APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR ACTUATING A CHARGING HANDLE

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for actuating a charging handle of a firearm having a charging handle latch. A forward handle is configured to be positioned forward of the charging handle latch. A linkage rod is configured to be coupled to the forward handle and to engage the charging handle latch. One or more linkage rod supports are configured to attach the linkage rod to the firearm.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/699,357, filed on Sep. 11, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, relates generally to firearms, and more particularly to actuating a charging handle for a firearm.

BACKGROUND

Many firearms move a bolt into a forward position to seal a cartridge into a chamber at the rear of a barrel while the cartridge is fired. Most automatic and semi-automatic firearms utilize energy from the firing of a cartridge to move the bolt back automatically, which ejects the spent shell casing and loads the next cartridge. In normal operation, the bolt is locked into a disengaged position after the last cartridge in a magazine is fired. After the magazine is replaced with a new loaded magazine, engagement of a bolt release allows the bolt to move forward and load the next cartridge. Many firearms include a charging handle that is actuateable to move the bolt back manually. Moving the bolt back manually is useful to clear a jam, visually verify that the chamber is clear, or load a first cartridge (if the bolt is not already disengaged). When not in use, the charging handle on some firearms is latched in the forward position, and does not move during firing. Other firearms have a charging handle that reciprocates with the bolt during firing and loading.

In some configurations, particularly in rifles similar to or derived from the AR-15, the charging handle is a T-shaped handle at the top back of the upper receiver of the firearm, with a latch on the left side. These configurations were originally designed so that a right-handed shooter would actuate the charging handle by reaching over the rifle with the trigger hand (i.e., right hand) and using two fingers (e.g., index and middle fingers), one on each side of the handle, to pull the handle back. In doing so, the finger on the latch side of the handle also pulls back on the latch to unlatch the handle. The operation of unlatching the handle and pulling back the handle cannot be done with the trigger hand without moving the firearm significantly off target. Modern tactics favor moving the firearm as little as possible and maintaining the firing grip with the trigger hand to facilitate quicker firing readiness. Accordingly, a shooter may use the support hand (i.e., left hand) to engage the latch and pull back the charging handle while the trigger hand remains in the firing grip. Improved and extended “tactical” latches have been made to accommodate such modern tactical operations of firearms with a latched charging handle.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs of shooters that have not yet been fully solved by currently available charging handles, charging handle latches, and firearms. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for actuating a charging handle that overcomes many of the shortcomings of the prior art.

An apparatus is presented for actuating a charging handle of a firearm having a charging handle latch. In one embodiment, a forward handle is configured to be positioned forward of the charging handle latch. In a further embodiment, a linkage rod is configured to be coupled to the forward handle. In a certain embodiment, the linkage rod is configured to engage the charging handle latch. In some embodiments, one or more linkage rod supports are configured to attach the linkage rod to the firearm.

In one embodiment, the linkage rod supports are configured to attach to an accessory rail of the firearm at one or more attachment points selectable by a user from a plurality of available attachment points. In a certain embodiment, the one or more linkage rod supports include two independent linkage rod supports. In some embodiments, a distance between the two independent linkage rod supports is selectable by the user by selecting attachment points for attaching the independent linkage rod supports to the accessory rail. In another embodiment, the one or more linkage rod supports include a single linkage rod support configured to attach to the accessory rail at two attachment points a fixed distance apart.

In one embodiment, a hinge is configured to couple the forward handle to the linkage rod so that the forward handle is movable between an axial position and a lateral position. In a further embodiment, a spring is configured to bias the forward handle into the axial position.

In one embodiment, a slot in a rear portion of the linkage rod is configured to engage a forward portion of the charging handle latch. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes the charging handle latch. In a further embodiment, the charging handle latch includes a forward portion and a lateral portion. In some embodiments, the forward portion of the charging handle latch is configured to engage the linkage rod. In certain embodiments, the lateral portion of the charging handle latch is configured to extend beyond the linkage rod in a lateral direction from the firearm. In further embodiments, the lateral portion of the charging handle latch may include a ridged surface.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes the charging handle. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes the firearm.

A system is presented for actuating a charging handle of a firearm. In one embodiment, the system includes a firearm. In a further embodiment, a charging handle is coupled to a receiver of the firearm. In a certain embodiment, a charging handle latch is coupled to the charging handle. In one embodiment, a forward handle is positioned forward of the charging handle latch. In a further embodiment, a linkage rod is coupled to the forward handle. In certain embodiments, the linkage rod engages the charging handle latch. In some embodiments, one or more linkage rod supports attach the linkage rod to the firearm.

In one embodiment, the linkage rod supports are attached to an accessory rail of the firearm at one or more attachment points selectable by a user from a plurality of available attachment points. In a certain embodiment, a hinge couples the forward handle to the linkage rod so that the forward handle is movable between an axial position and a lateral position. In a further embodiment, a spring is configured to bias the forward handle into the axial position.

In one embodiment, a slot in a rear portion of the linkage rod engages a forward portion of the charging handle latch. In another embodiment, the charging handle latch comprises a forward portion engaging the linkage rod and a lateral portion extending beyond the linkage rod in a lateral direction from the firearm. In a further embodiment, the lateral portion of the charging handle latch includes a ridged surface.

A method is presented for actuating a charging handle of a firearm having a charging handle latch. In one embodiment, the method includes engaging a forward handle. In a certain embodiment, the forward handle is positioned forward of the charging handle latch and communicates with the charging handle. In a further embodiment, the method includes actuating the charging handle by actuating the forward handle.

In one embodiment, actuating the forward handle includes moving the forward handle backward. In another embodiment, the forward handle communicates with the charging handle via a linkage rod coupled to the forward handle and engaging the charging handle latch.

The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the disclosure will be readily understood, a more particular description of the disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a firearm having a charging handle;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view further illustrating the firearm of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus for actuating a charging handle;

FIG. 4 is a top view further illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view further illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of an apparatus for actuating a charging handle;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view further illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for actuating a charging handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

The schematic flow chart diagram included herein is generally set forth as a logical flow chart diagram. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

Applicants recognize that conventional left-hand actuation of the charging handle involves a large motion of the hand, (e.g., moving the left hand from a support position at a front portion of the firearm to a charging position at a rear portion of the firearm). Additionally, whether the right or left hand is used, the charging handle's position near the back of the firearm causes the shooter to avoid hitting the chin with the hand that moves the charging handle, either by moving the firearm off target or by moving the head away from the stock. If the firearm jams, the shooter opens the bolt (and ideally ejects the spent shell casing) by pulling back the charging handle, then visually verifies that the chamber is clear before loading the next cartridge. Visually inspecting the chamber involves a small amount of movement, such as tilting the firearm, which can be done while keeping it on target. So, the larger movements used to actuate the charging handle and bring the firearm back into firing position significantly add to the time and effort involved in making the firearm ready to fire after a jam. The subject matter disclosed herein reduces the movement used to actuate the charging handle, which allows the firearm to be made ready to fire more quickly.

Additionally, in certain failure modes of an AR-15 or similar firearm, extracting a stuck shell casing may involve applying large forces to the charging handle. In difficult cases, the shooter may apply sufficient force by kicking the charging handle or by using an additional tool. For example, a shooter may strike the charging handle several times with a hammer or similar tool to free the charging handle and extract a spent shell casing. The subject matter disclosed herein allows a shooter to apply the larger muscle groups of the chest and arm to exert greater force on the charging handle, thereby significantly increasing the shooter's ability to clear a stuck shell casing without using additional tools or extreme motions such as kicking.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a perspective view of an unmodified firearm 100. The firearm 100 is depicted herein as an AR-15 rifle, but the subject matter of this disclosure may, in certain embodiments, operate with other firearms such as an M16 rifle, M4 carbine, other rifles derived from the AR-15, or unrelated firearms. The firearm 100 includes an upper receiver 102 with a T-shaped charging handle 104 coupled to the top of the upper receiver 102, toward the back.

As used herein, certain terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and the like refer to the firearm 100 as conventionally fired. Therefore, the muzzle is at a front portion and the trigger is at a middle lower portion of the firearm 100. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object.

FIG. 2 depicts the charging handle 104 in a pulled-back position. A charging handle latch 106 is coupled to the left side of the charging handle 104. The charging handle latch 106 includes an axial surface and a lateral surface. As used herein, “axial” refers to a direction parallel to the barrel of the firearm 100, and “lateral” refers to a direction perpendicular to, or extending in a radial direction relative to the barrel of the firearm 100. The axial surface of the charging handle latch 106 includes a latching tooth, which engages the upper receiver 102 to secure the charging handle 104 to the upper receiver 102 in a forward, latched position as depicted in FIG. 1. The lateral surface of the charging handle latch 106 is moved back when actuated, allowing the charging handle latch 106 to pivot about a roll pin (not shown) which connects the inner back portion of the charging handle latch 106 to the charging handle 104. The pivoting motion disengages the latching tooth from the upper receiver 102, which allows the charging handle 104 to be pulled back as depicted in FIG. 2. Pulling the charging handle 104 back also brings an internal bolt assembly into a backward position. The internal bolt assembly may include the bolt, a bolt carrier, a cartridge extractor, an ejector, or the like. After the charging handle 104 is released, springs (not shown) return the internal bolt assembly to the forward position. Forward motion of the internal bolt assembly brings the charging handle 104 and the charging handle latch 106 forward as well, where they are latched into the forward position.

