U.S. patent application number 12/341970 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for hand grip system with integrated sight for mounting to firearm.
This patent application is currently assigned to Colt Defense LLC. Invention is credited to Dennis Veilleux.
Application Number | 20090178325 12/341970 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40849436 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090178325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Veilleux; Dennis |
July 16, 2009 |
HAND GRIP SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED SIGHT FOR MOUNTING TO FIREARM
Abstract
A semi-automatic or automatic rifle includes a receiver having a
receiver frame, a barrel connected to the receiver frame, a hand
guard section extending over and generally surrounding the barrel,
the hand guard section connected to the receiver, an accessory
mount connected to the receiver frame and located below the barrel,
a hand grip with an integrated sight removably connected to the
accessory mount, the removable hand grip having a locating and
locking feature adapted to engage the accessory mount, wherein, the
removable hand grip is selectably interchangeable with other hand
grips, each having different predetermined characteristics
selectable for coupling to the rifle and wherein, the removable
hand grip is configured so that it forms a stand alone sighting
device independent of the rifle.
Inventors: |
Veilleux; Dennis;
(Stratford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERMAN & GREEN
425 POST ROAD
FAIRFIELD
CT
06824
US
|
Assignee: |
Colt Defense LLC
Hartford
CT
|
Family ID: |
40849436 |
Appl. No.: |
12/341970 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61016200 |
Dec 21, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/117 ; 42/111;
42/114; 89/191.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/117 ; 42/111;
42/114; 89/191.01 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/00 20060101
F41G001/00; F41A 5/18 20060101 F41A005/18 |
Claims
1. A semi-automatic or automatic rifle comprising: a receiver
having a receiver frame; a barrel connected to the receiver frame;
a hand guard section extending over and generally surrounding the
barrel, the hand guard section connected to the receiver, an
accessory mount connected to the receiver frame and located below
the barrel; a hand grip with an integrated sight removably
connected to the accessory mount; the removable hand grip having a
locating and locking feature adapted to engage the accessory mount;
wherein, the removable hand grip is selectably interchangeable with
other hand grips, each having different predetermined
characteristics selectable for coupling to the rifle; and wherein,
the removable hand grip is configured so that it forms a stand
alone sighting device independent of the rifle.
2. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 1, wherein the
removable hand grip is configured to be operated in combination
with the rifle.
3. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 1, wherein the
integrated sight is removable with the hand grip as a unit.
4. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 1, wherein the
integrated sight comprises a diode laser system, the diode laser
system being configured for operation in one or more of a pulsed
mode or constant on mode.
5. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 1, wherein the
integrated sight comprises at least one of a green laser, a red
laser, an infrared laser, an LED light source and a
thermo-incandescent light source.
6. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 1, wherein the
hand grip comprises an ambidextrously operable switch device for
selectably operating the integrated sight.
7. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 1, wherein the
rifle comprises a direct gas operating system or a gas piston
operating system.
8. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 1, wherein the
integrated sight is powered by size AA batteries.
9. A semi-automatic or automatic rifle comprising: a hand guard
having an upper hand guard assembly and a lower hand guard
assembly; and a pistol fore grip with an integrated sighting
system, the pistol fore grip being removably mounted to one of the
upper hand guard assembly or the lower hand guard assembly, wherein
the pistol fore grip is configured to provide the rifle with an
accessory sighting system having a selectably configured
predetermined sighting characteristics, the configuration of the
sighting characteristics being selected by selection of the pistol
fore grip from a number of different interchangeable pistol fore
grips for mounting to the upper hand guard or lower hand guard
assembly.
10. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 9, wherein the
integrated sight is removable with the hand grip as a unit.
11. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 9, wherein the
integrated sight comprises at least one of a green laser, a red
laser, an infrared laser, an LED light source and a
thermo-incandescent light source.
12. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 9, wherein the
sighting system is configured for operation in one or more of a
pulsed mode or constant on mode.
13. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 9, wherein the
pistol fore grip comprises an ambidextrously operable switch device
for selectably operating the integrated sight.
14. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle of claim 9, wherein the
pistol fore grip comprises a replaceable power source, the power
source being removable from the fore grip while the pistol fore
grip is mounted to one of the upper hand guard assembly or the
lower hand guard assembly.
15. A black rifle configuration firearm comprising: a receiver
having a receiver frame; a barrel connected to the receiver frame;
a hand guard section extending over and generally surrounding the
barrel, the hand guard section connected to the receiver, an
accessory mount connected to the receiver frame and located below
the barrel; a hand grip with an integrated sight removably
connected to the accessory mount; the removable hand grip having a
locating and locking feature adapted to engage the accessory mount;
and wherein, the removable hand grip is selectably interchangeable
with other hand grips, each having different predetermined
characteristics selectable for coupling to the firearm.
16. The black rifle configuration firearm of claim 15, wherein the
removable hand grip is configured so that it forms a stand alone
sighting device independent of the firearm.
17. The black rifle configuration firearm of claim 15, wherein the
hand grip comprises a replaceable power source, the power source
being removable from the hand grip while the hand grip is mounted
to one of the upper hand guard assembly or the lower hand guard
assembly.
18. The black rifle configuration firearm of claim 15, wherein the
hand grip comprises an ambidextrously operable switch device for
selectably operating the integrated sight.
19. The black rifle configuration firearm of claim 15, wherein the
integrated sight comprises a diode laser system, the diode laser
system being configured for operation in one or more of a pulsed
mode or constant on mode.
20. The black rifle configuration firearm of claim 15, wherein the
integrated sight comprises at least one of a green laser, a red
laser, an infrared laser, an LED light source and a
thermo-incandescent light source.
21. A kit comprising: a pistol fore grip configured to provide a
removable accessory sighting system for a rifle and a stand alone
sighting device operable independent of the rifle; and a mount for
mounting the pistol fore grip to the rifle.
