Firearm

Abstract

An improvement to a firearm of the character having an upper receiver, an operating rod operably associated with the upper receiver for movement between a first position and a second position, and a lower receiver connected to the upper receiver. The improvement concerns a novel bolt and barrel lock and release mechanism carried by the upper receiver and a novel trigger mechanism carried by the lower receiver.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation-In-Part Application of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/386,698 filed Apr. 21, 2009.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to firearms. More particularly, the invention concerns an improved firearm having a novel receiver, a novel barrel and bolt lock and release mechanism, a novel trigger mechanism and a novel ignition system.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 Cfr 1.97 and 1.98

Present day firearms typically embody basic design concepts that were developed decades ago. As a general rule, improvements made to firearms over recent years have consisted of cosmetic modifications and minor structural changes, most of which do not make any significant improvements to the firearm's core operational features. Accordingly, today's firearms typically do not exhibit significant improvements in the basic construction of the firearm or the manner of its assembly and disassembly.

In modern day firearms the primary structure comprises a receiver, a barrel, a bolt mechanism and a trigger mechanism all connected to a wooden or metal stock. In gas operated semi-automatic firearms, a portion of the propellant gas is diverted from the barrel after passage of the bullet to drive a slide mechanism rearward, which actuates the bolt to extract the empty casing and load a new round. The trigger mechanism is operably associated with the bolt mechanism so that upon operation of the trigger, a firing pin will strike a round disposed within the barrel to fire the bullet.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By way of brief summary, the present invention comprises an improvement to a firearm of the character having an upper receiver, an operating rod operably associated with the upper receiver for movement between a first position and a second position, a lower receiver connected to the upper receiver, a trigger mechanism carried by the lower receiver, and a magazine connected to the lower receiver for carrying a plurality of ammunition cartridges. The improvement here comprises a barrel connected to the upper receiver, the barrel having a rear portion having a curved bearing surface and an intermediate portion having a gas transfer passageway formed therein; a generally semi-circular receiver bearing formed in the upper receiver; a bolt slidably received within the upper receiver for movement between a first forward position and a second rearward position, the bolt having a firing pin; a striker connected to the bolt for movement between a first position and a second position in engagement with the firing pin; a locking member removably connected to the upper receiver for movement relative thereto between a first bolt engaging position and a second bolt disengage position, the locking member having a curved forward portion received within the generally semi-circular bore of the upper receiver and within the curved bearing surface of said barrel; locking member biasing means carried by the upper receiver for urging the locking member into the first bolt engaging position; and a disengage member slidably received within the bolt for movement by the operating rod to move the locking member into the bolt disengage position upon movement of the disengage member to the second position.

With the forgoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved firearm wherein the improvement comprises the provision of a novel barrel lock and release mechanism that greatly simplifies the removal of the barrel of the firearm from the receiver.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved firearm of the aforementioned character that includes an improved bolt lock and release mechanism that is of simple construction and one that securely locks the bolt in position until it is automatically released upon firing of the weapon.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved firearm of the character described in the preceding paragraph that includes an improved bolt lock and release mechanism that greatly simplifies the removal of the bolt from the firearm.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved firearm as described in the preceding paragraphs that includes a novel trigger mechanism that is of simple construction and one that operates to smoothly release the striker of the weapon upon actuation of the trigger.

The forgoing as well as other objectives will be achieved by the novel improved firearm illustrated in the drawings and described in the following paragraphs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in cross-section, illustrating one form of the improved firearm of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a generally perspective, exploded view of the forward portion of the improved firearm shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, generally perspective view showing the barrel of the firearm received within the upper receiver.

FIG. 4 is a generally perspective view of a portion of one form of the bolt of the improved firearm shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, generally perspective view of the bolt of the improved fire arm and showing the striker member of the firearm interconnected with the bolt.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, generally perspective view illustrating the manner in which the locking member of the apparatus is received within the curved bearing surfaces of the upper receiver.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, side elevational view showing the locking member and the disengage member of the improved firearm interconnected with the bolt.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, side elevational view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the locking member having been moved into a bolt release position by the disengage member.

FIG. 9 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view illustrating the construction of the trigger mechanism of the improved firearm and the association of the trigger mechanism with the sear and with the striker member.

FIG. 9A is a generally perspective front view of the lifter of the trigger mechanism.

FIG. 9B is a generally perspective rear view of the lifter of the trigger mechanism.

FIG. 9C is a generally perspective front view of the lifter interconnected with the lift bar of the trigger mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view illustrating the configuration of the trigger mechanism following the pivotal movement of the trigger into a position to cause the release of the striker member.

FIG. 10A is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary side view illustrating the configuration of the trigger mechanism following the pivotal movement of the lifter by the action of the forward movement of the striker member.

FIGS. 11A and 11B when considered together comprise a side elevational view of an alternate form of the improved firearm of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, of the alternate form of improved firearm shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B of the improved firearm shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a generally perspective, exploded view of the forward portion of the alternate form of improved firearm shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view illustrating the construction of the trigger mechanism of the improved firearm shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings and the association of the trigger mechanism with the sear and with the striker member.

FIG. 15 is a view taken along lines 15-15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15, but showing the first safety mechanism, or trigger guard moved into a first position toward one side of the trigger mechanism.

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16, but showing the trigger guard moved into a second position toward the opposite side of the trigger mechanism.

FIG. 18 is a generally perspective view of the second safety mechanism of the apparatus.

FIG. 19 is a generally perspective exploded view of the second safety mechanism shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary, side elevational view similar to FIG. 14, but showing the position of the various components of the apparatus following actuation of the first and second safety mechanisms and following operation of the trigger.

FIG. 21 is a generally diagrammatic view illustrating the operation of the de-cocker mechanism of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a view taken along lines 22-22 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a generally perspective, exploded view of one form of the de-cocker member of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a generally perspective, fragmentary view of an alternate form of the firearm of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, one form of the firearm of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral 24. In this form of the invention, the firearm comprises an upper receiver 26 having a strategically configured barrel receiving bore 28 and a pair of transversely spaced guide grooves 30 (FIG. 2). An important feature of the present invention is the generally semi-circular shaped receiver bearings 32 that are formed in the front portion of the upper receiver 26 (FIG. 3). The purpose of these receiver bearings will presently be described.

Connected to the upper receiver 26 is a barrel 34 having a forward portion 34a, a rear portion 34b and an intermediate portion 34c disposed between the forward and rear portion. Rear portion 34b is provided with a guide slot 38 and a pair of spaced apart, upstanding curved bearing surfaces 40 (FIG. 2). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, rear portion 34b is telescopically receivable within barrel receiving bore 28 and, when in position within the upper receiver, cooperates with receiver bearings 32 to form a complete receiver bearing 42 that is generally semicircular in cross-section at any point. For a reason presently to be described, the intermediate portion 34c of the barrel is provided with a gas transfer passageway 90 (FIG. 1).

A specially configured bolt 50 includes transversely spaced shoulders 50a that are slidably received within the transversely spaced guide grooves 30 (FIG. 3) formed in the upper receiver 26. Bolt 50 is movable between a first forward position shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings and a second rearward position. For a purpose presently to be described, bolt 50 is provided with a longitudinally extending guide slot 52 that is aligned with the guide slot 38 formed within the rear portion 34b of the barrel (FIGS. 2 and 4). Bolt biasing means are operably associated with the bolt 50 for yieldably resisting movement of the bolt between the first forward position and the second rearward position. In the present form of the invention, the bolt biasing means comprises an elongate guide rod 54 that is connected to and extends from the rear face of the bolt in the manner indicated in FIGS. 2 and 5 of the drawings. The bolt biasing means here also comprises a return spring 56 that circumscribes guide rod 54.

Also extending from the rear face of the bolt in the manner indicated in FIGS. 2 and 5 of the drawings is a pair of transversely spaced apart striker guide rods 58. Slidably carried by the striker guide rods for movement between a first rearward a second advanced position against the urging of striker biasing means, or a striker spring 59, that circumscribe the striker guide rods 58, is the important striker member 60 of the invention (see FIGS. 2 and 5). It is important to note that the striker 60 and the rods 58 not only reciprocate with bolt 50 as a unit (see FIG. 5), but striker 60 is also independently slidably movable along rods 58.

Associated with and carried by bolt 50 is the important firing mechanism of the invention. This firing mechanism here includes a firing pin 62 that is carried by bolt 50 for movement between a first, rearward position shown in FIG. 1 and a second forward position. More particularly, firing pin 62 is carried within a longitudinally extending firing pin bore 64 formed in bolt 50 for reciprocal movement there within. In a manner presently to be described, when the striker member 60 is moved into the second advanced position shown in FIG. 5, it will engage end 62a of the firing pin 62 urging movement of the firing pin from the first retracted position toward the second advanced position in engagement with the cartridge disposed within the barrel 34.

A novel and extremely important feature of the present invention is a uniquely configured bolt locking member 70 that is removably connected to said upper receiver for movement relative thereto between a first bolt engaging position shown in FIG. 7 and a second bolt disengage position shown in FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings, bolt locking member 70 has a rearward angled tail portion 70a, a central portion 70b having a locking shoulder 72 and a curved forward portion 70c that is received within the semi-circular receiver bearing 32 of said upper receiver for rotational movement there within (see FIG. 6). As best seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings, when the bolt locking member 70 is in engagement with the bolt 50, the forward portion 70c of the locking member is disposed in engagement with the receiver bearings 32 and is also disposed in engagement with the pair of spaced apart, upstanding curved bearing surfaces 40 of the rear portion of the barrel 34. To continuously urge the locking member 70 into the first bolt engaging position shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, locking member biasing means are provided. This locking member biasing means here comprises a flat spring 76 that is carried by the upper receiver in the manner shown in FIG. 1. Flat spring 76 includes a main body portion 76a and an angled tail portion 76b that engages the downwardly angled tail, or sloping wall portion 70a of the locking member (FIG. 7). Flat spring 76 is so constructed and arranged so as to continuously urge the locking member into the position shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

Forming another important aspect of the firearm of the present invention is a disengage member 80 that is slidably received within the guide slot 38 formed in the rear portion 34b of the barrel and within the longitudinally extending guide slot 52 of the bolt that is aligned with the guide slot 38. In a manner presently to be described, the disengage member 80 is movable by the operating rod 82 of the invention between a first forward position and a second rearward position. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 8 of the drawings, disengage member 80 is provided with an angled wall 80a that is adapted to engage the locking shoulder 72 of the bolt locking member 70 to move the locking member into the upraised, bolt disengage position shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. During this movement of the locking member, the curved forward portion 70c of the locking member will rotate within the semi-circular receiver bearing 42 of the upper receiver about a pivot point 70d. In the upraised position of the locking member, the locking shoulder 72 is free from the locking shoulders 51 of the bolt (FIG. 2) and the bolt is free to move rearwardly.

The previously identified operating rod 82 comprises a part of the operating rod assembly 84 of the invention that is carried by the barrel 34. In addition to the operating rod 82, the operating rod assembly 84 includes a piston housing 86 that is connected to the intermediate portion 34c of the barrel 34 and a piston 88 that is carried by said piston housing for reciprocal movement there within and for engagement with the operating rod 82. As indicated in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the intermediate portion 34c of the barrel is provided with a gas transfer passageway 90 that communicates with the piston housing and functions to transfer propellant gas under pressure from the barrel into the piston housing. After a round is fired, the propellant gas impinges on the piston 88, which acts upon the operating rod to move the operating rod between a first forward position and a second rearward position. In the rearward position, the operating rod engages the disengage member in a manner to move the disengage member from the bolt engaging position shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings into the bolt disengage position shown in FIG. 8. A coil spring 91 circumscribes the operating rod 82 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and functions to move the operating rod from the second rearward position toward the following firing of the bullet.

Connected to upper receiver 26 to form a receiver 92 is a lower receiver 94 (FIG. 1). Connected to and extending from lower receiver 94, is a conventional magazine 96 that functions to carry a plurality of ammunition cartridges, such as cartridge “AC” (FIG. 1). Also carried by lower receiver 94 is a trigger mechanism that is generally designated by the numeral 98. In a manner presently to be described, trigger mechanism 98 is operably associated with the previously identified striker member 60 via a sear member, the nature of which will presently be described.

In the present form of the invention, the novel trigger mechanism 98 comprises a trigger housing 100 and a uniquely configured lift bar 102 that is pivotally connected to the trigger housing in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 of the drawings. Lift bar 102, which pivots about a pivot point 104, has a first end 102a, a second end 102b and an intermediate portion 102c.

Also pivotally connected to trigger housing 100 for pivotal movement about a pivot point 106, is a trigger 108. Trigger 108, which is operably associated with lift bar 102, functions to lift the first end 102a of the lift bar upon pivotal movement of the trigger manner shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings.

Pivotally connected to the lift bar 102 for movement between a first position shown in shown in FIG. 9 and a second position shown in FIG. 10A, is a specially configured lifter member 110. Lifter member 110, which is adapted to pivot relative to the lift bar about a pivot point 112, is provided with a shoulder 110a, the purpose of which will presently be described.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B of the drawings, the lifter member 110 is also provided with a longitudinally extending slot 110b that receives a portion of intermediate portion 102c of the lift bar and enables the lifting member to pivot relative to the lift bar.

Operably associated with striker member 60 and with lifter member 110 is a sear 114. Sear 114 which forms a part of the upper receiver 26 is pivotally connected to the upper receiver 26 for pivotal movement about a pivot point 116. In a manner presently to be described, sear 114 controls the movement of the striker member 60 between the first position shown in FIG. 1 and a second advanced position shown in FIG. 5, wherein the striker member is in engagement with the firing pin 62.

With the construction described in the preceding paragraphs, when the user pulls the trigger 108, the trigger will pivot about pivot point 106 causing the trigger corner 108a to lift the first end 102a of the lift bar into the upraised position shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings. This pivotal movement of the lift bar will, in turn, cause the lifter member 110 to rise upwardly and into the position shown in FIG. 10. As the lifter member rises, the shoulder 110a of the lifter member, which is in engagement with extremity 114a of the sear 114 (see FIG. 9), will cause the sear to pivot about its pivot axis 116. As the sear 114 pivots into the position shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings, extremity 114b of the sear 114 will move out of engagement with the striker member 60 permitting the striker biasing means or spring 59 to urge the striker forward into engagement with face 110b of the lift member (FIG. 10) causing the lift member to pivot relative to lift bar 102 about pivot point 112 into the position shown in FIG. 10A of the drawings. In this position extremity 114a is free from shoulder 110a so that the sear 114 can pivot upwardly about pivot point 116 so as to be in position to once again engage the striker in the manner shown in FIG. 9. After engaging the face 110b of the lifter member the striker member will continue to be urged forwardly by the springs 59 into the second position wherein the striker member 60 engages the firing pin 62 (see FIG. 5) which forms a part of the novel ignition system of the invention causing it to move forward within the bolt and to strike and fire the cartridge housed within a chamber of the barrel (not shown).

Launching of the bullet through the barrel will result in the propellant gas generated by the launch being transferred under pressure from the barrel into the piston housing 86 via the gas transfer passageway 90. The propellant gas introduced into the piston housing impinges on the piston 88, which, in turn, acts upon the operating rod 82 to move the operating rod between a first forward position and a second rearward position. In the rearward position the operating rod 82 engages the disengage member 80 in a manner to move the disengage member from the bolt engaging position shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings into the bolt disengage position shown in FIG. 8. Upon release of the bolt 50, the bolt, along with the striker member 60, will move from the first forward position to the second rearward position against the urging of the bolt biasing means, or return spring 56. Recoil retraction of the bolt will result in the ejection of the fired cartridge.

Following retraction of the bolt 50, the return spring 56 will act upon the assembly comprising the bolt and the striker causing it to move forward and will cause the sear 114 to move into the locked position shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings. The striker will remain in this rearward, locked position pending further operation of the trigger mechanism. In this rearward position, the locking member biasing means, or flat spring 76, will force the locking member into the first bolt engaging position shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 wherein the curved forward portion 70c of the locking member is received within the semi-circular receiver bearing 42 of said upper receiver, thereby once again locking the bolt in the forward position.

A unique feature of the firearm of the present invention resides in the method by which the barrel 34 can be removed for cleaning or replacement. In this regard, when the barrel 34 is in position within the receiver 26 in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 of the drawings, insertion of portion 70c of the locking member into the semi-circular receiver bearing 42 of said upper receiver will securely lock the barrel in position within the receiver. In order to remove the barrel from the receiver, the cover 122 of the firearm (FIG. 1) must first be removed so as to expose spring 76 and locking member 70. By grasping portion 70a of the locking member and exerting an upward pressure thereon, the curved forward portion 70c of the locking member will be caused to rotate within the semi-circular receiver bearing 42 of the upper receiver about a pivot point 70d. In the upraised position, the locking member can be lifted from the receiver thereby permitting the barrel be conveniently, slidably removed from the receiver 26.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A through 14 and particularly to FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12, an alternate form of the firearm of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral 124. This alternate form of the invention is similar in many respects to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 10A and like numerals are used in FIGS. 11A through 14 to identify like components. In this latest form of the invention, the firearm comprises an upper receiver 126 having a strategically configured barrel receiving bore 128 (FIGS. 12 and 13). As in the earlier described embodiment of the invention, an important feature of this latest form of the invention is the generally semi-circular shaped receiver bearings 132 that are formed in the front portion of the upper receiver 126 (FIG. 13). The purpose of these receiver bearings will presently be described.

Connected to the upper receiver 126 is a barrel 134 having a forward portion 134a, a rear portion 134b and an intermediate portion 134c disposed between the forward and rear portion. Rear portion 134b is provided with a guide slot 138 and a pair of spaced apart, upstanding curved bearing surfaces 140 (FIG. 13). As shown in FIGS. 11A and 13, rear portion 134b is telescopically receivable within barrel receiving bore 128 and, when in position within the upper receiver, cooperates with receiver bearings 132 to form a complete receiver bearing that is generally semicircular in cross-section at any point. As in the earlier described embodiment, the intermediate portion of the barrel is provided with a gas transfer passageway (not shown) that is substantially identical in construction and operation to the gas transfer passageway 90 shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

A specially configured bolt 150 includes transversely spaced shoulders 150a that are slidably received within the transversely spaced guide grooves 130 (FIG. 13) formed in the upper receiver 126. As before, bolt 150 is movable between a first forward position and a second rearward position and is provided with a longitudinally extending guide slot 152 that is aligned with the guide slot 138 formed within the rear portion 134b of the barrel.

Associated with and carried by bolt 150 is the important striker, or firing mechanism of the invention. This striker or firing mechanism 154, which is of a different construction from that of the earlier described embodiment, is movable between a first rearward position shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 and a second forward position shown in FIG. 20. The striker here includes a differently configured, forward firing pin portion 156 that is carried within a longitudinally extending firing pin bore 158 formed in bolt 150 (FIG. 13) for reciprocal movement there within and a rearward striker biasing means. The striker biasing means, which here functions to yieldably resist movement of the striker between the first forward position and the second rearward position, here comprises an elongate rod 160 that extends rearwardly from the rear face of a pusher member 162 that is connected to the forward firing pin portion 156 in the manner indicated in FIG. 12 of the drawings. The striker biasing means here also comprises a striker spring 164 that circumscribes rod 160. Also forming a part of the striker or firing mechanism is a small rebound coil spring 159 that circumscribes the forward firing pin portion 156. The purpose of spring 159 will presently be described.

In a manner presently to be described, when the first and second safety mechanisms are released and the trigger is pulled, the firing striker will move into the second advanced position shown in FIG. 20, where it will engage and fire the cartridge “C” that is disposed within the barrel 134.

As in the earlier described embodiment, a novel and extremely important feature of this alternate form of the invention is a uniquely configured bolt locking member 170 that is removably connected to the upper receiver for movement relative thereto between the first bolt engaging position shown in FIG. 12 and a second bolt disengage position. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 of the drawings, bolt locking member 170 has a rearward angled tail portion 170a, a central portion 170b having a locking shoulder 172 and a curved forward portion 170c that is received within the semi-circular receiver bearing 132 of said upper receiver for rotational movement there within (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

As best seen in FIG. 12 of the drawings, when the bolt locking member 170 is in engagement with the bolt 150, the forward portion 170c of the locking member is disposed in engagement with the receiver bearings 132 and is also disposed in engagement with the pair of spaced apart, upstanding curved bearing surfaces 140 of the rear portion of the barrel 134. To continuously urge the locking member 170 into the first bolt engaging position shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings, locking member biasing means are provided. This locking member biasing means here comprises a flat spring 176 that is carried by the upper receiver in the manner shown in FIG. 12. Flat spring 176 includes a main body portion 176a and an angled tail portion 176b that engages the downwardly angled tail, or sloping wall portion 170a of the locking member (FIG. 12). Flat spring 176 is so constructed and arranged so as to continuously urge the locking member into the position shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings.

Forming another important aspect of the firearm of the present invention is a disengage member 180 that is slidably received within the guide slot 138 formed in the rear portion 134b of the barrel and within the longitudinally extending guide slot 152 of the bolt that is aligned with the guide slot 138. As in the earlier described embodiment, the disengage member is movable by the operating rod of the invention between a first forward position and a second rearward position. Like disengage member 80 of the earlier described embodiment, disengage member 180 is provided with an angled wall 180a that is adapted to engage the locking shoulder 172 of the bolt locking member 170 (see FIGS. 12 and 14) to move the locking member into the upraised, bolt disengage position (see FIG. 8 of the drawings). As before, during this movement of the locking member, the curved forward portion of the locking member will rotate within the semi-circular receiver bearing 132 of the upper receiver about a pivot point 170d. In the upraised position of the locking member, the locking shoulder 172 is free from the locking shoulders 151 of the bolt and the bolt is free to move rearwardly. Also, the disengage member 180 on its rearward move pushes against the pusher member 162 of the firing striker 162 to put the firing striker in engagement with sear 214. At this stage, the weapon is cocked. As best seen in FIG. 14, member 180 is also provided with a notch 180b, the purpose of which will presently be described.

The previously identified operating rod 182 comprises a part of the operating rod assembly 184 of the invention that is carried by the barrel 134. Operating rod assembly 184 is substantially identical in construction and operation to operating rod assembly 84. In addition to the operating rod_. 182, the operating rod assembly 84 includes a piston housing 186 that is connected to the intermediate portion 134c of the barrel 134 and a piston that is carried by said piston housing for reciprocal movement there within and for engagement with the operating rod 182. As earlier discussed, the intermediate portion 134c of the barrel is provided with a gas transfer passageway (see passageway 90 of FIG. 1 of the drawings) that communicates with the piston housing and functions to transfer propellant gas under pressure from the barrel into the piston housing. As before, after a round is fired, the propellant gas impinges on the piston, which acts upon the operating rod to move the operating rod between a first forward position and a second rearward position. In the rearward position, the operating rod engages the disengage member in a manner to move the disengage member from the bolt engaging position into the bolt disengage position (see FIG. 8). A coil spring 191 circumscribes the operating rod 82 (FIG. 13) and functions to move the operating rod forwardly from the second rearward position following firing of the bullet.

Connected to upper receiver 126 to form a receiver 192 is a lower receiver 194 (FIG. 12). Connected to and extending from lower receiver 194, is a conventional magazine 196 that functions to carry a plurality of ammunition cartridges, such as cartridge “AC” (FIG. 12). Magazine 196 is released in a conventional manner by pressing on a magazine release button 196a (FIG. 11A). Also carried by lower receiver 194 are a gripping handle 197 and a trigger mechanism that is generally designated by the numeral 198. In a manner presently to be described, trigger mechanism 198 is operably associated with the previously identified striker or firing mechanism 154 via a sear member.

In the present form of the invention, the novel trigger mechanism 198 along with the first safety mechanism 199, the character of which will presently be described, is housed within a trigger housing 200. Trigger mechanism 198 includes a trigger assembly 202 that is pivotally connected to the trigger housing in the manner shown in FIGS. 12, 14 and 24 of the drawings. Trigger assembly 202, which pivots about a pivot point 204, has a finger engaging trigger portion 202a having opposing sides, a central body portion 202b, a safety block actuator arm 202c that extends upwardly from central body portion 202b, and a rearwardly extending second safety mechanism engagement lug 202d.

Pivotally connected to central body portion 202b of the trigger assembly for pivotal movement about a pivot point 206, is a sear lifter 208 having a sear lifter engagement surface 208a. Operably associated with firing striker 154 and with sear lifter 208 is a sear 214. Sear 214 which forms a part of the bolt 150 is pivotally connected to the rear bottom of bolt 150 for pivotal movement about a pivot point 216. In a manner presently to be described, sear 214 controls the movement of the firing striker 154 between the first position shown in FIG. 12 and a second advanced position shown in FIG. 20, wherein the firing pin portion 156 engages the cartridge “C”. As best seen in FIG. 14, sear 214 comprises an irregularly shaped member having a lower flat portion 214a that engages the upper portion of sear lifter 208 and an upper shoulder 214b that engages a shoulder 154s formed on firing striker 154 when the sear is in the first position shown in FIG. 14 of the drawings.

Considering now the first safety mechanism 199, this novel mechanism here comprises a generally planar trigger cover 220, an upwardly extending neck 222 connected to trigger cover 220 and a swinging anchor 224 that is connected to neck 222. Swinging anchor 224 is pivotally connected to the trigger housing 200 so that the first safety mechanism 199 can be pivotally movable by the index finger of the firearm user against the urging of a pair of coil springs 226 carried by the trigger cover from the first at rest position shown in FIG. 15 of the drawings to the second position proximate one side of the trigger in the manner shown in FIGS. 16, and to the third position proximate the other side of the trigger in the manner shown in FIG. 17. With this construction, when the first safety mechanism is moved to either side of the trigger, the firearm user can engage the trigger using the index or trigger finger. However, in order to move the trigger 202a from the first at rest position shown in FIG. 14 of the drawings to the second rearward position shown in FIG. 20 of the drawings, the second safety mechanism 230 must be operated in a manner presently to be described.

The important second safety mechanism 230 of the invention, which is mounted within a generally cylindrically shaped opening 231 formed in lower receiver 194 (FIG. 12), here comprises a novel construction the character of which is best seen in FIGS. 18 and 19 of the drawings. More particularly, the second safety mechanism 230 comprises a pair of spaced apart generally circular shaped plates 232 that are connected by a connector rod 234 (FIG. 19). Disposed between plates 232 and pivotally movable with respect thereto is an operating mechanism 236 that comprises a transversely extending rod 238 that spans plates 232 and includes end portions 238a that are receivable within central apertures 238 formed in the end plates. Connected to each of the end portions 238a is a finger engaging member 240 that can be engaged by the firearm user to rotate rod 238 relative to plates 232. Connected to the rod 238 and extending outwardly therefrom is a trigger blocking member 242 that engages the engagement lug 202d of the trigger mechanism and blocks rearward movement of the trigger when the second safety mechanism 230 is in the safety position shown in FIG. 14 of the drawings. When the operating mechanism 236 of the second safety mechanism is rotated by the firearm user to the position shown in FIG. 20 of the drawings, the trigger blocking member 242 moves out of engagement with the engagement lug 202d and into the position shown in FIG. 20. With the trigger blocking member 242 in this position and with the planar trigger cover 220 pivoted to one side or the other, the trigger mechanism 202 can be moved into the rearward position shown in FIG. 20 of the drawings.

As best seen in FIG. 12 of the drawings, the second safety mechanism is conveniently housed within a generally cylindrically shaped opening 247 formed in the lower receiver 194. Opening 247 is in communication with an elongated chamber 248 that is provided within handle 197. Access to the second safety mechanism can be achieved by removing the upper receiver 126 so that the second safety mechanism can be readily removed from opening 247. It is to be understood that safety mechanisms of various construction can be housed within opening 247 and chamber 248.

With the construction described in the preceding paragraphs, the firearm user can operate the weapon by first engaging the finger engaging member 240 of the second safety mechanism 230 in a manner to move the trigger blocking member 242 into the safety off position shown in FIG. 20 of the drawings. This done, the next step in the firing operation is to grip the trigger with the trigger or index finger. In this regard, when the weapon user is right-handed, the movement of the trigger finger into a position to grip the trigger will cause the trigger cover 220 of the first safety mechanism to pivot into a position proximate the left side of the weapon. On the other hand, when the user is left-handed, movement of the trigger finger will cause the trigger cover 220 to pivot into a position proximate the right side of the weapon.

With the trigger finger in the trigger operating position, when the user pulls the trigger 202a, the trigger will pivot about pivot point 204 causing the safety block actuator arm 202c of the trigger to pivot downwardly and causing the trigger to lift the sear lifter 208 into the upraised position shown in FIG. 20 of the drawings. As the safety block actuator arm pivots downwardly, the safety block 250, the purpose of which will presently be described, pivots about pivot point 252 to the urging of a coil spring 250a (FIGS. 12 and 20) from the firing striker blocking position shown in FIG. 14 to the firing striker release position shown in FIG. 20. Similarly, as the sear lifter 208 rises, the sear 214 will pivot about its pivot axis 216. As the sear 214 pivots into the position shown in FIG. 20 of the drawings, extremity 214b of the sear will move out of engagement with the firing striker permitting the firing striker to move forwardly past the safety block 250 due to the urging of the firing mechanism spring 164 and to strike and fire the cartridge “C” housed within a chamber of the barrel (FIG. 12). As best seen in FIG. 14, the previously identified rebound spring 159 circumscribes the extremity of the forward firing pin portion 156. As the firing striker moves forwardly into engagement with the cartridge, the rebound spring will be compressed. With this construction, following the firing of the cartridge, the striker 154 will be urged rearwardly into a neutral position so that safety block 250 can freely pivot.

Another important safety feature of the apparatus of the invention resides in the provision of a firing striker stop pin 254 that is carried within a bore 256 provided in the bolt 150. This important feature functions to prevent forward movement of the firing striker unless and until the bolt locking member 170 is in its normal downward position. As best seen in FIG. 14 of the drawings, stop pin 254 includes an upper portion 254a and a lower firing striker stop portion 254b. A coil spring 258 circumscribes stop pin 254 and functions to continuously bias the stop pin upwardly into a firing mechanism stop position. The upper portion 254a of the stop pin is adapted to be engaged by the lower surface 170d of bolt locking member 170 so that when the bolt locking member is in its normal downward position the stop pin will be moved against the urging of spring 258 into a downward position wherein the firing striker is free to move forwardly. However, if the bolt locking member is for any reason not disposed in its normal downward position, the lower portion 254b of the stop pin will engage a shoulder 157 provided on portion 156 of a firing pin in a manner to safely prevent forward movement of the firing striker.

Still another important safety feature of the apparatus of the invention resides in the provision of the previously identified safety block 250, which when in the position shown in FIG. 12, prevents accidental forward movement of the firing striker. Unless and until the safety block 250 is pivoted into the position shown in FIG. 20 as a result of the operation of the trigger mechanism in the manner previously described, the firing striker cannot move forwardly.

As in the earlier described embodiment, launching of the bullet “B” through the barrel will result in the propellant gas generated by the launch being transferred under pressure from the barrel into the piston housing via the gas transfer passageway. The propellant gas introduced into the piston housing impinges on the piston 188 which, in turn, acts upon the operating rod 182 (FIG. 13) to move the operating rod between a first forward position and a second rearward position. In the rearward position, the operating rod 182 engages the disengage member 180 in a manner to move the disengage member from the bolt engaging position shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings into the bolt disengage position.

Upon release of the bolt 150, the bolt along with the firing striker and sear (154 and 214), will move from the first forward position to the second rearward position against the urging of the bolt biasing means, or recoil spring 272 (FIG. 11B). Recoil retraction of the bolt will result in the extractor member 263a, which grips the casing head of the cartridge, to eject the fired cartridge via the ejection port 263 (FIGS. 11A and 13). Disposed proximate ejection port 263 is an outwardly extending manually operable charging handle 263a which operates in a conventional manner to pull the bolt rearwardly. In this regard, charging handle 263a includes an inwardly extending arm (not shown) that is receivable within the previously identified notch 180b formed in disengage member 180.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the firearm of this latest form of the invention further includes a receiver extension 266 that is connected to and extends from the rear surface of the receiver. The receiver extension here takes the form of a shoulder engaging stock 268 that is provided with an elongated cavity 270 that houses a recoil spring 272 (FIG. 11B) that functions to absorb part of the recoil energy from the recoil of the bolt.

Following retraction of the bolt, the recoil spring 272 (FIG. 11B) will act upon the assembly comprising the bolt, the firing striker and sear, causing it to move forward into the locked position shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings. In this forward position, the locking member biasing means, or flat spring 176, will force the locking member into the first bolt engaging position shown in FIG. 12 wherein the curved forward portion 170c of the locking member is received within the semi-circular receiver bearing of the upper receiver, thereby once again locking the bolt in the forward position.

As in the earlier described embodiment of the invention, a unique feature of the firearm of this latest form of the invention resides in the method by which the barrel 134 can be removed for cleaning or replacement. This unique method is substantially identical to the method described in connection with the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 10 of the drawings.

Still another novel feature of this latest embodiment of the invention resides in the provision of a unique de-cocking mechanism, the character of which is illustrated in FIGS. 21 through 23 of the drawings. This de-cocking mechanism, which functions to de-cock the weapon when there is no imminent need for discharging or unloading weapons, here comprises a de-cocking member 276 that is pivotally mounted on the outer wall of the upper receiver for movement between a first at rest position and a second operating position. De-cocking member 276 comprises a body portion 278, a pivot shaft 280 about which the body portion pivots, and a torsion spring 282 which surrounds the pivot shaft and functions to continuously bias against rotation of the de-cocking member. As best seen in FIG. 22 of the drawings, the de-cocking member 276 also includes a de-cocking lever 284 that extends rearwardly from body portion 278. Lever 284 is constructed and arranged so that upon upward rotation of the de-cocking member, the de-cocking lever 284 will travel upwardly within a guide slot 285 formed in the wall of the upper receiver and will engage an operating rod 288 that is connected to and extends outwardly from the sear member 214 in the manner shown in FIG. 22. With the construction thus described, an upward rotation of the de-cocker member 276 against the urging of the torsion spring 282 will bring the de-cocking lever 284 into engagement with the operating rod 288 causing the sear member 214 to rotate about its pivot point 216 into the position shown in FIG. 20. In this position, the firing striker 154 will be released and, due to the urging of striker spring 164, will move forwardly into engagement with the safety block 250, thereby de-cocking the weapon. To re-cock the weapon, the user need only to operate the charging handle of the weapon in a rearward direction so as to cause the disengage member 180 to push the striker, or firing mechanism rearwardly to a position wherein it will be re-engaged by the sear member in the manner illustrated in FIG. 14.

Referring now to FIG. 24, still another form of the firearm of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral 300. This form of the invention is similar in many respects to that illustrated in FIGS. 11A through 14. The primary difference between this latest form of the invention and the earlier described forms of the invention resides in the provision of a slightly differently configured trigger assembly 302 and a slightly differently configured lower receiver 306.

Trigger assembly 302 which pivots about a pivot point 308, has a finger engaging trigger portion 310, a central body portion 312, a safety block actuator arm 314 that extends upwardly from central body portion 312, and a rearwardly extending second safety mechanism engagement lug 316. Trigger assembly 302 also uniquely includes a connector bracket 318 that includes a pair of transversely spaced apart legs 320 and a transversely extending connector rod 322 that interconnects legs 320. Additionally, trigger assembly 302 includes a coil spring 324 that functions to bias the finger engaging trigger portion 310 into its forward position.

Lower receiver 306 is provided with a pair of transversely spaced apart slots 326 that are so constructed and arranged as to slidably receive legs 320 of the connector bracket 318. With the novel construction thus described, the trigger assembly can be readily and conveniently, removably mounted within the lower receiver 306.

Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statues, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. In combination, a firearm having an upper receiver, an operating rod operably associated with said upper receiver for movement between a first position and a second position, a lower receiver connected to said upper receiver, a trigger mechanism carried by said lower receiver and a magazine connected to said lower receiver for carrying a plurality of ammunition cartridges, the improvement comprising:

(a) a barrel connected to said upper receiver, said barrel having a rear portion having a guide slot and a curved bearing surface and an intermediate portion having a gas transfer passageway formed therein;

(b) a generally semi-circular receiver bearing formed in said upper receiver;

(c) a bolt slidably received within said upper receiver for movement between a first forward position and a second rearward position, said bolt having a longitudinally extending guide slot;

(d) a firing pin carried by said bolt for movement between a first position and a second position;

(e) a striker connected to said bolt for movement between a first position and a second position in engagement with said firing pin;

(f) a locking member removably connected to said upper receiver for movement relative thereto between a first bolt engaging position and a second bolt disengage position, said locking member having a rearward portion, a central portion having a locking shoulder and a curved forward portion received within said generally semi-circular bore of said upper receiver and within said curved bearing surface of said barrel;

(g) locking member biasing means carried by said upper receiver for urging said locking member into said first bolt engaging position;

(h) a disengage member slidably received within said longitudinally extending guide slot of said bolt and within said guide slot of said barrel for movement by said operating rod between a first position and a second position, said disengage member having a wall for engagement with said locking member to move said locking member into said bolt disengage position upon movement of said disengage member to said second position; and

(i) a trigger mechanism carried by said lower receiver and operably associated with said striker, said trigger mechanism including: i. a trigger housing; ii. a trigger assembly pivotally connected to said trigger housing for movement from a first position to a second position said trigger assembly including a finger engaging trigger portion having sides; and iii. a first safety mechanism, including a swinging anchor pivotally connected to said trigger housing for movement between a first position in alignment with said finger engaging trigger portion and a second position proximate one side of said finger engaging trigger portion.

2. The firearm as defined in claim 1 in which said improvement further comprises a second safety mechanism rotatably carried by said lower receiver, said second safety mechanism being operably associated with said trigger mechanism and comprising:

(a) a pair of spaced apart plates;

(b) a connector rod interconnecting said pair of spaced apart plates; and

(c) a trigger blocking member connected to said connector rod and extending outwardly therefrom.

3. The firearm as defined in claim 1 in which said improvement further comprises a striker stop pin carried by said bolt and operably associated with said locking member for movement thereby between a first position blocking movement of said firing pin and a second position permitting movement of said firing pin.

4. The firearm as defined in claim 1 in which said improvement further comprises a receiver extension connected to and extending from said upper receiver, said receiver extension comprising a shoulder engaging stock provided with an elongated cavity and further including a recoil spring mounted within said elongated cavity.

5. The firearm as defined in claim 1 in which said trigger mechanism further includes a de-cocking member for de-cocking said firearm, said de-cocking member being operably associated with said striker and being pivotally connected to said upper receiver for movement between a first position and a second position, said de-cocking member comprising a body portion, a pivot shaft about which said body portion pivots and a torsion spring surrounding said pivot shaft for continuously resisting rotation of said de-cocking member.

6. In combination, a firearm having an upper receiver, a barrel connected to said upper receiver, an operating rod carried by and operably associated with said barrel for movement between a first position and a second position, a lower receiver connected to said upper receiver and a magazine connected to said lower receiver for carrying a plurality of ammunition cartridges, the improvement comprising:

(a) a generally semi-circular receiver bearing formed in said upper receiver;

(b) a bolt slidably received within said upper receiver for movement between a first forward position and a second rearward position, said bolt having a longitudinally extending guide slot;

(c) a firing pin carried by said bolt for movement between a first position and a second position;

(d) a striker connected to said bolt for movement between a first position and a second position in engagement with said firing pin;

(e) a locking member removably connected to said upper receiver for movement relative thereto between a first bolt engaging position and a second bolt disengage position, said locking member having a rearward portion, a central portion having a locking shoulder and a curved forward portion received within said generally semi-circular bore of said upper receiver;

(f) locking member biasing means carried by said upper receiver for urging said locking member into said first bolt engaging position;

(g) a disengage member slidably received within said longitudinally extending guide slot of said bolt for movement by said operating rod between a first position and a second position, said disengage member having a wall for engagement with said locking member to move said locking member into said bolt disengage position upon movement of said disengage member to said second position;

(h) a sear operably associated with said striker, said sear being pivotally connected to said upper receiver for movement between first and second positions;

(i) a trigger mechanism connected to said lower receiver, said trigger mechanism comprising: i. a trigger housing; ii. a lift bar pivotally connected to said trigger housing, said lift bar having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion; iii. a trigger pivotally connected to said trigger housing and operably associated with said lift bar for lifting said first end of said lift bar upon pivotal movement of said trigger, said trigger including a finger engaging portion having sides; and iv. a lifter member pivotally connected to said lift bar for movement between a first position and a second position to engage said sear to move said sear towards said second position of said sear; and

(j) a first safety mechanism, including a swinging anchor pivotally connected to said trigger housing for movement between a first position in alignment with said finger engaging trigger portion and a second position proximate one side of said finger engaging trigger portion.

7. The combination as defined in claim 6 in which said sear includes a shoulder for engaging said striker when said striker is in said first position.

8. The combination as defined in claim 6 in which said trigger includes a transversely extending pivot pin and in which said intermediate portion of said locking member is provided with a groove for receiving said transversely extending pivot pin.

9. The firearm as defined in claim 6 in which said improvement further comprises a second safety mechanism rotatably carried by said lower receiver, said second safety mechanism being operably associated with said trigger and comprising:

(a) a pair of spaced apart plates;

(b) a connector rod interconnecting said pair of spaced apart plates; and

(c) a trigger blocking member connected to said connector rod and extending outwardly therefrom.

10. The firearm as defined in claim 6 in which said improvement further comprises a striker stop pin carried by said bolt and operably associated with said locking member for movement thereby between a first position blocking movement of said firing pin and a second position permitting movement of said firing pin.

11. In combination, a firearm having an upper receiver, a barrel connected to said upper receiver, an operating rod carried by and operably associated with said barrel for movement between a first position and a second position, a lower receiver connected to said upper receiver and a magazine connected to said lower receiver for carrying a plurality of ammunition cartridges, the improvement comprising:

(a) a generally semi-circular receiver bearing formed in said upper receiver;

(b) a bolt slidably received within said upper receiver for movement between a first forward position and a second rearward position, said bolt having a longitudinally extending guide slot;

(c) a firing pin carried by said bolt for movement between a first position and a second position;

(d) a striker connected to said bolt for movement between a first position and a second position in engagement with said firing pin;

(e) a locking member removably connected to said upper receiver for movement relative thereto between a first bolt engaging position and a second bolt disengage position, said locking member having a rearward portion, a central portion having a locking shoulder and a curved forward portion received within said generally semi-circular bore of said upper receiver;

(f) locking member biasing means carried by said upper receiver for urging said locking member into said first bolt engaging position;

(g) a disengage member slidably received within said longitudinally extending guide slot of said bolt for movement by said operating rod between a first position and a second position, said disengage member having a wall for engagement with said locking member to move said locking member into said bolt disengage position upon movement of said disengage member to said second position;

(h) a sear operably associated with said striker, said sear being pivotally connected to said upper receiver for movement between first and second positions; and

(i) a trigger mechanism connected to said lower receiver, said trigger mechanism comprising: i. a trigger housing; ii. a lift bar pivotally connected to said trigger housing, said lift bar having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion; iii. a trigger pivotally connected to said trigger housing and operably associated with said lift bar for lifting said first end of said lift bar upon pivotal movement of said trigger, said trigger including a finger engaging portion having sides; iv. a lifter member pivotally connected to said lift bar for movement between a first position and a second position to engage said sear to move said sear towards said second position of said sear; v. a first safety mechanism, including a swinging anchor pivotally connected to said trigger housing for movement between a first position in alignment with said finger engaging trigger portion and a second position proximate one side of said finger engaging trigger portion; and vi. a second safety mechanism rotatably carried by said lower receiver, said second safety mechanism being operably associated with said trigger and comprising: a. a pair of spaced apart plates; b. a connector rod interconnecting said pair of spaced apart plates; and c. a trigger blocking member connected to said connector rod and extending outwardly therefrom.

12. The firearm as defined in claim 11 in which said improvement further comprises a striker stop pin carried by said bolt and operably associated with said locking member for movement thereby between a first position blocking movement of said firing pin and a second position permitting movement of said firing pin.