U.S. patent application number 14/505468 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-12 for compact semiautomatic firearm.
The applicant listed for this patent is USFA/ZIPFACTORY, LLC. Invention is credited to Douglas F. Donnelly.
Application Number | 20150323267 14/505468 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54367542 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150323267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Donnelly; Douglas F. |
November 12, 2015 |
COMPACT SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARM
Abstract
A semi-automatic firearm apparatus has a recoil rod having a
recoil spring associated with it, wherein the recoil rod faces in a
first direction and projects outwardly from the semi-automatic
firearm apparatus and a hold back member connected to the
semi-automatic firearm apparatus and movable between a first
position where it does not block the movement of the recoil rod and
a second position where it does block the movement of the recoil
rod.
Inventors: |
Donnelly; Douglas F.;
(Jackson, WY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
USFA/ZIPFACTORY, LLC |
Jackson |
WY |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
54367542 |
Appl. No.: |
14/505468 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13745704 |
Jan 18, 2013 |
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14505468 |
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61896585 |
Oct 28, 2013 |
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61886049 |
Oct 2, 2013 |
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61588089 |
Jan 18, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/139 ;
42/70.04 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 5/02 20130101; F41A
35/06 20130101; F41A 19/10 20130101; F41A 3/54 20130101; F41A 5/18
20130101; F41A 17/58 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 5/18 20060101
F41A005/18; F41A 17/58 20060101 F41A017/58 |
Claims
1. A semi-automatic firearm apparatus, comprising: a recoil rod
having a recoil spring associated with it, wherein the recoil rod
faces in a first direction and projects outwardly from the
semi-automatic firearm apparatus; and a hold back member connected
to the semi-automatic firearm apparatus and movable between a first
position where it does not block the movement of the recoil rod and
a second position where it does block the movement of the recoil
rod.
2. A semi-automatic firearm apparatus according to claim 1 wherein
the hold back member is connected to the semi-automatic firearm
apparatus so that it is rotatable from the first position to the
second position.
3. A semi-automatic firearm apparatus according to claim 1 wherein
in the second position the hold back member holds a bolt of the
semi-automatic firearm apparatus in an open position.
4. A semi-automatic firearm apparatus, comprising: a side frame
with an internal surface; and at least one recess in the internal
surface.
5. A semi-automatic firearm apparatus according to claim 4 wherein
the at least one recess is molded into the internal surface.
6. A semi-automatic firearm apparatus according to claim 4 wherein
there are a plurality of recesses in the internal surface.
7. A safety mechanism of a semi-automatic firearm, comprising: a
trigger; a striker; and a safety block located immediately above
the trigger, wherein the safety block is configured to travel
downwards as the trigger travels rearwards and to engage a portion
of the striker so as to prevent its further forward movement.
8. A safety mechanism of a semi-automatic firearm according to
claim 7 wherein the safety block has a recess shaped to receive a
nose of the striker.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/896,585, filed Oct. 28,
2013, entitled "COMPACT SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARM" the entire content
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This
application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/886,049, filed Oct. 2, 2013, entitled "COMPACT AUTOMATIC
FIREARM", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by
reference. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/745,704, filed on Jan. 18, 2013,
entitled "COMPACT SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARM", which claimed priority to
and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/588,089,
filed on Jan. 18, 2012, entitled "COMPACT SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARM",
the entire content of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of firearms, and
more particularly semi-automatic or "small arms" and either
semi-automatic long guns or carbines as well.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Typical Prior Art--Old Designs (e.g. 1911, Glock,
Beretta)
[0006] A modern breech loading semi-automatic (small arms) uses a
slide/barrel assembly that moves longitudinally along a frame and
can overtravel across the top of the shooting/loading hand. A
spring located between the front of the slide and frame holds the
slide/barrel assembly in a forward and locked position when in
battery. A cartridge chamber exists within this barrel assembly.
When in battery, forward position, the rear end of the barrel is
covered by the breech face upon the slide. A hole in the breech
face provides access to the cartridge chamber for a firing element
to pierce the primer of the pistol cartridge, thereby discharging
the cartridge and expelling the bullet.
[0007] The firing pin can be driven forward by a hammer striking
it, or in the case of a striker, it can be moved backward under
spring pressure and released to drive the firing pin forward
through the breech face to contact the bullet. In either instance,
the hammer or the striker firing pin itself is connected through
mechanical means to a trigger.
[0008] Upon discharge of a cartridge, a bullet travels forward out
through the barrel, the slide/barrel assembly moves rearward for a
specific distance where the barrel moves slightly downward and
stops, the slide continues to move rearward over the hand, opening
the cartridge chamber. Through recoil pressure, the fired casing
keeps in contact with the breech face as the assembly continues
rearward, the ejector (mounted in the frame) contacts the spent
cartridge casing, pushing it away from the breech face, causing the
extractor to be overcome and to expel the empty cartridge from the
pistol.
[0009] Now at maximum rearward travel, and now having travelled
over the shooting hand, the slide has completed its rearward cycle.
Spring pressure pushes the slide forward, contacting the next
cartridge from the magazine and delivering it to the cartridge
chamber which closes as the slide moves forward. With the slide
fully forward, the pistol is loaded and ready to fire again.
[0010] The above generally describes the operation of a
semi-automatic firearm with a locked breech mechanism, fired either
by striker or hammer operation. A straight blowback mechanism
operates similarly, except that the barrel is not part of a
slide/barrel assembly; it is integrally and rigidly mounted to the
frame and simply acts as a stop from which the head space is
created to the breech.
[0011] Various embodiments of the present invention represent a
dramatic departure from the above-described mechanisms and a great
improvement upon such mechanisms. At least in part, the improvement
resides in:
[0012] 1. reducing the total part count;
[0013] 2. reducing the expense of manufacture; and
[0014] 3. increasing reliability and safety.
[0015] Having described the above preexisting mechanisms, there is
no "similar type" of the present invention except to loosely say a
"semi-automatic mechanism." Various embodiments of the present
invention provide no over the hand travel, an extremely compact
form factor, and a robust and simple internal mechanism. While the
Borchart Type/Luger Type also has no over the hand travel per se,
it does break an imaginary line running vertically from the
shooters hand. Embodiments of the present invention do not have
even this limited over travel and no exposed toggle top on top
either, i.e. no external slide. The present invention establishes a
new class of personal weapon.
[0016] A representative example for discussion of the prior striker
style is the Gaston Glock (Austria) Model disclosed in 1979.
[0017] Specific to the Glock firearm (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,539,889;
4,825,744 and 4,893,546) is a pre-tensioned striker fired action
mechanism. This device has characteristics of the type known as the
double action only ("DAO") style as well. It must be manually
"cocked" before the first discharge, and sequential firings require
only trigger actuation. The sequential trigger operations serve to
actuate the firing element from a pre-tensioned position to the
critical point where searing or release takes place. This design
allows a trigger pull distance that is less than in the DAO and
greater than in the single-action. However, it has the complex and
typical long rotational trigger and overly complicated trigger bar
winding its way around a magazine well (which is also true for the
1900 trigger by Browning evolved as the 1902, 1903, 1905, 1910, and
most famously, the 1911). Such complications are found in the class
of modern striker fired systems employed by Glock, Smith and
Wesson, Ruger et. al.
[0018] The modern striker fired systems are importantly dependent
upon a tiny coil spring, located and attached in the mechanism's
rearward portion in a plastic casement harbored inside the frame.
The tiny coil spring, which embodiments of the present invention
eliminate, is responsible for the active control of the trigger
bar. It is to be noted that Smith and Wesson has used various
methods to deaden errant vibration (to prevent falling off and/or
breakage) with the use of some kind of dampening material, like a
cotton swab or Q-Tip, to safeguard the operation of the spring.
Similarly, Glock continues to enlarge the diameter of this spring
material in a quest for increased reliability within their confined
space. It is this pesky alignment/tensioning spring which is among
certain parts eliminated to make more robust embodiments of the
disclosed new invention.
[0019] Additionally, this tiny coil spring (held by two open and
opposite loops at its ends, thereby rendering it susceptible to
falling off) maintains the trigger bar in a groove, to ensure a
partially "cocked" or pre-tensioned position. However, accidental
discharge by dropping the weapon is remote, because the
pre-tensioned position of the firing element is blocked by a
"series 80" type drop safety which blocks any forward travel of the
firing pin element through the breech face if caused to release by
errant vibration or "dropping."
