U.S. patent application number 14/608894 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-19 for bolt buffer and 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 | 20150330728 14/608894 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54538226 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150330728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGinty; Aaron A. |
November 19, 2015 |
Bolt Buffer and Firearm
Abstract
Firearms and buffer systems having a second buffer spring or
having a buffer spring and a buffer adjusting nut, for instance, to
absorb recoil energy, reduce recoil forces, or both. In some
embodiments, a first buffer spring is aft of the bolt assembly and
a second buffer spring is forward of the first buffer spring,
forward of the carrier assembly, or a combination thereof. In some
embodiments, a buffer adjusting nut adjusts preload of the second
buffer spring, contacts the second buffer spring, or both. In
particular embodiments, a buffer weight is located between the
first buffer spring and the carrier assembly or the second buffer
spring, the first buffer spring is longer than the second buffer
spring, the first buffer spring is less stiff than the second
buffer spring, the first buffer spring and the second buffer spring
have a common axis, 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: |
54538226 |
Appl. No.: |
14/608894 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14593116 |
Jan 9, 2015 |
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14608894 |
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61932874 |
Jan 29, 2014 |
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61936022 |
Feb 5, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/198 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 3/84 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 3/84 20060101
F41A003/84 |
Claims
1. A firearm comprising: a bolt assembly; a first buffer spring aft
of the bolt assembly; and a second buffer spring between the bolt
assembly and the first buffer spring.
2. The firearm of claim 1 further comprising a buffer adjusting nut
that adjusts preload of the second buffer spring.
3. The firearm of claim 2 wherein the first buffer spring is longer
than the second buffer spring.
4. The firearm of claim 2 wherein the buffer adjusting nut is aft
of the second buffer spring.
5. The firearm of claim 4 wherein the first buffer spring and the
second buffer spring have a common axis.
6. The firearm of claim 1 further comprising a buffer weight
located between the first buffer spring and the second buffer
spring.
7. The firearm of claim 1 wherein the second buffer spring acts to
reduce peak recoil force produced by the firearm.
8. The firearm of claim 1 wherein the second buffer spring acts to
absorb recoil energy produced by the firearm.
9. A firearm comprising: a bolt assembly; a carrier assembly; a
first buffer spring aft of the carrier assembly; and a second
buffer spring between the bolt assembly and the carrier
assembly.
10. The firearm of claim 9 further comprising a buffer adjusting
nut.
11. The firearm of claim 10 wherein the buffer adjusting nut
adjusts preload of the second buffer spring.
12. The firearm of claim 10 wherein the buffer adjusting nut
contacts the second buffer spring.
13. The firearm of claim 10 wherein the buffer adjusting nut is aft
of the second buffer spring.
14. The firearm of claim 9 further comprising a buffer weight
located between the first buffer spring and the carrier
assembly.
15. The firearm of claim 9 wherein the first buffer spring is
longer than the second buffer spring.
16. The firearm of claim 9 wherein the first buffer spring and the
second buffer spring have a common axis.
17. The firearm of claim 9 wherein the second buffer spring acts to
reduce peak recoil force produced by the firearm.
18. The firearm of claim 9 wherein the second buffer spring acts to
absorb recoil energy produced by the firearm.
19. A buffer system for a firearm, the firearm comprising a bolt
assembly and a carrier assembly, the buffer system comprising a
buffer spring and a buffer adjusting nut, wherein the buffer
adjusting nut adjusts preload of the buffer spring.
20. The buffer system of claim 19 further comprising a buffer
weight and wherein the buffer adjusting nut contacts the buffer
spring.
Description
RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/932,874, filed on Jan. 29, 2014, titled
BOLT BUFFER AND FIREARM, which has at least one inventor in common
with the current patent application and the same assignee. The
contents of this priority provisional patent application are
incorporated herein by reference. This patent application also
claims priority, as a continuation-in-part patent application, to
U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/593,116, filed
on Jan. 9, 2015, titled CARRIER GUIDE AND FIREARM, which has at
least one inventor in common with the current patent application
and the same assignee. The contents of this priority
non-provisional patent application are also incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various embodiments of this invention relate to firearms.
Particular embodiments relate to firearms having bolt buffer
springs that reduce recoil forces.
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 constructed with a bolt assembly, a
carrier assembly, and a main buffer spring. When such a firearm is
discharged, the bolt assembly and the carrier assembly are
propelled rearward by the products of combustion and compress the
main buffer spring. The main buffer spring then pushes the bolt
assembly and the carrier assembly forward, which loads another
round from the magazine into the chamber for firing. In addition to
loading the next round, the buffer spring absorbs some of the
recoil from firing the weapon. Main buffer springs, however,
typically have not absorbed all of the recoil of a firearm. If a
main buffer spring is selected to be stiff enough to absorb all of
the recoil, the buffer spring has been found to be too stiff to
allow the operator to pull back the charging handle to charge the
weapon. As a result, a significant portion of the recoil forces
have been absorbed by the operator's shoulder, which has caused the
operator discomfort, soreness, fatigue, and distraction, among
other things. These effects can be particularly negative when the
weapon is fired repeatedly, the operator is small or frail, the
operator is already injured or sore, the operator is inexperienced,
the operator does not hold the weapon properly, or the charge is
particularly powerful.
[0005] Needs or potential for benefit or improvement exist for
firearms wherein more of the recoil energy or force is absorbed by
the firearm rather than by the operator, that are more comfortable
to operate, particularly when fired repeatedly, that are smoother
in operation, that operate with less shock, that are more robust,
or a combination thereof, as examples. Room for improvement exists
over the prior art in these and other areas that may be apparent to
a person of skill in the art having studied this document.
SUMMARY OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This invention provides, among other things, firearms and
buffer systems, for example, for absorbing the recoil energy of the
weapon. Various embodiments provide firearms with an additional
buffer spring, for example, aft of the bolt assembly or between the
bolt assembly and the carrier assembly. Further, certain
embodiments include a buffer adjusting nut, for example, that
adjusts preload of at least one buffer spring. 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.
[0007] In a number of embodiments, more of the recoil energy is
absorbed by the firearm rather than by the operator in comparison
with certain prior art alternatives. Further, a number of
embodiments are more comfortable to operate, particularly when
fired repeatedly. Even further, certain embodiments are smoother in
operation, operate with less shock, are more robust, are easier to
operate, or a combination thereof, as examples. 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, that offer more options for use, that
can be fired more easily for a longer period of time, or a
combination thereof, in comparison with certain alternatives.
[0008] Specific embodiments include various firearms that each
include, for example, a bolt assembly, a first buffer spring, for
instance, aft of the bolt assembly, and a second buffer spring, for
example, between the bolt assembly and the first buffer spring.
Further, some embodiments include a buffer adjusting nut, for
instance, that adjusts preload of the second buffer spring. Even
further, in some embodiments, the buffer adjusting nut is aft of
the second buffer spring. Further still, in various embodiments,
the first buffer spring and the second buffer spring have a common
axis. Still further, in a number of embodiments, the first buffer
spring is longer than the second buffer spring. Even further still,
some embodiments include a buffer weight, for instance, located
between the first buffer spring and the second buffer spring. In
various embodiments, the second buffer spring acts to reduce peak
recoil force produced by the firearm, the second buffer spring acts
to absorb recoil energy produced by the firearm, or both.
[0009] Other specific embodiments include various firearms that
include, for example, a bolt assembly, a carrier assembly, a first
buffer spring, for instance, aft of the carrier assembly, and a
second buffer spring, for example, between the bolt assembly and
the carrier assembly. Further, some such embodiments include a
buffer adjusting nut. In some embodiments, the buffer adjusting nut
adjusts preload of the second buffer spring, contacts the second
buffer spring, is aft of the second buffer spring, or a combination
thereof, as examples. Still further, some embodiments include a
buffer weight, for example, located between the first buffer spring
and the carrier assembly. In a number of embodiments, the first
buffer spring is longer than the second buffer spring, the first
buffer spring and the second buffer spring have a common axis, or
both. Moreover, in various such embodiments as well, the second
buffer spring acts to reduce peak recoil force produced by the
firearm, the second buffer spring acts to absorb recoil energy
produced by the firearm, or both.
[0010] Still other specific embodiments include certain buffer
systems for firearms, for example, each firearm including a bolt
assembly and a carrier assembly. In a number of embodiments, for
instance, a buffer system for a firearm includes a buffer spring
and a buffer adjusting nut, and the buffer adjusting nut adjusts
preload of the buffer spring. Certain embodiments further include a
buffer weight, the buffer adjusting nut contacts the buffer spring,
or both. 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
[0011] 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.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a right-side cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a firearm having an example of a buffer system; and
[0013] FIG. 2 is a detail right-side cross-sectional view of part
of the firearm of FIG. 1 showing, among other things, the lower
receiver, most of the upper receiver, the bolt assembly, the
carrier assembly, and the buffer system, including the first buffer
spring, the second buffer spring, and the buffer adjusting nut of
this particular example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS
[0014] 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, mechanisms for firearms, buffer
systems, and methods concerning buffers and buffer systems for
firearms, as examples.
[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a number of embodiments, a
firearm (e.g., 10) includes a bolt assembly (e.g., 28), a carrier
assembly (e.g., 26), a first buffer spring (e.g., 21), for
instance, aft of carrier assembly (e.g., 26), and a second buffer
spring (e.g., 22), for example, between the bolt assembly (e.g.,
28) and the carrier assembly (e.g., 26). As used herein, "aft"
means the direction opposite the direction that the bullet is
traveling in when the bullet leaves the firearm (e.g., 10), within
15 degrees. In contrast, as used herein, "forward" means the
direction that the bullet is traveling in when the bullet leaves
the firearm (e.g., 10), within 15 degrees. Further, as used herein,
"aft" or "forward" when referring to the arrangement of parts, or
other directions described herein, unless stated otherwise, refer
to when the firearm is assembled and ready for firing.
[0016] In various embodiments, the carrier assembly (e.g., 26) is
aft of the bolt assembly (e.g., 28). In some embodiments, however,
part of the carrier assembly (e.g., 26) may overlap with part of
the bolt assembly (e.g., 28), however. As used herein, a first
component or assembly is considered to be aft of a second component
or assembly if the center of mass of the first component or
assembly is aft of the center of mass of the second component or
assembly. Further, "forward" as used herein, has a similar but
opposite meaning in comparison with "aft".
[0017] Such a firearm (e.g., 10) can include other components or
assemblies as well, which may be known in the art, such as a barrel
(e.g., 13 shown in FIG. 1), chamber, firing pin, magazine, receiver
(e.g., upper receiver 11 and lower receiver 12), stock, trigger,
trigger mechanism, etc. The first buffer spring (e.g., 21) in a
number of embodiments, is a main buffer spring, for example, and
the second buffer spring (e.g., 22), in a number of embodiments, is
a bolt buffer spring. Further, in many embodiments, the bolt
assembly (e.g., 28) includes at least a bolt and the carrier
assembly (e.g., 26) includes at least a carrier, but these
assemblies can include other components as well. Thus, as used
herein, an "assembly" can include one or more different components.
In some embodiments, for example, the bolt assembly (e.g., 28) and
the carrier assembly (e.g., 26) collectively form a bolt carrier
group (e.g., 27).
[0018] In a number of embodiments, a firearm (e.g., 10) includes a
sub-combination of the components or features described herein. For
example, in some embodiments, a firearm (e.g., 10) includes a
carrier assembly (e.g., 26), a first buffer spring (e.g., 21) aft
of the carrier assembly (e.g., 26), and a second buffer spring
(e.g., 22), for example, forward of the carrier assembly (e.g.,
26). Further, in some embodiments, a firearm (e.g., 10) includes a
bolt assembly (e.g., 28) a first buffer spring (e.g., 21), for
example, aft of the bolt assembly (e.g., 28), and a second buffer
spring (e.g., 22), for instance, between the bolt assembly (e.g.,
28) and the first buffer spring (e.g., 21). Various embodiments
include other combinations of the features described herein. All
feasible combinations are contemplated.
[0019] Further, in certain embodiments, the first buffer spring
(e.g., 21) is a helical spring, the second buffer spring (e.g., 22)
is a helical spring, or both. Still further, in some embodiments,
the first buffer spring (e.g., 21), the second buffer spring (e.g.,
22), or both, are loaded in compression, for instance, when the
firearm (e.g., 10) is fired, or in a number of embodiments, also
when the firearm (e.g., 10) is assembled and ready for firing. Even
further, some embodiments include a buffer adjusting nut (e.g., 29
shown in FIG. 2). Such a buffer adjusting nut (e.g., 29) adjusts
preload of the second buffer spring (e.g., 22) in some embodiments,
for instance, when turned by hand. In certain embodiments, for
example, the buffer adjusting nut (e.g., 29) is adjusted when the
firearm (e.g., 10) is partially disassembled, for instance, when
the upper receiver (e.g., 11) is partially or fully separated from
lower receiver (e.g., 12).
