U.S. patent application number 13/965935 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for apparatus, system, and method for actuating a charging handle.
The applicant listed for this patent is Greg Donahue, Scott Walters. Invention is credited to Greg Donahue, Scott Walters.
Application Number | 20140068988 13/965935 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50231757 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140068988 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Donahue; Greg ; et
al. |
March 13, 2014 |
APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR ACTUATING A CHARGING HANDLE
Abstract
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for actuating a
charging handle of a firearm having a charging handle latch. A
forward handle is configured to be positioned forward of the
charging handle latch. A linkage rod is configured to be coupled to
the forward handle and to engage the charging handle latch. One or
more linkage rod supports are configured to attach the linkage rod
to the firearm.
Inventors: |
Donahue; Greg; (Layton,
UT) ; Walters; Scott; (Salt Lake City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Donahue; Greg
Walters; Scott |
Layton
Salt Lake City |
UT
UT |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50231757 |
Appl. No.: |
13/965935 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61699357 |
Sep 11, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/69.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 3/72 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/69.01 |
International
Class: |
F41A 3/72 20060101
F41A003/72 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for actuating a charging handle of a firearm having
a charging handle latch, the apparatus comprising: a forward handle
configured to be positioned forward of the charging handle latch; a
linkage rod configured to be coupled to the forward handle and to
engage the charging handle latch; and one or more linkage rod
supports configured to attach the linkage rod to the firearm.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the linkage rod supports are
configured to attach to an accessory rail of the firearm at one or
more attachment points of the accessory rail, the one or more
attachment points being selectable by a user from a plurality of
available attachment points.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more linkage rod
supports comprise two independent linkage rod supports, and wherein
a distance between the two independent linkage rod supports is
based on the one or more attachment points selected by the
user.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more linkage rod
supports comprise a single linkage rod support configured to attach
to the accessory rail at two attachment points a fixed distance
apart.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a hinge configured
to couple the forward handle to the linkage rod so that the forward
handle is movable between an axial position and a lateral position;
and a spring configured to bias the forward handle into the axial
position.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a slot in a rear portion of
the linkage rod is configured to engage a forward portion of the
charging handle latch.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the charging handle
latch.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the charging handle latch
comprises a forward portion and a lateral portion, the forward
portion configured to engage the linkage rod, and the lateral
portion configured to extend beyond the linkage rod in a lateral
direction from the firearm.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the lateral portion of the
charging handle latch comprises a ridged surface.
10. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising the charging
handle.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising the firearm.
12. A system for actuating a charging handle of a firearm, the
system comprising: a firearm; a charging handle coupled to a
receiver of the firearm; a charging handle latch coupled to the
charging handle; a forward handle positioned forward of the
charging handle latch; a linkage rod coupled to the forward handle
and engaging the charging handle latch; and one or more linkage rod
supports attaching the linkage rod to the firearm.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the linkage rod supports are
attached to an accessory rail of the firearm at one or more
attachment points selectable by a user from a plurality of
available attachment points.
14. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a hinge coupling
the forward handle to the linkage rod so that the forward handle is
movable between an axial position and a lateral position; and a
spring configured to bias the forward handle into the axial
position.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein a slot in a rear portion of the
linkage rod engages a forward portion of the charging handle
latch.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the charging handle latch
comprises a forward portion engaging the linkage rod and a lateral
portion extending beyond the linkage rod in a lateral direction
from the firearm.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the lateral portion of the
charging handle latch comprises a ridged surface.
