U.S. patent application number 12/983133 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-13 for attachment assembly for firearm handguard and method of attaching handguard to a firearm.
Invention is credited to Andrew S. Barnes.
Application Number | 20110247254 12/983133 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44759883 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110247254 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barnes; Andrew S. |
October 13, 2011 |
ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY FOR FIREARM HANDGUARD AND METHOD OF ATTACHING
HANDGUARD TO A FIREARM
Abstract
An attachment assembly for a firearm handguard includes a barrel
nut for mounting on a firearm barrel and engaging the firearm
handguard thereon. The barrel nut includes a first end for engaging
an upper receiver of a firearm, a second end opposite the first end
for receiving the firearm handguard, and a transverse groove formed
on an exterior surface of the barrel nut between the first end and
the second end, which mechanically locks the firearm handguard on
the barrel nut. The barrel nut can include an interior surface with
threads formed thereon proximate the first end for engaging
complementary threads of the upper receiver. A knurled section can
be formed on the exterior surface between the transverse groove and
the second end, which provides frictional engagement at the
interface of the barrel nut and the handguard.
Inventors: |
Barnes; Andrew S.; (Apex,
NC) |
Family ID: |
44759883 |
Appl. No.: |
12/983133 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61323132 |
Apr 12, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/71.01 ;
224/150; 42/75.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/48 20130101;
F41A 21/482 20130101; F41C 23/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/71.01 ;
42/75.01; 224/150 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/16 20060101
F41C023/16; F41C 23/02 20060101 F41C023/02; A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00; F41A 21/00 20060101 F41A021/00 |
Claims
1. An attachment assembly for a firearm handguard comprising a
barrel nut for mounting on a firearm barrel and engaging the
firearm handguard thereon, the barrel nut comprising: (a) a first
end for engaging an upper receiver of a firearm; (b) a second end
opposite the first end for receiving the firearm handguard; and (c)
a transverse groove formed on an exterior surface of the barrel nut
between the first end and the second end, wherein the transverse
groove mechanically engages the firearm handguard on the barrel
nut.
2. An attachment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the barrel
nut includes an interior surface with threads formed thereon
proximate the first end for engaging complementary threads of the
upper receiver.
3. An attachment assembly according to claim 2, wherein the barrel
nut threads are female threads, and the upper receiver threads are
male.
4. An attachment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the barrel
nut has a length of 0.875 inch to 8.000 inches.
5. An attachment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the barrel
nut has a length of about two inches.
6. An attachment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the barrel
nut includes a knurled section formed on the exterior surface of
the barrel nut proximate the second end, wherein the knurled
section facilitates frictional engagement at the interface of the
barrel nut and the handguard.
7. An attachment assembly according to claim 6, wherein the
transverse groove is formed on the exterior surface of the barrel
nut between the first end and the knurled section, and the knurled
section is formed on the exterior surface between the transverse
groove and the second end.
8. An attachment assembly for a firearm comprising a firearm
handguard comprising: (a) an elongate rail section for a user to
grip the handguard; (b) an open exit end for allowing a firearm
barrel to exit therethrough; (c) an open receiving end opposite the
exit end for positioning over a barrel nut mounted on a firearm
barrel, and mating with an upper receiver of the firearm, wherein a
lug is formed on the receiving end whereby the lug provides a
mechanical, anti-rotation lock when the handguard interfaces with
the upper receiver.
9. An attachment assembly according to claim 8, wherein the lug is
formed in the receiving end at a depth of about 0.125 inch.
10. An attachment assembly according to claim 8, further comprising
a barrel nut for mounting on a firearm barrel and engaging the
firearm handguard thereon, the barrel nut comprising: (a) a first
end for engaging an upper receiver of a firearm; (b) a second end
for receiving the firearm barrel and the firearm handguard; and (c)
a transverse groove formed on an exterior surface of the barrel nut
between the first end and the second end, wherein the transverse
groove mechanically engages the firearm handguard on the barrel
nut.
11. An attachment assembly according to claim 10, wherein the
barrel nut includes an interior surface with threads formed thereon
proximate the first end for engaging complementary threads of the
upper receiver.
