Rifle handguard system with integrated barrel nut
A handguard system for use on a rifle having a barrel and a receiver, the hand guard system includes a barrel nut having an inner surface with a threaded portion adapted to threadably engage the receiver for securing the barrel to the receiver and an outer surface, and a tubular handguard having an end. The tubular handguard is receivable about the barrel and is received about the barrel nut, engaging the outer surface thereof. REEXAMINATION RESULTS The questions raised in reexamination proceeding No. 90/008,357, filed Dec. 1, 2006, have been considered, and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e) for ex parte reexaminations, or the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 316 as provided in 37 CFR 1.997(e) for inter partes reexaminations.
Latest Patents:
- METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR RNA-GUIDED TREATMENT OF HIV INFECTION
- IRRIGATION TUBING WITH REGULATED FLUID EMISSION
- RESISTIVE MEMORY ELEMENTS ACCESSED BY BIPOLAR JUNCTION TRANSISTORS
- SIDELINK COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND DEVICE AND STORAGE MEDIUM
- SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE HAVING MEMORY DEVICE AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME
This application is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,694,660. Application Ser. No. 90/008,357 is a reexamination of U.S. Pat. No. 6,694,660. Application Ser. No. 12/860,083 is a continuing reissue of this application. Application Ser. No. 12/897,846 is a continuing reissue of this application. Application Ser. No. 12/870,838 is a continuation of this application and is now abandoned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to rifle accessories.
More particularly, the present invention relates to handguards for rifles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONLong guns, and in particular rifles, have long been known. Rifles, due to their length, are typically fired using two hands. One hand is placed proximate the trigger assembly and the other is typically placed down the barrel from the trigger assembly. Rifles conventionally include a stock fabricated of wood. The stock typically includes a fore stock which extends some distance down the barrel. The fore stock is grasped by the shooter to provide balance and facilitate aiming the rifle. The shooter's hand is protected from the heat of the barrel during firing by the fore stock. Many modern rifles often employ synthetic materials for the stock, and still employ a fore stock. Other rifles do not include a single stock, but have a receiver to which a butt stock and a barrel are attached. The hand of a shooter is protected from the barrel by a handguard attached to the barrel. The M16 with its various permutations is an example of this type of rifle.
In an M16, a handguard consists of an upper and a lower handguard fitted around the barrel and attached thereto at both ends. While effective for protecting the hand of a shooter, pressure on and from the handguard can cause minor flexing of the barrel. Flexing or distortion of the barrel can cause sighting problems and bullet deflections, each of which is detrimental to accuracy. Additionally, multiple parts are required for attachment of the handguard, increasing complexity, cost and difficulty of attachment.
It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved handguard system with attachment at only one end.
Another object of the invention is to provide a handguard system which can be employed on existing rifles.
And another object of the invention is to provide a handguard system that is easily installed and aligned.
And yet another object of the invention is to provide a handguard system which will improve accuracy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONBriefly, to achieve the desired objects of the Instant invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, provided is a handguard system for use on a rifle having a barrel and a receiver. The hand guard system includes a barrel nut having an inner surface with a threaded portion adapted to threadably engage the receiver for securing the barrel to the receiver and an outer surface, and a tubular handguard having an end. The tubular handguard is receivable about the barrel and is received about the barrel nut, engaging the outer surface thereof.
In a more specific aspect, provided is an extension rail coupled to the handguard. The extension rail includes a receiver portion extending beyond the handguard, a dovetail groove formed in an underside of the receiver portion of the extension rail having a cross-sectional shape substantially identical to a cross-sectional shape of the rail on the receiver, for receipt of the rail therein, and fastening members for fastening the extension rail to the rail. A portion of the tubular handguard underlying the extension rail is removed to form a channel therebetween.
The foregoing and further and more specific objects and advantages of the instant invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
Turning now to the drawings in which like reference-characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to
A spring loaded delta ring 22 fits over barrel nut 20 and is part of handguard system 14 for retaining an upper handguard 23 and a lower hand guard 24. Delta ring 22 is biased forwardly, toward muzzle end 19 of barrel 12 by a spring 26 and retaining ring 27. A front sight assembly 28 is fixed to barrel 12 proximate muzzle end 19 and includes a tube cap 30. The grip halves are fitted between delta ring 22 and tube cap 30. Insertion and removal is accomplished by forcing delta ring 22 rearwardly, against the bias, increasing the separation between delta ring 22 and tube cap 30. Ends of upper handguard 23 and lower hand guard 24 are inserted into delta ring 22, and the opposing ends are received by tube cap 30. Delta ring 22 is then permitted to return to the normal forward position, securing upper handguard 23 and lower hand guard 24. A gas tube 32 extends along barrel 12 between an operating mechanism carried by upper receiver 11 and tube cap 30. Gas tube 32 extracts gas from barrel 12 during firing and redirects it back to the operating mechanism.