18. A method for actuating a charging handle of a firearm having a
charging handle latch, the method comprising: engaging a forward
handle, the forward handle positioned forward of the charging
handle latch and communicating with the charging handle; and
actuating the charging handle by actuating the forward handle.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein actuating the forward handle
comprises moving the forward handle backward.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the forward handle communicates
with the charging handle via a linkage rod coupled to the forward
handle and engaging the charging handle latch.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/699,357, filed on Sep. 11, 2012, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure, in various embodiments, relates
generally to firearms, and more particularly to actuating a
charging handle for a firearm.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many firearms move a bolt into a forward position to seal a
cartridge into a chamber at the rear of a barrel while the
cartridge is fired. Most automatic and semi-automatic firearms
utilize energy from the firing of a cartridge to move the bolt back
automatically, which ejects the spent shell casing and loads the
next cartridge. In normal operation, the bolt is locked into a
disengaged position after the last cartridge in a magazine is
fired. After the magazine is replaced with a new loaded magazine,
engagement of a bolt release allows the bolt to move forward and
load the next cartridge. Many firearms include a charging handle
that is actuateable to move the bolt back manually. Moving the bolt
back manually is useful to clear a jam, visually verify that the
chamber is clear, or load a first cartridge (if the bolt is not
already disengaged). When not in use, the charging handle on some
firearms is latched in the forward position, and does not move
during firing. Other firearms have a charging handle that
reciprocates with the bolt during firing and loading.
[0004] In some configurations, particularly in rifles similar to or
derived from the AR-15, the charging handle is a T-shaped handle at
the top back of the upper receiver of the firearm, with a latch on
the left side. These configurations were originally designed so
that a right-handed shooter would actuate the charging handle by
reaching over the rifle with the trigger hand (i.e., right hand)
and using two fingers (e.g., index and middle fingers), one on each
side of the handle, to pull the handle back. In doing so, the
finger on the latch side of the handle also pulls back on the latch
to unlatch the handle. The operation of unlatching the handle and
pulling back the handle cannot be done with the trigger hand
without moving the firearm significantly off target. Modern tactics
favor moving the firearm as little as possible and maintaining the
firing grip with the trigger hand to facilitate quicker firing
readiness. Accordingly, a shooter may use the support hand (i.e.,
left hand) to engage the latch and pull back the charging handle
while the trigger hand remains in the firing grip. Improved and
extended "tactical" latches have been made to accommodate such
modern tactical operations of firearms with a latched charging
handle.
SUMMARY
[0005] The subject matter of the present application has been
developed in response to the present state of the art, and in
particular, in response to the problems and needs of shooters that
have not yet been fully solved by currently available charging
handles, charging handle latches, and firearms. Accordingly, the
subject matter of the present application has been developed to
provide an apparatus, system, and method for actuating a charging
handle that overcomes many of the shortcomings of the prior
art.
[0006] An apparatus is presented for actuating a charging handle of
a firearm having a charging handle latch. In one embodiment, a
forward handle is configured to be positioned forward of the
charging handle latch. In a further embodiment, a linkage rod is
configured to be coupled to the forward handle. In a certain
embodiment, the linkage rod is configured to engage the charging
handle latch. In some embodiments, one or more linkage rod supports
are configured to attach the linkage rod to the firearm.
[0007] In one embodiment, the linkage rod supports are configured
to attach to an accessory rail of the firearm at one or more
attachment points selectable by a user from a plurality of
available attachment points. In a certain embodiment, the one or
more linkage rod supports include two independent linkage rod
supports. In some embodiments, a distance between the two
independent linkage rod supports is selectable by the user by
selecting attachment points for attaching the independent linkage
rod supports to the accessory rail. In another embodiment, the one
or more linkage rod supports include a single linkage rod support
configured to attach to the accessory rail at two attachment points
a fixed distance apart.
[0008] In one embodiment, a hinge is configured to couple the
forward handle to the linkage rod so that the forward handle is
movable between an axial position and a lateral position. In a
further embodiment, a spring is configured to bias the forward
handle into the axial position.
[0009] In one embodiment, a slot in a rear portion of the linkage
rod is configured to engage a forward portion of the charging
handle latch. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes the
charging handle latch. In a further embodiment, the charging handle
latch includes a forward portion and a lateral portion. In some
embodiments, the forward portion of the charging handle latch is
configured to engage the linkage rod. In certain embodiments, the
lateral portion of the charging handle latch is configured to
extend beyond the linkage rod in a lateral direction from the
firearm. In further embodiments, the lateral portion of the
charging handle latch may include a ridged surface.
[0010] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes the charging
handle. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes the
firearm.
[0011] A system is presented for actuating a charging handle of a
firearm. In one embodiment, the system includes a firearm. In a
further embodiment, a charging handle is coupled to a receiver of
the firearm. In a certain embodiment, a charging handle latch is
coupled to the charging handle. In one embodiment, a forward handle
is positioned forward of the charging handle latch. In a further
embodiment, a linkage rod is coupled to the forward handle. In
certain embodiments, the linkage rod engages the charging handle
latch. In some embodiments, one or more linkage rod supports attach
the linkage rod to the firearm.
[0012] In one embodiment, the linkage rod supports are attached to
an accessory rail of the firearm at one or more attachment points
selectable by a user from a plurality of available attachment
points. In a certain embodiment, a hinge couples the forward handle
to the linkage rod so that the forward handle is movable between an
axial position and a lateral position. In a further embodiment, a
spring is configured to bias the forward handle into the axial
position.
[0013] In one embodiment, a slot in a rear portion of the linkage
rod engages a forward portion of the charging handle latch. In
another embodiment, the charging handle latch comprises a forward
portion engaging the linkage rod and a lateral portion extending
beyond the linkage rod in a lateral direction from the firearm. In
a further embodiment, the lateral portion of the charging handle
latch includes a ridged surface.
[0014] A method is presented for actuating a charging handle of a
firearm having a charging handle latch. In one embodiment, the
method includes engaging a forward handle. In a certain embodiment,
the forward handle is positioned forward of the charging handle
latch and communicates with the charging handle. In a further
embodiment, the method includes actuating the charging handle by
actuating the forward handle.
[0015] In one embodiment, actuating the forward handle includes
moving the forward handle backward. In another embodiment, the
forward handle communicates with the charging handle via a linkage
rod coupled to the forward handle and engaging the charging handle
latch.
[0016] The described features, structures, advantages, and/or
characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may
be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments
and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous
specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of
embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One
skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter
of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of
the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or
methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In other
instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in
certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present
in all embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances,
well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or
described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject
matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of
the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully
apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may
be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In order that the advantages of the disclosure will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the disclosure
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of
a firearm having a charging handle;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view further illustrating the
firearm of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of
an apparatus for actuating a charging handle;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a top view further illustrating the apparatus of
FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top view further illustrating the apparatus of
FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment
of an apparatus for actuating a charging handle;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view further illustrating the
apparatus of FIG. 6; and
[0025] FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a method for actuating a charging handle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus,
appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment,"
and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or
more but not all embodiments" unless expressly specified otherwise.
The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations
thereof mean "including but not limited to" unless expressly
specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply
that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually
inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a,"
"an," and "the" also refer to "one or more" unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0027] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may
be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In
the following description, numerous specific details are provided
to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject
matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize, however, that the subject matter of the present
disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific
details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so
forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or
operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring
aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure.
[0028] The schematic flow chart diagram included herein is
generally set forth as a logical flow chart diagram. As such, the
depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment
of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived
that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more
steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method.
Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to
explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to
limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and
line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are
understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method.
Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate
only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may
indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration
between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the
order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly
adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.
[0029] Applicants recognize that conventional left-hand actuation
of the charging handle involves a large motion of the hand, (e.g.,
moving the left hand from a support position at a front portion of
the firearm to a charging position at a rear portion of the
firearm). Additionally, whether the right or left hand is used, the
charging handle's position near the back of the firearm causes the
shooter to avoid hitting the chin with the hand that moves the
charging handle, either by moving the firearm off target or by
moving the head away from the stock. If the firearm jams, the
shooter opens the bolt (and ideally ejects the spent shell casing)
by pulling back the charging handle, then visually verifies that
the chamber is clear before loading the next cartridge. Visually
inspecting the chamber involves a small amount of movement, such as
tilting the firearm, which can be done while keeping it on target.
So, the larger movements used to actuate the charging handle and
bring the firearm back into firing position significantly add to
the time and effort involved in making the firearm ready to fire
after a jam. The subject matter disclosed herein reduces the
movement used to actuate the charging handle, which allows the
firearm to be made ready to fire more quickly.
[0030] Additionally, in certain failure modes of an AR-15 or
similar firearm, extracting a stuck shell casing may involve
applying large forces to the charging handle. In difficult cases,
the shooter may apply sufficient force by kicking the charging
handle or by using an additional tool. For example, a shooter may
strike the charging handle several times with a hammer or similar
tool to free the charging handle and extract a spent shell casing.
The subject matter disclosed herein allows a shooter to apply the
larger muscle groups of the chest and arm to exert greater force on
the charging handle, thereby significantly increasing the shooter's
ability to clear a stuck shell casing without using additional
tools or extreme motions such as kicking.
[0031] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a perspective view of an unmodified
firearm 100. The firearm 100 is depicted herein as an AR-15 rifle,
but the subject matter of this disclosure may, in certain
embodiments, operate with other firearms such as an M16 rifle, M4
carbine, other rifles derived from the AR-15, or unrelated
firearms. The firearm 100 includes an upper receiver 102 with a
T-shaped charging handle 104 coupled to the top of the upper
receiver 102, toward the back.
[0032] As used herein, certain terms such as "front," "back,"
"top," "bottom," "up," "down," "upper," "lower," "horizontal,"
"vertical," "left," "right," and the like refer to the firearm 100
as conventionally fired. Therefore, the muzzle is at a front
portion and the trigger is at a middle lower portion of the firearm
100. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some
clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships.
But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships,
positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an
object, an "upper" surface can become a "lower" surface simply by
turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same
object.
[0033] FIG. 2 depicts the charging handle 104 in a pulled-back
position. A charging handle latch 106 is coupled to the left side
of the charging handle 104. The charging handle latch 106 includes
an axial surface and a lateral surface. As used herein, "axial"
refers to a direction parallel to the barrel of the firearm 100,
and "lateral" refers to a direction perpendicular to, or extending
in a radial direction relative to the barrel of the firearm 100.
The axial surface of the charging handle latch 106 includes a
latching tooth, which engages the upper receiver 102 to secure the
charging handle 104 to the upper receiver 102 in a forward, latched
position as depicted in FIG. 1. The lateral surface of the charging
handle latch 106 is moved back when actuated, allowing the charging
handle latch 106 to pivot about a roll pin (not shown) which
connects the inner back portion of the charging handle latch 106 to
the charging handle 104. The pivoting motion disengages the
latching tooth from the upper receiver 102, which allows the
charging handle 104 to be pulled back as depicted in FIG. 2.
Pulling the charging handle 104 back also brings an internal bolt
assembly into a backward position. The internal bolt assembly may
include the bolt, a bolt carrier, a cartridge extractor, an
ejector, or the like. After the charging handle 104 is released,
springs (not shown) return the internal bolt assembly to the
forward position. Forward motion of the internal bolt assembly
brings the charging handle 104 and the charging handle latch 106
forward as well, where they are latched into the forward
position.
[0034] In some embodiments, the firearm 100 includes attachment
points 108 configured to removably receive accessories, such as the
subject matter disclosed herein, sights, forward handgrips, bipods,
bayonets, and the like. In certain embodiments, the attachment
points 108 form part of a Picatinny rail system. However, in some
embodiments, the attachment points 108 can form part of a Weaver
rail, a NATO accessory rail, or another system. In some
embodiments, the upper receiver 102 includes attachment points 108.
Certain embodiments also include attachment points 108 as part of a
handguard 109, at a forward position of the firearm 100. In various
embodiments, various additional locations are possible for
attachment points 108.
[0035] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 depict a perspective view and two top
views, respectively, of a firearm 100 modified with one embodiment
of an apparatus 200 for actuating a charging handle 104. In the
depicted embodiment, the firearm 100 includes an upper receiver
102, charging handle 104, charging handle latch 106, and attachment
points 108 essentially as described above with reference to FIGS. 1
and 2. However, in the depicted embodiment, the apparatus 200 for
actuating the charging handle 104 includes a forward handle 202, a
linkage rod 204, and one or more linkage rod supports 206.
[0036] The forward handle 202, in one embodiment, is configured to
be positioned forward of the charging handle latch 106. In a
further embodiment, the forward handle 202 is positioned at the
left side of the forward handguard 109. Positioning the forward
handle 202 forward of the charging handle latch 106 enables a
shooter to actuate the forward handle 202 with the left hand,
without moving the left hand far from the support position
associated with the forward handguard 109, and while keeping the
right hand in the trigger position. In some embodiments, the
forward handle 202 is configured to be easily gripped by a shooter.
For example, in one implementation, the forward handle 202 can have
a concave surface for receiving a shooter's fingers. In some
implementations, the forward handle 202 can have an enlarged
portion for easier gripping, a knurled surface, a higher friction
(e.g., rubber) coating, or the like.
[0037] The linkage rod 204, in one embodiment, is configured to be
coupled to the forward handle 202 and to engage the charging handle
latch 106, such that engagement and actuation of the forward handle
202 actuates the charging handle 104. In the depicted embodiment,
the linkage rod 204 extends forward in an axial direction from the
charging handle latch 106 to the forward handle 202. In the
depicted embodiment, the forward handle 202 is actuated by moving
the handle backward. Backward movement of the forward handle 202
moves the linkage rod 204 backward against the charging handle
latch 106, which causes the charging handle latch 106 to unlatch
and the charging handle 104 to move backward, as shown in FIG. 5.
Thus, the forward handle 202 is coupled with the charging handle
104, and the charging handle 104 is actuated by actuation of the
forward handle 202. After moving back and releasing the forward
handle 202, springs not only move the internal bolt assembly,
charging handle 104 and charging handle latch 106 forward again
into the starting position, but also move the linkage rod 204 and
forward handle 202 forward into their starting positions, as shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0038] In some embodiments, the charging handle latch 106 may
include a forward portion configured to engage the linkage rod 204.
For example, in certain embodiments, a slot 205 in the rear portion
of the linkage rod 204 is configured to engage with a forward
portion of the charging handle latch 106. For easier coupling with
the linkage rod 204, in some embodiments, the forward portion of
the charging handle latch 106 extends further forward than a
standard charging handle latch 106. In the depicted embodiment, the
slot 205 is horizontal, so that the forward portion of the charging
handle latch 106 fits into the slot 205 and a vertical pin 207
extends through the linkage rod 204 and the charging handle latch
106, connecting the two pieces. In another embodiment, the linkage
rod 204 is a simple pushrod, which pushes against any forward
surface of the charging handle latch 106. In light of this
disclosure, it is clear that other interfaces between the linkage
rod 204 and the charging handle latch 106 are possible.
[0039] In some embodiments, the charging handle latch 106 is
stronger or thicker than a standard charging handle latch 106, to
better accommodate the force received from the linkage rod 204. In
another embodiment, the roll pin connecting the charging handle
latch 106 to the charging handle 104 is similarly strengthened.
Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the charging handle 104 is
modified so that force is transmitted between a back surface of the
charging handle latch 106 and a lateral surface of the charging
handle 104, instead of solely through the roll pin.
[0040] In one embodiment, the charging handle latch 106 extends
further in a lateral direction from the firearm 100 than a standard
charging handle latch 106, so that traditional operation of the
charging handle 104 can still be performed toward the back of the
firearm 100 with either the trigger hand or the support hand. For
example, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the charging handle
latch 106 may include a lateral portion that extends beyond the
linkage rod 204 in a lateral direction from the firearm 100. The
lateral portion extending beyond the linkage rod 204 may allow a
shooter to operate the charging handle latch 106 directly without
engaging the forward handle 202. In a further embodiment, the
lateral portion of the charging handle latch 106 may be configured
for easy gripping by a shooter. For example, the lateral portion of
the charging handle latch 106 may include a ridged surface, a
knurled surface, a higher friction (e.g., rubber) coating, or the
like.
[0041] In some embodiments, the forward handle 202 is attached to
the linkage rod 204 in a fixed position and orientation relative to
the linkage rod 204. The forward handle 202 may be welded, screwed,
or otherwise attached to the linkage rod 204, or both parts may be
created together as a solid piece. As shown, another embodiment
includes a hinge 209 configured to couple the forward handle 202 to
the linkage rod 204 so that the forward handle 202 is movable
(e.g., pivotable) between an axial position and a lateral position.
Moving the forward handle 202 between an axial position and a
lateral position allows a shooter to dispose the forward handle 202
out of the shooter's way in the axial position during firing, then
move the forward handle 202 to the lateral position to obtain a
better grip on the forward handle 202 when actuating the charging
handle 104. FIG. 4 depicts the forward handle 202 in the axial
position, and FIGS. 3 and 5 depict the forward handle 202 in the
lateral position. A further embodiment includes a spring configured
to bias the forward handle 202 into the axial position. Biasing the
forward handle 202 into the axial position allows the forward
handle 202 to move into the axial position from the lateral
position without a shooter taking any further action to return the
forward handle 202. The length of the linkage rod 204 and/or the
position of the forward handle 202 along the length of the linkage
rod 204 may be varied, depending on the desired position of the
forward handle 202. In light of this disclosure, it is clear that
other interfaces between the linkage rod 204 and the forward handle
202 are possible.
[0042] In the depicted embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes one
or more linkage rod supports 206 configured to attach the linkage
rod 204 to the firearm 100. In one embodiment, the linkage rod 204
extends through the linkage rod supports 206 and may slide relative
to the linkage rod supports 206, so that the linkage rod supports
206 movably retain the linkage rod 204 relative to the firearm 100.
Accordingly, the linkage rod supports 206 attach the apparatus 200
to the firearm 100, while enabling the motion used to actuate the
charging handle 104. In another embodiment, the linkage rod
supports 206 attach the linkage rod 204 to the firearm 100, and
support the linkage rod 204 from underneath without fully
encircling the linkage rod 204. In various embodiments, the
interface between the linkage rod 204 and a linkage rod support 206
may be a bushing, a plain bearing, or another type of bearing. In
one embodiment the interface between the linkage rod 204 and the
linkage rod support 206 may be lubricated. In some embodiments, the
interface between the linkage rod 204 and the linkage rod support
206 may be sealed to keep grit or dust from interfering with the
motion of the linkage rod 204. In light of this disclosure, it is
clear that many interfaces between the linkage rod 204 and linkage
rod supports 206 are possible.
[0043] In the depicted embodiment, the linkage rod supports 206 are
configured to attach to an accessory rail of the firearm 100 at one
or more attachment points 108. In various embodiments, a user may
select attachment points 108 (either independently or together)
from a plurality of available attachment points 108 for attaching
the one or more linkage rod supports 206 to the firearm 100. In one
embodiment, the linkage rod supports 206 are configured to attach
to the attachment points 108 using a fastener such as a screw, a
bolt, or the like. In another embodiment, the linkage rod supports
206 are configured to attach to the attachment points 108 with a
quick release mechanism (e.g., without tools). In light of this
disclosure, it is clear that many types of connections between the
linkage rod supports 206 and the attachment points 108 are
possible, depending on factors such as the type of accessory rail
being used.
[0044] In one embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes two linkage
rod supports 206. In another embodiment, the apparatus 200 may
include one linkage rod support 206. In yet another embodiment, the
apparatus 200 may include three or more linkage rod supports 206.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 includes narrow linkage rod
supports 206 so that each linkage rod support 206 occupies one
attachment point 108. In another embodiment, the apparatus 200
includes one or more wide linkage rod supports 206 that span
multiple attachment points 108. A wide linkage rod support 206 may
be useful to provide stability if the apparatus 200 includes just
one linkage rod support 206.
[0045] In the depicted embodiment, the attachment points 108 of the
firearm 100 are part of a Picatinny accessory rail system, and the
linkage rod supports 206 include two independent linkage rod
supports 206. In certain embodiments, such as the depicted
embodiment, the apparatus 200 is configured so that each attachment
point 108 for attaching the linkage rod supports 206 is
independently selectable by a user from a plurality of available
attachment points 108. Because attachment points 108 may already be
in use for other accessories, such as telescopic sights ("scopes"),
using independent linkage rod supports 206 allows a shooter to
attach the apparatus 200 to a firearm 100 at attachment points 108
that do not interfere with other attached accessories. In the
depicted embodiment, one linkage rod support 206 is attached to the
accessory rail at an attachment point 108 above the upper receiver
102, and a second linkage rod support 206 is attached to the
accessory rail at an attachment point 108 above the handguard 109.
In another embodiment, two linkage rod supports 206 are attached to
the upper receiver 102. In yet other various embodiments, the
linkage rod supports 206 are attached only above the handguard 109
or to the side of the firearm 100.
[0046] In the depicted embodiment, the linkage rod supports 206 are
not fixed relative to each other, and may be independently
positioned at various attachment points 108. Thus, in the depicted
embodiment, the two linkage rod supports 206 are independent of
each other, and a user may select a distance between the
independent linkage rod supports 206 by selecting attachment points
108 for attaching the linkage rod supports 206 to the accessory
rail. Using various configurations of attachment points 108 to
attach the linkage rod supports 206 to the firearm 100 may allow a
shooter to utilize the apparatus 200 when certain attachment points
108 are in use or otherwise unavailable. For example, a shooter may
utilize the apparatus 200 with a scope that occupies all or most of
the attachment points 108 above the upper receiver 102, an upper
receiver 102 that has a carry handle instead of an accessory rail,
a front handguard 109 that does not include an accessory rail, or
the like.
[0047] In one embodiment, the linkage rod supports 206 may include
additional attachment points 108 for other accessories for the
firearm. For example, in a further embodiment, the linkage rod
supports 206 may include an extension and/or riser for a Picatinny
rail system, so that a user may mount other Picatinny-compatible
hardware on top of the linkage rod supports 206.
[0048] The forward handle 202, linkage rod 204, and linkage rod
supports 206 may comprise any materials capable of handling the
force used to actuate the charging handle 104, such as steel,
aluminum, nylon, composite materials, or the like. In light of this
disclosure, many materials are clear which are suitable for use in
the forward handle 202, linkage rod 204, or linkage rod supports
206.
[0049] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a perspective view of a firearm 100
modified with another embodiment of an apparatus 300 for actuating
a charging handle 104. In the depicted embodiment, the firearm 100
includes an upper receiver 102, charging handle 104, charging
handle latch 106, and attachment points 108 essentially as
described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The apparatus 300
for actuating the charging handle 104, in the depicted embodiment,
includes a forward handle 302, a linkage rod 304, and a linkage rod
support 306, as described above with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and
5, where like numbers refer to like elements, but which vary from
the particular embodiment of an apparatus 200 depicted in those
Figures. In FIG. 6 the charging handle 104 and forward handle 302
are in a forward position. In FIG. 7, however, the charging handle
104 is moved back.
[0050] In the depicted embodiment, the apparatus 300 includes one
linkage rod support 306. The single linkage rod support 306
attaches to an accessory rail at two separate attachment points
108. However, the relative positions of the attachment points 108
are not adjustable. Rather, the single linkage rod support 306 is
configured to attach to the accessory rail at two attachment points
108 a fixed distance apart. In a variation of the depicted
embodiment, however, the linkage rod support 306 may include parts
that move relative to each other, so that the relative positions of
the attachment points 108 are independently adjustable. The linkage
rod support 306, in the depicted embodiment, comprises a tube with
a slot in the side of the tube. In a further embodiment, the
forward handle 302 is attached to the linkage rod 304 through the
slot. In the forward position, the linkage rod 304 is mostly or
fully enclosed by the linkage rod support 306. When actuated, the
forward handle 302 is moved backward along the slot, and the
linkage rod 304 moves backward, extending further out of the
tube.
[0051] The depicted embodiment allows the forward handle 302 to be
positioned behind the foremost portion of the linkage rod support
306, as may be seen by comparing the embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, and
5 with the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7. The depicted embodiment
allows a shooter to position the apparatus 300 further back on the
firearm 100, if desired. Alternatively, depending on the length of
the linkage rod 304, the depicted embodiment may allow the
apparatus 300 to be attached to the firearm 100 with both
attachment points 108 on the front handguard 109, if attachment
points 108 on the upper receiver 102 are not available.
[0052] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200, 300 herein is
provided with the forward handle 202, 302, linkage rod 204, 304,
and linkage rod supports 206, 306, as described above in various
embodiments, for use with an existing charging handle latch 106.
Installing the apparatus 200, 300 on a firearm 100 with an existing
charging handle latch 106 may involve modifying the charging handle
latch 106 (e.g., by drilling a hole) so it will interface correctly
with the linkage rod 204, 304. In another embodiment, the apparatus
200, 300 may additionally include a charging handle latch 106.
Installing an apparatus 200, 300 that includes a charging handle
latch 106 on a firearm 100 may involve replacing an existing
charging handle latch 106 by punching out and replacing a roll pin.
In a further embodiment, the apparatus 200, 300 may further include
a charging handle latch 106 already connected to a charging handle
104, allowing a user to install the apparatus 200, 300 by simply
swapping out an existing charging handle 104, without using tools.
In certain embodiments, the apparatus 200, 300 may include the
firearm 100 ready to use along with the forward handle 202, 302,
linkage rod 204, 304, linkage rod supports 206, 306, charging
handle 104, and charging handle latch 106 already installed.
[0053] Although some of the embodiments of the apparatus disclosed
herein have been described as being operable with an AR-15 derived
rifle, it is recognized that the embodiments of the present
disclosure may also be operable with other types of firearms 100.
For example, some embodiments of the apparatus described herein may
be operable with firearms 100 that are not derived from the AR-15,
but that have a rear charging handle 104, a charging handle latch
106, and attachment points 108 for accessories.
[0054] FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a method 800 for actuating
a charging handle 104. The method 800 begins, and a user engages
802 a forward handle 202, 302. In one embodiment, the forward
handle 202, 302 is positioned forward of the charging handle latch
106, and communicates with the charging handle 104. For example, in
some embodiments, the forward handle 202, 302 may communicate with
the charging handle 104 via a linkage rod 204, 304 coupled to the
forward handle 202, 302 and engaging the charging handle latch 106.
The user actuates 804 the charging handle 104 by actuating the
forward handle 202, 302, and the method 800 ends. In one embodiment
the user may actuate 804 the forward handle 202, 302 by moving the
forward handle 202, 302 backward.
[0055] Additionally, instances in this specification where one
element is "coupled" to another element can include direct and
indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element
coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect
coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in
direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional
elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein,
securing one element to another element can include direct securing
and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, "adjacent"
does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can
be adjacent another element without being in contact with that
element.
[0056] The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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