12. An attachment assembly according to claim 10, wherein the
barrel nut includes a knurled section formed on the exterior
surface of the barrel nut proximate the second end, wherein the
knurled section facilitates frictional engagement at the interface
of the barrel nut and the handguard.
13. An attachment assembly according to claim 12, wherein the
transverse groove is formed on the exterior surface of the barrel
nut between the first end and the knurled section, and the knurled
section is formed on the exterior surface between the transverse
groove and the second end.
14. An attachment assembly according to claim 10, wherein at least
one cavity is formed in the rail section of the handguard proximate
the receiving end, wherein the cavity is threaded to receive and
mate with a complementary threaded fastener, whereby the fastener
frictionally engages the barrel nut and provides a mechanical
mounting lock.
15. An attachment assembly according to claim 14, wherein an
exterior surface of the cavity is comprised of aluminum, and the
complementary threaded fastener comprises a steel quick disconnect
thumbscrew insert.
16. An attachment assembly according to claim 15, wherein a quick
disconnect sling is attached to the quick disconnect thumbscrew
insert.
17. An attachment assembly according to claim 10, wherein a first
pair of cavities are formed on opposite sides of the rail section
proximate the receiving end, wherein the cavities are counterbored
and threaded to receive and mate with complementary threaded
fasteners, whereby the fasteners frictionally engage the barrel nut
and provide a mechanical mounting lock.
18. An attachment assembly according to claim 17, further
comprising a second pair of cavities are formed on opposite sides
of the rail section proximate the exit end, wherein the cavities
are counterbored and threaded to receive and mate with
complementary threaded fasteners.
19. A firearm assembly comprising: (a) an upper receiver comprising
a firearm barrel; (b) a firearm handguard comprising an elongate
rail section and defining opposed receiving and exit openings,
wherein the barrel is positioned through the receiving and exit
openings; (c) a barrel nut mounted on the firearm barrel and
comprising a first end and an opposed second end, attachment means
proximate the first end for attaching the barrel nut to the upper
receiver, and a transverse groove formed on an exterior surface of
the barrel nut between the first end and the second end, wherein
the handguard is positioned over the barrel nut and the transverse
groove mechanically engages the firearm handguard on the barrel
nut.
20. A firearm assembly according to claim 19, wherein the handguard
comprises a lug proximate the receiving end whereby the lug engages
the upper receiver and minimizes movement of the handguard.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/323,132, filed Apr. 12, 2010. The present
invention relates to handguard attachment assembly for use on a
firearm, and a method of attaching a handguard to a firearm. One
embodiment of the invention is particularly suited for use with
automatic and semi-automatic rifles, such as the M-16, AR-15 and
AR-10 rifles.
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Handguards for use on firearms are known in the art for
providing protection to the user from burns that can result from
heat generated along the barrel of the firearm during use. While
such handguards offer protection from the hot temperatures
generated by firing of the weapon, the handguards can be prone to
becoming loose or detached from the firearm due to the force
generated when discharging the firearm. Also, the handguards can
become loose or detached due to the rigorous handling of the
firearm, such as use in combat related activities. Sudden
unexpected detachment of the handguard from the firearm can render
the firearm ineffective and can pose a risk of injury to the user,
particularly in combat situations. Accordingly, there is a need for
a means for attaching a handguard to a firearm that reliably and
firmly maintains the handguard on the firearm in a fixed position
and prevents it from becoming loose or detached during discharge or
rigorous activity on the part of a user carrying the firearm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide
a handguard with an attachment assembly that firmly maintains the
handguard in a fixed position on the firearm during use. Another
object of the invention is to provide a method of attaching a
handguard to an automatic or semi-automatic firearm, such as an
M-16, AR-15 or AR-10. These and other objects of the present
invention can be achieved in the preferred embodiments of the
invention described below, in which one embodiment comprises an
attachment assembly for a firearm handguard comprising a barrel nut
for mounting on a firearm barrel and engaging the firearm handguard
thereon. The barrel nut comprises a first end for engaging an upper
receiver of a firearm, a second end opposite the first end for
receiving the firearm handguard, and a transverse groove formed on
an exterior surface of the barrel nut between the first end and the
second end, wherein the transverse groove mechanically locks the
firearm handguard on the barrel nut.
[0004] According to another embodiment of the invention, the barrel
nut includes an interior surface with threads formed thereon
proximate the first end for engaging complementary threads of the
upper receiver.
[0005] According to another embodiment of the invention, the barrel
nut threads are female threads, and the upper receiver threads are
male.
[0006] According to another embodiment of the invention, the barrel
nut has a length of 0.875 inch to 8.000 inches.
[0007] According to another embodiment of the invention, the barrel
nut has a length of about two inches.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the invention, the barrel
nut includes a knurled section formed on the exterior surface of
the barrel nut proximate the second end, and the knurled section
facilitates frictional engagement at the interface of the barrel
nut and the handguard.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
transverse groove is formed on the exterior surface of the barrel
nut between the first end and the knurled section, and the knurled
section is formed on the exterior surface between the transverse
groove and the second end.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, an
attachment assembly for a firearm comprises a firearm handguard
having an elongate rail section for a user to grip the handguard,
an open exit end for allowing a firearm barrel to exit
therethrough, and an open receiving end opposite the exit end for
positioning over a barrel nut mounted on a firearm barrel, and
mating with an upper receiver of the firearm. A lug is formed on
the receiving end such that the lug provides a mechanical,
anti-rotation lock when the handguard interfaces with the upper
receiver.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the lug is
formed in the receiving end at a depth of about 0.125 inch.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
attachment assembly includes a barrel nut for mounting on a firearm
barrel and engaging the firearm handguard thereon. The barrel nut
includes a first end for engaging an upper receiver of a firearm, a
second end for receiving the firearm barrel and the firearm
handguard; and a transverse groove formed on an exterior surface of
the barrel nut between the first end and the second end, which
mechanically locks the firearm handguard on the barrel nut.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the barrel
nut includes an interior surface with threads formed thereon
proximate the first end for engaging complementary threads on the
upper receiver.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the barrel
nut includes a knurled section formed on the exterior surface of
the barrel nut proximate the second end, and the knurled section
facilitates frictional engagement at the interface of the barrel
nut and the handguard.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
transverse groove is formed on the exterior surface of the barrel
nut between the first end and the knurled section, and the knurled
section is formed on the exterior surface between the transverse
groove and the second end.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least
one cavity is formed in the rail section of the handguard proximate
the receiving end, and the cavity is threaded to receive and mate
with a complementary threaded fastener, such that the fastener
frictionally engages the barrel nut and provides a mechanical
mounting lock.
[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, an
exterior surface of the cavity is comprised of aluminum, and the
complementary threaded fastener comprises a steel quick disconnect
thumbscrew insert.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, a quick
disconnect sling is attached to the quick disconnect thumbscrew
insert.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, a first
pair of cavities are formed on opposite sides of the rail section
proximate the receiving end. The cavities are counterbored and
threaded to receive and mate with complementary threaded fasteners,
such that the fasteners frictionally engage the barrel nut and
provide a mechanical mounting lock.
[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, a second
pair of cavities are formed on opposite sides of the rail section
proximate the exit end, and the cavities are counterbored and
threaded to receive and mate with complementary threaded
fasteners.
[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, a firearm
assembly comprises an upper receiver comprising a firearm barrel, a
firearm handguard having an elongate rail section and defining
opposed receiving and exit openings, and the barrel is positioned
through the receiving and exit openings. A barrel nut is mounted on
the firearm barrel, and includes a first end and an opposed second
end. Attachment means are proximate the first end for attaching the
barrel nut to the upper receiver. The attachment means can be
threads formed on the interior surface of the barrel nut that
engage complementary threads on the upper receiver. A transverse
groove is formed on an exterior surface of the barrel nut between
the first end and the second end. The handguard is positioned over
the barrel nut, and the transverse groove mechanically engages the
firearm handguard on the barrel nut.
[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
handguard includes a lug proximate the receiving end whereby the
lug engages the upper receiver and minimizes movement of the
handguard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of an attachment
assembly for a firearm handguard according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the attachment
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the attachment
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the attachment assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the barrel nut of the
attachment assembly of FIG. 1, shown mounted on a firearm
barrel;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the attachment
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a side view of the barrel nut of the attachment
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 8 is another environmental perspective view of the
attachment assembly of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a front elevation of the receiving end of the
handguard of the attachment assembly of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 10 is another front elevation of the receiving end of
the handguard of the attachment assembly of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a side view of the handguard of the attachment
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a side view of a quick disconnect insert of the
attachment assembly of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view of the attachment
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 14 is another partial exploded view of the attachment
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the attachment
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 16 is another partial perspective view of the
attachment assembly of FIG. 1; and
[0039] FIG. 17 is an environmental perspective view of the
attachment assembly of FIG. 1 on a firearm.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION AND BEST
MODE
[0040] An attachment assembly for a firearm handguard according to
a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS.
1-3, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. As shown in FIG.
3, the handguard attachment assembly 10 comprises a barrel nut 50
for attaching a handguard 20 to a firearm's upper receiver 100. The
handguard 20 includes an elongate rail section 22 with an open
receiving end 24 and an open exit end 26, located at opposite
longitudinal ends of the rail section 22.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the barrel nut 50 is mounted on
the barrel 102 of the firearm upper receiver 100. Preferably, the
barrel nut 50 is made of steel and can be about 0.875 inch to 8.000
inches in length. Most preferably, the barrel nut 50 is two inches
long. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the barrel nut 50 comprises a
first section 52 having interior female threads for mating with
male threads of the firearm's upper receiver 100. A second section
56 of the barrel nut 50 receives the firearm barrel 102. The
exterior of the second section 56 has a knurled surface, and a
transverse radial groove 54 is formed in between the first section
52 and the second section 56 of the barrel nut 50.
[0042] The handguard 20 is positioned over the firearm barrel 102,
with the barrel 102 extending through the receiving end 24 and
through the exit end 26, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. The receiving
end of the handguard 24 is pushed over barrel nut 50. The
transverse radial groove 54 of the barrel nut 50 provides a
mechanical lock for attachment of the handguard 20 to the firearm's
upper receiver 100, and the knurled exterior surface 56 of the
barrel nut 50 facilitates frictional engagement at the interface of
the handguard 20 with the barrel nut 50. As shown in FIGS. 9 and
10, the handguard 20 includes a deep lug 28 formed in the receiving
end 24 that provides a mechanical, anti-rotation lock when the
receiving end 24 is interfacing and indexing with the upper
receiver 100 of the firearm. The lug 28 is preferably machined into
the receiving end 24 at a depth of about 0.125 inch.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 11, 13 and 14, a pair of cavities 34 are
formed on opposite sides of the rail section 22 of the handguard 20
proximate the receiving end 24. Likewise, a second pair of threaded
cavities, 36 are formed on opposite sides of the rail section 22
proximate the exit end 26. Each of the cavities 34, 36 can be
counterbored and threaded to receive and mate with a threaded
fastener such as a quick disconnect thumbscrew (QD insert) 32.
Preferably, the exterior surface of each cavity 34, 36 is comprised
of aluminum, and each QD insert is made of steel. The QD inserts 32
are screwed into cavities 34 located at the receiving end 24, and
frictionally engage the barrel nut 40 to provide a mechanical
mounting lock that securely maintains the handguard 20 in firm
attachment to the firearm barrel 102. The QD inserts 32 also
provide a location for a QD sling attachment. The QD insert 32 can
allow for both types of commercially available QD locks.
[0044] The attachment assembly 10 can be used with automatic and
semi-automatic rifles, including the M-16, AR-15 and AR-10
rifles.
[0045] An attachment assembly for a firearm handguard and a method
of attaching a handguard to a firearm are described above. Various
changes can be made to the invention without departing from its
scope. The above description of the preferred embodiments and best
mode of the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration
only and not limitation--the invention being defined by the
following claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *