U.S. patent application number 14/994721 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-13 for gas block for firearm.
The applicant listed for this patent is WHG Properties, LLC. Invention is credited to William H. Geissele.
Application Number | 20170198995 14/994721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59274853 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170198995 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Geissele; William H. |
July 13, 2017 |
GAS BLOCK FOR FIREARM
Abstract
A gas block which operates to reduce the effects of erosion of a
firearm barrel gas port is described herein. Reducing the effects
of this erosion limits irregular cycling of the firearm action. The
gas block has a gas port with a cross-sectional dimension that is
not smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the firearm
barrel gas port.
Inventors: |
Geissele; William H.; (Lower
Gwynedd, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WHG Properties, LLC |
North Wales |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59274853 |
Appl. No.: |
14/994721 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 5/26 20130101; F41A
3/66 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 5/26 20060101
F41A005/26; F41A 3/66 20060101 F41A003/66 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A gas block for operational alignment with a firearm barrel
having a firearm barrel gas port defined by a firearm barrel gas
port cross-sectional diameter of 0.063 in to 0.096 in, the gas
block comprising: a basin for direct engagement around the firearm
barrel gas port, the basin being defined by a basin gas port
cross-sectional diameter that is greater than the firearm barrel
gas port cross-sectional diameter; and a gas block gas port for
operational alignment with the firearm barrel gas port, wherein the
gas block gas port is operationally connected to the basin, the gas
block gas port being defined by a gas block gas port
cross-sectional diameter that is smaller than or equal to the
firearm barrel gas port cross-sectional diameter.
23. The gas block of claim 22, wherein the gas block gas port
cross-sectional area diameter is equal to the firearm barrel
cross-sectional area diameter.
24. The gas block of claim 22, wherein the gas block gas port
cross-sectional diameter is smaller than the firearm barrel
cross-sectional diameter.
25. The gas block of claim 22, wherein the gas block gas port
cross-sectional diameter is defined based on the location of the
firearm barrel gas port on the firearm barrel.
26. The gas block of claim 22, wherein the gas block gas port is
adapted to ensure a pressure range of a gas travelling from the
firearm barrel gas port.
27. A firearm comprising the gas block of claim 22.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] When a firearm is fired, high pressure gas is generated that
rapidly propels a bullet (or other projectile) through and out of
the barrel. In some types of firearms, a portion of the energy from
the high pressure gas is captured and used for ejecting the spent
cartridge and reloading the firearm with a fresh cartridge. The
parts of the firearm that capture the portion of the gas and use
the energy to reload the firearm are sometimes collectively
referred to as a gas system. In order to capture the gas, the
barrel of such a firearm typically includes a small aperture,
referred to as a gas port. When the cartridge is fired, some of the
high pressure gas is diverted through the gas port where it is then
directed through a gas tube and back to the receiver, where the gas
is then used for reloading the firearm.
SUMMARY
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a gas block for a
firearm. In some embodiments, and by non-limiting example, the gas
block operates to reduce the effects of erosion of the firearm gas
port. Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which
include, but are not limited to, the following aspects.
[0003] In one aspect, an apparatus comprises a gas block for
operational alignment with a firearm barrel, the firearm barrel
having a firearm barrel gas port defined by a firearm barrel gas
port cross-sectional diameter of 0.063 in to 0.096 in, the gas
block comprising a gas block gas port for operational alignment
with the firearm barrel gas port, the gas block gas port being
defined by a gas block gas port cross-sectional diameter that is
not greater than the firearm barrel gas port cross-sectional
diameter. In another aspect, the gas block gas port cross-sectional
area diameter is equal to the firearm barrel cross-sectional area
diameter. In another aspect, the gas block gas port cross-sectional
diameter is smaller than the firearm barrel cross-sectional
diameter. In another aspect, the gas block gas port cross-sectional
diameter is defined based on the location of the firearm barrel gas
port on the firearm barrel. In another aspect, the gas block gas
port is adapted to ensure a pressure range of a gas travelling from
the firearm barrel gas port. In another aspect, the gas block
further comprises a basin for direct engagement around the firearm
barrel gas port. In another aspect, the basin comprises a
cross-sectional area dimension that is greater than the gas block
gas port cross-sectional area dimension.
