U.S. patent application number 14/309264 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-23 for hybrid lower receiver for a rifle.
The applicant listed for this patent is American Tactical Imports, Inc.. Invention is credited to Anthony DiChario.
Application Number | 20150107144 14/309264 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51212000 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150107144 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DiChario; Anthony |
April 23, 2015 |
HYBRID LOWER RECEIVER FOR A RIFLE
Abstract
A combination metal/polymer lower receiver for use in a rifle.
The lower receiver attaches to a buttstock including a receiver
extension, and an upper receiver having a bolt carrier group. The
lower receiver comprises a polymeric lower receiver housing having
an integral polymeric upwardly extending lobe. The polymeric
receiver housing engages with mounting features on the upper
receiver to attach the lower receiver to the upper receiver. A
metal insert is secured within the polymeric upwardly extending
lobe and engages the receiver extension. The metal insert includes
insert side walls incorporated within the polymer sidewalls of the
lower receiver housing such that the sidewalls are adapted to
receive a takedown pin to secure the upper receiver to the lower
receiver. The metal insert can further include an elevated plate
for displaying component identifiers.
Inventors: |
DiChario; Anthony;
(Pittsford, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
American Tactical Imports, Inc. |
Rochester |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51212000 |
Appl. No.: |
14/309264 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13927152 |
Jun 26, 2013 |
8789305 |
|
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14309264 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 11/00 20130101;
F41A 3/66 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/16 |
International
Class: |
F41A 3/66 20060101
F41A003/66 |
Claims
1. A combination metal/polymer lower receiver for use in a rifle,
the lower receiver being adapted to be detachably attached to a
buttstock including a receiver extension having a recoil spring and
buffer assembly, and an upper receiver having a bolt, bolt carrier
and charging handle, the lower receiver comprising: a) a polymeric
lower receiver housing configured to receive the receiver
extension, the polymeric lower receiver housing adapted to
detachably engage with mounting features on the upper receiver to
attach said lower receiver to said upper receiver; and b) a metal
insert rigidly secured within at least a portion of the polymeric
lower receiver housing, wherein the metal insert is adapted to
detachably engage the receiver extension.
2. The combination metal/polymer lower receiver of claim 1 wherein
said metal insert further includes insert side walls embedded
within respective polymer sidewalls of said polymeric lower
receiver housing such that the polymer/metal side walls are adapted
to detachably engage a rear mounting feature of said upper
receiver.
3. The combination metal/polymer lower receiver of claim 1 wherein
said metal insert further includes an elevated plate, wherein the
elevated plate is disposed within a plate opening on said polymeric
lower receiver housing.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a rifle, and more
particularly, to a modular automatic or semi-automatic assault-type
rifle. Specifically, the present invention relates to a lower
receiver assembly configured for use within a modular assault-type
rifle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are a number of automatic and semi-automatic rifles
used by military personnel as well as law enforcement and
civilians. While fully automatic rifles are generally illegal for
use by the civilian population, many of the components which
constitute an automatic rifle are the same as those found within
semi-automatic models legalized for civilian use. Arguably the most
popular semi-automatic assault-type rifle used by civilians,
particularly within the United States, is the AR-15 and its clones.
AR-15 is a registered trademark of Colt Industries. A number of
additional companies manufacture clones of the AR-15 and market
these clones under separate trademarks. While used throughout the
specification, it is to be understood that the term AR-15 is meant
to include not only those rifles manufactured by Colt Industries,
but also those additional clones and any variants thereof. The
AR-15 is the semi-automatic variant of the fully automatic M16
rifle used by United States military personnel.
