MODULAR HANDGUARD FOR FIREARM

Abstract

The present invention provides a modular handguard for a firearm which allows a portion of the length of the handguard to be quickly and easily added or removed. The improved modular handguard of the present invention has a base which attaches to the barrel nut of the firearm. An extension slidably mates with the base such that the longitudinal bores of the base and the extension are generally aligned. A latch removably connects the base and the extension.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I herby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(c) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/148,442 filed Feb. 11, 2021. The 63/148,442 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices used to shield high temperature surfaces associated with firearms to reduce risk of injury to the user, and more particularly but without limitation, to handguards for firearms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The handguard, also known as a “rail,” is one of the most important parts of an AR-15 or AR-10 type firearm. When such firearms are fired, the barrel can become extremely hot and can burn skin or destroy clothing if touched. Handguards surround at least a portion of the barrel and allow the firearm to be griped or touched without risk of injury.

Handguards exist in the prior art of various length and these handguards can be removed and changed by the user for different applications. However, the process of changing handguards on a given firearm is somewhat time consuming and inconvenient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular handguard for a firearm which allows a portion of the length of the handguard to be quickly and easily removed. The improved modular handguard of the present invention comprises: (1) a base having first and second ends and an open longitudinal bore, wherein the first end of the base attaches to the barrel nut of the firearm; (2) an extension having first and second ends and an open longitudinal bore, wherein the first end of the extension slidably mates with second end of the base such that the longitudinal bores of the base and the extension are generally aligned; and (3) a latch for removably connecting the base and the extension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with this description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings merely illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handguard constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the handguard embodiment of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the extension shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the extension shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is top view of the extension shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the extension shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the extension shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the extension shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is top view of the base shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the base shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is an end view of the base shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the base shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the pivot arm for the handguard shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the pivot arm for the handguard shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is perspective view of the channel member for the handguard shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the base of a second embodiment of a handguard constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view of opposing sides of the pivot arm for the handguard shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of extension for the handguard shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the base of a third embodiment of a handguard constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the extension for the handguard shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is perspective view of the pivot arm for the embodiment shown in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings generally and specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, shown is one embodiment of the modular handguard 10 of the present invention. Handguard 10 includes three primary components, a base 12, an extension 14, and a latch 16. The base 12 has first and second ends 18, 20 and an open longitudinal bore 22 through which the barrel of the firearm (not shown) is received. The first end 18 of the base 12 is mounted to the barrel nut (not shown) of the firearm using conventional techniques, as will be discussed further below. Extension 20 removably attaches to base 12.

The base 12 has one or more grooves 24 formed into the interior of the base 12. As used herein, the term “grooves” 24 refers to grooves, channels or other similar structures. The grooves 24 are generally oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 26 of the handguard 10. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3-7, one or more ridges 28 or raised portions that are formed on the outside of the extension 14 and generally oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 26 of the extension. The grooves 24 and ridges 28 are designed to provide a suitably stable mating of the base 12 and extension 14 as the two components are slidably mated. The latch 16 removably secures the base 12 and extension 14 together.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8-12, the base 12 has three grooves 24 for receiving three ridges 28 formed on the extension 14. In this embodiment, the latch 16 is spring-biased and consists of a pivot pin 30, a pivot arm 32, and a spring 34. Although the present embodiment shows latch 16 disposed on base 12, persons skilled in the art will understand that latch 12 could be disposed on extension 14 in alternative embodiments. The pivot arm 32 is mounted on the pivot pin 30 which is positioned in pin bores 36 located on the base 12. As best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the pivot arm 32 has an elongated body 38 with first and second ends 40, 42 and an intermediate pin hole 44. The pivot arm 32 also includes an inwardly protruding catch 46 on its first end 40 and preferably includes an outward facing button 48 on its second end 42. A spring recess 50 is formed on the inwardly facing side of the second end 42 opposite button 48. Spring 34 sets in spring recess 50 and extends to and is captured by a corresponding recess in base 12.

The spring 34 biases the pivot arm 32 toward a closed position which causes first end 40 of pivot arm 32 to pivot inwardly and causes catch 46 to project through an opening (not numbered) in base 12 to engage a locking channel 52 (see FIGS. 2 and 15) on extension 14, thereby locking base 12 and extension 14 together. When a user presses button 48 on pivot arm 32 with sufficient force to compress spring 34, the pressing force biases pivot arm 32 to the open position and allows base 12 and extension 14 to be separated. This allows extension 14 to be quickly and easily removed from the firearm.

Although locking channel 52 is show in the drawings as being formed in a separate channel member 54 which is attached to extension 14 with screws 56, persons skilled in the art will understand that locking channel 52 may be an integral part of extension 14. As used herein, “locking channel” shall mean any suitable for structure for receiving catch 46 in a manner sufficient to satisfy the latching function, including without limitation a bore, hole, recess, indentation or the like.

In some embodiments, base 12 will include two latches 16, one on each side of base 12. In such embodiments, extension 14 will have two corresponding locking channels 52. This will allow for a secure connection between base 12 and extension 14, which can be easily released by pressing buttons 48 on latches 16 to allow removal of the extension 14 from base 12.

In some embodiments, base 12 will include a ramp portion 58, which may be integrated into the channel member 54 or ridge 28. When base 12 and extension 14 are slidably joined together, catch 46 will engage ramp portion 58 and progressively bias the second end 42 of pivot arm 32 outwardly until catch 46 encounters locking channel 52. Catch 46 will then pivot inwardly and snap into locking channel 52, securing the extension 14 to base 12.

Turning to FIGS. 10 and 11, the base 12 of the present embodiment includes a clamp 60 for fastening base 12 with screws or bolts (not shown) onto the barrel nut of a firearm in conventional manner. Although the present embodiment shows a clamp 60 for attachment to the firearm it should be understood that any suitable means for attaching the base 12 to the firearm may be employed, all of which are considered within the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 16-18 depict a second embodiment of the present invention. Base 212 has three grooves 224 for receiving three corresponding ridges 228 of extension 214. Latches 216 are pivotally mounted in the grooves 224 for engaging the ridges 228 in the base 212 and locking extension 214 into place. Preferably, the latches 216 are pivotally mounted using pivot pins 230. In this embodiment, the springs 234 are configured around pivot pins 230 in such a manner as to bias the pivot arm 232 to the closed position. Each of the latches 216 includes a button 248 which shows the user where to press to release the latch 216. The latches 216 also include a catch 246 which mates with a corresponding locking channel 252 (in this case a slot) in the extension 14 when the latch 216 is in the closed position to secure the extension 214 to the base 212.

To mount the extension 214 to the base 212, the user aligns the ridges 228 of the extension 214 with the grooves 224 of the base 212, presses the buttons 248 on latches 216 and then slides extension 214 into base 212, releasing the buttons 248 on latches 216 to secure the two pieces together. To remove the extension 214 from the base 212, the user again presses the buttons 248 to release the latches 216 and then slides the extension 214 out of the base 212. In this manner, the extension 214 can be quickly and easily mounted to or removed from base 212 without extensive, time-consuming reworking of the firearm.

FIGS. 19-21 depict a third embodiment of the present invention. Base 312 has one or more grooves 324 for receiving one or more ridges 328 of the extension 314. In this embodiment, a latch 316 is pivotally mounted in groove 324 for engaging ridge 328 on base 312 and locking the extension 314 into place. Preferably, latch 316 is pivotally mounted using a pivot pin 330 and is spring biased. The latch 316 includes a button portion 348 which shows the user where to press to release latch 316. Latch 316 also includes a catch 346 (in this case a tooth) which mates with a corresponding locking channel 352 in extension 314 when in the closed position to secure the extension 314 to the base 312. Preferably, ridge 324 includes a ramp portion 358 which engages the catch 346 and allows latch 316 to be forced to the open position while the extension 314 is being slid into the base 312. Once the extension 314 is all the way into base 312, locking channel 352 allows latch 316 to snap into place, locking the extension 314 to the base 312.

To mount the extension 314 to the base 312, the user aligns ridge 324 of extension 314 with groove 314 of base 312, presses the button portion 348 of latch 316 and then slides extension 314 into the base 312, releasing latch 316 to secure the two pieces together. To remove the extension 314 from the base 312, the user again presses button 348 to release latch 316 and then slides extension 314 out of base 312. In this manner, extension 314 can be quickly and easily mounted to base 312 without extensive, time-consuming reworking of the firearm.

The embodiments shown and described above are exemplary. Many details are often found in the art and, therefore, many such details are neither shown nor described herein. It is not claimed that all of the details, parts, elements, or steps described and shown were invented herein. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present inventions have been described in the drawings and accompanying text, the description is illustrative only. Changes may be made in the details, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of the parts within the principles of the inventions to the full extent indicated by the broad meaning of the terms of the attached claims. The description and drawings of the specific embodiments herein do not point out what an infringement of this patent would be, but rather provide an example of how to use and make the invention. Likewise, the abstract is neither intended to define the invention, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. Rather, the limits of the invention and the bounds of the patent protection are measured by and defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A handguard for a firearm having a barrel nut, comprising:

a base having first and second ends and an open longitudinal bore, wherein the first end of the base attaches to the barrel nut of the firearm;

an extension having first and second ends and an open longitudinal bore, wherein the first end of the extension slidably mates with second end of the base such that the longitudinal bores of the base and the extension are generally aligned;

a latch for removably connecting the base and the extension.

2. The handguard of claim 1 wherein the base has pin bores and wherein the latch is a spring-biased latch and comprises:

a pivot pin positioned in the pin bores of the base;

a pivot arm mounted on the pivot pin, wherein the pivot arm has an open position and a closed position; and

a spring for biasing the pivot arm to the closed position.

3. The handguard of claim 2 wherein the pivot arm comprises:

an elongated body having first and second ends and having a hole located between the first and second ends to receive the pivot pin; and

an inwardly protruding catch on the second end of the elongated body.

4. The handguard of claim 3 wherein the extension has a locking channel and wherein the catch lockingly engages the locking channel when the pivot arm is in the closed position and the catch disengages the locking channel when the pivot arm is in the open position.

5. The handguard of claim 4 wherein the base and the extension can be slidably separated when the pivot arm is in the open position and cannot be separated when the pivot arm is in the closed position.

6. The handguard of claim 5 wherein the base includes a groove formed on the interior of the base and wherein the extension includes a ridge that is slidably received in the groove when the base and the extension are slidably mated.

7. A handguard for a firearm having a barrel nut, comprising:

a base having first and second ends and an open longitudinal bore, wherein the first end of the base attaches to the barrel nut of the firearm;

an extension having first and second ends and an open longitudinal bore, wherein the first end of the extension slidably mates with second end of the base such that the longitudinal bores of the base and the extension are generally aligned;

a spring-biased latch for removably connecting the base and the extension.

8. The handguard of claim 7 wherein the base has pin bores and wherein the latch comprises:

a pivot pin positioned in the pin bores of the base;

a pivot arm mounted on the pivot pin, wherein the pivot arm has an open position and a closed position; and

a spring for biasing the pivot arm to the closed position.

9. The handguard of claim 8 wherein the pivot arm comprises:

an elongated body having first and second ends and having a hole located between the first and second ends to receive the pivot pin; and

an inwardly protruding catch on the second end of the elongated body.

10. The handguard of claim 9 wherein the extension has a locking channel and wherein the catch lockingly engages the locking channel when the pivot arm is in the closed position and the catch disengages the locking channel when the pivot arm is in the open position.

11. The handguard of claim 10 wherein the base and the extension can be slidably separated when the pivot arm is in the open position and cannot be separated when the pivot arm is in the closed position.

12. The handguard of claim 11 wherein the base includes a groove formed on the interior of the base and wherein the extension includes a ridge that is slidably received in the groove when the base and the extension are slidably mated.

13. A handguard for a firearm having a barrel nut, comprising:

a base having first and second ends and an open longitudinal bore, wherein the first end of the base attaches to the barrel nut of the firearm;

an extension having first and second ends and an open longitudinal bore, wherein the first end of the extension slidably mates with second end of the base such that the longitudinal bores of the base and the extension are generally aligned;

a latch attached to the base for removably connecting the base and the extension.

14. The handguard of claim 13 wherein the latch is a spring-biased latch and comprises:

a pivot pin;

a pivot arm mounted on the pivot pin, wherein the pivot arm has an open position and a closed position; and

a spring for biasing the pivot arm to the closed position.

15. The handguard of claim 14 wherein the pivot arm comprises:

an elongated body having first and second ends and having a hole located between the first and second ends to receive the pivot pin; and

an inwardly protruding catch on the second end of the elongated body.

16. The handguard of claim 15 wherein the extension has a locking channel and wherein the catch lockingly engages the locking channel when the pivot arm is in the closed position and the catch disengages the locking channel when the pivot arm is in the open position.

17. The handguard of claim 14 wherein the base and the extension can be slidably separated when the pivot arm is in the open position and cannot be separated when the pivot arm is in the closed position.

18. The handguard of claim 13 wherein the base includes a groove formed on the interior of the base and wherein the extension includes a ridge that is slidably received in the groove when the base and the extension are slidably mated.