U.S. patent application number 15/872246 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-19 for firearm system with fire mode selector switch.
The applicant listed for this patent is MACHINE GUN ARMORY, LLC. Invention is credited to Paul Edward Gettings, John Steven Kokinis.
Application Number | 20180202731 15/872246 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54141768 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180202731 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kokinis; John Steven ; et
al. |
July 19, 2018 |
FIREARM SYSTEM WITH FIRE MODE SELECTOR SWITCH
Abstract
Implementations of the present invention relate to apparatuses,
systems, and methods for firing a belt-fed closed-bolt firearm by
delivering an impulse from an impulse source along a first axis to
a firing pin on a second axis. The first axis and second axis are
not coaxial, allowing the impulse source to be disposed away from
and not in direct contact or alignment with the firing pin.
Inventors: |
Kokinis; John Steven;
(Sandy, UT) ; Gettings; Paul Edward; (Sandy,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MACHINE GUN ARMORY, LLC |
Sandy |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54141768 |
Appl. No.: |
15/872246 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15268374 |
Sep 16, 2016 |
9879928 |
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15872246 |
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14585969 |
Dec 30, 2014 |
9448019 |
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15268374 |
|
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61926029 |
Jan 10, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 19/43 20130101;
F41A 3/26 20130101; F41A 17/46 20130101; F41A 19/46 20130101; F41A
5/26 20130101; F41C 23/20 20130101; F41A 3/66 20130101; F41A 19/33
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 3/26 20060101
F41A003/26; F41A 5/26 20060101 F41A005/26; F41A 19/43 20060101
F41A019/43; F41C 23/20 20060101 F41C023/20; F41A 3/66 20060101
F41A003/66 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: an elongate receiver defining an interior
volume and having an exterior surface; a trigger package having a
rotatable fire mode selector switch, the fire mode selector switch
being disposed proximate the exterior surface; and a selector stop
disposed on the exterior surface and configured to partially
inhibit rotation of the fire mode selector switch.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rotatable fire mode selector
is removable from the trigger pack when rotated to a disassemble
position.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the selector stop is configured
to inhibit the fire mode selector switch from achieving the
disassemble position.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector stop is affixed to
the exterior surface of the receiver.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector stop is a raised
portion of the exterior surface of the receiver.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a housing in which the
trigger package is disposed, wherein the trigger package is
connected to the housing by only the fire mode selector switch.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/268,374 filed Sep. 16, 2016
entitled FIRING BLOCK ASSEMBLY, which is incorporated herein by
reference and which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 14/585,969 filed Dec. 30, 2014 entitled
"INTEGRATED SLIDE-CARRIER AND FIRING BLOCK ASSEMBLY" which is
incorporated herein by reference, and which claims priority to and
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/926,029,
filed Jan. 10, 2014, titled "INTEGRATED SLIDE-CARRIER AND FIRING
BLOCK ASSEMBLY," which is incorporated herein by reference. Each of
the foregoing applications is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
1. The Field of the Invention
[0002] Generally, this disclosure relates to firearms. More
specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods, devices,
and systems for operating a closed-bolt belt-fed firearm with
greater reliability of operation, flexibility in platform, and ease
of maintenance.
2. Background and Relevant Art
[0003] Belt-fed machine guns generally fall into two broad
categories based on the way the gun fires ammunition: open-bolt or
closed-bolt. In an open-bolt gun, the operating group, which
includes the bolt, is held toward the rear of the receiver and away
from chamber when not firing. The operating group is restrained,
under tension from a spring, such that when the operating group is
released, it moves forward forcefully. The forward movement shears
a bullet off of a belt, delivers the bullet to the chamber, closed
the chamber, and fires the bullet. In a closed-bolt gun, the
operating group is held forward and against the barrel extension
when not firing. The bolt is mated and locked to the barrel
extension forming a closed chamber. The chamber may house a bullet
waiting to be fired by an impulse from a hammer or other impulse
source delivered to the bullet's primer by a firing pin.
[0004] An open-bolt gun is inherently a machine gun. Without input
from an operator, an open-bolt gun will continuously fire,
typically at a very high rate, as long as the weapon has ammunition
or until the gun malfunctions. Each time the operating group moves
forward in an open-bolt gun, the forward motion detonates the
bullet's primer, firing the gun. The firing of a bullet generates a
rapidly expanding gas within the barrel and some of the gas is
diverted to a gas piston which forces the operating group rearward,
opening the chamber and moving the next round into position, before
a spring forces the operating group forward again, repeating the
process until the ammunition is exhausted or an operator restrains
the operating group in a rearward position.
[0005] A closed-bolt gun, conversely, may remain at rest with the
operating group forward and a bullet chambered. The firing pin
remains withdrawn from the bullet until an impulse source, such as
a hammer or a striker, delivers an impulse to the firing pin to
detonate the primer and charge in the bullet. At which time, the
expanding gas in the barrel may be diverted to provide energy to
cycle the operating group similarly to an open-bolt gun, except
when the spring returns the operating group to a forward position,
the bolt locks adjacent the barrel extension and the bullet in the
chamber awaits the operator releasing the impulse source.
[0006] Prior to the Firearms Owners' Protection Act of 1986,
open-bolt machine guns could be newly registered legally in the
United States. The FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'HERSTAL ("FN") MINIMI
open-bolt machine gun (and the affiliated United States variant,
the M249 light machine gun platform) was among the most common
open-bolt machine guns available at the time, and remains one of
the most common open-bolt machine guns in the world. The FN MINIMI
was originally developed in 1974 and has continued in operation
with militaries in 45 countries. There are a great deal of parts,
accessories, and assemblies available for the platform on the
market, and the transfer of open-bolt machine guns legally
registered before May 19, 1986 is legal through proper channels and
with proper documentation. However, the production of new open-bolt
machine guns, such as the M249 platform, for civilian sale in the
United States is now illegal. Due to the reputation and restricted
availability of the M249 platform, there remains a demand for
M249-type firearms among civilians, as well as a robust market
around the original guns.
[0007] However, an open-bolt belt-fed machine gun, such as the M249
platform has a number of disadvantages for use in military or law
enforcement conflicts despite the high rate of fire of the weapon.
Typically, the high rate of fire of the M249 platform
(approximately 800 rounds per minute) results in challenges for the
operator to control the recoil and therefore accuracy of the
weapon. Furthermore, in many cases, the advantages of outputting up
to 800 rounds per minute may be outweighed by the consumption of
ammunition. For example, 200 rounds of 5.56 mm.times.45 mm NATO
ammunition, not including the belt links, weighs almost 6 pounds
and an M249-platform machine gun can fire all 6 pounds of
ammunition in 15 seconds. The M249 platform also supports a 7.62
mm.times.51 mm NATO variant that weighs twice as much per round.
Therefore, mobility of the gun and operator is directly tied to
ammunition consumption.
[0008] Closed-bolt rifles are legal to manufacture, sell, and own
(when properly registered in territories required registration) and
are not subject to many of the 1986 registration limitations.
Closed-bolt rifles capable of full-automatic firing are still
regulated. Conversion of a semiautomatic closed-bolt gun to a
full-automatic closed-bolt gun is possible with a registered sear
that is properly registered with appropriate authorities. However,
closed-bolt rifles are capable of semi-automatic fire, burst fire
(a fixed number of rounds greater than one), or full-automatic fire
with each pull of the trigger. Furthermore, the different firing
modes of closed-bolt rifles may be freely selected by a fire mode
selector switch commonly mounted on the grip of the rifle allowing
a closed-bolt rifle to be freely altered between semi-automatic,
burst, and full-automatic firing modes quickly and easily depending
on the needs of the operator.
[0009] The closed-bolt, hammer- or striker-operated platform,
therefore, has operational flexibility that an open-bolt platform
cannot offer. Additionally, there are many manufacturers that offer
a wide variety of hammer- or striker-operated trigger packages for
sale. For example, HECKLER & KOCH manufactures hammer-operated
trigger packages that offer selectable fire modes between "safe;"
semi-automatic fire; burst fire of two, three, or more rounds at a
time; or full-automatic and any combination thereof.
[0010] However, an open-bolt gun is not hammer- or
striker-operated, and therefore, there is no mechanism by which a
hammer or striker may strike a firing pin. Previous attempts to
simply drill a bore through the slide and extend the firing pin
through the operating group necessitated an additional extension of
a hammer beyond the available sizes as is described in "MGA's
Semiautomatic MK46 Variant" by Dan Shea, The Small Arms Review,
Vol. 13 No. 4, January 2010, pp. 48-54, which is incorporated
herein in its entirety by reference. The target operational
lifetime for belt-fed firearms is more than 100,000 rounds. The
extra length of the bore, firing pin, and hammer all create
additional strain on internal components resulting in increased
likelihood of firearm failure.
[0011] Therefore, it would be desirable to enable the use of a
hammer- or striker-operated trigger package with selectable fire
modes with an M249-type platform by conversion of the open-bolt
M249 or similar platform to a closed-bolt platform and providing a
mechanism by which a commercially available standard hammer or
striker may impart force to a firing pin.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0012] Implementations of the present disclosure solve one or more
of the foregoing or other problems in the art with apparatuses,
systems, and methods for detonating a round in a closed-bolt
self-loading firearm using a non-coaxial impulse source. The
present disclosure provides an integrated slide-carrier and firing
block, which function to couple the impulse source, such as a
hammer or striker, to the firing pin where the motion of the
impulse source and the firing pin are not coaxial.
[0013] Additional features and advantages of exemplary
implementations of the invention will be set forth in the
description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the
description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary
implementations. The features and advantages of such
implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the
instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims. These and other features will become more fully
apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may
be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set
forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited
and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained,
a more particular description of the invention briefly described
above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof
which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better
understanding, the like elements have been designated by like
reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric exploded view of a firearm
according to the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2 depicts a lower isometric exploded view of the
firearm of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of an integrated
slide-carrier according to the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 4 depicts a left side view of the integrated
slide-carrier of FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 5 depicts a left side cross-sectional view of the
integrated slide-carrier of FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 6 depicts a left side cross-sectional view of the
integrated slide-carrier of FIG. 3, further including a firing pin
and firing block;
[0021] FIG. 7 depicts a rear end view of the integrated
slide-carrier and firing block of FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 8 depicts a front end view of the integrated
slide-carrier of FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of the firing block of FIG.
6;
[0024] FIGS. 10A-C depict a left side view of the rotation of a
bolt due to linear movement of the integrated slide-carrier of FIG.
3;
[0025] FIGS. 11A-C depict a left side cross-sectional view of the
rotation of a bolt due to linear movement of the integrated
slide-carrier of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIGS. 12A-B depict a left side cross-sectional view the
detonation of a bullet by transmitting an impulse through the
firing block of FIG. 6;
[0027] FIGS. 13A-C depict a left side cross-sectional view of
resetting a hammer due to the linear movement of the integrated
slide-carrier of FIG. 3;
[0028] FIGS. 14A-C depict the use of a selector stop with a fire
mode selector switch; and
[0029] FIG. 15 depicts an exploded view of the removable trigger
package and selector switch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] One or more implementations of the present invention relate
to methods, devices, and systems for firing a closed-bolt
self-loading firearm. The methods, devices, and systems involve the
transmission of force from an impulse source through a non-linear
path to a propellant configured to accelerate a projectile. The
methods, devices, and systems may also allow the operation of other
functionality of the firearm, such as feeding ammunition, ejecting
ammunition, resetting the impulse source or opening and closing a
chamber.
[0031] The FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'HERSTAL ("FN") M249 platform is one
of the most common light machine gun platforms in the world,
including many variants and having countless available accessories.
However, the M249 platform is an open-bolt, slam fire weapon. The
open-bolt, slam fire M249 platform has only two modes of operation:
800 round-per-minute ("RPM") fully automatic firing and not firing.
When firing at 800 RPM, the firearm is difficult to control and
expends ammunition quickly. An option to operate the M249 platform
as a closed-bolt, hammer fired weapon is desirable. However, the
design of a closed-bolt, hammer fired gun on the M249 platform
requires modification of the internal operating group.
[0032] The present disclosure relates to the modification and
replacement of the internal operating group to produce a
closed-bolt, hammer fired operation in an M249-type platform. The
carrier, slide, recoil spring, gas tube, trunnion, gas block, grip,
trigger housing, and operating rod must all be redesigned; and a
sear and trigger of the open-bolt system must be replaced with
trigger package containing a hammer or other impulse source. A
closed-bolt operating group may include an integrate slide-carrier
that enables the use of a substantially standard bolt, firing pin,
and trigger package, while translating the force applied from a
first axis to a second axis in order to allow proper operation of
the firearm in a semi-automatic, burst-fire, or fully-automatic
firing mode. The first and second axes may each be longitudinal
axis and, therefore, parallel or non-parallel axes, such as
perpendicular or at an acute angle to one another. Furthermore, the
directions of the forces, even when the axes are parallel, may not
be the same.
[0033] The integrated slide-carrier may incorporate the
functionality of a slide and carrier while allowing additional
functionality by removing the division and, hence, connection
therebetween. The slide-carrier may allow for more reliable
operation of the gun with less moving parts to replace or maintain
and for less chance of failure in the field. The slide-carrier may
also allow the transmission of a firing force from an impulse
source through the slide-carrier to a firing pin, which may then
transmit the force to a propellant in the ammunition. The
slide-carrier may also enable the translation of the firing force
in a non-linear path or along more than one axis.
[0034] The elimination of the connection between the slide and
carrier may enable the integrated slide-carrier to transmit force
from expanding gas rod to the slide more directly. The monolithic
construction of the integrated slide-carrier may thereby reduce
torque applied on receiver rails to which the slide-carrier is
slidably mounted. Reduced torque on the slide may reduce wear on
the receiver rails, providing a further increase in reliability and
reduction in maintenance of the firearm.
[0035] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric exploded view of the main
operational components of an embodiment of a firearm 100 including
an integrated slide-carrier assembly. FIG. 2 depicts a lower
isometric exploded view of the main components of the firearm 100.
The firearm 100 includes a receiver 200, which may carry upon it
various information engraved or otherwise affixed thereto. The
information on the receiver 200 may commonly include model
designation and identification information unique to that receiver
to identify the firearm 100 for registration and ownership
purposes. The receiver 200 may also enable the connection and
assembly of many of the operational components on or in the
receiver 200. For example, the receiver 200 includes a receiver
body 202 that defines an interior channel 204 with left and right
receiver rails 206a, 206b affixed thereto. The left receiver rail
206a and right receiver rail 206b may be symmetrical with respect
to one another, or they may be asymmetrical. For example, the left
receiver rail 206a and the right receiver rail 206b may have
differing thicknesses or they may be positioned differently in the
interior channel 204. The left receiver rail 206a may be thicker or
thinner than the right receiver rail 206b. Additionally or
alternatively, the left receiver rail 206a may be positioned higher
or lower than the right receiver rail 206b. Furthermore, the left
receiver rail 206a may be longer or shorter longitudinally within
the interior channel 204 than the right receiver rail 206b. The
receiver 200 further comprises a selector stop 210. The selector
stop 210 may be affixed to an exterior surface of the receiver or
may be a raised portion of the receiver itself. The selector stop
210 inhibits a fire mode selector switch 512 such as that found on
commercially available hammer-operated trigger packages from
reaching a "disassemble" position, as will be explain in relation
to FIGS. 14A-C.
[0036] The operating group 300 is slidably connected to the
receiver 200 by the left and right receiver rails 206a, 206b. The
operating group 300 includes the integrated slide-carrier 302
(described further in FIGS. 3-8) having an elongate upper section
in which there are left and right longitudinal recessions 304a,
304b. The left and right longitudinal recessions 304a, 304b receive
the left and right receiver rails 206a, 206b, respectively, to
allow the longitudinal movement of the operating group 300 within
the interior channel 204 of the receiver 200. The operating group
300 further includes a firing block 306 that is disposed at least
partially inside the integrated slide-carrier 302. Alternatively,
the firing block 306 may be disposed entirely externally to the
integrated slide-carrier. (The firing block 306 will also be
described more fully in relation to FIGS. 5-9.) The firing block
306 transmits a force to the firing pin assembly 308, which is at
least partially disposed within a bolt 310. The bolt 310 includes
notches, grooves, channels, or threads for selectively connecting
to another, complementary connector.
[0037] Still referring to FIG. 1, the receiver 200 also includes a
central trunnion 208 into which the barrel assembly 400 connects.
The barrel assembly 400 comprises a barrel body 402 that includes a
bore 404 therethrough. The bore 404 provides communication between
the barrel body 402 and a barrel extension 406. Together, the
barrel extension 406 and the bore 404 provide a path through which
a bullet (not shown) may exit the firearm 100.