22. The kit of claim 21, wherein the pistol fore grip comprises an
integrated sighting system, where the pistol fore grip and the
integrated sighting system are removable as a unit.
23. The kit of claim 22, wherein the pistol fore grip comprises an
ambidextrously operable switch device for selectably operating the
integrated sight.
24. The kit of claim 21, wherein the pistol fore grip comprises a
replaceable power source, the power source being removable from the
pistol fore grip while the pistol fore grip is mounted to the
rifle.
25. The kit of claim 21, wherein the pistol fore grip comprises an
integrated sight having a diode laser system, the diode laser
system being configured for operation in one or more of a pulsed
mode or constant on mode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/016,200 filed on Dec. 21, 2007, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The disclosed embodiments relate to firearms and, more
particularly, to a firearm having a removable handgrip with an
integrated laser sight.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of Earlier Developments
[0005] There is a demand from operators that firearms, such as
automatic and semi-automatic rifles, have increased versatility
allowing individual firearm components to be operated in either a
stand alone mode or in combination with the firearm. In addition to
increased versatility, operator's desire robust construction and
ease of operability and maintenance even when undergoing use in
harsh conditions such as immersion in water and exposure to blowing
sand and salt fog. For example, there is an operation desire for a
removable firearm handgrip with an integrated laser sight that may
be used either in a stand alone mode of operation or in combination
with various types of automatic and semi-automatic rifles.
Conventional firearm laser sights have not successfully satisfied
the demands and desires of operators. U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,000 dated
Apr. 22, 1997, discloses an example of a conventional laser
sighting system for a firearm fore handgrip assembly. The
conventional laser sighting system disclosed a sighting system
mounted entirely on a fore handgrip assembly that is marketed as an
accessory item for various types of firearms. Removal of the
sighting system demands disassembly of the firearm. The
conventional handgrip laser sighting system is not conducive to
being easily removed and used in a stand alone mode of operation
with the firearm being operative (so that the user may continue to
operate the firearm in a normal manner while employing the laser
sighting system in its stand alone mode) nor is it conducive to
being easily attached and used in combination with the firearm. The
exemplary embodiments of the removable firearm handgrip with an
integrated laser disclosed herein overcome the problems with the
conventional handgrip laser sighting system as will be further
described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing aspects and other features of the exemplary
embodiments are explained in the following description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an automatic firearm
incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 1A is an illustration of another firearm incorporating
features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 1B is an exploded illustration of the firearm in FIG.
1A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric of the lower hand guard
assembly and the hand grip with an integrated sight system of the
firearm shown in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 2A is a sectional view of a mount interface of the
guard system;
[0012] FIG. 2B is a partial perspective view of a hand grip of the
sight system mounted to a portion of the firearm in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the lower hand guard assembly
and the hand grip with an integrated laser sight; and
[0014] FIG. 4 is an isometric view the hand grip with an integrated
laser sight.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown, an isometric view of an
automatic or semi-automatic firearm 20 capable of automatic or
semiautomatic fire incorporating features in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. Although the present invention will be
described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings,
it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied
in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable
size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.
[0016] Firearm 20 is illustrated as generally having what is
generally known as a "black rifle" configuration, the "black rifle"
configuration being the family of rifles developed by Eugene
Stoner, such as an M4.TM. (available from Colt Defense LLC), AR15
or M16 type automatic or semi-automatic rifle configuration.
However, the features of the disclosed embodiments, as will be
described below, are equally applicable to any desired type of
automatic or semiautomatic firearm. Firearm 20 may have operational
features such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,726,377, 5,760,328,
4,658,702 and 4,433,610, and patent application Ser. Nos.
60/564,895 filed Apr. 23, 2004; 10/836,443 filed Apr. 30, 2004,
60/849,957 filed Oct. 6, 2006, 60/910,804, filed Apr. 9, 2007,
60/772,494 filed Feb. 9, 2006, 11/231,063 filed Sep. 19, 2005,
11/339,187, filed Jan. 25, 2006, 11/352,036, filed Feb. 9, 2006,
11/869,676, filed Oct. 9, 2007 and 11/672,189 filed Feb. 7, 2007
all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety. The firearm 20 and its sections described in greater
detail below are merely exemplary, and in alternate embodiments the
firearm 20 may have other sections, portions, systems or
assemblies. Firearm 20 may incorporate a hand guard 30 (for example
having upper hand guard 44 and lower hand guard 46 sections), a
receiver section 32 having upper receiver 36 and lower receiver 38,
a barrel 14, stock 34, rear sight 40, and front sight 42. In the
exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the firearm 20 may have
an accessory sighting system 43 that may be removably mounted to
the firearm for use in operating the firearm in integral
combination with the accessory sighting system as will be described
below. The accessory sighting system 43 may also be used
independently or standing alone from the firearm with the firearm
continuing to be operative, as will also be described in greater
detail below. In the exemplary embodiment, the accessory sighting
system may include one or more removable hand grips 48, 48A, 48B.
In FIG. 1, a number (e.g. three) of representative hand grips 48,
48A, 48B of the firearm assembly sighting system 43 (illustrated
schematically) are shown for example purposes. Each of the hand
grips may have a different sighting system characteristic. In
alternate embodiments, the firearm accessory sighting system may
include more or fewer hand grips with different sighting
characteristics. In the exemplary embodiment, the different hand
grips 48, 48A, 48B may be interchangeable for mounting to the
firearm 20. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the
firearm 20 is shown with a removable hand grip 48, selected from
the different hand grips 48-48B, where the removable hand grip 48
is mounted to an accessory mount 100 (FIG. 2), 108 (FIG. 1) under
the barrel 14 of the firearm 20.
