RIFLE RECEIVER ALIGNMENT AND TENSIONING SYSTEM

Abstract

A rifle having a receiver alignment system includes an upper receiver and a lower receiver configured to engage with each other in an assembled configuration by aligning and pressing an exterior portion of the upper receiver into an interior portion of the lower receiver. A cavity is defined within the interior portion of the lower receiver configured to receive the upper receiver. A lug positioned on the upper receiver defines an alignment groove formed on a lower surface of the lug. A plunger pin is provided in a hole defined within the interior portion of the lower receiver. The plunger pin is configured to engage with the alignment groove and generate a spring-loaded tension when the upper receiver and the lower receiver are engaged in an assembled configuration.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A rifle having a receiver alignment system comprising: (a) an upper receiver and a lower receiver configured to engage with each other in an assembled configuration by aligning and pressing an exterior portion of the upper receiver into an interior portion of the lower receiver; (b) a cavity defined within the interior portion of the lower receiver configured to receive the upper receiver; (c) a lug positioned on the upper receiver and defining an alignment groove formed on a lower surface of the lug; (d) a plunger pin provided in a hole defined within the interior portion of the lower receiver; wherein, the plunger pin is configured to engage with the alignment groove and generate a spring-loaded tension when the upper receiver and the lower receiver are engaged in an assembled configuration.

22. The receiver alignment system of claim 21, wherein the plunger pin is configured to press against and into the alignment groove to reduce movement between the upper receiver and the lower receiver when assembled.

23. The receiver alignment system of claim 21, wherein the plunger pin is threadedly connected to the lower receiver within the hole of the lower receiver.

24. The receiver alignment system of claim 23, wherein the plunger pin includes a body enclosing an interior tension spring pressed against a plunger button that extends out from the body to abut the alignment groove.

25. The receiver alignment system of claim 24, wherein the alignment groove is sized and shaped to receive the plunger button and configured to reduce lateral movement of the upper receiver and the lower receiver relative to each other in an assembled configuration and generate compression of the plunger button against the tension spring forming vertical tension between the upper receiver and the lower receiver.

26. The receiver alignment system of claim 24, wherein the plunger pin is removable and the plunger button is fully extended in an disassembled configuration.

27. The receiver alignment system of claim 21, wherein the rifle is a hunting rifle and the lower receiver includes a grip and a trigger.

28. The receiver alignment system of claim 27, wherein the upper receiver includes a barrel.

29. The receiver alignment system of claim 21, wherein the lug extends down towards the lower receiver and the alignment grove is formed along a bottom surface of the lug in a longitudinal direction defined by the upper receiver.

30. The receiver alignment system of claim 21, wherein the alignment groove is configured to center the upper receiver in the lower receiver.

31. A receiver lock tension and alignment system configured for a rifle comprising: (a) an upper receiver having a lug positioned within a rear portion of the upper receiver; (b) a lower receiver defining a hole for receiving a plunger pin configured to engage the lug of the upper receiver; (c) a cavity defined by an interior portion of the lower receiver and configured to receive the upper receiver; (d) an alignment groove formed on the lug and configured to engage with the plunger pin; and (e) an interior spring provided within the plunger pin; wherein, the interior spring is configured to press the plunger pin against the lug to create tension between the upper and lower receiver in an assembled configuration.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the upper and lower receiver are secured to one another when the plunger pin is engaged in an assembled configuration.

33. The system of claim 31, further comprising a plunger button extending from a top portion of a body of the plunger pin and configured to abut the alignment groove.

34. The system of claim 31, wherein the hole is threaded and configured to engage complementary threads defined on an outer surface of a body of the plunger pin.

35. The system of claim 31, wherein the interior spring is configured to push the plunger pin upward with sufficient force to reduce movement between the upper and lower receiver in an assembled configuration.

36. The system of claim 31, wherein the lower receiver is configured to receive a plurality of upper receivers configured for different cartridges.

37. The system of claim 11, wherein the alignment groove is configured to center the upper receiver in the lower receiver.

38. A method of reducing movement between an upper receiver and lower receiver of a firearm comprising: (a) providing an upper receiver having an alignment groove arranged on a lug; (b) providing a lower receiver having a cavity configured to receive the upper receiver; (c) providing a plunger pin arranged on an interior portion of the lower receiver; (d) inserting the upper receiver into the cavity of the lower receiver; (e) aligning the rear lug with the plunger pin to center the upper receiver in the lower receiver; (f) exerting a sufficient force on the upper receiver to engage the plunger pin into the alignment groove; and (g) securing the upper receiver to the lower receiver.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the plunger pin incudes a plunger button positioned on the plunger pin and centering the plunger button with the alignment groove.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the plunger pin includes an interior spring configured to push the plunger pin upward with sufficient force to reduce movement between the upper and lower receiver when assembled.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present disclosure constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1A shows an exemplary rifle according to the present disclosure fully assembled having a rifle receiver alignment system.

[0014] FIG. 1B shows the rifle of FIG. 1A disassembled with upper and lower sections disengaged.

[0015] FIG. 1C shows an interior section of the lower section of the rifle of FIG. 1A with an alignment plunger within the lower section.

[0016] FIG. 1D shows a spring-loaded plunger of the alignment system of FIG. 1A.

[0017] FIG. 1E shows a rear receiver lug of the upper section of the rifle of FIG. 1A.

[0018] FIG. 1F shows an alignment groove formed on the upper section of the rifle of FIG. 1A for engaging the plunger.

[0019] FIG. 2A is a top side schematic view illustration of a rifle having a rifle receiver alignment system according to the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross section view across A-A of FIG. 2A with the rifle receiver alignment system fully engaged.

[0021] FIG. 2C illustrates a magnified view of detail B from FIG. 2B.

[0022] FIG. 2D illustrates a cross section view across E-E from FIG. 2B.

[0023] FIG. 3A is a top side schematic view illustration of a rifle having a rifle receiver alignment system according to the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross section view across C-C of FIG. 3A with the rifle receiver alignment system disengaged.

[0025] FIG. 3C illustrates a magnified view of detail D from FIG. 3B.

[0026] FIG. 3D illustrates a cross section view across F-F from FIG. 3B.

[0027] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary handguard, barrel nut and handguard interface system in an exploded view

[0028] FIG. 4B illustrates a front face schematic view of the handguard of FIG. 4A.

[0029] FIG. 4C illustrates a cross section view across G-G from FIG. 4B.

[0030] FIG. 4D illustrates a magnified view of the detail H from FIG. 4C.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic cross section illustration of a composite handguard having a carbon polymer core according to the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a magazine including a limit block and spring alignment according to the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 7A shows a perspective schematic view of a limit block according to the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 7B illustrates a schematic side view of the limit block of FIG. 7A.

[0035] FIG. 7C illustrates a schematic front face view of the limit block of FIG. 7A.

[0036] FIG. 8A shows a perspective schematic view of a smaller limit block as compared to the limit block of FIG. 7A.

[0037] FIG. 8B illustrates a schematic side view of the limit block of FIG. 8A.

[0038] The various embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present disclosure relates to a rifle receiver alignment and tension system; composite handguard and process of making; receiver, barrel and handguard interface system; and magazine limit block.

[0040] In an example, FIGS. 1A-3D are directed to a receiver lock tensioning system, also referred to as a rifle receiver alignment system showing an engaged and disengaged configuration. In this example, rifle 10 is a semi-automatic hunting rifle with an upper receiver 12 and lower receiver 14 (also referred to upper section 12 and lower section 14). Rifle 10 includes a grip 18 and a trigger 16, which when activated through pulling, sends a round of ammunition out through barrel 17. Upper receiver 12 can be disassembled from lower receiver 14. In order to assemble rifle 10, the exterior portion of upper receiver 13 is aligned with and pressed into the interior portion of lower receiver 15. The interior portion of lower receiver 14 defines a cavity shaped to receive upper receiver 12.

[0041] Receiver lock tensioning system 20 includes a plunger pin 22 that sits within threaded hole 28 of the lower receiver 15 and engages an alignment groove 31 of lug 30. System 20 is located at a connection point between upper receiver 12 and lower receiver 14 of rifle 10. The system creates tension between the two receiver halves while also providing aid in the alignment, which improves uniform tension between the upper and lower receiver and significantly reduces or eliminates lateral and vertical play in a final assembly. Unwanted movement is commonly referred to as “play” between the upper receiver and lower receiver.