[0020] Until about 1980, semi-automatic firearms have been
substantially all metal. Gaston Glock's introduction of polymer has
materially changed the manufacturing process and cost structure
and, to a high degree, the acceptance of plastic replacing metal
components for consumers. The Glock model in particular, after the
introduction of certain cellulose-type plastics or hard rubber
which have been known in the industry for 100 years, was the first
"modern firearm" after the then "newest introduction" of the
Armalite AR-180, in Santa Ana, Calif. (mid 1950's) which included a
plastic stock, a hand guard, and an internal buffer, as well as
some other gun parts. The basic design rights were then sold off to
Fairchild Machine Tool, and then finally to Colt for manufacturing
license rights which finally ended 50 years later in 2009, although
the patent rights had expired decades before. The constant shift to
plastic where possible included a makeover of the M14 in 1969, when
it was finally decided to produce the gun with a plastic front end
and eventually an entire plastic rifle stock shortly thereafter. It
was not always a smooth transition, but the "Glock" now has become
public domain as far as its mechanical/design rights as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Embodiments of the present invention are a highly developed
improvement on this type of "modern action" design where no slide
is present and there is no rearward travel, i.e. no piercing of the
vertical plane past the hand. This "no over the hand travel" is
highly advantageous to the user and allows for a compact form
factor which will also allow deployment of the arm as an
accessory/backup unit when attached on the underside of such
platforms, such as the AR-15 or FN SCAR type.
[0022] According to an aspect of the present invention, a
semi-automatic firearm may include: a recoil rod having a recoil
spring associated with it, wherein the recoil rod faces in a first
direction; a head segment disposed at a first end of the recoil
rod, wherein the head segment is configured to be attenuated and
propelled forward by the recoil spring; an internal recoil body
located at a second end of the recoil rod; a striker guide rod
located adjacent the recoil rod and having a striker spring
associated with it, wherein the striker guide rod faces in the
first direction; a striker attached to the striker rod and
configured to be attenuated and propelled forward by the striker
spring; and a floating bolt guide rod facing in a second direction
opposite to the first direction and located adjacent the recoil
rod.
[0023] The floating guide rod may be held in loose association at
its end that faces in the second direction. The floating guide rod
may further include a safety ring coupled to an end of the floating
guide rod. The internal recoil body may be stopped from not
traveling beyond the safety ring.
[0024] The striker spring may be configured to attenuate recoil
forces. Both the recoil spring and the striker spring may be
configured to extend immediately after a bullet is fired. Both the
recoil spring and the striker spring may be configured to attenuate
the recoil forces resulting from the bullet fired, wherein the
recoil spring, the striker spring, the internal recoil body, and
the striker may be configured to travel together as one mass. The
striker spring may be configured to cease movement upon the striker
being captured by a sear, and wherein the masses of the striker
spring and the striker separate from the masses of the recoil
spring and the internal recoil body. The recoil spring may be
coiled around the recoil rod. The striker spring may be coiled
around the striker guide rod.
[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method of attenuating recoil forces in a semi-automatic firearm may
include: combining the masses of a recoil group and a striker
group; capturing the striker group with a sear; stopping travel of
the striker group upon capture by the sear; and continuing travel
of the recoil group.
[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention a
semi-automatic firearm may include: a trigger; a barrel located
above the trigger; and a trigger sear located immediately above the
trigger and the barrel.
[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention a
safety mechanism of a semi-automatic firearm may include: a
trigger; and a safety block located immediately above the trigger,
wherein the safety block is configured to travel downwards as the
trigger travels rearwards.
[0028] The safety mechanism may include reinforcement steps located
underneath the safety block, wherein the safety block descends the
reinforcement steps as the trigger travels rearwards. The safety
block may prohibit the firing of the firearm for a substantial
distance of the rearward travel of the trigger.
[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
trigger assembly of a semi-automatic firearm may include: a trigger
body; and a trigger sear, wherein rearward pressure exerted on the
trigger body is converted to linear motion that controls the
trigger sear.
[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
semi-automatic firearm may include: a barrel; a frame of the
semi-automatic firearm; and a trigger body located within a hollow
of the frame, and wherein the trigger body is pendant to the
barrel.
[0031] The trigger body may be configured to travel rearward to
control the firing of the firearm and the frame may be configured
to stop the rearward travel of the trigger body.
[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
trigger body of a semi-automatic firearm may include triangular
shapes that radiate out from the center of the trigger body.
[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
semi-automatic firearm may include: a left frame of the
semi-automatic firearm; a right frame of the semi-automatic
firearm, wherein the left frame and the right frame are coupled to
form the body of the firearm; and an ejector located between the
left frame and the right frame.
[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
reset mechanism for a semi-automatic firearm may include: a trigger
sear located beneath the striker and configured to restrain and
release the striker; a reset bar located next to the trigger sear
and configured to control the upward and downward movement of the
trigger sear in order to restrain or release the striker; and a
striker timing groove located on the striker, wherein the striker
timing groove controls the inward and outward movement of the reset
bar.
[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
magazine assembly of a semi-automatic firearm may include: a drum;
a square bore channel in the center of the drum; and a lever, part
of which is located within the square bore channel.
[0036] The drum may include two surfaces and the drum may provide a
new surface for operation of the magazine assembly by rotating the
drum on its axis.
[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
magazine assembly of a semi-automatic firearm, may include: a
magazine retainer; and a plurality of offset ribs located
longitudinally along the frame of the magazine retainer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The patent or application file contains at least one
drawing/photograph executed in color. Copies of this patent or
patent application publication with color drawing/photograph(s)
will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the
necessary fee.
[0039] FIG. 1 is an external view showing a firearm according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 2A is a view showing a firearm according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 2B is a view showing a sear and a striker mechanism
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 2C is a view showing a drop safety mechanism and its
reinforcement steps according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0043] FIG. 2D is a view showing a drop safety and a sear mechanism
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a view showing a trigger apparatus according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIGS. 4A through 4E are views showing an internal recoil
group and a striker group at various phases of firearm action
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a view showing a firearm according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a skewed view showing an interior of a firearm
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a view showing an interior of a firearm according
to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIGS. 8A to 8D are views showing an ejector assembly
according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0050] FIGS. 9A to 9C are views showing a reset bar assembly
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIGS. 9D to 9F are views showing a firearm body according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] FIGS. 10 and 11 are views showing charging systems according
to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 12 is a view showing a frame of a charging station
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 13 is a view showing a charging handle according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 14 is a view showing a rail assembly according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] FIGS. 15 to 17 are views showing a charging handle according
to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 18 is a view showing a pull charging system according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 19 is a view showing a charging system according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 20 is a view showing a charging system according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 21 is a view showing a firing pin assembly according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] FIG. 22 is a view showing an internal breech bolt according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] FIGS. 23A to 23D are views showing a magazine retention
system according to exemplary embodiments of the present
invention.
[0063] FIG. 24 is a view showing a magazine holder according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 25 is a view showing a firearm and mounting top
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 26 is a view showing a firearm mounted on a rifle frame
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 27 is a view showing a top view of a firearm according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] FIG. 28 is various views of a bolt hold back or bolt hold
open device.
[0068] FIG. 29 is a side view of the bolt hold back device mounted
at the front end of one side of a firearm frame.
[0069] FIG. 30 is a front right perspective view of the bolt hold
back device in place on a firearm frame.
[0070] FIG. 31 is a side view of the bolt hold back device in place
on an alternate firearm frame.
[0071] FIG. 32 is a front view of the bolt hold back device in
place on a firearm frame half.
[0072] FIG. 33 is a side view of the bolt hold back device attached
to a finished/assembled firearm.
[0073] FIG. 34 is a front right perspective view of the bolt hold
back device attached to a finished/assembled firearm.
[0074] FIG. 35 is a front view of the bolt hold back device
attached to a finished/assembled firearm.
[0075] FIG. 36 is a side view of the bolt hold back device attached
to a firearm and pivoted to be in the in-use position.
[0076] FIG. 37 is a front left perspective view of the bolt hold
back device attached to a firearm and pivoted to be in the in-use
position.
[0077] FIG. 38 is a side view of the inside of a firearm half frame
showing carbon pockets or anti-fouling recesses.
[0078] FIG. 39 is a side view of the inside of a firearm half frame
showing an alternate embodiment of carbon pockets or anti-fouling
recesses.
[0079] FIG. 40 is a side view of a mold for a firearm half frame
showing the projections that form the carbon pockets or
anti-fouling recesses in a frame.
[0080] FIG. 41 is a left side view of a firearm with a higher
capacity, forward curving magazine inserted.
[0081] FIG. 42 is a front view of a firearm with the magazine
inserted.
[0082] FIG. 43 is a right side view of a firearm with the magazine
inserted.
[0083] FIG. 44 is a rear right perspective view of a firearm with
the magazine inserted.
[0084] FIG. 45 is a front right perspective view of a firearm with
the magazine inserted.
[0085] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the outer shell of a
magazine looking up at the end to be inserted into a firearm.
[0086] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a magazine separate from a
firearm looking up at the end to be inserted into a firearm.
[0087] FIG. 48 is another perspective view of a magazine separate
from a firearm looking up at the end to be inserted into a
firearm.
[0088] FIG. 49 is a view of the interior of a magazine with the
followers removed from the spring drums.
[0089] FIG. 50 is a view of the interior of a magazine with the
followers in place in the spring drums.
[0090] FIG. 51 is a close up interior view of a magazine centered
on the spring drums.
[0091] FIG. 52 is a view of the spring drums outside of the
magazine along with the primary follower.
[0092] FIG. 53 is various views of a magazine shield.
[0093] FIG. 54 is various views of secondary follower.
[0094] FIG. 55 is various views of a magazine spring drum.
[0095] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of an extra ammo storage
component of a magazine.
[0096] FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a firearm with an alternate
higher capacity, forward curving magazine inserted.
[0097] FIG. 58 is another perspective view of a firearm with the
alternate magazine inserted.
[0098] FIG. 59 is a side view of a firearm with the alternate
magazine inserted.
[0099] FIG. 60 is a perspective view of an extra ammo storage
component of the alternate magazine.
[0100] FIG. 61 is another perspective view of an extra ammo storage
component of the alternate magazine.
[0101] FIG. 62 is a front right perspective view of a semiautomatic
firearm modified to a single shot firearm.
[0102] FIG. 63 is a rear left perspective view of the semiautomatic
firearm modified to a single shot firearm.
[0103] FIG. 64 is a rear right perspective view of the
semiautomatic firearm as modified with a portion rotated down and
out to show interior details.
[0104] FIG. 65 is a closer view of FIG. 37.
[0105] FIG. 66 is a side view of an alternate semiautomatic firearm
as modified to a single shot firearm.
[0106] FIG. 67 is a rear right perspective view of the alternate
semiautomatic firearm as modified to a single shot firearm.
[0107] FIG. 68 is a rear right perspective view of the alternate
semiautomatic firearm as modified with a portion rotated down and
out to show interior details.
[0108] FIG. 69 is another rear right perspective view of the
alternate semiautomatic firearm as modified with a portion rotated
down and out to show interior details.
[0109] FIG. 70 is another rear right perspective view of the
alternate semiautomatic firearm as modified with the rotated
portion only somewhat out of the in-use position.
[0110] FIG. 71 is a top right perspective view of a modification
housing.
[0111] FIG. 72 is a rear right perspective view of the modification
housing.
[0112] FIG. 73 is a front right perspective view of the
modification housing.
[0113] FIG. 74 is a side view of a right half of a firearm frame
adapted to receive a modification housing.
[0114] FIG. 75 is an internal side view of a right half of a
firearm frame adopted to receive a modification housing.
[0115] FIG. 76 is a left side view of an assembled firearm as
modified to a single shot firearm.
[0116] FIG. 77 is various views of a striker lock and trigger lock
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0117] FIG. 1 shows an external view of a firearm according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0118] Linear Trigger and Drop Safety Block
[0119] FIG. 2A is a view showing a firearm according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 2A, one feature of this design is the
sliding linear bearing (10) of the trigger body. Rather than the
typical long rotational trigger and complicated trigger bar winding
its way around a magazine well (included in the common 1911
trigger, and common in a range of modem firearms), this unique
design simply guides all pressure in an efficient forward and back
motion.
[0121] The trigger body has two appendages. One is the safety block
(12) and the other is the trigger sear (14). These are arranged in
what might be best described as a butterfly wing fashion. It might
be helpful to think of it that way, because as you pull the
trigger, both of these appendages move like butterfly wings, i.e.
they move up and down as you move the trigger back and forth.
[0122] For example, FIG. 2D shows the positions of the safety block
(12) and the trigger sear (14) after the trigger has been fully
pulled (i.e. after a bullet has been fired). As illustrated in FIG.
2D, both the safety block (12) and the trigger sear (14) have moved
downward in response to the trigger pull. As comparison, FIG. 2A
shows the safety block (12) and the trigger sear (14) in an upward
position while the trigger is unpulled and at a rest position.
[0123] The trigger sear (14) (located towards the rear of the
trigger) is unique because of its location on top of the trigger.
It is in a totally different location than any trigger sear that's
been devised in modem firearms today. The forward location of the
sear in the gun is specifically on top of the trigger, and
additionally on top of the barrel. The long axis gives it very good
stability and a more central location for its job, which is to both
let go of the striker (16) (searing/firing phase), and after a
certain point in time (during the recoil phase), recapture the
striker (16). FIG. 2B illustrates the recapture of the striker (16)
by the trigger sear (14) at point (18).
[0124] The second appendage on the front of the trigger is the
safety block (12). The safety block (12) is unique in this linear
trigger because it follows the assembly as you pull the trigger; it
continues blocking the path for the striker through about 80% of
the trigger travel. In other words, whenever you engage the
trigger, should you only pull it half way, and should there be a
vibration or a knocking or a jarring to the action and should the
striker overcome the sear and slip past it, the striker path will
still be blocked by the safety block (12). If you choose not to
pull the trigger and to allow the trigger to return to the home or
stop position, the safety block will follow the cam (20) and will
return to its home position in the fully up and blocked position as
well. It should be noted that the safety block itself will continue
to block the path of the striker channel for nearly all of the
trigger travel.
[0125] The safety block (12) is important in these kinds of designs
of striker fired guns because of the nature of the action. The
nature of a striker fired design is that at the end of the loading
cycle, the firearm is in a pre-charged condition. Therefore, there
is some pressure on the striker urging it to be moved forward to
fire, illustrated at location (22). It is the trigger pressure or
the pulling of the trigger which provides the additional loading
(in addition to the pre-load) of the striker spring (24), which
gives the mass of the striker enough inertia (hitting force) when
released to fire the cartridge.
[0126] The safety block (12) is acted on when you pull the trigger
(26). The safety block is moved into and out of position by a
camming surface (28), and it is the action of this surface on the
cam that keeps the safety block in that progressive blocking
position (and blocking the channel) (30) through about 80% of the
trigger travel. This means that you have to intentionally want to
pull the trigger to fire the gun.
[0127] The function of the safety block (12), when it is activated,
is that should the striker (16) not be under the control of the
sear and consequentially fly forward and try to occupy the striker
channel (30), the striker (16) will be blocked in its path. The
striker (16) will put pressure on the safety block (12) causing the
safety block (12) to rotate on its axis (32) on the pin, and the
forward section of the safety block (34) will rotate down to a
reinforcement step (36) that is molded into the frame, thereby
providing the striker (16) with a hard stop.
[0128] It is this arrangement and the angles of these hard stops
which form a staircase like feature in the frame, and by arranging
this staircase in such a way that embodiments of the present
invention are able. to cover up to nearly the entire trigger stroke
to the actual firing, or (as is said in the industry) "searing of
the striker", FIG. 2C shows a close-up view of the reinforcement
steps (36) underneath the forward section of the safety block
(34).
[0129] The trigger (26) is unique in that the trigger body (38)
itself moves, and is operated in a linear fashion. In this case,
the barrel (40) provides the long bearing surface. The trigger does
not operate in a rotational fashion for its actuation, so any
pressure put on the trigger by the finger is converted into linear
motion and not into rotational motion. Conversely, in a modern
trigger any rotational force is then converted to linear force by
moving a usually complicated trigger bar.
[0130] In this embodiment, the mass of the trigger body itself is
given location and a bearing surface via the barrel (40). In this
design, it doesn't have to be a barrel but could simply be a
reinforcement bar. Due to compactness and streamlining of the
design, a trigger body that actually hangs and is located off of
the barrel, using that very long longitudinal access (10) as a way
to give support and guidance for the entire trigger assembly, is
preferred.
[0131] The shape of the interior part of the trigger, i.e. where
the finger goes, is also something that is predicated on an
ergonomic design and function of the trigger body as a whole. The
rear surface of the trigger body itself, when the trigger is fully
deployed or when fully pulled, must have already gone through all
of its steps, so there is not unlimited travel in the trigger. The
trigger has specific locations for certain activities within the
stroke travel of the trigger. Its most rearward surface acts as a
stop when in contact with the frame.
[0132] Thus, the trigger is unique because it is located in a
hollow of the left and right frame and is pendant to the barrel.
The trigger is also unique because it is made out of plastic and is
"linear", but without the complicated and fragile "loop" which must
wind its way around a typical 1911 magazine. The trigger of the
present invention is different because the sear component, formerly
located in the rear of a traditional gun of this type, is located
on top of the barrel for closer proximity to the striker and
related components.
[0133] If the barrel were too large to fit, the trigger could be
pendant to a simple tubular or rod shape with such further
refinement in the proximity of the barrel so as to allow
interrelation of the various components.
[0134] The trigger has a unique shape to do all of its jobs with
stability. One feature is the projections of triangular shapes,
which radiate out from the center pendant portion. The design could
have simply a round shape to follow the contour of the barrel, but
the plastic walls would then be thinner. The shape depicted was
adopted to give the further benefit of both strength and guidance
from the complimentary frame sides and the barrel.
[0135] FIG. 3 is a view showing the trigger body of an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, another
feature on the trigger is the incorporated "sear limit stop" or
sear rise stop (50). Indicated on the top surface, the rear wall of
the sear cavity actually provides this stop as measured by its
pivot point (52) (the securing pin location of the sear).
Incorporated into the trigger shape is the cross bolt safety cavity
stop as well. It is this efficient design that is able to
incorporate so many features and components.
[0136] Another stop surface (54) is built at the top front portion
and related to the drop safety. This surface (54) helps to bottom
out the drop safety (12).
[0137] The rear and front portions of the trigger serve as the
maximum forward and rear limit areas which serve as the "proper
stops". The trigger does not rely on the small components to bottom
out (which induces stresses), as the trigger body (38) is used as
the proper motion stop. There exist spring cavities interior to the
trigger as well for both the sear and drop safety.
[0138] The spring pressure exerted by the drop safety (12) against
the associated frame cam actually assists (doubles as) a trigger
return spring (i.e. the drop safety has a tendency to move the
trigger forward), although the striker spring is chief/principal in
serving this function.
[0139] The interior finger portion of the trigger is also
configured to specifically aid in the design and strength of the
trigger body as a whole. The flat interior rear is the trigger
surface (26) for actuating the trigger. The largeness of the space
is to accommodate gloves or large hands/fingers.
[0140] The trigger's entire profile then assists in keeping it
square (bottom, sides, and triangle wings) and directing forces
where they are needed (proximate location, sear next to reset bar
and striker, drop safety to cam and drop safety "staircase" in
frame, and cross bolt safety, etc.) while incorporating many useful
components and features usually found distributed one by one
elsewhere in a normal firearm. They are concentrated here in
embodiments of the present invention while being located forwardly
and more ergonomically displaced (comfortably) forward in the
design pendant to the barrel.
[0141] Variable Mass Action
[0142] Historically, semi-automatic arms have made use of heavy
mass recoil bodies (in the form of heavy metal bolts or bolt
carriers, such as the AK-47, or AR-15 platform) to build inertia
for the proper functioning of the action. In these actions, the
hammer body contacts the firing pin and to some degree mates to the
bolt carrier surface, but resides there only for a fraction of an
instant, as it is rotationally related only and is pushed out of
the path of the rearward moving bolt by the mass "rolling over" it.
Embodiments of the current invention allow the mass of the striker
group to live with and travel with the bolt group during many
critical functions, and by doing so, increase the mass of the
traveling assembly.
[0143] In embodiments of the invention, "variable mass action"
("VMA") reduces the need for physically carrying the mass around
(making heavy guns), yet still provides the necessary mass/inertia
at the appropriate times for the action mechanism to work
successfully, indeed achieving a better balanced mechanism.
[0144] The VMA action is a concept where the action portion of the
mechanism is divided into three separately interacting groups of
components. The components involved in one exemplary embodiment are
shown in FIGS. 4A through 4E. However, during certain phases of the
action two component groups (the recoil group and the striker
group) combine their mass:
[0145] 1. FIG. 4A shows an embodiment just at detonation, during
the high peak pressure moment, where inertia is built. Both the
recoil spring (104) and the striker spring (110) are extended to
their maximum length.
[0146] 2. FIG. 4B shows the combined mass of the recoil group and
striker group, with the spring bodies (104 and 110) attenuating the
recoil force. FIG. 4B shows the springs 104 and 110 in a condensed
state as the two springs work against the recoil force.
[0147] 3. Referring to FIG. 4C, at this point, and with both masses
still combined; cartridge ejection occurs. Note the combined
compression of both recoil spring (104) and striker spring
(110).
[0148] 4. Furthermore, in order to provide a full stop to the
internal recoil body (100) and prevent overtravel, safety ring
(116) ensures no further movement of the internal recoil body
(100).
[0149] 5. Referring to FIG. 4D, the component bodies, the recoil
group and the striker group, continue forward together and travel
forward together for a certain distance). Furthermore, the combined
component groups (i.e. the recoil group and the striker group) pick
up speed after coming from a dead stop just after ejection, as
discussed above. As shown in FIG. 4D, both the recoil spring (104)
and the striker spring (110) are simultaneously in a more extended
state than what is shown in FIG. 4C.
[0150] 6. Referring now to FIG. 4E, due to the timing of the sear,
the striker group is caused to separate from the total mass due to
the sear catching and restraining the striker group. However, the
internal recoil body (100) is urged forward to chamber the next
cartridge (given some additional help in force by the striker group
before it is separated from the recoil group by the sear). Having
begun to strip/load the next cartridge, the internal recoil body
(100) then comes to full rest against the barrel face (specifically
against the monoblock plate (118)) where the necessary head space
is created by a relief cut in the internal recoil body (100) for
the newly chambered cartridge to live. As shown in FIG. 4E, the
striker spring (110) has ceased to extend, as caused by the sear,
while the recoil spring (104) continues to extend towards its
default position.
[0151] As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E, the end opposite of the internal
recoil body (100) of the recoil rod (102) includes an enlarged head
segment. It is against this head segment that the recoil spring
(104) is located. As described above, the recoil spring (104)
functions to attenuate and propel this head segment during normal
operation of the firearm according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0152] Recoil Group
[0153] FIG. 5 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the first group is composed of an
internal recoil body (100) which is tensioned by two recoil rods
(102) (threadibly located by screws from the rear) and
recoil/loading springs (104) and a unique orientation of a novel
"floating bolt guide rod" (106). The internal recoil body (100)
performs all the functions of loading and extraction and acts as
the breech face against which the recoil forces are to be
placed.
[0154] The floating bolt guide rod (106) is unique because it faces
rearward and is held in a backwards facing condition. This
backwards facing condition means that the head of the rod is
secured by an insertable breech plate (118). The head is located at
the approximate center of the gun and the rod is held in a floating
manner (i.e. loose association) with the breech plate for a very
intentional reason.
[0155] 1. First, the backward facing guide rod (106) is facing to
the rear of the firearm so that as the gun is in its recoil phase,
it develops so much tension that it is important for those forces
that build up to be released or allowed to roll off the rod by
having the rod end basically unsupported. By having the guide rod
(106) face in a rearward fashion, (i.e. not supported) this allows
the recoil forces to "slip off the rod end" and not be "captured"
by any rearward wall or abutment.
[0156] 2. Additionally, the backwards facing guide rod (106) gives
guidance to the rear portion of the striker group, whereby it
facilitates the firing pin to fire the cartridge and ensures proper
alignment for the various functions.
[0157] The result is a remarkably balanced and smoothly felt
recoil.
[0158] 3. And, when the internal recoil body (100) is in battery
(i.e. forward and ready to fire), the backwards facing guide rod is
able to hold both the recoil group and the striker group in a
correctly supported fashion for proper alignment.
[0159] Striker Group
[0160] The second group is composed of the striker (108), striker
spring (110), striker guide rod (112) and striker guide rod block
(114). This component group is slidably engaged on top of the
recoil group by virtue of the fact that it rests and is guided by
two guide rods, one of which is the striker spring guide rod (112)
(located on top), which includes the striker spring (110), and the
other of which is the floating bolt guide rod, located and
projecting from the rear (which also guides the internal recoil
body).
[0161] The striker group is served by a coiled striker spring (110)
which;
[0162] 1. Is the sole spring which urges the striker forward to
fire in the one instance.
[0163] 2. provides the sole necessary trigger tension against which
you pull the trigger to sear the mechanism; and
[0164] 3. is the spring which (when the masses join in recoil) is
recruited (compressed) to help attenuate recoil (only the present
invention has developed this ability in this mechanism).
[0165] Both groups of the action are kept in orientation by using
the backward facing guide rod (106). The backward facing guide rod
also incorporates an over limit stop at its furthest end in the
form of a simple ring (116).
[0166] Linear Trigger Sear and Drop Safety
[0167] The function of this is covered in another section. It is
this group which brings the striker group to the necessary sear
compression to fire, and which captures and separates both the
striker group and the internal recoil group at the critical moment
of re-engagement or capture and eventual relaxing of the linear
trigger components to a rest (reset) position.
[0168] FIG. 6 shows a different perspective of the embodiment of
the invention. The monoblock plate (118) serves the following
specific functions:
[0169] 1. Barrel Location Monoblock (120).
[0170] Here, the rear surface has a relief cut to accept the head
of the barrel and functions to provide a known and repeatable
location for the chamber end of the barrel and related components
in a plastic shell or unibody firearm body. The barrel is timed
with a flat to further seat in a "keyway" for additional location
and orientation and the distal end is held and brought to tension
(headspace for recoil body) by the firm seating of a barrel nut. In
this embodiment, a small wrench is provided with pin holes timed to
those of the barrel nut.
[0171] 2. Recoil Force Bearing Surface (122) (Spring Location and
General Guidance Of Recoil Rods)
[0172] Here, the plate's forward surface serves as a barrier where
the spring load may be concentrated, and allows the recoil rods to
pass through, while compressing the springs, as the recoil body is
propelled rearward.
[0173] 3. Location for Floating Guide Rod (124)
[0174] Here, the plate's forward face has a location for the
capture of the backward facing guide rod. This location is closely
thought to be located in the approximate center of the gun. This
balance point helps to keep the action running smoothly in this
confined space.
[0175] 4. Frame Reinforcement and Method of Securing Shells
[0176] Here, the job of frame reinforcement is handled simply by
the nature of the material (steel), to give increased strength to a
plastic body. The frame reinforcement may be simply inserted at
time of assembly, and there is no requirement for over molding. In
embodiments of the present invention, over molding should not be
needed as the gun hemispheres are arranged in halves and not as a
fully integrated assembly like a lower unit, such as Glock et. al.
The concept of this plate also allows the shells (left and right)
to be physically attached by a simple screw method to the base
plate and helps to reinforce the frame.
[0177] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention with an
alternative design for variable mass recoil. This alternative
embodiment still uses the three springs, two recoil springs (150)
and one striker spring (152), with the striker spring still
performing the same functions as described above. However, the
location of the springs has been switched to the rear of the
firearm and is more in line with the striker firing pin. This
arrangement, while not practical in a pistol design (no over the
hand travel), is beneficial for a rifle design.
[0178] Note that securing screws are turned backwards as well, but
that all three rods now face backwards and that there is a simple
block (154) to absorb the various tensions at different times, as
this is still an embodiment of the variable mass action.
[0179] Also, you can see that in this example, both the trigger
(156) and striker (158) have been largely pushed away up ahead, yet
are still able to function as desired. This has many
advantages.
[0180] Ejector Placement
[0181] FIGS. 8A-8D show an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention featuring an embodiment of the ejector component.
Referring to FIG. 8A, novel to this design is the clam shell
placement of the ejector (200) between the two halves (202 and
204), as illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 8C, of the shell frame.
[0182] As shown in FIG. 8B, a viable method of alternate
installation of a simple slot (206) biased to be in one frame is
possible, but due to the collapsing potential of the thin wall
section neighboring that simple slot in FIG. 8B, the preferred
embodiment is to incorporate the simple slot into an entire frame
section, as shown in FIG. 8C.
[0183] The method of retention in the frame is accomplished by a
simple transverse pin (208), as shown in FIG. 8A. The transverse
pin (208) is made to be rigid within the frame, with a secondary
retention positioned forward and provided by a simple threaded
screw (210), which provides location for the ejector and the
necessary closing force to close up the left and right frame
sections.
[0184] Installation and Removal of Barrel
[0185] The barrel is blocked by the natural position of the ejector
within the frame sections. Note ejector (200) blocking the end
(212) of the barrel in FIG. 8A. Also note how ejector (200) rotates
in FIG. 8D and note how the barrel position changes.
[0186] Rotation for Clearance of Pathway, Installation/Removal of
Barrel.
[0187] Referring to FIG. 8D, a novel purpose for the use of the
forwardly mounted screw (210) is that for barrel installation or
removal, simple removal of the screw will allow the ejector (200)
to rotate on its axis to a rearward facing attitude onto surface
(214) such that the pathway is clear from the monoblock (216) for
the insertion and/or removal of the barrel (212).
[0188] Reset Bar
[0189] The reset bar and its operation are illustrated in FIGS. 9A
to 9F.
[0190] The sear (250) pivots at (252) and is limited in its pivot
at (254) on the trigger body (256). The sear (250) interacts with
the reset bar (266), which is held in the frame. The reset bar is a
highly developed spring which acts as a cam for the driving of the
sear, down and away from the striker (260). The cam (262), which
when the trigger body (256) is moved rearward, drives the sear end
(264) into the cam channel (258) and guides the sear (250) down so
that the striker can pass over it and fire the cartridge(s).
[0191] The reset bar, as its name implies, also has a second job
which allows the sear (250) to pop up (reset) at a certain point in
time during the recoil phase (or during the charging phase) of the
mechanism in order to recapture the striker and hold it in a
pre-charged condition during normal operation. This timing can be
seen in FIG. 9A at locations 268, 270, 272, and 274. The protrusion
(276) follows a striker timing groove described by the bold line in
FIG. 9A. This striker timing groove moves with the striker body (it
is novel to position this on the striker body, as the present
invention has no slide) and drives the head or protrusion (276) of
the reset bar. At location 268, the reset bar controls the sear to
restrain the striker. At location 270, the reset bar drives the
sear downwards to release the striker. At location 272, the reset
bar controls the sear to maintain its downward position. And
finally at location 274, the reset bar drives the sear upwards to
recapture the striker.
[0192] FIGS. 9D and 9E show how the reset bar location is carefully
designed for support at 278, 280, 282, and 284. The embodiment
illustrated uses the right hand frame, but flexibility of the
design will allow attachment to the left side wall or to the top or
bottom if desired (obviously the other components will adjust to
this new position if wished). Its location and surrounding support
walls (278, 280, 282, and 284) support the reset bar through its
entire motion and specific jobs.
[0193] The stem of the reset bar (286) is rigidly held at location
(278) and bent at particular angle (288), which helps to locate the
bar in the frame. With the elbow of the reset bar (290) allowed to
sit on a specific plane, the plane is recessed in a groove at
location (280) with a support head wall at (292, 294, and 296) and
the groove is tapered inwardly at location (284) to provide a safe
clearance to allow the entire head to flex past the plane described
by 280. Notice the compound angle at (298).
[0194] The reset bar's protrusion (276) traces all along, and is in
communication with at all times, the striker timing groove (the
bold line in FIG. 9A). The striker has a timed groove (268, 270,
272, and 274) in which the reset bar runs. In fact, it is the
striker that allows the reset bar to open and close to do the job
to reset it (the striker), and the sear is what stops the striker
from moving past its particular return condition during the
automatic operation of the mechanism.
[0195] This "operation" is common for many Glock style firearms
however the placement and arrangement of the parts is simpler in
this embodiment, and in fact this embodiment eliminates the
sensitive and vulnerable coil spring which is the "weak link" in
the other widely used systems. That small coil spring is a biasing
member in the rear of the frame chassis (Glock, Ruger, Smith and
Wesson et al.) which helps the trigger and complex trigger bar to
move.
[0196] Embodiments of the present invention are also different in
the fact that the striker mechanism has the timing groove not in
the slide component, as is so common in a variety of other striker
fired systems, but integrated into the striker itself. Due to the
fact that it is without a slide and due to the unique engineered
nylon plastic shell and arrangement of parts, it is able to enclose
the mechanism in this way with no "over the hand travel" in a small
working space.
[0197] Charging System.
[0198] Here it should be understood that embodiments of the present
invention can in fact interchange their charging systems. The
displayed version shown in FIG. 10 is Version 1.0 and the image
shown in FIG. 11 is Version 2.0, but both share an ability to trade
out the charging systems.
[0199] Simple removal of screws of the left frame and charging rod
will allow removal, while replacement with the Version 2.0 frame
left side onto the Version 1.0 frame right side will allow a
different and new charging system to be used. In embodiments of the
present invention, the right half of the frame holds the necessary
components of the gun made at factory, while the left side of the
frame can be removed from the right half and replaced with a left
frame that contains a different feature. The result is a gun that
is versatile due to its ease of upgradability, and a gun that
allows various third party companies to manufacture a left frame
(i.e. the upgraded component) for the gun.
[0200] All that need accompany the changeover is the new recoil
rope, Pope hat with spring, special rope with plastic molded ends,
and the handle and cover.
[0201] FIG. 12 shows the Version 2.0 left frame, without cover,
rope, handle, or Pope hat, etc.
[0202] The slot in the frame is graduated to assist in camming the
rope and the rearward portion has a defined rolled over edge to
protect the rope in its most extreme position. The raised platforms
for inserts can also be seen in FIG. 12, as the raised portions, or
islands, are for locating the cover and the provisions for screw
nuts for clamping the cover to the left frame.
[0203] For operation of the Version 2.0 charging system, there is a
dyneema rope fixed at each end that is of a precise length. The
rope has its end inserted into a hole. The free end is bent double
and passed through another hole parallel to the first, thereby
having it turn a corner to prevent slippage. The free end is then
traced out through the Pope hat with spring already attached; the
free end is then passed back through the charging hole and out the
side provision. Some free rope will slacken here once the Pope hat
seats on top of the recoil rod. Then the free end is passed through
a provision in the handle and laced around until the absolute free
end finally is rigidly held in a provided close tolerance hole
across the thickness of the handle, with all other passing of the
rope having a corner on which to disperse the load. The issue then
is to center the handle and pass the cover over the handle and into
position for securing.
[0204] It should be noted that FIG. 13 shows yet another style of
charging system possible with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0205] FIG. 13 shows a non-reciprocal charging handle of a
different design which also shows a blue hold back button. The
slide rails are interrupted to allow the button to be inserted,
then, once on the rails, the guide rod can be inserted to keep the
button from dislocating.
[0206] Shown in FIG. 14 are the special interrupted rails where a
protrusion or boss is inserted, which allow the button to get close
to the rail section. The rail section is interrupted and allows the
button rails to engage, then, with small pressure forward, the
button finally seats on the rails. As stated before, there are
guide rods which run through the bosses on the buttons which then
keep the buttons retained even if they should cross into open rail
sections; the maximum compression distance of the action actually
prevents this occurrence.
[0207] FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 show dual non-reciprocal charging
handles. They are swappable for bolt hold back, left for right,
etc.
[0208] FIG. 18 shows a basic system of a pull charging system where
the handle is non-reciprocal in nature and stores into a slot in
the frame. FIG. 19 shows a final working concept with the handle
now contained within a frame, and the face plate secured to the
side by screws.
[0209] As shown in FIG. 20, the charging system may include several
components: Pope hat and spring, the charging handle with allowance
for rope slot, and a method of lacing the rope thru the handle to
secure it. (See provision in frame and corresponding slot in
handle.) By being secured to a fixed point inside the gun,
embodiments of the present invention are able to utilize a labor
saving ratio in charging using this fulcrum of the Pope hat on top
of the recoil rod. The extra spring tension to the Pope spring is
able to enliven the handle and cause it to spring rotate home even
during firing.
[0210] The gun is charged by a swift motion rearwards of the handle
(450) to actuate the mechanism.
[0211] Provision for a chamber check rod on right side can even be
seen at this stage.
[0212] The striker of various embodiments of the present invention
is very unique in design. When compared to a modern Glock type, the
difference is noticeable, characterized by the inclusion of the
timing groove which communicates with the reset bar (all others
have this feature attached to the slide) that is actually part of
the functioning of the striker.
[0213] First, the striker was fashioned with the addition of a
timing reset groove.
[0214] Second, the striker spring was relocated to the top of the
striker but guided by a long rod, instead of a two part plastic
guide collar.
[0215] Third, the drop safety was moved to the trigger instead of
as part of the slide. Fourth, the extractor was done away with due
to the nature of the design of embodiments of the present
invention.
[0216] In addition, embodiments of the present invention do away
with the tiny coil reset trigger spring.
[0217] Additionally, the striker design is heaviest toward the
rear. It is weighted toward the rear in order to assist in carrying
through the pressure of the strike.
[0218] Also, the striker is part of the recoil system in that its
mass and related spring tension join with the mass and recoil
spring bodies to attenuate and distribute recoil at a certain time,
and so the masses vary depending upon where the mechanism is in
cycle.
[0219] The timing groove is seen in FIG. 21. Also, it is important
to note, the change in the orientation of the firing pin to a
decidedly left or 3 o'clock position. This is for two reasons, one
for discharge of the rimfire casing, to actually hit more rim and
more chance of proper detonation, and second to aid in ejection. As
the firing pin is rotated in this attitude its surface protrudes
and encourages the shell to leave with a slight beginning push
horizontally to the right (i.e. toward the ejection window).
[0220] Internal Functioning Composite Molded Recoil Body
[0221] The present invention relates to a novel internal
reciprocating "internal recoil body" where it reciprocates
internally within a given space or volume. This invention presents
a novel and unique way of achieving the functions and maintaining
the mass/volume and weight balance needed for basic operation,
while allowing significant cost reduction and increase in high
quality molded volume production.
[0222] While it is well known in the art of firearms that all
internal bolts in firearms like the UZI or AR-15, AK-47/HK-91-94,
FN SCAR Types have been made of steel, the present invention
relates to a novel design in a compact pistol or rifle with no over
the hand travel made in a polymer. This design has no slide.
Moreover, the replacement of the internally reciprocating steel
bolts with polymer is a real solution for cost reduction.
[0223] An internal breech bolt design, like various embodiments of
the present invention, can also have a steel or stamped face plate
which, through a special design, is mechanically interlocked with a
normal or moderate "high gravity" nylon compound to effectively
replace the machined stock of the bolt while maintaining ballast
weight of the former steel. The interlocked plates, as shown in
FIG. 22 can vary in size and one plate can wrap its arm around
another to secure both as well. The plates allow the striker nose
to fire the cartridge, with the plates being differently sized to
accommodate the cartridge relief without having to machine it.
[0224] This mechanical lock can be achieved in alternative ways.
The interlock can be overmolded to securely bond the plastic matrix
to the steel by designing a series of projections or arms which are
positioned in such a way as to allow the plastic to flow and be
captured from all torsional directions. Alternatively, those same
plates could have the arms removed and a series of close tolerance
rivets simply driven or secured through by ultrasonic welding or
over molding.
[0225] The "G" forces being applied are such that any attempt to
simply apply a face without further ensuring its attachment would
soon see that face parted from the recoil body. One aspect of
embodiments of the present invention's internal recoil body is to
keep those pieces bonded in a permanent way, thereby bypassing the
normal machine form solid route all other designs to date had to
follow for such internal components. Thus, this invention has no
external moving component such as a slide and it only moves within
a given volume, which does not break out over the hand. Therefore,
embodiments of the present invention have no over the hand
travel.
[0226] Embodiments of the present invention use a very highly
designed plastic as, the internal recoil body. This design of
firearm also has no extractor or ejector as is usually found in
firearms. The ejector is part of the magazine design and, as such,
any inclusion of an ejector in the gun is redundant. The nature of
this gun is a true blow black mechanism, where the expelling gases
and recoil forces do the work to extract any cartridge. A normal
extractor found in any gun of today is simply there to remove a
live or dud round, which can, in embodiments of the invention, be
accomplished by the use of one's own finger if it does not fall out
by itself. There is much excess room due to the large size of the
magazine cavity, along with ample room to work with a simple tool.
Thus, embodiments of the invention may have no extractor.
[0227] The recoil body is kept under tension by the dual recoil
springs. It is pretensioned by the securing screws of the recoil
rods through either side of the bolt body.
[0228] The springs are tensioned because they mount up on the face
of the barrel support on the monoblock.
[0229] The diamond shape head of the over molded recoil rods are
simple shapes to fit the space and other designs could be
chosen.
[0230] An alternative method of providing a breech face surface is
to use steel as part of the design. This particular embodiment may
use inserted pins to locate plates.
[0231] Highly Compact Magazine Retention System.
[0232] FIG. 23A shows the basic parts: existing magazine (350)
retained by the spring (352) loaded drum (354) and a lever (356)
pivoting on (358).
[0233] This embodiment is a highly compact solution which
reorganizes and redesigns the parts while maintaining
full-functioning and multiple wear surfaces.
[0234] Referring to FIGS. 23B to 23D, this embodiment provides a
novel thru square bore channel (360) in the center of the compact
drum (354), and a lever/fulcrum combination (356) to fit in the
compact space needed.
[0235] Due to the constant wear of the magazine locating pin (366)
on the drum, embodiments of the present invention provide a novel
solution to provide a new surface by simply rotating the drum on
its axis. After one surface has been sufficiently worn, a user can
simply turn the drum to replace the old surface with a new one.
[0236] In the exemplary embodiment, there are two surfaces (368 and
370) due to one central channel. However, one could broach two
intersecting channels to provide four wear surfaces.
[0237] An additional feature is that the tension spring (352) is on
the inside of the drum and protected or sealed by the drum,
contrary to the existing Ruger design of a spring located around
the drum with the lever then extended far to the rear of the
action.
[0238] Mounted Tops
[0239] Embodiments of the present invention may include a mounted
top secured by the way provisions made beneath the standard top. In
this embodiment, the top is a standard pica tinny rail for mounting
accessories to the gun. The rail may be the Universal Special Rail
(USR) to allow the ZIP to become an accessory on a larger platform.
Legal to perform the attachment (as an SBR short barreled rifle)
with filing of proper paperwork.
[0240] Embodiments of the present invention may have eight mounting
positions (referring literally to the eight insert provisions) for
the interchangeable tops for the securing of the various tops for
accessories, or to become an accessory itself to a larger weapon
system. The standard top does not use these mounting points.
[0241] A top cover for the gun may be provided in various
embodiments of the present invention that is able to perform one or
more of eight jobs.
[0242] 1. Provide a closure to the gun interior--removal and
installation without tools. Protects from dirt, etc.
[0243] 2. Provide a multiplicity of different tops--exchangeable
for various applications.
[0244] 3. Provide sights on one continuous plane--maintaining sight
relationship.
[0245] 4. Provide Fire Control Indicator--Triangle shape which
allows viewer to know the charged status of the striker.
[0246] 5. Provide secure wrench storage for takedown tool.
[0247] 6. Provide an integral wrench for securing the barrel/barrel
nut.
[0248] 7. Is retained in position by use of the body of such top
cover becoming a spring for retaining itself, two parallel cuts are
found to "enliven" the material with a provision for securing the
top in the frame and finger relief to frame to allow such easy
access.
[0249] 8. The ease of removal allows access for re-strike
capability where the user has gained a no tools entrance to the
striker, manually recocks the gun and replaces the cover, or
alternatively, the re-strike rod can be actuated to perform the
re-cocking if the strike to any faulty cartridge does not detonate
after the first hit from the striker. This use of the re-strike rod
may allow for unlimited re-strikes without need to touch the
cartridge or magazine, and the length of the restrike rod is such
that its proper use will not cause double feeding when trying to
restrike:
[0250] Barrel
[0251] In embodiments of the present invention, the barrel may be
fitted with a barrel nut. There may be double flats on the chamber
far end, which are both used to torque on this piece to the metal
liner via threads and to indicate the alignment in the frame via a
bulkhead monoblock support (barrel support) so when tensioned in
the frame, the barrel will not slip free when the barrel nut is
made secure using the top cover, which has this provision inlet
into its underside.
[0252] Embodiments of the invention may include a barrel having a
chamber end, a metal bore liner, a special undercut for better
cross-sectional purchase of the thread and then the metal liner
fully exposed back to the normal diameter.
[0253] Embodiments of the invention may include an abutment of the
chamber nut, metal liner, and the plastic over mold. Here, the
plastic abutment enlarges the barrel diameter (from the economic
barrel liner) so that the trigger may more securely trace back and
forth using the plastic as a smooth bearing surface.
[0254] This embodiment includes a "pocket or relief" taken from the
liner and given to the plastic feature to embolden thread.
[0255] The beneficial thickness supports the thread and the relief
wall (forward and rear) gives the thread its own bulkhead against
stripping. It should also be understood that all along the
periphery of the barrel liner may be varied knurled surfaces
appropriate for the plastic surface to grab and hold the plastic
from twisting, both on the uniform surface and in the relief
notch.
[0256] The normal placement of the barrel in the steel barrel
supports the mono block, with backwards facing pin, and trigger in
front and pendant on the barrel.
[0257] While the thread is normally used to secure barrel to frame,
provisions may be made for an adapter with its own thread to attach
yet more functionality to a gun. For example, a gun with suppressor
attached.
[0258] Fire Control Indicator ("FCI")
[0259] Various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate
an ability for the mechanism to keep a constant status of the
striker regarding whether it is charged or not. The red indicator
is the actual top of the striker in a certain (pre-charged)
condition to allow users to be immediately apprised of control
status. The gun can be charged and not loaded. This FCI could be
"glow in the dark" paint or use a tritium capsule normally used for
sights.
[0260] Magazine Stability Ribs
[0261] FIG. 24 shows a good view of the magazine stability ribs or
projections (400). These projections could be developed into a
solid surface, but when working in plastic it is important to
remain uniformly as thin as practical due to warping and shrink,
and so this method of using distinct rails is akin to coring.
However, it should be understood that the benefit from the offset
ribs related to improved magazine function on the left frame could
also be accomplished by enlarging the magazine itself (left wall),
thereby gaining the rigidity accomplished by the frame ribs.
[0262] Referring to FIG. 24, the solution of embodiments of the
invention to the alignment problem with the Ruger magazine was a
matter of placing a prejudice of stability toward the ejection side
of the gun. That is, a series of surfaces are built up shoving the
magazine into a position to better ensure the ejection of various
ammunitions, without having to consider any height issue. The issue
is not one of height but of the Ruger design being allowed to turn
on its axis and thereby defeat its own built-in ejector.
[0263] These reinforcements on the left frame not only provide
coring to the design to eliminate unnecessary plastic
cross-section, but also increase strength in the area.
[0264] Mounting to Other Frames
[0265] Various embodiments of the present invention may have the
additional ability to be used for different applications. For
example, the gun can itself be mounted to any suitable object such
as a rifle platform with picatinny rail. FIG. 25 shows a gun
according to an embodiment of the present invention with the
picatinny mounting rail located on top of the gun. FIG. 26 shows a
gun according to an embodiment of the present invention that is
mounted onto a rifle platform.
[0266] Cleaning
[0267] Formerly, many guns had a rod in the front of the rifle for
cleaning, but never was this rod an actual piece of the workings of
the whole. Consequently, many rifles are found without rods. In
embodiments of the present invention, the safety of the device
turns into the headspace gage, and certain rods which are part of
the functional gun, such as the striker rod and the backwards
facing pin, actually can be used as a cleaning kit. Embodiments of
the present invention are therefore unique in that they can store
these extra uses of the components while they act to drive the
gun.
[0268] Embodiments of the present invention are also able to
maintain the cleanliness of certain parts of the firearm.
Specifically, the trigger group remain clean due to its location
being forward of the barrel chamber and sealed off from most or all
of the firing gasses.
[0269] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention allow for
certain major components to be cleaned without full disassembly of
the gun. These components may include the barrel, the striker
components, and the recoil components among other major parts of
the gun.
[0270] Cross Bolt Safety
[0271] In embodiments of the present invention, the cross bolt
safety acts as a functional gage to determine the headspace on the
internal recoil body which can indicate to a user whether it is
time to replace the internal recoil body.
[0272] Maintenance
[0273] In embodiments of the present invention, the gun can be kept
in factory new condition with the periodic replacement of a few
components of the gun. These components may include the recoil and
striker springs and the internal recoil body. In embodiments, it
may only be necessary to replace these few components to ensure
unlimited service life of the gun.
[0274] Load and Restrike
[0275] In embodiments of the present invention, the gun includes a
load rod for charging the striker and for loading the gun.
Furthermore, the gun may include a restrike rod for recharging the
striker should a round fail to fire. A user need simply depress the
load rod or the restrike rod until a certain point to perform these
functions. Both rods may also be utilized to de-cock the striker
and to perform a chamber check to see how many rounds are left in
the barrel or at the top of the magazine. FIG. 27 shows the load
rod (450) and the restrike rod (452). The load rod and the restrike
rod may have the capability to be switched so as to be
ambidextrous.
[0276] In the context of a compact semi-automatic firearm,
described in detail above, further developments are described
below. These developments can be used with the firearms as
described above, or may be used with other firearms as appropriate.
The above discussion provides detailed background information on
one or more contexts in which the present developments could find
utility.
[0277] The bolt hold back 1010 (see FIG. 28) is an external
attachment on a firearm frame 1012 where an action rod 1014 is
intercepted by a certain face 1016 of that attachment. It is user
deployed. The bolt hold back is pivotally or rotatably attached to
the front upper corner of the firearm frame. When not in use, it
rests against the frame as shown in FIGS. 29-35. In this position,
it does not block or impede the movement of the action rod. When
deployed by the user, it rotates so that its back surface 1016
catches the action rod and holds it in place, thereby holding the
bolt of the firearm in an open position. The use position is shown
in FIGS. 36 and 37.
Anti-Fouling Recesses
[0278] An improvement to the firearm design was made where
anti-fouling recesses or "Carbon Pockets" 1050 were introduced to
perform two jobs:
[0279] To clean away residue carbon to prevent fouling in the main
channel surfaces.
[0280] To act as more coring support to deflect plastic away from
collapse and provide more stable structure.
[0281] The recesses or pockets can be a variety of shapes (see
FIGS. 38 and 39), and are preferably molded into the side frame of
the firearm. (see FIG. 40.)
Higher Capacity Magazine
[0282] An increased capacity magazine was developed that is an
improvement on Rugers BX-25 design. It is a 2 spring in-line
design. It is not an "inner wound" design since the "race track
concept" means each spring has a different rate, but a 2 spring
system where each distal end is secured at the same point, and the
spooling effect is allowed to self adjust with an independent
second drum spool and follower. Each spring is independent. Both
can have different rates of travel self adjust. Two followers are
used. Prior designs are dependent or attached to a main carrier.
The design shown in FIGS. 41-61 is novel and helps to encourage a
better force engagement, like independent front suspension in a
car. Both drum axles or wheels do not touch so as to remain as
friction free as possible.
[0283] Additionally, the design has a component attached to the
outside which helps to "cancel the slop" or movement of the
improved BX-25 magazine when seated in any Ruger 10/22 type or ZiP
22 type of magazine well design. This outer shell is affixed to the
users own magazine and includes provisions for extra ammo storage.
While the internal upgrade reduces the ammo capacity to 20 or so by
design, it adds 10 to the "external storage" thereby providing 30
cartridges at the users disposal. There is thought of offering as
well a 10 shot stripper clip which can "side saddle" the main
attachment which would increase the total to 40.
[0284] Ruger makes a "BX-25X2" or BX-50 with which a user would
need 2 of the present kits and to which two of the "slop cancelers"
would be affixed. Here too, 2 additional 10 round storage clips
could be affixed bringing the total to 20+20+10+10+10+10=80
[0285] The reduction in capacity from 25 to perform the internal
upgrade could really only be a loss of 2 rounds=23 total, but
marketing and a sense of keeping the load quantity a standard
number- and ensuring enough residual spring pressure for the proper
operation meant specially increasing the size of the "ZiP Feed
Control" taking up the space for #23, #22, and #21. The secondary
follower is merely larger in size to take up the space needed to
reduce the magazine capacity to a standard number.
Single Shot Conversion
[0286] A modified housing turns a firearm into a single shot pistol
of multiple calibers, (22 Long Rifle and 22 Magnum) with few
components where the user can simply swap certain key components
(left frame for example) and arrive at a new weapon with different
function (i.e. not semi-automatic.) See FIGS. 62-76.
[0287] Due to California Law, this is the preferred way to enter
the market there, where most will buy the single shot version and
buy the conversion kit to further adapt it to semi auto capability.
The kit would sell in an unrestricted manner since it does not
represent a "firearm" as such, and in CA users are still allowed to
do their own "gunsmithing"
[0288] Usually in firearms, the ability to swap calibers is not
new, but to change the "character" from semiautomatic to single
shot is new, and also combining that with change of calibers as
well is new.
[0289] The change of duties within the firearm is also novel. Where
the prior "load rod function" now changes to become an extractor.
Where the "re-strike rod function" becomes the way in which the
user initially charges the striker and performs a novel locking
closed of the action after firing. So that one must "charge the
striker" to remove it from this forward locking position, to a
position which will allow a novel clamping door to be unclamped and
the entire breach to be rotated away from the action to expose the
chamber. The left frame can be replaced for such upgrade or further
adaptability. The rotating breach has a relationship in "head
space" with the barrel such that to change calibers only the barrel
needs replacing. The breech block having the capacity to accept
multiple head spaces due to the chamber relationship, which in the
case of 22 MAGNUM is recessed to achieve the proper "normal
headspace" of the previous cartridge.
[0290] Where the mag drum in firearm now (not required to hold a
magazine) now performs as a rotational bearing and in addition a
"retarded lock" head shape to use the spring force engagement to
further secure the rotating breach into battery. The same striker
is used. The rotating breach has a driven off axis segment that
prevents accidental firing of the striker while the breach is OPEN,
and where even when progressively closing still performs this
blockage until such time as at least one lock can engage
automatically (Mag Drum Retarded Lock).
[0291] The same barrel installation and removal are maintained. A
variety of muzzle devices can be employed due to the extended
length of the intended high performance barrels.
[0292] It was not possible until now, in conventional designs where
there is a slide and frame body mounted one on top of the other, to
convert a semi-automatic to a single shot
[0293] In the present design, because of the 2 part split down the
center configuration, the previously filed firearm design was
afforded certain flexibility in design stream and future use.
[0294] The single shot conversion is just such an example. Simple
swap out of the "left half" of the frame has allowed the former
semi-automatic design to be converted to a single shot design with
the action rods performing different duties and where the cycling
block (recoil body) is replaced with a rotating breech block which
engages several locking features to close the action for
firing.
[0295] The former mag release for the magazine is now a performing
tension bearing surface and retarded lock. By pushing in the same
manner, it can allow the rotating block to being open and when
closed the former mag drum is now a biased or retarded locking
surface which is one of three locking surfaces of the design.
[0296] The other two are the lock door top jam feature (interior
pressure-frame) and an under lever engaged by pressure from the
outside by simple surface snapping into an engage able slot or
surface.
Other Developments
[0297] ZiP 9/mm.
[0298] A unique construction where the usual pistol components are
missing/rearranged and or replaced in the "ZiP Concept".
[0299] Slide-Less Automatics
[0300] A recoiling system where the main recoil spring in a pistol
is wound around the barrel and is of such tension that the charging
group is temporarily disconnected to be easily charged, whereby
upon return the charging system automatically locks itself to the
main recoil system ready for discharge.
[0301] ZiP Ghost.
[0302] A unique concept where we have molded the principle
frame/components in "Glow in the Dark" material--where finding it
in a camping or low light environment would be easier.
[0303] ZiP Striker Lock and Trigger Lock.
[0304] The new ZiP-Action has a striker lock/trigger lock
position.
[0305] ZiP must be in an uncharged condition, if not the operator
or user should perform a de-cock procedure. (Remove mag and make
certain that the ZiP barrel chamber is empty). See FIG. 77. The
trigger group has a natural tendency to want to move forward and
occupy the space left by the nose of the striker due to the cam
action of the safety block and spring.
[0306] In the event that the operator does not fully charge (sear
does not engage striker) as in the pre-charged phase, or the ZiP
operator wishes to lock the ZiP . . . the trigger group will move
forward (as charging is happening) and upon "short stroke" (or
intent to lock) "short release" of either rod, the striker nose
will recess into a special slot 1100 in the safety block. This
recess lock is shaped in such a way as to not allow the striker to
move further forward or the trigger to move rearward due to the
striker nose now acting as a shelf preventing normal cam rotation.
(The operator should make certain the ZiP barrel chamber is empty.)
Procedure: test by compressing either rod about half way--seeing
that the trigger has moved to its forward position--release the rod
slowly--then try to pull the trigger. This test ensures that the
striker nose is locked when it enters the block (should the
operator want to lock the ZiP or happen to "short charge" the
action) and that the trigger cannot move. If desired, the cross
bolt safety can also be engaged for additional security.
[0307] As shown in FIG. 77, the striker is locked by the drop
safety. Trigger pull is then not possible. To restore function, the
operator simply uses the Load/Restrike rod to reset the striker and
enliven action.
[0308] Thus, while certain preferred embodiments of the present
invention have been disclosed and described herein for purposes of
illustration and not for purposes of limitation, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *