HK1192308B - Firearm - Google Patents

Description

Gun

Priority claim

This application claims the benefit of united states provisional application No. 61/433,115, filed on day 14, 2/2011. This application claims the benefit of united states provisional application No. 61/524,138, filed on 8/16/2011. Both of these provisional patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

One or more of the embodiments relate generally to firearms and, more particularly, for example, to a firearm configured to facilitate quick replacement of barrels and having features that enhance reliability thereof.

Background

Semi-automatic and fully automatic firearms are well known. Semi-automatic guns fire a bullet each time the trigger is pulled. Fully automatic firearms continue to fire as long as the trigger is pulled and the ammunition is not depleted. Fully automatic firearms are generally capable of relatively high firing rates, i.e., cyclic firing rates. For example, M16 and M4 have a nominal cyclic firing rate of 700 to 950 shots per minute.

Because fully automatic firearms are capable of these high cyclic firing rates, they are prone to a variety of problems. For example, a continuous full auto fire may cause the barrel to overheat. Barrel overheating is particularly problematic when high capacity magazines are being used (e.g., SureFire's 60 and 100 rounds magazines). High capacity magazines allow for longer sustained firing cycles because fewer magazine changeovers are required to fire a given shot count. Fewer magazine changes provide little time for barrel cooling. As a result, the barrel, as well as other parts of the firearm, may be subjected to increased heat.

The ability to maintain a shot is often limited by barrel overheating. When the barrel of the firearm overheats, the accuracy of the firearm is substantially reduced. Further overheating of the firearm can lead to malfunction of the firearm. For example, a bullet loaded into an overheated barrel may be prematurely detonated (i.e., blamed), particularly in a closed bolt firearm. If the barrel overheats enough, it may deform, thereby causing catastrophic failure of the firearm.

Even after the barrel has returned to an acceptable operating temperature, the firearm may still be unusable. The barrel and/or other components of the firearm may have been permanently damaged. Replacing the barrels of modern firearms such as M16 or M4 requires a significant amount of time and is not typically performed at the time of combat. When the firearm is unusable due to overheating and when the barrel is being replaced, the soldier or officer cannot fire the firearm and is therefore vulnerable to undesirable attack.

In battlefield and security situations, failure to shoot a gun may have disastrous consequences. In these cases, the inability to shoot has resulted in loss of life. It is therefore desirable to provide systems and methods for facilitating quick replacement of the barrels of firearms and for otherwise enhancing, for example, the reliability and utility of firearms.

Disclosure of Invention

According to embodiments further described herein, features are provided that may be advantageously used in one or more firearm designs. According to one embodiment, a firearm can have a frame, a barrel, a swing wedge, and a barrel latch. The barrel latch may be in mechanical communication with the swing wedge such that moving the barrel latch moves the swing wedge. The barrel latch may have a first position and a second position, and the swinging wedge may be configured to maintain attachment of the barrel to the skeletal frame when the barrel latch is in the first position, and may be configured to release the barrel from the skeletal frame when the barrel latch is in the second position.

According to an embodiment, a firearm can have: a bolt carrier; a backbone configured to guide the bolt carrier; a lower case, the bolt carrier disposed at least partially within the lower case, wherein a barrel is attached to the skeleton; a barrel latch attached to the backbone; a barrel configured to disengage from the backbone when the barrel latch is pushed; a trigger block assembly configured to fall within the lower case; a gas piston having a plurality of piston rings configured to rotate only substantially in unison with each other; a lever configured to move in response to movement of the gas piston and configured to move the bolt carrier when a cartridge is fired; a metering gas port disposed outside the barrel for metering gas from the barrel to the gas piston; a spring guide having a firing spring disposed thereon for biasing the bolt carrier in a forward position; an anti-bounce weight at least partially contained within the spring guide; a bolt carried by the bolt carrier; an extractor hook attached to the bolt; two springs disposed within the bolt for biasing the ejection hook toward a closed position of the ejection hook; a rod that inhibits separation of the lower case from the skeleton when the firing spring is compressed; a striker disposed within the bolt; a striker retaining pin configured to facilitate removal of the striker and configured to transfer forward movement of the bolt carrier to the striker to fire a cartridge; a hammer assembly disposed within the lower receiver and having a hammer and a link, wherein one end of the link is attached to the hammer and the other end of the link is attached to the lower receiver such that the hammer has a rearward position below the bolt when the bolt is in a rearward position and the hammer has a forward position where the hammer strikes the striker when the bolt is in a forward position, and wherein the link is configured such that the hammer has sufficient travel to pass over a last flight stop when the hammer moves from the rearward position to the forward position; a take-down lever configured to inhibit separation of the backbone and the lower case, the take-down lever having a safety detent to inhibit inadvertent movement of the take-down lever; a loading handle configured to move rearward to move the bolt carrier from an unset position to a cocked position; a dust cover configured to be partially opened to allow the charging handle to move backward; a gas port flame arrestor configured to guide the barrel during mating of the barrel with the skeleton; and a butt stock having a horizontal groove formed therein. The groove may be configured to inhibit horizontal movement of a user's hand.

According to an embodiment, a firearm can have: a bolt carrier; a backbone configured to guide the bolt carrier; a lower case, the bolt carrier disposed at least partially within the lower case, the lower case attached to the skeleton; a barrel latch attached to the backbone; a barrel configured to disengage from the backbone when the barrel latch is pushed; a trigger block assembly configured to fall within the lower case; and a hammer assembly disposed within the lower receiver and having a hammer and a link, wherein one end of the link is attached to the hammer and the other end of the link is attached to the lower receiver such that the hammer has a rearward position below the bolt when the bolt is in a rearward position and the hammer has a forward position where the hammer strikes a firing pin when the bolt is in a forward position. The link may be configured such that the hammer has a sufficient stroke to pass over the last-hit fence when the hammer moves from the rearward position to the forward position.

According to an embodiment, an apparatus may have: a bolt carrier for a firearm; and a skeleton configured to at least partially guide the bolt carrier as the bolt carrier moves forward and rearward during a firing cycle of the firearm. The bolt carrier cannot be completely contained within the backbone.

According to an embodiment, a firearm can have a lower case, a skeleton attached to the lower case, and a bolt carrier. Movement of the bolt carrier may be constrained by the framework and not constrained by the lower receiver.

According to an embodiment, a method can include placing a portion of a bolt carrier within a skeleton while leaving another portion of the bolt carrier outside of the skeleton. The skeleton can be configured to at least partially guide the bolt carrier as the bolt carrier moves forward and rearward during a firing cycle of a firearm.

According to an embodiment, a method can include at least partially guiding a bolt carrier through a backbone as the bolt carrier moves forward and rearward during a firing cycle of a firearm. The bolt cannot be completely contained within the frame.

According to an embodiment, a device may include a bolt carrier for a firearm. The bolt carrier can have a generally tubular upper portion, a generally rectangular lower portion, and a waist interconnecting the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion may be substantially longer than the lower portion.

According to an embodiment, a method can include forming a bolt carrier for a firearm to have a generally tubular upper portion, a generally rectangular lower portion, and a waist interconnecting the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion may be substantially longer than the lower portion.

According to an embodiment, a method can include loading a round in a firearm using a bolt carrier having a generally tubular upper portion, a generally rectangular lower portion, and a waist interconnecting the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion may be substantially longer than the lower portion.

According to an embodiment, a firearm can have: a framework; a barrel removably attached to the skeleton; a barrel latch attached to the backbone; a swing wedge in mechanical communication with the barrel latch; and a pin attached to the barrel. The swing wedge may be configured to facilitate attachment of the barrel to the skeletal frame via the pin such that moving the barrel latch allows the barrel to be detached from the skeletal frame.

According to an embodiment, a method may include attaching a barrel latch to a frame of a firearm. The barrel latch may have a swing wedge attached thereto. A barrel may be attached to the skeletal frame via a pin attached to the barrel, the pin being captured by the wobble wedge. The swing wedge may be configured to facilitate detachment of the barrel from the skeletal frame by moving the barrel latch.

According to an embodiment, a method may include moving a swing wedge of a firearm. Moving the wobble wedge can facilitate the detachment of a barrel from a frame of the firearm.

According to an embodiment, a device may have a trigger block assembly for a firearm. The trigger block assembly may be configured to fall within the gun stand.

According to an embodiment, a method may include assembling a trigger block assembly for a firearm, providing a lower case for the firearm, and assembling the trigger block assembly to the lower case by dropping the trigger block assembly within the lower case.

According to an embodiment, a method may include firing a firearm by pulling a trigger of the firearm. The trigger may be part of a trigger block assembly. The trigger block assembly can be configured to fall within a lower case of the firearm during assembly of the firearm.

According to an embodiment, a device may have a piston for a gas operated firearm. Two protrusions may be formed on the piston and configured to stop rearward movement of the piston when the firearm is fired.

According to an embodiment, a method may include placing a piston into a cylinder of a gas operated firearm. The piston may have two protrusions formed thereon, and the protrusions may be slidably disposed in two slots formed in the cylinder such that the protrusions limit movement of the piston.

According to an embodiment, a method may include firing a gas operated firearm to provide gas to a piston of the firearm. The piston is movable in response to pressure provided by the gas. The movement of the piston may be limited by two protrusions formed on the piston.

According to an embodiment, an apparatus may have: a backseat or drive spring configured to be compressed by rearward movement of the bolt carrier when the firearm is fired; a spring guide for limiting movement of the transmission spring; and an anti-bounce weight defined by at least a portion of the spring guide. The anti-bounce weight may be configured to inhibit bouncing of a bolt carrier of the firearm.

According to an embodiment, a method may include assembling a spring guide for a firearm and defining an anti-bounce weight using at least a portion of the spring guide. The anti-bounce weight may be configured to inhibit bouncing of a bolt carrier of the firearm.

According to an embodiment, a method can include firing a firearm, guiding a drive spring of the firearm with a spring guide, and suppressing bounce of a bolt carrier of the firearm with an anti-bounce weight. The anti-bounce weight may be defined by at least a portion of the spring guide.

According to an embodiment, a device may have a lower case for a firearm; a bolt having a forward position and a rearward position; a striker disposed substantially within the bolt; and a hammer assembly disposed within the lower case. The hammer assembly may have a hammer and a connecting rod. One end of the link may be pivotally attached to the hammer and the other end of the link may be pivotally attached to the lower receiver such that the hammer has a rearward position below the bolt when the bolt is in the rearward position and the hammer has a forward position where the hammer strikes the striker when the bolt is in the forward position. The link may be configured such that the hammer has a sufficient stroke to pass over the last-hit fence when the hammer moves from the rearward position to the forward position.

According to an embodiment, a method may include mounting a hammer assembly within a lower case of a firearm. The hammer assembly may have a hammer and a connecting rod. One end of the link may be pivotally attached to the hammer and the other end of the link may be pivotally attached to a lower receiver such that the hammer has a rearward position below the bolt when the bolt is in a rearward position and the hammer has a forward position where the hammer strikes a firing pin when the bolt is in a forward position. The link may be configured such that the hammer has a sufficient stroke to pass over the last-hit fence when the hammer moves from the rearward position to the forward position.

According to an embodiment, a method may include pulling a trigger to fire a firearm and striking a firing pin with a hammer in response to pulling the trigger. One end of a link may be pivotally attached to the hammer and the other end of the link may be pivotally attached to a lower receiver such that the hammer has a rearward position below the bolt when the bolt is in a rearward position and the hammer has a forward position where the hammer impacts the striker when the bolt is in a forward position. The link may be configured such that the hammer has a sufficient stroke to pass over the last-hit fence when the hammer moves from the rearward position to the forward position.

According to an embodiment, a device may have a butt for a firearm; a back rest formed on a distal end of the stock; and a substantially horizontal groove from the back rest. The substantially horizontal groove may be configured to inhibit vertical movement of a hand when gripping the back rest.

According to an embodiment, a method may include forming a substantially horizontal groove in a back rest at a distal end of a stock for a firearm. The substantially horizontal groove may be configured to inhibit vertical movement of a hand when gripping the back rest.

According to an embodiment, a method may include causing a firearm to fire. The back rest of the stock of the firearm can be grasped by hand while the firearm is being fired. The generally horizontal groove formed in the back rest may substantially inhibit undesirable vertical movement of the hand (e.g., slippage of the hand) when the firearm is fired.

According to one embodiment, a gas operated firearm can have a barrel; a gas port formed in the barrel; a gas system; and a metering gas orifice not disposed in the barrel. The metering gas port may be configured to meter gas from the barrel to the gas system. The metering gas orifice may tend to maintain a substantially uniform amount of gas to the gas system as the gas orifice enlarges due to wear.

According to an embodiment, a method may include forming a gas port in a barrel of a firearm and attaching a metering gas port to the firearm at a location not in the barrel. The metering gas port may be configured to meter gas from the barrel to a gas system of the firearm. The metering gas orifice may tend to maintain a substantially uniform amount of gas to the gas system as the gas orifice enlarges due to wear.

According to an embodiment, a method may include metering gas to a gas system of a firearm using a metering gas jet. The metering gas port is not disposed in the barrel of the firearm and may be disposed remotely from the barrel, for example, in a gas block or front sight. The metering gas port tends to maintain a substantially uniform amount of gas from the barrel to the gas system as the gas port expands due to wear.

According to an embodiment, a device may have an ejection hook for a firearm. The extractor hook may have a closed position and an open position. Two springs may bias the ejection hook toward the closed position. The ejection hook may be wide enough to be biased by the two springs.

According to an embodiment, a method may include inserting two springs into a bolt for a firearm and attaching an ejection hook to the bolt. The two springs may bias the ejection hook toward a closed position of the ejection hook.

According to an embodiment, a method may include ejecting a firearm, biasing an ejection hook of the firearm toward a closed position of the ejection hook with two springs, and ejecting a used housing from a chamber of the firearm with the ejection hook. The ejection hook may be wide enough to accommodate contact with the two springs.

According to an embodiment, a device can have a drive spring and a bolt carrier for a firearm. The bolt carrier can have a forward position and a rearward position. The transmission spring can bias the bolt carrier in the forward position. A rod may be configured to be pulled forward by the bolt carrier when the bolt carrier is loaded with a cartridge. The rod may be configured to inhibit disassembly of the firearm when the bolt carrier is in the rearward position thereof and compresses the drive spring.

According to an embodiment, a method can include installing a transmission spring in a firearm, installing a bolt carrier in the firearm such that the transmission spring biases the bolt carrier in a forward position of the bolt carrier, and installing a rod in the firearm. The rod may be configured to be pulled forward by the bolt carrier when the bolt carrier is loaded with a cartridge. The rod may be configured to inhibit disassembly of the firearm when the bolt carrier is in its rearward position and compresses the drive spring.

According to an embodiment, a method can include biasing a bolt carrier in a forward position by a transmission spring, firing the firearm to move the bolt carrier to a rearward position and then back to a forward position, and pulling a rod forward by the bolt carrier when the bolt carrier is loaded with a round. The rod may be configured to inhibit disassembly of the firearm when the bolt carrier is in the rearward position thereof and compresses the drive spring.

According to an embodiment, a device may have a skeleton for a firearm, a lower case for the firearm, and a disassembly lever. The un-mating lever may have a first position and a second position. When the un-mating lever is in the first position, separation of the backbone from the lower case is facilitated. Initiating separation of the backbone and the lower case when the un-mating lever is in the second position. The safety latch may inhibit inadvertent movement of the un-mating lever from the first position to the second position and may inhibit inadvertent movement of the un-mating lever from the second position to the first position.

According to an embodiment, a method may include assembling a disassembly lever to a firearm. The un-mating lever may have a first position and a second position. When the un-mating lever is in the first position, separation of the backbone from the lower case is facilitated. Initiating separation of the backbone and the lower case when the un-mating lever is in the second position. The method may further include assembling a safety latch to the firearm. The safety latch may inhibit inadvertent movement of the un-mating lever from the first position to the second position and may inhibit inadvertent movement of the un-mating lever from the second position to the first position.

According to an embodiment, a method may include moving a safety latch of a firearm to facilitate movement of a disassembly lever of the firearm, and moving the disassembly lever from its first position to its second position to facilitate disassembly of the firearm. The safety latch may inhibit inadvertent movement of the un-mating lever from the first position to the second position and may inhibit inadvertent movement of the un-mating lever from the second position to the first position.

According to an embodiment, a device may have a loading handle and a dust cap for a firearm. The dust cover may be configured to open approximately 7 ° to allow the loading handle to move rearward when the firearm is to be fired.

According to an embodiment, a method may include assembling a loading handle to a firearm and assembling a dust cap to the firearm. The dust cover may be configured to open approximately 7 ° to allow the loading handle to move rearward when the firearm is to be fired.

According to an embodiment, a method may include moving a loading handle of a firearm rearward to await firing of the firearm. A loading arm may open the dust cap approximately 7 deg. to allow the loading handle to move rearward when the firearm is to be fired.

According to an embodiment, a device may have a striker and a striker retention pin configured to retain the striker in a bolt of a firearm. The striker retention pin can be configured to transfer forward movement of a bolt carrier to the striker to fire the firearm.

According to an embodiment, a method may include assembling a striker into a bolt of a firearm and retaining the striker within the bolt with a striker retaining pin. The striker retention pin can be configured to transfer forward movement of a bolt carrier to the striker to fire the firearm.

According to an embodiment, a method can include pulling a trigger of a firearm, moving a bolt carrier forward in response to the trigger being pulled, and transferring forward movement of the bolt carrier to a striker via a striker retention pin. The striker can be configured to retain the striker within a bolt.

According to an embodiment, the cylinder may be disposed in a skeleton of the gas operated firearm. An exhaust port may be formed in the cylinder for exhausting gas from the cylinder. The vent flame arrestor may be configured to guide a barrel to the backbone to facilitate attachment of the barrel to the backbone.

According to an embodiment, a method may include assembling a cylinder into a frame of a gas operated firearm. The cylinder may have an exhaust port for exhausting gas from the cylinder. An exhaust port flame arrestor may be attached to the backbone. The vent flame arrestor may be configured to guide a barrel to the backbone to facilitate attachment of the barrel to the backbone.

According to an embodiment, a method may include exhausting gas from an exhaust port of a cylinder of a gas operated firearm. Flame holding from the exhaust port may be suppressed by a flame arrestor configured to guide a barrel to the backbone to facilitate attachment of the barrel to the backbone.

According to an embodiment, a semi-automatic bolt may be configured for both closed bolt operation and open bolt operation. A selector mechanism may be configured to select between a closed bolt operation and an open bolt operation of the firearm.

According to an embodiment, a firearm can have a bolt and can be configured for both closed bolt operation and open bolt operation. The firearm can have a trigger mechanism configured such that during open bolt operation and when the bolt is rearward, pulling the trigger only allows the bolt to be manually moved forward when a button has been pressed. The firearm can have a trigger mechanism configured such that pulling the trigger allows the bolt to be manually moved forward during closed bolt operation and when the bolt is rearward.

According to one embodiment, a firearm may have a barrel; a lower case; a backbone and two V-blocks with a spring loaded two arm swing wedge midway between and attached to the backbone to hold the pulled up barrel tight and centered precisely in the V-blocks with the flange of the barrel extension in the lengthwise locking groove in the rear V-block.

The rear V-block aligns and centers the body diameter of the barrel extension while the top 120 ° of the flange of the barrel extension fits into the locking groove of the V-block. The tight fit of the flange and locking groove combined with the upward pulling of the swinging wedge on the barrel cross pin, holding the barrel centered in the V-block, locks the barrel to the skeletal frame and firmly blocks any lengthwise movement of the barrel breech relative to the skeletal structure.

For longitudinal thermal expansion, the barrel slides lengthwise in the front v-block and the wobble wedge follows the motion without releasing its wedging force.

For radial thermal expansion, the two upper arms of the "Y" shaped cylinder boom fit around both sides of the barrel and have a cross pin fastened across the top of the barrel via it. The ends of the cross pin extend beyond the outer sides of the two arms so that the two arm swinging wedges pull upward at both ends of the cross pin. In the yoke of the cylinder boom, an adjustable set screw is aligned with the bottom of the barrel and factory adjusted to push down on the flanged threaded tube, compressing the high force spring washer holding the cylinder boom and cross pin down with an initial force of approximately 700 pounds. As the approximately 1 "barrel diameter expands due to the heat of the shot, the angled walls of the v-block force the barrel diameter downward, the center of the barrel diameter moves downward approximately 0.0045 inches, while the bottom compresses the spring washer approximately 0.009 inches, increasing the force to approximately 1200 pounds when the barrel temperature reaches approximately 1500 ° F. The barrel remains centered without longitudinal rearward movement.

The bottom bar of the cylinder boom is tightened via the fore grip.

To install the barrel, it is lifted up and pulled back by its front grip. The guide surface aligns the barrel extension with the locking groove and the cross pin engages with the wobble wedge, which snaps onto the pin, pulling the barrel tightly up into its V-block and locking into the groove.

To remove the barrel, the barrel latch end of the swing wedge is struck downward. The same guide surface that guides it into place guides it outward and downward in a path that prevents it from striking or damaging the magazine. The path is also not obstructed by the bipod of the weapon.

According to one embodiment, a firearm can have a lower case and a frame. The lower receiver may be attached to the firearm via a hook pivot. The lower receiver is pivotable downward from the firearm while remaining pivotally attached to the firearm. The lower case is detachable from the frame.

These and other features of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments that is set forth in conjunction with the appended drawings. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a left side view of an open-type bolt, fully automatic, semi-automatic machine gun having a magazine attached thereto according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the machine gun of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a right side view of the machine gun of FIG. 1 with the magazine removed according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a left side view of the machine gun of FIG. 1 with the magazine removed, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the machine gun of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 4B-4F are various elevation views of the machine gun of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4G is a top view of the machine gun of FIG. 1 with a cross-sectional reference according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4H is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 4H of FIG. 4G, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4I is an enlarged view taken within the cross-sectional circle 4I of FIG. 4H, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a lower receiver assembly of the machine gun of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of a lower barrel assembly of the machine gun of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment;

5C-5H are various elevation views of a lower receiver assembly of the machine gun of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5I is a front end view of the machine gun of FIG. 1 with cross-sectional references according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5J is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 5J of FIG. 5I, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5K is a front end view of the machine gun of FIG. 1 with cross-sectional references according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5L is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 5L of FIG. 5K, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a lower receiver assembly of the machine gun of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6B is an exploded view of a lower barrel assembly of the machine gun of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment;

6C-6H are various elevation views of a lower receiver assembly of the machine gun of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6I is a front end view of the machine gun of FIG. 1 with cross-sectional references according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6J is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 6J of FIG. 6I, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6K is a front end view of the machine gun of FIG. 1 with cross-sectional references according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6L is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 6L of FIG. 6K, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a trigger block assembly of the firearm of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a perspective exploded view of the trigger block assembly of FIG. 7A according to an embodiment;

7C-7G are various elevation views of the trigger block assembly of FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the trigger lock mechanism of the firearm of FIG. 1 showing a locked trigger according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a trigger lock mechanism of the firearm of FIG. 1 showing an unlocked trigger according to an embodiment;

fig. 10A-10F are various elevation views of an open bolt, a closed bolt, a semi-automatic rifle with a light stock according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10G is a cross-sectional side view of the rifle of FIG. 10A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10H is an enlarged view taken within the cross-sectional circle 10H of FIG. 10G, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10I is a cross-sectional view of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 10A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a lower receiver assembly of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 10A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11B is an exploded view of a lower receiver assembly of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 10A, according to an embodiment;

11C-11H are various elevation views of a lower receiver assembly of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 10A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11I is a top view of the lower receiver of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 10A with cross-sectional references according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11J is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 11J of FIG. 11I, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a lower receiver assembly of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 10A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12B is an exploded view of a lower receiver assembly of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 10A, according to an embodiment;

12C-12H are various elevation views of a lower receiver assembly of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 10A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12I is a top view of the lower receiver of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 10A with cross-sectional references according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12J is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 12J of FIG. 12I, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 12K is a top view of the lower receiver of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 12A with cross-sectional references in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 12L is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 12L of FIG. 12K, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a trigger block assembly of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 10A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13B is a perspective exploded view of the trigger block assembly of FIG. 13A according to an embodiment;

13C-13H are various elevation views of the trigger block assembly of FIG. 13A, according to one embodiment;

fig. 14A is an exploded view of an open bolt, a closed bolt, a semi-automatic rifle with a heavy stock according to an embodiment;

14B-14F are various elevation views of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 14A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14G is a top view of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 14A with cross-sectional references according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14H is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 14H of FIG. 14G, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 14I is an enlarged view taken within the cross-sectional circle 14I of FIG. 14H, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14J is a top view of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 14A with cross-sectional references according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14K is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 14K of FIG. 14J, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 14L is an enlarged view taken within the cross-sectional circle 14L of FIG. 14K, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15A is a top view of the semi-automatic rifle of FIG. 14A with cross-sectional references according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 15B of FIG. 15A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15C is an enlarged view taken within the cross-sectional circle 15C of FIG. 15B, according to an embodiment;

fig. 16A is an exploded view of an open bolt, a closed bolt, a fully automatic, a semi-automatic rifle/machine gun with a heavy stock according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 16B-16F are various elevation views of the rifle/machine gun of FIG. 16A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 16G is a top view of the rifle/machine gun of FIG. 16A with cross-sectional references in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 16H is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 16H of FIG. 16G, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 16I is an enlarged view taken within the cross-sectional circle 16I of FIG. 16H, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a lower receiver assembly of the rifle/gun of FIG. 16A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17B is an exploded view of a lower receiver assembly of the rifle/gun of FIG. 16A, according to an embodiment;

17C-17H are various elevation views of a lower receiver assembly of the rifle/gun of FIG. 17A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17I is a top view of the rifle/machine gun of FIG. 17A with cross-sectional reference according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17J is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 17J of FIG. 17I, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 17K is a top view of the rifle/machine gun of FIG. 17A with cross-sectional reference according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17L is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 17L of FIG. 17K, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a lower receiver assembly of the rifle/gun of FIG. 16A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18B is an exploded view of a lower receiver assembly of the rifle/gun of FIG. 16A, according to an embodiment;

18C-18H are various elevation views of a lower receiver assembly of the rifle/gun of FIG. 18A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18I is a top view of the rifle/machine gun of FIG. 18A with cross-sectional reference according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18J is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 18J of FIG. 18I, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 18K is a top view of the rifle/machine gun of FIG. 18A with cross-sectional reference, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18L is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 18L of FIG. 18K, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 18M is a top view of the rifle/machine gun of FIG. 12A with cross-sectional references in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 18N is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 18L of FIG. 18M, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a trigger block assembly of the rifle/rifle of FIG. 16A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19B is a perspective exploded view of the trigger block assembly of FIG. 19A according to an embodiment;

19C-19H are various elevation views of the trigger block assembly of FIG. 19A, according to one embodiment;

19I-19L are various elevation views of the trigger block assembly of FIG. 19A, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the assembly of the rifle/machine gun of FIG. 16A shown in a closed bolt firing configuration, in accordance with an embodiment;

fig. 21A is a perspective view showing the assembly of the rifle/machine gun of fig. 16A with the hammer link having released the closing bolt catch to allow movement of the hammer link, in accordance with an embodiment;

fig. 21B is a perspective view showing the rifle/machine gun assembly of fig. 16A with the tip of the closed bolt, open bolt arm catch capturing the open bolt arm notch, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the assembly of the rifle/machine gun of FIG. 16A shown in a closed bolt firing configuration, in accordance with an embodiment;

fig. 23A is a perspective view showing the assembly of the rifle/machine gun of fig. 16A with the hammer link having released the closed bolt catch to allow movement of the hammer link, in accordance with an embodiment;

fig. 23B is a perspective view showing the rifle/machine gun assembly with the closed bolt, the tip of the open bolt arm catch capturing the open bolt arm notch, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the assembly of the rifle/machine gun of FIG. 16A shown in a closed bolt firing configuration, in accordance with an embodiment;

fig. 25A and 25B are perspective views showing the components of the rifle/machine gun of fig. 16A with the hammer link held closed by a closing bolt machine catch, according to an embodiment;

fig. 26 is a perspective view of the opening bolt firing mechanism of the rifle/machine gun of fig. 16A shown in a fired condition with the bolt locked and the automatic spring released, in accordance with an embodiment;

27A and 27B are side views of the open bolt firing mechanism of FIG. 26 according to one embodiment;

fig. 28 is a perspective view of the open bolt firing mechanism of the rifle/machine gun of fig. 16A shown in a firing condition with the bolt unlocked, in accordance with an embodiment;

29A and 29B are side views showing the open bolt firing mechanism of FIG. 28, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the open bolt firing mechanism of the rifle/machine gun of FIG. 16A shown in a cauterized condition, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 31A and 31B are side views of the open bolt firing mechanism of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an automatic spring trip bar showing a rifle/machine gun in accordance with an embodiment;

33A-33L are various views showing a selector cam layout, according to an embodiment;

34A-34G are various views showing barrel installation according to an embodiment;

35A-35D are various views showing barrel 105 and skeleton 103, according to an embodiment;

36A-36G are various views showing a gun barrel latch according to an embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the manner in which curves are defined for a wobble wedge, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 38A-38C are various views showing a spring assembly according to an embodiment;

39A-39C are various views showing a spring assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 40 is a side view of a spring catheter according to an embodiment;

FIG. 41 is an end view of a spring guide insert according to one embodiment;

42A-42D are various views showing a spring guide cap according to an embodiment;

fig. 43A-43D are various views showing a spring guide according to an embodiment;

44A-44D are various views showing an anti-bounce spring retainer, according to an embodiment;

45A-45C are various views showing a spring-conduit assembly, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view showing the anti-bounce spring with the drive spring compressed (top) and with the drive spring extended (bottom), according to an embodiment;

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view showing a spring drive with the drive spring compressed (top) and with the drive spring extended (bottom) according to an embodiment;

FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view of a spring assembly according to an embodiment;

fig. 49 is a perspective view showing a backbone and bolt carrier according to an embodiment;

fig. 50A-50G are various views of a bolt showing alignment with a barrel, wherein the frame is not locked to the barrel via a wobble wedge, according to an embodiment;

fig. 51A-51F are various views of a bolt showing alignment with a barrel with a skeletal frame locked to the barrel via a wobble wedge, according to an embodiment;

fig. 52A-52C show a skeleton and barrel having various cross-sections, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 53A-53C show a skeleton and barrel having various cross-sections, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 54A-54D show a skeleton and barrel having various cross-sections, according to an embodiment;

55A-55D show a skeleton and barrel having various cross-sections, according to an embodiment;

56A-56D are various views showing a barrel tenon, according to an embodiment;

57A-57D are various views showing a gas system according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 58-61 are various views of an ejection hook according to an embodiment;

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional side view of an unassembled bolt according to an embodiment;

FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional side view of an unassembled bolt according to an embodiment;

FIG. 64 is a front view of a bolt according to one embodiment;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional side view of an unassembled bolt according to an embodiment;

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled bolt according to an embodiment;

FIG. 67 is a perspective exploded view of a bolt according to one embodiment;

fig. 68 is a perspective view of an assembled bolt according to an embodiment;

FIG. 69 is a flow chart showing operation of a firearm according to an embodiment;

FIG. 70 is a perspective view showing two gas piston rings positioned together such that the keys of one ring are disposed within the gap of the other ring, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of two gas piston rings of FIG. 70 shown exploded from one another in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional side view showing a gas metering port in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 73 is a top view of the gas metering port of FIG. 72, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 74 is an exploded top view of the gas metering port of FIG. 72 according to one embodiment;

FIG. 75 is a side view of a barrel positioned for attachment to a skeletal frame in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 76 is a side view of a barrel attached to a skeletal frame in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrel and backbone taken along line 77 of FIG. 76, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 78 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrel and skeletal of FIG. 77 shown exploded from one another, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrel, backbone, swing wedge and tensioner taken along line 79 of FIG. 76, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrel, the backbone, the swing wedge, and the tensioner showing the barrel removed from the backbone, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 81 is a cross-sectional side view of a tensioner according to an embodiment;

FIG. 82 is a cross-sectional side view of a barrel according to one embodiment; and

figure 83 is a chart showing which features are present on which firearm, according to an embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that the same reference numbers are used to identify the same elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.

Detailed Description

An improved firearm in accordance with one or more embodiments has various features that enhance its operation and use. For example, according to an embodiment, a firearm barrel can be quickly replaced during combat. The ability to perform rapid barrel replacement enhances the firepower provided by the firearm, and thus its utility. That is, the number of fireable revolutions per minute (including the time for barrel replacement) is substantially increased.

According to one embodiment, the firearm is compatible with a high volume magazine. For example, firearms are compatible with 60 and 100 turn magazines. The firearm can be configured to withstand the heat associated with sustained fully automatic shooting. The ability to quickly change barrels is one aspect of the way a firearm can withstand the heat associated with continuous full automatic firing.

Three different types of firearms are discussed herein. These three types are light machine guns, semi-automatic (civilian) rifles and rifle/machine guns. The machine gun may fire semi-automatically or fully automatically and only from the open bolt. Semi-automatic rifles are only semi-automatic and can be fired from either open or closed breeches. The rifle/machine gun may fire semi-automatically or fully automatically and may fire from either an open bolt or a closed bolt. The rifle/machine gun is fired fully automatically only from an open bolt and semi-automatically from either an open bolt or a closed bolt.

Each type of firearm can be manufactured with any desired caliber. For example, each type of firearm can be manufactured at 5.56 x 45mmNATO or 6.8 x 43 mm. Both 5.56 x 45mmNATO and 6.8 x 43mm can share components. For example, both 5.56 x 45mmNATO and 6.8 x 43mm may typically share all components except the barrel, bolt and magazine for a given type of firearm.

Semi-automatic rifles and rifles/machine guns can be fired semi-automatically from either open or closed breeches. In general, firing from a closed bolt provides better accuracy. However, if many guns are fired in rapid succession, it may be necessary to change to open bolt firing in order to reduce the likelihood of undesirable incandescence. As discussed herein, changing from an open bolt to a closed bolt requires additional steps (e.g., pressing a button on a selector) in order to be more likely to allow the user to consider whether such a change is appropriate since the closed bolt operation may cause incandescence, as discussed herein.

In semi-automatic rifles and rifles/machine guns, each gun is fired by a hammer. As discussed herein, a long stroke, long stroke hammer is advantageously used. As discussed herein, the machine gun is not fired by a hammer.

Fig. 1 and 2 show an open bolt machine gun 100 according to an embodiment. The gun 100 is capable of fully automatic and semi-automatic firing at the user's option. The machine gun 100 is fired from an open bolt. The machine gun 100 has a magazine 101 attached thereto. The magazine 101 may be, for example, a 60-turn or 100-turn magazine, such as the magazine sold by SureFire, LLC of the california, linewidth.

Fig. 3A and 3B show the machine gun 100 with the magazine 101 removed, according to one embodiment. The machine gun 100, as well as the semi-automatic rifle 1000 (fig. 10A) and rifle/machine gun 8000 (fig. 16A) may be manufactured to any desired caliber. For example, the machine gun 100, as well as the semi-automatic rifle 1000 and rifle/machine gun 8000, may be manufactured at 5.56mm or 6.8 mm.

Fig. 4A-4F are additional views of a machine gun 100 according to an embodiment. The gun 100 has a lower case or case assembly 102. The case assembly 102 may include a grip 107 and a magazine well 108.

The backbone 103 constrains the bolt carrier 111 as described herein. The loading handle 109 may be slidably disposed between the skeleton 103 and the receiver assembly 102 to facilitate cocking of the gun 100 by pulling the bolt carrier 111 rearward. The spring guide 112 can be disposed at least partially within the bolt carrier 111 and can define an anti-bounce system, as discussed herein.

The barrel assembly 104 may be removably detachable from the machine gun 100 (as well as from the semi-automatic rifle 1000 (fig. 10A-10F) and the rifle/machine gun 8000 (fig. 16A)) by depressing the barrel latch 113 on the skeletal frame 103, as discussed herein. Barrel 105 may have a front grip 106.

Stock 114 may be removably attachable to receiver assembly 102. Stock 114 may be pivotally attached to receiver assembly 102 such that stock 114 may be folded to either side of receiver assembly 102. Butt 114 may be a heavy butt (as shown). Alternatively, butt 114 may be a lightweight butt or any other type of butt.

As shown in fig. 4A, stock 114 may have at least one substantially horizontal groove 126 formed therein. Recess 126 may allow a user to better grip butt 114 when shooting to inhibit unwanted movement (e.g., upward movement) of butt 114. For example, when stowing or folding butt stock 114 along the side of receiver assembly 102, a user may grip 107 with one hand and grip back stock 127 of butt stock 114 with the other hand so that the user's thumb is in one of grooves 126 to more securely hold the firearm.

Fig. 4G-4I show a drop-in trigger assembly 400 according to an embodiment. The trigger block assembly 400 may be assembled to the exterior of the machine gun 100. Once assembled, the trigger block assembly 400 may fall into place in the barrel assembly 102, as discussed herein.

Fig. 5A and 5B show the barrel assembly 102 according to an embodiment, with fig. 5B showing the trigger block assembly 400 exploded from the barrel assembly 102. The receiver assembly 102 has a receiver subassembly 5101, an open bolt arm 5102, an open bolt arm spring 5103, an open bolt arm pin 5104, an open bolt full automatic/semi automatic trigger block assembly 5105, a barrel latch guard 5106, a handle bolt 5107, a selector barrel latch 5108, a closed bolt safety button assembly 5109, a disassembly lever 5110, a hammer link cross pin 5111, a spring cross pin 5112, and a selector cam assembly compression spring 5113. A spring cross pin 5112 and hammer link cross pin 5111 can secure the drop-in trigger block assembly 400 within the magazine assembly 102.

Fig. 5C-5H are various elevation views of the barrel assembly 102 of the gun 100 of fig. 1, according to an embodiment. Fig. 5C shows the right side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 5D shows the rear of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 5E shows the bottom of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 5F shows the left side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 5G shows the front of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 5H shows the top of the barrel assembly 102.

Fig. 5I-5L show the barrel assembly 102 according to an embodiment. The trigger block assembly 400 is shown installed (dropped) into the barrel assembly 102.

Fig. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the barrel assembly 102 of the gun 100 according to an embodiment. The receiver assembly 102 has an open bolt lower receiver 6101, a receiver latch 6102, a bolt latch 6103, a receiver latch button 6104, a bolt latch release button 6105, a bolt latch release plunger 6106, a handle 6107, a trigger guard 6108, a lock washer 6109, a compression spring 6110, a round wire spring 6111, a round wire spring 6112, an upper grip pin 6113, an upper grip pin stock 6114, a lower grip pin 61, a grip pin cap 6115, a grip pin cap 6116, a roller pin 6117, an open bolt arm torque damper assembly 6118, a receiver latch 6119, a receiver grip pin 6120, a receiver latch stop 6121, a receiver latch compression spring 6122, a dust cap assembly 6123, a dust cap 6124, a dust cap spring 6125, a slotted roller pin cover 26, a shell throw ejector pin lug 6127, a shell throw ejector assembly 6128, a shell throw spring 6129, a dust cap 6130, a slotted roller cover 6131, a roller, Low-height rivet 6132, handle bolt 6133, torsional damper retainer 6134, trigger lock bar plunger 6135, trigger lock bar 6136, roller pin 6137, trigger lock compression spring 6138, and magazine catch spring 6139.

Fig. 6C-6H are various elevation views of the barrel assembly 102 of the gun 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 6C shows the right side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 6D shows the rear of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 6E shows the bottom of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 6F shows the left side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 6G shows the front of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 6H shows the top of the barrel assembly 102.

Fig. 6I-6L show the barrel assembly 102 according to an embodiment. The trigger block assembly 400 is removed from the barrel 102.

Fig. 7A-7G show a trigger block assembly 400 of the machine gun 100 according to an embodiment. The trigger block assembly 400 has an open bolt lever trigger pin 7101, an open bolt/close bolt-full automatic/semi-automatic open bolt arm release lever 7102, a trigger 7103, a trigger block 7104, a trigger bar 7105, a break line 7106, a close bolt catch trigger bar pin 7107, an open bolt arm spring 7108, a trigger spring 7109, an open bolt arm spring bushing 7110, a socket head cap screw 7111, a socket head cap screw 7112, a close bolt catch trigger spring bar 7113, a trigger bar spring plate 7114, an open bolt arm spring pin 7115, a safety cylinder 7116, a safety cylinder catch 7117, an open bolt arm safety lever 7118, an open bolt lever safety spring 7119, a socket head cap screw 7120, a selector stop pin 7121, a safety cylinder stop spring 7122, an open bolt arm trigger release spring 7123, a bolt arm trigger release hook 7123, a trigger bar 7123, An open bolt release lever spring 7124, a torsional damper spring retainer 7125, a spring plate cap 7126, a selective catch 7127, a selective catch spring 7128, an open bolt full-automatic semi-automatic selector cam 7129, a trigger block door 7130, a roller pin 7131, a trigger lock spring 7132, a trigger block pin grip spring 7133, and an open bolt full-automatic selector cam 7134.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a trigger lock mechanism 800 of machine gun 100 according to one embodiment. The display trigger lock mechanism 800 has a trigger 801 locked or blocked by a trigger lock bar 802. When the dust cap 803 is open, the portion of the arm 804 formed on the dust cap 803 rotates the trigger lock lever 833 as the charge lever 109 is being pulled rearwardly, the trigger lock lever 833 preventing rearward movement of the trigger lock bar 802, which in turn prevents rearward movement of the trigger 801. Thus, when the charge grip 109 is being pulled back (e.g., when the gun 100 is being fired), the trigger 801 cannot be pulled and the gun 100 cannot fire. For example, dust cover 803 may be opened approximately 7 ° to allow for the charging handle 109 to be pulled back to await firing of the gun 100.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a trigger lock mechanism of machine gun 100 showing an unlocked trigger 801 according to one embodiment. When the dust cover 803 is closed, because the charge grip 109 is not being pulled backwards and the charge grip 109 is in its forward position, the arm 804 formed on the dust cover 803 does not rotate the trigger lever 833 to prevent rearward movement of the trigger lock bar 802 and therefore the trigger lock bar 802 does not prevent rearward movement of the trigger 801. Thus, the trigger 801 may be pulled and the gun 100 may be fired.

Fig. 10A-10F are various elevation views of a semi-automatic rifle 1000 according to an embodiment. The semi-automatic rifle 1000 is not capable of full automatic shooting. The semi-automatic rifle 1000 may be fired from either an open bolt or a closed bolt at the user's option. Many of the features of the semi-automatic rifle 1000 are substantially the same as those of the machine gun 100 discussed above. For example, the barrel 105 may be released from the semi-automatic rifle 1000 in the same manner as for the machine gun 100. Other features of the semi-automatic rifle 1000 differ with respect to those of the machine gun 100. For example, a machine gun 100 is slammed, may have a shorter barrel 105 and may have a heavy stock 114, while a semi-automatic rifle 1000 is fired using a hammer 8203 (fig. 21B), may have a longer barrel 1005 and may have a light weight foldable stock 1014. Some of these different features are interchangeable between the semi-automatic rifle 1000 and the machine gun 100. For example, any stock 114, 1001 and any barrel 105, 1005 may be used on a semi-automatic rifle 1000 and machine gun 100.

Fig. 10G-10I show a drop-in trigger assembly 4000 according to an embodiment. The drop-in trigger assembly 4000 may be assembled to the exterior of the semi-automatic rifle 1000. Once assembled, the drop-in trigger assembly 4000 may be dropped into place in the barrel assembly 102, as discussed herein. 11A and 11B show a drop-in trigger block assembly 4000 disassembled from the cassette assembly 102, according to an embodiment. The receiver assembly 102 has an open bolt/close bolt semi-automatic lower receiver subassembly 11101, a hammer link cross pin 11102, an open bolt arm 11103, an open bolt arm bolt spring 11104, a hammer handle subassembly 11105, a hammer link assembly 11106, a hammer assembly 11107, a hammer handle cross pin 11108, a bolt cross pin 11109, a safety lever 11110, an SHCS11111, a robot spring trip lever 11112, an open bolt arm pin 11113, an open bolt/close bolt semi-automatic trigger block assembly 11114, a selector lever 11115, a close bolt safety button assembly 11116, a disassembly lever 11117, a selector assembly cam compression spring 11118, and a hammer strike spring 11119.

Fig. 11C-11H are various elevation views of the receiver assembly 102 of the semi-automatic rifle 1000, according to an embodiment. Fig. 11c shows the right side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 11D shows the rear of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 11E shows the bottom of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 11F shows the left side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 11G shows the front of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 11H shows the top of the barrel assembly 102.

11I-11J show a barrel assembly 102 according to an embodiment. The trigger block assembly 400 is shown installed (dropped) into the barrel assembly 102.

Fig. 12A and 12B are perspective views of the barrel assembly 102 of the gun 100 according to an embodiment. The receiver assembly 102 has an open bolt/close bolt semiautomatic lower receiver 12101, a receiver latch 12102, a bolt latch 12103, a receiver latch button 12104, a bolt latch release button 12105, a bolt latch release plunger 12106, a dust cover hinge pin 12107, a slotted roller pin 12108, a spring dust cover 12109, a decladding cover hinge pin 12110, a decladding cover 12111, a slotted roller pin 12112, a low height rivet 12113, a decladding cover assembly 12114, a decladding cover torsion spring 12115, a handle 12116, a dust cover assembly 12117, a trigger guard 12118, a frame stock catch LH12119, a frame stock catch RH12120, a lower receiver stock catch 12121, a catch pin cap 12122, a catch spring trip plunger 12123, a lock washer 12124, a robot spring trip plunger guide spring 12125, a catch spring 12126, a catch spring trip 12127, a receiver guard plunger pin 12128, a receiver bolt 12129, a bolt trip 12127, a receiver bolt trip spring 12132, a receiver latch bolt trip spring 12115, a receiver trip spring, a trigger latch 12115, a trigger latch, Roller pin 12130, spring 12131, spring 13132, roller pin 12133, magazine latch compression spring 12134, open bolt arm torsional damper assembly 12135, torsional damper retainer 12136, SHCS12137, automatic spring trip lever 12138, trigger lock bar 12139, trigger lock bar plunger 12140, trigger lock compression spring 12141, and magazine catch spring 12142.

Fig. 12C-12H are various elevation views of the receiver assembly 102 of the semi-automatic rifle 1000, according to an embodiment. Fig. 12C shows the right side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 12D shows the rear of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 12E shows the bottom of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 12F shows the left side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 12G shows the front of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 12H shows the top of the barrel assembly 102.

Fig. 12I-12L show a barrel assembly 102 according to an embodiment. The trigger block assembly 4002 is removed from the case 102.

Fig. 13A-13H show a trigger block assembly 400 of a semi-automatic rifle 1000, according to an embodiment. The trigger block assembly 400 has an open bolt lever trigger pin 13101, an open bolt arm open bolt/close bolt semi-automatic release lever 13102, an open bolt full-automatic/semi-automatic open bolt/close bolt semi-automatic trigger 13103, a robot spring 13104, a close bolt trigger release hook 13105, an open bolt/close bolt trigger semi-automatic trigger block 13106, an open bolt trigger bar 13107, an open bolt arm open bolt/close bolt full-automatic/semi-automatic open bolt full-automatic open bolt closing bolt semi-automatic open bolt closing line 13108, a close bolt spring 13109, an open bolt trigger pin 13110, an open bolt and robot spring bushing 11, an open bolt latch 13112, a trigger spring 13113, a bolt arm spring bushing 13114, an open bolt spring bushing 13114, a bolt arm spring bushing 13114, a bolt spring bushing 13106, a bolt spring 13106, a bolt release hook, a bolt release hook, SHCS13115, SHCS13116, closing bolt catch trigger bar spring 13117, trigger bar leaf spring 13118, open bolt arm spring pin 13119, closing bolt spring plunger 13120, safety cylinder 13121, safety cylinder catch 13122, closing bolt selector safety cylinder rotary beam 13123, open bolt arm safety lever 13124, closing bolt lever safety spring 13125, SHCS13126, selector catch pin 13127, safety cylinder catch spring 13128, closing bolt catch spring 13129, automatic bolt selector safety cylinder rotary beam robot spring 13130, closing bolt arm trigger release hook spring 13131, open bolt release lever spring 13132, torsional damper spring retainer spring 13133, spring plate cap 13134, selector catch 13135, selector catch spring 13136, spring release lever assembly 13137, spring release lever support 38, bolt release spring retainer spring 13140, door release spring block 13140, A roller pin 13141, a trigger lock spring 13142, a receiver latch hold pin 13143, an open bolt/close bolt semi-automatic selector cam 13144, a trigger block hold spring pin 13145, and an open bolt arm spring 13146.

Fig. 14A-14F are additional views of a semi-automatic rifle 1000, according to an embodiment. The semi-automatic rifle 1000 may have a lower case or case assembly 102. The case assembly 102 may include a grip 107 and a magazine well 108.

The backbone 103 constrains the bolt carrier 111 as described herein. The loading handle 109 may be slidably disposed between the skeleton 103 and the receiver assembly 102 to facilitate cocking of the gun 100 by pulling the bolt carrier 111 rearward. The spring guide 112 can be disposed at least partially within the bolt carrier 111 and can define an anti-bounce system, as discussed herein.

The barrel assembly 104 may be removably detachable from the semi-automatic rifle 1000 by depressing a barrel latch 113 on the frame 103, as discussed herein. Barrel 105 may have a front grip 106. The barrel 105 may be shorter than that shown for the semi-automatic rifle 1000 in fig. 10A-10F.

Stock 114 may be removably attachable to receiver assembly 102. Stock 114 may be pivotally attached to receiver assembly 102 such that stock 114 may be folded to either side of receiver assembly 102. Butt 114 may be a heavy butt (as shown). Alternatively, butt 114 may be a lightweight butt (such as the butt shown in fig. 10A-10F), or may be any other type of butt.

Fig. 14G-15C show a drop-in trigger assembly 4000 according to an embodiment. The drop-in trigger assembly 4000 may be assembled to the exterior of the semi-automatic rifle 1000. Once assembled outside of the barrel assembly 102, the drop-in trigger assembly 4000 may be dropped into place in the barrel assembly 102, as discussed herein.

Fig. 16A shows a rifle/machine gun 8000 according to an embodiment. The rifle/machine gun 8000 is able to fire semi-automatically and fully automatically as selected by the user. The rifle/machine gun 8000 may fire from either an open bolt or a closed bolt as selected by the user. Many of the features of the semi-automatic rifle 1000 are substantially the same as those of the machine gun 100 discussed above.

Fig. 16B-16F are additional views of a rifle/machine gun 8000 according to an embodiment. The rifle/gun 8000 has a lower case or case assembly 102. The case assembly 102 may include a grip 107 and a magazine well 108.

The backbone 103 constrains the bolt carrier 111 as described herein. The loading handle 109 may be slidably disposed between the skeleton 103 and the receiver assembly 102 to facilitate cocking of the rifle/gun 8000 by pulling the bolt carrier 111 rearward. The spring guide 112 can be disposed at least partially within the bolt carrier 111 and can define an anti-bounce system, as discussed herein.

The barrel assembly 104 may be removably detachable from the rifle/machine gun 8000 by depressing a barrel latch 113 on the frame 103, as discussed herein. The barrel assembly 104 may have a front grip 106.

Stock 114 may be removably attachable to receiver assembly 102. Stock 114 may be pivotally attached to receiver assembly 102 such that stock 114 may be folded to either side of receiver assembly 102. Butt 114 may be a heavy butt (as shown). Alternatively, butt 114 may be a lightweight butt or any other type of butt.

Fig. 16G-16I show a drop-in trigger block assembly 8003, in accordance with an embodiment. The trigger block assembly 8003 can be assembled to the exterior of the rifle/machine gun 8000. Once assembled, the trigger block assembly 400 may fall into place in the barrel assembly 102, as discussed herein.

Fig. 17A and 17B show the trigger block assembly 8003 exploded from the cassette assembly 102, according to an embodiment. A spring cross pin 1709 and hammer link cross pin 1702 can secure the drop-in trigger block assembly 400 within the magazine assembly 102. Two hook pivots 1791 may be formed on the front of the barrel assembly 102 to facilitate partial separation of the barrel assembly 102 from the frame 103. The hook pivot 1791 may hook around the frame stud 198 (fig. 4A) and pivot about the frame stud 198. The lower case or case assembly 102 may pivot downward approximately 40 ° from the two frame studs 198 while remaining pivotally attached to the frame 103. When the barrel assembly 102 is pivoted down approximately 20 ° or halfway, the barrel assembly 102 can be detached from the frame or skeleton 103, in which case a gap in the hook pivot 1791 allows the barrel assembly 102 to be raised and clear of the skeleton stud 198. Alternatively, the barrel assembly 102 may use a straight slot 119 (FIG. 4A).

The receiver assembly 102 may have an open bolt/close bolt fully automatic/semi-automatic lower receiver subassembly 17101, a hammer link cross pin 17102, an open bolt arm 17103, an open bolt arm bolt spring 17104, a hammer handle subassembly 17105, a hammer link subassembly 17106, a hammer subassembly 17107, a hammer handle cross pin 17108, a spring cross pin 17109, a safety lever 17110, an SHCS17111, a robot spring trip lever 17112, an open bolt arm pin 17113, an open bolt/close bolt-fully automatic/semi-automatic trigger block 17114, a selector lever 17115, a close bolt safety button subassembly 17116, a disassembly lever 17117, a selector cam subassembly compression spring 17118, and a hammer firing spring 17119.

Fig. 17C-17H are various elevation views of the barrel assembly 102 of the rifle/gun 8000 according to an embodiment. Fig. 17C shows the right side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 17D shows the rear of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 17E shows the bottom of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 17F shows the left side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 17G shows the front of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 17H shows the top of the barrel assembly 102.

17I-17L show a barrel assembly 102 according to an embodiment. The trigger block assembly 8003 is shown installed (dropped into) the barrel assembly 102.

Fig. 18A and 18B are perspective views of a barrel assembly 102 of a rifle/gun 8000 according to an embodiment. The receiver assembly 102 has an open bolt/close bolt fully automatic/semi-automatic lower receiver 18101, a magazine catch 18102, a bolt catch 18103, a magazine catch button 18104, a bolt catch release button 18105, a bolt catch release plunger 18106, a dust cap hinge pin 18107, a slotted roller pin 18108, a dust cap spring pin 18109, a flip cap hinge pin 18110, a flip cap cover lug 18111, a slotted roller pin 18112, a low-height rivet 18113, a flip cap assembly 18114, a flip cap torsion spring 18115, a handle 18116, a dust cap assembly 18117, a trigger guard 18118, an LH frame holding butt pin 18119, an RH frame holding butt pin 18120, a lower receiver holding butt pin 18121, a handle pin cap 18122, a bolt spring trip plunger 18123, a lock washer 18124, a spring trip plunger guide spring 18125, a receiver spring trip retainer pin 18126, a spring trip plunger retainer ring 18127, a receiver latch bolt 18128, a bolt trip plunger retainer pin 18128, a bolt trip hinge pin 1818, a bolt trip hinge pin 18114, a bolt trip assembly 18116, a bolt trip hinge pin, a bolt trip assembly, A case latch 18129, a roller pin 18130, a spring 18131, a spring 18132, a roller pin 18133, a case latch compression spring 18134, an open bolt arm torsion damper assembly 18135, a torsion damper retainer 18136, an SHCS18137, an automatic spring trip lever 18138, a trigger lock bar 18139, a trigger lock bar plunger 18140, a trigger lock compression spring 18141, and a case latch spring 18142.

Fig. 18C-18H are various elevation views of the barrel assembly 102 of the rifle/gun 8000 according to an embodiment. Fig. 18C shows the right side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 18D shows the rear of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 18E shows the bottom of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 18F shows the left side of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 18G shows the front of the barrel assembly 102. Fig. 18H shows the top of the barrel assembly 102.

18I-18N show a barrel assembly 102 according to an embodiment. The trigger block assembly 8003 is removed from the case 102.

Fig. 19A-191 show a trigger block assembly 8003 of a rifle/machine gun 8000, in accordance with an embodiment. The trigger block assembly 400 has (19A) an open bolt lever trigger pin 19101, an open bolt arm open bolt/close bolt full-automatic/semi-automatic, open bolt full-automatic/semi-automatic release lever 19102, an open bolt full-automatic/semi-automatic open bolt/close bolt full-automatic open bolt/close bolt semi-automatic trigger 19103, an automatic bolt spring 19104, a close bolt trigger release hook 19105, an open bolt/close bolt full-automatic/semi-automatic trigger block 19106, an open bolt trigger bar 19107, an open bolt arm open bolt/close bolt full-automatic/semi-automatic open bolt/close bolt semi-automatic break line 19108, an open bolt spring 19109, an open bolt arm open bolt/close bolt full-automatic/semi-automatic open bolt/close bolt semi-automatic break line 19108, an open bolt spring 19109, a bolt, Closed bolt catch trigger bar pin 19110, closed bolt and automatic bolt spring bushing 19111, open bolt arm open bolt catch 19112, trigger spring 19113, open bolt arm spring bushing 19114, SHCS19115, SHCS19116, closed bolt catch trigger bar spring 19117, trigger bar spring plate 19118, open bolt arm spring pin 19119, closed bolt spring plunger 19120, safety cylinder 19121, safety cylinder catch 19122, closed bolt selector safety cylinder rotating rod 19123, open bolt arm lever safety 19124, open bolt lever safety spring 19125, SHCS19126, selector catch pin 19127, safety cylinder catch spring 19128, closed bolt spring 19129, open bolt selector safety cylinder rotating rod spring 19130, open bolt arm trigger release hook spring 19131, open bolt release lever spring 19132, damper plate spring 19133, closed bolt spring 19134, bolt selector safety cylinder rotating rod spring 19130, open bolt arm release hook 19131, open bolt release lever 19132, damper plate spring 19133, damper spring 19134, A selector catch 19135, a selector catch spring 19136, an automatic spring trip lever assembly 19137, an automatic spring trip lever support 19138, a closed bolt trigger trip hook automatic spring 19139, a trigger block door 19140, a roller pin 19141, a trigger lock spring 19142, an open bolt/closed bolt full automatic semi-automatic selector cam 19144, a trigger block handle spring pin 19145, and an open bolt arm spring 19146.

Fig. 20-21B show components of a rifle/machine gun 8000 in a closed bolt firing configuration, according to one embodiment. The rifle/machine gun 8000 has an automatic bolt-spring-trip rod 8012, an automatic bolt-spring-trip plunger 8201, an open bolt spring 8202, a hammer 8203, an open bolt arm 8204, a closed bolt open bolt arm detent 8205, an automatic bolt return lever 8206, an automatic bolt-spring-trip rod 8207, a closed bolt spring 8015, a hammer link 8014, a trigger lock rod 8208, a closed bolt trigger trip hook 8209, a trigger 8210, an open bolt arm release lever safety lock 8211, an open bolt trigger trip hook 8212, an open bolt release lever 8213, and a bolt carrier 111.

The bolt 8011 is closed and locked. The robot spring trip bar 8012 is pulled forward by the bolt carrier 111 and the robot spring 8013 (see fig. 26) has tripped. Hammer link 8014 is released from bolt closer spring 8015. Disengaging the trigger charge handle locking mechanism 800 (see fig. 8). The open bolt arm latch 8205 is deployed and the open bolt arm 8204 is captured in a downward position. The trigger 8210 is pulled and the hammer 8203 is released, causing the rifle/gun 8000 to fire.

With particular reference to fig. 21A, hammer link 8014 has been released by closeout bolt catch 8235, allowing hammer link 8014 to move. With particular reference to fig. 21B, the tip of the closed bolt open bolt arm latch 8205 captures the open bolt arm notch 8220.

The striker retention pin 8043 maintains the striker 8044 within the bolt 8011 and bolt carrier 111. The striker retention pin 8043 may also transfer forward movement of the bolt carrier to the striker 8044 to fire the machine gun 8000, e.g., during its slamming.

Fig. 22-23B show components of a rifle/machine gun 8000 in a closed bolt firing configuration, according to one embodiment. The bolt 8011 is closed and locked. The automatic spring trip bar 8012 is pulled forward by the bolt carrier 111. The robot spring 8013 trips. Hammer link 8014 has been released by bolt closer spring 8015. Disengaging the trigger charge handle locking mechanism 800 (see fig. 8). The open bolt arm latch 8205 is deployed and the open bolt arm 8204 is captured in a downward position. The trigger 8210 is pulled.

With particular reference to fig. 23A, hammer link 8014 has released the closed bolt action catch 8235, allowing hammer link 8014 to move. With particular reference to fig. 21B, the tip of the closed bolt open bolt arm latch 8205 captures the open bolt arm notch 8220.

Fig. 24-25B show components of a rifle/machine gun 8000 in a closed bolt firing configuration, according to an embodiment. The bolt 8011 is closed and locked. The automatic spring trip bar 8012 is pulled forward by the bolt carrier 111. The robot spring 8013 trips. Hammer link 8014 is held by bolt closer spring 8015. Disengaging the trigger charge handle locking mechanism 800 (see fig. 8). The open bolt arm latch 8205 is deployed and the trigger 8210 is not pulled.

With particular reference to fig. 25A, the hammer link 8014 is held by a bolt closing bolt breech 8235.

Fig. 26-27B show an open bolt firing mechanism for a rifle/gun 8000 according to an embodiment in a fired condition with the bolt 8011 locked and the robot spring 8013 tripped. The automatic spring trip bar 8012 is pulled forward by the bolt carrier 111. The open bolt arm 8202 is moved downward by spring pressure from the bolt carrier 111 and held downward until the trigger 8210 is released. Allowing the hammer 8203 to move forward by the hammer link 8014. The automatic spring trip plunger 8201 is cammed downward by the automatic spring trip rod 8012. The automatic spring trip lever 8207 and support 8213 are rotated by the return lever 8206. The robot spring 8013 is tripped by the trip lever 8207, releasing the hammer link hook 8091. An open bolt release lever 8213 is pushed forward by trigger bar 8019 to release open bolt arm 8202.

Fig. 28-29B show the open bolt firing mechanism of the rifle/machine gun 8000 in a firing condition with the bolt 8011 unlocked, according to an embodiment. The open bolt arm 8202 is moved downward by spring pressure from the bolt carrier 111 and held downward until the trigger 8210 is released. An open bolt release lever 8213 is pushed forward by trigger bar 8019 to release open bolt arm 8202.

Fig. 30-31B show an open bolt firing mechanism of a rifle/machine gun 8000 in a cauterized condition, according to an embodiment. In the cauterized condition, the bolt carrier 111 is held rearwardly by the open bolt driver spring 8202 under spring tension.

Fig. 32 shows an automatic spring trip bar 8012 of a rifle/machine gun 8000 according to an embodiment. When the bolt 8011 is in the rearward position, the automatic spring trip bar 8012 is also to the rear. In this case, the case latch 8241, when rotated to open the rifle/gun 8000, will support the automatic spring trip bar to prevent further rotation of the case latch 8241. In this way, the rifle/machine gun 8000 is prevented from opening until the bolt carrier 111 is positioned forward, so as to release the compression of the drive spring 8355 (fig. 38B). Thus, the rifle/machine gun 8000 may not be opened when the drive spring 8355 (which would be unsafe) is compressed.

Fig. 33A-33L are various views showing a selector cam layout, according to an embodiment. Fig. 33A shows the selector 2051 as seen looking forward at the selector 2051. Fig. 33B shows the selector 2051 in the closed bolt semi-automatic position. Fig. 33C shows the selector 2051 as seen looking back at the selector 2051. Fig. 33D-33L show cross-sections of the selector 2051 taken along line 33D-33L of fig. 33A.

Fig. 34A-34D are various views showing the installation of barrel 105, according to an embodiment. Fig. 34A shows barrel 105, ramp 8252 and frame 103 in an exploded view. Fig. 34B shows ramp 8252 attached to frame 103. Barrel 105 is positioned such that barrel 105 may be pushed rearward to aid in attachment to frame 103. Fig. 34C shows the barrel 105 pushed rearward so that the pin 8254 contacts a swing wedge 8253 attached to the barrel latch 113. FIG. 34D shows a pin 8254 captured by the wobble wedge 8253. The swinging wedge 8253 holds the pin 8254 (and thus the barrel 105) to the frame 103.

Fig. 34E-34G are various views showing removal of barrel 105 according to an embodiment. Fig. 34E shows barrel 105, ramp 8252 and frame 103 in an exploded view. Fig. 34F shows barrel 105 attached to frame 103. When the barrel latch 113 is pushed downward, then the swing wedge 8253 will swing to the left to release the pin 8254, thus allowing the barrel 105 to fall downward as shown by the arrow. Fig. 34G shows that as barrel 105 descends downwardly, the proximal end 8254 of barrel 105 is ramped forward by cam 8262 a distance approximately equal to one wall thickness of barrel 105. More specifically, ramp cam 8262 of ramp 8252 may cam over corresponding ramp cam 8262 to achieve this ramping in front of barrel 105. A second cam 8259 (fig. 4A) may cam the barrel 105 farther forward so that the barrel 105 does not contact the magazine 101 when the barrel 105 is dropped out of the firearm.

Fig. 35A-35D are various views showing barrel 105 attached to frame 103, according to an embodiment. Fig. 35A is a top view of barrel 105 and frame 103. Fig. 35B is a perspective view showing barrel 105 exploded away from frame 103. Fig. 35C is a side view showing barrel 105 attached to frame 103. Fig. 35D is a cross-sectional side view showing barrel 105 attached to frame 103.

Fig. 36A-36G are various views showing a gun barrel latch 113, according to an embodiment. A barrel latch 113 attaches the barrel 105 to the skeletal frame 103 and facilitates removal of the barrel 105 from the skeletal frame 103. The barrel latch 113 includes a pivot aperture 8255 and a swing wedge 8253. Thus, the barrel latch 113 and the swing wedge 8253 can be formed as a single, integral unit. Alternatively, the barrel latch 113 and the swing wedge 8253 may be formed as two or more separate pieces.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the manner in which curves are defined for a wobble wedge 8253, according to an embodiment. The wobble wedge 8253 engages and captures a pin 8254 attached to the barrel 105 to attach the barrel 105 to the frame 103. The pivot 8300 of the swing wedge 8253 is offset relative to the radius of the swing wedge 8253. Thus, the pivot 8300 and the center 8301 of the radius are not concentric with respect to each other. A line from the pivot 8300 to a given point on the curve may form an angle of approximately 8 ° relative to the radius of the curve.

Fig. 38A-48 are various views showing a spring assembly 8350, according to an embodiment. The spring assembly 8350 can serve as both a spring guide for the drive spring and as an anti-bounce system, as discussed herein. Spring assembly 8350 has a tube assembly 8351, a spring guide 8352, a spring retainer 8353, an anti-bounce spring retainer 8354, a backseat or drive spring 8355, and an anti-bounce spring 8356. The spring guide 8352 moves within the tube assembly 8351 to define a weight that mitigates bounce of the bolt carrier 111.

With particular reference to fig. 41, the spring guide insert 8360 blocks the anti-bounce weight from being pushed out of the spring guide 8352 during normal disassembly of the firearm.

With particular reference to fig. 42A-42D, a spring guide cap retains the drive spring 8355 on the spring guide 8352. With particular reference to fig. 44A, an anti-bounce spring retainer 8353 retains the anti-bounce spring 8356 on the spring guide 8352.

Fig. 46 shows an anti-bounce system with the drive spring 8355 compressed (top) and with the drive spring extended (bottom), according to an embodiment. Fig. 47 shows an anti-bounce system where spring 8455 is compressed (top) and where the drive spring is extended (bottom), according to an embodiment. Figure 48 is a disassembled perspective view of an anti-bounce system according to an embodiment. The timing of the anti-bounce weight can be determined at least in part by the distance between the front end of the anti-bounce weight and the interior of the front cap of the bolt carrier 8011.

Fig. 49 is a perspective view showing the skeleton 103 and bolt carrier 111, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 50A-50G are various views of the bolt 8011 shown in alignment with the barrel 105, with the frame 103 unlocked to the barrel 105 without the wobble wedge 8253, according to an embodiment. A cam pin 8071 extends from the bolt 8011 into a slot 8072 formed in the frame 103. The slot 8072 cooperates with the cam pin 8071 to prevent the bolt 8011 from rotating when the cam pin 8071 is in the slot 8072.

The bolt carrier has an upper portion 8073, a lower portion 8074, and a waist interconnecting the upper portion 8073 and the lower portion 8074. The waist 8075 is slidably disposed within the slot 8072.

Fig. 51A-51F are various views of the bolt 8011 shown in alignment with the barrel 105 with the frame 103 locked to the barrel 105 via the wobble wedge 8253, according to an embodiment. The slot 8072 may have a cutout 8076 formed therein. The cam pin 8071 can enter the cutout 8076 from the slot 8072 to allow rotation of the bolt 8011, and thus allow the bolt 8011 to be locked to the barrel extension 8606.

Fig. 52A-52C show a skeleton 103 and barrel 105 having various cross-sections, according to an embodiment. The pin 8254 may be attached to the barrel 105 via a strap.

Fig. 53A-53C show a skeleton 103 and barrel 105 having various cross-sections, according to an embodiment. The swinging wedge 8253 can pull the barrel 105 up into the two V-blocks 8081 and 8082. The use of V-blocks 8081 and 8082 ensures proper alignment of barrel 105 relative to frame 103. A groove 8086 may be formed in the rear v-block to receive a flange 8087 of the barrel extension 8088.

Fig. 54A-54D show a skeleton 103 and barrel 105 having various cross-sections, according to an embodiment. Barrel 105 is shown detached from frame 103. The straps 8080 may be replaced or configured (e.g., bent or shaped) so as to define a tensioner 8083. The tensioner 8083 can provide the desired preload. For example, the tensioner 8083 may provide a preload of approximately 700 pounds when the barrel 105 is attached to the frame 103 via the wobble wedge 8253.

Fig. 55A-55D show a skeleton and barrel having various cross-sections, according to an embodiment. Barrel 105 is shown attached to frame 103. Tensioner 8083 is applying a preload to barrel 105 to properly seat barrel 105 within V-blocks 8081 and 8082.

Fig. 56A-56D are various views showing release of barrel 105 according to an embodiment. When the barrel latch 113 is pushed downward, the swing wedge 8253 disengages or releases the pin 8254 to allow the barrel 105 to drop out of the firearm, as discussed herein.

Fig. 57A-57D are various views showing a gas system according to an embodiment. Gas from the fired round enters the gas system via barrel gas ports 7501. Gas flows from the barrel gas port 7501 to a gas metering port 7502 having a gas block 7503. The gas metering port 7502 at least partially determines the amount and pressure of gas provided to the gas system. The gas jets are discussed in further detail below with reference to fig. 72-74.

The gas piston ring 7001 may provide an enhanced seal as discussed herein. A gas piston ring 7001 may be disposed on the piston 7003 and the piston 7003 may be disposed within the cylinder 7004. The gas piston 7003 can drive the bolt carrier 111 to operate the firearm. More specifically, the gas piston 7003 can abut a protrusion 7506 formed on the front end of the bolt carrier 111 to push the bolt carrier 111 rearward when the gun is fired. Protrusions 121 may be formed on piston 7003 and may slide within guide slots 122 (fig. 14A) to define movement of piston 7003. The flare-preventing means 123 (fig. 14A) can block, hide or diffuse flare that is discharged from the channel 122 when the gun is fired.

Overheating of the barrel of the firearm may be mitigated by making it easier to facilitate barrel replacement. It is often impractical to replace the barrels of modern firearms such as M16 or M4 during engagement. According to an embodiment, the barrel of a firearm can be quickly replaced, even under adverse conditions, such as during a battle. Thus, the soldier may have several (e.g. four or five) barrels at hand, and may change barrels each time they become overheated (e.g. after firing a predetermined number of guns or using a predetermined number of magazines). The barrel may be reused after it has cooled. Thus, the soldier may typically continue shooting until the ammunition charge is depleted.

The ability to quickly change barrels is facilitated by the use of a skeleton and bolt carrier structure, according to one embodiment, as discussed herein. The ability to quickly change barrels is further facilitated by the use of a wobble wedge, tensioner, and other features according to an embodiment, as discussed herein. The use of the backbone allows the bolt carrier to be moved out of the receiver at least to some extent.

According to one embodiment, the frame replaces the frame of modern firearms. The carcass may comprise a tube having a generally circular cross-section. The carcass may include tubes having a generally rectangular (e.g., square) cross-section. The scaffold may comprise a tube having any desired cross-section or combination of cross-sections.

The framework can guide the bolt linkage seat. A portion of the bolt carrier is movable within the frame. The portion of the bolt carrier that moves within the skeleton can be attached to another portion of the bolt carrier that contains a bolt. A portion of the bolt carrier can be moved out of the frame. The portion of the bolt carrier that moves out of the skeleton can contain a bolt.

For example, the bolt carrier can include an elongated generally tubular portion 150 (fig. 4A) that slides within the skeleton. A portion of the bolt carrier can be formed from a tube stock. For example, the portion of the bolt carrier that moves within the skeleton can be formed by a tube stock.

The surface of the generally tubular portion of the bolt carrier can support or contact an inner wall of the backbone to control movement of the bolt carrier. For example, the bolt carrier can have surfaces in contact with the backbone at the front and the rear of the bolt carrier. The contact surfaces of the bolt carrier can slide within the framework and can help guide the bolt carrier to at least some extent.

The bolt carrier can have four surfaces 151 (fig. 4A) that contact the backbone at the front of the bolt carrier and can have four surfaces 152 (fig. 4A) that contact the backbone at the rear of the bolt carrier. The bolt carrier may have three surfaces in contact with the framework at the front of the bolt carrier and three surfaces in contact with the framework at the rear of the bolt carrier. The bolt carrier can have any desired number of surfaces in contact with the framework at the front of the bolt carrier and any desired number of surfaces at the rear of the bolt carrier. The number of leading contact surfaces is not necessarily equal to the number of trailing contact surfaces.

By providing contact surfaces at the front and the rear of the bolt carrier, the configuration and dimensions of the bolt carrier at other portions thereof can be less critical. For example, the diameter of the bolt carrier can vary substantially between the front contact surface and the tail contact surface without adversely affecting the operation of the firearm. By providing contact surfaces at the front and the rear of the bolt carrier, the stability of the bolt carrier relative to the backbone is enhanced.

According to one embodiment, a portion of the bolt carrier can be within the skeleton and a portion outside of the bolt carrier can be outside of the skeleton. The portion of the bolt carrier outside of the frame can be below the frame. Thus, the bolt carrier can include an upper portion (inside the backbone) and a lower portion (below the backbone). The upper portion may be substantially longer than the lower portion. The upper portion may extend substantially forward of the chamber when the gun is latched such that a retractable bolt carrier is defined. The lower portion may include a bolt.

The armature may have a slot formed therein to facilitate connection of an upper portion of the armature to a lower portion of the armature. An upper portion of the backbone can be connected to a lower portion of the backbone at a waist of the bolt carrier. The waist can be a portion of the bolt carrier of reduced cross-sectional width. The waist of the bolt linkage seat can slide in the groove of the framework. The width of the slot is such that excessive lateral movement of the lower portion of the bolt carrier is inhibited. Thus, the slots of the chassis guide the bolt carrier during longitudinal movement of the bolt carrier as the firearm is cycled.

Movement of the bolt carrier is not constrained by movement of the receiver, as is common in modern firearms. Instead, the movement of the bolt carrier can be a movement that is constrained by the frame.

The lug lock may have a twisted tab or cam pin that travels within a slot and exits the slot (e.g., to one side thereof) when the lug of the bolt reaches its forwardmost position in order to enable rotation of the bolt to engage the lug and lock the bolt in a firing position. When the cam pin is cammed by the bolt carrier lower portion, a release notch formed in the slot (as an extension of the slot to one side thereof) can rotate the cam pin to rotate the lug and lock the bolt. The release notch may be formed and positioned so as to allow the cam pin to rotate after the cam pin moves out of the concentric portion.

The use of such a skeleton may facilitate the construction of a firearm with a quick-change barrel feature, wherein the barrel falls downward under gravity when released from the firearm (e.g., from the skeleton of the firearm). A new barrel can be snapped into place quickly. Thus, the barrel can be quickly replaced in battlefield conditions.

According to an embodiment, the swing wedge may be pivotally attached to the skeleton. The wobble wedge may engage a pin attached to the barrel to hold the barrel to the firearm. For example, the swinging wedge may have two wedge jaws, and each wedge jaw may engage an end of a pin. A single pin may be engaged by two wedge-shaped jaws, or two separate pins may be engaged by the jaws.

A barrel latch may be formed with the swing wedge such that actuating (e.g., depressing) the barrel latch rotates the swing wedge and releases the barrel from the firearm. As the swinging wedge rotates, it may slide against the tension caused by contact with the pin. The wobble wedge may be spring biased toward its position holding the barrel to the firearm. Thus, the barrel latch may be moved against the spring tension to release the barrel.

The wobble wedge and the pin may be configured such that substantially the same force (e.g., tension) is applied to the pin by the wobble wedge anywhere along the wobble wedge. The wobble wedge may provide approximately the same force regardless of where along the wobble wedge the pin contacts the wobble wedge.

The wobble wedge may be a curved wobble wedge. The pivot point may be non-concentric with the curve of the wobble wedge. The pivot point and the curve of the swinging wedge may be defined such that the swinging wedge provides substantially the same force regardless of where along the swinging wedge the pin contacts the swinging wedge.

For example, the curves of the pivot point and the swing wedge may be configured such that at the point of contact between the pin and the swing wedge, a tangent to any point on the curve of the swing wedge is at an angle of approximately 8 degrees with respect to a perpendicular to a line passing through the point and the pivot point of the swing wedge. This angle allows the wobble wedge to easily slide during installation and removal of the barrel, and also inhibits undesirable movement of the wobble wedge due to tension applied by the tensioner via the pin.

That is, the radius defining the surface of the oscillating wedge may be taken from a point offset with respect to the pivot point of the oscillating wedge. Thus, the surface of the oscillating wedge may have a different radius than the radius taken from the pivot point of the oscillating wedge (as shown in fig. 37).

More specifically, there may be an angle of approximately 8 degrees along the swing wedge at each point on the swing wedge where the pin may contact the swing wedge. That is, the wedge is actually at an angle of 8 degrees relative to the force applied by the pin, no matter where the pin contacts the swinging wedge. Since this angle does not vary substantially along the wobble wedge, it is virtually irrelevant where along the wobble wedge the pin is positioned to attach the barrel to the firearm.

Regardless of where the pin is positioned along the swing wedge, the force applied by the pin to the swing wedge is substantially the same, and the force required to push down the barrel latch to release the barrel is not substantially varied. Because of the 8 degree angle, the expansion of the barrel does not cause the position of the pin on the wobble wedge to substantially change. The expansion of the barrel does not cause the pin to slide along the wedge.

The wobble wedge may be defined by a channel formed in a pawl that receives an end of the pin. The channel may be curved to define a rocking wedge so as to draw the pin (and thus the barrel) closer to the skeleton when the wedge is slid into tighter contact with the pin.

According to an embodiment, the tensioner may apply a predetermined amount of tension to the pin when the pin engages the wobble wedge. The tension may hold the barrel to the firearm. For example, tension may hold the barrel against one or more v-blocks formed to the skeleton. The v-block may ensure proper alignment of the barrel relative to the frame. The v blocks are sufficiently spaced relative to each other so as to adequately stabilize the barrel relative to the firearm.

The tensioner may be defined by a spring at least partially surrounding the barrel. The tensioner may be disposed proximate to a location where the swinging wedge is positioned on the firearm. A tensioner may be attached to the pin such that pulling the pin away from the barrel stretches the tensioner and thus applies tension to the pin. Thus, as the swinging wedge pulls the pin away from the barrel, the tensioner applies tension to the pin that tends to pull the pin toward the barrel. In addition, the tensioner adapts to the additional tension as the barrel expands due to heating of the barrel during firing and thus moves radially away from the skeleton.

The v-block cooperates with the tensioner, pin and wobble wedge to accommodate thermal expansion of the barrel while maintaining alignment. Thus, the desired alignment of the barrel with respect to the skeletal frame is maintained as the barrel expands due to the heat during firing.

According to one embodiment, the barrel slides only in the v-block as it expands longitudinally. As the barrel expands radially, the barrel does not push the wobble wedge back (toward its barrel release position) against the spring tension. The swinging wedge is not pushed backwards due to its substantially 8 degree angle. That is, the angle is not sufficient (steep enough) to allow the pin to move the wobble wedge. Instead, the angle is such that the wobble wedge can move the pin, but the pin cannot move the wobble wedge. As the barrel expands radially, the tensioner accommodates this radial expansion.

For example, the tensioner may have a preload of approximately 700 pounds. This preload may accommodate thermal expansion of the barrel moving the barrel away from the frame. This preload is sufficient to hold the barrel tightly in place on the firearm while also facilitating movement of the barrel latch to release the barrel when desired. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations of the swing wedge and tensioner (e.g., the preload thus provided) may be equally suitable.

Thus, the wobble wedge wedges against the pin by an amount generally only necessary to hold the barrel to the firearm. In this way, only a minimal amount of force tends to be required downwardly applied to the barrel latch in order to release the barrel. That is, there is no need to apply excessive force to the barrel latch in order to overcome the excessive force applied to the pin by the swing wedge.

The barrel may have an 8 degree angle formed in an annular boss extending radially therefrom and received within the aft v-block. This 8 degree angle may ensure the desired fit of the sleeve within the v-block while inhibiting forward and reverse movement of the barrel within the v-block. Thus, an 8 degree angle readily facilitates installation and removal of the barrel into the v-block while substantially inhibiting longitudinal movement of the barrel relative to the v-block. The front v block may lack this angle. The front v-block may be configured to facilitate a certain amount of longitudinal movement of the barrel in order to accommodate thermal expansion of the barrel.

According to an embodiment, the ability to quickly change barrels while maintaining the accuracy of the shot without requiring re-zeroing of the sight is provided. Accuracy is maintained at least in part by the use of v-blocks and tensioners. The v-block cooperates with the tensioner to provide a rigid mount that aligns the new barrel substantially the same as the old barrel.

According to one embodiment, when the barrel is released, it undergoes a two-stage camming process. During the first stage of the camming process, the barrel is moved slightly forward (about one wall thickness of the barrel). During the second phase of the camming process, the barrel is moved substantially more forward. Two camming surfaces are provided on the firearm proximate the rear end of the barrel. When the barrel is dropped from the firearm, the two camming surfaces continue to contact the rear end of the barrel in a manner that pushes or cams the barrel forward as it is dropped.

More specifically, a first cam control surface may be formed on the lower receiver to move the barrel forward slightly during barrel release, and a second larger cam control surface may be formed on the backbone to move the barrel forward more as it falls farther. The two stages of the cam control process ensure that the barrel moves forward enough to fall away from the firearm. In particular, the barrel moves forward sufficiently so as to fall away from the firearm without contacting the magazine when the barrel is dropped. This ensures both that the barrel is properly detached from the firearm and that the barrel falls in a predictable manner in order to avoid injury to personnel or equipment from the hot barrel.

To release the barrel, the barrel latch is pushed downward. Pushing the barrel latch downward moves the swing wedge to release the pin captured by the swing wedge. Once the pin is released, the barrel is free to fall under gravity. The barrel immediately drops slightly, is pushed forward by the cam control process, and drops away from the firearm.

A safety mechanism including a safety selector switch may be configured to cam the trigger forward in a manner that prevents actuation of the trigger. The safety mechanism may be configured to prevent the bolt carrier from being released during an opening bolt operation of the firearm. This may, for example, inhibit unintentional firing of the firearm when it is dropped. The safety mechanism may also lock the hammer against actuation.

According to an embodiment, many of the internal working components of the firearm may be part of a common assembly. For example, a trigger cluster, selector switch, safety switch, trigger lock (keeping the trigger from being pulled when the charge handle is pulled back), etc. may be part of the trigger block assembly.

Thus, at least some of the inner workings of the firearm can be attached to, contained within, and/or mounted on a common structure or frame to define the trigger block assembly. The use of the trigger block assembly facilitates the assembly of these components outside of the firearm. Once assembled, the components may be dropped into a firearm (e.g., lower case) and then secured in place, such as by one or more pins, screws, or other fasteners.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the assembly of these small, complex components within the lower case can be difficult, time consuming, and require a great deal of skill. Thus, such an assembly may be expensive. By contrast, assembly of the same parts outside of the lower case may be substantially less difficult, substantially less time consuming, and require substantially less skill. Thus, it may be advantageous to assemble the trigger block assembly outside of the lower case and then drop the trigger block assembly into the lower case to facilitate assembly of these components.

According to an embodiment, two gas piston rings are configured to be at least partially received within a groove of a piston. A key may be formed on each of the rings, and a gap substantially complementary to a key may be formed on each of the rings. Thus, the gap of one ring may be configured to receive at least a portion of the key of the other ring. In this way, the rings may be interlocked such that they are not rotatable to a position where the gaps in the rings are lined up in a manner that allows hot gas to flow through the gaps.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the force provided by the gas to eject the used cartridge case and load a new cartridge is undesirably reduced as hot gas flows through the gap. In addition, as hot gases flow through the gap, the hot gases may burn the ends of the ring and thus undesirably enlarge the gap.

According to one embodiment, the wings or protrusions 121 may be formed on the gas piston and the protrusions may slide within the guide slots 122 of the cylinder. The wings may cooperate with the guide slots to maintain a desired orientation of the piston, e.g., to inhibit rotation of the piston. The wing may limit the rearward movement of the gas piston. The wing may limit rearward movement of the piston by abutting a forward end of the backbone. The wings also facilitate easy installation and removal of the gas piston within the cylinder. A baffle or other mechanism may similarly be used to limit the rearward movement of the gas piston.

According to an embodiment, the gas piston is not attached to the operating rod. A gas system of a firearm can be configured such that a rear surface of a gas piston impacts a front surface of a bolt carrier in order to move the bolt carrier rearward during a cycle of the firearm. Since the gas piston is not attached to the operating rod, the gas piston and its ring are easy to replace. That is, the gas piston does not have to be removed from the connecting rod in order to replace the gas piston and/or the ring of the gas piston.

According to an embodiment, the slot in which the wing moves also defines a vent hole that vents gas from the cylinder to atmosphere. A cover plate formed on the front end of the skeleton may define a gas jet flame arrestor that may impede the glowing flame from the trough so as to make this glowing flame invisible and also so as to mitigate the possibility of injury from the hot exhaust gases.

The gas jet flame arrestor may be defined by two flanges substantially covering the slot. The flange may also guide a new barrel as it is being installed (e.g., during a barrel replacement). The flange may guide the cylinder (which is attached to the barrel) toward the skeleton when a new barrel is attached to the firearm.

According to one embodiment, a selector mechanism may be used to select between a closed bolt operation and an open bolt operation in a semi-automatic rifle and in a semi-automatic rifle/machine gun. The machine gun may be configured to fire from only the open bolt.

The selector mechanism may be configured such that changing the selection from a closed bolt to an open bolt involves only moving the selector lever. The selector mechanism can be configured such that changing the selection from an open bolt to a closed bolt requires additional steps. For example, changing the selection from an open bolt to a closed bolt may require pressing a button. The button may be part of the selector switch or may be separate therefrom. For example, the button may be in the middle of the selector switch.

The need to perform additional steps to change from an open bolt operation to a closed bolt operation helps ensure that proper considerations are given regarding the appropriateness of this replacement. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changing from an open bolt operation to a closed bolt operation can result in dangerous incandescence if a round is loaded while the chamber is hot. For example, if a round is loaded after a sustained rapid fire of the firearm before the chamber has cooled sufficiently, eruption can occur. Flaring is unlikely to occur during open bolt operation because the round will be fired once loaded. This additional step when changing from an open bolt operation to a closed bolt operation is therefore a desirable safety feature. The additional step may allow the user to more carefully consider whether the bore has sufficient time to cool.

It is common practice to pull the trigger of the firearm and release the bolt forward in order to avoid making noise that might be noticeable to an enemy to the presence of the user. For example, this technique may be taught to soldiers using M16. According to one embodiment, when firing from a closed bolt, a user can pull the trigger to release the bolt forward. Thus, the user may release the bolt forward in a manner that quieter loads a round of ammunition so as to be less likely to be detected by an enemy.

However, as discussed herein, moving the bolt from the open position to the closed position may not be appropriate. According to one embodiment, when firing from an open bolt, the trigger cannot be pulled to release the bolt forward (unless the button is pushed). When firing from an open bolt, the bolt should remain open (rearward) to facilitate firing of the firearm and to better facilitate cooling of the chamber.

According to one embodiment, the firing spring guide incorporates and/or at least partially defines an anti-bounce mechanism that mitigates undesirable recoil of the bolt rearward after the bolt is loaded with a round of ammunition. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the recoil of the bolt is undesirable because when the bolt is not sufficiently forward, the recoil of the bolt may allow the hammer to strike the firing pin, thus resulting in a light impact and a potential misfire.

The weight of the firing spring guide can impact the bolt in a manner that tends to mitigate bolt bounce. The firing spring pushes the counterbalance forward along with the bolt carrier. For example, the weight may strike the bolt only after the bolt has been loaded with a round of ammunition (e.g., only after the bolt has begun to bounce) and push the bolt forward. In this way, the bolt is restrained from bouncing back as much as it would otherwise be. The weight may be held rearwardly by an anti-bounce weight spring (as opposed to a firing spring) before the bolt is loaded into a round.

The weight may be configured to slide along a portion (e.g., proximate the front end) of the firing spring guide. The counterbalance may substantially surround the firing spring guide. The counterbalance may be disposed between the firing spring and the anti-bounce counterbalance spring such that the firing spring biases the counterbalance forward and the anti-bounce counterbalance spring biases the counterbalance rearward.

Thus, the firing spring serves two functions. The firing spring pushes the bolt carrier forward during cycling of the firearm, and the firing spring also pushes the anti-bounce weight forward. Placing the anti-bounce counterbalance on the firing spring guide solves the problem of where to place the anti-bounce counterbalance and allows the firing spring and the firing spring guide to perform two functions, namely, cycling the bolt carrier and inhibiting undesirable bounce of the bolt.

A gap may be provided between the anti-bounce weight and a stop formed on the spring guide. The length of this gap and the strength of the anti-bounce weight spring may define the time for the anti-bounce weight to strike the baffle (and thus actually strike the bolt). Thus, the gap can be configured to minimize poor bolt bounce. One or more (e.g., two) tabs may retain the anti-bounce weight spring in place on the spring guide.

According to an embodiment, the hammer assembly has a connecting rod. One end of the link is pivotally attached to the lower casing and the other end of the link is attached to the hammer. A spring guide may be pivotally attached to the lower case and received in a bore of the hammer such that a spring on the spring guide biases the hammer to an actuated position (a position that results in a round being fired).

The use of the connecting rod provides an arrangement in which the hammer has a relatively long stroke and a relatively long extension. This long stroke and long extension allows the hammer to move on the last striker 4011 (fig. 11J). This long stroke and long extension allows the bolt to be positioned further forward when a round is loaded.

When the bolt carrier is retracted (e.g., when a firearm is to be fired or fired), the bolt carrier pushes the hammer rearward to cock the hammer. At a point in the rearward travel of the bolt carrier, the bolt carrier pushes the hammer downward and then the bolt carrier clears the hammer. When the bolt carrier moves forward while firing the gun, the bolt carrier uncovers the hammer. The hammer begins to move (fire a round) until the bolt carrier is almost always forward. The hammer strikes the striker at approximately the same time as the bolt is locked or after the bolt is locked.

Since the bolt carrier rides on and holds the hammer along and below the bolt carrier, the bolt carrier does not necessarily continue to push the hammer downward to maintain this cocked position. Instead, the hammer is trapped below the bolt carrier and cannot move until the bolt first moves forward (to shoot the loaded round). As the bolt moves forward, the hammer swings on the last striker plate, with hammer motion at least partially constrained and defined by the hammer links.

The hammer may be an aluminum hammer having a steel face. The hammer may be all steel. The hammer may comprise aluminum, titanium, steel, or any combination thereof. The hammer may be made of any desired material.

The hammer may be hard anodized in which the bolt carrier slides against the hammer. The hammer may be hardened or treated as desired with the bolt carrier sliding against the hammer or on any other portion or surface thereof.

According to one embodiment, the butt has a recess formed in its back to define a shank. The recess may define a handle that enhances a user's ability to securely hold the stock when shooting the firearm from an inclined position through the bipod. For example, one or more horizontal grooves formed in the back rest may substantially inhibit vertical movement of the butt rest relative to the user's hand. That is, the grooves can inhibit undesirable slippage of the backstop when the backstop is gripped while the firearm is fired.

For example, one of the grooves may be formed to define a handle and to receive a thumb of a user when the firearm is fired through the bipod from a tilted position. Gripping of the butt of the firearm with the user's thumb in the groove may be performed such that the groove substantially inhibits undesirable slippage of the user's thumb therefrom.

The stock may be a folding stock, a collapsible stock, and/or a detachable stock. The stock may be a rigid stock that does not fold or collapse and is not easily disassembled. The stock may be any desired type of stock.

According to one embodiment, a metering gas jet is provided. The metering gas port may be separate from the gas port formed in the barrel. The metering gas port (rather than the gas port formed in the barrel) determines the amount of gas used to circulate the firearm. Thus, as the gas ports formed in the barrel expand over time (due to the corrosive effects of the hot gases thereon), the operation of the firearm (e.g., cycle time) is not substantially affected. For example, the metering gas jet may be in a gas block that is part of a sight mount of a firearm.

The metering gas port may be adjustable so as to compensate for erosion of the gas port in the barrel and so as to provide a degree of control over the operation of the firearm (e.g., the cycle rate of the firearm). The metering gas jets may be readily replaceable. A gas jet reconstitution kit may be provided that includes a new metered gas jet. As a result, more uniform cycling and enhanced reliability of the firearm may be provided.

According to an embodiment, the metered gas jet may include two tubular members interlocked within a gas block of the firearm. For example, the metering gas jet may include a first tubular member inserted into the gas block and a second tubular member inserted into the gas block and into the first tubular member.

A screw, such as a set screw, may be tightened into the first tubular member to lock the first tubular member to the second tubular member and to lock the first and second tubular members into the gas block. The screw is turned to adjust the airflow.

According to one embodiment, a heavy ejection hook may be used to eject a used cartridge from the chamber. Heavy duty extractor hooks can catch more used bullets than modern extractor hooks. The heavy duty extractor hook may be thicker, heavier and wider than modern extractor hooks. A heavy ejection hook may have two pins and two springs that bias the ejection hook in a position for catching a used bullet, as opposed to a single pin and spring as is common in modern firearms. Thus, more reliable unmounting is facilitated.

According to one embodiment, a rod extends substantially along the backbone above the bolt carrier. The wand prevents disassembly (i.e., disassembly) of the firearm with the firing spring fully compressed. The rod may prevent disassembly by interfering with the operation of the disassembly lever when the bolt is in the open position (and thus when the firing spring is sufficiently compressed). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that disassembly of the firearm with the firing spring fully compressed may result in the firing spring extending quickly and unexpectedly in a manner that may cause injury.

When the bolt carrier is near its forwardmost position (and the firing spring is therefore not sufficiently compressed), the downwardly extending projection formed near the forward end of the rod may extend downward into a groove formed on the bolt carrier. When the bolt carrier is moved further forward, the protrusion may abut the end of the groove and the bolt carrier may pull the rod forward so that the rod no longer interferes with the operation of the disassembly lever. Thus, when the bolt carrier is sufficiently forward, the disassembly lever can be actuated to effect disassembly of the firearm.

More specifically, when the bar is in its final position, the surface of the bar may contact the flat surface of the un-mating lever pin. When the flat surface of the bar contacts the flat surface of the un-mating lever, the un-mating lever is prevented from rotating to its un-mating position. That is, when the bolt carrier is forward, the rod is pulled forward by the bolt carrier to pull it off flat on the un-bolt pin.

Semi-automatic rifles and rifles/rifles may be fired from a closed bolt (if closed bolt operation is selected). Semi-automatic rifles and rifles/machine guns may have a hammer to facilitate firing from a closed bolt. The rod may be configured to prevent the hammer from being released until the bolt is always forward or nearly always forward, in order to ensure that the bolt is locked when the firearm is fired. During semi-automatic shooting, the rod may allow the bolt to lock before the hammer strikes the firing pin. During full automatic firing, the trigger may remain in the pulled position while the firearm continues to fire, thus the rod delays the hammer until the bolt has moved sufficiently forward.

The same wand may perform two functions. Thus, the same bar prevents disassembly of the firearm when the firing spring is sufficiently compressed and prevents premature release of the hammer.

According to an embodiment, the disassembly lever has a safety latch to prevent accidental rotation of the disassembly lever to its disassembly position, and a safety latch to prevent accidental rotation of the disassembly lever to its non-disassembly position prior to reassembly of the firearm. Both of these functions may be performed by the same safety latch.

According to an embodiment, the backseat can be mitigated as described in U.S. patent No. 4,475,438 issued to reule J surlivan on 9.10.1984. According to this method, the pulses caused by the firearm are extended in time so as to extend substantially the entire cycle period through the firearm.

The dust cap may be opened approximately 7 degrees to allow the loading handle to move backwards. Moving the loading handle (e.g., cocked firearm) backward may cause the dust cap to open. If the charge grip is not in its most forward position, the trigger may not be pulled.

According to one embodiment, the machine gun does not have a hammer. The machine gun may have a striker retention pin configured to facilitate removal of the striker and configured to transfer forward movement of the bolt carrier to the striker to fire a round. Removal of the striker retaining pin allows the striker to be removed. When the bolt carrier is moved forward, the striker retainer pin moves the striker forward.

According to an embodiment, the cam pin may have a vertical hole formed therein that receives the striker tip to assist in removal of the cam pin. Thus, the cam pin may be removed by placing the tip of the striker in a hole in the cam pin. The tip of the striker may also be placed in the cam pin hole to assist assembly.

According to one embodiment, for a machine gun, the cam control surface of the open bolt arm can be actuated by a bolt carrier acting on a bolt spring against a trigger release hook cam control surface. This can be done while the open bolt arm is still being driven by the bolt carrier.

As desired, features from one type of firearm described herein can be used in another type of firearm described herein. Additional features may be added to any of the types of firearms described herein. The features may be removed, disabled, or not used in any desired type of firearm described herein. Thus, the features described with each type of firearm can be mixed and matched as desired, and are illustrated by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

The above-described embodiments illustrate, but do not limit, the invention. It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be defined only by the following claims.

One or more embodiments provide a magazine-loaded, gas-operated automatic cycle firearm that operates generally as follows. As with all breech-loading pistols, it is necessary to perform eight ammunition handling functions between one gun and the next. It must be loaded, locked, fired, unlocked, uncapped, shot and ready to fire the gun for the next cycle. The bolt cluster is involved in all eight of these functions. As the firing spring drives the bolt cluster forward, it completes the loading by pushing the top round forward out of the magazine and tilting the forward bolt end along the loading ramp and into the barrel chamber and by rotating the bolt head to lock it and the round into the barrel, and then fire the round. Forward movement is completed in one half of the bolt cycle.

As the cartridge moves through the barrel, it passes through a gas port hole drilled in the barrel wall through which high pressure gas enters the cylinder and drives the piston rearwardly, thus throwing the bolt carrier rearwardly and compressing the firing spring. During the first rearward movement of the bolt carrier, the helical cam in the carrier rotates the bolt head to unlock the bolt head from the barrel, and then pulls the bolt head rearward within the remainder of its combined rearward cycle. An ejection catch on the bolt head pulls the fired cartridge case from the barrel chamber and a ejection ram strikes or pushes on the cartridge mount opposite the ejection hook causing the cartridge to pivot about the ejection hook and out through an ejection port in the gun structure. The continuous rearward movement of the combined bolt head and bolt carrier uncovers a new top bullet in the magazine which loaded it upward into the return path of the bolt head, while the rearward moving carrier and bolt firing spring loaded firing hammer moved beyond (moved rearward) the bolt guards which were lifted upward by the magazine catch arm after the last bullet had been loaded from the magazine and which grabbed and held the bolt and carrier cluster rearward so that the empty magazine could then be removed and replaced with a full magazine in preparation for resuming firing without manually firing the gun. Cocking handles may be provided to prevent misfiring or other cycle failures.

One or more embodiments provide a tubular backbone that guides the lengthwise motion of the bolt, aligns the bolt and its locking lugs with the barrel and bolt lugs, and prevents locking motion (in this case bolt rotation) until the bolt has reached a locked position, and then allows the bolt to lock to the barrel. The cage differs from modern cases, for example, because it does not contain or surround the bolt it is guiding. Instead, both the bolt and barrel assembly are outside and below the backbone, the backbone at least partially containing and at least partially guiding the bolt carrier. The bolt carrier can be configured as a thin-waisted "8" shape, as viewed from the rear.

As viewed from the side, the "figure-8" upper portion of the bolt carrier is a long tubular section with a lengthwise contact point centering it within the backbone. The upper section of the bolt carrier slides lengthwise within the frame and contains a firing spring.

The guide slot in the bottom of the carcass may be cut from the rear to approximately the middle of the carcass. The slot is a passageway for a bolt carrier waist that is connected to a lower section of the bolt carrier. The slot permits the bolt carrier to slide while maintaining the lower section of the bolt carrier substantially in line with the barrel.

The lower section of the bolt carrier can be shorter than the upper section. The lower section of the bolt carrier may contain a bolt and may maintain the bolt in line with the barrel.

A cam pin in the bolt may extend upwardly through a helical cam slot in the lower carrier section. The top of the cam pin may be the same width as the waist of the carrier and slides lengthwise in the guide slot of the frame, which prevents the cam from rotating the bolt until the cam pin reaches the notch. At that position, the bolt lugs may have entered between the barrel lugs, and when the carrier completes its forward motion, the bolt may be released by the cutout and rotated by the helix angle of the cam to lock until stopped by the rearmost surface of the barrel.

According to one embodiment, a skeletal structure is provided that facilitates accurate, rapid barrel replacement. When in place, the barrel is below the backbone and the rearmost surface of the barrel is approximately the midpoint of the length of the backbone.

The barrel cross pin (fig. 52C) may be permanently aligned parallel to the barrel lug and held in place by a strap (shown simplified in fig. 52 and 53).

The wobble wedge (fig. 52A-53B) can draw the cross pin and barrel up tightly into the v-block (fig. 52C) and can draw the barrel lock flange up into the lock notch (fig. 52C and 53C). The skeleton and barrel assembly shown in fig. 53A-53C are thus held in a substantially "precise" position relative to each other. By "accurate" in this case is meant that any individual barrel assembly can be repeatedly installed and removed from one gun assembly and will return to substantially the same position on the gun. Each barrel has a front sight adjustment and a gas port adjustment so any number of barrels can be mounted and "zeroed out" to the gun and all barrels will remain on the target and, if interchanged, will operate that particular gun properly. In that way, any particular gun may have many dedicated barrels (both 5.56 and 6.8 and of different weights and lengths), some with accessories such as flame traps or 40mm launchers, some without. Once installed, the barrel cannot move up, down or sideways, cannot be displaced longitudinally, and cannot be rotated. The locking lug patterns of both the bolt and the barrel are thus aligned within the combined tolerances of the locating surfaces on the frame, bolt and barrel. Sufficient clearance is provided in the lug pattern to accommodate tolerance thermal expansion.

Two spring assemblies consisting of a plunger, spring and plug are housed in two accessory rails secured to either side of the backbone. The two accessory rails have a clearance slot to accommodate the swinging wedge arms that pass through to engage the two ends of the barrel cross pin. The angled wedge surface on the wobble wedge is driven forward by the force of the spring assembly to pull the cross pin and barrel up and tightly into the v-block.

If the bolt cluster is forward with the bolt locked to the barrel, the swinging wedge block will strike the top of the upper bolt carrier so that the swinging wedge cannot swing to release or load the barrel assembly. The swinging wedge can be operated only in the case of rearward locking of the bolt cluster (when it is in the open bolt firing position) or when the bolt catch is automatically activated by the magazine catch arm (when the last round was fired). Thus, without further attention, the user may exchange the hot barrel with a cooled barrel for maximum sustained firing. All the user needs to do is to strike the top plate of the swinging wedge, for example, by a "hand knife" like motion, and throw the heat gun barrel. No tools or protective devices are required (e.g., to inhibit combustion).

The barrel assembly is designed for machine gun fire. This means that the 1500 ° F barrel heat and the exact tight fit of the v-block holding the cross pin and the wobble wedge can still accommodate the barrel increasing in size due to thermal expansion, which would be 0.009 "larger in diameter and 0.057" larger in length between the v-blocks. If the straps shown in fig. 52 and 53 are used, the straps, cross pins, swinging wedges, backbone or barrel will bend or be severely damaged due to thermal expansion.

The tensioner shown in fig. 54A-55D may undergo bending from this expansion. The tensioner may be a spring that is strong enough (when its force adjustment screw is initially set to a preload of 700 pounds) to keep the barrel tightly in the v-block, thus accommodating the shock of the shot and the impact and centrifugal force of the gas system. Thereafter, the resilience of the tensioner as the barrel expands downward increases the force by 1100 pounds, which is well below the force that permanently bends or damages the parts involved.

The wobble wedge may contact the bottom of the pin at an angle of approximately 8 degrees. Thus, the farther the wedge swings, the higher it lifts the pin and barrel until the barrel is pulled tightly upward against its "V" block. The wedge may thus provide a tight fit for any dimensional tolerance variation of any number of barrels, thus enabling a precise fit for rifle accuracy without particularly precise manufacturing tolerance costs and without compromising interchangeability.

Gas operated firearms are undesirably subject to an ejection failure. When an ejection failure occurs, the fired round is not fully ejected from the chamber of the firearm. These ejection failures prevent the next round of ammunition from being loaded and thus jam the firearm.

In some firearms, the bolt may strip the next round from the magazine and may jam the next unfired round into a loaded or partially loaded round. In an open-type bolt recoil operated firearm (e.g., a submachine gun) having a fixed firing pin, this can result in a dangerous slamming of the next round (when it is blocked from entering the chamber).

These ejection failures may be caused by insufficient spring force to keep the ejection hooks closed. These failures may also be caused by the breaking of the extractor hood. For example, repeated use of an extractor hood may cause stress cracks to form in the extractor hood or its associated spring. Stress cracks can propagate until the de-shelling hook or spring is weak enough to break. This problem is particularly prevalent in fully automatic firearms due to the high number of cycles and the more extreme heat that is experienced as a result.

One problem is that there is insufficient spring force to keep the ejection hook closed due to the extreme vibrations common in fully automatic firearms. According to an embodiment, the ejection hook may be wider, have wider jaws, and may have more spring force biasing the ejection hook in the closed position to more securely grip a cartridge being removed from the barrel.

Fig. 58-61 show an ejection hook 9100, according to an embodiment. The ejection hook 9100 has a generally "L" shape defined by an upper portion 9101 and a lower portion 9102. The unhooking hook 9100 also has an ankle support 9103, claws 9104, and a projection 9105.

The ejection hook 9100 has a closed position and an open position. The ejection hooks 9100 are normally in the closed position when the claws 9104 are not engaging a non-existent bullet.

A spring force applied to the brace 9103 in the direction indicated by arrow 9106 can pivot the eject hook 9100 about the bump 9105. The spring force may be applied by two springs 9501, 9502 (fig. 67) cooperating with two plungers 9503, 9504 (fig. 67) to bias the ejection hook 9100 in its closed position. This biasing force causes the claws 9104 to more securely hold or engage the bullet.

The ejection hook 9100 can also have a cut-out 9107 configured to abut the ejection hook blocker 9506 (fig. 67) to limit rearward movement of the ejection hook 9100, as discussed herein.

The ejection hook 9100 can also have a width dimension W that is substantially greater than the width of modern ejection hooks. For example, the width dimension W of the ejection hook 9100 may be increased by approximately 28% as compared to modern ejection hooks. For example, the width dimension W may be between approximately 6mm and 8mm, and may be approximately 7.77 mm. Thus, the extractor hook 9100 can be stronger, more robust, and less prone to extractor failure than modern extractor hooks.

Fig. 62 and 63 show a bolt 9200 according to an embodiment. The bolt 9200 can have a main body 9201 with two spring holes 9202 and 9203 formed in the main body 9201. Each spring hole 9202 and 9203 can receive and retain one of the springs 9501, 9502 and one of the plungers 9503, 9504.

Thus, the bolt 9200 can have two springs 9501, 9502 in a side-by-side and generally parallel configuration. The two springs 9501, 9502 can apply a force to the ankle support 9103 of the eject hook 9100 to bias the eject hook 9100 into its closed position.

The two springs 9501, 9502 may apply a greater force to the eject hook 9100 (as compared to a single such spring) in order to cause the eject hook 9100 to better engage the rim of the bullet. Thus, the use of two springs 9501, 9502 may mitigate an ejection failure.

The bolt 9200 can have a cavity 9204 formed therein. The cavity 9204 can at least partially receive and hold the ejection hook 9100. The cavity 9204 may facilitate installation of the spring 9501, 9502 and the plunger 9503, 9504 into the spring bore 9202, 9203.

The cavity 9204 may be open on the top thereof. The void 9204 may be open on one side thereof and closed on the other side thereof. For example, the cavity 9204 can have a wall 9511 on one side thereof, and can be devoid of such a wall on another side thereof. Having the void 9204 open on one side and closed on its other side more readily facilitates the manufacture of the bolt 9200 while maintaining a greater strength around the void 9204 than would be present without the wall 9511.

The cavity 9204 can have a recess 9206 formed therein. The recess 9206 can receive the projection 9105 of the extractor hook. The projection 9105 can cooperate with the recess 9206 to define a pivot about which the ejection hook 9100 (specifically, its claws 9104) can rotate several degrees.

Spring holes 9202, 9203 may be formed after the holes 9204. The spring holes 9202, 9203 can be generally parallel with respect to each other. The spring holes 9202, 9203 may be substantially parallel (at least within substantially 5 °) relative to the striker hole 9207.

Fig. 64 shows an end view of the bolt 9200 according to an embodiment. The bolt 9200 can have a bolt face 9303 formed in a front portion thereof. The bolt 9200 can have a plurality (e.g., seven) of lugs 9301 formed thereon. The lugs 9301 can be rotated prior to firing a round to lock the bolt 9200 to a corresponding plurality of lugs in the barrel.

For example, the bolt 9200 may have an eight-lug pattern, with one lug (the lug that would otherwise be at the top of the pattern shown in fig. 64) removed in order to accommodate the width of the ejection hook 9100 and to facilitate the side-by-side drilling of the two spring holes 9202, 9203 without compromising the middle wall thereof (e.g., being so thin as to be through-ruptured). The removal of the lugs may also better accommodate the installation of the springs 9501, 9502 and plungers 9503, 9504 in the spring holes 9202, 9203.

Fig. 65 and 66 show cross-sectional views of the bolt 9200 according to an embodiment. The ejection hook blocker pin hole 9401 may be configured to receive an ejection hook blocker pin 9506 (fig. 67). An ejection hook stop pin hole 9401 may be formed at least partially within the cavity 9204. An ejection hook stop pin hole 9401 may be formed proximate the rear of the cavity 9204.

The ejection hook stop 9506 can limit rearward movement of the ejection hook 9100. For example, the ejection hook blocker 9506 can sufficiently limit rearward movement of the ejection hook 9100 to prevent the pivot bump 9105 from escaping from the recess 9206.

The pawls 9104 define a cam or ramp 9111 (fig. 61) on a front surface thereof. For a firearm with a bullet with a deep ejection hook recess, a relatively steep ramp 9111 is required to lift the pawl 9104 up and above the rim. As the ramp 9111 becomes steeper, it becomes more likely that the ejection hook 9100 will move rearward rather than lifting the pawl 9104 upward above the bullet rim when pressing the bullet rim into the bolt face 9303 (fig. 64). By placing the eject hook blocker 9506 in the eject hook blocker 9401, this undesirable rearward movement of the eject hook 9100 can be mitigated. Thus, the ejection hook blocker 9506 can help maintain the ejection hook 9100 in place during operation of the firearm.

If desired, for example, in the presence of a steep ramp 9111, an ejection hook stop 9506 can be installed in the bolt 9200. When not needed, for example, in the absence of the steep ramp 9111, the case-release catch 9506 in the bolt 9200 can be omitted. In either case, an extractor hook blocker hole 9401 may be provided so that an extractor hook blocker 9506 may be installed as desired.

A recess 9107 may be formed in the ejection hook 9100 to partially receive the ejection hook blocker 9506. The size (e.g., depth) of the recess 9107 can define a limit of rearward movement of the ejection hook 9100.

Fig. 67 and 68 show perspective views of a bolt 9200 according to an embodiment. As can be seen, each spring 9501, 9502 has a plunger 9503, 9504 at its front portion, and the plungers 9503, 9504 can be aligned with the ankle 9103 of the extractor hook 9100. The force exerted by the plungers 9503, 9504 can bias the ejection hook 9100 into a closed position in which the jaws 9104 of the ejection hook 9100 are closest to a centerline 9250 (fig. 62) of the bolt 9200. The open position of the ejection hook 9100 can be considered a position in which the claws 9104 are not closest to the centerline 9250 (e.g., when the claws 9104 of the ejection hook 9100 are engaging the rim of a bullet).

The biasing force exerted by the springs 9501, 9502 urges the projection 9105 of the ejection hook 9100 forward into the recess 9206. The biasing force applied by the springs 9501, 9502 also urges the pawls 9104 to pivot downward, e.g., into a recess defined in the bullet by the rim of the bullet. Thus, when a bullet has been loaded and the locking lugs 9301 of the bolt 9200 are fully engaged (locking the bolt 9200), the claws 9104 of the ejection hooks 9100 engage the bullet. The biasing force urges the ejection hook 9100 from an open position to its closed position.

The ejection pin hole 9514 may contain an ejection pin (not shown) for pushing fired rounds from the lower case 102 of the firearm 9600 (fig. 6) as the bolt moves rearward.

The drain hole 9214 facilitates the drainage of fluid from the spring holes 9202, 9203. If the assembled bolt 9200 is submerged in, for example, a cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid can be exhausted from the spring holes 9202, 9203 via the exhaust hole 9214. Otherwise, the incompressible cleaning fluid may interfere with proper operation of the ejection hook 9100.

The cam control surface 9215 can facilitate timing or rotation of the bolt 9200 to engage the lug 9301. This may be done according to well-known principles.

Figure 69 is a flow chart showing operation of a firearm, according to an embodiment. The firearm may be cycled by cocking the firearm or by firing the firearm, as indicated in block 9701. When cycling the firearm, a new cartridge can be stripped from its magazine.

The ramp 9111 of the claw 9104 of the ejection hook 9100 may ramp on the rim of the bullet as indicated in box 9702. The ejection hook stop 9506 can limit the rearward movement of the ejection hook 9100 when a cartridge is loaded. The ejection hook blocker 9506 can be installed or omitted as desired for a particular firearm.

When the bullet is ejected after firing the firearm, the two springs 9501, 9502 may apply a force to the eject hook 9100, as indicated in block 9703. The cycle may then repeat.

The use of a wider ejection hook provides enhanced engagement of the ejection hook with the rim of the bullet to mitigate the occurrence of ejection failure. The use of two springs better facilitates the forceful engagement of the jaws of the ejection hook with the rim of the bullet, so as to mitigate the occurrence of ejection faults.

Fig. 70 and 71 show two gas piston rings 7001 according to an embodiment. Each piston ring 7001 has a key 7002 formed thereon. The key 7002 is configured to be received within a gap of the piston ring 7001. Two piston rings 7001 may be nested or positioned against one another such that the key 7002 of each piston ring 7001 is received within the gap 7003 of each other piston ring 7002.

Since the two piston rings 7001 can only rotate substantially in unison with each other, the gaps 7003 of the two piston rings 7001 cannot be aligned with each other. Thus, gas cannot readily flow past both piston rings 7001 and thus an enhanced gas seal is provided.

Fig. 72-74 show a gas metering port 7502 according to an embodiment. The gas metering port 7502 can include a first tubular member 7511 that passes through a second tubular member 7512, wherein the first tubular member 5711 and the second tubular member 7512 are retained within a gas block 7503 via screws 7513 that are tightened into the second tubular member 7512. When screws 7513 are tightened, screws 7513 may expand a portion of second tubular member 7512 such that second tubular member 7512 frictionally engages air guide cuff 7503. The amount of gas provided by the gas metering port 7502 can be set by adjusting the screw 7513. Turning the screw 7513 may vary the size of the opening 7515 and gas flows in the first tubular member 7511 through the opening 7515.

Gas flows from the barrel 105 through the barrel gas ports 7501, through the passages 7561 formed in the gas block 7503 and into the first tubular member 5711. Gas flows through opening 7515, through screw 7513 and into cylinder 7004 where it can act on piston 7003.

Because the gas metering ports are disposed outside of the barrel 105, the gas metering ports 7502 do not experience corrosion in the manner that the barrel gas ports 7501 experience corrosion. Thus, the use of the gas metering port 7502 better ensures uniform operation of the firearm over an extended period of time.

Fig. 75-81 show a tensioner 8083 for providing a preload that attaches the barrel 105 to the frame 103. This preload is the force used to hold the barrel 105 to the frame 103. The preload ensures that the barrel 105 is held tightly to the frame 103.

Fig. 75 is a side view of a barrel 105 positioned for attachment to a frame 103, according to an embodiment. The barrel 105 may be attached to the backbone 103 by pressing the barrel latch 113 downward (as indicated by the downward arrow) to move the swing wedge 8253 to the left so that the swing wedge 8253 may receive the pin 8254. When the lever 113 is pressed downward, the barrel latch 113 and the swing wedge 8253 can rotate about the pivot pin 7581 (as indicated by the counterclockwise curved arrow) against the spring tension. Upon depression of the barrel latch 113, the barrel 105 may be moved generally upward (as indicated by the upward arrow). Ramp 8252 may act as a guide for the proximal end of barrel 105 during installation of barrel 105. The distal end of barrel 105 (e.g., barrel extension 8606) may be seated before pin 8254 is received by wobble wedge 8253.

Fig. 76 is a side view of barrel 105 attached to frame 103 according to an embodiment. Once the barrel 105 is within the rear and front v-blocks 8081, 8082 and once the flange 8087 of the barrel extension 8088 is within the groove 8086 of the rear v-block 8081, the barrel latch 113 may be released such that the spring tension causes the swing wedge 8253 to engage the pin 8254 in order to attach the barrel 105 to the frame 103.

Fig. 77 is a cross-sectional side view of barrel 105 and frame 103 taken along line 77 of fig. 76, in accordance with an embodiment. Rear v-block 8081 contacts barrel 105 over an arc of approximately 120 ° on the top portion of barrel 105. Fig. 78 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrel 105 and the skeleton 103 of fig. 77 shown exploded from each other, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 79 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrel 105, the backbone 103, the swinging wedge 8253 and the tensioner 8083 taken along line 79 of fig. 76, in accordance with an embodiment. Once the barrel 105 has been attached to the frame 103, the tensioner 8083 maintains a preload that holds the barrel 105 tightly to the frame 103. For example, the tensioner 8083 may provide a preload of approximately 700 pounds that holds the barrel 105 to the frame 103.

With particular reference to fig. 77-82, the tensioner 8083 can have a cylinder boom 7901 extending downward from the pin 8254. In response to the pin 8254 being pulled upward by the wobble wedge 8253, the cylinder boom 7901 may be pulled upward to compress the spring washer 7902 (when the barrel 105 is attached to the frame 103). The compressed spring washer 7902 pushes up against the threaded collar or flange 7903. Threaded flange 7903 has a screw 7904 threaded therethrough and contacting barrel 105. Screw 7904 aligns barrel 105 and applies a preload created by compressed spring washer 7902 to barrel 105. By turning screw 7904, the amount of preload is adjustable.

Screw 7921 may attach front grip 106 to tensioner 8083 and thus to the firearm. The screw 7921 can be threaded into an extension 7922 depending downwardly from the tensioner 8083.

Fig. 83 shows that various features can be found on which of the three firearms. For example, fully automatic operation of the opening bolt may be found on the machine gun 100 and the rifle/machine gun 8000, as indicated in the first row of the chart. The features of the machine gun 100, semi-automatic rifle 1000, and rifle/machine gun 8000 may be used on each other and on other firearms. These features can be used alone or in any desired combination or on any firearm. For example, the metered gas nozzle 7602 and the ejection hook 9100 may be used on other firearms (e.g., M16 and M4).

The term "firearm" as used herein may refer to the machine gun 100, the semi-automatic rifle 1000, and the rifle/machine gun 8000. The term "firearm" as used herein may refer to other rifles, e.g., modern firearms.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

A firearm can include: a bolt carrier; a backbone configured to guide the bolt carrier; a lower case, the bolt carrier disposed at least partially within the lower case, wherein the skeleton is removably attached to the lower case; a barrel latch attached to the backbone; a trigger block assembly configured to fall into the lower receiver; a gas piston having a plurality of piston rings configured to rotate only substantially in unison with each other, wherein the gas piston is configured to move the bolt carrier when a bullet is fired; a metering gas port disposed outside the barrel for metering gas from the barrel to the gas piston; a spring guide having a firing spring disposed thereon for biasing the bolt carrier in a forward position; an anti-bounce weight at least partially contained within the spring guide; a bolt carried by the bolt carrier; an extractor hook attached to the bolt; two springs disposed within the bolt for biasing the ejection hook toward a closed position of the ejection hook; a rod that inhibits separation of the lower case from the skeleton when the firing spring is compressed; a striker disposed within the bolt; one of the following: a striker retaining pin configured to facilitate removal of the striker and configured to transfer forward movement of the bolt carrier to the striker to fire a cartridge; and a hammer assembly disposed within the lower receiver and having a hammer and a link, wherein one end of the link is attached to the hammer and the other end of the link is attached to the lower receiver such that the hammer has a rearward position below the bolt when the bolt is in a rearward position and the hammer has a forward position where the hammer strikes the striker when the bolt is in a forward position, and wherein the link is configured such that the hammer has sufficient travel to pass over a last striker plate when the hammer moves from the rearward position to the forward position, wherein the link but not the hammer has a notch actuated by a trigger motion; a take-down lever configured to inhibit separation of the backbone and the lower case, the take-down lever having a safety detent to inhibit inadvertent movement of the take-down lever; a loading handle configured to move rearward to move the bolt carrier from a closed bolt position to an open bolt position; a dust cap configured to partially open to allow rearward movement of the loading handle and block release of a bolt from an open bolt position until a cocking handle has returned forward; and a butt having a shank formed therein, wherein the protrusion is configured to inhibit vertical movement of the butt.

A firearm can include: a bolt carrier; a backbone configured to guide the bolt carrier; a lower case, the bolt carrier disposed at least partially within the lower case, wherein the skeleton is removably attached to the lower case; a barrel latch attached to the backbone; a barrel configured to disengage from the backbone when the barrel latch is pushed; and a trigger block assembly configured to drop into the lower case.

A device may include: a bolt carrier for a firearm; a skeleton configured to at least partially guide the bolt carrier as the bolt carrier moves forward and rearward during a firing cycle of the firearm; and wherein the bolt carrier is not completely contained within the backbone; wherein a portion of the bolt carrier is contained within the skeleton and a portion of the bolt carrier is not contained within the skeleton; wherein a portion of the bolt carrier is suspended below the backbone; wherein a portion of the bolt carrier is slidably disposed within the skeleton; wherein: the armature is generally tubular and has a slot formed longitudinally therein; the bolt carrier has an upper portion contained within the backbone, a lower portion not contained within the backbone, and a waist interconnecting the upper portion and the lower portion; and wherein the waist is disposed within the slot and the upper portion moves longitudinally within the skeleton; the method comprises the following steps: a bolt having a cam pin extending therefrom; wherein: the bolt carrier includes a cam for rotating the bolt by cam-controlling the cam pin; the backbone includes a cut-out extending from one side of the slot; and a portion of the cam pin extends into the slot to inhibit rotation of the bolt when the bolt carrier is in a rearward position, the portion of the cam pin moves from the slot into the cutout to facilitate cam control of the cam pin and rotation of the bolt when the bolt is in a forward position, and the cam pin moves from the cutout into the slot when the carrier is moved rearward; wherein the device is a firearm.

A firearm can include: a skeleton disposed within the case; a bolt carrier; and wherein movement of the bolt carrier is constrained by the skeleton and not constrained by the receiver.

A method may include: placing a portion of a bolt carrier within a frame while leaving another portion of the bolt carrier outside of the frame; and wherein the skeleton is configured to at least partially guide the bolt carrier as the bolt carrier moves forward and backward during a firing cycle of a firearm.

A method may include: at least partially guiding a bolt carrier through a backbone as the bolt carrier moves forward and rearward during a firing cycle of a firearm; and wherein the bolt is not contained within the backbone.

A device may include: a bolt carrier for a firearm, the bolt carrier having a generally tubular upper portion, a generally rectangular lower portion, and a waist interconnecting the upper portion and the lower portion; and wherein the upper portion is substantially longer than the lower portion; wherein a front of the upper portion is forward of the lower portion; wherein the bolt carrier has four surfaces in front of the bolt carrier for contacting a backbone and has four surfaces at a rear of the bolt carrier for contacting the backbone; wherein the device comprises a firearm.

A method may include: forming a bolt carrier for a firearm to have a generally tubular upper portion, a generally rectangular lower portion, and a waist interconnecting the upper portion and the lower portion; and wherein the upper portion is substantially longer than the lower portion.

A method may include: loading a cartridge in a firearm using a bolt carrier having a generally tubular upper portion, a generally rectangular lower portion, and a waist interconnecting the upper portion and the lower portion; and wherein the upper portion is substantially longer than the lower portion.

According to one embodiment, a firearm may have a barrel; a lower case; a backbone and two v-blocks with a spring loaded two arm swing wedge midway between and attached to the backbone to hold the pulled up barrel tight and centered precisely in the v-blocks with the flange of the barrel extension in an elongated locking groove in the rear v-block.

The rear v-block aligns and centers the body diameter of the barrel extension while the top 120 ° of the flange of the barrel extension fits into the locking groove of the v-block. The tight fit of the flange and locking groove combined with the upward pulling of the wobble wedge on the barrel cross pin, holding the barrel centered in the v-block, locks the barrel to the skeletal frame and firmly blocks any lengthwise movement of the barrel breech relative to the skeletal structure.

For longitudinal thermal expansion, the barrel slides lengthwise in the front v-block and the wobble wedge follows the motion without releasing its wedging force.

For radial thermal expansion, the two upper arms of the "Y" shaped cylinder boom fit around both sides of the barrel and have a cross pin fastened across the top of the barrel through it. The ends of the cross pin extend beyond the outer sides of the two arms so that the two arm swinging wedges pull upward at both ends of the cross pin. In the yoke of the cylinder boom, an adjustable set screw is aligned with the bottom of the barrel and factory adjusted to push down on the flanged threaded tube, compressing the high force spring washer holding the cylinder boom and cross pin down with an initial force of approximately 700 pounds. As the approximately 1 "barrel diameter expands due to the heat of the shot, the angled walls of the v-block force the barrel diameter downward, the center of the barrel diameter moves downward approximately 0.0045 inches, while the bottom compresses the spring washer approximately 0.009 inches, increasing the force to approximately 1200 pounds when the barrel temperature reaches approximately 1500 ° F. The barrel remains centered without longitudinal rearward movement.

The bottom bar of the cylinder boom is fastened via a fore grip.

To install the barrel, the barrel is lifted up and pulled back by its front grip. The guide surface aligns the barrel extension with the locking groove and the cross pin engages with the wobble wedge, which snaps onto the pin, pulling the barrel tightly up into its V-block and locking into the groove.

To remove the barrel, the barrel latch is struck downward. The same guide surface that guides it into place guides it outward and downward in a path that prevents it from striking or damaging the magazine. The path is also not obstructed by the bipod of the weapon.

A firearm can include: a framework; a barrel removably attached to the skeleton; a barrel latch attached to the backbone; a swing wedge defining a portion of the barrel latch; a pin attached to the barrel; and wherein the swing wedge is configured to facilitate attachment of the barrel to the skeletal frame via the pin such that moving the barrel latch allows the barrel to be detached from the skeletal frame; wherein the wobble wedge is configured such that substantially the same force is applied to the barrel regardless of where along the wobble wedge the pin contacts the wobble wedge; wherein the wobble wedge is curved; wherein the swing wedge is curved and a pivot of the swing wedge is not concentric with a radius of the swing wedge; wherein the swing wedge is curved and a pivot of the swing wedge is offset by an angle of approximately 8 ° relative to a radius of the swing wedge; the method comprises the following steps: a tensioner for providing a preload of the pin relative to the wobble wedge; and wherein the tensioner accommodates radial thermal expansion of the barrel; the method comprises the following steps: a tensioner for providing a preload of approximately 700 pounds for the pin relative to the swing wedge; the method comprises the following steps: two V-blocks attached to the skeleton, the barrel being pulled into the V-blocks by the wobble wedge; and wherein the V-block maintains alignment of the barrel relative to the backbone while the tensioner accommodates thermal expansion of the barrel; the method comprises the following steps: a first guide cam configured to move the barrel forward beyond a front of a lower receiver to release the barrel from the backbone when moving a proximal end of the barrel latch; and a second guide configured to swing the barrel in front of a magazine of the firearm so the barrel can fall away from the firearm without contacting the magazine; wherein the swing wedge is defined by a wedge surface formed in a jaw moved by a lever end of the barrel latch.

A method may include: attaching a barrel latch to a skeleton of a firearm, the skeleton having a swing wedge attached thereto; attaching the barrel to the skeletal frame via a pin attached to the barrel captured by the wobble wedge; and wherein the swing wedge is configured to facilitate detachment of the barrel from the skeletal frame by moving the barrel latch.

A method may include: moving a swing wedge of the firearm; and wherein moving the swing wedge facilitates detachment of a barrel from a frame of the firearm.

A device may include: a trigger block assembly for a firearm; and wherein the trigger block assembly is configured to fall within the gun rest; wherein the device is a firearm.

A method may include: assembling a trigger block assembly for a firearm; providing a lower case for the firearm; and assembling the trigger block assembly to the lower case by dropping the trigger block assembly into the lower case.

A method may include: firing a firearm by pulling a trigger of the firearm; wherein the trigger is part of a trigger block assembly; and wherein the trigger block assembly is configured to fall into a receiver of the firearm during assembly of the firearm.

A device may include: a piston for a gas operated firearm; and two protrusions formed on the piston and configured to limit rearward movement of the piston when the firearm is fired; the method comprises the following steps: a cylinder in which the piston is slidably disposed; two grooves formed in the cylinder, receiving the two protrusions; and wherein the two slots define vents from which gas escapes upon ejection of the firearm; wherein the piston is not attached to a bolt carrier; the method comprises the following steps: a plurality of rings disposed around the piston; and wherein the rings are configured to rotate only substantially in unison with each other; wherein the device comprises a firearm.

A method may include: placing a piston into a cylinder of a gas operated firearm; and wherein the piston has two protrusions formed thereon and the protrusions are slidably disposed in two slots formed in the cylinder such that the protrusions limit movement of the piston.

A method may include: ejecting a gas operated firearm to provide gas to a piston of the firearm; wherein the piston moves in response to pressure provided by the gas; and wherein the movement of the piston is restricted by two protrusions formed on the piston.

A device may include: a recoil spring configured to be compressed by rearward movement of the bolt carrier when the firearm is fired; a spring guide for restricting movement of the recoil spring; an anti-bounce weight defined by at least a portion of the spring guide; and wherein the anti-bounce weight is configured to inhibit bouncing of a bolt carrier of the firearm; wherein: the spring guide includes a rod and a sleeve surrounding a portion of the rod; and the timing for the anti-bounce weight is determined at least in part by a distance between a front end of the anti-bounce weight and an interior of a front cap of the bolt carrier; wherein the device is a firearm.

A method may include: assembling a spring guide for a firearm; defining an anti-bounce weight using at least a portion of the spring guide; and wherein the anti-bounce weight is configured to inhibit bouncing of a bolt carrier of the firearm.

A method may include: shooting firearms; guiding a recoil spring of the firearm through a spring guide; and inhibiting recoil of a bolt carrier of the firearm with an anti-recoil weight defined by at least a portion of the spring guide.

A device may include: a lower case for a firearm; a bolt having a forward position and a rearward position; a striker disposed substantially within the bolt; a hammer assembly disposed within the lower case and having a hollow tubular hammer and a connecting rod; and wherein one end of the link is pivotally attached to the hammer and the other end of the link is pivotally attached to the lower receiver such that the hammer has a rearward position below the bolt when the bolt is in the rearward position and the hammer has a forward position where the hammer impacts the striker when the bolt is in the forward position, and the link is configured such that the hammer has sufficient travel to clear the last striker plate when the hammer is moved from the rearward position to the forward position, and wherein the link but not the hammer has a springed notch that is held and released by trigger motion; the method comprises the following steps: a spring guide pivotally attached to the lower case and received within a bore of a hammer; a spring disposed on the spring guide; and wherein the spring biases the hammer toward the forward position; wherein the device is a firearm.

A method may include: mounting a hammer assembly within a lower case of a firearm, the hammer assembly having a hammer and a connecting rod; and wherein one end of the link is pivotally attached to the hammer and the other end of the link is pivotally attached to a lower receiver such that the hammer has a rearward position below the bolt when the bolt is in a rearward position and the hammer has a forward position where the hammer strikes a striker when the bolt is in a forward position, and the link is configured such that the hammer has sufficient travel to pass over a last flight stop when the hammer moves from the rearward position to the forward position.

A method may include: pulling the trigger to fire the gun; striking a firing pin with a hammer in response to pulling the trigger; and wherein one end of a link is pivotally attached to the hammer and the other end of the link is pivotally attached to a lower receiver such that the hammer has a rearward position below the bolt when the bolt is in a rearward position and the hammer has a forward position where the hammer strikes a striker when the bolt is in a forward position, and the link is configured such that the hammer has sufficient travel to pass over a last flight stop when the hammer moves from the rearward position to the forward position.

A device may include: a butt for a firearm; a back rest formed on a distal end of the stock; and a handle formed in the back rest and configured to inhibit vertical movement of the stock when the stock is being gripped by a hand; wherein the device is a firearm.

A method may include: forming a generally horizontal handle in a back rest at a distal end of a stock for a firearm; and wherein the substantially horizontal handle is configured to inhibit vertical movement of the stock when a hand is gripping the backstop.

A method may include: causing the gun to fire; and gripping a back rest of a butt of the firearm with a hand while the firearm is being fired; and wherein a generally horizontal tang formed in the back stock inhibits vertical movement of the stock.

A gas operated firearm can include: a barrel; a barrel gas port formed in the barrel; a gas system; a metering gas port not disposed in the barrel and configured to meter gas from the barrel to the gas system; and wherein the metering gas port tends to maintain a substantially uniform amount of gas to the gas system as the barrel gas port expands due to wear; wherein the metering gas spout includes an adjustment screw for varying the amount of gas to the gas system; wherein the metering gas orifice comprises: a first tubular member; a second tubular member interlocked with the first tubular member; and wherein gas flows through the first tubular member and the second tubular member; the method comprises the following steps: a gas guiding hoop; wherein the metering gas orifice comprises: a first tubular member; a second tubular member interlocked with the first tubular member; and wherein the first tubular member is inserted into the gas block of the firearm and the second tubular member is subsequently inserted into the gas block and into the first tubular member; the method comprises the following steps: a gas guiding hoop; wherein the metering gas orifice comprises: a first tubular member; a second tubular member interlocked with the first tubular member; wherein the first tubular member is inserted into the gas block of the firearm and the second tubular member is subsequently inserted into the gas block and into the first tubular member; and a screw tightened into the first tubular member to lock the first tubular member to the second tubular member and to lock the first and second tubular members into the gas block.

A method may include: forming a barrel gas port in a barrel of a firearm; attaching a metering gas port to the firearm at a location not in the barrel; wherein the metering gas port is configured to meter gas from the barrel to a gas system; and wherein the metering gas port tends to maintain a substantially uniform amount of gas to the gas system as the barrel gas port expands due to wear.

A method may include: metering gas to a gas system of a firearm using a metering gas jet; wherein the metering gas port is not disposed in a barrel of the firearm; and wherein the metering gas port tends to maintain a substantially uniform amount of gas from the barrel to the gas system as the barrel gas port expands due to wear.

A device may include: an ejection hook for a firearm, wherein the ejection hook has a closed position and an open position; two springs for biasing the ejection hook toward the closed position; and wherein the ejection hook is wide enough to be biased by the two springs; the method comprises the following steps: a bolt for a firearm, the bolt can include: a main body; a striker hole formed in the body; a striker disposed in the striker hole; and two spring holes formed in the body substantially parallel with respect to the striker hole, wherein each spring hole contains one of the two springs; wherein the two spring apertures are within approximately 5 ° of being parallel relative to the striker aperture; wherein the two spring holes are proximate to each other and parallel with respect to each other; the method comprises the following steps: an ejection hook block pin hole formed in the body; and an extractor hook stop pin disposed in the extractor hook stop pin hole such that the extractor hook stop pin limits rearward movement of the extractor hook relative to the body; the method comprises the following steps: a pivot boss formed on the ejection hook; a retaining groove, the pivot boss disposed at least partially within the retaining groove; an ejection hook block pin hole formed in the body; and an ejection hook stop pin disposed in the ejection hook stop pin hole such that the ejection hook stop pin prevents the ejection hook from moving back enough against the pivot boss to move out of the retention groove; the method comprises the following steps: an ejection hook cavity formed in the body and configured to contain at least a portion of the ejection hook; and wherein the extractor hook cavity is open on one side thereof and closed on the other side thereof; wherein the device is a firearm.

A method may include: inserting two springs into a bolt for a firearm; attaching an extractor hook to the bolt; and wherein the two springs bias the ejection hook toward its closed position.

A method may include: causing the gun to fire; biasing an ejection hook of the firearm toward a closed position of the ejection hook by two springs; and ejecting a cartridge case from a chamber of the firearm with the ejection hook.

A device may include: a recoil spring for a firearm; a bolt carrier having a forward position and a rearward position, wherein the recoil spring biases the bolt carrier in the forward position; a rod configured to be pulled forward by the bolt carrier when the bolt carrier is loaded with a cartridge; and wherein the rod is configured to inhibit disassembly of the firearm when the bolt carrier is in the rearward position thereof and compresses the recoil spring; wherein the wand releases a hammer of the firearm when a bolt of the firearm is substantially fully forward; wherein when the bolt of the firearm is locked, the rod releases a hammer of the firearm to strike a striker; wherein the device is a firearm.

A method may include: mounting a recoil spring in the firearm; installing a bolt carrier in the firearm such that the recoil spring biases the bolt carrier in a forward position of the bolt carrier; installing a rod in the firearm, the rod configured to be pulled forward by the bolt carrier when the bolt carrier is loaded with a cartridge; and wherein the rod is configured to inhibit disassembly of the firearm when the bolt carrier is in its rearward position and compresses the recoil spring.

A method may include: biasing the bolt carrier in a forward position by a recoil spring; firing a firearm to move the bolt carrier to a rearward position and then back to a forward position; when the bolt carrier is loaded with a bullet, the rod is pulled forward by the bolt carrier; and wherein the rod is configured to inhibit disassembly of the firearm when the bolt carrier is in the rearward position thereof and compresses the recoil spring.

A device may include: a skeleton for a firearm; a lower case for the firearm; a un-mating lever having a first position and a second position, wherein when the un-mating lever is in the first position, separation of the backbone from the lower case is facilitated, and when the un-mating lever is in the second position, separation of the backbone from the lower case is inhibited; and a safety latch that inhibits unintended movement of the un-mating lever from the first position to the second position and inhibits unintended movement of the un-mating lever from the second position to the first position; wherein the device is a firearm.

A method may include: assembling a disassembly lever to a firearm, the disassembly lever having a first position and a second position, wherein separation of the frame and the lower case is facilitated when the disassembly lever is in the first position and is inhibited when the disassembly lever is in the second position; and assembling a safety lock pin to the firearm, the safety lock pin inhibiting unintended movement of the disassembly lever from the first position to the second position and inhibiting unintended movement of the disassembly lever from the second position to the first position.

A method may include: moving a safety latch of a firearm to facilitate movement of a disassembly lever of the firearm; moving the disassembly lever from its first position to its second position to facilitate disassembly of the firearm; and wherein the safety latch inhibits unintended movement of the un-mating lever from the first position to the second position and inhibits unintended movement of the un-mating lever from the second position to the first position.

A device may include: a loading handle for a firearm; and a dust cover configured to open substantially 7 ° to allow the loading handle to move rearward when the firearm is to be fired; wherein the device is a firearm.

A method may include: assembling a loading handle to a firearm; assembling a dust cover to the firearm; and wherein the dust cover is configured to open substantially 7 ° to allow the loading handle to move rearward when the firearm is to be fired.

A device may include: a striker; a striker retention pin configured to retain the striker in a bolt of a firearm; and wherein the striker retention pin is configured to transfer forward movement of a bolt carrier to the striker to fire the firearm; wherein the device is a firearm.

A method may include: assembling a firing pin into a bolt of a firearm; holding a striker in the bolt by a striker holding pin; and wherein the striker retention pin is configured to transfer forward movement of a bolt carrier to the striker to fire the firearm.

A method may include: pulling a trigger of the gun; moving a bolt carrier forward in response to the trigger being pulled; and transferring forward movement of the bolt carrier to a striker via a striker retention pin configured to retain the striker within a bolt.

A device may include: a cylinder disposed in a skeleton of a gas operated firearm; an exhaust port formed in the cylinder for exhausting gas from the cylinder; and an exhaust port flame arrestor configured to guide a barrel to the backbone to facilitate attachment of the barrel to the backbone; wherein the device is a firearm.

A method may include: assembling a cylinder within a skeleton of a gas operated firearm, wherein the cylinder has an exhaust port for exhausting gas from the cylinder; attaching an exhaust port flame arrestor to the backbone; and wherein the vent flame arrestor is configured to guide a barrel to the backbone to facilitate attachment of the barrel to the backbone.

A method may include: exhausting gas from an exhaust port of a cylinder of a gas operated firearm; and suppressing flare from the exhaust port by a flame arrester configured to guide a barrel to the skeletal frame to facilitate attachment of the barrel to the skeletal frame.

A device may include: a semi-automatic bolt configured for both closed bolt operation and open bolt operation; and wherein the firearm includes a selector mechanism configured to select between a closed bolt operation and an open bolt operation of the firearm.

A device may include: a firearm having a bolt and configured for both closed bolt operation and open bolt operation; wherein the firearm includes a trigger mechanism configured such that: during an open bolt operation when the bolt is rearward, pulling the trigger only allows the bolt to move forward when the cocking lever is forward; and the cocking handle may be used to manually advance the bolt for only closed bolt operation.

A firearm can include: a lower case; a framework; wherein the lower case is attached to the backbone via two hook pivots; wherein the lower case is pivotable downward approximately 40 ° from two frame studs attached to the frame; and wherein the lower case is detachable from the skeleton when pivoted down approximately 20 ° or halfway, in which case a gap in the hook pivot allows the lower case to be raised and clear of the skeleton stud.

Claims (21)

1. A firearm, comprising:

a backbone disposed within the case and having a slot formed therein;

a barrel having a barrel extension; and

a wobble wedge configured to engage a cross pin on the barrel to pull the barrel up into a plurality of v-blocks on the skeletal frame and pull a flange on the barrel extension up into a groove in the skeletal frame such that the barrel is centered and the barrel extension is locked from lengthwise movement relative to the skeletal frame.

2. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the skeleton is configured to at least partially guide a bolt carrier as the bolt carrier moves forward and backward during a firing cycle of a firearm.

3. The firearm of claim 1, wherein:

the backbone at least partially guides a bolt carrier as the bolt carrier moves forward and rearward during a firing cycle of a firearm; and is

The bolt carrier is not completely contained within the backbone.

4. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising a bolt carrier having a generally tubular upper portion and a generally rectangular lower portion; and is

Wherein the upper portion is substantially longer than the lower portion.

5. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising a bolt carrier having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein a front of the upper portion is forward of the lower portion.

6. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising a bolt carrier, wherein the bolt carrier has four surfaces at a front of the bolt carrier for contacting the skeletal frame and has four surfaces at a rear of the bolt carrier for contacting the skeletal frame.

7. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising:

a bolt carrier;

wherein the backbone is configured to guide the bolt carrier;

wherein the receiver comprises a lower receiver, the bolt carrier disposed at least partially within the lower receiver;

wherein the backbone is removably attached to the lower case; and

a trigger block assembly configured to drop into the lower case.

8. The firearm of claim 7, wherein the skeleton is configured to at least partially guide the bolt carrier as the bolt carrier moves forward and backward during a firing cycle of the firearm.

9. The firearm of claim 7, wherein a portion of the bolt carrier is contained within the skeletal frame and a portion of the bolt carrier is not contained within the skeletal frame.

10. The firearm of claim 7, wherein a portion of the bolt carrier is suspended below the skeletal frame.

11. The firearm of claim 7, wherein a portion of the bolt carrier is slidably disposed within the framework.

12. The firearm of claim 7, wherein:

the carcass is generally tubular and the slots are formed longitudinally therein;

the bolt carrier has an upper portion contained within the backbone, a lower portion not contained within the backbone, and a waist interconnecting the upper portion and the lower portion; and is

The waist is disposed within the slot and the upper portion moves longitudinally within the skeleton.

13. The firearm of claim 7, further comprising:

a bolt having a cam pin extending therefrom;

wherein:

the bolt carrier includes a cam for rotating the bolt by cam-controlling the cam pin;

the backbone includes a cut-out extending from one side of the slot; and is

A portion of the cam pin extends into the slot to inhibit rotation of the bolt when the bolt carrier is in a rearward position, the portion of the cam pin moves from the slot into the cutout to facilitate cam control of the cam pin and rotation of the bolt when the bolt carrier is in a forward position, and the cam pin moves from the cutout into the slot when the bolt carrier is moved rearward.

14. The firearm of claim 7, wherein:

the bolt carrier has a generally tubular upper portion, a generally rectangular lower portion, and a waist interconnecting the upper portion and the lower portion; and is

The upper portion is substantially longer than the lower portion.

15. The firearm of claim 7, wherein the firearm comprises a striker and hammer assembly.

16. The firearm of claim 7, further comprising:

a gas piston having a plurality of piston rings configured to rotate only substantially in unison with each other, wherein the gas piston is configured to move the bolt carrier when a bullet is fired;

a metering gas port disposed outside the barrel for metering gas from the barrel to the gas piston;

a spring guide having a firing spring disposed thereon for biasing the bolt carrier in a forward position;

an anti-bounce weight at least partially contained within the spring guide;

a bolt carried by the bolt carrier;

an extractor hook attached to the bolt;

two springs disposed within the bolt for biasing the ejection hook toward a closed position of the ejection hook;

a rod that inhibits separation of the lower case from the skeleton when the firing spring is compressed;

a striker disposed within the bolt;

a take-down lever configured to inhibit separation of the backbone and the lower case, the take-down lever having a safety detent to inhibit inadvertent movement of the take-down lever;

a loading handle configured to move rearward to move the bolt carrier from a closed bolt position to an open bolt position;

a dust cover configured to be partially opened to allow the loading grip to move rearward and block release of the bolt from the open bolt position until the cocked grip has returned forward;

a gas port flame arrestor configured to guide the barrel during mating of the barrel with the skeleton; and

a butt having a shank formed therein, wherein the protrusion is configured to inhibit vertical movement of the butt; and one of the following:

a striker retaining pin configured to facilitate removal of the striker and configured to transfer forward movement of the bolt carrier to the striker to fire a cartridge; or

A hammer assembly disposed within the lower receiver and having a hammer and a link, wherein one end of the link is attached to the hammer and the other end of the link is attached to the lower receiver such that the hammer has a rearward position below the bolt when the bolt is in a rearward position and the hammer has a forward position where the hammer strikes the striker when the bolt is in a forward position, and wherein the link is configured such that the hammer has sufficient travel to pass over a last striker plate when the hammer moves from the rearward position to the forward position, wherein the link but not the hammer has a notch actuated by trigger motion.

17. The firearm of claim 1, 7, or 16, wherein the cross pin passes through both sides of an open top of a Y-shaped cylinder boom having a closed bottom, the Y-shaped cylinder boom passing under the barrel and supporting a compression spring configured to push up onto the barrel while pulling the cross pin down against the barrel to allow the barrel to expand depending on heat generated by a shot, allowing the expanded diameter of the barrel in a v-block to move down to further compress the spring without disturbing the position of the swing wedge on the cross pin or remaining on the cross pin.

18. The firearm of claim 1, 7, or 16, wherein the firearm is a fully automated firearm.

19. A method of replacing a barrel, the method comprising:

attaching a barrel latch to a skeleton of a firearm, the skeleton having a swing wedge attached thereto;

attaching the barrel to the skeletal frame by engaging a cross pin attached to the barrel with the wobble wedge;

pulling the barrel up into a plurality of v-blocks on the skeleton with the wobble wedge; and

pulling a flange on a barrel extension of the barrel up into a groove in the skeletal frame with the wobble wedge, thereby centering the barrel and locking the barrel extension from lengthwise movement relative to the skeletal frame.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the cross pin passes through both sides of an open top of a Y-shaped cylinder boom having a closed bottom, the Y-shaped cylinder boom passing under the barrel and supporting a compression spring configured to push up onto the barrel while pulling the cross pin down taut against the barrel to allow the barrel to expand depending on the heat generated by the shot, allowing the expanded diameter of the barrel in the v-block to move down to further compress the spring without disturbing the position of the wobble wedge on the cross pin or remaining on the cross pin.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising separating the barrel from the skeleton by moving the wobble wedge.