[0042] System 20 includes plunger pin 22 which is configured with a body 26 that engages hole 28 in the lower receiver. In this example, hole 28 is threaded and receives corresponding threads defined on the plunger pin body 26. Plunger pin 22 further includes an interior tension spring and plunger button 24. Plunger button 24 is oriented towards the upper receiver 13. When fully assembled, plunger pin 22 engages with a bottom surface of rear lug 30 located towards a rear portion of upper receiver 12. Rear lug 30 defines an alignment groove 31, which is sized and shaped to receive and engage with plunger button 24. When upper receiver 12 and lower receiver 14 are connected, rear lug 30 aligns to receive plunger pin 22. Plunger button 24 fits within alignment groove 31 and thus, the interior tension spring creates force and tension between the upper and lower receiver so as to substantially reduce and/or eliminate movement between the upper and lower receiver, also known as lateral or vertical play in a final assembly.

[0043] FIGS. 2A-2D show the alignment and tension system 20 in the engaged position. Plunger button 24 is positioned within alignment groove 31 so that plunger button 24 is fixed in a compressed position. This engaged position secures upper receiver 12 to lower receiver 14.

[0044] FIGS. 3A-3D show the system 20 in the disengaged position so that plunger button 24 is fully extended and not compressed in a disengaged position. When in the disengaged position, upper receiver 12 is not fully secured/engaged to lower receiver 14 at the rear portion of upper receiver 12. In order to place the receivers in the engaged position, the user would need to properly align rear lug 30 with plunger pin 22 and exert sufficient force on the upper receiver so as to engage plunger button 24 into alignment groove 31. The engagement of plunger pin 22 with rear lug 30 is adapted to form a secure fit, providing a tight feel of a rifle 10 and significantly reducing play and movement between the upper and lower receiver of the rifle.

[0045] Previously, rifles comprised of an upper and lower receiver in an assembled configuration would result in unwanted lateral and vertical play. Forming a tight fit that reduced or eliminated movement and play was not achievable.

[0046] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate a ring mount system, also referred to as receiver, barrel, and handguard interface system 40. In this example, a plurality of fasteners 48 interact with a barrel nut 44 and a handguard 42. The system 40 is put in place to secure handguard 42 to a barrel of a rifle. The connection is made in such a way as to substantially reduce and/or prevent any linear or rotational movement of the handguard 42, also commonly referred to as “play”. In this example, round keyway pins 46 fit through apertures 53 defined on each side of the handguard 42. Round keyway pins 46 are then rested against and within annular keyway grooves 49 defined on the barrel nut 44. The round keyway pins 46 tightly secure the handguard 42 to the barrel nut 44 in a linear orientation on a barrel 17. In this example, a universal exterior is provided that allows for precise barrel nut torque specifications. Precise perpendicularity between an internal seating ring of the barrel nut and an exterior surface of the barrel nut provide for accurate alignment of handguard in relation to barrel. The precision mount grooves provide “rigid” mounting of the handguard and can eliminate or substantially reduce longitudinal play.

[0047] Previously, fasteners were used to squeeze the handguard in place while aligning and engaging with the barrel nut itself, however, the alignment pins were never used to rest against the barrel nut itself. In the present disclosure, the round keyway pins 46 engage with the annular keyway grooves 49 formed on the barrel nut 44 so as to exert pressure and maintain the orientation of the handguard 42 and the barrel nut 44 as well as securely hold the pieces in place.

[0048] Ring mount system 40 securely fastens and aligns a handguard 42 to a barrel 17 of an upper receiver of a rifle. Handguard 42 and barrel nut 44 are aligned concentrically where the barrel nut 44 fits inside the handguard 32. Apertures 53, located on both the left and right inferior side of handguard 42, are aligned with annular keyway grooves 49 defined on barrel nut 44. In an example, the annular grooves are spaced 0.600″ apart from one another.

[0049] Handguard 42 and barrel nut 44 are aligned with respect to each other by interface system 45, which includes round keyway pins 46 that enter through aperture 53 and engage annular keyway grooves 49 so as to tightly hold barrel nut 44 and handguard 42 together. In this example, three round keyway pins 46 pass through three apertures 53 and rest in 3 separate annular keyway grooves 49. A barrel 17 passes through a barrel cavity 50 defined by the barrel nut 44. Interface system 45 includes one or more fastener round keyway pins 46, an optional washer 47, and end fasteners 48. Fastener 48, in this example, is a screw that enters washer 47 and a threaded opening formed on an interior of round keyway pin 46. The screws 48 are fashioned to engage fastener round keyway pin 46 on each end and on the outside of apertures 53 thus holding round keyway pins 46 in place. Apertures 53 are sized and shaped to form a cavity to receive the head of the screw 48 and hold round keyway pins 46 in place against the annular keyway grooves 49. This also provides a substantially flush appearance without an undesired flange or other form that extends away from the natural contour of the handguard body.

[0050] In an example, additional fasteners (i.e., screws in this example) are used to affix rails 51 to a bottom of handguard 42 so that additional rifle accessories can be used with the rifle, including bipods or tripods commonly used to steady, control and improve the accuracy of the rifle.

[0051] FIG. 4B shows a cross-section view of ring mount system 40 whereby barrel nut 44 and handguard 42 are aligned concentrically to form an interior barrel cavity 50. Interface system 45 is engaged on both the right and left bottom portion of the handguard 42 showing round keyway pins 46 on both sides of handguard 42. FIGS. 4C-4D show a longitudinal cross-section of system 40 with interface system 45 engaged with annular keyway grooves 49. In an example, wrench holes 52 are located on barrel nut 44 so as to allow for tightening of the barrel nut 44.

[0052] Forming a handguard of a molded composite material allows for freedom to form a handguard of various designs, shapes, thicknesses, etc. as desired. In an example the handguard includes carbon. In a further example, the handguard includes fiberglass and in yet another example, the handguard includes both layers of carbon and layers of fiberglass. Carbon allows for the handguard to maintain and achieve desired strength, stability, feel, and light-weight characteristics. This can be achieved through any molding technique including layering materials on a bladder or mandrel followed by molding and curing and/or pultruding a layered material.

[0053] FIG. 5 is directed to a schematic cross section view of a real feel composite handguard 42 having a polymer core 61 according to the present disclosure. The handguard 42 can be a substantially tubular construction molded to a profile and includes multiple layers of fiberglass and a polymer core. In this example, one or more exterior layers of fiberglass 62 are provided to surround a polymer core 61 having a desired thickness. The polymer core 61 can be layered or fabricated to a predetermined thickness forming an annular geometry surrounding one or more interior fiberglass layers. In another example, one to ten exterior layers of fiberglass are provided. In yet another example, two to five layers are provided. Polymer core 61 surrounds one or more interior layers of fiberglass 64. In an example, one to ten interior layers are fiberglass are provided. In yet another example, two to five layers are provided.

[0054] In the example of FIG. 5, at least one reinforcement carbon fiber layer 60 is provided within the exterior layers of fiberglass 62. In an example, the carbon fiber layers 60 are strategically positioned within the fiberglass layers 64 to provide reinforcement to the overall handguard 42 and additional support and rigidity to the handguard 42.

[0055] The reinforcement carbon fiber layers 60 can be positioned throughout the exterior fiberglass layers 64 at various circumferential positions or all the way around throughout the fiberglass layer 64. In this example, the carbon fiber layers 60 are positioned spaced apart evenly with respect to each other so as to form an upper carbon layer and a lower carbon layer. This can provide the structural reinforcement at specific desired areas of the handguard. In another example, the carbon fiber layers 60 can be positioned so that they are spaced apart to form side carbon fiber layers 60 (not shown). Additionally, the carbon fiber layers can be positioned annularly so as to form a carbon layer ring (not shown).

[0056] Previous handguards are typically fabricated from a single layer of metal, such as aluminum. This results in a handguard having high thermal conductivity, causing the handguard to get extremely hot in warm conditions or extremely cold in cold conditions. The multilayer handguard of the present disclosure reduces the thermal conductivity of the handguard by forty (40) times while maintaining or exceeding structural strength and durability as well as providing an alternative look and feel. This provides for less fluctuation in temperate of the handguard, allowing for direct contact with the handguard and improved overall functionality of the rifle over a broader surrounding temperature range. Carbon fiber can be five to ten times stronger than aluminum and up to about three times stronger than steel. Inserting carbon fiber layers into the fiberglass layers provides for additional strength in the handguard that prevents breakage or loss of structural integrity and shape. The multilayer handguard of the present disclosure further offers advantages over one made solely from carbon fiber, in that carbon fiber can be expensive. Inserting carbon fiber layers into fiberglass provides for a cost-efficient and effective handguard.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 6-8B, magazine limit block 80 is shown for use with a magazine 70 to limit rounds of ammunition (not shown). A magazine 70 is shown for holding one or more rounds of ammunition. The magazine 70 includes a magazine body 71 defining an interior cavity having an interior perimeter, a follower 72 for holding rounds of ammunition of a desired size and caliber, a spring 73 and a base plate 75. The follower 72 is configured to slide up and down within the magazine body 71. The spring 73 is configured to engage the follower 72 and applies force upward as rounds of ammunition are discharged or emptied. In this example, spring 73 is a compression spring that rests against the base plate 75 and connects to a bottom portion of the follower 72. As rounds of ammunition are loaded into the magazine body and against the follower 72, the spring 73 is compressed and thus applying a force up against follower 72. This causes the follower 72 to move upward, releasing the compression in the spring 73, as rounds of ammunition are discharged.

[0058] A limit block 80 is provided to be inserted into the magazine 70 and configured to fill space within the interior magazine cavity to reduce or prevent (e.g., limit) the number of rounds that can fit within the magazine 70. Limit block 80 is positioned within an internal channel formed by spring 73 and abuts and/or rests against bottom plate 75 within the magazine body 71. Limit block 80 defines one or more alignment grooves 182 formed on a base 82 and shaped accommodate and conform to an interior perimeter of the magazine 70. Thus, limit block 80 can fit securely within an interior cavity of magazine 70. In this example, base 82 defines an overall rectangular geometry that matches a cross section geometry of the interior perimeter of the magazine body 71. The magazine body 71 defines a width W and a thickness T, wherein the W is substantially larger than T. Accordingly, a desired caliber of bullet (ammunition), which is typically elongated, securely fits within the magazine body 71. The base 82 of limit block 80 is configured to fit within these dimensions having a width W.sub.B and a thickness of T.sub.B, wherein the W.sub.B is substantially larger than T.sub.B and W>W.sub.B and T>T.sub.B.

[0059] The limit block 80 provides a structural block to fill the space within housing 71 and thus reduces the number of rounds of ammunition that can be stored within the magazine 70. According to certain laws and regulations relating to hunting, hunters can only use certain types of firearms and ammunition and numbers of rounds to hunt certain types of animals. It can become burdensome to use a specific type of magazine that holds the required number of rounds based on a certain hunting season. A limit block 80 can be placed in the magazine 70 to limit the number of rounds that can be held and thus comply with varying regulations.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of limit block 80 which includes magazine body 71 that houses follower 72, spring 73, limit block 80 and bottom plate 75. One end of spring 73 connects to a bottom of follower 72, while an opposite end surrounds and engages with the base 82 of limit block 80. The follower 72, spring 73, and limit block 80 are configured to fit directly into the magazine body 71 and held in place by bottom plate 75. Grooves 182 formed on base 82 of limit block 80 are shaped to align within an interior perimeter of the magazine 70.

[0061] FIGS. 7A-8B show profile and perspective views of limit block 80. Limit block 80 includes a base 82, a main body 81, and defines a notch 84. Notch 84 is configured to create a space to accommodate the follower 72 and a connection point for the spring 73. Main body 81 is configured with tapered sides 85. The tapered sides 85 allow for a smoother flow of spring 73 when the spring compresses and decompresses as rounds of ammunition are cycled. The main body 81 is configured to be a structural support guide for spring 73 to ensure desired movement and guiding of the follower 72 during cycling.

[0062] Prior attempts to restrict magazine volume do not have a defined cone shape which allows the spring to move freely, unguided and unsupported within the magazine body, which can lead to malfunctioning and misfeeding of the rounds. Main body 81 defines a width W.sub.L at or near base 82 and a thickness T.sub.L. The tapered sides 85 gradually extend towards each other forming a smaller upper width W.sub.L-x and thickness T.sub.L-x as compared to the width W.sub.L and thickness T.sub.L. This forms a substantially truncated “cone” shape that centers and guides spring 73 which enhances the movement of follower 72. Thus, the limit block 80 provides for smooth movement of the spring 73 since the tapering substantially follows the natural movement of the spring while maintaining structural support through its thickness and prevents the spring from undesired collapsing.

[0063] Limit block 80 can define various lengths depending on the desired round count and caliber of ammunition. In one embodiment, limit block 80 defines a length of 3.47″ as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B. In another embodiment, limit block 80 defines a length of 2.15″. In another example, a limit block can be made having tapered support ribs. The support ribs allow for reduced material volume of the main body while maintaining strength and support of the overall limit block. The limit block can be made through most any molding processes of various sizes for a desired fit for a magazine.

[0064] It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.