[0038] The barrel assembly 400 also includes a gas block 408
disposed on the barrel body 402 forward of the barrel extension
406. The gas block 408 covers a gas port 410 and provides fluid
communication with a gas block outlet 412. After firing a bullet,
rapidly expanding gas may travel the length of the barrel body 402
through the bore 404. As the gas passes the gas port 410, the gas
block 408 may channel some of the gas laterally away from the bore
404 and toward the gas block outlet 412. The diverted gas may be
expelled through the gas block outlet 412 and provide the motive
force to cycle the firearm 100 and prepare for a subsequent
firing.
[0039] The barrel assembly 400 connects to the receiver 200 by
inserting the barrel extension 406 into the central trunnion 208.
The barrel extension 406 may connect to the trunnion 208 via
threads, a twist lock, a friction fit, a weld, an adhesive or other
secure attachment. The connection between the barrel 406 and the
trunnion 208 may be selectively attachable to facilitate
maintenance and repair of the firearm 100. The barrel extension 406
provides complementary notches, grooves, channels, or threads into
which the bolt 310 may be received and selectively secured thereto.
The connection of the bolt 310 to the barrel extension 406 provides
a selectively securable connection between the barrel assembly 400
and the internal operating group 300. The connection of the
operating group 300 and the barrel assembly 400 provides a chamber
in which a bullet may be held and fired (visible in FIGS.
12A-B).
[0040] Still referring to FIG. 1, the firearm 100 further includes
a control assembly 500 disposed on the underside of the firearm 100
and selectively connected to the receiver 200. The control assembly
includes a housing 502 with front mounting points 504 and rear
mounting points 506. The front mounting points 504 may be a notch
that is configured to be received into a recession on the receiver
body 202, eyelets for a cross-bar, a snap fit, or other similar
selectively securable connection. Similarly, the rear mounting
points 506 may be a notch configured to be received into a
recession on the receiver body 202, eyelets for a cross-bar, a snap
fit, or other similar selectively securable connection. A trigger
package 508 is disposed within the housing 502 of the control
assembly 500. The trigger package includes an impulse source such
as a hammer 510, as depicted in FIG. 1, or a striker or other
similar linear actuator. The trigger package 508 may be a
commercially available trigger package and may include safe,
semi-automatic, 2-round burst, 3-round burst, fully automatic, or
other fire operation modes selectable with a fire mode selector
switch 512. The trigger package 508, more specifically, may
comprise a HECKLER AND KOCH trigger package. The trigger package
508 may operate the firearm 100 without modification to the trigger
mechanism. Other modifications not affecting the trigger mechanism
may include, for example, removal of the ejector.
[0041] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the firearm 100 further
comprises a gas piston assembly 600 that provides a fluid and
mechanical linkage between the barrel assembly 400 and the
operating group 300. The gas piston assembly 600 connects the
barrel assembly 400 to the operating group 300 by a gas
piston-and-cylinder linkage. The gas tube 602 is disposed around,
or otherwise forms a fluid seal with, the gas block outlet 412. The
gas block outlet 412 may provide a source of high pressure gas,
which may impinge upon a surface of a gas piston 604. The gas
piston 604 is connected to a rigid operating rod 606, which is, in
turn, connected to the operating group 300. The operating rod 606
is connected to the operating rod connection 312 on the integrated
slide-carrier 302 of the operating group 300. The connection
between the operating rod 606 and the operating rod connection 312,
and the connection between the gas piston 604 and the operating rod
606, may be any connection of sufficient strength to communicate
the compressive and tensile forces produced during operation of the
firearm 100. For example, the connection may be threads, a twist
lock, a friction fit, a weld, an adhesive or other secure
attachment. Preferably the connection may be a selective connection
facilitating maintenance and repair of the firearm 100, and more
preferably, the connection may be adjustable to allow precise
tuning of the operation of the firearm 100. For example, the
connection may be a threaded connection providing a selective and
adjustable connection. A threaded connection may further comprise a
lateral set screw to retain the connection at the selected relative
position.
[0042] The gas piston assembly 600 may allow the high pressure gas,
the gas contained within the barrel bore 404 and directed through
the gas block 408 and gas port 410 to the gas block outlet 412, to
provide the energy for a motive force to cycle the operating group
300. The motive force may be a reciprocal linear force resulting
from the pressure of the impinging gas from the gas block outlet
412 in the rearward direction, and an opposite linear force from a
recoil spring 608 disposed circumferentially around the operating
rod and compressed between a surface of the gas piston 604 and a
bushing 610 disposed adjacent the trunnion 208. The bushing 610 is
an annular bushing configured to allow the operating rod 606 to
slide through a central opening in the bushing 610 while the recoil
spring 608 is retained by an annular surface of the bushing 610.
Hence, when the high pressure gas impinges upon the gas piston 604,
the gas piston 604 travels rearward along the length of the gas
tube 602, and compresses the recoil spring 608 against the bushing
610 adjacent the trunnion 208. The seal between the gas piston 604
and the gas tube 602 allows for the passage of a portion of the
high pressure gas, allowing dissipation of the pressure in the gas
tube 602. The gas that escapes beyond the gas piston 604 may then
pass through channels in the bushing 610 and escape the firearm
100, dissipating the gas in the gas tube 602.
[0043] The recoil spring 608 may then provide a restoring force in
opposition to the rearward movement of the gas piston 604. The
restoring force causes the gas piston 604 to travel forward in the
gas tube 602 until the gas piston 604 returns to a position
adjacent the gas block outlet 412. Thus, each firing of the firearm
100 may result in a reciprocal motion of the gas piston 604 within
the gas tube 602. The reciprocal motion of the gas piston 604
within the gas tube 602 with each firing of the firearm 100
provides the motive force to reciprocally move the operating group
300 within the receiver 200.
[0044] The reciprocal motion of the operating group 300 may provide
the input force for nearly all other operations of the firearm 100,
as will be discussed in relation to FIGS. 10-15. For example, the
motion of the operating group 300 after the firing of a first round
and the introduction of high-pressure gas through the gas port 610
and into the gas tube 602, unlocks the bolt 310 from the barrel
extension 406, extracts a shell casing, ejects the shell casing,
resets the trigger package 508, removes a second round from an
ammunition source, inserts the second round into the barrel
extension 406, and then locks the bolt 310 in the barrel extension
406. Many of these functions are provided by the integrated
slide-carrier 302 of the operating group 300, depicted in detail in
FIGS. 3-8.
[0045] As can also be seen in FIG. 1, the firearm 100 comprises a
top cover 700, as is known in the art, configured to feed in a belt
of ammunition. The top cover 700 feeds ammunition with a
lever-activated feed driven by the bearing 328 of the operating
group 300. The bearing 328 may follow a track in the top cover 700
providing an incremental, lateral feed of ammunition, as is visible
in FIG. 2. The top cover 700 is specific to the type and size of
ammunition being fired.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 3, the integrated slide-carrier 302
comprises the left and right longitudinal recessions 304a, 304b,
which receive the left and right receiver rails 206a, 206b
respectively to facilitate the longitudinal, reciprocal movement of
the operating group 300 within the interior channel 204 of the
receiver 200. The integrated slide-carrier 302 also comprises a
slide bore 314, into which a firing pin 308 and bolt 310 (not
depicted) may be inserted. The bore extends from near a forward end
of the integrated slide-carrier 302 substantially through the
length of the integrated slide-carrier 302, but not through the
entire integrated slide-carrier 302. The bore is recessed from a
front end of the integrated slide-carrier 302 to allow the bolt 310
(not depicted) to properly lock into the barrel extension 406.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 4, the front end of the integrated
slide-carrier 302 comprises an upper front surface 316a and a lower
front surface 316b, which are co-planar. The co-planar upper front
surface 316a and lower front surface 316b extend on either side of
the barrel extension 406 when the firearm 100 is in battery. The
integrated slide-carrier 302 is held against the barrel extension
406 by the recoil spring 608 and the operating rod 606 connected to
the operating rod connector 312. A contact surface 316c may
distribute the compressive force between the integrated
slide-carrier 302 and the barrel extension 406 to reduce strain and
wear on the integrated slide carrier 302.
[0048] Still referring to FIG. 4, the integrated slide-carrier 302
further comprises a rotation channel 318 associated with the slide
bore 314. The rotation channel 318 guides the rotation of the bolt
310 to lock and unlock the bolt 310 from the complementary channels
in the barrel extension 406. The rotation channel 318 comprises an
upper portion 318a, a catch 318b, a rotational portion 318c, and a
longitudinal portion 318d. The upper portion 318a has a rearward
slanted front face and a vertical rear face, while the rotational
portion 318c has a forward slanted front face and forward slanted
rear face, while the catch 318b forms the junction of the upper
portion 318a and the rotational portion 318c. The upper portion
318a allows manual removal or installation of a bolt 310 by
rotating the bolt 310 through the upper portion 318a and drawing
the bolt 310 out through the slide bore 314. During normal
operation, however, the catch 318b prevents the unintended removal
of the bolt 310.
[0049] Still referring to FIG. 4, the integrate slide-carrier 302
comprises a lower support 320. The lower support 320 provides
structural support to the integrated slide-carrier 302 and thereby
reduces strain and wear on the integrated slide-carrier 302 to
prevent failure of the operating group 300. The lower support 320
extends substantially the length of the integrated slide-carrier
302 and defines a central space 322. The lower support 320 connects
to the remainder of the integrated slide-carrier 302 by one or more
points. The central space 322 is devoid of material or may comprise
material of different mass than the integrated slide-carrier 302,
in order to tune the mass of the operating group 300. The mass of
the operating group 300 may need to change to ensure proper
operation of the firearm 100 depending on operating conditions,
ammunition type, the spring constant of the recoil spring 608, the
size of the gas port 410, or other factors.
[0050] The integrated slide-carrier 302 additionally comprises a
sear release arm 324, enabling the firearm 100 to be operated in a
fully automatic firing mode. The sear release arm 324 is configured
to release a sear in a hammer-operated fully automatic firing
mechanism, such as some HECKLER AND KOCH trigger packages. The
integrated slide-carrier 302 also comprises a bevel 326 configured
to engage a hammer 510 or other impulse source of a trigger package
508 and reset the hammer 510 or other impulse source as the
operating group 300 cycles rearward after firing. The integrated
slide-carrier 302 may also comprise a channel configured to hold
the bearing 328 which may engage with a top cover 700 (not
depicted) to feed ammunition automatically into the firearm
100.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the slide bore 314 extends through some,
but not all of the integrated slide-carrier 302. Alternatively, the
slide bore 314 may extend through substantially the entire length
of the integrated slide-carrier 302. The slide bore 314 includes a
hole for a bore cross-pin 330 that intersects the slide bore 314
and may retain the firing pin 308 within the slide bore 314. The
bore cross-pin 330 retains the firing pin 308 within a desired
range of motion, allowing for the selective extension of the firing
pin 308 through and out of the bolt 310 to set off the ammunition
when in battery.
[0052] The integrated slide-carrier 302 includes a rear channel
334, which communicates with the slide bore 314 in a rear portion
of the slide bore 314. The rear channel 334 of the integrated
slide-carrier 302 includes rear channel rails 336 recessed into the
sides of the rear channel 334. The rear channel rails 336 extend
forward from a rear surface of the integrated slide-carrier 302 and
may be symmetrical on opposing faces of the rear channel 334. As
can be seen in FIG. 6-8, the firing block 306 is disposed at least
partially within the rear channel 334, at least partially within
the slide bore 314, and at least partially outside of the
integrated slide-carrier 302. Alternatively, the firing block 306
may be disposed externally to the integrated slide-carrier 302.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the firing block 306 is disposed between
the substantially opposing lateral faces of the rear channel 334
and substantially fills a lateral width of the rear channel 334.