[0003] The AR-15 and M16 are designed as modular rifles generally
comprising a buttstock, lower receiver, upper receiver and barrel
assembly. Each component is separable from one another and affords
rifle owners the opportunity to customize the rifle with
after-market components such as barrels of differing lengths, upper
receivers designed to handle different calibers of ammunition,
flashlights, hand guards, grenade or flare launchers, flash or
sound suppressors, grips, and front or rear sights. To operate, the
lower receiver is configured to include a trigger and magazine box
wherein activation of the trigger causes a round (bullet) housed
within the chamber of the upper receiver to be fired out the barrel
of the rifle by action of a reciprocating bolt carrier group housed
within the upper receiver. Internal mechanisms of the upper
receiver expel the shell casing of the fired round from the chamber
while components engaged with the magazine box housed within the
lower receiver feed a new round into the now-empty chamber. The
buttstock mounts to the lower receiver and includes a buffer
assembly and action (or recoil) spring in communication with the
bolt carrier group. After a spent shell has been discharged, the
spring urges the bolt carrier group back toward the chamber in
preparation for firing another round.
[0004] The modular construction of these rifles enables generally
quick and easy field-stripping (disassembly of the rifle for
cleaning of the rifle to ensure proper firing of the weapon). In
field-stripping the rifle, the lower receiver is separated from the
upper receiver to gain access to the firing mechanism (bolt, bolt
carrier and associated mechanisms) for cleaning and re-lubrication.
When assembled, the upper and lower receivers are secured to one
another through rear and forward extensions on the upper receiver
fitting between corresponding sidewalls forming notches or grooves
on the lower receiver. The forward sidewalls and extension are
fitted with a pivot pin to prevent the forward halves of the
receivers from separating. Similarly, the rear sidewalls and
extension employ a takedown pin to secure the two receivers
together. To field-strip the rifle, the takedown pin is
sufficiently pushed out of the extension so as to enable the rear
extension to lift out of the rear sidewalls thereby pivoting the
lower and upper receivers about the pivot pin. The pivot pin can
then be pushed out a sufficient distance so as to enable removal of
the front extension from the front sidewalls and thereby completing
separation of the lower receiver from the upper receiver.
[0005] While the AR-15 and M16 can be constructed of aircraft grade
forged aluminum, a trend in manufacturing current firearms/firearm
components is to interchange metal parts/components with high
strength polymeric materials, such as glass reinforced nylon,
whenever possible. These polymeric parts/components decrease the
weight of the rifle while also decreasing material costs associated
with fabrication of the rifle or individual rifle parts. One
drawback in polymeric components, however, is the eventual wear of
these components after repeated field-stripping, cleaning and
reassembly. This is of particular importance with regard to the
lower receiver and the takedown and pivot pins. Any substantial
wear to any of the components results in an unsafe and unusable
firearm. A further drawback to a polymeric lower receiver is the
potential for fatigue or cracking of the lower receiver upon
dropping of the weapon. Specifically, the lower receiver includes
an upper lobe which is used to mount a receiver extension (which is
housed within the buttstock) to the lower receiver. The buffer
assembly and action (recoil) spring is housed within this receiver
extension. Dropping the rifle such that the buttstock strikes a
surface with sufficient force or at an angle, or after repeated
drops, the polymeric upper lobe can crack or completely fracture
from the remainder of the lower receiver thereby causing
misalignment between the buffer assembly and bolt carrier group
resulting in a dangerous or inoperable firearm.
[0006] As such, there is a need for a lower receiver assembly which
capitalizes upon the weight and cost savings afforded by polymeric
materials while also enjoying the mechanical and structural
strength afforded by metal (i.e. aircraft grade aluminum). The
present invention addresses these and other needs.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In general, one embodiment the present invention is directed
to a lower receiver assembly constructed as a polymeric/metal
hybrid wherein the bulk of the lower receiver assembly is
constructed of molded polymeric materials while at least a portion
of the upper lobe is constructed of a metal.
[0008] Preferably, the metal portion of the upper lobe is
configured to be surrounded by the polymeric portion of the hybrid
lower receiver such that the upper lobe is a single, contiguous
construction with the remainder of the lower receiver. The metal
portion is positioned so as to engage the receiver extension and
rifle buttstock. More preferably, the metal portion further extends
to occupy at least a portion of the rear sidewalls of the lower
receiver such that the takedown pin passes through the metal
portion when attaching the lower receiver to the upper
receiver.
[0009] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a
combination polymeric/metal lower receiver for use in a rifle is
provided. The lower receiver is adapted for removable attachment to
a buttstock including a receiver extension having a recoil spring
and buffer assembly, and an upper receiver having a bolt, bolt
carrier and charging handle. The lower receiver includes a
polymeric lower receiver housing having an integral polymeric
upwardly extending lobe. A metal insert is secured within the
polymeric lower receiver at the location of the lobe. The metal
insert is preferably configured to permit detachable engagement of
the hybrid lower receiver with the receiver extension component of
the rifle assembly while the polymeric receiver housing is adapted
to permit detachable engagement with the upper receiver component
of the rifle assembly.
[0010] The metal insert may further include a pair of spaced side
walls which may extend within the spaced side walls of the
polymeric lower receiver housing, respectively. The metal insert
and polymeric lower receiver housing may further include aligned
through-holes wherethrough a takedown pin may removably pass to
secure the upper receiver component of the rifle assembly to the
hybrid lower receiver.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the hybrid lower receiver includes
a metal inserted adapted to display an elevated plate through a
corresponding opening in the polymeric housing. The elevated plate
displays component identifiers, such as through casting or
engraving, in compliance with applicable state, federal and/or
international laws and regulations.
[0012] The embodiments of the present invention are well-suited to
reduce material costs while also maintaining structural integrity
of the lower receiver assembly even after multiple cleanings of the
rifle or when subjected to severe or repeated drops.
[0013] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the
present invention will be set forth in part in the description
which follows, and will in part become apparent to those in the
practice of the invention, when considered with the attached
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification
and are to be read in conjunction therewith, wherein like reference
numerals are employed to indicate like parts in the various views,
and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of a representative modular rifle
suitable for incorporating an embodiment of a lower receiver in
accordance with present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lower receiver in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of a lower receiver in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a metal insert incorporated
within a lower receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a polymeric lower receiver
housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an environmental view of a lower receiver in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showing an
embedded metal insert in solid lines with a polymeric lower
receiver housing shown in dashed lines; and
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a lower receiver in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as taken
generally along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Referring to the drawings in detail, and specifically to
FIG. 1, a rifle, such as the AR-15, is generally indicated by
reference numeral 100. Rifle 100 is a modular firearm consisting of
a number of components and subcomponents. Major components of rifle
100 include barrel assembly 102, upper receiver 104, lower receiver
106 and buttstock 108. To assemble a completed rifle, upper
receiver 104 is positioned atop lower receiver 106 such that front
and rear projections on the upper receiver (not shown) rest within
a notch or groove formed by sidewalls 110' and 112', respectively,
of the lower receiver (see FIG. 2). Each projection and respective
sidewalls include a corresponding through-hole. Sidewall
through-holes 110'' and 112'' are configured to align with a
respective through-hole of the upper receiver whereby a pin is
inserted into and passes within each through-hole to secure the two
receivers together. Pivot pin 110 detachably secures the front
projection of the upper receiver within the lower receiver while
takedown pin 112 secures the rear projection.
[0023] Upper receiver 104 houses the chamber 105 which holds a
round (bullet) in position for firing, along with the firing
mechanism to initiate discharge of the round. The firing mechanism
generally includes a bolt, bolt carrier, charging handle and
related mechanisms. Barrel assembly 102 is secured to upper
receiver 104 generally through a threaded connection and includes a
barrel 103 in operational communication with the chamber of the
upper receiver such that a round fired from the chamber 105 passes
down the length of the barrel and exits the firearm at barrel end
103'. Rounds are introduced into the chamber by way of magazine 107
fitted to the lower receiver. Activation of the firing mechanism is
controlled by trigger 111. A grip 109 (such as a pistol grip, as
shown) allows the user to aim and control the rifle while placing
the user's trigger index finger in close proximity to the trigger.
In this manner, the user can aim the rifle to the target and extend
the trigger index finger to engage the trigger without losing
control or accuracy of the rifle.
[0024] Lower receiver 106 includes an upwardly extending lobe 120
(see FIG. 2). Buttstock 108 is detachably mounted to upwardly
extending lobe 120 so that a receiver extension 113 is in
operational alignment with the bolt carrier housed within the upper
receiver. Receiver extension 113 generally houses an action (or
recoil) spring and buffer assembly (not shown). Upon discharge of a
round, the bolt carrier within the upper housing is driven rearward
by action of the gas discharged by the firing action. The buffer
assembly and action spring dampen the kickback experienced by the
user while also redirecting the firing mechanism back toward the
chamber in preparation for firing another round.
[0025] Modular rifles are generally constructed of aircraft grade
forged aluminum. However, a current manufacturing trend is to
interchange metal parts/components with high strength polymeric
materials, such as glass reinforced nylon, whenever possible,
including both the upper and lower receivers. Polymeric
parts/components decrease the weight of the rifle while also
decreasing material costs associated with fabrication of the rifle
parts. One drawback in polymeric components, however, is the
eventual wear of these components after repeated field-stripping,
cleaning and reassembly. This is of particular importance with
regard to the lower receiver and the takedown and pivot pins. Any
substantial wear to any of these particular components results in
an unsafe and unusable firearm. A further drawback to a polymeric
lower receiver is the potential for fatigue or cracking of the
lower receiver upon dropping of the weapon, particularly where the
upwardly extending lobe begins its upward projection from the main
body of the lower receiver. The upper lobe 120 of the lower
receiver is used to mount the receiver extension 113 (See FIG. 1).
Repeated or violent dropping the rifle, particularly drops causing
the buttstock 108 (within which is housed receiver extension 113)
to strike a surface with sufficient force and/or at an angle can
cause the upwardly extending lobe to crack, fracture or shear from
the remainder of the lower receiver thereby causing misalignment
between the buffer assembly and bolt carrier group resulting in a
dangerous or inoperable firearm.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, lower receiver 106 has a
generally rectangular side profile and includes an upwardly
extending lobe 120. Top surface 115 is a generally flat surface
configured with openings for accepting the internal mechanisms
required to operate the rifle. For instance, opening 107' is
configured to accept an ammunition magazine 107 and associated
hardware to direct rounds loaded within the magazine into the
chamber in the upper receiver. Opening 111' houses mechanical
components which engage the trigger 111 with the bolt carrier group
in the upper receiver so that manipulation of the trigger results
in firing of the rifle. Lower receiver 106 is further adapted with
a grip mounting interface 109' for securing, for example, a pistol
grip 109.
[0027] When assembled (as shown in FIG. 1), the upper receiver 104
mounts along lower receiver top surface 115 and abuts inner surface
122 of the upwardly extending lobe 120. Outer surface 124 of the
upwardly extending lobe 120 engages with receiver extension 113 to
mount buttstock 108 to lower receiver 106. Upwardly extending lobe
120 has a generally circular threaded through-hole 126 which is
adapted to receive the mating male threads on the receiver
extension 113. Through-hole 126 permits operational communication
between the buffer assembly and action spring housed within the
receiver extension (not shown) with the bolt carrier group (not
shown) within the upper receiver which is mounted along top surface
115, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, upwardly
extending lobe 120 forms a generally 90 degree elbow 128 with top
surface 115. As the buttstock has a sole mounting surface along
outer surface 124 of upwardly extending lobe 120, any force applied
to the buttstock which is not along the longitudinal axis L of the
rifle is directed at elbow 128. Repeated stress to elbow 128, such
as by dropping the rifle on the buttstock, may lead to mechanical
failure of the elbow, particularly when that elbow is constructed
from a polymeric material.
[0028] Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, the lower receiver of
the present invention is constructed as an integrated hybrid
polymer/metal unit wherein a metal insert 130 (FIG. 4) is secured
within a polymeric lower receiver housing 140 (FIG. 5). Metal
insert 130 can be constructed of any suitable metal, and is
preferably constructed of aircraft grade aluminum. Similarly, the
polymeric lower receiver housing 140 can be constructed of any
suitable polymeric material, and is preferably constructed of glass
reinforced nylon.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, metal
insert 130 includes the interior portion of upwardly extending lobe
120, and more specifically defines the threaded through-hole 126,
as well as the inner surface 122 and outer surface 124 which
contact the upper receiver and receiver extension, respectively. As
the threaded through-hole 126 is constructed out of the metal
insert 130, the internal threads of the upwardly extending lobe
gain the benefits of an all-metal lower receiver (more robust
threads that are less likely to become stripped or cross-threaded
upon repeated engagement/disengagement of the corresponding threads
of the receiver extension 113) while the remainder of lower
receiver gains the benefits of a polymeric lower receiver (lighter
materials and less expensive material and fabrication costs).
[0030] As seen in FIG. 4, exterior surface 125 of the metal insert
130 is preferably adapted to include a plurality of recess 132 and
wells 134. Exterior surface 125 is configured to mate with interior
surface 125a of polymeric housing 140. Directing attention to FIG.
5, polymeric housing 140 further includes protrusions 132a which
engage recesses 132 and nodules 134a which engage wells 134. Mating
elements 132/132a and 134/134a lock the metal insert within the
polymeric housing and prevent lateral displacement of the metal
insert when subjected to a kickback force (such as that experienced
immediately following discharge of the rifle) or when the lower
receiver is being physically tampered with by a user. While
described as having a metal insert with recesses and wells and a
polymeric housing with protrusions and nodules, it would be
appreciated by one skilled in the art that the orientation of these
features can be reversed or combined in any suitable configuration
so as to perform the intended function.
[0031] Turning again to FIGS. 6 and 7, metal insert 130 further
extends through an elbow 128' to define sidewalls 112a' having
takedown pin through-holes 112a''. Preferably sidewalls 112a' are
embedded within polymeric sidewalls 112' such that metal insert
takedown pin through-holes 112a'' correspond with takedown pin
through-holes 112'' situated on the polymeric housing 140 thereby
enabling selective engagement/disengagement of takedown pin 112.
Metal sidewalls 112a' defining through-holes 112a'' minimize wear
to the lower receiver and takedown pin when the lower receiver is
separated from the upper receiver for cleaning and re-lubrication.
Metal sidewalls 112a', by extending through the elbow to form a
unitary metal insert with the threaded portion of the upwardly
extending lobe 120, increases the structural stability of the elbow
of the integrated polymer/metal hybrid lower receiver. This hybrid
polymer/metal elbow resists cracking or fracturing such as that
experienced by a solely polymeric lower receiver while also
minimizing component weight and manufacturing costs by decreasing
the amount of the metal used to construct the lower receiver.
[0032] In a further embodiment, metal insert 130 is fabricated to
include an elevated plate 138, Elevated plate 138 is incorporated
in and passes through plate opening 138a on polymeric housing 140.
Elevated plate 138 allows for the marking of a serial number or
other identifier upon the lower receiver in compliance with 27
C.F.R. .sctn.479.102. In a preferred embodiment, the elevated plate
138 is conspicuously placed on the lower receiver and, by being
incorporated within the metal insert, is not susceptible to being
readily obliterated, altered or removed. The size, position and/or
orientation of the elevated plate can be modified as desired or
necessitated so as to enable marking of the lower receiver in
satisfaction of any state, federal or international law or
regulation.
[0033] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to certain aspects thereof,
other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the
appended claims should not be limited to the description of the
aspects contained herein.
[0034] All features disclosed in the specification, including the
claims, abstract, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or
process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except
combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are
mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification,
including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
* * * * *