AK-47 TYPE BULLPUP CONVERTED FIREARM AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY THEREOF
A bullpup assembly for converting an AK-47 type firearm having an AK-47 stock in unmodified assembly into a bullpup configuration. The assembly includes a frame body coupleable with a body of the firearm, the frame body comprising a bullpup trigger, and the frame body being configured to replace the Ak-47 stock, and a trigger link coupled with the bullpup trigger and coupleable with a firearm trigger of the firearm, wherein actuation of the bullpup trigger actuates the firearm trigger via the trigger link.
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This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/513,749 filed on Aug. 1, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/569,658 filed on Dec. 12, 2011, the entirety of each are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
Aspects of the present invention relate to AK-47 and similar type firearms, and more particularly an apparatus and method for converting AK-47 type firearms to bullpup configurations.
2. Background
Firearms with and without a bullpup configuration are well known for military and private use. Generally, conventional firearms include an elongated stock, also known as a buttstock, to which the barrel and firing mechanism are attached, that is held against one's shoulder when firing the gun. The stock provides a means for the shooter to firmly support the device and easily aim it. The stock also transmits recoil into the shooter's body.
Bullpups are firearm configurations in which the action is located behind the trigger group and alongside the shooter's face, so there is no wasted space for the stock as in conventional designs. This permits a shorter firearm length for the same barrel length for improved maneuverability, and reduces weight. Thus, firearm purchasers often prefer the bullpup configuration over the conventional configuration.
In the related art, firearms are generally manufactured to either have a conventional configuration or a bullpup configuration. Thus, one must decide whether to purchase a conventional or bullpup configuration, and converting an already manufactured conventional configuration firearm, in the related art, typically requires substantial reengineering by a professional gunsmith. Once converted, the bullpup configured firearm likewise is not easily converted back into a conventional configuration without substantial reengineering. Thus, there is a need in the art for an apparatus and method for converting a firearm from a conventional configuration to a bullpup configuration and converting back to a conventional configuration without substantially reengineering the firearm, such as by a professional gunsmith.
In particular, the AK-47 and similar type model firearms are generally manufactured with a conventional configuration. Thus, there is a need in the art for apparatuses and methods for converting conventional AK-47 type firearms to bullpup configurations and converting back to conventional configurations without substantially reengineering the firearm, such as by a professional gunsmith.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAspects of the present invention provide, among other things, features for reconfiguring a conventional AK-47 type firearm to a bullpup configuration.
Aspects of an example bullpup assembly include a lower bullpup frame and an upper bullpup frame coupleable with a lower portion and an upper portion of a firearm respectively. The lower bullpup frame includes a bullpup trigger and trigger link, wherein a first end of the trigger link is coupled to or otherwise interoperates with the bullpup trigger. The other end of the trigger link abuttably connects or otherwise interoperates with the original trigger of the firearm (also interchangeably referred to herein as the “firearm trigger”) so that actuation of the bullpup trigger actuates the firearm trigger.
Aspects of an example bullpup configured firearm in accordance with aspects of the present invention include a firearm body, a firearm barrel, a firearm trigger, a lower bullpup frame coupled to the firearm, and an upper bullpup frame coupled to the firearm. The lower bullpup frame includes or assembleably operates in conjunction with a bullpup trigger and trigger link, wherein a first end of the trigger link is coupled to or otherwise interoperates with the bullpup trigger. The other end of the trigger link abuts the trigger of the firearm so that actuation of the bullpup trigger actuates the firearm trigger.
Aspects of the present invention further provide methods for modifying a conventional AK-47 type firearm to a bullpup configuration. The method includes removing a stock and handle from a conventional configuration firearm and then coupling a lower bullpup frame and an upper bullpup frame to the disassembled firearm, such that actuation of a trigger of the lower bullpup frame actuates a trigger of the disassemble firearm.
Additional advantages and novel features of various aspects of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice thereof.
In the drawings:
Aspects of the present invention include a bullpup assembly for an AK-47 type firearm, a bullpup configured AK-47 type firearm, and a method for converting a conventional AK-47 type firearm into a bullpup configured AK-47 type firearm.
The trigger link 106 may extend within the hollow body 110 of the lower bullpup frame 102, around the magazine 24 and/or magazine well, and operably engage the firearm trigger 22. Because the trigger link 106 operably engages the firearm trigger 22 on one end and is operably engaged with the bullpup trigger 108 on the other end, motion of the bullpup trigger 108 produces corresponding motion of the firearm trigger 22 via the trigger link 106, such as when the firearm is fired.
In assembly, the screw receiver 116 located at the end of the body 110 opposite the barrel 20 is aligned with the mating piece 32, and the lower bullpup frame 102 is secured to the firearm body 12 via the mating piece 32. For example, a screw may be inserted through the mating piece 32 and into a threaded screw receiver 116 in the lower bullpup frame 102. Thus, the lower bullpup frame 102 may be secured to disassembled firearm 50 in a similar manner to that with which the stock was previously secured to the firearm.
As shown in
The lower bullpup frame and upper bullpup frame may comprise any material suitable for use with a firearm. Of some concern may be the heat produced within the barrel of a gun during firing. Thus, the material chosen for the upper and lower bullpup frame must retain form and properties under high heat. In some variations, the frames may comprise a hard plastic having a high melting point. For example, because the lower bullpup frame includes portions near the handle, the lower bullpup frame may be formed such that it is capable of preventing or inhibiting heat transfer, so as to reduce the amount of heat reaching the operator's hand. Optionally, each of the upper and lower bullpup frames may further comprise one or more heat shielding elements that may be located within the upper or lower bullpup frames or that may be integral with one or both of these frames. Such heat shielding elements may comprise metal shielding, such as firearm grade aluminum, that is located within the lower bullpup frame. The upper bullpup frame, on the other hand, which, upon assembly, may be located further from the operator when the gun is fired, may allow sufficient heat dissipation without such shielding (e.g., via use of venting through one or more vent openings).
A method for assembling the modified firearm having a bullpup configuration will now be described. Starting with the conventional firearm 10 of
Next, the operator proceeds to couple the lower bullpup frame 102 (
Then, the upper bullpup frame 104 (
After the above steps are taken, the bullpup configured AK-47 type firearm shown in
The upper bullpup frame 204 includes a hollow body 218 and a recessed opening 222, having the same functionality as in the bullpup assembly of
As seen in
As shown in
The steps for converting an AK-47 into the bullpup configuration using the bullpup assembly 200 are similar to as discussed above with respect to the bullpup assembly shown in
Other aspects and modifications of the present invention would be readily apparent to one having ordinary skill the art. For example, the bullpup assembly may include an integrated or attachable rail system to the upper frame and the lower frame. In addition the rail system may be used to mount instruments according to an end user's preference. Examples of instruments include, but are not limited to flashlights, red dots, lasers, foregrips, halographic sighting systems, optical, targeting, and/or any instrument that improves accuracy and/or reduces muzzle rise. Additionally, aspects of the present invention may include a two shot injection molded or overmolded thermoplastic rubber, for example, Santoprene sold by Exxon Mobil, having a varying range of durometers and textures that may encompass the trigger grip partially or fully to aid end user in safe handling of firearm and positive grip position reinforcement. An injection molded stand alone part or overmolded or two shot injection molded integrated thermoplastic rubber buttstock recoil pad, manufactured in multiple sizes, durometers, textures and widths, for example, may also be utilized to aid in recoil absorption. The stand alone part may be attached by screw, channeled into position via flanges on either side or press fit into the assembly. The size and other features may be chosen according to the ergonomic preference of the user. For example, a user with smaller or larger hands may require a different size. Furthermore, any suitable polymer and color may be used in the bullpup assembly to provide desired texture and visuals.
Example aspects have been described in accordance with the above advantages. It will be appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of aspects of the invention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A bullpup assembly for converting an AK-47 type firearm having an AK-47 stock in unmodified assembly into a bullpup configuration, comprising:
- a frame body coupleable with a body of the firearm, the frame body comprising a bullpup trigger, and the frame body being configured to replace the Ak-47 stock; and
- a trigger link coupled with the bullpup trigger and coupleable with a firearm trigger of the firearm,
- wherein actuation of the bullpup trigger actuates the firearm trigger via the trigger link.
2. The bullpup assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
- a mating frame assembly coupleable to the frame body.
3. The bullpup assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame body comprises a receiving member and an opening each sized to receive a portion of a barrel of the firearm.
4. The bullpup assembly of claim 2, wherein the frame body comprises a recessed opening sized to receive a barrel retainer of the firearm.
5. The bullpup assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame body comprises a handle adjacent to the bullpup trigger.
6. The bullpup assembly of claim 1, wherein the bullpup trigger is linearly coupled within the frame body via a coupling mechanism.
7. The bullpup assembly of claim 1, wherein the trigger link is configured to extend around a magazine well of the firearm.
8. The bullpup assembly of claim 1, wherein the bullpup trigger comprises a receiving portion coupled to an end portion of the trigger link.
9. The bullpup assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
- a firearm trigger engagement feature coupled to an end portion of the trigger link,
- wherein the firearm trigger engagement feature is configured to abut the firearm trigger.
10. The bullpup assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame body comprises an interior cavity, and wherein the trigger link is disposed within the interior cavity.
11. The bullpup assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame body comprises at least one access port alignable with a safety of the firearm.
12. The bullpup assembly of claim 2, wherein the mating frame assembly comprises a first opening to receive a gas tube of the firearm and a second opening to receive a portion of a barrel of the firearm.
13. The bullpup assembly of claim 11, wherein the mating frame assembly further comprises a recessed opening to receive a barrel retainer of the firearm.
14. The bullpup assembly of claim 13, wherein the frame body comprises a recessed opening to receive the barrel retainer of the firearm, and wherein the recessed opening of the mating frame assembly aligns with the recessed opening of the frame body.
15. The bullpup assembly of claim 12, wherein the frame body comprises a barrel opening to receive a portion of the barrel of the firearm, and wherein the barrel opening of the frame body aligns with the second opening of the mating frame assembly.
16. The bullpup assembly of claim 2, further comprising:
- a shield member shaped to encompass a portion of a barrel of the firearm, the shield member being receivable within a portion of the mating frame assembly.
17. The bullpup assembly of claim 16, wherein the mating frame assembly comprises a first plurality of vent openings, wherein the shield member comprises a second plurality of vent openings, and wherein the first plurality of vent opening and the second plurality of vent openings are alignable with each other.
18. The bullpup assembly of claim 2, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of the mating frame assembly and the frame body further comprises a securing feature for securing the mating frame assembly to the frame body.
19. The bullpup assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame body further comprises a screw receiver alignable with a mating piece disposed at an end of the firearm.
20. The bullpup assembly of claim 1, wherein the mating frame assembly extends coextensively with the frame body.
21. A method of converting an AK-47 type firearm into a bullpup configuration, the method comprising:
- removing a stock and a handle from the AK-47 type firearm;
- mating a lower portion of the firearm with a frame body, the frame body comprising a bullpup trigger and a trigger link coupled with the bullpup trigger;
- mating an upper portion of the firearm with a mating frame assembly; and
- coupling the trigger link with a trigger of the firearm such that actuation of the bullpup trigger actuates the firearm trigger via the trigger link.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the frame body comprises a receiving member and an opening, and wherein mating the lower portion of the firearm with the frame body comprises mating the receiving member and the opening with a portion of the barrel of the firearm.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the frame body further comprises a recessed opening, and wherein mating the lower portion of the firearm with the frame body further comprises mating the recessed opening with a barrel retainer of the firearm.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the frame body further comprises a firearm trigger engagement feature coupled to an end portion of the trigger link, and wherein coupling the trigger link with the trigger of the firearm comprises abutting the firearm trigger engagement feature with the firearm trigger.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein a side of the frame body comprises first and second access ports, the method further comprising:
- aligning the first and second access ports with a safety of the firearm.
26. The method of claim 21, wherein the mating frame assembly comprises a first opening and a second opening, the method further comprising:
- mating the first opening with a gas tube of the firearm and mating the second opening with a portion of a barrel of the firearm.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the mating frame assembly further comprises an opening,
- the method further comprising: mating the opening with a barrel retainer of the firearm.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the frame body comprises an opening,
- the method further comprising: mating the opening of the frame body with the barrel retainer of the firearm; and aligning the opening of the mating frame assembly with the opening of the frame body
29. The method of claim 26, wherein the frame body comprises an opening,
- the method further comprising: mating the opening of the frame body with a portion of the barrel of the firearm; and aligning the opening of the frame body with the second opening of the mating frame assembly.
30. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
- emplacing a shield member so as to encompass a portion of a barrel of the firearm and within a portion of the mating frame assembly.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the mating frame assembly comprises a first plurality of vent openings and the shield member comprises a second plurality of vent openings,
- the method further comprising: aligning the first plurality of vent openings and the second plurality of vent openings.
32. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
- securing the mating frame assembly to the frame body via a securing feature.
33. The method of claim 21, wherein the frame body further comprises a screw receiver,
- the method further comprising: securing the frame body to a mating piece disposed at an end of the firearm via the screw receiver.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 25, 2012
Publication Date: Jul 25, 2013
Applicant: BALLISTA TACTICAL SYSTEMS INC. (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Inventor: Shawn JOHNSON (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Application Number: 13/558,028
International Classification: F41A 19/09 (20060101);