[0004] In a further aspect, a firearm gas block for directing a
high pressure gas, wherein the high pressure gas cycles a firearm
action, comprises: a firearm barrel receiver; a gas tube receiver
operationally connected with the firearm barrel receiver; and a gas
port operationally connecting the firearm barrel receiver and the
gas tube receiver, the gas port comprises a cross-sectional
diameter of 0.063 in to 0.096 in, the gas block gas port is adapted
to maintain a minimum pressure of the high pressure gas needed to
cycle the firearm action. In another aspect, the gas block gas port
is adapted to maintain the pressure of the high pressure gas at
10,000 psi to 15,000 psi. In another aspect, the gas block gas port
cross-sectional diameter is not greater than a cross-sectional
diameter of a firearm barrel gas port onto which the firearm gas
block is operationally aligned. In another aspect, the firearm gas
block further comprises a basin operationally connected to the gas
block gas port, the basin ensuring that the gas block gas port
receives the high pressure gas. In another aspect, the basin
comprises a larger cross-sectional dimension than the gas block gas
port. In another aspect, the firearm gas block further comprises a
firearm barrel receiver defined by a circumference, the gas port
being oriented away from the circumference of the firearm barrel
receiver. In another aspect, the firearm gas block further
comprises a firearm barrel fastener.
[0005] In a further aspect, a method of designing a gas block
comprises: determining a cross-sectional dimension of a firearm
barrel gas port on a firearm comprising a barrel, a muzzle and an
action, the firearm barrel gas port cross-sectional dimension being
defined by a pressure range of a high pressure gas needed to cycle
the action, the pressure range being defined by the length of the
firearm barrel, the diameter of the firearm barrel and the distance
of the firearm barrel gas port from the muzzle; and defining a gas
block gas port with a cross-sectional dimension that is not greater
than the firearm barrel gas port cross-sectional dimension to
ensure that a high pressure gas exiting the gas block gas port
comprises the pressure level needed to cycle the action of the
firearm. In another aspect, the pressure range of the high pressure
gas is 10,000 psi to 15,000 psi. In another aspect, the gas block
gas port cross-sectional dimension comprises a diameter of 0.063 in
to 0.096 in. In another aspect, the gas block gas port
cross-sectional dimension is equal to the firearm barrel gas port
cross-sectional dimension. In another aspect, the gas block gas
port cross-sectional dimension is less than the firearm barrel gas
port cross-sectional dimension. In another aspect, the method
further comprises forming a basin in the gas block to ensure that
the gas port receives the high pressure gas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic block diagram of an
example firearm.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic block diagram of the
example firearm shown in FIG. 1, showing an example travel pathway
of high pressure gas through an example gas system.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an example firearm,
showing an example travel pathway of high pressure gas and the
operation of an example action system.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example firearm barrel
extending through an example gas block, showing the internal
geometries of each with dashed lines.
[0010] FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view of an example firearm
barrel and an example gas block, showing example gas ports of each
in alignment.
[0011] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of the example firearm
barrel and example gas block shown in FIG. 5a, showing the effects
of erosion by high pressure gas travelling through the gas ports of
each.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a firearm barrel and gas
block according to an example embodiment of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a firearm barrel and gas
block according to another example embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a gas block according to
another example embodiment of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the gas block shown in FIG. 8.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the gas block
shown in FIG. 8, showing an example firearm barrel extending
therethrough.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a gas block
according to another example embodiment of the disclosure, showing
an example firearm barrel extending therethrough.
DESCRIPTION
[0018] Various embodiments will be described in detail with
reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views.
Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the
claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in
this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set
forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended
claims.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic block diagram of an
example gas-operated firearm 100. In this example, the firearm 100
includes a receiver 102, a magazine 104, a barrel 106, a gas system
108, and a stock 109. The example receiver 102 includes a trigger
mechanism 110 and an action 112. The example gas system 108
includes a gas block 114 and a gas tube 116. The example firearm
100 includes a chamber 118 into which a fresh cartridge is received
before being fired.
[0020] The firearm 100 is a gun that fires one or more projectiles,
such as a bullet, shot, and the like. In this example, the firearm
100 is a gas-operated firearm 100 in which a gas system 108 is used
to capture energy from the firing of the projectile, which is then
used to reload the firearm 100. Examples of firearm 100 include
rifles, shotguns, and pistols. Gas-operated rifles include
automatic and semi-automatic rifles, such as the AR-15 and M-16
with a Direct Impingement System. Gas-operated shotguns include
semi-automatic 10, 12, and 20 gauge models. Gas operated pistols
include semi-automatic pistols in a wide variety of types and
models.
[0021] In this example the firearm 100 includes a receiver 102. In
some embodiments the receiver 102 includes a housing that encloses
the operating parts of the firearm. In this example, the receiver
102 includes the trigger mechanism 110 and the action 112.
[0022] The trigger mechanism 110 includes a trigger that is pulled
by the shooter in order to initiate firing of the firearm 100.
Before firing, the trigger mechanism typically operates to hold a
hammer in a cocked position. The trigger mechanism prevents the
hammer from moving until the trigger is pulled. Once the trigger is
pulled a trigger mechanism releases the hammer, resulting in the
firing of the firearm.
[0023] The action 112 is the portion of the receiver 102 that
operates to eject a spent cartridge and reload the firearm with a
fresh cartridge, for example with a bolt carrier group. In this
example the action 112 is gas-actuated, such that it receives
energy supplied by the gas system 108, and uses that energy to
eject the spent cartridge and reload a new cartridge from the
magazine 104. An example of the action 112 is an action operable
with a Direct Impingement Gas System, such as an AR-15 or M-16
with.
[0024] An example of the magazine 104 is a standard ammunition
magazine used with gas-operated firearms with a Direct Impingement
Gas System, for example an AR-15 or M-16.
[0025] An example of the barrel 106 is a standard barrel used with
gas-actuated firearms. For example, the barrel 106 can be similar
to a barrel used with an AR-15 or M-16 with a Direct Impingement
Gas System.
[0026] The example gas system 108 includes the gas block 114 and
the gas tube 116. An example of the gas system 108 is illustrated
and described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.
[0027] An example of the stock 109 is a standard stock used with
gas-operated firearms. For example, the stock 109 can be similar to
a stock used with an AR-15 or M-16 with a Direct Impingement Gas
System.
[0028] FIG. 2 is another cross-sectional view of the example
firearm 100 shown in FIG. 1. The example firearm 100 includes the
receiver 102, magazine 104, barrel 106, gas system 108, and stock
109. The example receiver 102 includes the trigger mechanism 110
and the action 112. The example gas system 108 includes the gas
block 114 and the gas tube 116 that receive high pressure gas G
from a barrel gas port 124 extending through the barrel 106. The
gas block 114 includes the gas block gas port 126 and the gas tube
receiver 128. The barrel 106 also includes a chamber 118 to house a
cartridge 122. Before firing, the cartridge 122 includes a
projectile 120. The projectile 120 is shown in a first position
120a in which it is housed in the chamber 118 with the cartridge
122 and in a second position 120b in which it is within the barrel
106 beyond the gas block 114 after the firearm 100 has been
fired.
[0029] The example barrel 106 includes a barrel gas port 124 that
extends therethrough at a predetermined location along the length
of the barrel forward of the chamber 118. The barrel gas port 124
is positioned a predetermined distance L from the muzzle 130 of the
barrel 106, as discussed in further detail herein. The gas port 124
in the barrel 106 can be a passageway that extends away, for
example perpendicularly, from the pathway within the barrel.
[0030] The example gas block 114 includes a gas port 126 that
aligns with, and receives high pressure gas G from the gas port 124
in the barrel 106. The gas port 126 can be a passageway that
extends in alignment with the gas port 124 in the barrel 106. The
example gas block 114 also includes a gas tube receiver 128 that
receives the gas tube 116 therein. The gas tube receiver 128 can be
a passageway that extends, away, for example perpendicularly, from
the gas port 126 in the gas block 114.
[0031] In the example, a pre-firing cartridge 122 is chambered in
the chamber 118 in front of the magazine 104 and action 112. When
the firearm 100 is fired, the projectile 120 leaves the cartridge
122 and travels distally within the barrel 106 past the gas port
124 (to and past the second position 120b shown in FIG. 2). High
pressure gas G is generated by the fired cartridge 122. The high
pressure gas G travels behind the projectile 120 (at the second
position 120b) to force the projectile out of the barrel 106. A
portion of the high pressure gas G is directed up through the gas
port 124 in the barrel 106 and through the gas port 126 and gas
tube receiver 128 in the gas block 114 toward the gas tube 116.
This high pressure gas then travels within the gas tube 116
proximally towards the receiver 102, where it is released to
activate the action 112 in order to eject the spent cartridge and
chamber a fresh cartridge from the magazine 104 into the
chamber.
[0032] FIG. 3 is another cross-sectional view of an example firearm
200 showing how an action works to reload the firearm once high
pressure gas G is collected after firing the firearm 200. The
example firearm 200 includes a gas tube 202, an action 206, and a
magazine 210.
[0033] An example of the firearm 200 can be an AR-15 or M-16 with a
Direct Impingement Gas System, similar to the example firearm
described in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0034] An example of the gas tube 202 can be a gas tube that is
used with a Direct Impingement Gas System similar to the example
firearm described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The gas tube 202 directs high
pressure gas, as described in FIG. 2, rearwardly toward a bolt
carrier key 204 that directs the gas into an expansion chamber
within the action 206.
[0035] An example of the magazine 210 can be a magazine that is
used with the example firearm described in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0036] An example of the action 206 can be an action that is used
with the example firearm described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The action 206
can include a bolt carrier with an elongated pin shape 214
extending forward and a tail 216 directed rearward. The elongated
pin end 214 engages the firing end of a cartridge 212. The tail 216
of the bolt carrier is positioned to engage the hammer 208. The
tail 216 creates a seal with, and can translate forward and
rearward within the expansion chamber of the action 206.
[0037] After the example firearm 200 has been fired, an amount of
high pressure gas from the spent cartridge 212 travels rearwardly
through the gas tube 202 and is released through the bolt carrier
key 204 into the expansion chamber of action 206. The entry of the
high pressure gas into the expansion chamber ejects the spent
cartridge 212 out of a breech of the firearm 200. The high pressure
gas applies force to the tail 216 of the bolt carrier in the action
206 to force the bolt carrier of the action 206 to translate
rearwardly away from the spent cartridge 212. This rearward
movement of the bolt carrier of the action 206 forces the hammer
208 downward into a cocked position 208b and ready for subsequent
firing. A recoil spring (not shown) is compressed by the bolt
carrier of the action 206 during rearward translation and
subsequently pushes the bolt carrier forward after the high
pressure gas has been vented from the expansion chamber. The
forward translation of the bolt carrier of the action 206 strips
and chambers a fresh cartridge from the magazine 210. As a result,
the high pressure gas from a spent cartridge 212 causes the hammer
208 to be re-cocked (in the cocked position 208b), the spent
cartridge to be ejected and a fresh cartridge to be chambered for
subsequent firing. For this reason, it is essential to have a
sufficient pressure of the gas travel rearwardly through the gas
tube 202 toward the action 206.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example barrel 300
extending through an example gas block 302, showing the inner
geometry with dashed lines. The example barrel 300 can have an
internal passageway 304 extending therethrough, and a gas port 308.
The example gas block 302 can have a barrel receiver 306, a gas
port 310, a gas tube receiver 312 and an aperture 314 for the gas
tube receiver.
[0039] An example of the barrel 300 can be a barrel used with a
Direct Impingement Gas System, similar to the example barrel
described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The illustrated barrel 300 has an
internal passageway 304 extending therethrough for travel of a
projectile that has been fired. The internal passageway 304 has a
diameter that is narrower than the outer diameter of the barrel
300.
[0040] The illustrated barrel 300 also has a gas port 308 extending
between the internal passageway 304 and the outer diameter of the
barrel. The gas port 308 can extend away from, for example
perpendicular to, the orientation of the barrel 300 and internal
passageway 304. In use, for example as described in FIG. 2, high
pressure gas travels along the internal passageway 304 and upward
through the gas port 308 to exit the barrel 300.
[0041] An example of the gas block 302 can be a gas block used with
a firearm and barrel that includes a Direct Impingement Gas System,
similar to the example firearm and barrel described in FIGS. 1 and
2. The illustrated gas block 302 includes a barrel receiver 306
through which the barrel 300 is inserted. The diameter of the
barrel receiver 306 should be sufficiently similar to the outer
diameter of the barrel 300 so that the barrel and the barrel
receiver align with a near sealing engagement to contain airflow
between them.
[0042] The illustrated gas block 302 also has a gas port 310 that
extends away, for example perpendicularly, from the outer diameter
of the barrel receiver 306. When the barrel 300 is inserted through
the barrel receiver 306 of the gas block 302, the gas port 310 is
aligned with the gas port 308 of the barrel. As a result, the high
pressure gas that travels outwardly from the barrel 300 through the
gas port 308 will then enter and travel through the gas port 310 in
the gas block 302.
[0043] The illustrated gas block 302 also has a gas tube receiver
312 extending therein and defined by an aperture 314 at the
rear-facing end of the gas block. The gas tube receiver 312 can be
oriented, for example perpendicularly, with respect to the
orientation of the gas port 310 of the gas block 302. The
intersection of the gas port 310 of the gas block 302 and the gas
tube receiver 312 is open so as to allow the high pressure gas to
travel up through the gas port and into the gas tube receiver. A an
example gas tube, for example as described in FIGS. 1-3, is into
the gas tube receiver 312 through the aperture 314 so that the high
pressure gas the enters the gas tube receiver then travels into the
gas tube toward an action at the rear end of the example firearm.
The outer diameter of the gas tube receiver 312 and the aperture
should be substantially similar to the outer diameter of the gas
tube to prevent leakage of gas between them.
[0044] FIGS. 5a and 5b are cross-sectional views of an example
firearm barrel extending through an example gas block, showing
inner cross-sectional dimensions of an example firearm gas port 400
and an example gas block gas port 402 with dashed lines. The
illustrated firearm gas port 400 is aligned with the illustrated
gas block gas port 402 similarly to the example described in FIG.
4.
[0045] In FIG. 5a the illustrated firearm gas port 400 can have a
cross-sectional dimension, for example a diameter, D2. The
illustrated gas block gas port 402 can have a cross-sectional
dimension, for example a diameter D1. The dimension D2 of the
illustrated firearm gas port 400 can be smaller than the dimension
D1 of the illustrated gas block gas port 402.
[0046] Through use, high pressure gas that travels upwardly through
the firearm gas port 400 and the gas block gas port 402 can cause
erosion of the cross-sectional dimension D2 of the firearm gas
port. As specifically shown in FIG. 5b, the initial walls A-A of
the firearm gas port 400 can be eroded by high pressure gas to have
an irregular or undesirable cross-sectional dimension, for example
as shown by walls B-B. Such erosion of the cross-sectional
dimension of the firearm gas port 400 can affect the flow and
pressure of high pressure gas that flows through the firearm gas
port into the gas block gas port 402, and subsequently toward the
firearm action as described in the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
Such irregular flow and pressure of gas will affect the operation
of the action in its intended capacity, as described with relation
to FIG. 3.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an example firearm
barrel 504 extending through an example gas block 506. The
illustrated gas block 506 includes an example gas block gas port
500. The illustrated firearm barrel 504 includes an example barrel
gas port 502.
[0048] The illustrated firearm barrel 504 can be a firearm barrel
similar to the example barrel described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The
illustrated barrel gas port 502 can extend through the firearm
barrel 504 similarly to the gas ports described in FIGS. 2, 4, 5a
and 5b. The illustrated barrel gas port 502 can have a
cross-sectional dimension, for example diameter, defined by the
distance X.sub.2.
[0049] The illustrated gas block 506 can be a gas block used with a
Direct Impingement Gas System, similar to the example gas block
described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The illustrated gas block gas port 500
can extend through the gas block 506 similarly to the gas ports
described in FIGS. 2, 4 5a and 5b. The illustrated gas block gas
port 500 can have a cross-sectional dimension, for example
diameter, defined by the distance X.sub.1. As illustrated, the
firearm gas port 502 aligns with the gas block gas port 500 to
allow high pressure gas to flow through each as similarly described
with reference to FIG. 2. As illustrated the distance X.sub.1
defining the cross-sectional dimension of the gas block gas port
500 is equal to the distance X.sub.2 defining the cross-sectional
dimension of the barrel gas port 502.
[0050] This consistency in cross-sectional area across the firearm
gas port 502 and the gas block gas port 500 limits irregularity of
flow and pressure of the high pressure gas traveling therethrough,
and thus reduces the likelihood for inaccurate operation of the
action of the firearm in its intended capacity, as described with
relation to FIG. 3. The action of the firearm requires a certain
pressure of the gas in order to function as intended. The
cross-sectional dimension X.sub.2 of the firearm gas port 502 is
designed to maintain that certain pressure of gas. Thus, even if
the firearm gas port 502 erodes, as described, the cross-sectional
dimension X.sub.1 of the aligning gas block gas port 500 acts as a
backup to maintain that certain pressure.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of an example firearm
barrel 604 extending through an example gas block 606. The
illustrated gas block 606 includes an example gas block gas port
600. The illustrated firearm barrel 604 includes an example barrel
gas port 602.
[0052] The illustrated firearm barrel 604 can be a firearm barrel
used with an AR-15 or M-16 with a Direct Impingement Gas System,
similar to the example barrel described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The
illustrated barrel gas port 602 can extend through the firearm
barrel 604 similarly to the gas ports described in FIGS. 2, 4, 5a
and 5b. The illustrated barrel gas port 602 can have a
cross-sectional dimension, for example diameter, defined by the
distance X.sub.4.
[0053] The illustrated gas block 606 can be a gas block used with
an AR-15 or M-16 with a Direct Impingement Gas System, similar to
the example gas block described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The illustrated
gas block gas port 600 can extend through the gas block 606
similarly to the gas ports described in FIGS. 2, 4 5a and 5b. The
illustrated gas block gas port 600 can have a cross-sectional area
dimension, for example a diameter, defined by the distance X.sub.3.
As illustrated, the barrel gas port 602 aligns with the gas block
gas port 600 to allow high pressure gas to flow through each as
similarly described in FIG. 2. As illustrated the distance X.sub.3
defining the cross-sectional dimension of the gas block gas port
600 is narrower than the distance X.sub.4 defining the
cross-sectional area of the barrel gas port 602.
[0054] This consistency in cross-sectional dimension across the
barrel gas port 602 and the gas block gas port 600 limits
irregularity of flow and pressure of the high pressure gas
traveling therethrough, and thus reduces the likelihood for
irregular and/or ceased operation of the action of the firearm in
its intended capacity, as described with relation to FIG. 3. The
action of the firearm requires a certain pressure of the gas in
order to function as intended. The cross-sectional dimension
X.sub.3 of the barrel gas port 602 is designed to maintain that
certain pressure of gas. Thus, even if the barrel gas port 602
erodes, as described, the cross-sectional dimension X.sub.4 of the
aligning gas block gas port 600 acts as a backup to maintain that
certain pressure.
[0055] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example gas block 700,
manufactured and tested by the Applicant, that includes a body 702
that surrounds a barrel receiver 704, a fastener block 706, a gas
tube receiver 708 and a basin 710 that provides access to a gas
port described further below. The illustrated gas block 700 can be
a gas block used with a firearm that includes a Direct Impingement
Gas System, such as an AR-15 or M-16, similar to the example gas
block described in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0056] The illustrated fastener block 706 can be a fastener used
with a firearm that includes a Direct Impingement Gas System, such
as an AR-15 or M-16, to secure the gas block 700 to a firearm
barrel. An example fastener block 706 can include a screw and nut
tightening system.
[0057] The barrel receiver 704 has a dimension that is defined by
the used with a firearm that includes a Direct Impingement Gas
System, such as an AR-15 or M-16, inner surface of body 702 to
snugly receive a firearm barrel, similarly to the example
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.
[0058] The gas tube receiver 708 has a dimension that functions to
receive a gas tube to carry high pressure gas toward a firearm
action, similarly to the gas tube receiver described in FIGS. 2 and
4.
[0059] The basin 710 extends into the gas block body 702 from the
outer surface of the barrel receiver 704. The basin 710 acts as an
alignment mechanism to ensure that the gas block 700 is aligned
over a firearm barrel gas port so as to receive high pressure gas
travelling therethrough, as described in FIG. 2. The basin 710
directs high pressure gas into a gas block gas port, described
further below, and then into the gas tube receiver 708.
[0060] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the gas block 700 from FIG. 8,
illustrating the orientation of the body 702, barrel receiver 704,
fastener block 706 and the gas tube receiver 708. In operation, the
fastener block 706 is oriented below a firearm barrel and the gas
tube receiver 708 is oriented above the firearm barrel.
[0061] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the gas block 700
described in FIGS. 8 and 9, showing an example firearm barrel 800
extending therethrough. The gas block 700 illustrates the fastener
block 706 oriented below the firearm barrel 800 and the gas tube
receiver 708 oriented above the firearm barrel. The basin 710 is
illustrated to be positioned between a barrel gas port 804 in the
firearm barrel 800 and a gas block gas port 712 in the gas block
700.
[0062] The firearm barrel 800 can be a barrel used with a firearm
that includes a Direct Impingement Gas System, for example an AR-15
or M-16. The illustrated barrel 800 includes an internal passageway
802, similar to that described in FIG. 4, through which a fired
projectile travels. The illustrated barrel 800 also includes a
barrel gas port 804 that extends, for example perpendicularly,
between the internal passageway 802 and the outer diameter of the
firearm barrel. The illustrated barrel gas port 804 can have a
cross-sectional dimension Z.sub.1, for example defined as a
diameter.
[0063] The illustrated basin 710 is oriented directly over the
barrel gas port 804 as the gas block 700 is secured around the
firearm barrel 800. The basin 710 can have a cross-sectional
dimension Z.sub.2, for example a diameter, that is wider than the
cross-sectional dimension Z.sub.1 of the barrel gas port 804 to
insure that any high pressure gas that is travelling upwardly
though the barrel gas port is eventually received within the gas
block gas port 712. An example cross-sectional dimension Z.sub.2 of
the basin 710 can be 0.140 in. The basin 710 can engage the firearm
barrel 800 around the barrel gas port 804, and create a seal to
insure that any loss of such high pressure gas is minimized when
travelling from the barrel into the gas block 700.
[0064] The illustrated gas block gas port 712 extends between the
basin 710 and the gas tube receiver 708. High pressure gas travels
through the gas block gas port 712 toward the gas tube receiver 708
where it is then directed through a gas tube toward a firearm
action, as similarly described in FIGS. 2 and 3. The gas block gas
port 712 can have a cross-sectional dimension Z.sub.3, for example
a diameter, which is equivalent in width to the dimension Z.sub.1
of the barrel gas port 804. An example dimension Z.sub.1 of the
barrel gas port 804, and thus correspondingly the dimension Z.sub.3
of the gas block gas port 712, can be 0.073 inches. Alternative
examples of the barrel gas port 804 dimension Z.sub.1, and thus
correspondingly the dimension Z.sub.3 of the gas block gas port
712, are described in Chart A below. As described similarly in FIG.
6, this common width of the barrel gas port dimension Z.sub.1 and
the gas block gas port dimension Z.sub.3 maintains a consistent
pressure of high pressure gas that travels toward the action of the
firearm.
[0065] As illustrated, the basin dimension Z.sub.2 can be wider
than both the barrel gas port dimension Z.sub.1 and the gas block
gas port dimension Z.sub.3.
[0066] The dimension of the example firearm barrel gas ports
X.sub.2, X.sub.4 and Z.sub.1 described in the embodiments above can
vary depending on the barrel length, the barrel diameter and the
distance from the muzzle. Established example relationships for a
firearm with a Direct Impingement System, such as an M-16 and
AR-15, as described in FIGS. 1 and 2, are shown in Chart A
below.
Chart A
TABLE-US-00001 [0067] Barrel Barrel Distance Min Max Length
Diameter from Muzzel Port Size Port Size (in) (in) (in) (in) (in)
11.5 .625 3.850 .081 .089 11.5 .750 3.850 .086 .094 14.5 .625 8.375
.063 .078 14.5 .625 8.375 .070 .086 16 .625 8.375 .063 .078 16 .750
8.375 .070 .086 20 .625 6.875 .086 .093 20 .750 6.875 .093 .096
[0068] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an example gas
block 900 showing the example firearm barrel 800 extending
therethrough. The illustrated gas block 900 can have the same
external surfaces and geometric orientations as the example gas
block described in FIGS. 8 and 9. The illustrated gas block 900
includes a fastener block 906 oriented below the firearm barrel 800
and a gas tube receiver 908 oriented above the firearm barrel. A
basin 910 is illustrated to be positioned between the barrel gas
port 804 in the firearm barrel 800 and a gas block gas port 912 in
the gas block 900.
[0069] The firearm barrel 800 can be the same firearm barrel
described in FIG. 10, with an internal passageway 802 and a barrel
gas port 804 defined by a cross-sectional dimension Z.sub.1.
[0070] The illustrated basin 910 is oriented directly over the
barrel gas port 804 as the gas block 900 is secured around the
firearm barrel 800. The basin 910 can have a cross-sectional
dimension P.sub.2, for example a diameter, that is wider than the
cross-sectional dimension Z.sub.1 of the barrel gas port 804 to
insure that any high pressure gas that is travelling upwardly
though the barrel gas port is eventually received within the gas
block gas port 912. The basin 910 can engage the firearm barrel 800
around the barrel gas port 804, and create a seal to insure that
any loss of such high pressure gas is minimized when travelling
from the barrel into the gas block 900.
[0071] The illustrated gas block gas port 912 extends between the
basin 910 and the gas tube receiver 908. High pressure gas travels
through the gas block gas port 912 toward the gas tube receiver 908
where it is then directed through a gas tube toward a firearm
action, as similarly described in FIGS. 2 and 3. The gas block gas
port 912 can have a cross-sectional dimension P.sub.3, for example
a diameter, which is narrower in width to the dimension Z.sub.1 of
the barrel gas port 804. As described similarly in FIG. 7, this
narrower width of the gas block gas port dimension P.sub.3 in
comparison to the barrel gas port dimension Z.sub.1 maintains a
consistent pressure of high pressure gas that travels toward the
action of the firearm.
[0072] As illustrated, the basin dimension P.sub.2 can be wider
than both the barrel gas port dimension Z.sub.1 and the gas block
gas port dimension P.sub.3.
[0073] In order to maintain proper operational functionality of the
action of the firearm, as described above in FIG. 3, the pressure
of the high pressure gas travelling through the gas port of the
example firearm barrel gas ports X.sub.2, X.sub.4 and Z.sub.1
described in the embodiments above can be 10,000 psi to 15,000 psi,
and more preferably 10,000 psi to 12,000 psi. But the minimum
pressure of the gas within the gas port should be 10,000 psi and
the maximum pressure should be 15,000 psi.
[0074] Although specific examples of the disclosure have been
described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments
are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the
functionality described with respect to a particular device or
component may be performed by another device or component. Further,
while specific device characteristics have been described,
embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device
characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described
in language specific to structural features and/or methodological
acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily
limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the
specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of
implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among
others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically
stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as
used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments
could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain
features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language
is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or
steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
[0075] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily
recognize various modifications and changes that may be made
without following the example embodiments and applications
illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the
true spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *