U.S. patent application number 15/460965 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-14 for chamber flag and service tool.
The applicant listed for this patent is Q, LLC. Invention is credited to Kevin Brittingham, Ethan Lessard.
Application Number | 20170356711 15/460965 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60573712 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170356711 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lessard; Ethan ; et
al. |
December 14, 2017 |
CHAMBER FLAG AND SERVICE TOOL
Abstract
The disclosure relates to a chamber flag with a substantially
Z-shaped body having a central portion and a rod extending from the
body; a chamber flag having a body defining an opening having an
opening axis, and a rod extending from the body and having a rod
axis substantially parallel to the opening axis, wherein the
chamber flag is configured to support upper and lower receivers of
a firearm at a fixed angle; and a method of temporarily securing a
position of upper and lower receivers of a firearm by inserting a
rod of a chamber flag into a pin channel of the upper receiver,
inserting a portion of a body of the chamber flag into the lower
receiver, wherein the lower receiver defines a pin opening, and
inserting a pin through the pin opening and an opening defined by
the body of the chamber flag.
Inventors: |
Lessard; Ethan; (East
Kingston, NH) ; Brittingham; Kevin; (Portsmouth,
NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Q, LLC |
Portsmouth |
NH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60573712 |
Appl. No.: |
15/460965 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62349549 |
Jun 13, 2016 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/44 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 17/44 20060101
F41A017/44 |
Claims
1. A chamber flag comprising: a substantially Z-shaped body having
a central portion, wherein the substantially Z-shaped body defines
an opening therethrough; and a rod extending from the substantially
Z-shaped body.
2. The chamber flag of claim 1, wherein the substantially Z-shaped
body comprises a first leg extending from the central portion and a
second leg extending from the central portion in a direction
substantially opposite to the first leg.
3. The chamber flag of claim 1, wherein the rod is substantially
parallel to the central portion of the substantially Z-shaped
body.
4. The chamber flag of claim 2, wherein the first leg and the
second leg are substantially orthogonal to the central portion.
5. The chamber flag of claim 2, wherein the first leg defines the
opening and the rod extends from the second leg.
6. The chamber flag of claim 1, wherein a maximum outer width of
the rod is substantially similar to a minimum inner width of the
opening.
7. The chamber flag of claim 1, wherein a maximum outer width of
the rod is less than a minimum inner width of the opening.
8. The chamber flag of claim 1, further comprising at least one
tool extending from the chamber flag.
9. The chamber flag of claim 8, wherein the tool comprises at least
one of a spanner and a screwdriver.
10. A chamber flag comprising: a body defining an opening having an
opening axis; and a rod extending from the body and having a rod
axis substantially parallel to the opening axis, wherein the
chamber flag is configured to support an upper receiver and a lower
receiver of a firearm at a fixed angle when the rod is connected to
the upper receiver and when the body is inserted into the lower
receiver.
11. The chamber flag of claim 10, wherein the opening in the body
is configured to align with an opening defined by the lower
receiver.
12. The chamber flag of claim 10, wherein the body comprises a
central portion, a first leg, and second leg, wherein the first leg
extends from the central portion and the second leg extends from
the central portion in a direction substantially opposite to the
first leg.
13. The chamber flag of claim 10, wherein the body comprises a
first leg that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to
at least a portion of the rod.
14. The chamber flag of claim 13, wherein the first leg defines the
opening and the rod extends from the second leg.
15. The chamber flag of claim 10, wherein a maximum outer width of
the rod is less than or substantially similar to a minimum inner
width of the opening.
16. The chamber flag of claim 10, further comprising at least one
tool extending from the chamber flag.
17. The chamber flag of claim 16, wherein the tool comprises at
least one of a spanner and a screwdriver.
18. A method of temporarily securing a position of an upper
receiver of a firearm and a lower receiver of the firearm, the
method comprising: inserting a rod of a chamber flag into a pin
channel of the upper receiver; inserting a portion of a body of the
chamber flag into the lower receiver, wherein the lower receiver
defines a pin opening; and inserting a pin through the pin opening
and an opening defined by the body of the chamber flag.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of removing
a pin from the pin channel in the upper receiver before inserting
the rod into the pin channel.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the portion of the body of the
chamber flag is a first leg that extends in a direction
substantially orthogonal to at least a portion of the rod.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/349,549 filed Jun. 13, 2016,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] Chamber flags are inserted into a chamber of a firearm to
prevent inadvertent firing thereof and to serve as a visual
confirmation that the firearm is inoperable. Often, chamber flags
are required during shipping of the firearm and at shooting ranges
and other facilities so as to prevent inadvertent discharge of the
firearm when not in active use.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, the disclosed technology relates to a chamber
flag having: a substantially Z-shaped body having a central
portion, wherein the substantially Z-shaped body defines an opening
therethrough; and a rod extending from the substantially Z-shaped
body. In an embodiment, the substantially Z-shaped body includes a
first leg extending from the central portion and a second leg
extending from the central portion in a direction substantially
opposite to the first leg. In another embodiment, the rod is
substantially parallel to the central portion of the substantially
Z-shaped body. In yet another embodiment, the first leg and the
second leg are substantially orthogonal to the central portion. In
still another embodiment, the first leg defines the opening and the
rod extends from the second leg.
[0004] In another embodiment of the above aspect, the technology
relates to a maximum outer width of the rod substantially similar
to a minimum inner width of the opening. In an embodiment, a
maximum outer width of the rod is less than a minimum inner width
of the opening. In another embodiment, a tool extending from the
chamber flag. In yet another embodiment, the tool has at least one
of a spanner and a screwdriver.
[0005] In another aspect, the technology relates to a chamber flag
having: a body defining an opening having an opening axis; and a
rod extending from the body and having a rod axis substantially
parallel to the opening axis, wherein the chamber flag is
configured to support an upper receiver and a lower receiver of a
rifle at a fixed angle when the rod is connected to the upper
receiver and when the body is inserted into the lower receiver. In
one embodiment, the opening in the body is configured to align with
an opening defined by the lower receiver. In another embodiment,
the body includes a central portion, a first leg, and second leg,
wherein the first leg extends from the central portion and the
second leg extends from the central portion in a direction
substantially opposite to the first leg. In another embodiment, the
body includes a first leg that extends in a direction substantially
orthogonal to at least a portion of the rod. In another embodiment,
the first leg defines the opening and the rod extends from the
second leg. In another embodiment, a maximum outer width of the rod
is less than or substantially similar to a minimum inner width of
the opening. In another embodiment, at least one tool extends from
the chamber flag. In another embodiment, the tool includes a
spanner and/or a screwdriver.
[0006] In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of
temporarily securing a position of an upper receiver of a firearm
to a lower receiver of the firearm, the method including: inserting
a rod of a chamber flag into an eyelet (e.g., pin channel) of the
upper receiver; inserting a body of the chamber flag into the lower
receiver, wherein the lower receiver defines a pin opening; and
inserting a pin through the pin opening of the lower receive and an
opening defined by the body of the chamber flag. In an embodiment,
the method further includes the step of removing a pin from the pin
channel in the upper receiver before inserting the rod into the pin
channel. In another embodiment, the portion of the body of the
chamber flag is a first leg that extends in a direction
substantially orthogonal to at least a portion of the rod.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are
presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the
technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a top, front, left side perspective view of an
embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a top, rear, right side perspective view of an
embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a left side view of an embodiment of a chamber
flag of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a right side view of an embodiment of a chamber
flag of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 5A shows an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present
disclosure during use with a firearm.
[0013] FIG. 5B shows an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present
disclosure during use with a firearm.
[0014] FIG. 5C shows an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present
disclosure during use with a firearm.
[0015] FIG. 6A shows a configuration of an embodiment of a chamber
flag of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 6B shows a configuration of an embodiment of a chamber
flag of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6C shows a configuration of an embodiment of a chamber
flag of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 6D shows a configuration of an embodiment of a chamber
flag of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 6E shows a configuration of an embodiment of a chamber
flag of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a method of using a chamber
flag of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] FIGS. 1-4 are various views of a chamber flag 100, and are
described concurrently. The chamber flag 100 includes a body 102
and a rod 104 extending therefrom. In the depicted configuration,
the body 102 has an offset configuration that is substantially
Z-shaped. The substantially Z-shaped body 102 has two legs 106,
108, axes A.sub.L which are offset from and substantially parallel
to each other. A central portion 110 has an axis A.sub.C that, in
the depicted configuration, is substantially orthogonal to both of
legs 106, 108. Other angular relationships are contemplated and
other configurations of bodies having offset configurations
consistent with the technologies herein are described below.
[0022] The rod 104 extends from the body 102, for example from an
end of one of the legs 108. The rod 104 may have an axis A.sub.R
that is substantially parallel to the central portion axis A.sub.C,
although other angular relationships are contemplated. The rod 104
may have any cross-sectional configuration as required or desired
for a particular application. For example, the rod 104 may be
cross-shaped, as depicted, or may be round, oval, triangular,
square, pentagonal, hexagonal, and so on. Regardless of shape, the
rod 104 includes a maximum width W. The maximum width W may be
dictated by, e.g., one or more conditions of the use of the chamber
flag. In general, the maximum width W is such that the rod 104 may
be inserted through a pin channel or eyelet in an upper receiver of
a rifle or other firearm, as described in more detail below. The
rod 104 has a length L that allows for insertion into a barrel of a
rifle, when the chamber flag 100 is inserted to the chamber of the
rifle. The length L may be such that the chamber flag is not prone
to sliding out of the rifle barrel when inserted therein. The
length L may be dictated by the size of the chamber opening and
other factors. In at least one embodiment, the length L is 1-27
inches, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches.
[0023] An opening 112 is defined by the body 102, for example from
an end of the other leg 106. The opening 112 may have an axis
A.sub.O that is substantially parallel to the rod axis A.sub.R.
Typically, the opening axis A.sub.O is substantially orthogonal to
the first leg 106 axis A.sub.L. The opening 112 may have any
cross-sectional configuration desired. For example, the opening 112
may be round, oval, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, and
so on. Regardless of shape, the opening 112 is defined by a minimum
width w. The minimum width w may be dictated by, e.g., one or more
conditions of the use of the chamber flag. In general, the minimum
width w is such that the opening 112 may receive a pin extending
though a lower receiver of a rifle or other firearm, as described
in more detail below. In at least one embodiment, the minimum width
w is up to 0.5 inches, such as 0.375 inches or 0.25 inches.
[0024] The chamber flag 100 may be used to separate, at a fixed
angle, upper and lower receivers of a rifle for cleaning,
servicing, or other purposes. Some embodiments of this
configuration are depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B. As such, there is a
relationship between the maximum width W of the rod 104 and the
minimum width w of the opening 112. In most AR-type rifles, the
upper receiver is connected to the lower receiver at a forward
hinge. When the upper and lower receivers are engaged, a pin is
inserted into an opening in the lower receiver and passes through a
pin channel or eyelet in the upper receiver, thus holding the upper
and lower receivers together such that the rifle is in an operable
configuration. As such, the size of the pin of a particular rifle
may dictate both the maximum width W of the rod 104 and the minimum
width w of the opening 112. For example, the maximum width W of the
rod 104 may be similar in size to, or smaller than, a maximum width
of the pin. In this way, the rod 104 may be inserted into the pin
channel or eyelet when the upper and lower receivers are hinged
into an open position. The leg 106 may then be inserted into the
lower receiver, the opening 112 aligned with the opening in the
lower receiver, and the pin inserted therethrough. As such, the
minimum width w of the opening 112 may be similar in size to, or
larger than, the maximum width of the pin. In this way, the opening
112 may receive the pin when the upper and lower receivers are
hinged into an open position. As such, in examples, the maximum
width W of the rod 104 and the minimum width w of the opening 112
may be substantially the same. In such a configuration,
"substantially the same" means that the maximum width W of the rod
104 is such that it would have a close fit with the opening 112, if
inserted therein. In other examples, the maximum width W of the rod
104 is smaller than the minimum width w of the opening 112.
[0025] In some embodiments, the chamber flag 100 is substantially
symmetrical about a plane that includes both the rod axis A.sub.R
and the opening axis A.sub.O. As such, the chamber flag 100 can be
utilized to hold the upper receiver and lower receiver in an open
position whether installed through the pin channel or eyelet from
left-to-right or right-to-left.
[0026] The chamber flag 100 may further include integrated
therewith one or more tools that may be utilized to service,
assemble, clean, or repair a firearm or accessories related thereto
(e.g., a sight, scope, mount, or other device). For example, the
depicted chamber flag 100 includes two protrusions 114 extending
therefrom. These protrusions 114 function as a face spanner for
adjusting an optical device or other accessory. In examples, these
two protrusions may be 1.8 mm diameter pins. Additionally, the
chamber flag 100 may include a screwdriver 116 (e.g., a flat head
as depicted in FIG. 2). Both of these tools may be incorporated
into the leg 108, although other tool locations are contemplated
(e.g., the leg 106). In a further example, another screwdriver,
e.g., a Phillips head, may be incorporated into an end 118 of the
rod 104. The rod 104 may also include integrated therewith (or
secured thereto) a circumferential brush for insertion into the
barrel of a rifle for cleaning.
[0027] In some embodiments, a cross-section of the body 102 of the
chamber flag 100 (e.g., orthogonal to any axes A.sub.L, A.sub.C of
the legs 106, 108 or the central portion 110) is in a substantially
H-shaped configuration, which helps maintain rigidity of the body
102 while reducing material required for manufacture. The
cross-shaped cross-section of the rod 104 is manufactured as such
for similar reasons. Of course, entirely solid components may also
be utilized.
