontally along both sides of the trigger
guard 142. The bolt hold open system 130 may be released by urging
the bolt hold open control arm 140 downward as shown by the
direction arrow 145. This action moves the bolt hold open body 132
down out of the way of the bolt face 36 (shown in FIG. 2a through
2d). Thus, allowing the bolt face 36 to move past the bolt hold
open system 130.
[0076] Having the bolt hold open control arm 140 adjacent the
trigger guard and accessible on both sides of the firearm (not
shown) allows the user to release the bolt 30 (shown in FIG. 2a
through 2d) using their trigger finger or their other hand. It
gives the user the ability to actuate the bolt hold open system 130
using either hand without regard to whether user is right- or
left-handed. In this configuration, the bolt hold open control arm
140 extends on both sides of the trigger guard 142. Also, the bolt
hold open control arm 140 may be integrally formed with the bolt
hold open body 132.
[0077] The bolt hold open system 130 may be manually operated and
may be used with any configuration of the invention or feed
attachment device. To hold the bolt open, the bolt face 36 (shown
in FIG. 2a through 2d) is urged toward the trigger 144 and the bolt
hold open control arm 140 is urged upward (opposite the direction
arrow 145). The bolt face 36 is then allowed to move until the bolt
face 36 contacts the bolt catch surface 134. Of course, the bolt
hold open system 130 may operate automatically in conjunction with
a magazine (not shown) as known in the art.
[0078] A magazine positioning device 146 is also shown that helps
position a magazine within a magazine well (not shown). The
magazine positioning device 146 comprises a positioning pin 148 and
a positioning spring 150. The positioning pin 148 is positioned
above a part of a magazine (not shown) held in a magazine well (not
shown). As the magazine is loaded in the firearm, the positioning
pin 148 is displaced, which compresses the positioning spring 150.
While the magazine (not shown) is held in the magazine well (not
shown), the magazine positioning device 146 urges the magazine
against the catch surface 180 of the magazine catch system 141.
When the magazine catch system 141 is actuated, the catch surface
180 is moved toward the trigger 144 and disengages from the
magazine (not shown). The positioning spring 150 then pushes the
positioning pin 148, which in turn urges the magazine from the
magazine well (not shown).
[0079] Also shown in FIG. 6, are some of the components of the
magazine catch system 141, which will be more fully described in
FIG. 7. As shown in this side elevation view of FIG. 6, the
magazine catch system 141 includes a second button 172 attached to
a catch guide pin 176 and a catch arm 178 extending from the second
button 172 past the bolt hold open body 132 to the catch surface
180. The catch arm 178 includes a slot 179 through which the catch
guide pin 176 extends to the opposite side of the catch arm 178.
The catch arm also is shown including a second beveled surface
185.
[0080] As shown, the bolt hold open system 130 and the magazine
catch system 141 are integrated to support the other systems
functionality. Specifically, the bolt hold open body 132 extends
through the catch arm 178 to help position the catch arm. By
integrating the two systems, the systems take up less space and may
weigh less than nonintegrated systems. Furthermore, the integrated
magazine catch and bolt hold system facilitates the placement of
the bolt hold open system 130 and the magazine catch system 141
within a removable magazine well.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 7, a bottom view further illustrates the
bolt hold open system 130 and the magazine catch system 141 of FIG.
6. The magazine catch system comprises a first button 170 and the
second button 172 positioned opposite each other on a catch guide
pin 176. A catch arm 178 extends from the first and second buttons
170 and 172 past the bolt hold open body 132 to the catch surface
180.
[0082] As shown, the first and second buttons 170 and 172 each
include an actuation surface 182. The first and second buttons 170
and 172 may be rigidly or slidably attached to the catch guide pin
176. The actuation surface 182 may be rounded, curved, angled, or
beveled.
[0083] The back of the catch arm 178 comprises an elongated slot
179 through which the catch guide pin 176 extends. The surfaces
below and above the elongated slot 179 are a first and the second
beveled surfaces 184 and 185. In this configuration, the first and
second beveled surfaces 184 and 185 extend 45 degrees from the
substantially linear motion of the first and second buttons 170 and
172. The actuation surfaces 182 of the first and second button 170
and 172 engage a respective first and second beveled surface 184
and 185. When the first and/or second button 170 and/or 172 is
depressed by a user, the actuation surface 182 urges the first
beveled surface 184 and/or the second beveled surface 185 and the
catch arm 178 to move toward the trigger 144 (shown in FIG. 6).
Thus, causing the catch surface 180 to move out of engagement with
a magazine (not shown). The catch arm 178 is biased away from the
trigger 144 (shown in FIG. 6) to retain a magazine by two catch
biasing springs 174.
[0084] As shown, the bolt hold open body 132 extends through a slot
181 in the catch arm 178 to limit the motion of the catch arm 178.
Also shown, the positioning pin 148 may be seen partially through
the slot 181.
[0085] In this configuration, either the first and second buttons
170 and 172 may be urged toward the catch arm. When either the
first and second buttons 170 and 172 are urged toward the catch arm
178, the actuation surface 182 engages the beveled surface 184 to
move the catch arm 178. If the first and second buttons 170 and 172
are slidably attached, both the first and second buttons 170 and
172 may be urged toward the catch arm 178.
[0086] The bolt hold open control arm 140 has a U shape. The arms
of the U shape are shown in FIG. 6 as extending along both sides of
the trigger guard 142. In other words, the bolt hold open control
arm 140 wraps around the trigger guard 142 to provide access to the
bolt hold control system 130 on both sides of the firearm.
[0087] FIG. 8 details an alternative configuration of a magazine
catch system 249, which comprises a first button 250, a second
button 252, a catch biasing spring 254, a catch guide pin 256, and
a catch arm 258 having a catch surface 260. The first button 250 is
accessible from one side of a firearm and the second button 252 is
accessible from the opposite side of the firearm. The first button
250 includes catch arm 258 and an angled slot 261 extending fending
at an angle to the lateral direction 264. The second button 252 is
also formed with the angled slot 262 extending at a different angle
than the angled slot 261 of the first button. The catch guide pin
156 extends through the angled slots 261 and 262 and is movable in
each slot 261 and 262. The catch biasing spring 254 extends between
the first and second buttons 250 and 252.
[0088] The magazine catch system 249 works by depressing either the
first button 250 or the second button 252 toward the other button,
which forces the catch guide pin 256 to move in the angled slots
261 and 262 longitudinally 263. As the catch guide pin 256 moves in
the angled slots 261 and 262, the first and second buttons 250 and
252 simultaneously moves laterally 264, toward each other. As both
buttons 250 and 252 move toward each other, the catch arm 258 moves
to disengage the catch surface 260 from a magazine (not shown).
[0089] The invention may incorporate both the bolt hold open system
130 and the magazine catch system 141 into a removable feed
attachment device such as a magazine well. However, the bolt hold
open system 130 and the magazine catch system 141 may also be
incorporated into the receiver of a firearm.
[0090] The invention also comprises the use of heat conductive
thermoplastics. Heat conductive plastics have recently been
developed for use with electric motors, where heat can also be a
serious problem. Heat conductive plastics may be used in the
invention to form various parts of the firearm.
[0091] A major problem with the current use of thermoplastics in
firearms is that they begin melting over constant use in a short
period of time. Especially in semi-automatic or fully automatic
firearms, the barrel, chamber, bolt, gas system, and any associated
parts can easily exceed the melting temperature or glass transition
phase of any thermoplastics used in those parts. Typical
thermoplastics are insulators. Therefore, typical thermoplastics
trap heat next to the firearm. Thus, supporting the temperature of
the firearm to rise as each round is fired.
[0092] Heat conductive plastics have the distinct advantage over
standard thermoplastics and thermoplastic composites because heat
conductive plastics are able to conduct the heat generated away
from the firearm and into the surrounding environment. Conducting
heat away from the firearm has the added benefit of helping to
prevent "cooking off" a round. Cooking off a round is an extremely
dangerous occurrence, where the chamber is so hot that the residual
heat is able to ignite a round sitting in the chamber and fire the
firearm when the user is not expecting.
[0093] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other
essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed
hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all
respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims,
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope. The present invention may be embodied
in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or
essential characteristics. All of the parts discussed above may be
made of metal, composite, or plastics. In addition, the parts may
be stamped, cast, forged, or machined. The described embodiments
are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. All changes and alternatives that would be known to
one of skill in the art are embraced within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *