FIREARM

Abstract

 A firearm comprising an upper receiver, a lower receiver, a bolt guide, and a locking pin. The upper receiver may be selectively couplable to the lower receiver via at least one takedown pin. The at least one takedown pin may be selectively moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the at least one takedown pin may couple the upper receiver to the lower receiver. The bolt guide may be configured to be received by a bore of the upper receiver. The locking pin may be operably disposed between the bolt guide and the at least one takedown pin. The locking pin may be selectively moveable between a locking position and passive position via rotation of the bolt guide.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of the following patent application which is hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/458,613 filed April 11, 2023, entitled "Firearm," and U.S. Application No. 29/889,359 filed April 11, 2023, entitled "Firearm."

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a firearm with separable upper and lower receivers, and specifically to a firearm with an improved bolt guide, an improved takedown pin lock, and an improved bolt with a removable bolt head.

BACKGROUND

[0003] One type of firearm is a bolt action firearm. Generally, the term "bolt action" refers to a type of firearm action in which the firearm's bolt is operated manually by the opening and closing of the breech with a small handle. The handle is most commonly placed on the right-hand side of the firearm. As the handle is operated, the bolt rotates and unlocks, the breech opens, and a spent shell casing may be ejected. A new round may then be fed into the breech and the bolt closed. Bolt action firearms are typically rifles have a reputation for being more accurate and reliable than typical semi-automatic rifles. For this reason, they are still the primary choice of many target shooters and military and law enforcement snipers.

[0004] The use of magazine-fed bolt action rifles is known in the prior art, although the use of separable upper and lower receivers for bolt-action rifles is atypical. For example, one prior art magazine-fed bolt action rifle has an upper receiver and a lower receiver that are releasably connected to one another by a front lock pin and a rear lock pin. Manufacturers advise that the bolt be unlocked before the lock pins are removed and the receivers separated. A user's failure to follow these instructions may result in an unintended discharge of the rifle if the rifle were loaded and the bolt locked when the receivers separated. Normally, the trigger mechanism has a protruding element that restrains the firing pin until the trigger is pulled. Separation of the receivers with the rifle loaded and cocked allows the trigger to disengage from the compressed firing pin spring. The released firing pin spring in turn forces the firing pin forward for discharge. Bolt guides in the upper receiver of a bolt action rifle can be used to prevent the separation of the upper and lower receivers. However, prior art bolt guides tend to be fragile and prone to yielding under normal operation of the firearm. Thus, strengthening elements must be added to the bolt guide. The addition of strengthening elements make the prior art bolt guides difficult to manufacture. For example, some bolt guides require C-shaped steel components to be molded into the plastic of the bolt guide to strengthen the design, in turn adding manufacturing complexity and cost. Further, prior art bolt guides often times include bolt handle slots that are open to the rear of the bolt guide. When assembling the firearm, the user must insert the bolt guide into the upper receiver, align the bolt guide slot to match the upper receiver slot, and insert the bolt assembly all while trying to maintain proper slot alignment. This process is tedious and requires both of the user's hands.

[0005] Furthermore, in the case of the known magazine-fed bolt action rifle, a substantial opening in the upper receiver is created when the bolt is closed. Dirt and debris often enters the upper receiver and lower receiver through the opening and interferes with the movement of the bolt and the trigger mechanism.

[0006] In instances where the bolt action rifle is being modified to shoot a different caliber cartridge, the bolt typically must be replaced. The use of a removable bolt in a bolt action rifle is known in the prior art. Rather than replacing the entire bolt, some bolts include a removable bolt head that may be exchanged for a different caliber bolt head. Bolts having a removable bolt head are known in the prior art, but atypical. Prior art bolts typically require several steps, tools, and ample light to remove the bolt head. The removal process can be time-consuming and technically difficult. The bolt heads on these prior art bolts are typically held in place by one or several pins. A cross pin is often inserted through a side of the bolt body and passes through a hole in the bolt head. Attention must be given to ensure that the bolt head is inserted into the bolt body in the correct orientation, otherwise the cross pin may not be depressed. The cross pin is held in place by the firing pin passing through the cross pin, preventing it from dislodging. To disassemble the bolt head from the bolt body, the firing pin assembly must first be removed from the rear of the bolt body which releases the cross pin and in turn the breach bolt. This process is time consuming and difficult, and often requires the user to clear sight of the relevant pieces. Target shooters and snipers may operate in low-light conditions and areas where they do not have access to specialty tools.

[0007] Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved bolt action rifle that prevents separation of the lower receiver from the upper receiver while the rifle is cocked to fire and an improved bolt guide that does not yield under normal operation of the firearm. Furthermore, a need exists for a new and improved bolt for a bolt action rifle that has a bolt head that may be easily removed in low-light conditions and without tools.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] One aspect in accordance with the present disclosure is a firearm comprising an upper receiver, a lower receiver, a bolt guide, and a locking pin. The upper receiver may be selectively couplable to the lower receiver via at least one takedown pin. The at least one takedown pin may be selectively moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the at least one takedown pin may couple the upper receiver to the lower receiver. The bolt guide may be configured to be received by a bore of the upper receiver. The locking pin may be operably disposed between the bolt guide and the at least one takedown pin. The locking pin may be selectively moveable between a locking position and passive position via rotation of the bolt guide. In the locking position the locking pin may engage the at least one takedown pin such that the at least one takedown pin is locked in the engaged position. In the passive position the locking pin may disengage the at least one takedown pin such that the at least one takedown pin may be selectively moved from the engaged position.

[0010] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, the firearm may further comprise a bolt assembly configured to be received by the bolt guide. The bolt assembly may have a bolt handle extending therefrom. The bolt guide may include a slot. The bolt handle of the bolt assembly may be configured to extend through the slot of the bolt guide when the bolt assembly is received by the bolt guide. Rotation of the bolt handle may cause the bolt guide to rotate.

[0011] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a first end of the locking pin may abut an outer surface of the bolt guide. The bolt guide may include a flat surface defined in the outer surface. In the locking position, the locking pin may abut the outer surface of the bolt guide adjacent the flat surface. In the passive position the locking pin may abut the outer surface of the bolt guide at the flat surface.

[0012] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a second end of the locking pin may abut a groove defined in an outer surface of the at least one takedown pin.

[0013] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, the bolt handle may be selectively moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the bolt handle is in the locked position the locking pin may be in the locking position. When the bolt handle is in the unlocked position the locking pin may be in the passive position.

[0014] Another aspect in accordance with the present disclosure is a bolt guide comprising a substantially cylindrical body and a slot defined in the body. The body may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a bore defined from the proximal end to the distal end of the body. The bore may be configured to receive at least a portion of a bolt assembly. The slot may extend from the distal end towards the proximal end of the body. The bolt guide may be configured to be received by an upper receiver of the bolt action firearm such that the distal end of the body of the bolt guide is closer to a barrel of the bolt action firearm than the proximal end of the body of the bolt guide.

[0015] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, the slot may include a longitudinal section extending from the distal end of the body and a radial section connected to the longitudinal section.

[0016] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a flat surface may be defined in an outer surface of the body. The flat surface may be located closer to the proximal end that the distal end of the body.

[0017] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, the bore of the body may be configured to receive the bolt assembly through the distal end. The slot may be configured to receive a bolt handle of the bolt assembly therethrough.

[0018] Another aspect in accordance with the present disclosure is a bolt assembly for a bolt action firearm. The bolt assembly may comprise a generally cylindrical bolt tube and a bolt head. The bolt tube may include a bolt tube body, a notch defined in the bolt tube body at a distal end of the bolt tube, a bolt handle coupled to the bolt tube body and fixed relative thereto, and a bore defined longitudinally through a portion of the bolt tube body at the distal end. The bolt head may be selectively couplable to the bolt tube. The bolt head may include an indexing key configured to be received at least partially by the notch of the bolt tube when the bolt head is coupled to the bolt tube such that rotation of the bolt head relative the bolt tube is resisted. The bolt head may further include a groove defined therein. The bolt tube may include a bolt lock pivotably coupled to the bolt tube. The bolt lock may be configured to selectively engage the groove of the bolt head. The bolt assembly may be configured to rotate relative an upper receiver of the bolt action firearm.

[0019] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, the bolt lock may be selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the bolt lock may engage the groove of the bolt head such that the bolt head is coupled to the bolt tube. In the open position the bolt lock may disengage the groove of the bolt head such that the bolt head may be decoupled from the bolt tube.

[0020] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, the bolt tube may include a cutout portion configured to receive the bolt lock and a locking notch defined in the bolt tube adjacent the cutout portion. The bolt lock may include a ball detent positioned in a side of the bolt lock. The ball detent may be configured to selectively engage the locking notch of the bolt tube and resist movement of the bolt lock relative the bolt tube.

[0021] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, when the bolt lock is in the closed position, an outer surface of the bolt lock may align with an outer surface of the bolt tube.

[0022] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, the bolt head may include a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion may have a greater diameter than the proximal portion. At least a portion of the proximal portion may be configured to be received within the bore of the bolt tube.

[0023] In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, the indexing key may be located on the proximal portion of the bolt head.

[0024] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] 

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm in accordance with the present disclosure wherein the firearm includes a first exemplary embodiment of a muzzle.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the firearm of Fig. 1 wherein the firearm includes a second exemplary embodiment of a muzzle.

Fig. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the firearm of Fig. 1 wherein a folding stock and fixed stock are shown.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a bolt assembly of the firearm of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a detailed perspective view of a bolt head of the bolt assembly of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the bolt assembly of Fig. 4 wherein the bolt head is decoupled from a bolt body of the bolt assembly.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the bolt assembly of Fig. 4 wherein the bolt head is decoupled from the bolt body of the bolt assembly.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the bolt assembly of Fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is a detailed perspective view of a bolt head of the bolt assembly of Fig. 4.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an upper receiver, bolt assembly, and bolt guide of the firearm of Fig. 1.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the bolt guide of the firearm of Fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a front elevation view of the bolt guide of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a rear elevation view of the bolt guide of Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a side elevation view of the bolt guide of Fig. 11.

Fig. 15 is a side elevation view of the bolt guide of Fig. 11.

Fig. 16 is a top view of the bolt guide of Fig. 11.

Fig. 17 is a side elevation view of the firearm of Fig. 1.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the bolt guide, second takedown pin, and locking pin of the firearm of Fig. 1 wherein the locking pin is in a passive position.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the bolt guide, second takedown pin, and locking pin of the firearm of Fig. 1 wherein the locking pin is in the passive position.

Fig. 20 is a side elevation view of the firearm of Fig. 1.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the bolt guide, second takedown pin, and locking pin of the firearm of Fig. 1 wherein the locking pin is in a locking position.

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the bolt guide, second takedown pin, and locking pin of the firearm of Fig. 1 wherein the locking pin is in the locking position.

Fig. 23 is an exploded view of the muzzle, barrel, and barrel extension of the firearm of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth herein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

[0027] Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] The words "connected," "attached," "joined," "mounted," "fastened," "fixed," "engaged," and the like, or any variation thereof, should be interpreted to mean any manner of joining two objects including, but not limited to, the use of any fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pin and clevis, and the like allowing for a stationary, translatable, or pivotable relationship; welding of any kind such as traditional MIG welding, TIG welding, friction welding, brazing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, torch welding, inductive welding, and the like; using any resin, glue, epoxy, and the like; being integrally formed as a single part together; any mechanical fit such as a friction fit, interference fit, slidable fit, rotatable fit, pivotable fit, and the like; any combination thereof; and the like.

[0029] Unless specifically stated otherwise, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made of any appropriate or suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made using any applicable manufacturing method, such as, but not limited to 3D printing, injection molding, or the like.

[0030] To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A or B or both." When the applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the term "only A or B but not both" will be employed. Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Gamer, A Dictionary of Modem Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto." Furthermore, to the extent the term "connect" is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected to," but also "indirectly connected to" such as connected through another component or multiple components.

[0031] Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a bolt action rifle is shown and generally designated by the number 100. The bolt action rifle 100 may also be referred to herein as a firearm 100. The bolt action rifle 100 may include an upper receiver 110 selectively couplable to a lower receiver 200. The upper receiver 110 may have an elongated bore 116 (Fig. 10) defined therein. The upper receiver 110 may have a distal portion that forms a barrel shroud 112 and a proximal portion that contains a bolt assembly 400. The barrel shroud 112 may receive the proximal end of a barrel 114. The lower receiver 200 may include a pistol grip 302, a safety switch 304, a trigger 306 enclosed by a trigger guard 308, a magazine well 210 that receives a detachable magazine 320, and a stock 330.

[0032] The stock 330 may be coupled to a proximal end of the firearm 100. In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the stock 330 may be machined, molded, cast, or forged as a single part. In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, the stock 330 may be composed of several pieces, some of which may be adjustable. The stock 330 may be configured to fold or may be fixed in place, as depicted in Fig. 3. Certain embodiments of the stock 330 wherein the stock 330 is capable of folding may be referred to as folding stock 330A. Certain embodiments of the stock 330 wherein the stock 330 is fixed in place may be referred as fixed stock 330B. The folding stock 330A may pivot about folding mechanism 332. One exemplary advantage of the folding stock 330A may be that it reduces the overall footprint of the firearm 100 for storage, concealment, and transportation purposes. The folding stock 330A may be capable of being extended in an operating configuration or folded generally against the upper receiver 110 and lower receiver 200 in a folded configuration. The fixed stock 330B may be fixed to a proximal end of the lower receiver 200 in an extended position. Figs. 1 and 2 depict the bolt action rifle 100 with an exemplary embodiment of the fixed stock 330B.

[0033] The bolt action rifle 100 includes a muzzle 340 that may be removably coupled to a distal end of the barrel 114. The muzzle 340 may also be referred to herein as a recoil compensator 340. The muzzle 340 may be configured to reduce recoil when the bolt action rifle 100 is fired by controlling the expulsion of gas from the distal end of the barrel 114. The bolt action rifle 100 may be configured to receive various types and sizes of muzzle 340. Fig. 1 depicts the bolt action rifle 100 with a first exemplary embodiment of the muzzle 340. Fig. 2 depicts the bolt action rifle 100 with a second exemplary embodiment of the muzzle 340. The second exemplary embodiment of the muzzle 340 may be configured for the quick attachment of a suppressor thereto.

[0034] Figs. 4-9 depict an exemplary embodiment of the bolt assembly 400. The bolt assembly 400 may include a generally cylindrical bolt tube 402. The bolt tube 402 may include a bore defined longitudinally through a portion of the bolt tube 402. The bore may extend from a distal end of the bolt tube 402. The bolt tube 402 may further include a bolt handle 404 protruding at or near a proximal end of the bolt tube 402. The bolt tube 402 may include a cylindrical body having a maximum diameter substantially along its length, as opposed to a more slender shank as employed in many bolt action rifles. The bolt handle 404 may include a bolt knob 406 and a protrusion 408. The bolt knob 406 may be threadedly connected to the bolt tube 402 by the protrusion 408 extending from the proximal end of the bolt tube 402.

[0035] The bolt assembly 400 may include a bolt head 410. The bolt head 410 may be selectively couplable to the bolt tube 402. A proximal portion of the bolt head 410 may have a smaller diameter than a distal portion of the bolt head 410 and be configured to be at least partially received within the bore of the bolt tube 402. The bolt head 410 may include bolt head threads 412 at a distal portion of the bolt head 410. The bolt head threads 412 may also be referred to herein as lugs 412 or locking lugs 412. The bolt head threads 412 may have an outside diameter that is about the same as a diameter of the bolt tube 402 and does not exceed the diameter of the bolt tube 402. Thus, a bore that closely receives the bolt tube 402 may also receive the bolt head threads 412. A firing pin 420 and firing pin spring 422 may be inserted through the proximal end of the bolt tube 402. A cocking piece shroud 432 may be attached between or adjacent a cocking piece 430 and a proximal end of the firing pin spring 422 opposite the firing pin 420. A generally rectangular cocking piece tab 434 may protrude outwardly from a side wall of the cocking piece shroud 432.

[0036] The bolt head 410 may be configured to be easily removed from the bolt tube 402 in low-light conditions or even without a user having visual sight of the bolt assembly 400. Further, the bolt head 410 may be removed from the bolt tube 402 without removing the firing pin 420 from the bolt assembly 400. Removing the bolt head 410 may not require the removal of any pins or the use of any tools.

[0037] The bolt head 410 may include an indexing key 440 that may be easily found by touch. The indexing key 440 may be located on a proximal portion of the bolt head 410 and protrude outwardly from the bolt head 410. The indexing key 440 may be configured to be received at least partially by an alignment notch 442 of the bolt tube 402 when the bolt head 410 is coupled to the bolt tube 402. The alignment notch 442 may be located at the distal end of the bolt tube 402. The indexing key 440 may be generally located at a longitudinal center of the bolt head 410 such that it may align with the alignment notch 442 of the bolt tube 402. The indexing key 440 may also be referred to herein as an anti-torque key 440. When the bolt head 410 is coupled to the bolt tube 402, the arrangement of the indexing key 440 relative the alignment notch 442 may resist rotation of the bolt head 410 relative the bolt tube 402 when the firearm 100 is fired. Rotation of the bolt head 410 relative the bolt tube 402 may be undesirable and lead to a loss of headspace.

[0038] The bolt tube 402 may include a bolt body locking notch 184. The bolt body locking notch 184 may also be referred to herein as a cutout portion 184. A pivoting bolt lock 450 may be pivotally connected to the bolt tube 402 within the bolt body locking notch 184. The pivoting bolt lock 450 may be configured to selectively engage a groove 456 defined in the bolt head 410 when the bolt head 410 is inserted into the bolt tube 402. The bolt lock 450 may be selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the bolt lock 450 may engage the groove 456 of the bolt head 410 such that the bolt head 410 is coupled to the bolt tube 402. In the open position, the bolt lock 450 may disengage the groove 456 of the bolt head 410 such that the bolt head 410 may be decoupled from the bolt tube 402.

[0039] In the closed position, an outer surface of the bolt lock 450 may align with an outer surface of the bolt tube 402. Thus, the bolt lock 450 may sit flush within the bolt body locking notch 184. The bolt lock 450 may include a ball detent 452 positioned in a side of the bolt lock 450 and configured to selectively engage a locking notch 454 defined in a sidewall of the bolt body locking notch 184. The arrangement of the ball detent 452 and locking notch 454 may resist movement of the bolt lock 450 relative the bolt tube 402. The ball detent 452 may hold the bolt lock 450 in position as the operator inserts the bolt assembly 400 into the upper receiver 110. The ball detent 452 and bolt lock 450 may ensure the bolt head 410 remains attached to the bolt tube 402 during operation of the firearm 100. When a user wishes to remove the bolt head 410 from the bolt tube 402, the user may lift/pivot the bolt lock 450 such that it is no longer flush with the bolt tube 402, thereby allowing the bolt head 410 to slide out and away from the bolt tube 402. When a user wishes to reassemble the bolt assembly 400, the bolt head 410 may easily be aligned relative to the bolt tube 402 via the indexing key 440 and the alignment notch 442. Removal of the bolt head 410 and reassembly of the bolt assembly 400 can be done by a user without tools and in low-light situations.

