Bolt-Action Firearm Device

Abstract

A bolt-action mechanism for accelerating the cycling speed of a firearm is provided. The bolt-action mechanism includes a rail configured to couple with a portion of a firearm, the rail is configured for reciprocation axially along the firearm, a cam defining a slot formed in a portion thereof, the slot is sizably configured to engage a portion of the firearm, and a charging handle, wherein the bolt-action mechanism is configured to cycle the firearm.

Claims

1. A bolt-action mechanism for a firearm, the bolt-action mechanism comprising: a rail configured to couple with a portion of a firearm, the rail is configured for reciprocation axially along the firearm; a cam defining a slot formed in a portion thereof, the slot is sizably configured to engage a portion of the firearm; and a charging handle; wherein the bolt-action mechanism is configured to cycle the firearm.

2. The bolt-action mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a collar configured to engage a bolt of the firearm, the collar defining a pin configured to be received by slot.

3. The bolt-action mechanism of claim 1, wherein the rail guide is configured to engage with a mounting structure of the firearm.

4. The bolt-action mechanism of claim 3, wherein the mounting structure is a picatinny rail or a dovetail.

5. The bolt-action mechanism of claim 1, wherein the slot defines a travel path for the pin.

6. The bolt-action mechanism of claim 5, wherein the travel path is based on any of a rotation and a reciprocation of a bolt during charging.

7. The bolt-action mechanism of claim 1, wherein the bolt-action mechanism is configured to combine a reciprocal and a rotational motion of the bolt defined by cycling the firearm into a linear motion.

8. The bolt-action mechanism of claim 1, wherein the slot comprises a handgrip portion.

9. The bolt-action mechanism of claim 1, wherein the cam comprises a curvilinear cross section adapted to a curvature of the firearm.

10. The bolt-action mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a picatinny rail disposed superjacent to the mechanism.

11. A kit for accelerating a cycling speed of a firearm, comprising: a rail configured to couple with a portion of a firearm, the rail is configured for reciprocation axially along the firearm; a cam defining a slot formed in a portion thereof, the slot is sizably configured to engage a portion of the firearm; and a charging handle; wherein the kit is configured to cycle the firearm.

12. The kit of claim 11, further comprising a collar configured to engage a bolt of the firearm, the collar defining a pin configured to be received by slot.

13. The kit of claim 11, wherein the rail is configured to engage with a mounting structure of the firearm.

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the mounting structure is a picatinny rail or a dovetail.

15. The kit of claim 11, wherein the slot defines a travel path for the pin.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the travel path is based on a rotation and a reciprocation of a bolt during charging.

17. The kit of claim 11, wherein the kit is configured to combine a reciprocal and a rotational motion of the bolt defined by cycling the firearm into a linear motion.

18. The kit of claim 11, wherein the slot comprises a handgrip portion.

19. The kit of claim 11, wherein the cam comprises a curvilinear cross section adapted to a curvature of the firearm.

20. The kit of claim 11, wherein the kit is configured to adapt to a Remington model 700 bolt-action rifle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present disclosure is detailed through various drawings, where like components or steps are indicated by identical reference numbers for clarity and consistency.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a firearm coupled with a bolt-action mechanism in a closed position, depicting a rail, a cam, and a charging handle in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of a firearm coupled with a bolt-action mechanism of FIG. 1 in an open position, depicting a rail, a cam, and a charging handle in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the cam of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the bolt-action mechanism of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an alternative isometric view of the bolt-action mechanism of FIG. 1 depicted in FIG. 4 in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is isometric view of the bolt-action mechanism of FIG. 1 engaged with a section of the firearm in accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is an alternate isometric view of the bolt-action mechanism of FIG. 6 in continuing accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the bolt-action mechanism of FIG. 6 engaged with the firearm in yet further continuing accordance with the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the bolt-action mechanism of FIG. 6 in further continuing accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a bolt of the firearm taken along axis 5-5 engaged with the cam in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a breach in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a collar in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0022] Again, the present disclosure generally relates to firearms and, more specifically, mechanisms to modify the operation thereof. The device can include a rail. The rail can be removably coupled to a portion of a firearm, for example the picatinny rails. The rail can connect to a cam. The cam can be a structure which can articulate a bolt of the firearm. For example, the cam can receive the bolt handle or a portion thereof and can be configured to define a travel path. The travel path can correspond to the linearized motion of the bolt through its cycle. The cam and rail can be articulated via a handle mounted on a portion of the device. Importantly, the device can be structured to allow open access to the chamber or any portion of the firearm. In other words, the mechanism is formed such that it does not shield or cover portion of the firearm. The device can include a safety trigger which can regulate the motion of the device.

[0023] Advantageously, the device can allow for faster cycling of a bolt-action rifle. Often, bolt-action rifles require a combination of rotating the bolt in the barrel to take the bolt out of battery and a reciprocating motion to cycle the firearm (extraction, ejection, and relocating). This is followed by rotating the bolt back into battery prior to firing. In certain scenarios in which rate of fire is of the essence, such a process can take too long to accomplish. The device of the present disclosure solves this problem by consolidating the motion required to cycle the firearm into a single reciprocating motion.

Bolt-Action Device

[0024] A Firearm is any type of gun which uses an explosive charge to fire a projectile and is designed to be readily carried by an individual. Such weapons have existed since the early 10.sup.th century and have seen substantial improvement since their conception. One common way to categorize firearms is by their action. The action of the firearm refers to the process by which the gun is cycled, such as single shot, single action, double action, bolt-action, lever action, pump action, and autoloading such as semi-auto and fully automatic. Bolt-action rifles are particularly noted for their robustness, simplicity, and reliability. Further, there exists a large selection of bolt-action rifles today as they are common in many parts of the world.

[0025] Many governments have restricted civilian access to firearms based on their action, in part because the action has a heavy influence on the rate of fire of firearms. In particular, autoloading weapons have been restricted as a result of the high rate of fire they are able to achieve. In such states, other actions such as bolt-actions have become more prominent as they are generally not regulated. However, there are many situations where the rate of fire, or the time it takes to fire the weapon is of the essence, such as competition shooting and hunting scenarios. Bolt-action firearms typically require longer cycling times when compared to autoloading firearms. As such, aspects of the present disclosure seek to reduce the cycling time of bolt-action firearms. More generally, devices of the present disclosure can increase the rate of fire of firearms.

[0026] Turning now to FIG. 1 & FIG. 2, a planar view of a firearm 10 coupled with a bolt-action mechanism 100 is shown and described. FIG. 1 depicts the bolt-action mechanism 100 in a closed position. FIG. 2 depicts the bolt-action mechanism 100 in an open position. The open position is while the firearm 10 is being cycled. In the closed position, the firearm 10 is in battery and can be fired. The bolt-action mechanism 100 can be configured to mount on the firearm 10. The bolt-action mechanism 100 can attach to the firearm 10 on an uppermost portion of the gun, such as above a breach 11 of the firearm 10. In example, the bolt-action mechanism 100 be attached to the firearm 10 via a mounting structure. The mounting structure can be any structure on the firearm 10 to which an accessory can be mounted. For example only, the mounting structure can be a picatinny rail, a quad rail, a dovetail groove, a sight mount, MIL-STD-1913, a weaver rail, a KeyMod raid, a M-LOK rail, a cantilever mount, a barrel clamp mount, a side rail, a RMR cut, or the like. Again, it is envisioned that the bolt-action mechanism 100 or a portion thereof can be coupled to the firearm 10 via the mounting structure of the firearm 10. In several aspects, the bolt-action mechanism 100 is structured to not impede the function of the firearm 10. In example, the bolt-action mechanism 100 is configured to be clear of the breach 11 such that cartridges can be ejected from the breach 11. More generally, the bolt-action mechanism 100 can be structured such at a user retains access to the action, fire control group, breach 11, or any portion of the firearm when the bolt-action mechanism 100 is installed.

[0027] The bolt-action mechanism 100 can include a rail 102. The rail 102 can be an elongated member which can engage with the mounting structure of the firearm 10. The rail 102 can include a static portion and a reciprocating portion. The static portion can rigidly engage with the mounting structure of the firearm 10. The reciprocating portion can translate across a surface of the static portion. In some aspects, the rail 102 can telescope and can be configured to extend and retract along a linear path. More generally, a portion of the rail 102 can reciprocate. The length of reciprocation can generally be the throw of the action of the firearm. In some aspects, the rail 102 can be clamped onto the firearm 10. In other aspects, the rail 102 can be attached to the firearm 10 via a fastening mechanism, such as a threaded fastener, a snap fit, or other similar retention mechanism. The rail 102 can be releasably secured to the firearm 10. The rail 102 can define a top mounting system 122 configured to mount accessories, such as an optic. The mounting system 122 replaces the mounting structure of the firearm 10 that the bolt-action mechanism 100 uses such that the use of accessories is not impeded. The bolt-action mechanism 100 can be configured to interact with a bolt 12 of the firearm 10.

[0028] The bolt-action mechanism 100 can include a handgrip 301. The handgrip 301 can be a portion of the bolt-action mechanism 100 which can be adapted to be modulated by the user. It is envisioned that the handgrip 301 is ergonomically configured to facilitate actuation by a user while so engaged with the firearm 10. The handgrip 301 can be connected to the rail 102, and more specifically, can be connected to the reciprocating portion of the rail 102. The handgrip 301 can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the rail 102. The bolt-action mechanism 100 can include a collar 104. The collar 104 can be coupled to the rail 102. The collar 104 can be a substantially rigid body and can be disposed perpendicularly to the rail 102 and the handgrip 301. The collar 104 can be configured to couple the motion of the handgrip 301 and the rail 102. In some aspects, the collar 104 can define a curvilinear body which can be substantially similar to the curvature of the firearm 10. In typical aspects, the curvilinear body of the collar 104 can ensure that the bolt-action mechanism 100 or any portion thereof can remain proximal to the weapon during use. The bolt-action mechanism 100 can include a cam 105. The cam 105 can be connected to any of the handgrip 301, the collar 104, or the rail 102. The cam 105 can engage the bolt 12 of the firearm 10 via a pin 251. The cam 105 is configured to receive the pin 251. The firearm 10 can include a safety 302 configured to prevent the firearm 10 from firing unintentionally, a trigger 13, configured to fire the weapon when pulled, and a buttstock 14 configured to engage a user and support the weapon.

[0029] Turning now to FIG. 3, the cam 105 of the bolt-action mechanism 100 is shown and described. The cam 105 can be a resilient member connected to the bolt-action mechanism 100 and can define a substantially solid body. The cam 105 can be constructed out of a material having sufficient rigidity to resist deformation while in use. The cam 105 can define a slot 250. The slot 250 can be formed in a portion of the cam 105. In some aspects, the slot 250 can extend partially through the cam 105. In other aspects, the slot 250 can extend completely through the cam 105. The slot 250 can define a travel path. More specifically, the shape of the slot can define the travel path. The slot 250 can define a bevel such that a surface of the slot 250 is not perpendicular to the body of the cam 105. The travel path can be linear, curvilinear, rectilinear, or any combination thereof. The slot 250 can be sized to receive a portion of the firearm 10, and more specifically a portion of the bolt 12 of the firearm 10. The cam 105 can define a linear portion 105a and a curvilinear portion 105b, wherein the curvilinear portion 105b is configured to substantially match a radius of the firearm 10. In some aspects, the slot 250 can be sized to engage the bolt 12 of the firearm 10 such as via a bolt handle or any portion of the bolt 12 of the firearm 10. The cam 105 can engage the pin 251 coupled to the bolt 12. In some aspects, the slot 250 can define a length and a portion of the bolt can travel a portion of or all of the length of the slot 250.

[0030] The cam 105 can be configured to receive the pin 251. The pin 251 can be a small rigid cylinder or any suitable structure configured to constrain motion while received by the cam 105. The pin 251 can be disposed between the cam 105 and the bolt 12 of the firearm 10. More specifically, the pin 251 can be configured to guide the bolt 12 of the firearm 10 by following the slot 250 of the cam 105 while in engagement with the bolt 12. The pin 251 can be coupled with a hinge pin which can assist in the coupling or guidance of the cam 105 and bolt handle. In some aspects, the pin 251 can be installed onto the bolt of the firearm 10 and can be configured to engage with the slot 250 of the cam 105. In other aspects, the pin 251 can be coupled to the bolt 12 via the collar 104. The pin 251 can be formed of a substantially rigid material such as titanium or an alloy thereof. Such use of titanium or a titanium can increase the strength and resilience of the pin 251 as it is a relatively small part. The pin 251 can be substantially wear resistant and can be configured to freely slide within the slot 250.

[0031] The cam 105 can include a handgrip hole 331. The handgrip hole 331 can be configured to engage a portion of the handgrip 301. For example, the handgrip 301 can be received by the handgrip hole 331 and form a mortise and tenon style joint. The handgrip hole 331 can receive the handgrip 301 and retain the same via a threaded connection, a friction fit, adhesion, or the like.

[0032] Turning now to FIG. 4 & FIG. 5, the bolt-action mechanism 100 of FIG. 1 is shown and described. As discussed, the bolt-action mechanism 100 can include the rail 102. The rail 102 can include a reciprocating portion and a static portion. In other embodiments, the rail 102 can be a sold member and can translate relative to the firearm 10. The rail 102 can include a series of ridges or rails onto which accessories may be mounted. In other aspects, the rail 102 can define the mounting system 122, such as a picatinny rail disposed on a superjacent portion thereof. For example, an optic or other accessories can be mounted on a portion of the rail 102 via the mounting system 122. If the bolt-action mechanism 100 is connected to the firearm 10, the original picatinny rail would be occupied. The rail 102 can provide an additional rail via the mounting system 122 onto which the accessory could be placed. More generally, the bolt-action mechanism 100 can include the mounting system 122, such as a picatinny rail on a topmost portion and aligned with the firearm 10. The portion of the rail 102 which includes the mounting system 122 can be fixedly attached to the firearm 10 and can allow the sliding portion of the rail 102 to move relative thereto. The rail 102 can include a charging handle 103. The charging handle 103 can be fastened to the rail 102 via a threaded fastener 115. In some aspects, the charging handle 103 can be configured to fold into a substantially parallel position to the rail 102 when not in use. When the charging handle 103 is to be activated, a user can grab the charging handle 103 and quickly pull it into a substantially perpendicular arrangement relative to the rail 102. When the charging handle 103 is pulled in a perpendicular arrangement to the rail 102, it can function as a handle and, when actuated by the user, cycle the bolt-action mechanism 100. When not in use, the charging handle 103 can be biased against the rail via a charging handle spring 103a. The charging handle 103 can define a pivoting portion 1031 and a mounted portion 1032, wherein the pivoting portion 1031 functions as the handle and the mounted portion 1032 is secured to the rail 102.

[0033] The rail 102 can be fastened to a portion of the cam 105 via the threaded fastener 115. Moreover, the cam 105 can be joined to the rail 102 at a rearward portion thereof, such that the cam 105 and the rail 102 can move together when cycled. The threaded fastener 115 can be, without limitation, a hex head screw, a torx screw, an Allen head screw, a slotted head screw, a button screw, a set screw, a bolt, a machine screw, a threaded insert, a tapered head or countersunk screw, or a cross dowel bolt. A portion of the inside of the rail 102 and/or cam 105 can define a groove configured to engage with a dovetail or picatinny rail on the firearm 10. The cam 105 can define a locating feature, such as a dowel, or tenon which can be received by a portion of the rail 102 and constructed to locate the cam 105 relative to the rail 102. More generally, the cam 105 can be disposed on a rearward portion of the bolt-action mechanism 100, wherein the rearward portion is proximal to the buttstock 14 of the firearm 10. It is envisioned that the curvature of the cam 105 can retain the components of the bolt-action mechanism 100 close to the firearm 10. It is envisioned that any portion of the bolt-action mechanism 100 can be formed of a substantially rigid material, such as metals or polymers which are typically used for firearm component manufacture. Such components include, but are not limited to: steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, chromoly steel, aluminum, titanium, polymer-coated metals, alloy steels, Nylon such as Nylon 6 or Nylon 6/6, polycarbonate, glass reinforced epoxy laminate such as G10, Zytel, ABS, and carbon fiber reinforced polymers.

[0034] Turning now to FIG. 6 & FIG. 7, the bolt-action mechanism 100 is shown and described. In typical aspects, the bolt-action mechanism can be cycled by the user either by the charging handle 103, which is generally disposed on a left portion of the firearm 10 or the handgrip 301, which is generally disposed on a right portion of the firearm. The charging handle 103 is configured to be coupled directly to the rail 102 while the handgrip 301 is configured to be coupled to the cam 105. The charging handle 103 can be configured to be collapsible. The handgrip 301 can define a contour which can be configured to increase the ergonomics thereof. It is envisioned that one or both of the handgrip 301 and the charging handle 103 can be covered with a grip material which can increase the tactility or friction between the handgrip 301 and/or charging handle 103 and the user. Such grip material can be formed of, without limitation: wood, rubber, polymers, g10, aluminum, micarta, carbon fiber, stainless steel, kydex, or the like. In general aspects, the edges of the pin 251 and the slot 250 can be relieved to increase the each with which the pin 251 can move within the slot 250. In some aspects, oil or other lubricants can be used between the pin 251 and the slot 250 to increase lubricity.

[0035] Turning now to FIGS. 8 & 9, a top view and cross sectional view of the bolt-action mechanism 100 is shown. The bolt-action mechanism 100 can be configured to engage the firearm 10 substantially parallel. In some aspects, the bolt-action mechanism 100 can be clamped onto the firearm 10. In other aspects, the bolt-action mechanism 100 can be threadedly attached to the firearm, such as via one or more mounting points 116. The mounting points 116 can extend through the rail 102 and can be sized to engage with a predrilled threaded hole in the firearm 10. The bolt-action mechanism 100 can use a combination of threaded fasteners and clamping means to be secured to the firearm 10. The bolt-action mechanism can be fastened to a gun rail 109 of the firearm 10 or can be mounted directly to the firearm 10.

[0036] In typical aspects, the pin 251 can extend through the slot 250 of the cam 105. Such arrangement can ensure that the pin 251 does not accidentally slide out of the slot 250 or lose engagement therewith. The cam 105 can be formed to wrap around the firearm 10, and more generally, adopt a similar curvature of the firearm 10. Importantly, the cam 105 can be spaced sufficiently far away from the breach 11 or other parts of the firearm 10 to not impede the action when the firearm 10 is being cycled.

[0037] Turning now to FIG. 10, a schematic view of the bolt-action mechanism 100 is shown and described. The bolt 12 can rotate about an axis of rotation 503 and can translate linearly with respect to the firearm 10. The bolt-action mechanism 100 can translate or reciprocate similarity with the bolt 12. When bolt-action mechanism 100 and firearm 10 is in the closed position and loaded in preparation to fire, the firearm 10 is in battery, the striker is set, and the trigger is reset ready to fire the weapon. A round may be loaded into the chamber of the firearm 10. Notably, the pin 251 of the bolt-action mechanism 100 can be at the first position 251a in the slot 250. The pin 251 can travel the length of the slot 250 while the firearm 10 is being charged. When the bolt-action mechanism 100 and firearm 10 is in the open position, the weapon is out of battery, the striker has been released, and the trigger is not set. The spent cartridge is ejected and the breach 11 is open. At such open position, the pin 251 can be at the second position 251b in the slot 250. Essentially, as the bolt-action mechanism 100 was cycled, the pin 251 traveled along the slot 250 and urged the bolt to rotate and reciprocate.

[0038] Turning now to FIG. 11 & FIG. 12, the bolt 12 engaged with the collar 104 and pin 251 are shown and described. The bolt 12 can reciprocate and rotate within the firearm 10 and can be reciprocated and rotated by the bolt-action mechanism 100. The collar 104 can be mounted onto the bolt 12 at a rearward position. In some aspects, the collar 104 can define the pin 251. The collar 104 can be sized to engage with the bolt 12 and can define a bifurcated structure. The collar 104 can be clamped to the bolt 12. More generally, the collar 104 can link the bolt-action mechanism 100 to the bolt.

Operation

[0039] In a general operational aspect of the device of the disclosure, the bolt-action mechanism 100 can be configured to cycle the firearm 10. It is envisioned that the bolt-action mechanism 100 can be a kit that is readily coupled with a variety of bolt-action firearms 10, for example a Remington 700 with little to no modifications. Advantageously, similar firearms to the Remington 700 can be the host for the bolt-action mechanism 100. Essentially, the device of the present disclosure can be a conversion kit for existing firearms 10, or an add-on device which can be installed onto the firearm 10. The bolt-action mechanism 100 can engage the gun rail 109, such as the picatinny rail. It is envisioned that the bolt-action mechanism 100 will engage via the rail 102 to an uppermost portion of the firearm 10. Generally, the bolt-action mechanism 100 will be designed to clear the breach 11 of the firearm 10 such that the operation thereof will remain unobstructed. Once the bolt-action mechanism 100 is mounted to the firearm 10, the cam 105 of the bolt-action mechanism 100 can be engaged with the bolt, such as via the bolt handle. The bolt-action mechanism 100 can utilize the pin 251 to engage the bolt 12.

[0040] In one aspect, the bolt-action mechanism 100 is designed to move back and forth (reciprocate) relative to the firearm 10 or along a major axis of the firearm 10 (along with the barrel). Specifically, the mechanism 100, or any of its components, can be configured to travel along the firearm's 10 length. To operate, the user can apply rearward force to the charging handle 103 or the handgrip 301. In some configurations, the user can also engage the safety 302 while simultaneously pulling the handgrip 301. The force applied to the bolt-action mechanism 100 can actuate the device. The motion of the bolt-action mechanism 100 is intended to resemble the charging action of a direct impingement or spring-driven firearm, wherein the user pulls back on the charging handle 103 in one smooth, continuous one dimensional motion. This approach design eliminates the traditional dual movement required by standard bolt-action rifles, which involves both rotating and pulling the bolt. Instead, this mechanism simplifies the action to a single fluid pull, enhancing ease of use and operational efficiency.

[0041] Once the bolt-action mechanism 100 has been fully pulled back and is in the open position, the user can urge the bolt-action mechanism 100 forward, thereby reversing the motivation on the handgrip 301 or more generally the charging handle 103. Again, a user can first pull rearwardly towards the buttstock 14 of the weapon in a first linear action and subsequently can complete the cycle by pushing forward on the charging handle 103 or handgrip. It is envisioned that the bolt-action mechanism 100 can move linearly along the major axis of the weapon, wherein the major axis is parallel with the barrel of the firearm 10. In some aspects, the static portion of the rail 102 can be the only portion of the bolt-action mechanism 100 which does not move relative to the firearm 10.

[0042] The cam 105 is engaged with the bolt of the firearm 10 during some aspects of use. The cam 105 is adapted such that the bolt will follow the slot 250 of the cam 105. The cam 105 is responsible for applying a vector force on the bolt. More generally, the cam 105 is able to apply a force having multiple components simultaneously. The pin 251, while engaged with the cam 105 and slot 250, follows the travel path of the slot 250 and guides the bolt 12. The travel path refers to the shape of the slot 250. As the bolt-action mechanism 100 is cycled, the bolt 12 follows the travel path of the slot 250. Importantly, the travel path can be a linearized path that the bolt 12 would travel if cycled without the bolt-action mechanism 100. For example, the travel path can be mapped if a user cycled the weapon and followed the orientation of the bolt handle while the firearm 10 is being cycled. Whenever the bolt-action mechanism 100 is cycled, the action of the firearm 10 can be completed because the cam 105 moves the bolt handle in the same path that it normally takes during cycling. In other words, the bolt 12, by following the slot 250 of the cam 105 is urged to take the path it is required to take when being cycled. Thus, by urging the bolt-action mechanism 100 in a single linear direction, the cam 105 is able to urge the bolt to follow the path required to cycle the firearm 10.

[0043] In example, the cam 105 can engage with the firearm's bolt 12 during operation, guiding its movement. Specifically, the cam 105 is designed so that the bolt 12 follows the path defined by the slot 250 in the cam 105. This cam 105 imparts a vector force on the bolt 12, which can have multiple directional components simultaneously, or linear and axial components simultaneously. The pin 251, which is engaged with both the bolt 12 and the slot 250, travels along the slot's 250 path, thereby guiding the bolt 12. The shape of the slot 250 determines the travel path of the bolt. As the bolt-action mechanism 100 is cycled, the bolt 12 is guided along this path. This path mimics the linearized motion that the bolt would naturally follow if the firearm were manually cycled without the aid of the bolt-action mechanism.

[0044] For example, if a user manually cycled the firearm 10 and observed the movement of the bolt 12 handle, the travel path would match the orientation and motion of the bolt 12 handle during operation. Whenever the bolt-action mechanism 100 is cycled, the cam 105 ensures that the bolt 12 handle moves along the same path it would normally take during manual cycling. In essence, by simply pulling the bolt-action mechanism 100 in one linear motion, the cam 105 directs the bolt along the correct path required to complete the firearm's cycling action, allowing for smoother and more efficient operation. The bolt 12 handle is essentially replaced by the pin 251 and guided by the cam 105 as if the bolt 12 handle was guided by the user during its natural cycle pattern. Importantly, the geometry of the slot 250 can include bevels and curves which can constantly comport with the orientation of the pin 251 along the travel path. The user can either actuate the bolt-action mechanism 100 via the charging handle 103 or the handgrip 301.

[0045] Notably, the user only inputs a single backward pulling motion and subsequent pushing forward motion in a single axis, whereas in order to cycle an ordinary bolt-action firearm requires a complex motion comprising at least a rotation of the bolt and subsequent translation of the bolt. Further, the bolt-action mechanism 100 is able to simplify the motion required to cycle the firearm 10 and therefore increase the rate of fire.

Conclusion

[0046] As used herein, including in the claims, the phrases at least one of or one or more of a list of items refer to any combination of those items, including single members. For example, at least one of: A, B, or C covers the possibilities of: A only, B only, C only, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, and a combination of A, B, and C. Additionally, the terms comprise, comprises, comprising, include, includes, and including are intended to be non-limiting and open-ended. These terms specify essential elements or steps but do not exclude additional elements or steps, even when a claim or series of claims includes more than one of these terms.

[0047] While the present disclosure has been detailed and depicted through specific embodiments and examples, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications can perform equivalent functions or yield comparable results. Such alternative embodiments and variations, which may not be explicitly mentioned but achieve the objectives and adhere to the principles disclosed herein, fall within its spirit and scope. Accordingly, they are envisioned and encompassed by this disclosure, warranting protection under the claims associated herewith. That is, the present disclosure anticipates combinations and permutations of the described elements, operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, modules, circuits, etc., in any manner conceivable, whether collectively, in subsets, or individually, further broadening the ambit of potential embodiments.

[0048] Although operations, steps, instructions, and the like are shown in the drawings in a particular order, this does not imply that they must be performed in that specific sequence or that all depicted operations are necessary to achieve desirable results. The drawings may schematically represent example processes as flowcharts or flow diagrams, but additional operations not depicted can be incorporated. For instance, extra operations can occur before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the illustrated steps. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing might be beneficial. Furthermore, the separation of system components described should not be interpreted as mandatory for all implementations, as the program components and systems can be integrated into a single software product or distributed across multiple software products.

[0049] As used throughout, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a quantity of one of a particular element can comprise two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. In addition, any of the elements described herein can be a first such element, a second such element, and so forth (e.g., a first widget and a second widget, even if only a widget is referenced).

[0050] Ranges can be expressed herein as from about one particular value and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect comprises from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about or substantially, it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0051] For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes, and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances.

[0052] As used herein, the terms optional or optionally mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description comprises instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.