While somewhat effective, attachment of both ends of the grip to the barrel can distort the accuracy of the rifle. Pressure or torque by the shooter on the hand guard translates directly into pressure on the barrel. Additionally, heating of the handguard by heat from the barrel can cause expansion of the handguard. Distortion of the handguard can put pressure on the barrel. Any pressure can flex the barrel, even to the slightest degree, which will cause a sighting error and deflection of the bullet.
Turning now to
With additional reference to
Still referring to
Still referring to
Referring specifically to
Turning now to
Extension rail 70 is fastened to the top of cylindrical handguard 60 with a receiver portion 72 extending outwardly past end 65. Extension rail 70 can be fastened to handguard 60 in many diverse ways, but a preferred method will be described presently. As handguard 60 is received over barrel 43, receiver portion 72 of extension rail 70 is fitted over rail 71. Receiver portion 72 of extension rail 70 is formed with an underside defining a dovetail slot 80. Slot 80 is shaped to receive rail 71 therein. Receiver portion 72 of extension rail 70 is preferably of a length substantially identical to or shorter than the length of rail 71. In this manner, when handguard 60 is correctly positioned, receiver portion 72 of extension rail 70 substantially covers rail 71. If receiver portion 72 is shorter than rail 71, a portion of rail 71 is exposed for attachment of accessory devices. Receiver portion 72 of extension rail 70 is fastened to rail 71 with set screws 82 extending through apertures 83 and engaging the top of rail 71. Receiver portion 72 of extension rail 70 aligns with rail 71 such that apertures 83 overlie grooves or notches formed in rail 71. Set screws 82 extend through apertures 83 and into the notches of rail 71 preventing longitudinal movement thereof. While extending the rail, extension rail 70 additionally acts to reinforce and help stabilize handguard 60. Set screws 82 extend through the top of extension rail 70 and engage the top of rail 71. Thus, when tightened, set screws 82 force rail 70 from rail 71 securely engaging the dovetail equally on both sides.
Turning now to
Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for,purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims.
Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is:
Claims
1. A handguard system for use on a rifle having a barrel and a receiver, the hand guard system comprising:
- a barrel nut being a unitary element, having an inner surface with a threaded portion adapted to threadably engage the receiver for securing the barrel to the receiver and an outer surface; and
- a unitary tubular handguard having an end, the tubular handguard receivable about the barrel and received about the barrel nut, engaging the outer surface thereof.
2. A handguard system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the barrel nut further includes a plurality of passages positioned around the periphery of the barrel nut and extending longitudinally therealong intermediate the inner surface and the outer surface for permitting the passage of an element of an operating system therethrough.
3. A handguard system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner surface of the barrel nut further includes a reduced portion separated from the threaded portion by a shoulder, the reduced portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the threaded portion.
4. A handguard system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the receiver includes a rail, the system further including an extension rail coupled to the handguard, the extension rail including a receiver portion extending beyond the handguard, a dovetail groove formed in an underside of the receiver portion of the extension rail having a cross-sectional shape substantially identical to a cross-sectional shape of the rail on the receiver, for receipt of the rail therein, and fastening members for fastening the extension rail to the rail.
5. A handguard system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the fastening members extend through apertures formed in the top of the extension rail for engaging the top of the rail within notches formed therein.
6. A handguard system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the fasteners are set screws.
7. A handguard system as claimed in claim 4 wherein a portion of the tubular handguard underlying the extension rail is removed to form a channel therebetween.
8. A handguard system as claimed in claim 1 further including fasteners received through the end of the tubular handguard for engaging the barrel nut and fixedly securing the tubular handguard thereto.
9. A handguard system comprising:
- an upper receiver;
- a barrel having a base end and a muzzle end;
- a barrel nut having an inner surface with a threaded portion threadably engaging the receiver and securing the barrel to the receiver and an outer surface; and
- a unitary tubular handguard having an end, the tubular handguard encircling the barrel and received about the barrel nut with the end of the tubular handguard engaging the outer surface of the barrel nut.
10. A handguard system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the barrel nut further includes a plurality of passages positioned around the periphery of the barrel nut and extending longitudinally therealong intermediate the inner surface and the outer surface for permitting the passage of an element of an operating system therethrough.
11. A handguard system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the inner surface of the barrel nut further includes a reduced portion separated from the threaded portion by a shoulder, the reduced portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the threaded portion, the shoulder engaging a flange on the base end of the barrel.
12. A handguard system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the receiver includes a rail, the system further including an extension rail coupled to the, handguard, the extension rail including a receiver portion extending beyond the handguard, a dovetail groove formed in an underside of the receiver portion of the extension rail having a cross-sectional shape substantially identical to a cross-sectional shape of the rail on the receiver, for receipt of the rail therein, and fastening members for fastening the extension rail to the rail.
13. A handguard system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the fastening members extend through apertures formed in the top of the extension rail to engage the top of the rail within notches formed therein.
14. A handguard system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the fasteners are set screws.
15. A handguard system as claimed in claim 12 wherein a portion of the tubular handguard underlying the extension rail is removed to form a channel therebetween.
16. A handguard system as claimed in claim 9 further including fasteners received through the end of the tubular handguard for engaging the barrel nut and fixedly securing the tubular handguard thereto.
17. A barrel nut for coupling a barrel to a receiver and receiving an end of a handguard having an inner surface, the barrel nut being a single unitary element comprising:
- an inner surface with a threaded portion adapted to threadably engage the receiver for securing the barrel to the receiver and an outer surface for engaging the inner surface of the end of the handguard; and
- a plurality of passages positioned around the periphery of the barrel nut and extending longitudinally therealong intermediate the inner surface and the outer surface for permitting the passage of an element of an operating system therethrough.
18. A barrel nut as claimed in claim 17 wherein the inner surface of the barrel nut further includes a reduced portion separated from the threaded portion by a shoulder, the reduced portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the threaded portion.
19. A handguard system for use on a rifle having a barrel and a receiver, the hand guard system comprising:
- a barrel nut being a unitary element, having an inner surface with a threaded portion adapted to threadably engage the receiver for securing the barrel to the receiver and a radial cylindrical outer surface;
- a unitary tubular handguard having an end, the tubular handguard receivable about the barrel and removably received about the barrel nut, engaging only the radial cylindrical outer surface thereof; and
- an extension rail extending beyond the handguard, the extension rail configured to contact a top portion of the receiver and align the unitary tubular handguard to the rifle;
- wherein the engagement of the tubular handguard to the radial cylindrical outer surface extends substantially the entire length of the barrel nut.
20. A handguard system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the barrel nut further includes a plurality of passages positioned around the periphery of the barrel nut and extending longitudinally therealong intermediate the inner surface and the outer surface for permitting the passage of an element of an operating system therethrough.
21. A handguard system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the inner surface of the barrel nut further includes a reduced portion separated from the threaded portion by a shoulder, the reduced portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the threaded portion.
22. A handguard system as claimed in claim 19 wherein a portion of the tubular handguard includes a channel formed under the extension rail.
23. A handguard system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the top portion of the receiver includes a rail; and wherein a dovetail groove is formed in an underside of the extension rail having a cross-sectional shape substantially identical to a cross-sectional shape of the rail on the receiver, for receipt of the rail therein, and fastening members for fastening the extension rail to the rail.
24. A handguard system as claimed in claim 23 wherein the fastening members extend through apertures formed in the top of the extension portion for engaging the top of the rail within notches formed therein.
25. A handguard system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the fasteners are set screws.
1971230 | August 1934 | Nikoloff |
2457945 | January 1949 | Von Soden |
3090150 | May 1963 | Stoner |
3144895 | August 1964 | Linger |
3566744 | March 1971 | Stoner |
3664226 | May 1972 | Gonzalez |
3849925 | November 1974 | Mayer |
3877167 | April 1975 | Keppeler |
3939589 | February 24, 1976 | Tellie |
4536982 | August 27, 1985 | Bredbury et al. |
4654993 | April 7, 1987 | Atchisson |
4663875 | May 12, 1987 | Tatro |
4765224 | August 23, 1988 | Morris |
4927302 | May 22, 1990 | Beaty |
5010676 | April 30, 1991 | Kennedy |
5198600 | March 30, 1993 | E'Nama |
5343650 | September 6, 1994 | Swan |
5398530 | March 21, 1995 | Derman |
5412895 | May 9, 1995 | Krieger |
5490746 | February 13, 1996 | Baker |
5513461 | May 7, 1996 | Weldle |
5590484 | January 7, 1997 | Mooney et al. |
5662445 | September 2, 1997 | Harbottle et al. |
5826363 | October 27, 1998 | Olson |
5952602 | September 14, 1999 | Gussalli Beretta |
5987797 | November 23, 1999 | Dustin |
6250198 | June 26, 2001 | Vendetti et al. |
6295751 | October 2, 2001 | Piwonski |
6374528 | April 23, 2002 | Davis et al. |
6418654 | July 16, 2002 | Trois et al. |
6490822 | December 10, 2002 | Swan |
6499245 | December 31, 2002 | Swan |
6671990 | January 6, 2004 | Booth |
6694660 | February 24, 2004 | Davies |
RE39465 | January 16, 2007 | Swan |
20030106252 | June 12, 2003 | Hines |
2157420 | May 1973 | DE |
0048223 | May 1982 | EP |
0720620 | December 1954 | GB |
- C-More Systems Quad-Rail Handguard, http://www.cmore.com/quadrail.html (Sep. 8, 2001).
- Holmes, Bill. Home Workshop Guns for Defense and Resistance. Boulder, Colorado: Paladin Press, Nov. 1997 ISBN 13: 978-0-87364-948-3.
- Olympic Arms Free Floating Integrated Rail System, Printed Publication date Dec. 3, 2001.
Type: Grant
Filed: Feb 23, 2006
Date of Patent: Oct 14, 2014
Assignee: (Galveston, TX)
Inventor: Robert Bruce Davies (Tempe, AZ)
Primary Examiner: Daniel J Troy
Application Number: 11/361,036
International Classification: F41A 21/00 (20060101);