U.S. patent application number 14/581694 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-29 for intermediate charging handle engagement with carrier of firearm.
This patent application is currently assigned to S. I. DEFENSE, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is S. I. DEFENSE, INC.. Invention is credited to Aaron A. McGinty.
Application Number | 20150308762 14/581694 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54334442 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150308762 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGinty; Aaron A. |
October 29, 2015 |
INTERMEDIATE CHARGING HANDLE ENGAGEMENT WITH CARRIER OF FIREARM
Abstract
Firearms with improved systems and methods of pulling back a
carrier within the firearm and charging handles for such firearms.
In some embodiments, the charging handle engages the carrier at an
engagement face located between a rearward first end and a forward
second end of the charging handle and the engagement face is at
least ten percent of the length of the charging handle from the
second end. In some embodiments, the charging handle has a stem
having a top wall, a left wall, and a right wall, and the
engagement face extends from the left wall to the right wall. In
various embodiments, walls are perpendicular or parallel or are one
piece, the bottom is open, the carrier has a protrusion contacting
the charging handle, the engagement face is concave, the firearm is
a rifle that selectably fires in fully-automatic and semi-automatic
modes, or a combination thereof.
Inventors: |
McGinty; Aaron A.;
(Kalispell, MT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
S. I. DEFENSE, INC. |
Kalispell |
MT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
S. I. DEFENSE, INC.
Kalispell
MT
|
Family ID: |
54334442 |
Appl. No.: |
14/581694 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61920164 |
Dec 23, 2013 |
|
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61920026 |
Dec 23, 2013 |
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61949907 |
Mar 7, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/1.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 35/06 20130101;
F41A 3/72 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 3/72 20060101
F41A003/72; F41A 35/06 20060101 F41A035/06 |
Claims
1. A firearm comprising a carrier and a charging handle wherein:
the charging handle has a rearward first end, a forward second end,
and a length from the first end to the second end; the charging
handle engages the carrier at an engagement face on the charging
handle located between the first end and the second end; and the
engagement face is at least ten percent of the length of the
charging handle from the second end of the charging handle.
2. The firearm of claim 1 wherein: the charging handle comprises a
stem comprising a top wall, a left wall, and a right wall; and the
engagement face extends from the left wall to the right wall.
3. The firearm of claim 2 wherein: the left wall is perpendicular
to the top wall; the right wall is perpendicular to the top wall;
and the left wall is parallel to the right wall.
4. The firearm of claim 3 wherein: the engagement face, the left
wall, the right wall, and the top wall are all one piece.
5. The firearm of claim 4 wherein: the stem has an open bottom
between the left wall and the right wall.
6. The firearm of claim 5 wherein: the engagement face is
perpendicular to the top wall.
7. The firearm of claim 1 wherein: the carrier comprises a
protrusion and the engagement face contacts the protrusion when the
charging handle pulls back the carrier.
8. The firearm of claim 1 wherein: the engagement face is at least
20 percent of the length of the charging handle from the second end
of the charging handle.
9. The firearm of claim 1 wherein: the engagement face is at least
60 percent of the length of the charging handle from the first end
of the charging handle.
10. The firearm of claim 1 wherein: the engagement face is
concave.
11. The firearm of any of claim 1 wherein the firearm is a rifle
configured to selectably fire in a fully-automatic mode and in a
semi-automatic mode.
12. A firearm comprising a carrier and a charging handle wherein:
the charging handle comprises a stem comprising a top wall, a left
wall, a right wall, and an engagement face extending from the left
wall to the right wall; and the charging handle engages the carrier
at the engagement face.
13. The firearm of claim 12 wherein: the left wall, the top wall,
and the right wall are all one piece.
14. The firearm of claim 12 wherein: the left wall is perpendicular
to the top wall; the right wall is perpendicular to the top wall;
and the left wall is parallel to the right wall.
15. The firearm of claim 14 wherein: the engagement face, the left
wall, the right wall, and the top wall are all one piece.
16. The firearm of claim 12 wherein: the stem has an open bottom
between the left wall and the right wall.
17. The firearm of claim 12 wherein: the engagement face is
perpendicular to the top wall.
18. The firearm of claim 12 wherein: the carrier comprises a
protrusion and the engagement face contacts the protrusion when the
charging handle pulls back the carrier.
19. The firearm of claim 12 wherein: the engagement face is
concave.
20. A charging handle for a firearm, the charging handle comprising
a rearward first end, a forward second end, a length from the first
end to the second end, and an engagement face for engaging a
carrier wherein: the engagement face is located between the first
end and the second end; the engagement face is at least ten percent
of the length from the second end of the charging handle; and the
charging handle comprises a stem comprising a top wall, a left
wall, a right wall, and the engagement face.
Description
RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to US Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/920,164, filed on Dec. 23, 2013, titled
INTERMEDIATE CHARGING HANDLE ENGAGEMENT WITH CARRIER OF FIREARM,
which has at least one inventor in common with the current patent
application and the same assignee. Although primarily concerning
other inventions, this patent application also claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/920,026, filed on Dec.
23, 2013, titled, INTERNAL LATCH IN CHARGING HANDLE OF FIREARM and
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/949,907, filed on
Mar. 7, 2014, titled CHARGING HANDLE ENGAGEMENT WITH CARRIER KEY OF
FIREARM which also each have at least one inventor in common with
the current patent application and the same assignee. The contents
of these priority provisional patent applications are incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various embodiments of this invention relate to firearms
having charging handles and systems and methods of engaging
carriers with charging handles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Firearms have been used for several centuries for various
purposes including as weapons for warfare, law enforcement, self
defense, hunting, and target practice. Although many new weapons
and weapon systems have been developed, firearms are still widely
used and soldiers are trained in firearm use and carry firearms in
essentially all armies throughout the world. Over time, firearms
have been improved in many ways, but opportunities for improvement
still exist in particular areas and for particular aspects of these
devices.
[0004] Firearms have been built that use energy from the firing of
one round to load the next round into the chamber for firing. In
various configurations, the first round to be fired must be loaded
manually and the firearm must be cocked (e.g., the bolt or carrier
pulled back) to fire the first round. For this purpose, firearms
have been equipped with charging handles that are operated (e.g.,
pulled back) by the operator in order to load the first round and
prepare the weapon for firing the first round. Charging handles
have used that engaged the bolt or carrier with a lateral
projection or tang at the forward end or tip of the charging
handle. The tang or tip of the charging handle has been know to
wear, deform, or even break from repeated use, particularly from
rough use or where other issues exist with the mechanism. A need or
potential for benefit or improvement exists for firearms wherein
the charging handle engages the carrier in a more robust manner
that is less prone to wear, damage, or failure. Room for
improvement exists over the prior art in these and other areas that
may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art having
studied this document.
SUMMARY OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This invention provides, among other things, firearms with
improved systems and methods of engagement between the charging
handles and the carrier. Various embodiments provide, for example,
as an object or benefit, that they partially or fully address or
satisfy one or more of the needs, potential areas for benefit, or
opportunities for improvement described herein, or known in the
art, as examples. Some embodiments provide firearms with charging
handles that engage the carrier at an engagement face on the
charging handle located between a rearward first end and a forward
second end of the charging handle. In a number of embodiments, the
engagement face is at least ten percent of the length of the
charging handle from the second end, for example. In addition, or
instead, in some embodiments, the charging handle has a stem having
a top wall, a left wall, and a right wall, and the engagement face
extends from the left wall to the right wall. Other embodiments,
besides firearms, include methods of obtaining or providing an
apparatus for pulling back the carrier of a firearm with a charging
handle and specific charging handles with features described
herein.
[0006] In a number of embodiments, improvements to firearms herein
provide for firearms that are more reliable, that last longer, that
are more adaptable, that can be used in conditions that are more
extreme, that handle abuse well, that work better, that are easier
to use, that are easier to maintain, that are less expensive to
manufacture, that have a lower lifecycle cost, or a combination
thereof.
[0007] Specific embodiments include firearms that each include a
carrier and a charging handle. In various embodiments, the charging
handle has a rearward first end, a forward second end, and a length
from the first end to the second end. Further, in a number of
embodiments, the charging handle engages the carrier at an
engagement face on the charging handle located between the first
end and the second end. Moreover, in various embodiments, the
engagement face is at least ten percent of the length of the
charging handle from the second end of the charging handle.
