ADD-ON HANDLE ASSEMBLY TO FACILITATE CARTRIDGE CHARGING FOR MAGAZINE-FED, GAS-OPERATED SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLES

Abstract

A handle assembly is disclosed which can be installed onto a standard T-shaped charging handle of a firearm such as an AR-15. The handle assembly is designed to engage and operate the charging handle, including the latch which secures the charging handle in the forward position, when the user grasps and pulls on the handle assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the left ear and latch of the charging handle are disposed in a window through a prong of the handle assembly and the right ear of the charging handle is disposed in a window through an opposing prong of the handle assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to operation of a charging handle for cocking a firearm. The described utilities may have particular advantages in increasing the ease of use of a standard charging handle.

BACKGROUND

Many firearms include a charging handle, also known as a “cocking” or “bolt” handle. The charging handle is a device which, when manually operated by a user, results in the hammer or striker being cocked or moved to the ready position. It allows the operator to pull the bolt to the rear of the firearm. The charging handle may have a number of functions. It can facilitate the ejection of a spent shell casing or unfired cartridge from the chamber, loading a round from the magazine or by hand through the chamber, clearing a stoppage, verifying that the chamber is clear of any rounds or other obstructions, or releasing a bolt locked to the rear, such as would be the case after firing the last round on a firearm equipped with a last-round-hold-open feature.

Charging handles take many forms. On some firearms, they may be a hook or protrusion extending from the side of the bolt, configured to be operated by a user's index finger. On pistols, the slide may operate as a charging handle. Both of these designs may result in a rapidly moving, reciprocating external component which can injure users or may be interfered with when the firearm is used in certain manners, thereby causing a jam or misfire. In this regard, some automatic or semi-automatic rifles have a rearward charging handle which nests cleanly against the body of the firearm and does not reciprocate during firing. Rather, it only moves when the user chambers the initial round. Frequently, such as on the Armalite Rifle-15, these rearward charging handles include a T-shaped grip having an ear extending approximately one inch from center on each side, and these ears are designed to be gripped with a user's index and middle fingers to pull the handle rearward.

Since its inception for military use as the M16 rifle, the charging handle on the Armalite Rifle-15 (including all of its derivatives, A1, A2, etc., hereinafter referred to as “AR-15”) has had two well-recognized drawbacks. First, the overall size of the handle is small, and, as a result, the user has to grip a small surface area in order to pull against the relatively significant resistance of the internal load. Second, the latch is commonly located on the left ear of the handle. This latch locks the charging handle in the forward nested position when not in use, preventing it from getting damaged or interfering with handling of the firearm during use. The latch must be depressed in order to release the charging handle to allow the user to manipulate it. This adds an extra layer of difficulty in using the charging handle, particularly for left-handed users, as most AR-15s are configured for right-handed use. In this regard, a left-handed user must either remove their firing (left) hand from the rifle or use an awkward grip in order to actuate this latch. Further, because this latch requires a degree of fine motor skill, it can be problematic when time is of the essence, for instance, in competition shooting. Additionally, when needed during a self-defense scenario such as a home invasion, adrenaline, panic, and darkness may interfere with swift and smooth operation of the latch and, in turn, the charging handle.

The above-mentioned drawbacks of the standard T-shaped rearward charging handle are well-known to those familiar with the AR-15. Accordingly, there are options available for replacement or modification of charging handles including: (1) charging handle latch replacement; and (2) complete charging handle replacement. Replacement of the latch is typically the cheapest option as far as parts are concerned, but this requires specialized gunsmithing tools and associated labor costs. Replacement charging handles come in various shapes, sizes, and quality levels. Some use a lever-actuated latch while others use a spring which automatically releases after a certain applied load. Replacement charging handles range significantly in cost, with many exceeding the price a casual gun owner (e.g., non-military and non-competitive user) is willing to pay for such a seemingly insignificant component of the rifle. Moreover, many replacements do not address the issue of fine motor movement but rather merely change aesthetics or add ambidextrous operability. Some replacement charging handles do address the fine motor movement issue, but they typically change the form factor of the weapon. That is, the profile of the rifle is significantly impacted which can be undesirable. For instance, many replacement charging handles include an extension, which tends to dig into a user's hip or ribs when they are carrying the rifle on a sling. Replacement charging handles that allow for operation with gross motor movement and do not present undesirable impacts to the form factor are generally prohibitively expensive for casual owners.

Therefore, a relatively low-cost, sleek modification option is needed to address the above concerns.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to utilities (apparatuses and methods) for charging a firearm. Specifically, the utilities are designed for use with a standard T-shaped charging handle common to the AR-15 platform.

It should be appreciated that, although the description provided herein specifically refers to the AR-15 family of rifles (e.g., M4, M16, etc.), the present description and following claims provide add-on handle assemblies intended for use in relation to any firearm with a rearward charging handle. For instance, aftermarket variants of Ruger 10/22 charging systems include a rearward charging handle compatible with the utilities described herein. Various sizes and shapes of the described apparatuses and systems are envisaged for use with a variety of handle designs.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a handle assembly is provided for improving the operability of a standard charging handle. The handle assembly can be installed as an “add-on” component onto a standard T-shaped charging handle of an AR-15 without requiring replacement of the charging handle or latch. The handle assembly may be compatible with a variety of both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket charging handles.

A handle assembly according to the present disclosure may be of any suitable size and shape to provide the functionality described herein. In one useful embodiment, a handle assembly includes a grip portion with a plurality of grip surfaces for engagement by a hand of a user. Manipulation of a grip surface(s) may, in turn, cause the handle assembly to operate the charging handle of the firearm (after the handle assembly is mounted on the firearm or when the handle assembly is in use). In this regard, a mechanism may be provided in the new handle assembly for engagement of the left ear and/or right ear of the charging handle by the handle assembly. For example, prongs or hooks can be provided in the handle assembly that extend from the grip surfaces and at least partially wrap around the left and right ears to engage the latch and ears during operation of the handle assembly, e.g., a user or firearm operator sliding the handle assembly toward the rear of the firearm. Prongs of the handle assembly, in this regard, may have one or more windows or recesses configured to receive at least a portion of the left and/or right ears.

A handle assembly according to the present description may be constructed from one or more members. In some embodiments, a handle assembly may be of one-piece construction. In this regard, a handle assembly (or its body) may be flexible to allow for installation over the ears of a charging handle. In other embodiments, two or more rigid members may be installed one at a time and then joined together, for example with a screw, to form a handle assembly and ensure firm attachment to the charging handle.

Design considerations for minimal interference with operation and use of a firearm may include a low-profile and conforming shape. In this regard, a handle assembly may have a body with a slim profile (e.g., thickness) to allow the handle assembly to be disposed above the buffer tube and/or stock without protruding into the line-of-sight of a scope, iron sights, or other optic of the firearm. At the same time, it may be desirable to provide a large surface area to allow operation by gross motor muscle movement and also to provide a sufficient thickness to improve durability and rigidity. Moreover, an arched channel may be provided on the bottom side of a body of the handle assembly having a radius which conforms to the buffer tube or stock of a firearm. This channel may allow the handle assembly to have a large and ergonomic surface area for ease of use while remaining low and tight against the firearm to avoid interfering with use thereof.

As mentioned, a handle assembly may include one or more prongs configured to engage the ears of a charging handle. A left prong and a right prong may be characterized by a window (e.g., orifice) passing through each respective prong. Notably, a recess may be disposed on an internal portion of each prong, in lieu of a window, to engage the left and right ears. In other words, rather than a window passing all the way through each prong, a similarly sized recess may pass only partially through each prong. The left and right windows may have the same or different dimensions. In some embodiments, the left window may be sized to receive the left ear and the latch disposed on the left ear configured for locking the charging handle in the forward position. To balance the travel of such a spring-loaded latch, a biasing mechanism may be provided in conjunction with the right window to prevent (or at least limit) horizontal rotation of the handle assembly during use. A height of the left and right windows may provide for minimal clearance of the charging handle ears to minimize vertical rotation. In some embodiments, a width and/or height of each window may be slightly less than a corresponding maximum width or height of the respective charging handle ear to allow for a “press fit” of the window over the ear and/or latch.

A handle assembly according to the present disclosure may be constructed from any suitable material(s). For example, in some embodiments, a polylactic acid compound may be used to allow for manufacturing by three-dimensional (3D) printing. In other embodiments, common injection molding materials such as plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, rubber, polymer, nylon, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polystyrene may be used.

Further, a rigid material may be used to form the prongs and windows to provide a rigid and firm point of attachment to the charging handle while a flexible material may be used to form the grip surfaces for comfort and ease of use. Alternatively, the prongs may be constructed from a flexible material such that they may be flexed over the ears of a charging handle during installation. A biasing mechanism, as described above, may be formed from a spongy, flexible, or otherwise elastic material. Materials selected should be able to withstand repeated use and abuse to avoid malfunction.

Grip surfaces of a handle assembly may utilize any suitable means to provide improved control. For example, a rubber or polymer coating may be sprayed onto the grip surfaces. Alternatively or additionally, patterns may be etched or formed into the grip surfaces such as a series of ridges and/or grooves. In some embodiments, Picatinny rails may be disposed on one or more surfaces of a handle assembly to improve grip while also allowing for installation of various firearm accessories (e.g., sights, flashlights, and the like) or interchangeable grip enhancements (e.g., removable tail, finger loop, etc.).

The above discussed features, combined in a small, pistol-slide-style charging handle assembly for add-on attachment to a standard or OEM charging handle solves many problems associated with standard charging handles and prior art replacement parts.

A number of feature refinements and additional features are applicable to the first aspect. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination. As such, each of the following features that will be discussed may be, but are not required to be, used with any other feature or combination of features of the first aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 provides a top view of a charging handle protruding from a firearm.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a left member of a handle assembly.

FIG. 3 provides another perspective view of the left member of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a right member of a handle assembly.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a handle assembly comprising the left member of FIG. 2 and the right member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 provides an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 provides a left side view of the handle assembly of FIG. 5 installed on a firearm.

FIG. 8 provides a right side view of the handle assembly of FIG. 5 installed on a firearm.

FIG. 9 provides a left side view of an alternative embodiment of a handle assembly.

FIG. 10 provides an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a right member of a handle assembly.

FIG. 11 provides an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a handle assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Briefly, an add-on handle assembly is taught herein that is designed for mounting upon a charging handle of an AR-15 or similar firearm. In prototype testing, the inventor found that the handle assembly (or “Rhino” handle due to its resemblance to the rhinoceros beetle) can be installed onto the standard charging handle within sixty seconds. Due to its small size, the new handle assembly can be made cheaply and easily, allowing for a high-quality product to reach the end user at a price point significantly below the market standard for modifications addressing these issues. The handle assembly is an “add-on” device as it does not require the user to replace the standard charging handle. As such, the inventor believes the handle assembly would be the only non-permanent charging handle modification in existence that allows the user to remove it as needed and instantly return to use of the standard charging handle.

The handle assembly design may include a two-piece body that allows for its two pieces to fit around the ears of the standard charging handle, and these body pieces are both then secured together such as with a 40 mm M3 screw (or other fastener) and corresponding nut (or threaded hole on the body). By surrounding the left ear of the charging handle of a firearm, the handle assembly, when it is pulled on by an operator, automatically pulls on the release latch, and this allows the operator to use a gross-motor-movement to charge the weapon, while adding ambidexterity and leaving the overall form factor unaffected. The portion of the handle assembly that surrounds the right ear of the charging handle has, in some embodiments, a spring element made of a sponge-like, springy material between itself and the front of the right ear; this mimics the spring-like effect of the left-side latch and prevents (or at least limits) the body of the handle assembly from rotating when pulled on, ensuring that it stays straight and transfers its load into the latch and subsequently into the act of charging the rifle. It is believed that all of these features, combined in a small, pistol-slide-style charging handle modification make the handle assembly unique and provide it significant competitive advantages over prior devices.

With regard to FIG. 1, a typical charging handle 101 of a firearm 100 is shown, with only the portion of the firearm (e.g., an AR-15 or the like) 100 containing the charging handle 101 being included in the figure for ease of illustration. A “T” shape is formed by a left ear 102a and right ear 102b extending from opposite sides of a rod (not shown) which extends forward inside the firearm 100 to engage the bolt carrier group. A latch 103 may be provided on the left ear 102a or right ear 102b depending on whether the firearm 100 is intended for a left-handed or right-handed user. In the illustrated embodiment, latch 103 is disposed on the left ear 102a as is common for a right-handed firearm. Charging handle 101 is shown in the forward or nested position in which latch 103 is biased by a spring (not shown) to engage or snap into an indentation on firearm 100 to retain charging handle 101 in the forward position when not in use. A user may release charging handle 101 by gripping the latch 103 in conjunction with left ear 102a and typically also right ear 102b to pull charging handle 101 toward the rear of the firearm over the stock 104.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, a left member 201 of a handle assembly configured for installation on a charging handle 101 of a firearm 100 is shown. On the body of the left member 201, one or more grip surfaces 202a-202c may be provided near a distal end 207 of the left member 201 (“distal” to a portion of the member 201 that mates with the charging handle 101 upon assembly) for engagement by a hand of a user. In the illustrated embodiment, a top (or intermediate or middle) grip surface 202a is flanked by a left grip surface 202b and a right grip surface 202c, with the top grip surface 202a generally being planar and oriented parallel to an upper surface of the stock of the firearm 100 when installed and the two left and right side grip surfaces 202b and 202c extending downward away from opposite outer sides of the surface 202a at angles (e.g., angles in the range of 30 to 60 degrees) for a predefined distance (e.g., a distance in the range of 0.5 to 3 inches or the like). Notably, any number of grip surfaces may be utilized. For example, a single grip surface may be provided having an arched cross-sectional shape rather than the three planar surfaces shown. As shown, the grips surfaces 202a-202c include spaced apart, raised features, e.g., elongate ribs, to enhance the ability of the user to grip the handle assembly's body during use.

A left prong or arm 203a extends from the grip surfaces 202 (or handle assembly body) at (or to form) a proximal end 206 of the handle assembly. A left window 204a is disposed within the left prong 203a. The left window 203a is sized and located on the prong 203a for receipt and/or engagement of both the left ear 102a and the latch 103 of the charging handle 101. A portion of an aperture 205 passes through the left member 201 of the handle assembly body for affixing the left member 201 to a right member (e.g., right member 210 of FIG. 4) to form the handle assembly and also to better attach such a handle assembly to the charging handle 101.

A mating surface 209 is shown that is configured for engagement of the left member 201 with a right member. In this regard, an alignment cavity 208 is disposed on the mating surface 209 to assist in properly aligning the two or more members (e.g., left member 201 and right member 210) of the handle assembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a right member 210 of a handle assembly that is adapted to mate with the left member 201 and with the right portion of the charging handle 101 of FIG. 1. A right prong 203b of the handle assembly is provided on the right member and extends out from the base or body of the right member 210. The right prong 203b is configured to extend from grip surfaces 202 similar to left prong 203a when the right member 210 is assembled with the left member 201.

The right prong 203b includes a right window 204b (e.g., a passageway through the right prong 203b), and the window 204b is sized and located on the right prong 203b for receipt of the right ear 102b of the charging handle 101 when the handle assembly, including right member 210, is mounted onto the firearm 100. Unlike the left ear 102a, the right ear 102b typically does not have a latch. Alignment tab 211 is provided on the body of the right member, and the tab 211 is disposed on a mating surface 212 and is configured for receipt within the corresponding alignment cavity 208 of the left member 201. When properly aligned during assembly of the handle assembly, mating surface 212 of right member 210 is configured to contact mating surface 209 of the left member 201 (e.g., the surfaces 209, 212 may contact or abut each other over a portion and preferably over all or most of their surface areas).

FIG. 5 illustrates the handle assembly 200 after the left and right members 201 and 210 have been assembled together, and FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the handle assembly 200 showing alignments of its parts during the assembly process (which may take place off or on the firearm 100). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in such a configuration, aperture 205 passes through both left member 201 and right member 210 such that a screw 213 or bolt may be slid into aperture 205 and fastened with a nut 214 to secure the left and right members 201, 210 at joint 215 to form handle assembly 200. Notably, nut 214 may be integrally formed into right member 210 or aperture 205 may itself be threaded to preclude the use of nut 214. Upon assembly, the left and right prongs/arms 201, 210 are arranged to extend parallel to each other (with their longitudinal axes parallel to each other) such that windows 204a and 204b are aligned so as to be able to receive the left and right ears 102a and 102b of the charging handle 101 of the firearm 100.

Further, a space is provided between the left and right arms/prongs 201, 210 (or the prongs 201, 210 are spaced apart) to receive an end of the bolt of the firearm 100, and this allows the upper surfaces of the handle assembly 200 to be flush or nearly flush with the bolt of the firearm 100. The inner surface of the handle assembly body (adjacent the grip surfaces 202a-202c) may be arcuate in shape as may the inner surfaces of the prongs/arms 201, 210 to allow the handle assembly 200 to better mate with and/or extend over and adjacent to the butt stock of the firearm (e.g., the radius of the curved inner surfaces is chosen to be the same or slightly larger than that of the corresponding portions of the butt stock of the firearm 100).

FIG. 7 illustrates a left side view of the handle assembly 200 after it is installed on the firearm 100. The handle assembly body with its grip surfaces 202a-202c extend rearward (relative to the firearm 100) to distal end 207 over the stock 104 of the firearm 100. In this regard, the bottom side of handle assembly 200 may have, as noted above, a generally arched shape (see, e.g., FIG. 6) to curve around a portion of stock 104. Left prong 203a may extend forward from the body of the assembly 200 toward proximal end 206 and around (or along) the left side of firearm 100.

Significantly, left ear 102a and latch 103 both are received in and/or disposed through or within left window 204a. In this regard, left window 204a has a width, W₁, corresponding to the dimensions of left ear 102a and latch 103. For example, W₁ may be the same or slightly smaller than the total width of the combination of the left ear 102a and the latch 103 (e.g., in the range of 90 to 100 percent of the ear/latch width) such that left member 201 may be press fit over the left ear 102a by slightly depressing latch 103 rearward into left ear 102a. This configuration (and width, W₁) is chosen to provide for a snug fit while not interfering with normal operation of the latch 103. A height of left window 204a may closely correspond (e.g., provide a clearance in the range of 0 to 0.2 inches) to a height (or thickness) of left ear 102a to minimize gaps and reduce vertical rotational movement of handle assembly 200.

During use, a user may grab handle assembly 200 using grip surfaces 202 and manually pull the handle assembly 200 rearward over stock 104 toward distal end 207. In this regard, a portion of the left prong 203a (e.g., inner and forward wall of window 204a) near distal end 206 pulls rearward on latch 103 depressing it into left ear 102a thereby disengaging latch 103 and releasing charging handle 101. Further rearward manipulation of handle assembly 200 pulls charging handle 101 rearward from its forward position until it reaches its maximum extent. Releasing handle assembly 200 then allows a spring, standard to firearms such as firearm 100, to force the bolt carrier group inside firearm 100 forward to charge the firearm 100, thereby pulling charging handle 101 (as well as attached handle assembly 200) to its forward position. Release of handle assembly 200 also allows latch 103 to operate freely and re-engage firearm 100 to lock the charging handle 101 back in the forward position shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 illustrates a right side view of handle assembly 200 installed on the firearm 100. Right prong or arm 203b extends forward from the handle assembly body and around right ear 102b. Right ear 102b is at least partially received in and/or disposed within the right window 204b, and a forward sidewall of the window 204b is typically abutting the forward side/surface of the right ear 102b. A width of right window 204b, W₂, is chosen to be large enough to accommodate a width of right ear 102b (e.g., is at least as large as the width of the right ear 102b) and, in some embodiments, a biasing mechanism 216 included in the handle assembly 200.

The biasing mechanism 216 may be included and is configured to prevent (or at least limit) horizontal rotation of handle assembly 200, which may otherwise be caused by movement of the latch 103 on the left side prior to the handle assembly 200 firmly engaging the left ear 102a once the latch 103 is fully depressed. In this regard, it may be preferable for the biasing mechanism 216 to mimic the spring constant associated with latch 103 in a parallel direction to the resistance of the spring of the latch 103. That is to say, an equal resistance to pulling and travel distance of the latch 103 on the left side and the biasing mechanism 216 on the right side allows a user to pull the handle assembly 200 rearward without generating any (or minimal or reduced) horizontal (or lateral) rotation, which would be caused by unequal resistance or movement. This may be desirable to try avoid the handle assembly 200 slipping out of a user's hand and potentially causing a jam, failing to charge, or failing to chamber a round, and also to avoid subjecting parts to unnecessary torsional stresses that might reduce the service life of the handle assembly 200.

It should be appreciated that absent biasing mechanism 216, W₂ could be reduced to more closely correspond to the width of right ear 102b. However, such a design may be undesirable as it would likely permit no or little movement of right prong 203b in relation to charging handle 101 while W₁ is purposely oversized to accommodate operation of latch 103, thereby permitting movement of left prong 203a in relation to charging handle 101. Accordingly, movement on the left side without corresponding movement on the right side will result in rotation of handle assembly 200 with respect to charging handle 101. Additionally, it should be appreciated that W₁ may be reduced to snugly fit left ear 102a with latch 103 depressed, thereby eliminating horizontal rotation, however, such a design may prevent latch 103 from functioning properly, thereby preventing charging handle 101 from locking into the forward position.

It should further be appreciated that the distinctions drawn herein between “left” and “right” are illustrative only and generally may pertain to a “right-handed” firearm. In some embodiments, such as a handle assembly configured for a “left-handed” firearm, these designations may be reversed or may be labelled “first” and “second.” Also, although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-8 utilizes two distinct members (i.e., left member 201 and right member 210), a handle assembly may include any number of members that are joined together during installation.

For example, FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a handle assembly 300 having a one-piece construction. Rather than utilizing windows in prongs, left hook 301b and right hook 301a may extend forward for engagement of the ears of a charging handle. Handle assembly 300 may be affixed to a firearm in any suitable manner such as an adhesive on hooks 301a, 301b or a tongue (not shown) extending from the bottom side of handle assembly 300 configured for mating engagement with a groove disposed on a firearm.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a biasing mechanism (e.g., biasing mechanism 216 of FIG. 8). In the illustrated embodiment, flexible member 217 may be disposed in right window 204b of right member 210. Rigid cover 218 may be disposed over flexible member 217 to retain flexible member 217 within right window 204b. A force tending to pull right member 210 rearward with regard to a firearm may cause the right ear of the charging handle to press against rigid cover 218, in turn, compressing the honeycomb structure of flexible member 217. Notably, any structural design may be used to form flexible member 217 which provides the described functionality. For example, a sponge-like structure having a plurality of void or empty spaces may provide a similar function to a honeycomb structure.

The more flexible member 217 is compressed, the greater resistance it may provide. Any suitable material may be used to construct flexible member 217 which provides the functionality described herein. For example, a rubber or polymer may be used, or a thermoplastic polyurethane material such as NinjaFlex may be used to facilitate three-dimensional printing of flexible member 217. Notably, the width of right window 204b may be selected to correspond with a spring constant of the material and design of flexible member 217 to mimic the operation of a latch on the opposite ear of the charging handle. For example, a wider right window may provide a softer (i.e., less resistance) feel by providing an additional volume of flexible material and a smaller right window (and accordingly less flexible material) may provide a firmer response.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a handle assembly 400. In this embodiment, a tail 401 may extend upward from top grip surface 402 at distal end 407 of handle assembly 400. Tail 401 may provide a backstop for a user's hand to prevent unintentional release of handle assembly 400 during use. Furthermore, tail 401 may be shaped in a manner which allows a user to grip the tail 401 with one or more fingers, thereby providing an alternative means for operating handle assembly 400 in addition to grip surfaces.

Additionally, FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative biasing mechanism including a spring member 403 and a plate 404 disposed in the right window 404b. The plate 404 rests against the right ear of the charging handle (upon mounting on a firearm such as firearm 100 of FIG. 1). Operation of the handle assembly 400 causes the spring member 403 to be compressed by the right ear pressing against the plate 404. As illustrated, the spring member 403 includes two coiled springs, but it should be appreciated that any suitable spring device or devices may be used for spring member 403.

Claims

1. A handle assembly for operating a charging handle of a firearm, comprising:

a first grip surface configured for frictional engagement by a hand of a user;

a first prong extending from said at least one grip surface toward a proximal end of said handle assembly, said first prong comprising a first mechanism to engage a first ear of said charging handle; and

a second prong extending from said at least one grip surface toward said proximal end, said second prong comprising a second mechanism to engage a second ear of said charging handle;

wherein said handle assembly is installable on said charging handle, and wherein a first force exerted on said handle assembly in a direction of a distal end of said handle assembly results in said handle assembly exerting a second force on said charging handle in a direction of a rear of said firearm.

2. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein a bottom side of said handle assembly comprises a generally arched shape channel configured to span around at least a portion of a component of said firearm adjacent said bottom side.

3. The handle assembly of claim 2, wherein said second force actuates a latch disposed on said first ear or said second ear, said latch configured to secure said charging handle in a forward position in which said charging handle is nested against a body of said firearm, and wherein actuation of said latch by said handle assembly releases said charging handle for movement toward a rearward position.

4. The handle assembly of claim 3, wherein:

said first mechanism comprises a first recess disposed on a first internal wall of said first prong, said first recess sized for receipt of said first ear, wherein at least a portion of said first ear is disposed within said first recess when said handle assembly is installed on said charging handle; and

said second mechanism comprises a second recess disposed on a second internal wall of said second prong, said second recess sized for receipt of said second ear, wherein at least a portion of said second ear is disposed within said second recess when said handle assembly is installed on said charging handle;

wherein said first and second internal walls are opposing, and wherein a distance between said first internal wall and said second internal wall is less than a maximum width of said charging handle.

5. The handle assembly of claim 3, wherein:

said first mechanism comprises a first window disposed in said first prong, said first window having a first height and a first width, said first height corresponding to a thickness of said first ear and said first width corresponding to a width of said first ear, wherein said first ear is at least partially disposed within said first window when said handle assembly is installed on said charging handle; and

said second mechanism comprises a second window disposed in said second prong, said second window having a second height and a second width, said second height corresponding to a thickness of said second ear and said second width corresponding to a width of said second ear, wherein said second ear is at least partially disposed within said second window when said handle assembly is installed on said charging handle.

6. The handle assembly of claim 5, wherein said first ear comprises said latch and said latch is at least partially disposed within said first window when said handle assembly is installed on said charging handle.

7. The handle assembly of claim 6, further comprising:

a biasing mechanism disposed within said second window, wherein said biasing mechanism is configured to compress during exertion of said second force to mimic a force exerted by said latch on said first prong to reduce rotation of said handle assembly in relation to said charging handle resulting from operation of said latch.

8. The handle assembly of claim 7, wherein said biasing mechanism comprises a flexible member having a compressible structure.

9. The handle assembly of claim 8, wherein said flexible member comprises at least one of a rubber, a polymer, and a thermoplastic polyurethane, and wherein said compressible structure comprises a plurality of void spaces which are reducible in volume during compression of said flexible member.

10. The handle assembly of claim 7, wherein said biasing mechanism comprises at least one coiled spring.

11. The handle assembly of claim 6, further comprising:

a first member; and

a second member;

wherein said first member comprises said first prong and said second member comprises said second prong.

12. The handle assembly of claim 11, wherein said first member is removably attachable to said second member by a press fitting.

13. The handle assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

a screw; and

a nut;

wherein said first member is removably attachable to said second member by installing said screw through an aperture extending at least partially through said first member and said second member and securing said screw with said nut.

14. The handle assembly of claim 13, wherein said nut is integrally formed into said first member or said second member.

15. The handle assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

an alignment tab disposed on a first mating surface of one of said first member and said second member; and

an alignment cavity disposed on a second mating surface of the other of said first member and said second member;

wherein said alignment cavity is sized for receipt of said alignment tab, and wherein said first mating surface at least partially contacts said second mating surface when said alignment tab is disposed within said alignment cavity.

16. The handle assembly of claim 6, further comprises:

a second grip surface extending from a first side of said first grip surface; and

a third grip surface extending from a second side of said first grip surface opposite said first side.

17. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein said second and third grip surfaces comprise a plurality of grooves and ridges.

18. The handle assembly of claim 6, further comprising:

a tail extending from said first grip surface at the distal end, wherein said tail extends away from a stock of said firearm when installed on said charging handle.

19. The handle assembly of claim 3, wherein said first grip surface comprises a Picatinny rail structure.

20. The handle assembly of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of said handle assembly comprises at least one of a polylactic acid, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, rubber, polymer, nylon, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and polystyrene.

21. A handle assembly for operating a charging handle of a firearm, comprising:

a body;

a first elongate arm extending a first distance outward from an end of the body;

a second elongate arm extending a second distance outward from the end of the body, wherein the second elongate arm is parallel to, and spaced apart from, the first elongate arm;

a first window providing a passageway through the first elongate arm; and

a second window providing a passageway through the second elongate arm,

wherein the first window has a width and a height corresponding to a width and a height of a first ear and a latch of the charging handle of the firearm, and

wherein, when the handle assembly is mounted onto the firearm, the first ear and the latch are both received in and extend at least part way through the first window and a second ear of the charging handle opposite the first ear is concurrently received in and extends at least part way through the second window.

22. The handle assembly of claim 21, wherein the width of the first window is less than about the width of the first ear and the latch and wherein the second window has a width equal to the width of the first window.

23. The handle assembly of claim 22, wherein the second window includes a biasing mechanism applying a spring force against the second ear, when the second ear is positioned within the second window, that resists movement of the second ear toward a front end of the firearm.

24. The handle assembly of claim 21, wherein the body has a lower arcuate surface that is positioned adjacent to and receives a curved portion of the firearm when the handle assembly is mounted onto the firearm, wherein the body includes separable left and right members with each including one of the first and second elongate arms, and wherein the first and second windows are aligned when the left and right members are assembled with mating surfaces in abutting contact.

25. A handle assembly for operating a charging handle of a firearm, comprising:

a body with an upper grip surface and a lower surface with an arcuate cross sectional shape;

a first arm extending from an end of the body;

a second arm extending from the end of the body;

a first window on the first elongate arm; and

a second window on the second elongate arm,

wherein, when the handle assembly is mounted onto the firearm with the charging handle extending between the first and second arms, a first ear with a latch is received in the first window and a second ear of the charging handle opposite the first ear is received in the second window, and

wherein the second window includes a biasing mechanism applying a spring force against the second ear, when the second ear is positioned within the second window, that resists movement of the second ear toward a front end of the firearm.

26. The handle assembly of claim 25, wherein the first window has a width corresponding to a width of a first ear with a latch of the charging handle of the firearm, and wherein the width of the first window is less than about the width of the first ear and the latch and wherein the second window has a width equal to the width of the first window.

27. The handle assembly of claim 25, wherein the body includes separable left and right members with each including one of the first and second elongate arms, and wherein the first and second windows are aligned when the left and right members are assembled with mating surfaces in abutting contact.