REINFORCED CARTRIDGE EXTRACTOR FOR RECIPROCATING FIREARM

Abstract

An apparatus and methods are provided for a cartridge extractor to improve the longevity and safety of direct gas operated firearms. The extractor comprises an elongate body having a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a claw portion that grips a rim of an ammunition cartridge. The extractor includes a lug and an elongated rib that reinforce the claw portion. The second end comprises a biased portion that ensures that the rim of the cartridge casing remains within a notch comprising the claw portion until the cartridge casing is ejected from the firearm. A pivot portion is disposed between the first end and the second end. The pivot portion couples the extractor with a bolt and presses the claw portion into a forward recess of the bolt due to spring forces acting on the biased portion.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application, entitled “Reinforced Cartridge Extractor For Reciprocating Firearm,” filed on Sep. 21, 2023, and having application Ser. No. 63/539,685, the entirety of said application being incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to firearms. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus and methods for a cartridge extractor to improve longevity of an upper receiver of a direct gas operated firearm.

BACKGROUND

The AR15/M4/M16 family of firearms and their derivatives, including all direct gas operated versions, have been in use by the military and civilian population for many years. An essential component of direct gas operated firearms is the bolt carrier group. Typically, the bolt carrier group includes a bolt mounted in a bolt carrier that is configured for axial sliding movement and rotation within a firearm. The bolt carrier group further includes a cam pin that controls rotation between the bolt and the bolt carrier.

The bolt carrier group generally is configured for stripping or picking up ammunition cartridges from a magazine and moving the cartridges into a battery position within a breech of the firearm. After firing each round, the bolt carrier group extracts and ejects the ammunition cartridge through an ejection port on a side of the firearm. The energy to perform these functions is provided by way of hot, expanding gases from the fired cartridge that are directed through a port closer to the end of the barrel and channeled back to the bolt carrier group. The expanding gases strike, or impinge, the bolt carrier moving it rearward toward the buttstock and into a retracted position. The exhaust gases are then discharged through the ejection port on the side of the firearm. After discharge, a spring acting on the bolt carrier group moves the bolt carrier back to an engaged position while at the same time stripping another cartridge from the magazine and moving that cartridge into the battery position.

An extractor is a component comprising the bolt carrier group that removes a spent ammunition cartridge from the chamber. In general, the extractor is a spring-loaded piece of metal that has a claw or hook on one end that engages a rim of the cartridge case. When the bolt carrier group moves rearward, the extractor pulls the cartridge case out of the firing chamber through the breech of the firearm. Once the cartridge case is clear of the chamber, a spring-loaded ejector pin pushes the cartridge case out of the firearm.

Extractors are typically made of a rigid material such as steel or stainless steel and may be hardened to prevent wear and tear. One drawback to conventional extractors is that the extractor can be damaged by rough handling or by firing a cartridge that is too powerful for the firearm. Dirt, sand, or other debris can also get caught in the extractor and cause it to malfunction. A damaged extractor can make it difficult or impossible to remove a spent cartridge case from the firing chamber, causing the firearm to jam. Another drawback to conventional extractors is that the extractor can become misaligned with respect to the rim of the cartridge. Extractors that are not properly aligned with the rim of the cartridge case can make it difficult to remove the cartridge case from the firing chamber. Further, weak extractor springs can make it difficult to remove a spent cartridge case from the firing chamber, which is especially problematic if the cartridge case is deformed or stuck in the firing chamber.

Given that a malfunctioning extractor can be a safety hazard and can lead to a jam or malfunctioning of the firearm, there is a need for an extractor that overcomes the above limitations and improves the safety and longevity of direct gas operated firearms.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and methods are provided for a cartridge extractor to improve the longevity and safety of direct gas operated firearms. The extractor comprises an elongate body having a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a claw portion configured to grip a rim of an ammunition cartridge. The extractor includes a lug and an elongated rib that extend above an upper surface of the extractor to cooperatively reinforce the claw portion. The second end comprises a biased portion configured to ensure that the rim remains within the claw portion. The biased portion is configured to ensure that the rim of the cartridge casing remains within a notch comprising the claw portion until the cartridge casing is ejected from the firearm. A pivot portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The pivot portion couples the extractor with a bolt and presses the claw portion into a forward recess of the bolt due to spring forces acting on the biased portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, an extractor for a direct gas operated firearm comprises: an elongate body having a first end and a second end; a claw portion comprising the first end configured to grip a rim of an ammunition cartridge; a biased portion comprising the second end configured to ensure that the rim remains within the claw portion; and a pivot portion disposed between the first end and the second end.

In another exemplary embodiment, the extractor includes an upper surface that is rounded or curved in a circumferential direction so as to substantially match a curvature of an exterior surface of the bolt. In another exemplary embodiment, the extractor includes a lug and an elongated rib that extend above the upper surface above the claw portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the lug and the elongated rib comprise thicker portions of the extractor. In another exemplary embodiment, the lug and rib are configured to cooperatively reinforce the claw portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the claw portion is configured to grip the rim such that when lugs of a bolt assembly unlock from barrel extension lugs, the claw portion pulls the ammunition cartridge out of a firing chamber when the bolt assembly moves rearward. In another exemplary embodiment, the claw portion includes a leading edge and a notch disposed in a lower surface of the extractor. In another exemplary embodiment, the leading edge is rounded or chamfered to encourage the claw portion to slide over an edge of the rim. In another exemplary embodiment, the notch is configured to seat the rim during forward movement of a bolt assembly. In another exemplary embodiment, the notch is configured to mate with a complementary curved portion of the rim. In another exemplary embodiment, the notch is arcuate so as to engage the complementary curved portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, the biased portion is configured to ensure that the rim of the cartridge casing remains within a notch comprising the claw portion until the cartridge casing is ejected from the firearm. In another exemplary embodiment, the biased portion is configured to be biased away from a bolt by way of a primary spring and a secondary spring that are disposed between the biased portion and the bolt. In another exemplary embodiment, the biased portion includes a primary counterbore and a secondary counterbore that are concentrically disposed in a lower surface of the extractor. In another exemplary embodiment, the primary counterbore and the secondary counterbore are configured to respectively retain the primary spring and the secondary spring. In another exemplary embodiment, the primary spring and the secondary spring are configured to provide a cooperative spring force that ensures that the notch reliably engages with the rim.

In another exemplary embodiment, the pivot portion is disposed underneath the extractor and configured to couple the extractor with a bolt and press the claw portion into a forward recess of the bolt due to spring forces acting on the biased portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the pivot portion comprises: parallel prongs that extend from a lower surface of the extractor; and a transverse hole disposed in the parallel prongs. In another exemplary embodiment, the transverse hole is configured to receive an extractor pin. In another exemplary embodiment, the extractor pin causes the extractor to move in a seesaw manner when the claw portion engages the rim.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for an extractor for a direct gas operated firearm comprises: forming an elongate body having a first end and a second end; configuring a claw portion comprising the first end to grip a rim of an ammunition cartridge; forming a lug and an elongated rib that extend above the claw portion; configuring a biased portion comprising the second end to ensure that the rim remains within the claw portion; and disposing a pivot portion between the first end and the second end.

In another exemplary embodiment, forming the elongate body includes forming an upper surface of the extractor that is rounded or curved in a circumferential direction so as to substantially match a curvature of an exterior surface of the bolt. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the lug and the elongated rib comprise forming thicker portions of the extractor. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the lug and the elongated rib comprise configuring the lug and the elongated rib to cooperatively reinforce the claw portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the claw portion includes configuring the claw portion to grip the rim such that when lugs of a bolt assembly unlock from barrel extension lugs, the claw portion pulls the ammunition cartridge out of a firing chamber when the bolt assembly moves rearward. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the claw portion includes disposing a leading edge and a notch in a lower surface of the extractor. In another exemplary embodiment, disposing the leading edge includes configuring the leading edge as rounded or chamfered to encourage the claw portion to slide over an edge of the rim. In another exemplary embodiment, disposing the notch includes configuring the notch to seat the rim during forward movement of a bolt assembly. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the notch includes configuring the notch to mate with a complementary curved portion of the rim.

In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the biased portion includes configuring the biased portion to ensure that the rim remains within a notch comprising the claw portion until the ammunition casing is ejected from the firearm. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the biased portion includes configuring the biased portion to be pushed away from a bolt by way of a primary spring and a secondary spring that are disposed between the biased portion and the bolt. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the biased portion includes disposing a primary counterbore and a secondary counterbore that are concentric in a lower surface of the extractor. In another exemplary embodiment, disposing the primary counterbore and the secondary counterbore include configuring the primary counterbore and the secondary counterbore to respectively retain the primary spring and the secondary spring.

In another exemplary embodiment, disposing the pivot portion comprises disposing the pivot portion underneath the extractor and configuring the pivot portion to couple the extractor with a bolt and press the claw portion into a forward recess of the bolt due to spring forces acting on the biased portion. In another exemplary embodiment, disposing the pivot portion comprises: extending parallel prongs from a lower surface of the extractor; and disposing a transverse hole in the parallel prongs. In another exemplary embodiment, disposing the transverse hole includes configuring the transverse hole to receive an extractor pin. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the transverse hole includes configuring the extractor pin to cause the extractor to move in a seesaw manner when the claw portion engages the rim.

These and other features of the concepts provided herein may be better understood with reference to the drawings, description, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings refer to embodiments of the present disclosure in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a right-side view of an exemplary embodiment of a firearm that utilizes direct gas impingement to operate a bolt carrier group comprising the firearm;

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a bolt assembly that is suitable for implementation of a cartridge extractor, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bolt assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an upper isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an extractor in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a lower isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an extractor in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an extractor in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of an extractor in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the extractor shown in FIG. 7, taken along line 8-8, in accordance with the present disclosure.

While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the extractor and methods disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, specific numeric references such as “extractor,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted that the “extractor” is different than a “extractor.” Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

The AR15/M4/M16 family of firearms and their derivatives, including all direct gas operated versions, have been in use by the military and civilian population for many years. A drawback to direct gas operated firearms is that the extractor comprising the bolt carrier group can be easily damaged or misaligned by rough handling, dirt or debris, or by firing a cartridge that is too powerful for the firearm. A damaged extractor can make it difficult or impossible to remove a spent cartridge case from the firing chamber, causing the firearm to jam. Another drawback to conventional extractors is that the extractor can become misaligned with respect to the rim of the cartridge, making it difficult to remove the cartridge case from the firing chamber. Given that a malfunctioning extractor can lead to malfunctioning of the firearm and be a safety hazard, there is a need for an extractor that overcomes the above limitations. Embodiments presented herein provide a cartridge extractor and methods to improve the longevity and safety of direct gas operated firearms.

FIG. 1 illustrates a right-side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a firearm 100 that utilizes direct gas impingement to cycle the action of a bolt carrier group comprising the firearm 100. In general, the firearm 100 comprises a member of the AR15/M4/M16 family of firearms, and thus the firearm 100 includes an upper receiver 104 that houses the bolt carrier group (not shown) and a lower receiver 108 that receives a magazine 112 containing a multiplicity of ammunition cartridges. The lower receiver 108 positions the ammunition cartridges within the upper receiver 104 such that the bolt carrier group may strip cartridges into a battery position within a breech of a barrel 116. An ejection port 120 on a side of the upper receiver 104 enables the bolt carrier group to eject spent ammunition cartridges after each round is fired. A buffer tube 124 coupled with a rear of the upper receiver 104 provides a housing for longitudinal movement of the bolt carrier group during stripping and ejecting ammunition cartridges. A buttstock 128, handguards 132, and a grip 136 facilitate a practitioner holding and supporting the firearm 100 during operating the firearm 100 by way of a trigger 140. Further, a suppressor 144 may be coupled with a muzzle end of the barrel 116 to reduce noise and muzzle flash during operating the firearm 100.

As described herein, the bolt carrier group moves longitudinally within the upper receiver 104 during stripping ammunition cartridges from the magazine 112, chambering the cartridges in the breech, and ejecting spent cartridges. The energy to perform these functions is provided by way of hot, expanding gases from each fired cartridge that cause the bolt carrier to move rearward within the buffer tube 124 toward the buttstock 128. The expanding gases are directed to the bolt carrier group from a port distal to the chamber and proximal to an end of the barrel 116 by way of a front sight base 148 and a gas tube (not shown) disposed within the handguards 132. The expanding gases cause the bolt carrier group to move rearward within the buffer tube 124 and then are discharged through the ejection port 120. After discharge, a spring acting on the bolt carrier group moves the bolt carrier forward to an engaged position while at the same time stripping another ammunition cartridge from the magazine 112 and moving that cartridge into the battery position.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a bolt assembly 152 that is configured to chamber, fire, and extract spent ammunition cartridges during operation of the firearm 100. The bolt assembly 152 is suitable for implementation of a cartridge extractor, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the bolt assembly 152 comprises a bolt 156 and an exemplary embodiment of an extractor 160. The bolt 156 is a generally cylindrical member having a forward recess 164 surrounded by multiple lugs 168, and a side recess 172. The recess 164 is configured to engage with a rim of an ammunition cartridge, while the lugs 168 are configured to engage with barrel extension lugs (not shown). The lugs 168 and the barrel extension lugs cooperate to keep the ammunition cartridge in battery during firing the ammunition cartridge.

As shown in FIG. 3, the side recess 172 is configured to house an extractor 160. The exemplary extractor 160 includes a claw portion 176 and a biased portion 180 that share an intervening pivot portion 184. The claw portion 176 is configured to grip the rim of the ammunition cartridge such that when the lugs 168 unlock from the barrel extension lugs and the bolt assembly 152 moves rearward, the claw portion 176 pulls the ammunition cartridge out of the firing chamber. The biased portion 180 is configured to be biased away from the bolt 156 by way of springs disposed between the biased portion 180 and the bolt 156. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the bolt assembly 152 includes a primary spring 188 and a secondary spring 192 that press the biased portion away from the body of the bolt 156.

The pivot portion 184 serves to press the claw portion 176 into the forward recess 164 due the forces acting on the biased portion 180 by the springs 188, 192. The pivot portion 182 includes an extractor pin 196 that causes the extractor 160 to move in a seesaw manner during engaging an unfired ammunition cartridge. As such, the pivot portion 184 and the springs 188, 192 allow the claw portion 176 to move over the rim of the cartridge and then cause the claw portion 176 to remain fixedly engaged with the rim of the cartridge until the bolt assembly 152 is withdrawn from the breech of the firing chamber. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the bolt assembly 152 further includes an ejector 200 and a spring 204 that are configured to throw the cartridge free of the firearm 100 once the cartridge is pulled out of the firing chamber.

FIGS. 4-8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an extractor 220 that may be incorporated into the bolt assembly 152 of FIGS. 2-3, in accordance with the present disclosure. Extractor 220 comprises an elongate body 224 that includes a claw portion 228 and a biased portion 232 that share an intervening pivot portion 236. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the extractor 220 includes an upper surface 238 that is rounded or curved in a circumferential direction so as to substantially match a curvature of an exterior surface of the bolt 156 (see FIG. 2). The extractor 220 further includes a lug 242 and an elongated rib 246 that extend above the upper surface 238 above the claw portion 228. As shown in FIG. 8, the lug and rib 242, 246 comprise thicker portions of the extractor 220 that are configured to cooperatively reinforce the claw portion 228 so as to discourage damage or misalignment of the claw portion 228 that may otherwise arise due to rough handling of the firearm 100, dirt or debris, or by firing a cartridge that is too powerful for the firearm 100.

In general, the claw portion 228 is configured to grip the rim of an ammunition cartridge such that when the lugs 168 (see FIG. 2) unlock from barrel extension lugs and the bolt assembly 152 moves rearward, the claw portion 228 pulls the ammunition cartridge out of the firing chamber. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7-8, the claw portion 228 includes a leading edge 240 and a notch 244 disposed in a lower surface 248 of the extractor 220. The leading edge 240 may be rounded or chamfered to encourage the claw portion 228 to slide over an edge of the rim and then seat the rim in the notch 244 during forward movement of the bolt assembly 152. The notch 244 is configured to mate with a complementary curved portion of the rim of the ammunition cartridge. As such, the notch 244 is arcuate or curved in a circumferential direction so as to engage the complementary curved portion of the rim of a cartridge casing.

The biased portion 232 is configured to ensure that the rim of the cartridge casing remains within the notch 244 until the cartridge casing is ejected from the firearm 100 by way of the ejector and spring 200, 204 (see FIG. 3). The biased portion 232 is configured to be biased away from the bolt 156 by way of springs disposed between the biased portion 232 and the bolt 156. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the bolt assembly 152 includes a primary spring 188 and a secondary spring 192 that press the biased portion 232 away from the body of the bolt 156. As shown in FIG. 5, a primary counterbore 252 and a secondary counterbore 256 are concentrically disposed in the lower surface 248 of the biased portion 232. The primary and secondary counterbores 252, 256 are configured to respectively retain the primary and secondary springs 188, 192 disposed between the bolt 156 and the biased portion 232. It is contemplated that the primary and secondary springs 188, 192 provide a cooperative spring force that ensures that the notch 244 reliably engages with the rim of the cartridge casing.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pivot portion 236 is disposed underneath the extractor 220. The pivot portion 236 serves to couple the extractor 220 with the bolt 156 and presses the claw portion 228 into the forward recess 164 (see FIG. 2) due to the forces acting on the biased portion 232 by the springs 188, 192. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the pivot portion 236 comprises parallel prongs 260 that extend from the lower surface 248 of the extractor 220. A transverse hole 264 is disposed in the parallel prongs 260 and is configured to receive an extractor pin, such as the extractor pin 196 disclosed in connection with FIG. 3. As described hereinabove, the extractor pin 196 causes the extractor 220 to move in a seesaw manner when the claw portion 228 engages an ammunition cartridge. Thus, the pivot portion 236 and the springs 188, 192 allow the leading edge 240 to move over the rim of the cartridge and then cause the notch 244 to remain fixedly engaged with the rim of the cartridge until the bolt assembly 152 is withdrawn from the breech of the firing chamber, allowing the ejector and spring 200, 204 to throw the cartridge free of the firearm 100.

It is contemplated that any of various hardened materials may be incorporated into the extractor 220, without limitation. In some embodiments, for example, the extractor 220 may comprise a steel material, such as a hardened stainless steel. The hardened steel material may comprise a steel alloy, such as 4340 steel alloy. In some embodiments, the hardened steel material comprising the extractor 220 may be further treated to provide additional durability. In other embodiments, the extractor 220 may comprise titanium, carbon steel, other steel alloys, and/or other materials that are highly resistant to wear. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the extractor 220 may be heat treated. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the extractor 220 may be polished and/or has a nitride finish to provide desired frictional properties that facilitate sliding of the claw portion 228 over the rim of an ammunition cartridge. It is contemplated that other finishing techniques, surface treatments, and the like may be incorporated into the extractor 220, without limitation, to provide desired surface properties of the extractor 220.

Methods for an extractor 200 for a direct gas operated firearm 100 may, in some embodiments comprise forming an elongate body 224 having a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, forming the elongate body 224 may include forming an upper surface 238 of the extractor 220 that is rounded or curved in a circumferential direction so as to substantially match a curvature of an exterior surface of the bolt. In some embodiments, the methods may comprise forming a lug 242 and an elongated rib 246 that extend above a claw portion 228. Forming the lug 242 and the elongated rib 246 may, in some embodiments, comprise forming thicker portions of the extractor 220. Further, in some embodiments, forming the lug 242 and the elongated rib 246 may comprise configuring the lug 242 and the elongated rib 246 to cooperatively reinforce the claw portion 228.

In some embodiments, the methods may comprise configuring the claw portion 228 comprising the first end to grip a rim of an ammunition cartridge. In some embodiments, configuring the claw portion 228 may include configuring the claw portion 228 to grip the rim such that when lugs 168 of a bolt assembly 152 unlock from barrel extension lugs, the claw portion 228 pulls the ammunition cartridge out of a firing chamber when the bolt assembly 152 moves rearward. Configuring the claw portion 228 may include, in some embodiments, disposing a leading edge 240 and a notch 244 in a lower surface 248 of the extractor 220. Further, in some embodiments, disposing the leading edge 240 may include configuring the leading edge 240 as rounded or chamfered to encourage the claw portion 228 to slide over an edge of the rim. Further, disposing the notch 244 may include, in some embodiments, configuring the notch 244 to seat the rim during forward movement of a bolt assembly 152. In some embodiments, configuring the notch 244 may include configuring the notch 244 to mate with a complementary curved portion of the rim.

In some embodiments, the methods may comprise configuring a biased portion 232 comprising the second end to ensure that the rim remains within the claw portion 228. In some embodiments, configuring the biased portion 232 may include configuring the biased portion 232 to ensure that the rim remains within a notch 244 comprising the claw portion 228 until the ammunition casing is ejected from the firearm 100. In some embodiments, configuring the biased portion 232 may include configuring the biased portion 232 to be pushed away from a bolt 156 by way of a primary spring 188 and a secondary spring 192 that are disposed between the biased portion 232 and the bolt 156. Further, in some embodiments, configuring the biased portion 232 may include disposing a primary counterbore 252 and a secondary counterbore 256 that are concentric in a lower surface 248 of the extractor 220. Further, disposing the primary counterbore 252 and the secondary counterbore 256 may, in some embodiments, include configuring the primary counterbore 252 and the secondary counterbore 256 to respectively retain the primary spring 188 and the secondary spring 192.

In some embodiments, the methods may comprise disposing a pivot portion 236 between the first end and the second end. Disposing the pivot portion 236 may, in some embodiments, comprise disposing the pivot portion 236 underneath the extractor 220 and configuring the pivot portion 236 to couple the extractor with a bolt 156 and press the claw portion 228 into a forward recess 164 of the bolt 156 due to spring forces acting on the biased portion 232. In some embodiments, disposing the pivot portion 236 comprises: extending parallel prongs 260 from a lower surface 248 of the extractor 220; and disposing a transverse hole 264 in the parallel prongs 260. Further, in some embodiments, disposing the transverse hole 264 may include configuring the transverse hole 264 to receive an extractor pin 196. In some embodiments, configuring the transverse hole 264 may include configuring the extractor pin 196 to cause the extractor 220 to move in a seesaw manner when the claw portion 228 engages the rim.

While the extractor and methods have been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the extractor is not limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the extractor. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. To the extent there are variations of the extractor, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the extractor found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well. Therefore, the present disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An extractor for a direct gas operated firearm, comprising:

an elongate body having a first end and a second end;

a claw portion comprising the first end configured to grip a rim of an ammunition cartridge;

a biased portion comprising the second end configured to ensure that the rim remains within the claw portion; and

a pivot portion disposed between the first end and the second end.

2. The extractor of claim 1, wherein the extractor includes an upper surface that is rounded or curved in a circumferential direction so as to substantially match a curvature of an exterior surface of the bolt.

3. The extractor of claim 2, wherein the extractor includes a lug and an elongated rib that extend above the upper surface above the claw portion.

4. The extractor of claim 3, wherein the lug and the elongated rib comprise thicker portions of the extractor.

5. The extractor of claim 4, wherein the lug and rib are configured to cooperatively reinforce the claw portion.

6. The extractor of claim 1, wherein the claw portion is configured to grip the rim such that when lugs of a bolt assembly unlock from barrel extension lugs, the claw portion pulls the ammunition cartridge out of a firing chamber when the bolt assembly moves rearward.

7. The extractor of claim 6, wherein the claw portion includes a leading edge and a notch disposed in a lower surface of the extractor.

8. The extractor of claim 7, wherein the leading edge is rounded or chamfered to encourage the claw portion to slide over an edge of the rim.

9. The extractor of claim 8, wherein the notch is configured to seat the rim during forward movement of a bolt assembly.

10. The extractor of claim 9, wherein the notch is configured to mate with a complementary curved portion of the rim.

11. The extractor of claim 10, wherein the notch is arcuate so as to engage the complementary curved portion.

12. The extractor of claim 1, wherein the biased portion is configured to ensure that the rim of the cartridge casing remains within a notch comprising the claw portion until the cartridge casing is ejected from the firearm.

13. The extractor of claim 12, wherein the biased portion is configured to be biased away from a bolt by way of a primary spring and a secondary spring that are disposed between the biased portion and the bolt.

14. The extractor of claim 13, wherein the biased portion includes a primary counterbore and a secondary counterbore that are concentrically disposed in a lower surface of the extractor.

15. The extractor of claim 14, wherein the primary counterbore and the secondary counterbore are configured to respectively retain the primary spring and the secondary spring.

16. The extractor of claim 15, wherein the primary spring and the secondary spring are configured to provide a cooperative spring force that ensures that the notch reliably engages with the rim.

17. The extractor of claim 1, wherein the pivot portion is disposed underneath the extractor and configured to couple the extractor with a bolt and press the claw portion into a forward recess of the bolt due to spring forces acting on the biased portion.

18. The extractor of claim 17, wherein the pivot portion comprises: parallel prongs that extend from a lower surface of the extractor; and a transverse hole disposed in the parallel prongs.

19. The extractor of claim 18, wherein the transverse hole is configured to receive an extractor pin.

20. The extractor of claim 19, wherein the extractor pin causes the extractor to move in a seesaw manner when the claw portion engages the rim.