[0008] Further, in some embodiments, the charging handle includes a
stem that include a top wall, a left wall, a right wall, or a
combination thereof. Further still, in some such embodiments, the
engagement face extends from the left wall to the right wall. Even
further, in some embodiments, the left wall is perpendicular to the
top wall, the right wall is perpendicular to the top wall, the left
wall is parallel to the right wall, or a combination thereof. Still
further, in certain embodiments, the engagement face, the left
wall, the right wall, and the top wall are all one piece. Even
further still, in a number of embodiments, the stem has an open
bottom between the left wall and the right wall. Moreover, in
particular embodiments, the engagement face is perpendicular to the
top wall.
[0009] Additionally, in some embodiments, the carrier includes a
protrusion and the engagement face contacts the protrusion when the
charging handle pulls back the carrier. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, the engagement face is at least 20 percent of the
length of the charging handle from the second end of the charging
handle, the engagement face is at least 60 percent of the length of
the charging handle from the first end of the charging handle, or
both. Moreover, in some embodiments, the engagement face is
concave. Further, in particular embodiments, the firearm is a
rifle, for instance, configured to selectably fire in a
fully-automatic mode, in a semi-automatic mode, or both.
[0010] Other specific embodiments include various firearms that
include a carrier and a charging handle wherein the charging handle
includes a stem, for example, that include a top wall, a left wall,
a right wall, and an engagement face extending from the left wall
to the right wall. In a number of embodiments, the charging handle
engages the carrier at the engagement face. Further, in some such
embodiments, the left wall, the top wall, and the right wall are
all one piece, the left wall is perpendicular to the top wall, the
right wall is perpendicular to the top wall, the left wall is
parallel to the right wall, the engagement face, the left wall, the
right wall, and the top wall are all one piece, or a combination
thereof. Further still, in a number of embodiments, the stem has an
open bottom between the left wall and the right wall, the
engagement face is perpendicular to the top wall, the carrier
includes a protrusion and the engagement face contacts the
protrusion when the charging handle pulls back the carrier, the
engagement face is concave, or both.
[0011] Still other specific embodiments include various charging
handles for firearms, wherein the charging handle includes a
rearward first end, a forward second end, a length from the first
end to the second end, and an engagement face for engaging a
carrier. In a number of embodiments, the engagement face is located
between the first end and the second end, the engagement face is at
least ten percent of the length from the second end of the charging
handle, the charging handle includes a stem that include a top
wall, a left wall, a right wall, and the engagement face, or a
combination thereof. In addition, various other embodiments of the
invention are also described herein, and other benefits of certain
embodiments may be apparent to a person of skill in this area of
technology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The drawings provided herewith illustrate, among other
things, examples of certain aspects of particular embodiments.
Various embodiments may include aspects shown in the drawings,
described in the specification (including the claims), known in the
art, or a combination thereof, as examples. Other embodiments,
however, may differ.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a right side view of an embodiment of a firearm
that includes a charging handle;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of the firearm of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a right side cross-sectional view of the firearm
of FIGS. 1 and 2, taken along section A-A in FIG. 2, illustrating,
among other things, the charging handle and carrier;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a right side detail view of part of the firearm of
FIG. 3 illustrating the charging handle engagement with the
carrier;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the charging handle of the
firearm of FIGS. 1-3;
[0018] FIG. 6; is a bottom view of the charging handle of FIG. 5 of
the firearm of FIGS. 1-3;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional right side view of the charging
handle of FIGS. 6 and 7 of the firearm of FIGS. 1-3; and
[0020] FIG. 8 is a front view of the charging handle of FIGS. 5 to
7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS
[0021] This patent application describes, among other things,
examples of certain embodiments, and certain aspects thereof. Other
embodiments may differ from the particular examples described in
detail herein. Various embodiments are or concern firearms, for
example, having improvements over the prior art. Different
embodiments include firearms, charging handles for firearms, and
methods concerning charging handles or firearms, as examples.
[0022] As used herein, a charging handle is a component or assembly
of a firearm that is operated (e.g., pulled back) by the operator
of the firearm to load the first round and prepare the weapon for
firing the first round. As used herein, a "charging handle"
includes a body of the charging handle and can also include parts
within or pivotably attached to the body of the charging handle.
But as used herein, a "charging handle" does not include other
components of the firearm, such as the carrier or bolt assembly,
that, unlike the body of the charging handle, move relative to the
barrel or receiver of the firearm, for example, when the firearm is
fired. In addition, the "charging handle" of the firearm, as used
herein, does not include other parts of the firearm that do not
move (e.g., rearward) with the body of the charging handle when the
charging handle is operated (e.g., pulled back) by the operator of
the firearm to load the first round and prepare the weapon for
firing the first round. In a number of embodiments, for example, a
firearm (e.g., 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3)) includes a charging handle
(e.g., 50 shown best in FIGS. 5-8), and the charging handle (e.g.,
50) is separate from the carrier (e.g., 40 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4),
from the barrel (e.g., 13 shown in FIGS. 1-3), and from the
receiver (e.g., 11 shown in FIGS. 1-4).
[0023] As used herein, the "carrier" of a firearm is the bolt
carrier group, which includes the bolt for the firearm and the
firing pin. As used herein, the "carrier" of a firearm moves
backwards and forwards as the weapon fires and performs certain
cyclic functions of the weapon (e.g., a gas-operated firearm), for
example, stripping a round from the magazine, inserting the round
into the chamber, firing the round, pulling the cartridge from the
chamber once the round is fired, and ejecting the cartridge. In a
number of embodiments, when the weapon is fired, the hammer strikes
the firing pin. Further, in various embodiments, the bolt locks
into place in the barrel extension (e.g., by rotating) before the
round is fired and unlocks therefrom after the round is fired.
[0024] When the charging handle of the firearm is pulled back, in
various embodiments, the charging handle engages the carrier of the
firearm with an intermediate feature on the charging handle such as
a gusset, flange, cross member, or lateral feature, for instance,
on or through the bottom of the charging handle. In different
embodiments, the feature (e.g., intermediate feature) can be a
hole, projection or wall, as examples. In a number of embodiments,
the charging handle has a greater vertical dimension at the feature
than at other locations along the charging handle, for example. In
some embodiments, the vertical dimension of the charging handle may
vary (e.g., gradually) along its length and may be at a maximum or
a relative maximum at or near the feature (e.g., engagement surface
or face).
[0025] In a number of embodiments, for example, a firearm (e.g., 10
in FIGS. 1-3)) includes a charging handle (e.g., 50 shown in FIGS.
1-8) having an aft or rearward first end (e.g., 51), a forward
second end (e.g., 52), and a length (e.g., 73 shown in FIG. 7) from
the first end (e.g., 51) to the second end (e.g., 52). A number of
firearm embodiments include a carrier (e.g., 40 shown in FIGS. 3
and 4) and the charging handle (e.g., 50) engages the carrier
(e.g., 40) at an engagement face (e.g., 45 shown in FIGS. 3-7) on
the charging handle (e.g., 50) located between the first end (e.g.,
51) and the second end (e.g., 52). In various embodiments, the
engagement face (e.g., 45) is at least ten percent of the length
(e.g., 73) from the second end (e.g., 52) of the charging handle.
Further, in a number of embodiments, the charging handle (e.g., 50)
includes a stem (e.g., 56 shown in FIGS. 3-8), for instance, having
a top wall (e.g., 77 shown in FIGS. 5-7), a right wall (e.g., 68
shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8)), and a left wall (e.g., 69 shown in
FIGS. 6-8). In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown,
for example, the engagement face (e.g., 45) extends from the left
wall (e.g., 69) to the right wall (e.g., 68).
[0026] As used herein, "top", and any other indicators of direction
herein, apply to the normal orientation of the firearm (e.g., 10)
when the barrel (e.g., 13) is horizontal and the trigger is below
the centerline through the barrel that is parallel to the direction
of travel of a bullet in the barrel when the firearm is fired. In
FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8, up is toward the top of the view.
Moreover, as used herein, a "wall" includes two opposite surfaces
(e.g., an inside surface facing the interior of the stem and an
exterior surface facing the exterior of the stem) and has a
thickness between the walls. In a number of embodiments, the
opposite surfaces are planer surfaces, are parallel, or both. In
some embodiments, the opposite surfaces are flat, but in other
embodiments, one or both of the opposite surfaces is curved (e.g.,
in one plane or in two planes). Further, in a number of
embodiments, a "wall" is solid between the opposite surfaces.
Further still, in some embodiments, a wall has a uniform thickness,
while in other embodiments, the thickness of a wall can vary, for
example, along the wall. In some embodiments, the left wall (e.g.,
69) is attached to the top wall (e.g., 77), the right wall (e.g.,
68) is attached to the top wall, or both. Further, in certain
embodiments, the left wall, the top wall, and the right wall are
all one piece (i.e., of solid or monolithic material). As used
herein, two or more walls that are all one piece are considered to
be "attached".
[0027] In a number of embodiments, the stem (e.g., 56), for
example, the "one piece" can be metal, such as aluminum, for
example, or plastic, as another example. In a number of
embodiments, the left wall (e.g., 69) is substantially
perpendicular to the top wall (e.g., 77), the right wall (e.g., 68)
is substantially perpendicular to the top wall (e.g., 77), or both.
As used herein, "substantially perpendicular" means perpendicular
to within 15 degrees. Further, in particular embodiments, the left
wall is perpendicular to the top wall, the right wall is
perpendicular to the top wall, or both. As used herein, in this
context, "perpendicular" means perpendicular to within 5 degrees.
Still further, in some embodiments, the left wall (e.g., 69) is
substantially parallel to the right wall (e.g., 68). As used
herein, "substantially parallel" means parallel to within 15
degrees. Even further, in certain embodiments, the left wall is
parallel to the right wall. As used herein, in this context,
"parallel" means parallel to within 5 degrees. In various
embodiments, perpendicularity, parallelism, or both, can be
determined based on the outside surfaces of the walls, the inside
surfaces of the walls, or both.
[0028] Further, in some embodiments, the engagement face (e.g., 45)
is attached to the left wall (e.g., 69), to the right wall (e.g.,
68), or both. As used herein, a particular surface is considered to
be attached to a specific wall if the particular surface is a
surface of a component or region that is attached to that specific
wall. In a number of embodiments, for example, (e.g., including the
embodiment illustrated), the engagement face (e.g., 45) is a
surface (e.g., an aft- or rearward-facing surface) of a wall (i.e.,
an engagement wall) that is attached to the left wall (e.g., 69),
to the right wall (e.g., 68), or both (e.g., as shown). Even
further, in some embodiments (e.g., as illustrated), the engagement
face (e.g., 45), the left wall (e.g., 69), and the right wall
(e.g., 68) are all one piece. Even further still, in some
embodiments (e.g., as illustrated), the engagement face, the left
wall, the right wall, and the top of the stem (e.g., top wall 77)
are all one piece.
[0029] Moreover, in a number of embodiments, the stem (e.g., 56)
has an open bottom, for example, between the left wall (e.g., 69)
and the right wall (e.g., 68), for example, over at least a
majority of the length of the stem. In some embodiments (e.g., as
shown), for example, the stem, or part of the stem, can be a
channel or have a "U"-shaped cross section, for instance (e.g., an
upside down "U" in the embodiment illustrated). As used herein, a
stem (e.g., 56) is considered to have an "open bottom" between the
left wall (e.g., 69) and the right wall (e.g., 68) if the stem is
hollow over a majority of the length of the stem, the hollow
interior of the stem is bounded by at least two walls (e.g., at
least two of the left wall, the right wall and the top wall), and
the bottom of the stem, over a majority of the area of the bottom
of the stem, is defined by ends of walls (e.g., the bottom end of
the left wall and the bottom end of the right wall), wherein the
ends of the walls are limited to the thickness of these walls. As
used herein, stem 56, as shown, has an open bottom (e.g., 66 shown
in FIG. 6).
[0030] In a number of embodiments, the engagement face (e.g., of
the charging handle or stem thereof) is substantially perpendicular
or perpendicular to the left wall (e.g., of the stem), to the right
wall, or both. Further, in some embodiments (e.g., as illustrated
in FIGS. 5 and 7), the engagement face (e.g., 45) is substantially
perpendicular or perpendicular to the top wall (e.g., 77). Even
further, in a number of embodiments (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6), the
engagement face (e.g., 45) is concave. In particular embodiments,
for example, the engagement face (e.g., 45) is concave toward the
first end of the charging handle (e.g., when viewed from below, as
shown in FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the engagement face is
concave when viewed from the side, but in other embodiments,
including the embodiment shown, the engagement face (e.g., 45) is
not concave when viewed from the side (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 5
and 7).
[0031] In other embodiments, the engagement face can be flat or can
be flat with fillets or chamfers at the interior corners, for
instance, at the right and left wall, at the top wall, or both, as
further examples. Still further, in other embodiments, the
engagement face is on a pin or fastener that extends, for instance,
from the left wall to the right wall, or the engagement face is on
a block that extends, for instance, from the left wall to the right
wall, for example, supported or attached by at least one pin or
fastener that extends, for instance, from the left wall to the
right wall, as further examples. Even further, in various
embodiments, the engagement face is on a gusset, flange, cross
member, or lateral feature, for instance, on or through the bottom
of the charging handle, or between side walls of the charging
handle. Even further still, in various embodiments, the engagement
face is on a feature on the charging handle (e.g., an intermediate
feature between ends of the charging handle, as shown) such as a
hole, projection, or wall (e.g., as shown), as examples.
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, for example, in a number of
embodiments, the charging handle (e.g., 50) has a greater vertical
dimension at the engagement face (e.g., 45) than at other locations
along the charging handle (e.g., along length 73), for example.
Moreover, in the embodiment illustrated, the vertical dimension of
charging handle 50 varies gradually along part of length 73 of
charging handle 50 and is at a maximum or a relative maximum at and
near engagement face 45. Other embodiments, however, may
differ.
[0033] In various embodiments, the engagement face (e.g., 45) is at
least 20 percent of the length (e.g., of the carrier or of the
stem, for instance, length 73 shown in FIG. 7) from the second end
(e.g., forward end, for instance, 52 shown in FIGS. 5-8)) of the
charging handle (e.g., 50), the engagement face is at least 20
percent of the length (e.g., 73) from the first end (e.g., 51 shown
in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7) of the charging handle (e.g., 50), or both.
Further, in some embodiments, the engagement face is at least 30,
40, 50, 60, 70, 75, or 80 percent of the length from the first end
of the charging handle, as other examples. Further still, in
various embodiments, the engagement face is at least 15, 25, 30,
35, or 40 percent of the length from the second end of the charging
handle. The embodiment illustrated is an example. Furthermore, in
particular embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated, the
engagement face (e.g., 45) is at least 20 percent of the length
(e.g., 73) of the charging handle (e.g., 50) from the second end
(e.g., 52) of the charging handle, and the engagement face is at
least 60 percent of the length of the charging handle from the
first end (e.g., 51) of the charging handle.
[0034] Additionally, in a number of embodiments, the carrier (e.g.,
40 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) has a feature, such as a protrusion
(e.g., 44), and the engagement face (e.g., 45) contacts the feature
or protrusion (e.g., 44) when the charging handle (e.g., 50) pulls
back the carrier (e.g., 40). In a number of embodiments, the
feature or protrusion is part of the carrier (e.g., as shown).
Moreover, in a number of embodiments, the protrusion is on a top
surface of the carrier (e.g., as shown). Further, in various
embodiments, the feature, carrier, or both, are metal, such as
steel. In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated,
the protrusion (e.g., 44) includes a chamfer, for instance, on a
exterior corner, for example, at an aft or rearward end of the
protrusion. In various embodiments, including the embodiment
illustrated, the protrusion (e.g., 44) includes a square corner,
for instance, an upper corner, for example, at a forward end of the
protrusion. Further, in a number of embodiments, including the
embodiment illustrated, the protrusion (e.g., 44) includes a
carrier engagement face, for instance, substantially perpendicular
or perpendicular to the direction of travel of the carrier (e.g.,
40), to the charging handle (e.g., 50, for instance, to length 73
shown in FIG. 7), or to the barrel (e.g., 13) of the firearm (e.g.,
10, for example, at the forward end of the protrusion. In some
embodiments, for example, when the firearm is assembled, the
carrier engagement face, for instance, of the protrusion, is
parallel to the engagement face (e.g., 45) on the charging handle
(e.g., 50).
[0035] In a number of embodiments, the firearm (e.g., 10) is a
rifle. In particular embodiments, for example, the firearm (e.g.,
10) is an assault rifle, such as an AR-15 or an M-16. In different
embodiments, the firearm can be a semi-automatic firearm or a fully
automatic firearm, as examples. Further, in particular embodiments,
the firearm is a rifle configured to selectably (e.g., via
operation of a selector lever) fire in a fully-automatic mode and
in a semi-automatic mode. Other embodiments, however, may differ.
For instance, in particular embodiments the firearm can be a
pistol.
[0036] Still further, other embodiments include various charging
handles (e.g., 50 shown in FIGS. 1-8) for firearms (e.g., 10 shown
in FIGS. 1-3), wherein the charging handle includes a rearward
first end (e.g., 51 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7), a forward second
end (e.g., 52 shown in FIGS. 5-8), a length (e.g., 73 shown in FIG.
7) from the first end (e.g., 51) to the second end (e.g., 52), and
an engagement face (e.g., 45 shown in FIGS. 4-7) for engaging a
carrier (e.g., 40 shown in FIGS. 3-4). In a number of embodiments,
the engagement face (e.g., 45) is located between the first end
(e.g., 51) and the second end (e.g., 52), the engagement face is at
least ten percent of the length (e.g., 73) from the second end
(e.g., 52) of the charging handle (e.g., 50), the charging handle
includes a stem (e.g., 56) that include a top wall (e.g., 77), a
left wall (e.g., 69), a right wall (e.g., 68), and the engagement
face (e.g., 45), or a combination thereof. The embodiment
illustrated (e.g., charging handle 50) includes all such features,
but other embodiments may include some of these features but not
others, may include other features described herein, or both, as
further examples.
[0037] Examples of methods include various methods of obtaining or
providing an apparatus for pulling back the carrier (e.g., 40) of a
firearm (e.g., 10), for instance, with a charging handle (e.g.,
50). In various embodiments, such a method can include, for
example, in any order, at least certain acts. Such acts can
include, for instance, obtaining or providing a charging handle
(e.g., 50) having a rearward first end (e.g., 51), a forward second
end (e.g., 52), a length (e.g., 73) from the first end to the
second end, or a combination thereof. Further, some embodiments
include obtaining or providing a carrier (e.g., 40). In a number of
embodiments, the charging handle (e.g., 50) engages the carrier
(e.g., 40) at an engagement face (e.g., 45) on the charging handle
located between the first end (e.g., 51) and the second end (e.g.,
52). Further, in particular embodiments, the engagement face (e.g.,
45) is at least ten percent of the length (e.g., 73) from the
second end (e.g., 52) of the charging handle (e.g., 50). Some
embodiments include (e.g., in addition to obtaining or providing a
carrier) an act of obtaining or providing a charging handle (e.g.,
50), for instance, having a stem (e.g., 56) comprising a top wall
(e.g., 77), a left wall (e.g., 69), a right wall (e.g., 68), or a
combination thereof. In some embodiments, the charging handle
(e.g., 50) further includes an engagement face (e.g., 45) extending
from the left wall (e.g., 69) to the right wall (e.g., 68). In a
number of embodiments, for example, the charging handle (e.g., 50)
engages the carrier (e.g., 40) at the engagement face (e.g., 45).
In various embodiments, particular methods can include acts of
obtaining or providing, as examples, other features, components, or
aspects described herein. All possible combinations are
contemplated.
[0038] Further, methods described herein contain various acts. The
order in which these acts are described herein is an example of the
order in which these acts can be performed, but in other
embodiments, unless stated otherwise herein, the acts may be
performed in a different order. In some embodiments, acts may
overlap or be performed at the same time, as another example.
[0039] Further, various embodiments of the subject matter described
herein include various combinations of the acts, structure,
components, and features described herein, shown in the drawings,
described in documents that are incorporated by reference herein,
or that are known in the art. Moreover, certain procedures can
include acts such as manufacturing, obtaining, or providing
components that perform functions described herein or in the
documents that are incorporated by reference. The subject matter
described herein also includes various means for accomplishing the
various functions or acts described herein, in the documents that
are incorporated by reference, or that are apparent from the
structure and acts described. Essentially, wherever a function is
described herein, and at least one example of structure is
described, illustrated, or both, that performs that function, a
means for accomplishing that function is also contemplated.
[0040] Still further, as used herein, the word "or", except where
indicated otherwise, does not imply that the alternatives listed
are mutually exclusive. Even further, where alternatives are listed
herein, it should be understood that in some embodiments, fewer
alternatives may be available, or in particular embodiments, just
one alternative may be available, as examples.
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