The width of the firing block 306 is such that the firing block 306
cannot turn laterally and jam within the rear channel 334. The
firing block 306 comprises firing block rails 338 that align with
the rear channel rails 336 disposed in the lateral faces of the
rear channel 334. The rear channel rails 336 and the firing block
rails 338 may be identical but mirrored versions of one another,
but need not be. For example, the rear channel rails 336 and the
firing block rails 338 of FIG. 7 are both semi-circular in
transverse cross-section, but in other embodiments may be
triangular in transverse cross-section, or may be rectangular in
transverse cross-section. Alternatively, the rear channel rails 336
may be semi-circular in transverse cross-section, triangular in
transverse cross-section, or rectangular in transverse
cross-section, and the firing block rails 338 may have a different
cross-section.
[0054] In any configuration, the rear channel rails 336 and the
firing block rails 338 may form a cavity in which a guide pin 340
(shown in dashed lines in FIG. 7) may be disposed. FIG. 7 depicts
an integrated slide-carrier 302 and firing block 306 with two pairs
of rear channel rails 336 and firing block rails 338 providing two
cavities in which two guide pins 340 are disposed. The guide pins
340 retain the firing block 306 along a longitudinal path of travel
and restrict the longitudinal rotation of the firing block 306 such
that the firing block does not jam in the rear channel 334 or the
slide bore 314 during longitudinal movement. The guide pins 340 are
retained by a rail cross-pin 332 that inhibits rearward movement of
the guide pins 340.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, the rear channel 334 intersects with the
slide bore 314, but the slide bore 314 and the rear channel 334
only partially overlap due to the slide bore 314 extending only
part of the length of the integrated slide-carrier 302 and not
extending all the way to the rear of the integrated slide-carrier
302. The firing block 306 is, therefore inserted into the rearward
portion of the slide bore 314 and then held within a predetermined
range of positions by the guide pins 340.
[0056] FIG. 9 depicts the firing block 306 that is disposed at
least partially within the rear channel 334, at least partially
within the slide bore 314, and at least partially outside of the
integrated slide-carrier 302. The firing block 306 transfers energy
from a hammer 510 or other impulse source in a trigger package 508
on a first axis to a firing pin 308 on a longitudinal second axis.
The first axis is also longitudinal, but need not be in alternative
embodiments. Similarly, the second axis is parallel to the first
axis, but need not be in alternative embodiments. The firing block
306 is generally L-shaped, but in other embodiments, the firing
block may be triangular, rectangular, or any other shape capable of
transferring mechanical forces from a first axis to a second,
parallel axis. The firing block 306 comprises a firing pin contact
surface 342 and a hammer contact surface 344. The firing pin
contact surface 342 is configured to deliver an impulse to the
firing pin 308 reliably, and therefore includes a flat surface to
be disposed in contact with, or adjacent to a rearward end of the
firing pin 308. The firing pin contact surface 342 protrudes
forward into the slide bore 314 and beyond the rear channel 334.
The firing pin contact surface 342 protruding beyond the rear
channel 334 allows the firing pin contact surface 342 to contact
the rear end of the firing pin 308 without needing the rear end of
the firing pin 308 to extend past the forward end of the rear
channel 334. If the firing pin 308 extends too far rearward, the
firing pin 308 may catch on the forward end of the rear channel 334
and could lead to the firearm 100 jamming during operation.
[0057] The hammer contact surface 344 disposed is at the rear of
the firing block 306 and extends beyond the rear end of the
integrated slide-carrier 302 such that a hammer or other impulse
source from the trigger package 504 may contact the hammer contact
surface 344. The hammer contact surface 344 is configured to
receive an impulse from the trigger package 508 reliably, and
therefore includes a flat surface to be disposed in contact with,
or adjacent to, a hammer 510 or other impulse source of the trigger
package 508. Additionally, to withstand the receipt of and to
properly transmit tens or hundreds of thousands of impulses from
the trigger package 508, the firing block 306 is reinforced in some
areas and lightened in other areas. For example, the firing block
306 may have additional material in a flared portion 346 leading to
the hammer contact surface 344. The additional material in the
flared portion 346 toughens the firing block 306 in that region and
enhances the operational lifetime of the firing block 306.
[0058] Furthermore, the firing block 306 comprises a brace 348 that
extends diagonally from the corner of the generally L-shaped firing
block 306. The brace 348 aids in transmitting the impulse from the
trigger package 508 to the firing pin 308 sufficiently efficiently
to allow the removal of material elsewhere, such as a void 350,
without degrading the performance of the firing block 306. By
removing material and having a void 350 in the firing block 306,
the overall mass and therefore inertia of firing block 306 may be
reduced, resulting in a more immediate transfer of energy from the
trigger package 508 to the firing pin 308. Also, a firing block 306
of greater mass and inertia may be more likely to prematurely
firing the firearm 100 when the operating group 300 cycles forward.
To ensure the firing block 306 remains within the desired range of
movement, a pin slot 352 is included near the hammer contact
surface 344 through which the rail cross-pin 332 is disposed,
restricting movement of the firing block 306 and ensuring the
firing block does not fall out of the integrated slide-carrier
302.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 10A-C, the catch 318b retains the bolt
310 and urges the bolt 310 rearward during rearward motion of the
integrated slide-carrier 302 and assists in aligning the bolt head
310a with the barrel extension 406 (barrel extension 406 not
depicted in FIGS. 10A-C). Upon forward motion of the operating
group 300 toward the barrel extension 406, the bolt 310 contacts
the barrel extension 406 first and the integrated slide-carrier 302
continues moving forward, compressing a firing pin spring 354 and
pushing the bolt 310 into the slide bore 314. The firing pin spring
354 is at least partially recessed into an annular recession in the
bolt 310 to prevent kinking of the firing pin spring 354 during
compression.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 10B, as the bolt 310 moves into the slide
bore 314, the rotational portion 318c rotates the bolt 310 by
applying torque to the bolt guide member 310b. The bolt guide
member 310b slides along the rotational portion 318c as the
slide-carrier 302 moves forward. The rotation of the bolt head 310a
locks the bolt 310 relative to the barrel extension 406, providing
a sealed chamber in which to fire a bullet. The integrated
slide-carrier 302 then continues moving toward the barrel extension
406 while the bolt remains stationary and locked, as shown in FIG.
10C. The integrated slide-carrier 302 continues moving toward the
barrel extension because the bolt 310 should be fully rotated and
locked relative to the barrel extension 406 before the firing pin
308 (visible in FIG. 11A-C) is positioned adjacent the bullet.
[0061] FIGS. 11A-C depict the same process in a cross-section view
to show the compression of the firing pin spring 354 and the
movement of the integrated slide-carrier 302 and firing pin 308
relative to the bolt 310. The catch 318b retains the bolt 310 and
urges the bolt 310 rearward during rearward motion of the
integrated slide-carrier 302 and assists in aligning the bolt head
310a with the barrel extension 406 (barrel extension 406 not
depicted in FIGS. 11A-C). Upon forward motion of the operating
group 300 toward the barrel extension 406, the bolt 310 contacts
the barrel extension 406 first and the integrated slide-carrier 302
continues moving forward, compressing a firing pin spring 354 and
pushing the bolt 310 into the slide bore 314.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 11B, as the bolt 310 moves into the slide
bore 314, the rotational portion 318c rotates the bolt 310 by
applying torque to the bolt guide member 310b. The bolt guide
member 310b slides along the rotational portion 318c as the
slide-carrier 302 moves forward. The rotation of the bolt head 310a
locks the bolt 310 relative to the barrel extension 406, providing
a sealed chamber in which to fire a bullet. The integrated
slide-carrier 302 continues moving toward the barrel extension 406
while the bolt remains stationary and locked, as shown in FIG. 11C.
The integrated slide-carrier 302 continues moving toward the barrel
extension because the bolt 310 should be fully rotated and locked
relative to the barrel extension 406 before the firing pin 308 is
positioned adjacent the bullet.
[0063] As can be seen in FIG. 11, the firing pin spring 354 applies
a force to the bolt 310 and the firing pin 308 that urges the two
apart. Because the bolt 310 is locked relative to the barrel
extension 406, the firing pin spring 354 urges the firing pin 308
away from the bolt 310 and rearward in the slide bore 314. However,
the rearward travel of the firing pin 308 is limited by a bore
cross-pin 330 and/or by the firing block 306, itself. The firing
pin 108 is urged away from the bolt head 310a and, therefore, away
from the bullet B held in the chamber. The firing pin 308 has a
degree of travel around the bore cross-pin 330, however, which may
be less than about 2 mm, less than about 1.5 mm, or less than about
1 mm. The force applied by the firing pin spring 354 to urge the
firing pin 308 away from the bolt 310 and rearward in the bore 314
may also urge the firing block 306 rearward. As the firing block
306 moves rearward within the rear channel 334, at least part of
the firing block 306 protrudes from the integrated slide-carrier
302 or otherwise be configured to receive an impulse from a trigger
package 508. The protruding portion of the firing block 306
includes the hammer contact surface 344.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 12A-B, once in battery, the operating
group 300 is ready to transmit an impulse from the trigger package
508 to a bullet B. The hammer contact surface 344 protrudes from
the rear channel 334 and the firing pin contact surface 342 may be
in contact with or adjacent to the firing pin 308. The firing pin
308 rests on the bore cross-pin 330 and is held there by a force
applied between the bolt 310 and the firing pin 308 by the firing
pin spring 354. As depicted in FIG. 12A, when resting on the bore
cross-pin 330 due to a rearward force applied by the firing pin
spring 354, a tapered end of the firing pin 308a may be
substantially flush with a surface of the bolt head 310a or may be
recessed therefrom. The tapered end of the firing pin 308a may,
therefore, by adjacent or proximate a bullet B.
[0065] FIG. 12B shows a movement of the firing pin 308 in response
to an impulse provided by a trigger package 508. The impulse may be
provided by a hammer 510 moving in a substantially arcuate fashion,
as shown in FIG. 12B, a striker moving in a substantially linear
fashion, or any other mechanical impulse source configured to
trigger an impact or impulse to an explosive such as the primer in
a bullet B. In an embodiment, the impulse is delivered by a curved
hammer 510, such as that depicted in FIGS. 12A-B. In a further
embodiment, the impulse may be delivered by a HECKLER AND KOCH
hammer operated trigger package. In a yet further embodiment, the
impulse may be delivered by a HECKLER AND KOCH hammer operated
trigger package that is substantially unmodified. In a still yet
further embodiment, the impulse may be delivered by a HECKLER AND
KOCH hammer operated trigger package that is modified only to
remove the ejector from the trigger package. In an embodiment, the
firearm 100 is a HECKLER AND KOCH host.
[0066] The impulse is received by a hammer contact surface 344 of
the firing block 306 and transmitted by the firing block 306 to a
firing pin 308 through a firing pin contact surface 342 of the
firing block 306. Upon receiving the impulse, the firing block 306
slides forward on the guide pins 340, moving substantially
coaxially to the application of the impulse. The impulse source
from the trigger package 508 may remain in contact with the firing
block 306 while the firing block 306 contacts the firing pin 308,
or the impulse source may strike the firing block and, after
imparting energy to the firing block 306, retract from the firing
block 306. In an embodiment, the impulse source from the trigger
package 508 applies a force to the firing block 306 and continues
applying a force to the firing block 306 even after the firing
block 306 travels forward and pushes the firing pin 308
forward.
[0067] FIG. 13A shows the operating group 300 and the trigger
package 508 in the short time immediately following the combustion
of the propellant in the bullet B. After the trigger package 508
has provided an impulse to the operating group 300, and,
particularly, the hammer contact surface 344 of the firing block
306, to fire a bullet B, the expanding gas will impinge upon the
gas piston 604 (not depicted in FIGS. 13A-C) and apply a rearward
force on the operating rod 606, which is coupled to the operating
rod connection 312 of the integrated slide-carrier 302. The force
drives the operating group 300 rearward on the receiver rails 206a,
206b (not depicted) and the resulting rearward motion of the
integrated slide-carrier applies a rearward force to the impulse
source of the trigger package 508. For example, the impulse source
may be a hammer 510, as depicted in FIG. 13A, but may also be a
striker or other linear impulse source. When the integrated
slide-carrier 302 moves rearward relative to the trigger package
508, the hammer 510 will be also urged rearward. The hammer 510
moves within a substantially arcuate path, and therefore, moving
the hammer 510 rearward will cause the hammer 510 to also move
toward the trigger package 508 and out of the rearward path of the
operating group 300.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 13B, a bevel 326 disposed on a portion of
the integrated slide-carrier 302 nearest the hammer 510 aids in
directing the hammer 510 out of the path of the integrated
slide-carrier 302 and toward the trigger package 508 and housing
502. In an alternative embodiment, the bevel 326 may alternatively
be a rounded corner of the integrated slide-carrier 302 such that
the rounded corner also provides a gradual and lower friction
application of force to the hammer 510 or other impulse source in
order to reset the hammer 510 or other impulse source, as depicted
in FIG. 13C, with an increased efficiency versus an integrated
slide-carrier 302 with a squared corner. The lower support 320
holds the hammer 510 or other impulse source in its reset position
for substantially the entire motion of the operating group 300
during the cycling of the firearm 100 in order to give the trigger
package 508 as much time as is available to safely reset the
trigger and prevent additional automatic firing, be it a single
round or a "runaway" firearm, or to prevent the hammer 510 merely
following the operating group 300 forward and failing to impart a
sufficient impulse to detonate a primer. When in fully automatic
firing mode, the sear catch arm 324 engages a sear on an
appropriate fully automatic trigger package 508 and allows for a
delayed release of the hammer 510 or other impulse source. The
delayed release of the hammer 510 or other impulse source ensures
the impulse is sufficient to detonate a primer.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 14A-C, the fire mode selector switch
512 is mounted on the housing 502 and trigger package 508, and
selects the fire mode for the trigger package 508. While a
three-position fire mode selector switch 512 is depicted in FIGS.
14A-C, a number of trigger packages 508 are commercially available,
including variants that may include more than three positions. As
shown in FIG. 13A, a counterclockwise-most position of the
three-position fire mode selector switch 512 is a "disassemble"
position. When the fire mode selector switch 512 is in the
counterclockwise-most position, it may be removed from the housing
502 and from the trigger package 508. The fire mode selector switch
512 is the only connection that retains the trigger package 508 in
the housing 502. Therefore, when the fire mode selector switch 512
is removed from the housing 502 and trigger package 508, there are
no further connections holding the trigger package 508 in place,
and the trigger package 508 is free to move within the housing 502
and within the receiver body 202.
[0070] As can be seen in FIG. 14B, to prevent accidental removal of
the fire mode selector switch 512 when the firearm 100 is
assembled, a selector stop 210 is disposed on the receiver body 202
such that the "disassemble" position may not be achieved when the
control assembly 500 is attached to the receiver 200. The fire mode
selector switch 512 is depicted in a second position in FIG. 14B.
The second position is substantially rotationally adjacent the
selector stop 210. In an embodiment, the second position may be a
"safe" mode, in which the trigger package 508 is inhibited from
releasing the hammer 510 or other impulse source and the firearm
100 is therefore unable to fire. In another embodiment, the second
position may be a firing mode, and the firing mode may include a
semi-automatic, burst-fire, or fully-automatic firing mode.
[0071] FIG. 14C depicts a third position of the fire mode selector
switch 512, which is rotationally further from the selector stop
210 than the second position. In an embodiment, the third position
may be a "safe" mode, in which the trigger package 508 is inhibited
from releasing the hammer 510 or other impulse source and the
firearm 100 is therefore unable to fire. In another embodiment, the
third position may be a firing mode, and the firing mode may
include a semi-automatic, burst-fire, or fully-automatic firing
mode.
[0072] FIG. 15 depicts an exploded view of the removable trigger
package 508 from the grip housing 502. Fire mode selector switch
shaft 514 extends the width of the housing 502. When the trigger
package 508 is disposed within the housing 502, housing port 516
aligns with trigger package port 518, and fire mode selector switch
shaft 514 may be inserted through the width of the housing 502 and
the trigger package 508 to secure the trigger package 508 within
the housing 502.
[0073] When the fire mode selector switch 512 rotates to the
"disassemble" position depicted in FIG. 14A, the fire mode selector
switch 512 may be removed. There is no other connection between the
trigger package 508 and the grip housing 502 securing the trigger
package 508 in the grip housing 502. Therefore, upon removal of the
fire mode selector switch 512 (by lateral movement of the fire mode
selector switch 512) from the grip housing 502 and the trigger
package 508, the trigger package 508 is no longer secured to any
part of firearm 100.
[0074] The terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" as
used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that
still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For
example, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially"
may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less
than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and
within less than 0.01% of a stated amount.
[0075] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *