Semi-automatic rifle restrictor mechanism

Abstract

A production AR-style semi-automatic rifle (i.e. AR-15, AR-10, M-16, M-4, etc.) that has been converted to a single shot rifle includes: a) conventional rifle components, including a receiving trigger, trigger guard, barrel; b) a semi-automatic firing mechanism including a gas actuated casing ejection and bolt reset mechanism including a bolt carrier with two carrier gas key threaded receiving orifices and having no production carrier gas key and a having a dual-bored metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism attached to the bolt carrier and positioned so as to inhibit\semi-automatic operation of the AR-style semi-automatic rifle by disabling the automatic gas actuated casing ejection and automatic gas actuated bolt reset functionality. In some embodiments, there is a modified charge handle having an extension with two attachment orifices corresponding to the metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism orifices and is coincidentally attached to the bolt carrier. There is also a method of converting a AR-style semi-automatic rifle to a single shot rifle.

Claims

1. A production AR style semi-automatic rifle (i.e. AR-15, AR-10, M-16, M-4, etc.) that has been fixedly converted to a single shot action rifle, which includes: a) conventional rifle components, including a upper and lower receiver, trigger, trigger guard, barrel; b) a semi-automatic firing mechanism including a gas actuated casing ejection and gas (rearward motion) and spring (forward motion) actuated bolt reset mechanism and including a bolt carrier with two threaded carrier gas key receiving orifices and having no production carrier gas key and a having a fixed dual-bored metal block gas blocking mechanism attached to said bolt carrier at said two threaded carrier gas key receiving orifices, and positioned so as to inhibit semi-automatic operation of said AR-style semi-automatic rifle by disabling the automatic gas actuated casing ejection and automatic gas actuated bolt reset functionality, thereby rendering it a single shot action rifle.

2. The production AR-style semi-automatic rifle that has been converted to a single shot action rifle of claim 1 wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism is a metal selected from the group consisting of an aluminum, titanium, steel and stainless steel.

3. The production AR-style semi-automatic rifle that has been converted to a single shot action rifle of claim 1 wherein said bolt carrier has a top flat portion with two threaded orifices for receiving carrier gas key screws and said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism contains two corresponding orifices and said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism is screwed to said bolt carrier.

4. The production AR-style semi-automatic rifle that has been converted to a single shot action rifle of claim 1 wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism is a unitary component.

5. The production AR-style semi-automatic rifle that has been converted to a single shot action rifle of claim 1 wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism is a two component metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism.

6. The production AR-style semi-automatic rifle that has been converted to a single shot action rifle of claim 1 wherein there is further included a modified charge handle having an extension with two attachment orifices corresponding to said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism orifices and is correspondingly attached to said bolt carrier, wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism and said charge handle, in combination, are selected from the group consisting of a single piece combination and a multiple piece combination

7. The production AR-style semi-automatic rifle that has been converted to a single shot action rifle of claim 6 wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism and charge handle combination is selected from the group consisting of an aluminum, titanium, steel and stainless steel.

8. The production AR-style semi-automatic rifle that has been converted to a single shot action rifle of claim 6 wherein said bolt carrier has a top flat portion with two threaded orifices for receiving carrier gas key screws and said metal block gas blocking mechanism and charge handle combination contains two corresponding orifices and said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism and charge handle combination is screwed to said bolt carrier.

9. The production AR-style semi-automatic rifle that has been converted to a single shot action rifle of claim 6 wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism and charge handle combination is a unitary component.

10. The production AR-style semi-automatic rifle that has been converted to a single shot action rifle of claim 6 wherein said metal block gas blocking mechanism and charge handle combination is a two component metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism.

11. A method of converting a AR-style semi-automatic rifle to a single shot action rifle which consists of: a) removing the bolt carrier with carrier gas key from the upper component of said rifle; b) removing said carrier gas key from said bolt carrier; c) installing a dual-bored metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism in place of said carrier gas key on said bolt carrier attached to said bolt carrier at said two threaded carrier gas key receiving orifices; and, d) inserting said bolt carrier with said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism into the upper component of said rifle so as to inhibit semi-automatic operation of said AR-style semi-automatic rifle by disabling the automatic gas casing ejection and automatic gas actuated bolt reset functionality.

12. The method of converting an AR-style semi-automatic rifle to a single shot action rifle of claim 11 wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism is a metal selected from the group consisting of an aluminum, titanium, steel and stainless steel.

13. The method of converting an AR-style semi-automatic rifle to a single shot action rifle of claim 11 wherein said bolt carrier has a top flat portion with two threaded orifices for receiving carrier gas key screws and said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism contains two corresponding orifices and said step c) installing is performed by screwing said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism to said bolt carrier.

14. The method of converting an AR-style semi-automatic rifle to a single shot action rifle of claim 11 wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism is a unitary component.

15. The method of converting an AR-style semi-automatic rifle to a single shot action rifle of claim 11 wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism is a two component metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism.

16. A method of converting an AR-style semi-automatic rifle to a single shot action rifle which consists of: a) removing the charger handle and bolt carrier with carrier gas key from the upper component of said rifle; b) removing said carrier gas key from said bolt carrier; c) installing a block and a charge/pull handle combination mechanism in place of said carrier gas key on said bolt carrier, that includes a dual-bored and threaded metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism and an extended, charging handle; and, d) inserting bolt carrier with said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism and said charge/pull handle combination mechanism into the upper component of said rifle.

17. The method of converting an AR-style semi-automatic rifle to a single shot action rifle of claim 16 wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism and charge handle combination is selected from the group consisting of an aluminum, titanium, steel and stainless steel.

18. The method of converting an AR-style semi-automatic rifle to a single shot action rifle of claim 16 wherein said bolt carrier has a top flat portion with two threaded orifices for receiving carrier gas key screws and each of said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism and said charging handle contains two corresponding orifices and said step c) installing is performed by screwing said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism and said charging handle combination to said bolt carrier.

19. The method of converting an AR-style semi-automatic rifle to a single shot action rifle of claim 16 wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism and charge handle combination is a unitary component.

20. The method of converting an AR-style semi-automatic rifle to a single shot action rifle of claim 16 wherein said metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism and charge handle combination is a two component metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS(S)

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0033] FIG. 1 is an oblique view of parts of a prior art AR-15 rifle, illustrating, among other things, a conventional (factory production) bolt carrier assembly;

[0034] FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of further details of a prior art conventional carrier assembly carrier gas key;

[0035] FIG. 3 is an oblique view of one present invention metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism that replaces the conventional carrier gas key to block gas flow and prevent semi-automatic operation of a rifle and convert it to single shot action, and FIG. 4a shows a top view and FIG. 4b shows a side view thereof;

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a present invention metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism attached to a carrier assembly;

[0037] FIGS. 6a and 6b show top views of other embodiment of present invention devices wherein each is a combination pull/charge handle and metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism;

[0038] FIG. 7 shows a prior art version of a pull/charge handle with a spring locking attachment component that is eliminated in the present invention combination pull handle and metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism;

[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a present invention combination pull handle/metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism attached to a carrier assembly; and,

[0040] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment structure for the present invention combination pull handle/metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism, and FIG. 10 shows a oblique view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0041] AR style rifles are manufactured as semi-automatic weapons that may be repeated fired in rapid sequence by repeated rapid pulling of the trigger, that is, the spent case is automatically ejected and the next round is automatically moved into firing position. This is accomplished by propellant gas direct impingement. Direct Impingement is the original technology, devised by Eugene Stoner. Propellant gas is bled through a small hole located in the barrel, which is then channeled through a very small tube where it can proceed to directly contact (or impinge) the bolt carrier mechanism through a carrier gas key. At this point the gas is pushed to the rear of the rifle, and the spent case is extracted and ejected. The bolt carrier group is then pushed forward by spring-loaded action, and strips an unspent round from the magazine, loading it directly into the chamber of the barrel. To qualify as an AR style rifle, such as an AR-15, AR-10, M-16, M-6, M-4, etc. a rifle must be self-loading, and be able to perform a specific set of basic functions mechanically, without user assistance. To be more specific, when depressing the trigger, the rifle needs to fire a single cartridge, and then extract that spent case from the chamber and eject it in some manner. Next, it must then load an unspent cartridge into the chamber. The round is advanced from the magazine, the breech is then locked, and the hammer cocked. The rifle will then have a fresh round loaded, and again be ready to fire by simply pulling the trigger again. The present invention is directed to eliminating the foregoing semi-automatic features to render the AR-style rifle no longer semi-automatic, but instead, make it single shot, requiring user actions to accomplish eject/reload functions. Thus, what the present invention does is a) prevent the AR-style rifle from functioning as a semi-automatic rifle; and, b) change the most basic functionality of the rifle. What we are left with when using this invention is something that aesthetically looks like an AR style rifle (i.e. AR-15, Ar-10, M-16, M-4, etc.) but no longer acts, behaves or performs as it was originally intended.

[0042] Many semi-automatic AR style, rifles such as the AR-10, AR-15, M-16, M-4 and others have been modified to accommodate different size ammunition cartridges, to enhance functional speed, to accommodate left handed people, to convert to single shot and/or to change from pull action to side charging action. These conversion packages involve complex, expensive component change outs, and, very often, upper compartment modifications that require metal machining, cutting, drilling, welding or other complex changes, or the purchase of totally new and sometimes proprietary (non mil-spec) upper components. The present invention is directed to inexpensive, simple and convenient devices and methods for conversion of such AR-style semi-automatic rifles to single shot rifles, without modifying any of the main carrier system or upper structures and maintaining the factory integrity and mil-spec components of the rifle, with the sole exception of the elimination of the carrier gas key. In the present invention, the carrier gas key, or the carrier gas key, and pull handle, are removed and the present invention device is installed. All of the complexities and physical structure modifications (drilling, cutting, machining, etc.) are completely eliminated, along with eliminating the need to purchase separate, proprietary or non-military spec upper components.

[0043] In FIG. 1, an oblique view of parts of a prior art AR-15 rifle, illustrating, among other things, a conventional (factory production) bolt carrier assembly. In general, one of ordinary skill in this art recognizes the detailed components of an AR-15, and thus not all details of the entire weapon are discussed here. For example, the bolt carrier group has elements that are not featured or described because they are not affected by the present invention, such as the firing pin, etc. Likewise, the trigger and lower assembly are removed from the Figure, and are not relevant to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a typical AR-style semi-automatic rifle upper receiver assembly parts 1 in an exploded view. This Figure is used to show both the prior art structure and the functionality of gas powered semi-automatic operation. Thus, in FIG. 1, the following parts, among others, are shown: upper receiver 3, barrel 5, connecting barrel nut 7, gas block 9, flash suppressor 11, gas tube 13, upper and lower hand guard portions 15 and 17, bolt carrier 19, charging handle with spring enabled locking mechanism 21 and carrier gas key 23. When a bullet is fired, gas from the barrel 5 flows through the gas block 9 and gas tube 13 into the upper receiver 3. Gas is trapped in the barrel as the bullet moves toward and then past the tube gas port. After the bullet passes the gas port, the gas flows into the gas port and down the gas tube 13, located above the barrel 5, as shown. The gas tube protrudes into the carrier gas key 23 which accepts the gas and funnels it through the bolt carrier 19 via a gas key 23 and to the bolt. This initiates the automatic gas actuated cycling of the bolt carrier 19. The shell is automatically ejected and the next bullet is automatically mounted for firing. By this gas push and spring return, the bolt carrier cycles backwards and forwards automatically between each shot. (The bolt along with the bolt carrier group is contained within is propelled back by expanding gas and propelled forward by the recoil spring.) The barrel nut 7, as shown, connects the upper receiver 3 to the barrel 5 of the AR rifle.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of further details of the prior art conventional carrier assembly with carrier gas key, thus being a larger drawing of a portion of that which is shown in FIG. 1 above, and, further, wherein identical parts in both drawings may be identically numbered and thus, not now repeated. Most importantly, there is a more detailed aspect of carrier gas key 23. As can be seen, the carrier gas key 23 is mounted on bolt carrier 19 with two recess-positioned screws 29 and 31, situated on rear portion 27 of carrier gas key 23. Forward on key 23 is the key gas port 25 that is necessary for the rifle to function in a semi-automatic mode, and which is replaced and thus the gas functionality is inhibited (physically blocked) to render the rifle a single shot rifle and no longer a semi-automatic weapon.

[0045] FIG. 3 is an oblique view of one present invention metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism 30 that replaces the conventional carrier gas key (such as carrier gas key 23 of the preceding Figures) to block gas flow to and through the bolt carrier and bolt and thus to prevent semi-automatic operation of the rifle and to thereby convert it to single shot action. Present invention metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism 30 is preferably made from a single block of metal (cast, machined or otherwise formed) and has a base 31, a raised metal block gas blocking component 33, and recesses 39 and 41, with screw-receiving orifices 35 and 37 for mounting in place of a conventional carrier gas key. FIG. 4a shows a top view and FIG. 4b shows a side view of metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism 30. Identical components are identically numbered.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a present invention metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism 30 attached to a carrier 19. This metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism 30 is attached to carrier 19 by the two screws normally used to attach a carrier gas key, at recesses 39 and 41. This blocks gas flow to the carrier assembly and prevents semi-automatic shooting by neutralizing the gas operation, as described above.

[0047] FIGS. 6a and 6b show top views of other embodiments of present invention devices wherein each is a combination pull handle and metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism. FIG. 6a illustrates such a combination present invention device 60. Device 60 includes a main shaft 61 and, at its forward end, has a gas blocking restrictor mechanism 63, and at its back end, has a pull handle 71. Pull handle 71 is set up for right hand use. If the handle 71 is established on the opposite side, it could be favor left handed use. Recesses 67 and 69 contain attachment orifices for attaching to the screw holes originally made for attachment of a carrier gas key. FIG. 6b illustrates a combination pull handle and metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism device 80. Device 80 includes a main shaft 81 and, at its forward end, has a gas block 83, and at its back end, has a pull handle with finger loops 91 and 93. This pull handle is set up for either right hand or left hand use, and handle shape and size can be modified according to user needs (hand size, shooting style, and ergonomics). Recesses 87 and 89 contain attachment orifices for attaching the device with the use of screws to the screw holes originally made for attachment of a carrier gas key.

[0048] In addition to other advantageous features described above, the present invention combination charging handle with metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism is, as mentioned, bolted directly to the bolt carrier in place of the carrier gas key, and also eliminates the need for, the complexity of and the possible problems with, the conventional charging handle spring-loaded locking mechanism. Thus, these versions of the present invention has six simultaneous and synergistic advantages: (1) the AR-style rifle is converted to a single shot rifle; (2) the conversion is accomplished without rebuilding the carrier or other mechanisms within the rifle; (3) no additional proprietary or non mil-spec upper needs to be purchased; (4) no new machining or drilling or welding is needed for attachment; (54) the pull handle is locked in place on the upper without needing a spring actuated locking mechanism; and (6) as a result of eliminating the handle spring/lock, subsequent spring/lock wear and/or malfunction is eliminated. As an illustration, FIG. 7 shows a prior art version of a pull handle 98 with an attachment component 99 that is eliminated in the present invention combination pull handle and metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism.

[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a side oblique view of a present invention combination pull handle/metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism device 80 attached to a carrier assembly 19. Other parts are identically numbered to parts shown in FIG. 6.

[0050] FIGS. 9 and 10 show an alternate version of the present invention, wherein the shape, length and position of the pull handles are different from the present invention embodiments set forth above. These changes cause a change in the placement of the hand in relation to the weapon when manually charging the weapon. The gas blocking restrictor mechanism is the same as described above. Also, as with all other charge handle/gas restrictor combination versions of the present invention, there is no need for a spring locking mechanism on the charge handle (or any locking mechanism on the charge handle for that matter). This is important because current prior art versions with an extended design are more expensive and they require much more complex charge handled unlocking mechanisms which need to be actuated from the very end of the long arm. Thus, these two FIGS. 9 and 10 show a top view and an oblique reversed direction view of combination pull handle/metal block gas blocking restrictor mechanism, device 100. Identical components in both Figures are identically numbered Present invention device 100 may be installed in the same fashion as other present invention combination devices. Here, device 100 includes thin shaft 101, raised front end gas blocking restrictor 103, and attachment orifices 105 and 107. There are two pull handles-one is pull handle 109, which is the longer one, whereas pull handle 111 is much shorter than handle 109 and is biased at an angle, as shown.

[0051] In this present invention iteration of FIGS. 9 and 10, the handles of device 100 allow for the shooter to pull from a more forward location on the rifle (further up towards the barrel), thereby granting him a more comfortable, natural, ergonomic pulling motion than is allowed by models where the pull motion is much closer to the face. The purpose behind this concept is to allow for the rifle to be charged manually without removing one's face from the shooting position (eyes aligned with the sights). This means that 99.9% of the time the rifle is manually charged with one hand and the other supports the rifle in a fixed position, i.e., only one hand instead of both hands needs to move to effect charging. To grab both sides of the pull handle at once would require the shooter to totally remove his face from the shooting position in order to make room for his forearm). The extended forward position of FIG. 9 allows for a more comfortable pulling motion as the hand and elbow are not as crowded by one's body and face. Most right handed shooters will pull with their left hands in order to maintain their shooting hand grip on the weapon and trigger guard. Still, the shorter knob on the right side of FIG. 9 allows for purchase if the shooter desires to pull with his right hand instead. Most shooters will pull only from one side, with one hand, because the goal is to stay in an accurate shooting position on the rifle during charging. Thus, another alternative embodiment would be a mirror image of the FIGS. 9/10 embodiment.

[0052] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the actual shape of the main housing may be any of numerous possibilities as long as its functionality as described is not affected adversely.