[0020] In particular embodiments, the buffer adjusting nut (e.g.,
29) contacts the second buffer spring (e.g., 22). Further still, in
particular embodiments, the buffer adjusting nut (e.g., 29) is aft
of the second buffer spring (e.g., 22). In different embodiments,
the buffer adjusting nut (e.g., 29) can be internally threaded or
externally threaded, for instance, and can thread onto or into the
bolt assembly (e.g., 28) or the carrier assembly (e.g., 26), as
examples. Even further still, some embodiments include a buffer
weight (e.g., 23), for instance, located between the first buffer
spring (e.g., 21) and the carrier assembly (e.g., 26), between the
first buffer spring (e.g., 21) and the second buffer spring (e.g.,
22), or both. An example is shown.
[0021] In various embodiments, the first buffer spring (e.g., 21)
is longer than the second buffer spring (e.g., 22), for instance,
in the direction of the axis of the helix of the spring, or in a
direction parallel to the barrel (e.g., 13) of the firearm (e.g.,
10). As used herein, the length of a spring is determined when the
spring is relaxed, for example, when the spring has been removed
from the firearm. Further, in some embodiments, the first buffer
spring (e.g., 21) is less stiff than the second buffer spring
(e.g., 22). In a number of embodiments, for example, the second
buffer spring (e.g., 22) is made of a larger diameter wire, is
wound in a smaller diameter helix, has fewer coils or windings, or
a combination thereof), or both, for instance, in comparison with
the first buffer spring (e.g., 21). In other embodiments, however,
the first buffer spring (e.g., 21) is stiffer than the second
buffer spring (e.g., 22). Still further, in certain embodiments,
the first buffer spring (e.g., 21) and the second buffer spring
(e.g., 22) have a stiffness that is equal or substantially equal,
as another example. As used herein, unless stated otherwise,
"equal" means equal to within 5 percent, and "substantially equal"
means equal to within 10 percent.
[0022] Further still, in a number of embodiments, the first buffer
spring (e.g., 21) and the second buffer spring (e.g., 22) have a
common axis (e.g., center of the helix). As used herein, two spring
axes are considered to have a common axis if the axes of the two
springs fall on the same line (i.e., when the firearm (e.g., 10) is
assembled and ready for firing) to within 1/4 inch over the length
of the two springs. In other embodiments, the first buffer spring
(e.g., 21) and the second buffer spring (e.g., 22) have a common
axis to within 1/8, 3/16, 5/16. 3/8, or 1/2 inch, as other
examples.
[0023] In a number of embodiments, the first buffer spring (e.g.,
21), the second buffer spring (e.g., 22), or both, is a metal
spring, for example, steel. In some embodiments, however, the first
spring, the second spring, or both, is an air spring. Further, in
some embodiments, the first spring, the second spring, or both, is
dampened, for example, with a hydraulic or pneumatic damper, with
dry friction, or a combination thereof, as examples. In some
embodiments, the firearm (e.g., 10) or the upper receiver (e.g.,
11) is configured with an appropriate tolerance, one or more seals,
or both, so that when the bolt assembly (e.g., 28), carrier
assembly (e.g., 26), or buffer weight (e.g., 23), (or a combination
thereof) move after a round is fired, the bolt assembly (e.g., 28),
carrier assembly (e.g., 26), or buffer weight (e.g., 23), (or a
combination thereof) traps air that then compresses, flows through
the tolerance or an orifice, or a combination thereof, as examples,
to absorb recoil energy, dampen motion, or both.
[0024] Even further, in some embodiments, a bumper or bump stop,
for example, made of rubber or an elastomeric material, can be
used, for instance, in combination with or instead of a spring.
Further, where embodiments are described herein that include a
spring, other embodiments are contemplated wherein a rubber or
elastomeric bump stop is substituted for or used in combination
with the spring. A rubber or elastomeric bump stop, however, is not
considered to be a "spring" as that term is used herein. Even
further still, in some embodiments, as other examples, multiple
springs can be used where a spring, such as the second buffer
spring (e.g., 22), is described herein (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 concentric
helical springs). Further, in some embodiments, the carrier
assembly (e.g., 26) is heavier than the bolt assembly (e.g.,
28).
[0025] Other embodiments, besides firearms (e.g., 10), include
buffer systems (e.g., 20) for firearms (e.g., 10). Such a firearm
(e.g., 10) can include a bolt assembly (e.g., 28), a carrier
assembly (e.g., 26), or both, for example. Further, the buffer
system (e.g., 20), in a number of embodiments, includes a first
buffer spring (e.g., 21), for instance, aft of the carrier assembly
(e.g., 26) a second buffer spring (e.g., 22), for example, between
the bolt assembly (e.g., 28) and the carrier assembly (e.g., 26),
or both. Such a buffer system (e.g., 20), or a firearm (e.g., 10)
containing such a buffer system (e.g., 20), can further include, in
particular embodiments, a combination (e.g., any combination or
subcombination) of the features recited herein, or known in the
art, for instance, for a firearm (e.g., 10).
[0026] In certain embodiments, for example, a buffer system (e.g.,
20) includes a buffer spring (e.g., second buffer spring 22) and a
buffer adjusting nut (e.g., 29), and the buffer adjusting nut
(e.g., 29) adjusts preload of the buffer spring (e.g., second
buffer spring 22). An example is illustrated. Some embodiments
further include a buffer weight (e.g., 23). Further, in a number of
embodiments, the buffer adjusting nut (e.g., 29) contacts the
buffer spring (e.g., second buffer spring 22). Still further,
certain embodiments further include an additional buffer spring
(e.g., first buffer spring 21). Even further, particular
embodiments of a buffer system (e.g., 20) include other components
described herein (e.g., of firearm 10), perform particular
functions described herein, or both.
[0027] Still other embodiments include certain methods that pertain
to buffer systems (e.g., 20) for firearms (e.g., 10), firearms
(e.g., 10), that include buffer systems (e.g., 20), or both.
Particular methods can include acts of obtaining or providing, as
examples, other features, components, or aspects described herein.
All possible combinations are contemplated. Further, methods
described herein contain various acts. The order in which these
acts are described herein may be an example of the order in which
these acts can be performed, but in other embodiments, unless
stated otherwise herein or precluded by other factors, 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.
[0028] Particular embodiments include certain methods of absorbing
recoil energy of a firearm (e.g., 10), for instance. Such a method
can include, for example, at least the acts of: obtaining or
providing a first buffer spring (e.g., 21), obtaining or providing
a second buffer spring (e.g., 22), or both. In some embodiments,
the method further includes locating the first buffer spring (e.g.,
21) aft of a carrier assembly (e.g., 26) of the firearm (e.g., 10).
Further, in a number of embodiments, the method further includes
locating the second buffer spring (e.g., 22) aft of a bolt assembly
(e.g., 28) of the firearm (e.g., 10). Further still, in some
embodiments, the method further includes locating the second buffer
spring (e.g., 22) forward of a carrier assembly (e.g., 26) of the
firearm (e.g., 10). Different embodiments include some or all of
such acts.
[0029] Yet other embodiments include various methods of making a
firearm (e.g., 10) easier to be used (e.g., at least by certain
people). Such a method can include, for example, obtaining,
providing, or manufacturing the firearm (e.g., 10) having a bolt
assembly (e.g., 28), a carrier assembly (e.g., 26), a first buffer
spring (e.g., 21), for instance, aft of the carrier assembly (e.g.,
26), a second buffer spring (e.g., 22), for example, between the
bolt assembly (e.g., 28) and the carrier assembly (e.g., 26), or a
combination thereof. In different embodiments, a method (e.g., as
described herein) further includes acts of obtaining or providing a
combination of the components or features recited herein (e.g.,
above). Various methods can further include acts of manufacturing
other components described herein, shown on the drawings, or
both.
[0030] In various embodiments, when the firearm (e.g., 10) is
fired, the trigger is pulled and the bullet is fired, and gas from
the bullet discharge pushes, for example, the carrier assembly
(e.g., 26) aft. As the carrier assembly (e.g., 26) moves aft, for
instance, it engages, pushes on, or compresses (or a combination
thereof) the bolt buffer spring or second buffer spring (e.g., 22).
In a number of embodiments, this will diminish impact on the main
buffer spring or first buffer spring (e.g., 21). Further, in
various embodiments, this will, in turn, diminish the impact on the
operator. In some embodiments, as the carrier assembly (e.g., 26)
continues to move aft, for example, it engages the cam pin (e.g.,
30), which is attached to the bolt assembly (e.g., 28). In a number
of embodiments, the carrier assembly (e.g., 26) and bolt assembly
(e.g., 28) continue moving aft, which engages, pushes on, or
compresses (or a combination thereof) the main buffer or buffer
weight (e.g., 23) and the main buffer spring or first buffer spring
(e.g., 21), for example, at a reduced speed or acceleration (e.g.,
in comparison to an otherwise equivalent firearm without a second
buffer spring, for instance, 22). In various embodiments, the main
buffer spring or first buffer spring (e.g., 21) returns the carrier
assembly (e.g., 26) and the bolt assembly (e.g., 28) forward.
[0031] In a number of embodiments of a firearm (e.g., 10), buffer
system (e.g., 20), or method, as examples, the second buffer spring
(e.g., 22) acts to reduce peak recoil force produced by the firearm
(e.g., 10). Further, in some embodiments of a firearm (e.g., 10),
buffer system, or method, for instance, the second buffer spring
(e.g., 22) acts to absorb recoil energy produced by the firearm
(e.g., 10). As used herein, a spring (e.g., 22) acting to reduce a
peak recoil force of a firearm (e.g., 10) means that the spring
(e.g., 22) reduces the peak recoil force in comparison with an
otherwise equivalent firearm that does not have the spring. In
addition, as used herein, a spring (e.g., 22) acting to absorb
recoil energy from a firearm (e.g., 10) means that the spring
(e.g., 22) stores some of the recoil energy of the firearm, for
example, which energy may then be released from the spring, for
instance, before the firearm is discharged again.
[0032] In some embodiments, one buffer spring absorbs recoil energy
which is then transferred between the two springs, for instance,
through oscillation. In particular embodiments, some or all of this
recoil energy is dissipated through viscous or dry friction or
both. In certain embodiments, the second buffer spring (e.g., 22)
acts to absorb recoil energy produced by the firearm (e.g., 10) not
otherwise absorbed by the first buffer spring (e.g., 21). Further,
in particular embodiments, more of the recoil energy is absorbed by
the firearm (e.g., 10), for instance, rather than by the operator,
for example, in comparison with the firearm (i.e., the same
firearm) except without the second buffer spring (e.g., 22).
[0033] 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 some
embodiments, the firearm (e.g., 10) can be a semi-automatic firearm
(e.g., 10) or a fully automatic firearm (e.g., 10), 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.
[0034] Further, as mentioned above, other patent applications are
incorporated herein by reference. If there are any conflicts or
inconsistencies between this patent application and the patent
applications to which priority is claimed, however, this patent
application shall govern herein. Still further, certain embodiments
include combinations of features described herein and in one or
more of these different patent applications. All conceivable and
feasible combinations of such features are contemplated herein
including all conceivable and feasible combinations of the subject
matter described herein and described in these different patent
applications. For example, other embodiments contemplated include
each of the embodiments described herein further including one or
more of the embodiments claimed or described in each of these
different patent applications.
[0035] Moreover, in the embodiment illustrated, firearm 10 and
buffer system 20 include carrier spindle 25 and spindle spring 24.
Other embodiments may omit such components, may include a carrier
saddle (e.g., as described in the non-provisional patent
application incorporated by reference herein), or both. Some
embodiments, however, omit the carrier spindle (e.g., 25), spindle
spring (e.g., 24), and carrier saddle, as examples. Further, some
embodiments may omit the buffer weight (e.g., 23). Still further,
some embodiments include only one buffer spring or at least one
buffer spring, while other embodiments include 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6
buffer springs, as other examples. Moreover, some embodiments
include a bolt assembly but do not include a distinct carrier
assembly, while other embodiments include a bolt assembly and a
distinct carrier assembly.
[0036] 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. Each function described herein is
also contemplated as a means for accomplishing that function, or
where appropriate, as a step for accomplishing that function.
[0037] 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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