[0017] Hand guard 30 may further incorporate vent holes, ribbing,
heat shields or double heat shields and liners to facilitate
cooling of the barrel 14 while keeping hand guard 30 at a
temperature sufficient for an operator to hold the hand guard when
the removable hand grip 48 is detached from the rifle.
Additionally, the temperature may be sufficiently cooled for the
operator to hold the hand grip 48 when the hand grip 48 is attached
to the rifle. Hand guard 30 may have features such as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,663,875 and 4,536,982, both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Hand guard 30,
which will be described in greater detail below, may generally have
a shell having one or more vent holes and external ribbing. Hand
guard 30 may be ergonomically sized to allow a user to comfortably
grip the guard. In alternate embodiments, multiple shells, inner
ribbing, heat shields or double heat shields and liners to
facilitate cooling of the barrel 14 while keeping hand guard 30 and
hand grip 48 at a temperature sufficiently low for an operator
could be provided. In the exemplary embodiment and as will also be
described in greater detail below, one or more removable and
relocatable rail(s) 108 may be provided on hand guard 30 and may be
permanently mounted or removably mounted and be removable or
moveable to different locations on hand guard 30. The rail and
mounting system to the hand guard may be substantially similar to
rails described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/113,525
filed Apr. 25, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety. In alternate embodiments, rails may be in different
locations with different sizes. Hand guard 30 and receiver section
32 may be configured to support rails such as a rail having a
"Piccatiny Rail" configuration as described in Military Standard
1913, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. In alternative embodiments, hand guard 30 may be
configured to support other rails such as, for example, the clamp
system available from Reed Knight, a T slot rail and any other
"SNAP ON" or quickly attachable/detachable arrangements. The rails
may be made from any suitable material such as hard coat anodized
aluminum as an example.
[0018] Front sight assembly 42 is shown in FIG. 1 mounted to barrel
14 for example purposes. Front sight 42 may comprise a gas block
having an integral sight, for example, as disclosed in U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/352,036 and/or U.S. Application No.
60/772,494 and/or U.S. application Ser. No. 11/231,063 all of which
are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. In
alternate embodiments, front sight assembly 42 may be removable,
allowing alternate mounting of desired accessory in its place such
as a telescopic sight or laser sight. In the exemplary embodiment
shown, rear sight assembly 40 is provided and mounted to receiver
section 32. The rear sight assembly 40 may be removably or fixedly
mounted to the receiver section 32. Rear sight assembly 40 may
incorporate a sight ring and sight adjustment knobs provided to
adjust the position of sight ring (e.g. windage and elevation)
relative to the barrel 14 and front sight 42 for accurate target
sighting. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a
removable handgrip assembly 48, selected from the different
interchangeable grip assemblies 48-48B, is shown mounted to hand
guard 30. Removable handgrip assembly 48 may incorporate a locating
feature 58, a locking feature 56 and an integrated sighting section
that will be disclosed in greater detail below.
[0019] As seen in FIG. 1, the automatic or semiautomatic firearm 20
is illustrated as having separable hand guard 30 and receiver 32
sections for example purposes. In other exemplary embodiments such
as that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B (see also FIG. 2B), the receiver
and hand guard (or portion thereof) may be integral in a one piece
member of unitary construction, similar for example to the receiver
described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/352,036 filed Feb. 9,
2006, and 11/672,189 filed Feb. 7, 2007 which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety. Referring to FIG. 1A, there is
shown, a side elevation view of an automatic firearm 530 capable of
automatic or semiautomatic fire incorporating features in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The firearm 530 may be substantially similar to firearm 20 of FIG.
1 unless otherwise noted. For example, firearm 530 may have an
upper receiver section 534 a barrel 536, gas piston system 538, and
hand guard 540 and interchangeable hand grip(s) 48, 48A, 48B. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, rifle 530 has receiver 534 having
an integral hand guard portion with barrel 536 removably connected
to receiver 534. Here, the hand guard portion extends over and
surrounds barrel 536. A removable accessory device mounting rail
may be removably connected to the receiver and has another hand
guard portion mateable with the integral hand guard portion of the
receiver as shown here in a locked position, locked to the receiver
having an integral hand guard. When in the unlocked position, the
mounting rail is unlocked and freely movable relative to the
receiver. In alternate embodiments, the firearm may have an
indirect gas operating system or gas tube operating system.
Further, in alternate embodiments, the firearm may have neither a
piston or gas operating system and may rely on recoil action to
cycle the weapon, for example, in semi-automatic mode. Here, the
gas operated linkage actuating the bolt carriage in the upper
receiver may be replaced by a gas tube. Firearm 530 may
incorporate, for example, a collapsible stock 542, lower receiver
section 544, magazine well 546, clip or magazine 548 and rear and
front sights 550, 552. The upper receiver 534 having barrel 536,
lower receiver 544 and magazine well 546 are modular and
configurable such that firearm 530 comprises a modular rifle
design. In addition, lower receiver 544 and magazine well 546 may
be removable without tools or fasteners. In alternate embodiments,
more or less modules and assemblies may be removable without tools
or fasteners. As an example, magazine well 546 may be replaceable
and removable such that magazine well 546 may be replaced with a
different magazine well to change caliber. Additionally, modularity
with interlocking components is provided for ease of assembly and
disassembly without affecting fire accuracy as well as to provide a
single configurable firearm without having to support multiple
firearms. Further, the hand guard, and accessory mounting rails
thereon, may be integral with the upper receiver and the integral
upper receiver, hand guard and mounting rails may be of unitary
construction.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is shown an exploded
isometric view of the firearm 530 including an exploded isometric
view of the upper receiver with hand guard section shown in FIG.
1A. As noted before, firearm 530 generally incorporates an upper
receiver section 534, barrel 536, gas piston system 538, hand guard
540, rear and front sights 550, 552, ejection port cover attachment
554 and bolt assembly 556. Firearm 530 may incorporate stock 542,
lower receiver section 544, magazine well 546, clip or magazine 548
and auto sear actuator 566 assembled to the bolt carrier (not
shown). The barrel 536 and/or the bolt/bolt carrier 556 may be
coupled to upper receiver section using conventional splined and/or
threaded/pinned locking techniques or otherwise. Hand guard 540 may
have features such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,663,875 and
4,536,982, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety. Hand guard 540 has features for mounting
additional devices on one or more rails similar to the support
rails described herein (e.g. "Piccatiny Rail" or other suitable
configuration) for attachment of any suitable peripheral devices as
also described herein, including but not limited to hand grips 48,
48A, 48B. Hand guard 540 may be configured for basic mission
profiles or light duty rail requirements while simplifying
techniques such as the Gun/Light technique with firearms such as
the M-4. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, upper
receiver 534 may be of one-piece, or unitary construction
incorporating integral hand guard section 540I having fixed rails
for example at the three, nine and twelve o'clock positions
relative to the barrel axis. In alternate embodiments, the rails
may be positioned as desired. Hand guard 540 has a removable bottom
portion 560 with integral lower rail 560R for different mounting
options that may be provided. Here, removable accessory device
mounting rail 560 is removably connected to the receiver with a
hand guard portion mateable with the integral hand guard portion of
the receiver. The removable accessory device mounting rail 560 has
a quick release lock mounted there to. In alternate embodiments,
the quick release lock may be mounted to the receiver. The quick
release lock is provided for locking the removable mounting rail to
the receiver. As will be described, the quick release lock has a
movable locking member movable between locked and unlocked
positions. When in the locked position the locking member locks the
removable mounting rail in an installed position to the receiver,
and when the locking member is in the unlocked position, the
mounting rail is unlocked and freely movable relative to the
receiver. The locking member has an angled engagement portion
protruding from the removable mounting rail and engaging a
corresponding angled recess in the receiver. The locking member
acts as a wedge in the recess with the removable accessory device
mounting rail preloaded with a biasing force against the integral
hand guard portion.
[0021] In this embodiment the rail 560R may be located at the six
(6) o'clock position relative to the barrel axis, though in
alternate embodiments the removable rail may be located in any
other desired location. The bottom portion 560 may be removable to
install other accessories, such a grenade launcher as an example.
The removable bottom portion having an integral rail is mounted
using a keyed/key way system or tongue and groove system that will
be described in more detail below. In the exemplary embodiment
shown in FIG. 1B, support ring 562 is provided at the front of the
receiver 534 for strength and attachment purposes. Lower receiver
544 has interface 568 that removably interlocks with mating
interface 570 of upper receiver 534. Interfaces 568, 570 may, for
example, have bores and mating surfaces that lock and unlock
allowing the user to lock/assemble and unlock/disassemble the two
assemblies, for example by the removal of pins. In alternate
embodiments, other mating and locking features could be provided,
for example, mating and locking features that do not require tools.
In this manner, the modular lower receiver interlocks with the
modular upper receiver and different receivers with the same
interface can be interchanged without further disassembly. Lower
receiver 544 has features such as trigger 572, hammer 574, fire
control selector 576, and auto sear 578. Lower receiver 544 may
have a separable or integral grip 580 and fixtures 582 for mounting
stock 542. As may be realized, in alternate embodiments the upper
receiver may be coupled conventionally to the lower receiver. Hand
guard 540 (formed for example by the joined upper and lower
sections 540I, 560) has vent holes, integral external rails, heat
shields 503, 504 or double heat shields and liners (not shown) to
facilitate cooling of the barrel 536 while keeping hand guard 540
at a temperature sufficiently low for an operator to hold.
Removable hand guard portion 540 is shown operating with a piston
based operating system. In alternate embodiments, hand guard 540
may operate with a gas operating system. Additional components may
be required for a gas operating system, for example, heat shields
around the gas tube. As noted before in this embodiment, the upper
receiver 534 and hand guard 540I may be integrally formed as a
single member of unitary construction, the one piece hand guard and
upper receiver unit may be formed of any suitable metal, such as
steel or Aluminum alloy, or may be formed from non-metallic
material such as plastic or composites. Rails are provided on Hand
guard 540 and may be integrally molded. Hence, the "Piccatiny
rails", hand guard and upper receiver may be integral as a
one-piece member of unitary construction. In alternate embodiments
the rails may be removably mounted. In alternate embodiments, more
or less multiple rails may be provided in multiple mounting
locations or mounting angles on hand guard 540. The rails may be
manufactured as part of upper receiver 534 such that collimating
between the rail mounted device and the barrel centerline are
maintained as desired. Rails are shown as left and right side rails
for ambidextrous use. In alternate embodiments, rails may be
mounted further forward or rearward or at different angles. Hand
guard 540 allows attachment of a removable bottom portion 560 with
lower rail 560R for different mounting options that may be
provided. The removable bottom portion 560 with rail 560R may be
mounted using a keyed/key way system or tongue and groove system. A
heat shield may be secured to the upper portion using any suitable
attachment means such as screws, pins, and rivets. The bottom
portion has spring loaded movable detents that lock the bottom
portion to the upper portion 540I. Accordingly, the bottom portion
may be removably attached to the upper hand guard 540I with spring
loaded locks that facilitate ease of removal and reattachment of
the bottom and upper hand guard portions.
[0022] For exemplary purposes only, the firearm 20 and firearm 530
may have a direct gas operating system, though in alternate
embodiments the firearm may incorporate a gas piston operating
system (not shown) generally similar to embodiments in U.S.
application Ser. Nos. 11/869,676, 11/231,063 and 60/849,957 hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety. As a further example,
the rifle may include a rear regulator, for example as shown U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/339,187 hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety. The firearm may be provided with over the beach
capability allowing immediate firing of the weapon after water
submersion regardless of weapon orientation. In alternate
embodiments, a folding stock may be provided increasing weapon
versatility by reducing the overall length of the firearm. Suitable
examples of folding stock configurations are described in U.S.
Application No. 60/849,947 and No. 60/910,804, previously
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, and U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/869,679, filed Oct. 9, 2007 which is also
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. A folding stock
further may enhance weapon balance for stability and to retain a
target during firing. Ease of handling, stability during firing and
sighting may also be enhanced by mounting the hand grip 48, 48A,
48B (see FIGS. 1 and 1A) in combination with the folding stock (or
without the folding stock). The firearm 20 may have greaseless fire
control system parts. For example, the fire control system parts
may be coated with a coating, such as UCTD UltraCem R coating to
eliminate the need for lubrication and to reduce the accumulation
of foreign material and residue and to provide ease in
cleaning.
[0023] Referring again to FIG. 1, in the embodiment shown, forward
extending hand guard/rail system 30 is provided. Hand guard 30 is
shown removable yet compares in function and alignment to a
one-piece upper receiver extended rail system due to the
stabilization design approach (see also FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2B).
Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment the hand guard system 30 may
retain the highly desired thermal isolating properties (such as may
be available from some conventional hand guards) with proper
convective flow for barrel cooling, while providing the ability to
mount accessories to the hand guard, via "Piccatiny Rails", (as
with metal hand guards) without discomfort from barrel heating
further, the hand guard system 30 comprises hand guard sections
that are fully interchangeable with each other and with
conventional hand guard sections. In the exemplary embodiment, the
hand guard system may include features similar to the hand guard
system described in U.S. Application No. 60/910,802, filed Apr. 9,
2007 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an exploded
isometric view of the lower hand guard, in accordance with one
exemplary embodiment, and a representative hand grip assembly of
the firearm shown in FIG. 1. Referring also to FIG. 3, there is
shown an isometric view of the lower hand guard assembly and the
hand grip 4B of the firearm accessory sighting system 43 of the
fire arm shown in FIG. 1. Generally, lower hand guard 46 has
non-metal hand guard body portion with integral rails. In the
exemplary embodiment, lower hand guard 46 may generally have body
portion 98, attachment or T-rail portion 100 and shield portion
102, 104. As will be described, T-rail portion 100 may be molded
into body portion 98 making T-rail portion 100 and body portion 98
of unitary construction. Shield portion 102, 104 (which may be made
of any suitable materials) may be removably snapped into the
unitary assembly of T-rail portion 100 and body portion 98 to allow
removal such as for cleaning. Body portion 98 may be made of
desired polymer (such as PEEK), and mounting rail 100 may be made
of metal (such as aluminum) or any suitable material (for example
capable of withstanding temperatures of about 500.degree. F.) and
allowing fastening as described below. In alternate embodiments,
any suitable combination of fastening techniques may be provided
with any of the subcomponents, for example, by conventional
fasteners molded into the body portions or otherwise. In alternate
embodiments, any suitable combinations of rails, shields or
accessories may be provided in any suitable combination. Mounting
rail 100 may be embedded and molded in the lower portion of body 98
or alternately could be located anywhere. Here, T-rail 100 may be
embedded into polymer section 98 for mounting an accessory rail 108
(see FIG. 2) that has a complementing T-portion 110 that engages
and slides on to a mating portion 112 of T-rail 100. In the
exemplary embodiment, accessory rail 108 may comprise a "Piccatiny
Rail" or other suitable rail or accessory or accessory mount. In
the exemplary embodiment accessory rail 108 (see FIG. 1) may be
slid forward or rearward to a stop location for mounting a desired
accessory in a desired location. Accessory rail 108 and mounting
rail 100 each may have a spring loaded detent 114 that engages a
mating recess (for example serially located longitudinally along
rail 100) for easy location when sliding forward in order to adjust
position of accessory rail 108. The position may be selectable from
multiple longitudinal positions between accessory and mounting
rails whereby the location of the accessory mounting rail is
selectable. A set screw, thumb screw or other suitable locking
device may further be provided. In the example shown, rail 108 may
be "Piccatiny Rails" of differing rail mount heights. As may be
realized, in alternate embodiments, the accessory rail 108 may be
swapped with another accessory rail, capable of being mounted to
mount rail 100 and having any other desired accessory mount system.
In other exemplary embodiments, mounting rail 100 may have any
other desired accessory mount configuration (see for example FIG. 3
showing the mounting rail 100' having a "Piccatiny Rail" mount
configuration similar to rail 108 in FIG. 2) and may be molded
together with body portion 98 to form a hand guard assembly 47 of
unitary construction. In the exemplary embodiment, removable hand
grip 48-48B of the accessory sight system 43, may be easily
attached to and detached from hand guard assembly 47. In the
exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the hand grip
48-48B is shown mounted to the rail located under the barrel. FIG.
2B is a partial perspective view showing the hand grip mounted to
an accessory mount located under the barrel of the firearm in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment but in alternate
embodiments the hand grip may be mounted to an accessory mount
located at any suitable position relative to the barrel, such as
for example to a side of the barrel. In the exemplary embodiment
shown in FIG. 2B, the firearm may have an upper receiver 36A, that
is a one piece member (of unitary construction) and has integral
accessory mounts (for example similar to the mounting rails
described previously and shown in FIGS. 1-2). At least one
accessory mount 101A integral to the one piece receiver is located
under the barrel of the firearm. The receiver may have one or more
accessory mounts positioned around the barrel. In the exemplary
embodiment shown, the interchangeable grips may be mounted to
accessory mount 100A. In other alternate embodiments, the
interchangeable hand grips may be removably mounted to any other
suitable firearm accessory mount that may be located under the
barrel (e.g. firearm accessory mount or mount rails may be mounted
onto the barrel or receiver) or any other suitable firearm
accessory mount (for example mount rail 100B in FIG. 2B) allowing
the user ergonomic access to the hand grip for stably holding the
hand grip when coupled to the firearm.
[0025] Except as otherwise noted, the different interchangeable
hand grips 48-48B of the firearm accessory mounting system may have
a generally similar configuration. Accordingly, the hand grips
48-48B will be described below with primary reference to hand grip
48 (schematically depicted in FIGS. 2-4 as having a generally
representative configuration). In the exemplary embodiment, hand
grip 48 generally has a housing 48H and a sighting system section
55 (that will be described in greater detail below) located in the
housing 48H. Hand grip housing 48H may be made from any suitable
material, such as for exemplary purposes only, PEEK molded. The
hand grip housing may have any suitable shape with an exterior
having a desired ergonomic form, and interior arranged to suitably
support the components of the sighting system section 55 within the
housing. For example, the hand grip 48 may have a pistol grip shape
(e.g. to form a pistol fore grip) or any other suitable ergonomic
shape. For exemplary purposes only, referring to FIG. 1, the hand
grip, such as hand grip 48A, may have a width W of about 3 inches,
a depth D of about 1.75 inches and a height H of about 5.25 inches
with a weight of about less than 8 ounces. However, in alternate
embodiments the hand grip may have any suitable width, depth,
height and weight. As seen best in FIG. 2, the hand grip 48 may
have a suitable mount section 53, 53A disposed on the housing 48H
and arranged for interfacing with and mounting the hand grip 48 to
the mounting rail 100, 100', 108 (see also FIG. 3). In the
exemplary embodiment shown, the mounting section 53 on hand grip 48
may be generally configured (e.g. has an interface 60) to mount to
the "Piccatiny Rail" configuration of rails 100', 108 (though in
alternate embodiments the mount section may have any other desired
configuration suitable for interface and mounting to the firearm
mounting rails). In the exemplary embodiment, the hand grip mount
53 may have for example locating and locking features 56 and 58.
FIG. 2A is a schematic sectional view of a representative locating
and locking feature 58 (feature 56 may be similar). The
configuration shown in FIG. 2A is merely exemplary, and in
alternate embodiments the locating/locking feature may have any
other desired configuration. Locating and locking features 56 and
58 may engage accessory rail 108 of hand guard assembly 47
attaching hand grip 48 to hand guard assembly 47. As seen in FIG.
2A, locating and locking feature 58 may include a spring loaded
latch 58C. The latch 58C of locating and locking feature 58 may be
operated (e.g. caused to be moved between locked and unlocked
positions) by, for example, a screw knob that wedges against
accessory rail 108 locating and locking hand grip 48 to guard
assembly 47. In alternate embodiments the locating and locking
features may include cam levers and lands or any other suitable
features for interfacing with features of, for example, a
"Piccatiny Rail" (or other suitable rail system) and locking the
hand grip to the rail. In other alternate embodiments, the latch
may have any other suitable actuation system to allow the operator
to engage and disengage the locating and locking features of the
latch from the interfacing features of the firearm substantially
without tools. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-2A,
the mount section 53 may be removably mounted, such as with any
suitable fastening system 53M (e.g. mechanical fasteners fastening
the mount section 53) to the hand grip housing 48H. Accordingly, in
the exemplary embodiment the mount section 53 of hand grip 48 may
be interchanged with another mount section 53A, having a different
firearm mount interface than mount section 53, and capable of being
attached to hand grip housing 48H. Thus, for example, mount section
53A may be configured to mount onto mounting rail 100 (e.g. may
have a general T-rail configuration suitable for use with rail
100). Hence, in the event the firearm may be without accessory rail
108, the user may select to swap mount section 53 (suitable for use
with "Piccatiny Rail" 108) with hand grip mount section 53A,
thereby allowing the user to mount the hand grip onto rail 100.
FIG. 2 illustrates two different interchangeable mount sections for
hand grip 48 for example purposes, though the hand grips may be
provided with any desired number of interchangeable mount sections
with different mount configuration. In alternate embodiments, the
mount section may be unitary with or not easily removable from the
hand grip housing. In other alternate embodiments, the different
interchangeable hand grips 48-48B of the sighting system may each
be provided with corresponding mount sections having mount
configurations for interfacing with and mounting to different
firearm accessory mount arrangements.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an isometric view of
the hand grip with an integrated sighting system section 55. In the
exemplary embodiment, the sighting system section(s) 55
corresponding to each of the different interchangeable hand grips
48, 48A, 48B may be different thereby providing the interchangeable
hand grips with different sighting characteristics. The sighting
system sections 55 of the hand grips 48, 48A, 48B may be generally
similar in that each may include an ambidextrous activation switch
54, a power source 66, a power source compartment 62, an on/off or
mode selector switch 52 and an internal circuit 67 connecting the
power source, and the power/mode and activation switches to an
electro-optic sighting device 64. The integrated sighting devices
64 in each of the different interchangeable hand grips may be
different, so that each of the different interchangeable handgrips
48, 48A, 48B, has a different sighting system characteristic. For
example, the sighting devices may be a laser diode system. For
exemplary purposes only, in one exemplary embodiment the laser
diode system may have an ANSI laser class of 3R and a power of
about less than 5 mW while in alternate embodiments the laser diode
system may have any suitable laser class and a power of more than
about 5 mW. By way of further example, hand grip 48 may have a
single laser configuration and another hand grip 48A, 48B may have
a dual laser configuration. Suitable examples of laser diode
systems are available from LaserMax. Suitable configurations used
in the different interchangeable hand grips may be, for example, a
single (e.g. 635 nm) red diode laser that is pulsed for example at
10 Hz or kept constantly on (e.g. a continuous wave beam), or a
single (e.g. 532 nm) green diode pumped solid state that is pulsed
at for example 10 Hz, or provides continuous lasing (e.g.
constantly on). In other exemplary embodiments, the sighting system
may be a dual (635 nm) red and (850 nm) IR diode lasers where the
laser may be pulsed (e.g. at 10 Hz) or kept constantly on. In other
exemplary embodiments a (532 nm) green and (850 nm) IR (infrared)
diode pumped solid state laser may be used where the green laser
may be pulsed e.g. at 10 Hz) and the IR laser kept constantly on.
In still other embodiments, the sighting system section of a hand
grip may include a light source such as an LED (light emitting
diode) in combination with either a red or green diode laser that
may be pulsed (e.g. at 10 Hz) or kept constantly on. In other
exemplary embodiments, the light source may be a
thermo-incandescent device used in combination with either a red or
green laser (that may be pulsed or static when on) or used alone.
In alternative embodiments other suitable laser and incandescent or
LED lighting configurations may be used. It is noted that the
on/off or mode selector switch 52 may be configured to switch
operation of the hand grip between the different hand grip
functions and features, as described above, such as for example,
laser sighting and providing a light source to, for example,
illuminate a desired region where the operation of the laser and
light can be in a pulsed or continuous mode. As may be realized, in
the exemplary embodiment an operator may selectably configure the
sighting characteristic of the rifle by selecting a desired hand
grip from the different interchangeable handgrips 48, 48A, 48B
(each with different sighting characteristics as described herein)
and mounting to the hand guard of the rifle (or swapping hand
guards if an interchangeable grip is already mounted). The operator
may selectably configure or reconfigure the rifle as noted in the
field substantially without tools.
[0027] As may be realized, hand grips having, for example, the
different predetermined characteristics described above may be
provided singularly in kit 600, 601, 602 (FIG. 1B) form such that
each hand grip kit includes one in a series of hand grips, where
each of the hand grips in the series has different predetermined
characteristics than other ones of hand grips in the series of hand
grips. For example, one hand grip in the series of hand grips may
be configured with only a red (635 nm) laser while another hand
grip in the series of hand grips is configured with both a red (635
nm) laser and a white LED light source. In one exemplary
embodiment, the kit 600, 601, 602 may include any combination of
the hand grip 48, 48A, 48B, the latch 58C for mounting the grip to
the rifle, a power supply, an operators manual (describing the
operation of the hand grips), mounting rails and mounting rail
adapters, rail "raisers" (to adjust the distance the grip is away
from the centerline of the barrel or rail to which the grip is
mounted). In alternate embodiments, the kit 600, 601, 602 may
include interchangeable kit sections such that, for example, an
operator can choose the items or sections of the hand grip(s) to be
included in the kit. For example, an operator may select any
suitable mount section such as mount section 53, 53A (FIG. 2) for
mounting the grip to any suitable rail. In other exemplary
embodiments, a set of hand grips (e.g. multiple hand grips which in
this example includes hand grips 48, 48A, 48B) may be provided in
kit 610 (FIG. 1B) form where each of the hand grips in the set of
hand grips has different predetermined characteristics than other
ones of hand grips in the set of hand grips.
[0028] Laser diode systems 64 configurations that include an IR
type laser may be optimized to work with suitable thermal imaging
or night vision goggles. On/off switch 52 may turn the hand grip
with integrated laser 48 to on mode and an off mode. While in on
mode, power may be provided from power source 66 through internal
circuit 67 to the ambidextrous activation switch 54. The location
of activation switch shown in FIGS. 1-4 is merely exemplary, and in
alternate embodiments the activation switch may be positioned in
any other suitable location on the hand grip for ambidextrous
actuation. While in off mode, no power may be provided to/from
power source 66 through internal circuit 67 to the ambidextrous
activation switch 54. Power source 66 may be, for example, AA
batteries. In alternative embodiments, any suitable battery or
power source may be provided. When depressed, ambidextrous
activation switch 54 may activate the laser diode system causing
the laser beam 50 to be projected from laser diode system 64.
Operators may depress ambidextrous activation switch 54 while
holding hand grip 48-48B in either their left or right hand and
also while firing the firearm. Power source compartment 62 provides
a sealed compartment for power source 66. Power source 66 may
become depleted through the activation of the laser diode system
64. In one example, the power source 66 and the laser diode system
64 may be configured to provide about 30 hours of runtime with the
laser diode system in continuous operation and about 60 hours of
run time with the laser diode system 64 in pulsed operation. In
alternate embodiments the power source and laser diode system may
be configured to provide any suitable duration of run time in the
constant on and/or pulsed operation modes. Power source 66 may be
removed from power source compartment and replaced with a new or
recharged power source. Power source compartment 62 may have a door
63 that locks the power source 66 into the power source compartment
62. In this exemplary embodiment the power source compartment 62,
the power source 66 and door 63 are shown at a bottom 69 of the
hand grip 48 but in alternate embodiments the battery compartment,
battery and door may be positioned at any suitable location on the
hand grip. For example, the door 63 may be located on a side or top
of the hand grip 48 providing access to a battery compartment
correspondingly located on a top or side of the hand grip 48. The
door 63 and battery compartment 62 may be located such that the
power source can be replaced without removing the hand grip 48 from
the firearm. The door 63 may be configured for tool-less removal so
that the power source may be easily changed in the field. Internal
circuit 67 may be a wire harness connecting power source 66,
ambidextrous activation switch 54, and on/off switch 52 to the
laser diode system 64. Alternatively, the internal circuit 67 may
be a circuit board.
[0029] As may be realized the hand grip(s) 48, 48A, 48B with
integrated sighting system also may be used as a stand alone device
dismounted from the automatic or semi-automatic firearm. The hand
grip may be removed from the mounting rail by unlocking the mount
interface 60, and then may be operated for lasing or illuminating a
desired target or as a flashlight as previously described. If
desired, the hand grip 48 may then be easily remounted to the
firearm, as also previously described, or may be mounted to a
different firearm if desired. As may also be realized, the hand
grip 48 after dismounting, may be replaced on the firearm 20 with
another hand grip 48A, 48B having a different sighting system
characteristic (e.g. replacing a single laser with a hand grip
having only a laser or laser and light illumination). The hand grip
48 housing may be arranged so that the hand grip may be used in
harsh conditions, such as but not limited to, water immersion in
compliance with MIL-STD-810-F, blowing sand test in compliance with
DHS and MIL-STD-810-F, salt fog in compliance with MIL-STD-810F and
fresh and salt water spray. Hand grip 48 may be completely self
contained and does not require external support functions such as
power to be used in a stand alone mode of operation or in
combination with an automatic or semi-automatic rifle. Hand grip
with integrated laser 48 may have an optional (not shown here) mode
selection switch that switches the dual configuration laser diode
system 64 between individual laser diodes. The hand grip 48 may
also be configured to survive as non limiting example, durability
and reliability tests such as a drop onto concrete from a height of
about 1.5 meters and withstanding about 6,000 rounds of fire at a
rate of fire of about 10 rounds per minute while mounted to a
suitable firearm such as those described above. In alternate
embodiments the hand grip may be configured to survive drops tests
from heights greater or less than 1.5 meters and reliability tests
of more or less than 6,000 rounds of fire at any suitable rate of
fire. The hand grip 48 and the integrated sighting system may be
configured to hold alignment within about 1 minute of angle (MOA)
or about 1 inch at about 100 yards. The hand grip system(s)
disclosed herein is a compact, rugged, versatile fore grip with
integrated aiming system that attaches to the firearm rail mount
system. For example, the system may have hand grips with different
wavelengths and in single and dual laser configurations. The
integrated grip may be used interchangeably on several different
platforms, simply by moving the grip from one firearm to another,
and re-zeroing. The laser may be available in different
wavelengths: such as, red, green and IR. The integrated grip(s) may
have multiple configurations including: single laser, two lasers,
and a single laser with a LED traveling light (e.g. flashlight).
The lasers of the dual laser models may be aligned in tandem. The
IR version may be optimized to work with, for example, Gen3 night
vision goggles or any other prior or later version of night vision.
Operating the integrated grip may be performed by, for example,
positioning the mode selector switch 59 from an off position to,
for example, either Laser A or Laser B (optional) on, for example,
a dual laser equipped hand grip. Laser A and Laser B are used for
exemplary purposes only and the mode selector switch can be used to
select any suitable function of the hand grip 48 as described
herein. The operable function (e.g. laser, flashlight, etc.) of the
hand grip 48 may be momentarily operated by depressing or pushing
the ambidextrous activation switch 54 by a first amount such that
the operable function remains active as long as the ambidextrous
activation switch 54 is depressed or pushed. Continuous operation
(i.e. operation of the device such that the ambidextrous activation
switch 54 does not have to be continuously held as distinguished
from the pulse and constant on modes of the lasers and lights
described above) of the operable function of the hand grip 48 may
be achieved by depressing or pushing the ambidextrous activation
switch 54 by a second amount until a click is felt. When, for
example, a laser aiming device of the hand grip is active, the
laser aiming device will project a beam that closely aligns with
the factory iron sights when the hand grip is mounted on the
firearm. The laser aiming device may be turned OFF from continuous
operation by pushing the activation switch again until a click is
felt. Zeroing and adjustments may easily be made by operator.
[0030] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a
semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided. The semi-automatic
or automatic rifle includes a receiver having a receiver frame, a
barrel connected to the receiver frame, a hand guard section
extending over and generally surrounding the barrel, the hand guard
section connected to the receiver, an accessory mount connected to
the receiver frame and located below the barrel, a hand grip with
an integrated sight removably connected to the accessory mount, the
removable hand grip having a locating and locking feature adapted
to engage the accessory mount, wherein, the removable hand grip is
selectably interchangeable with other hand grips, each having
different predetermined characteristics selectable for coupling to
the rifle and wherein, the removable hand grip is configured so
that it forms a stand alone sighting device independent of the
rifle.
[0031] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a
semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided. The semi-automatic
or automatic rifle includes a hand guard having an upper hand guard
assembly and a lower hand guard assembly, and a pistol fore grip
with an integrated sighting system, the pistol fore grip being
removably mounted to one of the upper hand guard assembly or the
lower hand guard assembly, wherein the pistol fore grip is
configured to provide the rifle with an accessory sighting system
having a selectably configured predetermined sighting
characteristics, the configuration of the sighting characteristics
being selected by selection of the pistol fore grip from a number
of different interchangeable pistol fore grips for mounting to the
upper hand guard or lower hand guard assembly.
[0032] In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment, a
black rifle configuration firearm is provided. The black rifle
configuration firearm includes a receiver having a receiver frame,
a barrel connected to the receiver frame, a hand guard section
extending over and generally surrounding the barrel, the hand guard
section connected to the receiver, an accessory mount connected to
the receiver frame and located below the barrel, a hand grip with
an integrated sight removably connected to the accessory mount, the
removable hand grip having a locating and locking feature adapted
to engage the accessory mount, and wherein, the removable hand grip
is selectably interchangeable with other hand grips, each having
different predetermined characteristics selectable for coupling to
the firearm.
[0033] In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, a kit
is provided. The kit includes a pistol fore grip configured to
provide a removable accessory sighting system for a rifle and a
stand alone sighting device operable independent of the rifle and a
mount for mounting the pistol fore grip to the rifle.
[0034] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and
modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *