Charging Mechanisms For Guns Patents (Class 89/1.4)
  • Patent number: 8117954
    Abstract: A kit for modifying a firearm such as a Kalashnikov assault rifle, better known as the AK-47, so as to permit the bolt carrier to be pulled back easily with either the right hand or left hand of a user. The kit includes a receiver cover including an arch-shaped crown and a pair of retaining fins that are affixed to the bottom of the crown. Each of the retaining fins has an upper portion extending outwardly and downwardly from a respective one of the opposed sides of the crown. Each of the retaining fins also has a lower portion that extends downwardly from the bottom of one the upper portions. One of the retaining fins is provided with a slot that extends along the length of its upper portion. A guide track is affixed to the retaining fin having the slot. The guide track has a pair of retaining flanges disposed on opposite sides of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas P. Davis
  • Patent number: 8112927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chamber lock (1) for a firearm, having an outer, tubular lock housing (2) and a pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4) provided therein, wherein the pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4) comprises a latching device (6) acting directly or indirectly in the interior of the lock housing (2) positioned between the lock housing (2) on one side and a clamping sleeve (10) for tensioning the firing pin spring (7) on the other side, the latching device being configured such that the firing pin spring (7) can be tensioned in a repeating manner upon pushing the pushbutton (13) of the pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4) once, and subsequently can be maintained in the tensioned state by means of the latching device (6), and that the firing pin spring (7) can be released upon removing the latching effect of the latching device (6) upon a subsequent pushing of the pushbutton (13) of the pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: VOERE Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Alfons Ruhland, Michael Obergantschnig
  • Publication number: 20120006188
    Abstract: A firearm action assembly having an action mechanism with an improved charging handle. The charging handle uses a rod member to engage the action for “cocking” the action mechanism. At an open end of the rod member is a handle which is secured to the edge of the action in a dormant state. Releasing of the lock is through the use of either of two finger members which are swivelly secured to each other. Pulling on either of these finger members operates the other which moves the other finger member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Stephen Kincel
  • Patent number: 8082833
    Abstract: To safely and reliably hold the forwardly spring-biased bolt assembly of a machine gun in a rearwardly disposed position within the receiver portion of the gun, a specially designed locking apparatus is mounted on an exterior side surface portion of the receiver. The locking apparatus has a slot therein which is operative to rearwardly receive a bolt pin portion of the bolt assembly which is anchored to the bolt assembly for reciprocating motion therewith and projects outwardly through a sidewall slot in the receiver for reciprocating motion with the bolt assembly. To releasably lock the bolt assembly in its rearward position the bolt pin is rearwardly moved into the locking apparatus slot, and a latch portion of the locking apparatus is moved to block forward exit of the pin from the locking apparatus slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Contract Fabrication and Design, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Hardin, Michael F. Ingersoll
  • Patent number: 8056460
    Abstract: A kit for modifying a bolt carrier group actuating apparatus of a firearm manufacturer-configured with a gas-driven bolt carrier comprises a gas expansion assembly, an operating rod driven bolt carrier and an operating rod. The gas expansion assembly is configured for receiving combustion gases from an as-manufactured OEM gas block of the firearm and for facilitating expansion of said gases for generating a bolt carrier driving force. The operating rod driven bolt carrier includes an operating rod engaging lug. The operating rod driven bolt carrier is configured for being operably engaged within an as-manufactured OEM receiver body of the firearm with the operating rod engaging lug located in a gas tube lug receiving portion of the as-manufactured OEM receiver body. The operating rod is engagable between the gas expansion assembly and the operating rod engaging lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Herring
  • Publication number: 20110265636
    Abstract: A telescopic charging handle incorporated into an upper receiver of an AR-15 type firearm includes a first stem portion integrally formed with a handle shaped head. A second stem portion terminates at a distal end in a projecting beak and is further telescopically engaged at a proximal end to the first stem portion. In this fashion, the charging handle is extended upon being rearwardly displaced in order to accommodate a modified length sub caliber action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: CMMG, INC.