[0040] Fig. 10 illustrates the upper receiver 110 wherein the bolt assembly 400 and a bolt guide 500 are exploded therefrom. The bore 116 of the upper receiver 110 may be configured to receive the bolt guide 500. A proximal half of the upper receiver 110 may include an ejection port 130 defined in the right side, an L-shaped bolt handle slot 120 defined in the right side, and an upper receiver tab 140 located at the bottom of its rear half. The upper receiver tab 140 may be generally rectangular. The L-shaped bolt handle slot 120 may include a longitudinal portion 142 and a radial portion 144. The radial portion 144 may be positioned substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal portion 142.

[0041] Referring now to Figs. 11-16, the bolt guide 500 may be a generally tubular element. In accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure, the bolt guide 500 may be formed of a single material. The bolt guide 500 may include a substantially cylindrical body 502 having a proximal end and a distal end. The body 502 may include a bore 510 defined from the proximal end to the distal end of the body 502. The bore 510 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the bolt assembly 400.

[0042] The bolt guide 500 may include a bolt guide slot 520 defined in the body 502. The bolt guide slot 520 may extend from the distal end of the body 502 towards the proximal end of the body 502. The bolt guide slot 520 may include a longitudinal section 522 extending from the distal end of the body 502 and a radial section 524 connected to the longitudinal section 522. The radial section 524 may be positioned orthogonal relative to the longitudinal section 522. The bore 116 of the upper receiver 110 may be configured to closely receive the exterior of the bolt guide 500. When the bolt guide 500 is received within the bore 116, the distal end of the body 502 of the bolt guide 500 may be closer to the barrel 114 of the bolt action rifle 100 than the proximal end of the body 502 of the bolt guide 500. The bolt guide slot 520 may be aligned with the bolt handle slot 120 of the upper receiver 110.

[0043] The bore 510 of the body 502 may be configured to receive the bolt assembly 400 through the distal end of the body 502. The distal end may not form a complete circle, but instead may form a C-shape with a cutout portion corresponding to an end of the bolt guide slot 520. The bolt guide slot 520 may be configured to receive the bolt handle 404 of the bolt assembly 400 therethrough. Thus, the bolt handle 404 may translate within the bolt guide slot 520, and specifically the longitudinal section 522, and relative to the bolt guide 500. Rotation of the bold handle 404 may cause the bolt guide 500 to rotate. More specifically, the cocking piece tab 434 may be positioned within the radial section 524 of the bolt guide slot 520 such that when the bolt handle 404 is rotated, the cocking piece tab 434 causes the bolt guide 500 to rotate.

[0044] The bolt assembly 400 may first be inserted into the bolt guide 500 such that the bore 510 of the bolt guide 500 closely receives the bolt assembly 400. The bolt assembly 400 and bolt guide 500 may then be inserted together into the proximal end of the upper receiver 110. The bolt handle 404 may reciprocate axially within the bolt handle slot 120 and the bolt guide slot 520. Both the bolt handle 404 and the cocking piece tab 434 may be shaped to be closely received by the bolt handle slot 120.

[0045] The upper receiver 110 may be selectively couplable to the lower receiver 200 via at least one takedown pin. The upper receiver 110 may include a first takedown pin hole 190 generally located at a bottom portion of the upper receiver 110. The first takedown pin hole 190 of the upper receiver 110 may be distally located relative the ejection port 130 of the upper receiver 110. The lower receiver 200 may include a first takedown pin hole 290 generally located at a top portion of the lower receiver 200. The first takedown pin hole 290 of the lower receiver 200 may be distally located relative the magazine well 210. The first takedown pin hole 190 of the upper receiver 110 and the first takedown pin hole 290 of the lower receiver 200 may align when the receivers 110, 200 are coupled together. A first removable or captive takedown pin 390 may be configured to extend through the first takedown pin hole 190 of the upper receiver 110 and the first takedown pin hole 290 to couple the receivers 110, 200 together.

[0046] The upper receiver 110 may further include a second takedown pin hole 192 generally located at a bottom portion of the upper receiver 110. The second takedown pin hole 192 of the upper receiver 110 may be proximally located relative the ejection port 130 of the upper receiver 110. The lower receiver 200 may further include a second takedown pin hole 292 generally located at a top portion of the lower receiver 200. The second takedown pin hole 292 of the lower receiver 200 may be proximally located relative the magazine well 210. The second takedown pin hole 192 of the upper receiver 110 and the second takedown pin hole 292 of the lower receiver 200 may align when the receivers 110, 200 are coupled together. A second removable or captive takedown pin 392 may be configured to extend through the second takedown pin hole 190 of the upper receiver 110 and the second takedown pin hole 290 to couple the receivers 110, 200 together.

[0047] The upper receiver 110 may be completely disconnected from the lower receiver 200 by removal of the first takedown pin 390 and the second takedown pin 392. The upper receiver 110 may be substantially fixed relative to the lower receiver 200 when both the first and second takedown pins 390, 392 are inserted. If only the first takedown pin 390 is inserted, the upper receiver 110 may pivot about the first takedown pin 390 relative the lower receiver 200.

[0048] The position of the bolt handle 404 within the bolt handle slot 120 defines the status of the bolt assembly 400. When the bolt handle 404 is moved proximally along the bolt handle slot 120 relative to the upper receiver 110, the bolt assembly 400 may be retracted such that a fired cartridge may be ejected and an unfired cartridge may be chambered upon returning the bolt handle 404 distally. This may be referred to herein as a retracted position. When the bolt handle 404 is pushed distally along the bolt handle slot 120 such that it is substantially aligned with the radial section 524 of the bolt handle slot 120 but is not moved into the radial portion 144 of the bolt handle slot 120 (Figs. 17-19), the bolt assembly 400 may be referred to as being forward and in the unlocked position. When the bolt handle 404 is both pushed distally along the bolt handle slot 120 such that it is substantially aligned with the radial portion 144 of the bolt handle slot 120 and moved into the radial portion 144 of bolt handle slot 120 (Figs. 20-22), the bolt assembly 400 may be referred to as being forward and in the locked position. Thus, the bolt handle 404 may be selectively moveable between the retracted position, the unlocked position, and the locked position.

[0049] The bolt handle 404 may be moved to the retracted position after the bolt action rifle 100 is fired by lifting the bolt handle 404 and sliding the bolt handle 404 to the proximal end or rear of the bolt handle slot 120. The lifting movement of the bolt handle 404 may unlock the bolt assembly 400 by disengaging the bolt head threads 412 from chamber threads 154. The chamber threads 154 may also be referred to herein as chamber lugs 154 or chamber locking lugs 154. As illustrated in Fig. 23, the chamber threads 154 may be defined within a barrel extension 156. Furthermore, the lifting movement of the bolt handle 404 may cock the firing pin 420 and firing pin spring 422. The sliding action of the bolt handle 404 may cause the bolt head 410 to extract a spent casing from chamber 150 and eject the spent casing through the ejection port 130. Subsequently, a spring within the magazine 320 may push a new cartridge into place in front of the chamber 232.

[0050] To ready the bolt action rifle 100 for firing, the bolt handle 404 may be moved distally from the retracted position, load a new cartridge into the chamber 150, and place the bolt assembly 400 in the forward and unlocked position. The user may then rotate the bolt handle into the radial portion 144 of the bolt handle slot 120 such that the bolt head threads 412 may engage the chamber threads 154 to seal the rear of the chamber 150 and lock the bolt head 410. This may place the bolt assembly 400 in the locked position.

[0051] The safety switch 304 may have two positions: SAFE and FIRE. The trigger 306 may be pulled to fire the firearm 100 only when the safety switch 304 is placed in the FIRE position. When the safety switch 304 is placed in the FIRE position, a trigger mechanism may restrain the firing pin spring 422 and the firing pin 420 until the trigger 306 is pulled. Specifically, the firing pin 420 and firing pin spring 422 may be restrained by a trigger sear and the trigger sear's engagement with the cocking piece 430. The cocking piece 430, as shown in Fig. 8, may be coupled to the firing pin 420. Once the correct amount of pressure has been applied to the trigger 306, the sear may drop down and release the firing pin spring 422 such that the firing pin 420 may discharge the firearm 100 by striking and igniting the cartridge.

[0052] To avoid accidental discharge of the bolt action rifle 100, the user may maintain the safety switch 304 in the SAFE position and keep their fingers outside of the trigger guard 308 at all times until the user is ready to fire the firearm 100. However, when the bolt assembly 400 is locked, the firing pin 420 could still potentially be released to discharge the firearm 100 without the trigger 306 being pulled regardless of the position of the safety switch 304. One exemplary circumstance in which this may occur is when the upper receiver 110 is separated from the lower receiver 200. The sear may no longer be in contact with the cocking piece 430 and may not hold back the firing pin 420.

[0053] Referring now to Figs. 17-22, the first and second takedown pins 390, 392 may be selectively moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, each of the first and second takedown pins 390, 392 may couple the upper receiver 110 to the lower receiver 200. More specifically, when the first takedown pin 390 is in the engaged position, the first takedown pin 390 may extend through the first takedown pin hole 190 of the upper receiver 110 and the first takedown pin hole 290 of the upper receiver 200. When the second takedown pin 392 is in the engaged position, the second takedown pin 392 may extend through the second takedown pin hole 192 of the upper receiver 110 and the second takedown pin hole 292 of the lower receiver 200. In the disengaged position, each of the first and second takedown pins 390, 392 may be removed from their respective takedown pin holes 190, 192, 290, 292 such that the upper receiver 110 may be decoupled from the lower receiver 200.

[0054] The firearm 100 may further include a locking pin 550. The locking pin 550 may be operably disposed between the bolt guide 500 and the at least one takedown pin, and specifically in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure the second takedown pin 392. A bottom, or second end, of the locking pin 550 may abut the second takedown pin 392 and a top, or first end, of the locking pin 550 may abut an outer surface of the bolt guide 500. The second end of the locking pin 550 may sit within a groove 364 defined in an outer surface of the second takedown pin 392.

[0055] The bolt guide 500 may further include a substantially flat surface 530 defined in the outer surface of the bolt guide 500. The flat surface 530 may be located closer to the proximal end of the body 502 of the bolt guide 500 than the distal end of the body 502 of the bolt guide 500. The locking pin 550 may be selectively moveable between a locking position and a passive position via at least rotation of the bolt guide 500. In the locking position, the locking pin 550 may engage the second takedown pin 392 such that the second takedown pin 392 is locked in the engaged position. In the passive position, the locking pin 550 may disengage the second takedown pin 392 such that the second takedown pin 392 may be selectively moved from the engaged position to the passive position.

[0056] When the bolt handle 404 is forward and in the locking position, the locking pin 550 may abut the outer surface of the bolt guide 500 adjacent the flat surface 530, thus preventing the locking pin 550 from rising and further preventing removal of the second takedown pin 392. This is illustrated in Figs. 20-22. In those figures, the bolt handle 404 may be forward and locked thereby preventing the locking pin 550 from rising out of the groove 364 of the second takedown pin 392, thus locking the second takedown pin 392 in place. When the bolt handle 404 is rotated, the bolt assembly 400 may cause the bolt guide 500 to rotate such that the locking pin 550 abuts the outer surface of the bolt guide 500 at the flat surface 530. The locking pin 550 may then rise up and disengage the groove 364 of the second takedown pin 392. Once the locking pin 550 disengages the second takedown pin 392, the second takedown pin 392 may be able to slide out (moved to the passive position) of the second takedown pin holes 192, 292. This is best illustrated in Figs. 17-19. When the bolt handle 404 is moved into the unlocked position, the firing pin's 420 cocking piece may engage a helical cocking cam of the bolt tube 402 and disengage the trigger sear, thus preventing the firearm 100 from being fired. In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, similar arrangements may be used with semi-automatic firearms.

[0057] Thus, when the bolt handle 404 is in the locked position, the locking pin 550 may be in the locking position. When the bolt handle 404 is in the unlocked position, or the retracted position, the locking pin 550 may be in the passive position.

[0058] The bolt guide 500 may require a certain rigidity and integrity. The surface of the bolt guide 500 may not bend or yield under the pressure from the locking pin 550. Yielding may render the bolt guide 500 unfit for its intended purpose. Further, the bolt guide slot 520 may be open at the front end or distal end of the body 502 of the bolt guide 500. Because the end of the bolt guide 500 in contact with the locking pin 550 may be a solid closed circle and does not contain the open end of the bolt guide slot 520, there may be no need for the addition of a strengthening element, such as a steel insert to name one example. This closed end of the rear bolt guide may provide solid support and block inadvertent rising of the locking pin 550. The bolt guide slot 520 may extend out the front or distal end of the bolt guide 500 where there is no external pressure applied and bending or yielding is not fatal to the overall operation of the firearm 100. When a user assembles the firearm 100, the bolt assembly 400 may be grasped by the bolt handle 404, drawn into the bolt guide 500, and the bolt assembly 400 together with the bolt guide 500 may be inserted into the bore 116 of the upper receiver 110 of the firearm 100. This procedure may be accomplished with a single hand and without having to maintain a certain alignment of multiple bolt handle slots.

[0059] If a user inadvertently or deliberately presses the second takedown pin 392 while the bolt handle 404 is in the forward and locked position, the locking pin 550 may not be able to rise. When the locking pin 550 is unable to rise, the second takedown pin 392 may not be removed from the second takedown pin holes 192, 292. Therefore, the upper receiver 110 may not be separated from the lower receiver 200 when the bolt assembly 400 is locked.

[0060] Lifting the bolt handle 404 may unlock the bolt head 410 and rotate the bolt guide 500 so that the flat surface 530 engages the locking pin 550. The locking pin 550 thus may disengage the second takedown pin 392, which can then be removed. The firing pin 420 may be cocked with the bolt handle 404 in its uncocked position, but the firing pin 420 may be restrained by the cocking piece 430 being held in place by the flat surface 530 of the bolt guide 500, and therefore may not move forward to strike the cartridge primer. The sear engagement between the cocking piece 430 and the trigger sear may not be needed to prevent the firing pin 420 from moving forward when the bolt handle 404 is in the unlocked position.

[0061] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments described herein, a number of terms have been defined above. The terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but rather include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as set forth in the claims. The phrase "in one embodiment," as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

[0062] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments of whether these features, elements, and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0063] The previous detailed description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of a new and useful FIREARM, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this disclosure except as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A firearm comprising:

an upper receiver (110) and a lower receiver (200), the upper receiver selectively couplable to the lower receiver via at least one takedown pin (392), the at least one takedown pin selectively movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the at least one takedown pin couples the upper receiver to the lower receiver;

a bolt guide (500) configured to be received by a bore (116) of the upper receiver (110);

a locking pin (550) operably disposed between the bolt guide (500) and the at least one takedown pin (392); and

wherein the locking pin (550) is selectively moveable between a locking position and passive position via rotation of the bolt guide (500), wherein in the locking position the locking pin (550) engages the at least one takedown pin (392) such that the at least one takedown pin is locked in the engaged position, wherein in the passive position the locking pin disengages the at least one takedown pin such that the at least one takedown pin may be selectively moved from the engaged position.

2. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising:

a bolt assembly (400) configured to be received by the bolt guide (500), the bolt assembly having a bolt handle (404) extending therefrom; and

wherein the bolt guide includes a slot 520), the bolt handle of the bolt assembly configured to extend through the slot of the bolt guide when the bolt assembly is received by the bolt guide, and rotation of the bolt handle causes the bolt guide to rotate.

3. The firearm of claim 2, wherein:
the bolt handle (404) is selectively moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position, when the bolt handle is in the locked position the locking pin (550) is in the locking position, and when the bolt handle is in the unlocked position the locking pin is in the passive position.

4. The firearm of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein:
a first end of the locking pin (550) abuts an outer surface of the bolt guide (500), the bolt guide includes a flat surface (530) defined in the outer surface, in the locking position the locking pin (550) abuts the outer surface of the bolt guide (500) adjacent the flat surface, and in the passive position the locking pin abuts the outer surface of the bolt guide at the flat surface.

5. The firearm of claim 4, wherein:
a second end of the locking pin (550) abuts a groove (364) defined in an outer surface of the at least one takedown pin (392).

6. A bolt guide (500) for a bolt action firearm, the bolt guide comprising:

a substantially cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body having a bore defined from the proximal end to the distal end of the body, the bore configured to receive at least a portion of a bolt assembly (400);

a slot (520) defined in body, the slot extending from the distal end towards the proximal end of the body; and

wherein the bolt guide is configured to be received by an upper receiver (110) of the bolt action firearm such that the distal end of the body of the bolt guide is closer to a barrel (114) of the bolt action firearm than the proximal end of the body of the bolt guide.

7. The bolt guide of claim 6, wherein:
The slot (520) includes a longitudinal section (522) extending from the distal end of the body and a radial section (524) connected to the longitudinal section.

8. The bolt guide of claim 6 or 7, further comprising:
a flat surface (530) defined in an outer surface of the body, the flat surface located closer to the proximal end than the distal end of the body.

9. The bolt guide of claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein:
the bore of the body is configured to receive the bolt assembly (400) through the distal end, and the slot (520) is configured to receive a bolt handle (404) of the bolt assembly therethrough.

10. A bolt assembly (400) for a bolt action firearm, the bolt assembly comprising:

a generally cylindrical bolt tube (402) including:

a bolt tube body;

a notch (442) defined in the bolt tube body at a distal end of the bolt tube;

a bolt handle (404) coupled to the bolt tube body and fixed relative thereto; and

a bore defined longitudinally through a portion of the bolt tube body at the distal end;

a bolt head (410) selectively couplable to the bolt tube (402), the bolt head including an indexing key (440) configured to be received at least partially by the notch (442) of the bolt tube when the bolt head is coupled to the bolt tube such that rotation of the bolt head relative the bolt tube is resisted, the bolt head further including a groove (456) defined therein;

wherein the bolt tube includes a bolt lock (450) pivotably coupled to the bolt tube (402), the bolt lock configured to selectively engage the groove (456) of the bolt head; and

wherein the bolt assembly is configured to rotate relative an upper receiver (110) of the bolt action firearm.

11. The bolt assembly of claim 10, wherein:
the bolt lock (450) is selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the bolt lock engages the groove (456) of the bolt head (410) such that the bolt head is coupled to the bolt tube (402), and in the open position the bolt lock disengages the groove of the bolt head such that the bolt head may be decoupled from the bolt tube (402).

12. The bolt assembly of claim 10 or 11, wherein:

the bolt tube (402) includes a cutout portion configured to receive the bolt lock (450) and a locking notch (454) defined in the bolt tube adjacent the cutout portion; and

the bolt lock (450) includes a ball detent (452) positioned in a side of the bolt lock, the ball detent configured to selectively engage the locking notch (454) of the bolt tube (402) and resist movement of the bolt lock relative the bolt tube.

13. The bolt assembly of claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein:
when the bolt lock (450) is in the closed position, an outer surface of the bolt lock aligns with an outer surface of the bolt tube (402).

14. The bolt assembly of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein:
The bolt head (410) includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion having a greater diameter than the proximal portion, at least a portion of the proximal portion configured to be received within the bore of the bolt tube (402).

15. The bolt assembly of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein:
the indexing key (440) is located on the proximal portion of the bolt head (410).

Drawing