[0028] FIGS. 5A-5C depict views of a chamber flag 100 during use
with a firearm 200. With regard to FIG. 5A, two chamber flags 100a,
100b are depicted in use. Of course, only one chamber flag 100 need
be utilized at any given instant on the firearm 200. Chamber flag
100a is disposed so as to keep the upper receiver 202 and lower
receiver 204 in a fixed position for cleaning or other purposes, as
described elsewhere herein. This use of the chamber flag 100a is
also depicted in FIG. 5B. As can be seen, the upper receiver 202
and lower receiver 204 are joined at a hinge 206. In this way, the
rod 104a may be inserted into a pin channel or eyelet 208 in the
upper receiver 202 when the upper receiver 202 and the lower
receiver 204 are hinged into an open position. The leg 106a is
inserted into the lower receiver 204, and the opening (not shown)
in the leg 106a is aligned with an opening in the lower receiver
204 so as to receive a pin 210. The chamber flag 100b is utilized
as a chamber flag to indicate that the rifle 200 is not in an
operable condition. This use is also depicted in FIG. 5C, in which
the chamber flag 100b is inserted into the chamber opening 212 such
that the rod 104b extends down into the barrel 214. In this
position, the chamber flag 100b is inserted in a forward position
but may be pulled rearward by gripping the leg 106b so as to
release the rod 104b from the barrel 214.
[0029] FIGS. 6A-6E depict additional offset configurations of
chamber flags 300 consistent with the disclosure herein. These and
other offset configurations of the chamber flag allow the chamber
flag to also be used as a tool to hold the hinged upper and lower
receivers of a rifle at a fixed angle. The chamber flags may be
symmetrical in that the rods thereof can be inserted into the upper
receiver eyelet from either left-to-right or right-to-left. Each
chamber flag 300 includes a body 302 defining an opening 306
therethrough and a rod 304 extending therefrom. With regard to FIG.
6A, the body 302a is substantially V-shaped with a rod 304a
extending at an acute angle from the body 302a. The chamber flag
300b of FIG. 6B depicts a curved shape, while the chamber flag 300c
depicts a body 302b having a central portion disposed at
non-orthogonal angles to the legs. The chamber flag configurations
depicted in FIGS. 6B and 6C are fairly similar to those described
above in FIGS. 1-4. Chamber flag 300d depicted in FIG. 6D includes
a straight body 302d with a U-shaped rod 304d extending therefrom.
Chamber flag 300e depicted in FIG. 6E includes an L-shaped body
302e with a curved rod 204e extending therefrom.
[0030] FIG. 7 depicts a method 400 of using a chamber flag to hold
upper and lower receivers of a rifle in a fixed hinged position.
The method 400 begins at operation 402 with removing a pin from a
pin channel in an upper receiver and a pin opening in a lower
receiver of a firearm. This allows the upper and lower receivers to
be moved relative to each other. Next in operation 404, the upper
and lower receivers are hingedly moved relative to each other.
Operation 406 then includes inserting a rod of a chamber flag into
the pin channel of the upper receiver. Thereafter, operation 408
includes inserting at least a portion of a body of the chamber flag
into the pin opening of the lower receiver. To fully secure the
position of the upper receiver relative to the lower receiver,
operation 410 then requires re-inserting the pin into the pin
opening of the lower receiver and an opening defined by the body of
the chamber flag. In this fixed position, the rifle may be more
easily and more safely cleaned, serviced, and otherwise
manipulated.
[0031] The chamber flags described herein may be utilized with a
number of different firearms available on the market, for example,
AR-15 and AR-10 based rifles. Configurations, sizes, and dimensions
may be modified as required or desired to accommodate other rifle
types or to accommodate pistols.
[0032] The chamber flag may be manufactured by known techniques
using injection molded plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), various grade densities of
polyethylene, or other plastics or thermoplastic polymers.
Glass-filled plastics, such as 30% glass-filled nylon may be
desirable, since they allow a certain degree of deflection under
load while still maintaining sufficient strength. Additionally, the
chamber flag may be molded of brightly colored materials or painted
after manufacture. This increases visibility of the chamber flag
during use. The chamber flag may be injection molded as a single
piece, including some or all of the components described herein, or
the chamber flag may be manufactured in two or more pieces and
joined together (e.g., along a plane that includes both the rod
axis A.sub.R and the opening axis A.sub.O). For example, the body
102 may be manufactured separately from the rod 104 and the two
components may then be joined together after manufacture.
Adhesives, mechanical connections, press- or snap-fit connections,
and/or combinations thereof can be used to permanently or
temporarily connect discrete parts of the chamber flag.
[0033] As used herein, the term "substantially" means being of
considerable degree, almost all, or all. For example, a
"substantially Z-shaped body" refers to a body that is Z-shaped, or
that has a shape that considerably resembles the shape of a Z. As
another example, a "substantially similar" measurement, such as a
width, refers to a value that is the same or almost the same as
another such measurement value.
[0034] While there have been described herein what are to be
considered exemplary and preferred embodiments of the present
technology, other modifications of the technology will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. The
particular methods of manufacture and geometries disclosed herein
are exemplary in nature and are not to be considered limiting. It
is therefore desired to be secured in the appended claims all such
modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the
technology. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters
Patent is the technology as defined and differentiated in the
following claims, and all equivalents.
* * * * *