    Inventors: John L. Overstreet, Jordan Bowles
  • Publication number: 20110226120
    Abstract: The present invention is a charging handle for an automatic, bolt actuated rifle. The handle features a ratcheting retraction assist and blowback diversion structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric S. Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20110214558
    Abstract: An action mechanism together with a charging handle for a firearm in which the charging handle is configured to be used by either a right handed user or a left handed user. The rod member has one end configured to engage the action mechanism such that a rearward movement of the rod member causes the action to accept a bullet and place the bullet in position to be fired. At the opposing end is a handle which uses two rotationally mounted levers, one lever able to be worked independent of the other. The second lever, when worked, engaging the first lever to move the rod into an unlocked condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Eric Stephen Kincel
  • Publication number: 20110174139
    Abstract: Herein is described an ambidextrous tactical latch that allows a left handed shooter the ability to charge an M-16 or AR-15 rifle or the like in the same manner as a right handed shooter. The left handed shooter grasps the pistol grip of the weapon with their left hand. With their right hand in regular fashion, they grasp the tactical actuator located on the right hand side of the charging handle and pull it in a backward motion to effect charging the weapon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Brady Olsen, John Alan Wagster, Devin Richard Rose
  • Publication number: 20110088539
    Abstract: Disclosed is a slide pull apparatus for aiding in pulling a slide on a semi-automatic pistol. The slide pull apparatus includes a shell configured to partially enclose a rear portion of a slide on a semi-automatic pistol, the shell including: a plate having an aperture of a size configured to surround at least a portion of a rear aim sight on the semi-automatic pistol. The slide pull apparatus additionally includes at least one finger tab projecting from the slide pull, the finger projection having a size configured to accommodate at least one finger of a human hand, wherein pulling on the at least one finger tab in a rearward direction causes the slide to move in a rearward direction, thereby facilitating loading of the semi-automatic pistol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: TACTICAL ARMS LTD.
    Inventor: Moshe OZ
  • Publication number: 20110083551
    Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a firearm actuation system is provided. The firearm actuation system, comprising a housing, a guide, a contoured actuation handle, and a bolt. The system provides an actuation mechanism for an AR-15 which is engagable by a shooter where the AR-15 is in a shouldered firing position. The contoured actuation handle may be retained in the retaining slot to provide an action-open-position. The housing may also comprise a mounting rail with a plurality of grooves, where each groove may be configured with a unique indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Sirochman
  • Patent number: 7900546
    Abstract: A charging handle for a rifle having a housing. The handle has a body with an elongated bar having a forward end and a rear end. The bar has a bolt engaging element at the forward end, and a crossbar having an intermediate portion connected to the rear end of the bar. The crossbar has opposed ends extending laterally of the bar. First and second latch elements are connected to the body. The first latch element has a housing-engaging element that engages the housing when the handle is in a forward position. The first and second latch elements are engaged to each other such that pivoting of the second latch element disengages the housing-engaging element from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Martin J. Bordson
  • Publication number: 20110036232
    Abstract: An improved mechanism for charging a gas powered firearm, especially with regard to the Kalashnikov variants of rifles known as AK-47s, comprising a modified gas tube having a lateral aperture formed into its left side, a semi-cylindrical sleeve suitably adapted to fit within the modified gas tube over the shaft of the operating rod, and a modified charging handle suitably adapted to connect to the sleeve and to extend from the firearm through the lateral aperture, such that the firearm may be manually charged from the left side by drawing the charging handle rearward; and providing safety improvements and a method of retrofitting firearms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Ethan A. DUBLIN
  • Publication number: 20110005372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a charging handle assembly for a firearm. The assembly includes a handle mechanism having a pull rod to engage an action of a firearm, a handle and a stop surface. A latch mechanism is rotationally secured to the handle and is meant to be manually activated. When the latch mechanism is moved to an open position, a surface of the latch mechanism contacts the stop surface of the handle mechanism. A spring mechanism is used to maintain the latch mechanism in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Abrams Airborne Manufacturing, Inc. Arizona Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Kincel
  • Patent number: 7861635
    Abstract: An ambidextrous charging handle for a firearm consists of an oblong handle having a crossbar section. A cavity is formed in the oblong handle and includes a slotted portion. A longitudinal central shaft extends generally perpendicularly from the crossbar section of the oblong handle and terminates in a bolt hook at a distal end. A pivotable latch in the cavity includes a latch cam portion and a latch hook. A plunger has a plunger cam portion and is slidably disposed in the slotted portion of the cavity. A biasing element urges the latch hook toward the central shaft. Slidable movement of the plunger in the slotted portion of the cavity, against the bias of the biasing element, urges the cam portion of the plunger against the latch cam portion, thereby pivoting the latch and urging the latch hook away from the central shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Trail Hoel
  • Patent number: 7849777
    Abstract: A firearm with an improved breech bolt assembly comprises a barrel (12), a breech bolt assembly (18, 21), a body (14) equipped on opposite sides with ports (15) for the ejection of a cartridge case, in addition to a magazine (17), wherein the breech bolt assembly, which is moveable with respect to the body (14) comprises a breech bolt-holder slide (21), a breech bolt (18) equipped with a rotating locking head (25), cam guide rails (26, 27) of the relative movement between the breech bolt (18) and slide (21), and also stopping means (28, 29) of the relative movement comprising a control pin (28) which can be moved vertically with respect to a first control seat (29), charged by a recoil spring (30) applied between the slide (21) and the pin (28), said pin (28) having a cocking handle (23), or reloading lever, rotatingly applied thereto, for the manual moving of the breech bolt assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Fabbrica D'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ulrich Zedrosser
  • Patent number: 7832322
    Abstract: An ambidextrous charging handle for a firearm consists of two separate assemblies, these being an oblong handle that contains a latch mechanism and a central shaft member. The parts are joined together by a combination of the latch mechanism and alignment grooves in the central shaft member interacting with a locating flange on the handle, and a pair of retaining and pivoting connectors that secure the latch to the handle and the central shaft member. The latch mechanism includes cam activation via a retention relief cut acting against a fixed retention and pivot connector. The second point of retention for the assembly is via a second retaining connector that transmits the retraction force applied to the handle on one end of the latch and to the central shaft member through the interconnection of the second combination retention and pivot connector on the proximal end of the latch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Trail Hoel
  • Patent number: 7827896
    Abstract: A remote cocking and charging device for a weapon on a mount, the weapon having a bore axis and a rope actuated cocking and charging mechanism having a rope end exiting from the weapon. The device includes a first rotatable pulley having an axis of rotation fixedly connected to the mount and positioned adjacent to and below an exit point of the rope from the weapon positioned in the mount, a second rotatable pulley having an axis of rotation fixedly connected to the weapon mount and positioned below and spaced from the first pulley, and a linearly moveable actuator arm having a longitudinal axis situated substantially in a plane and substantially parallel to the bore axis, the actuator arm at an end thereof including a rope engagement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS
    Inventors: Jan Marius Hektoen, Lars Harald Henriksen
  • Patent number: 7819052
    Abstract: A firearm includes a closing device of operative side ports of a receiver, a bolt assembly and the receiver equipped on at least one side with an operational port. The bolt assembly includes a bolt, a bolt-holder slide carrying a cocking handle and an inertial return element of the bolt-slide. The closing device includes at least one cover which is movable along a longitudinal rail from an advanced engagement position with the at least one operational side port and a withdrawn disengaged position. The inertial element includes a first spring and a second spring applied in series on the longitudinal rail. A supporting device of the at least one cover is assembled axially and slides along the longitudinal rail between the first spring and the second spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Fabbrica D'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ulrich Zedrosser
  • Publication number: 20100251880
    Abstract: A remote cocking and charging device for a weapon on a mount, the weapon having a bore axis and a rope actuated cocking and charging mechanism having a rope end exiting from the weapon. The device includes a first rotatable pulley having an axis of rotation fixedly connected to the mount and positioned adjacent to and below an exit point of the rope from the weapon positioned in the mount, a second rotatable pulley having an axis of rotation fixedly connected to the weapon mount and positioned below and spaced from the first pulley, and a linearly moveable actuator arm having a longitudinal axis situated substantially in a plane and substantially parallel to the bore axis, the actuator arm at an end thereof including a rope engagement element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: KONGSBERG DEFENCE & AEROSPACE AS
    Inventors: Jan Marius Hektoen, Lars Harald Henriksen
  • Patent number: 7798045
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved charging handle for a firearm. The handle is generally non-reciprocating and features a user activated forward assist. The major components are an actuator to provide charging function and upon which other components are mounted, a spring biased lever with a hook which biases downward so that the hook may interface a bolt carrier when the lever is activated, and a blade upon which handle structure is mounted. In the preferred embodiment, the handle is ambidextrous and features a spring detent to keep it in stowed position until the user desires use. The handle will only reciprocate when the lever is activated, which in turn requires intentional user action, thereby providing a relatively safer weapon to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael Mayberry, Brian Nakayama, Eric Burt
  • Patent number: 7707921
    Abstract: An ambidextrous charging handle for a Stoner-type firearm. The charging handle comprises two separate assemblies, these being an oblong handle that contains a latch assembly and a central shaft member. The parts are joined together by a compound pivoting arrangement in which a combination of the latch assembly and alignment grooves in the central shaft member interacting with slidingly engage a locating flange on the oblong handle, and a pair of pivoting connectors that secure the latch assembly to the oblong handle and the central shaft member independently from one another. The latch assembly includes cam activation via a retention relief cut acting against a fixed minor pivot connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Trail Hoel
  • Publication number: 20100000396
    Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver and a bolt carrier disposed in the receiver. The bolt carrier is moveable between a firing position and a rearward position. A rod is fixed relative to the bolt carrier and a hand guard is coupled to the receiver about the rod. A handle assembly is slideably supported by the hand guard and is moveable toward the receiver to define a charging motion and away from the receiver to define a forward assist motion. The handle assembly receives the rod during both of the charging and forward assist motions. An arm is coupled to the base and is moveable between a disengaged position spaced from the rod and an engaged position abutting the rod. When the arm is in the engaged position, the handle assembly is moved to move the rod and the bolt carrier in either of the charging and the forward assist motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: ADCOR INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20090277066
    Abstract: The present invention is a spring-biased folding firearm that stows compactly and safely. The firearm has three main components: a stock, a receiver and a grip/magazine combination. In folding, the stock folds over the receiver, sandwiching the grip/magazine between the components. When folded, the magazine over-inserts into the grip housing, allowing the stock to clear and providing additional safety when stowed by isolating the ammunition feed. A buttplate latches over the open joint to contain the unit and further secure it. When stowed, the bolt is disengaged from the ammunition feed supply, preventing accidental firing, so a loaded round can be safely carried in the chamber—allowing for immediate use of the firearm upon opening. The weapon is deployed through single-handed actuation and is spring-assisted into firing position. Currently the firearm uses readily available aftermarket parts for easier replacement if necessary and does contain hardware for mounting accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP
    Inventors: Eric C. Burt, Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry
  • Patent number: 7596900
    Abstract: A multi-caliber ambidextrously controlled firearm that includes an adjustable ejection system to facilitate the ejection of spent cartridge casings from a firearm. The adjustable ejection system includes an ejection port defined by an aperture in the firearm and a deflector. The deflector is attached to the firearm to adjust the size of the ejection port and may be attached at one of at least two attachment positions of the firearm. The adjustable ejector system includes an ejector selectively attached to the firearm at one of at least two ejector attachment positions. The improved firearm also includes an ambidextrous magazine catch system for selectively retaining a magazine within a firearm. The magazine catch system includes a first button opposite a second button such that either button may be actuated by a user to release the magazine retained with the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: RMDI, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Alexander J. Robinson, Darin G. Nebeker, Jon C. Holway
  • Patent number: 7520203
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a dud is disclosed, which makes it possible to safely remove a dud from various kinds of guns used as long-range firepower when a shell is caught in the inner diameter of a gun barrel and thus is not discharged. The apparatus includes a forward driving means providing a propulsive force for forwarding the apparatus along an inner surface of a gun barrel, a press driving part directly connected to the forward driving means and having a built-in motor to provide a rotating force, a sticking means connected to the press driving part and extended to an outside to be tightly stuck on the inner surface of the gun barrel by a main shaft being rotated by the motor, and a pushing part having one end part connected to the sticking means and the other end part coupled to a cap that is in contact with the dud, and pushing the cap through a forward movement of the main shaft after the sticking on the inner surface of the gun barrel is performed by the sticking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Soosung Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Jin An
  • Publication number: 20080083319
    Abstract: A charging handle for a 10/22® rimfire firearm includes a grip portion having a blind aperture and a rear portion capable of being coupled to an action/bolt of the firearm, such that the charging handle further comprising a weight that is based on a velocity of a .22LR caliber bullet and blowback operating conditions for the 10/22® rimfire firearm. In one exemplary embodiment, the weight is further based on a proper cycling of the action/bolt of the firearm. In another exemplary embodiment, the charging handle is formed from stress-proof steel. In still another exemplary embodiment, the charging handle is formed from 302 stainless steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Leland J. Richeson
  • Publication number: 20070240561
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a dud is disclosed, which makes it possible to safely remove a dud from various kinds of guns used as long-range firepower when a shell is caught in the inner diameter of a gun barrel and thus is not discharged. The apparatus includes a forward driving means providing a propulsive force for forwarding the apparatus along an inner surface of a gun barrel, a press driving part directly connected to the forward driving means and having a built-in motor to provide a rotating force, a sticking means connected to the press driving part and extended to an outside to be tightly stuck on the inner surface of the gun barrel by a main shaft being rotated by the motor, and a pushing part having one end part connected to the sticking means and the other end part coupled to a cap that is in contact with the dud, and pushing the cap through a forward movement of the main shaft after the sticking on the inner surface of the gun barrel is performed by the sticking means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventor: Sang Jin An
  • Patent number: 7240600
    Abstract: A charging handle for a rifle having a housing. The handle has a body with an elongated bar having a forward end and a rear end. The bar has a bolt engaging element at the forward end, and a crossbar having an intermediate portion connected to the rear end of the bar. The crossbar has opposed ends extending laterally of the bar. First and second latch elements are connected to the body. The first latch element has a housing-engaging element that engages the housing when the handle is in a forward position. The first and second latch elements are engaged to each other such that pivoting of the second latch element disengages the housing-engaging element from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Martin J. Bordson
  • Patent number: 7231861
    Abstract: An assembly for modifying an automatic firearm such as a carbine rifle to relocate operation of the firearm charge handle. The assembly includes a fore-grip bracket, a drive rod movable in the foregrip bracket and attached to the charging handle release lever, and a cocking handle attached to the drive rod, the rod being attached to the charge handle for alternately releasing and latching the charge handle for clearing the firearm. In one embodiment, the foregrip bracket is attached to a removable rail attached to the foregrip by a jaw type device. Another embodiment attaches to the foregrip by attaching the foregrip bracket by screws. Another embodiment attaches to a foregrip having no rail by means of a groove cut in the grip, having a pair of spaced apertures into which hooks of foregrip mount, the bracket being held in place by a rod receiver and rotatable latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventors: Justin A. Gauny, Michael O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7219463
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to secure a bolt in a jammed position are disclosed. A disclosed firearm includes a housing; a mounting bracket carried by the housing; and a cocking slide slidably engaging the mounting bracket external to the housing. The cocking slide is engageable with the bolt in order to move the bolt against the force of a closing spring and into a cocked position. In the event of a jam, the cocking slide is engageable with the bolt in order to lock the bolt in a jammed position between the fired position and the cocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Wössner
  • Patent number: 6901837
    Abstract: An extender for a bolt catch release lever on a bolt catch operating lever of a firearm equipped with a protective spare magazine carrier for holding a loaded spare magazine in a position of readiness for immediate insertion into operative engagement with that firearm, and an integrated bolt catch and extended catch release lever. The extended bolt catch release lever places an engagement contact face of an outer end in a position accessible for easy operation of the bolt catch release mechanism of a rifle when the spare magazine carrier is in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: David A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6851346
    Abstract: A bolt catch assembly including a bolt engagement leg, a sliding member engagement leg, a contact member and an arrangement for enabling the bolt catch assembly to pivot about a pivot axis. The bolt engagement leg is configured for engaging a bolt of a firearm to hold the bolt in an open position. The sliding member engagement leg is connected to the bolt engagement leg. The contact member resiliently mounted on the sliding member engagement leg. The contact member is configured for being displaced between a static position and a displaced position whereby a catch engagement force is generated in response to the contact member being moved from the static position toward the displaced position. The arrangement for enabling the bolt catch assembly to pivot is disposed between the bolt engagement leg and the sliding member engagement leg thereby enabling the bolt engagement leg and the sliding member engagement leg to be pivoted in unison about the pivot axis of the bolt catch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Herring
  • Patent number: 6782791
    Abstract: The gun may have a receiver element with a barrel extending forwardly from the receiver element with the barrel having a chamber end and a discharge end. A handle element may be attached to the receiver element and a trigger assembly may be integrated with the handle element. The receiver element may have a bolt carrier chamber formed therein and a bolt carrier assembly slidably disposed in the bolt carrier chamber. The bolt carrier chamber at a rearward portion thereof and the bolt carrier assembly may define a gas chamber. A bolt assembly may be slidably disposed in the bolt carrier assembly. An actuator may be slidably engaged with the receiver element and may be engageable with the bolt carrier assembly and the bolt assembly. A firing pin assembly may be slidably disposed in said bolt assembly and may have a firing assembly in communication with said trigger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Kim Ira Moore
  • Publication number: 20040159227
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a restraint for restraining a first control surface in a stowed configuration and a severing mechanism for parting the restraint to allow the first control surface to move into an operational configuration. A vehicle includes a body, a first control surface rotatably mounted to the body, and a restraint attached to the first control surface for restraining the first control surface in a stowed configuration. The vehicle further includes a severing mechanism for parting the restraint to allow the first control surface to move into an operational configuration. A method includes attaching a restraint to the control surface to restrain the control surface in a stowed configuration and cutting the restraint to allow the control surface to move to an operational configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gregory M. Richards
  • Patent number: 6722253
    Abstract: An extender for a bolt catch release lever on a bolt catch operating lever of a firearm equipped with a protective spare magazine carrier for holding a loaded spare magazine in a position of readiness for immediate insertion into operative engagement with that firearm, and an integrated bolt catch and extended catch release lever. The extended bolt catch release lever places an engagement contact face of an outer end in a position accessible for easy operation of the bolt catch release mechanism of a rifle when the spare magazine carrier is in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: David A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6561073
    Abstract: A device and method for carrying, loading and cocking a firearm 40, such as a pistol or similar. A first element 10; 110 is attached to the firearm. A second element 20 is slidably disposed and displaceable within and away from the first element. A spring element 30; 130 is generally disposed in relation to the first and second elements such that the second element is fixed within said first element until a predetermined force is applied to either element. The invented device and method allows a firearm such as a pistol to be drawn, loaded and cocked in one continous movement, using only one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Jørgen Høgmoe
  • Patent number: 6311603
    Abstract: A charging handle for a firearm having a receiver, a bolt and bolt carrier reciprocating within the receiver and a gas tube for directing powder gases to cause operation of the bolt carrier and bolt within the receiver. The charging handle is a generally elongated member having a forward end portion and a rearward end portion with the rearward portion having a portion that extends outside of the receiver that is sized, shaped and adapted to be grasped by a hand of a shooter using the firearm. The charging handle has grooves and gas deflecting surfaces for diverting and deflecting powder gases to protect the shooter from powder gases that may develop around the charging handle when the firearm is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Norman D. Dunlap
  • Patent number: 6257114
    Abstract: A firing lever mechanism for use with a firearm is disclosed. The firing lever mechanism includes a slide disposed for reciprocating movement between a distal position and a proximal position, and a first spring that biases the slide toward the distal position. A firing lever is mounted for pivotal movement between a rest position and an operating position. In the rest position, the firing lever is disposed in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the firearm to facilitate grasping of the firing lever. When the firing lever is pivoted through a first predefined angle in a direction away from the operating position, the slide is released from the locked position. The first spring then moves the slide toward the distal position thereby pivoting the lever toward the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Heckler & Koch GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Murello