In some embodiments, the firearm 100 includes attachment points 108 configured to removably receive accessories, such as the subject matter disclosed herein, sights, forward handgrips, bipods, bayonets, and the like. In certain embodiments, the attachment points 108 form part of a Picatinny rail system. However, in some embodiments, the attachment points 108 can form part of a Weaver rail, a NATO accessory rail, or another system. In some embodiments, the upper receiver 102 includes attachment points 108. Certain embodiments also include attachment points 108 as part of a handguard 109, at a forward position of the firearm 100. In various embodiments, various additional locations are possible for attachment points 108.

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 depict a perspective view and two top views, respectively, of a firearm 100 modified with one embodiment of an apparatus 200 for actuating a charging handle 104. In the depicted embodiment, the firearm 100 includes an upper receiver 102, charging handle 104, charging handle latch 106, and attachment points 108 essentially as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. However, in the depicted embodiment, the apparatus 200 for actuating the charging handle 104 includes a forward handle 202, a linkage rod 204, and one or more linkage rod supports 206.

The forward handle 202, in one embodiment, is configured to be positioned forward of the charging handle latch 106. In a further embodiment, the forward handle 202 is positioned at the left side of the forward handguard 109. Positioning the forward handle 202 forward of the charging handle latch 106 enables a shooter to actuate the forward handle 202 with the left hand, without moving the left hand far from the support position associated with the forward handguard 109, and while keeping the right hand in the trigger position. In some embodiments, the forward handle 202 is configured to be easily gripped by a shooter. For example, in one implementation, the forward handle 202 can have a concave surface for receiving a shooter's fingers. In some implementations, the forward handle 202 can have an enlarged portion for easier gripping, a knurled surface, a higher friction (e.g., rubber) coating, or the like.

The linkage rod 204, in one embodiment, is configured to be coupled to the forward handle 202 and to engage the charging handle latch 106, such that engagement and actuation of the forward handle 202 actuates the charging handle 104. In the depicted embodiment, the linkage rod 204 extends forward in an axial direction from the charging handle latch 106 to the forward handle 202. In the depicted embodiment, the forward handle 202 is actuated by moving the handle backward. Backward movement of the forward handle 202 moves the linkage rod 204 backward against the charging handle latch 106, which causes the charging handle latch 106 to unlatch and the charging handle 104 to move backward, as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, the forward handle 202 is coupled with the charging handle 104, and the charging handle 104 is actuated by actuation of the forward handle 202. After moving back and releasing the forward handle 202, springs not only move the internal bolt assembly, charging handle 104 and charging handle latch 106 forward again into the starting position, but also move the linkage rod 204 and forward handle 202 forward into their starting positions, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In some embodiments, the charging handle latch 106 may include a forward portion configured to engage the linkage rod 204. For example, in certain embodiments, a slot 205 in the rear portion of the linkage rod 204 is configured to engage with a forward portion of the charging handle latch 106. For easier coupling with the linkage rod 204, in some embodiments, the forward portion of the charging handle latch 106 extends further forward than a standard charging handle latch 106. In the depicted embodiment, the slot 205 is horizontal, so that the forward portion of the charging handle latch 106 fits into the slot 205 and a vertical pin 207 extends through the linkage rod 204 and the charging handle latch 106, connecting the two pieces. In another embodiment, the linkage rod 204 is a simple pushrod, which pushes against any forward surface of the charging handle latch 106. In light of this disclosure, it is clear that other interfaces between the linkage rod 204 and the charging handle latch 106 are possible.

In some embodiments, the charging handle latch 106 is stronger or thicker than a standard charging handle latch 106, to better accommodate the force received from the linkage rod 204. In another embodiment, the roll pin connecting the charging handle latch 106 to the charging handle 104 is similarly strengthened. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the charging handle 104 is modified so that force is transmitted between a back surface of the charging handle latch 106 and a lateral surface of the charging handle 104, instead of solely through the roll pin.

In one embodiment, the charging handle latch 106 extends further in a lateral direction from the firearm 100 than a standard charging handle latch 106, so that traditional operation of the charging handle 104 can still be performed toward the back of the firearm 100 with either the trigger hand or the support hand. For example, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the charging handle latch 106 may include a lateral portion that extends beyond the linkage rod 204 in a lateral direction from the firearm 100. The lateral portion extending beyond the linkage rod 204 may allow a shooter to operate the charging handle latch 106 directly without engaging the forward handle 202. In a further embodiment, the lateral portion of the charging handle latch 106 may be configured for easy gripping by a shooter. For example, the lateral portion of the charging handle latch 106 may include a ridged surface, a knurled surface, a higher friction (e.g., rubber) coating, or the like.

In some embodiments, the forward handle 202 is attached to the linkage rod 204 in a fixed position and orientation relative to the linkage rod 204. The forward handle 202 may be welded, screwed, or otherwise attached to the linkage rod 204, or both parts may be created together as a solid piece. As shown, another embodiment includes a hinge 209 configured to couple the forward handle 202 to the linkage rod 204 so that the forward handle 202 is movable (e.g., pivotable) between an axial position and a lateral position. Moving the forward handle 202 between an axial position and a lateral position allows a shooter to dispose the forward handle 202 out of the shooter's way in the axial position during firing, then move the forward handle 202 to the lateral position to obtain a better grip on the forward handle 202 when actuating the charging handle 104. FIG. 4 depicts the forward handle 202 in the axial position, and FIGS. 3 and 5 depict the forward handle 202 in the lateral position. A further embodiment includes a spring configured to bias the forward handle 202 into the axial position. Biasing the forward handle 202 into the axial position allows the forward handle 202 to move into the axial position from the lateral position without a shooter taking any further action to return the forward handle 202. The length of the linkage rod 204 and/or the position of the forward handle 202 along the length of the linkage rod 204 may be varied, depending on the desired position of the forward handle 202. In light of this disclosure, it is clear that other interfaces between the linkage rod 204 and the forward handle 202 are possible.

In the depicted embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes one or more linkage rod supports 206 configured to attach the linkage rod 204 to the firearm 100. In one embodiment, the linkage rod 204 extends through the linkage rod supports 206 and may slide relative to the linkage rod supports 206, so that the linkage rod supports 206 movably retain the linkage rod 204 relative to the firearm 100. Accordingly, the linkage rod supports 206 attach the apparatus 200 to the firearm 100, while enabling the motion used to actuate the charging handle 104. In another embodiment, the linkage rod supports 206 attach the linkage rod 204 to the firearm 100, and support the linkage rod 204 from underneath without fully encircling the linkage rod 204. In various embodiments, the interface between the linkage rod 204 and a linkage rod support 206 may be a bushing, a plain bearing, or another type of bearing. In one embodiment the interface between the linkage rod 204 and the linkage rod support 206 may be lubricated. In some embodiments, the interface between the linkage rod 204 and the linkage rod support 206 may be sealed to keep grit or dust from interfering with the motion of the linkage rod 204. In light of this disclosure, it is clear that many interfaces between the linkage rod 204 and linkage rod supports 206 are possible.

In the depicted embodiment, the linkage rod supports 206 are configured to attach to an accessory rail of the firearm 100 at one or more attachment points 108. In various embodiments, a user may select attachment points 108 (either independently or together) from a plurality of available attachment points 108 for attaching the one or more linkage rod supports 206 to the firearm 100. In one embodiment, the linkage rod supports 206 are configured to attach to the attachment points 108 using a fastener such as a screw, a bolt, or the like. In another embodiment, the linkage rod supports 206 are configured to attach to the attachment points 108 with a quick release mechanism (e.g., without tools). In light of this disclosure, it is clear that many types of connections between the linkage rod supports 206 and the attachment points 108 are possible, depending on factors such as the type of accessory rail being used.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes two linkage rod supports 206. In another embodiment, the apparatus 200 may include one linkage rod support 206. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus 200 may include three or more linkage rod supports 206. In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 includes narrow linkage rod supports 206 so that each linkage rod support 206 occupies one attachment point 108. In another embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes one or more wide linkage rod supports 206 that span multiple attachment points 108. A wide linkage rod support 206 may be useful to provide stability if the apparatus 200 includes just one linkage rod support 206.

In the depicted embodiment, the attachment points 108 of the firearm 100 are part of a Picatinny accessory rail system, and the linkage rod supports 206 include two independent linkage rod supports 206. In certain embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, the apparatus 200 is configured so that each attachment point 108 for attaching the linkage rod supports 206 is independently selectable by a user from a plurality of available attachment points 108. Because attachment points 108 may already be in use for other accessories, such as telescopic sights (“scopes”), using independent linkage rod supports 206 allows a shooter to attach the apparatus 200 to a firearm 100 at attachment points 108 that do not interfere with other attached accessories. In the depicted embodiment, one linkage rod support 206 is attached to the accessory rail at an attachment point 108 above the upper receiver 102, and a second linkage rod support 206 is attached to the accessory rail at an attachment point 108 above the handguard 109. In another embodiment, two linkage rod supports 206 are attached to the upper receiver 102. In yet other various embodiments, the linkage rod supports 206 are attached only above the handguard 109 or to the side of the firearm 100.

In the depicted embodiment, the linkage rod supports 206 are not fixed relative to each other, and may be independently positioned at various attachment points 108. Thus, in the depicted embodiment, the two linkage rod supports 206 are independent of each other, and a user may select a distance between the independent linkage rod supports 206 by selecting attachment points 108 for attaching the linkage rod supports 206 to the accessory rail. Using various configurations of attachment points 108 to attach the linkage rod supports 206 to the firearm 100 may allow a shooter to utilize the apparatus 200 when certain attachment points 108 are in use or otherwise unavailable. For example, a shooter may utilize the apparatus 200 with a scope that occupies all or most of the attachment points 108 above the upper receiver 102, an upper receiver 102 that has a carry handle instead of an accessory rail, a front handguard 109 that does not include an accessory rail, or the like.

In one embodiment, the linkage rod supports 206 may include additional attachment points 108 for other accessories for the firearm. For example, in a further embodiment, the linkage rod supports 206 may include an extension and/or riser for a Picatinny rail system, so that a user may mount other Picatinny-compatible hardware on top of the linkage rod supports 206.

The forward handle 202, linkage rod 204, and linkage rod supports 206 may comprise any materials capable of handling the force used to actuate the charging handle 104, such as steel, aluminum, nylon, composite materials, or the like. In light of this disclosure, many materials are clear which are suitable for use in the forward handle 202, linkage rod 204, or linkage rod supports 206.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a perspective view of a firearm 100 modified with another embodiment of an apparatus 300 for actuating a charging handle 104. In the depicted embodiment, the firearm 100 includes an upper receiver 102, charging handle 104, charging handle latch 106, and attachment points 108 essentially as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The apparatus 300 for actuating the charging handle 104, in the depicted embodiment, includes a forward handle 302, a linkage rod 304, and a linkage rod support 306, as described above with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, where like numbers refer to like elements, but which vary from the particular embodiment of an apparatus 200 depicted in those Figures. In FIG. 6 the charging handle 104 and forward handle 302 are in a forward position. In FIG. 7, however, the charging handle 104 is moved back.

In the depicted embodiment, the apparatus 300 includes one linkage rod support 306. The single linkage rod support 306 attaches to an accessory rail at two separate attachment points 108. However, the relative positions of the attachment points 108 are not adjustable. Rather, the single linkage rod support 306 is configured to attach to the accessory rail at two attachment points 108 a fixed distance apart. In a variation of the depicted embodiment, however, the linkage rod support 306 may include parts that move relative to each other, so that the relative positions of the attachment points 108 are independently adjustable. The linkage rod support 306, in the depicted embodiment, comprises a tube with a slot in the side of the tube. In a further embodiment, the forward handle 302 is attached to the linkage rod 304 through the slot. In the forward position, the linkage rod 304 is mostly or fully enclosed by the linkage rod support 306. When actuated, the forward handle 302 is moved backward along the slot, and the linkage rod 304 moves backward, extending further out of the tube.

The depicted embodiment allows the forward handle 302 to be positioned behind the foremost portion of the linkage rod support 306, as may be seen by comparing the embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 with the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7. The depicted embodiment allows a shooter to position the apparatus 300 further back on the firearm 100, if desired. Alternatively, depending on the length of the linkage rod 304, the depicted embodiment may allow the apparatus 300 to be attached to the firearm 100 with both attachment points 108 on the front handguard 109, if attachment points 108 on the upper receiver 102 are not available.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 200, 300 herein is provided with the forward handle 202, 302, linkage rod 204, 304, and linkage rod supports 206, 306, as described above in various embodiments, for use with an existing charging handle latch 106. Installing the apparatus 200, 300 on a firearm 100 with an existing charging handle latch 106 may involve modifying the charging handle latch 106 (e.g., by drilling a hole) so it will interface correctly with the linkage rod 204, 304. In another embodiment, the apparatus 200, 300 may additionally include a charging handle latch 106. Installing an apparatus 200, 300 that includes a charging handle latch 106 on a firearm 100 may involve replacing an existing charging handle latch 106 by punching out and replacing a roll pin. In a further embodiment, the apparatus 200, 300 may further include a charging handle latch 106 already connected to a charging handle 104, allowing a user to install the apparatus 200, 300 by simply swapping out an existing charging handle 104, without using tools. In certain embodiments, the apparatus 200, 300 may include the firearm 100 ready to use along with the forward handle 202, 302, linkage rod 204, 304, linkage rod supports 206, 306, charging handle 104, and charging handle latch 106 already installed.

Although some of the embodiments of the apparatus disclosed herein have been described as being operable with an AR-15 derived rifle, it is recognized that the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be operable with other types of firearms 100. For example, some embodiments of the apparatus described herein may be operable with firearms 100 that are not derived from the AR-15, but that have a rear charging handle 104, a charging handle latch 106, and attachment points 108 for accessories.

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a method 800 for actuating a charging handle 104. The method 800 begins, and a user engages 802 a forward handle 202, 302. In one embodiment, the forward handle 202, 302 is positioned forward of the charging handle latch 106, and communicates with the charging handle 104. For example, in some embodiments, the forward handle 202, 302 may communicate with the charging handle 104 via a linkage rod 204, 304 coupled to the forward handle 202, 302 and engaging the charging handle latch 106. The user actuates 804 the charging handle 104 by actuating the forward handle 202, 302, and the method 800 ends. In one embodiment the user may actuate 804 the forward handle 202, 302 by moving the forward handle 202, 302 backward.

Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element.

The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus for actuating a charging handle of a firearm having a charging handle latch, the apparatus comprising:

a forward handle configured to be positioned forward of the charging handle latch;

a linkage rod configured to be coupled to the forward handle and to engage the charging handle latch; and

one or more linkage rod supports configured to attach the linkage rod to the firearm.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the linkage rod supports are configured to attach to an accessory rail of the firearm at one or more attachment points of the accessory rail, the one or more attachment points being selectable by a user from a plurality of available attachment points.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more linkage rod supports comprise two independent linkage rod supports, and wherein a distance between the two independent linkage rod supports is based on the one or more attachment points selected by the user.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more linkage rod supports comprise a single linkage rod support configured to attach to the accessory rail at two attachment points a fixed distance apart.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a hinge configured to couple the forward handle to the linkage rod so that the forward handle is movable between an axial position and a lateral position; and

a spring configured to bias the forward handle into the axial position.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a slot in a rear portion of the linkage rod is configured to engage a forward portion of the charging handle latch.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the charging handle latch.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the charging handle latch comprises a forward portion and a lateral portion, the forward portion configured to engage the linkage rod, and the lateral portion configured to extend beyond the linkage rod in a lateral direction from the firearm.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the lateral portion of the charging handle latch comprises a ridged surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising the charging handle.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising the firearm.

12. A system for actuating a charging handle of a firearm, the system comprising:

a firearm;

a charging handle coupled to a receiver of the firearm;

a charging handle latch coupled to the charging handle;

a forward handle positioned forward of the charging handle latch;

a linkage rod coupled to the forward handle and engaging the charging handle latch; and

one or more linkage rod supports attaching the linkage rod to the firearm.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the linkage rod supports are attached to an accessory rail of the firearm at one or more attachment points selectable by a user from a plurality of available attachment points.

14. The system of claim 12, further comprising:

a hinge coupling the forward handle to the linkage rod so that the forward handle is movable between an axial position and a lateral position; and

a spring configured to bias the forward handle into the axial position.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein a slot in a rear portion of the linkage rod engages a forward portion of the charging handle latch.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the charging handle latch comprises a forward portion engaging the linkage rod and a lateral portion extending beyond the linkage rod in a lateral direction from the firearm.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the lateral portion of the charging handle latch comprises a ridged surface.

18. A method for actuating a charging handle of a firearm having a charging handle latch, the method comprising:

engaging a forward handle, the forward handle positioned forward of the charging handle latch and communicating with the charging handle; and

actuating the charging handle by actuating the forward handle.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein actuating the forward handle comprises moving the forward handle backward.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the forward handle communicates with the charging handle via a linkage rod coupled to the forward handle and engaging the charging handle latch.