Abstract:
An assembly for a bolt catch on a firearm having a bolt that slides between a latched position and an unlatched position, the bolt held in the latched position by a bolt catch mechanism that includes a catch-release actuator pivotally mounted on the rifle to provide for latching and unlatching of the bolt by a user, the assembly including a lever having an L-shaped body that comprises a first leg and a second leg that is formed at substantially a right angle to the first leg, the first leg having a free end on which is formed a mounting member; and a clamp member structured to attach to the mounting member on the lever to enable clamping of the lever to the catch-release actuator in a manner that does not require disassembly of the firearm or disassembly or removal of the catch-release actuator from the firearm.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure pertains to battery carrier group release mechanisms in firearms and, more particularly, to an assembly that facilitates rapid releasing of a bolt catch. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Firearms, and in particular, rifles, utilize portable ammunition cartridges or magazines that contain a limited number of bullets or rounds. Ammunition magazines are releasably attached to the rifle in order to provide a supply of ammunition. 
         [0005]    In certain situations, such as in combat, it is desirable for the magazines to be firmly mounted to the rifle when in use and then quickly and easily released from the rifle for rapid replacement. Many firearms have a mechanism the user can manipulate to release the magazine from its positive engagement with the rifle. Typically, the rifle bolt must be held in a back or open position in order to exchange magazines. After a new magazine has been attached to the rifle, the bolt must be released to slide forward, usually loading a new round in the chamber as it does so. 
         [0006]    A bolt catch-release mechanism is generally provided that catches the bolt in its rearward position and, when manipulated by the user, releases the bolt after the magazine has been replaced. In some situations, such as removing a jam, or inspection, rapid redeployment of the weapon is not an issue and the user is not concerned with moving quickly. However, in training or combat, minimizing downtime can be mission critical. 
         [0007]    More particularly, this multi-step process requires the user to stop firing, move the rifle out of firing position, and to focus on the bolt, the bolt catch-release mechanism, and the magazines to effectuate a successful reload. In some cases, the user must switch hands when holding the rifle in order to manipulate the bolt carrier, the catch-release mechanism, and the magazines. Not only is this time-consuming and somewhat clumsy, it also reduces the effectiveness of the user in maintaining fire control in a combat situation. 
         [0008]    Most rifle designs have the bolt catch-release mechanism on the left side of the weapon, which is understood to be the shooter&#39;s left side when the weapon is in firing position against the user&#39;s shoulder, regardless of whether it is the left or the right shoulder. One proposed device to assist users in more easily releasing the bolt catch without having to reach over the top of the receiver is a lever that attaches to the bolt catch mechanism using a longer bolt catch roll pin as a pivot axle. The lever extends down the left side of the weapon and then through the trigger well, typically near the front of the trigger guard where it can be reached with the trigger finger by extending the trigger finger through the trigger well. Installation of this device requires driving out the existing bolt catch roll pin and driving a new roll pin with the lever attached in place. While this design does not require a gunsmith, it does require partial disassembly of the weapon. 
         [0009]    Another proposed design utilizes a paddle extension that attaches to the catch-release mechanism and extends down the left side of the weapon and through the trigger well to project to the right side of the trigger well ahead of the trigger. This enables right-handed shooters to manipulate the paddle using the extension device with their trigger finger. This design has a two-piece structure that clamps to the catch-release mechanism with a single screw. A disadvantage with this design is that it can work itself loose and not stay rigidly attached to the catch-release paddle. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In accordance with the present disclosure, an assembly is provided for a bolt catch on a firearm in which the bolt slides between a latched position and an unlatched position. The bolt is held in the latched position by a bolt catch mechanism that includes a catch-release actuator pivotally mounted on the rifle to provide for latching and unlatching of the bolt by a user. The assembly includes a lever having an L-shaped body that includes a first leg and a second leg that is formed at substantially a right angle to the first leg, the first leg having a free end on which is formed a mounting member, such as a clamp head; and a clamp member structured to attach to the mounting member on the lever, the clamp member and mounting member cooperating to enable clamping of the lever to the catch-release actuator in slidable engagement therewith in a manner that does not require disassembly of the firearm or disassembly or removal of the catch-release actuator from the firearm. The second leg of the lever has a free end and includes an indentation in a surface of the free end sized and shaped to receive a user&#39;s trigger finger. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a mechanism for use with a rifle is provided, the mechanism including a lever assembly having a first extension leg and a second extension leg projecting at an angle to the first extension leg, the first extension leg having a first clamp member formed on one end, the second extension leg having a finger engaging groove formed on a surface and adjacent a free end thereof, the lever assembly further including a second clamp member structured to be attached to the first clamp member to form a two-part clamp. In addition, a ledge is formed on one of the first and second clamp members that cooperates with a second ledge on the other of the first and second clamp members to form a receptacle. The mechanism further includes a set screw threadably engaged with one of the first and second clamp members to project into the receptacle formed by the first and second clamp members. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first clamp member has a stepped wall forming a longitudinally oriented shoulder, and the back wall has a length that is shorter than a length of the front wall so that when the second clamp member is attached to the first clamp member, an opening is left between a free edge of the back wall and the ledge of the first clamp member that opens into the receptacle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a left side of a conventional firearm showing a bolt carrier group catch-release actuator mechanism used with a bolt carrier group catch-release lever formed in accordance with present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a bottom right side isometric view of the firearm of  FIG. 2  showing the catch-release assist lever extending through the trigger guard; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the catch-release actuator of the firearm of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a left side front isometric view of the assembled catch-release lever assembly formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a right rear isometric view of the assembled catch-release lever of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a front plan view of the assembled catch-release lever assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a rear plan view of the assembled catch-release lever assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a right side plan view of the assembled catch-release lever assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a left side plan view of the assembled catch-release lever assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the assembled catch-release lever assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a bottom plan view of the assembled catch-release lever of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a right front isometric view of the assembled catch-release lever of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is an exploded isometric view of the catch-release lever assembly of  FIG. 12  formed in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of a clamp member formed in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a right side plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  attached to the actuator shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a kit form of the catch-release lever of  FIGS. 1 and 15 ; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 17-20  are right and left isometric views, left plan form, and top plan form views, respectively of an alternative configuration of an L-shaped body; and 
           [0031]      FIGS. 21-25  are a left isometric, left side plan form, front plan form, top and bottom plan form views, respectively of an alternative configuration of a clamp formed in accordance with the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or components or both associated with firearms, including but not limited to rifles and pistols have not been shown or described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. 
         [0033]    Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” The foregoing applies equally to the words “including” and “having.” 
         [0034]    Reference throughout this description to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0035]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , shown therein is a catch-release lever assembly  20  formed in accordance with the present disclosure attached to a catch-release actuator  22  of an existing weapon  24 , in this case an AR-15 rifle. This rifle  24  includes a conventional trigger  26  extending into a trigger well  28  and protected by a trigger guard  30 . 
         [0036]    The lever assembly  20  has an L-shaped body  32  and clamp member  34  attached to the body  32  by two fasteners  36 . A set screw  38  fixedly attaches the assembly  20  to the catch-release actuator  22 . 
         [0037]    The L-shaped body  32  has a first leg  40  that when attached to the weapon  24  extends downward towards the trigger  26 . The first leg  40  has a clamp head  42  at a proximal end  44  and a second leg  46  extending substantially perpendicularly from a distal end  48 . It is the second leg  46  that extends through the trigger well  28  to the right side of the weapon  24 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the second leg  46  has an arcuate indentation  50  formed in a bottom surface  52  adjacent the free end  54 . Also shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is the magazine  56  attached to the weapon  24 . 
         [0038]    Because the catch-release actuator  22  is hidden from view in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an isometric view thereof is shown in  FIG. 3 . The actuator  22  includes an elongate body  58  having an oval-shaped disk or pad  60  formed at one end and a projecting button  62  formed at an opposing end. A roll pin  64  extends transversely through a midpoint of the body  58  that acts as an axis for rolling of the body  58  in a toggle-like motion when mounted to the weapon  24 . The clamp member  34  cooperates with the clamp head  42  on the L-shaped lever body  40  to capture the oval-shaped disk  60 . 
         [0039]    More particularly, in this embodiment the clamp member  34  and clamp head  42  define an opening sized and shaped to be slid over the oval-shaped disk  60  of the actuator  22 . The opening has a back wall or partial back wall that only allows slidable engagement with the disk  60  from the top. The set screw  38  extends through the clamp member  34  and bears against the disk  60 , as will be shown and described in more detail hereinbelow in connection with  FIG. 15 . 
         [0040]    As can be seen in  FIG. 15 , the back face of the disk  60  is visible through the opening  66  created by the clamp member  34  and the clamp head  42 . The opening  66  has no top, allowing the arcuate top portion  68  of the disk  60  to project slightly above the top of the clamp member  34 . The inside surface  70  (shown in phantom) of each half of the opening  66  as defined by the clamp member  34  and the clamp head  42  has an arcuate top portion  72  that curves inward near the top of the opening  66  and extends downward at a straight portion  74  to a bottom of the opening  76 , thus allowing the disk  60  to be slid into the opening  66  from the bottom thereof. 
         [0041]      FIG. 15  shows in kit form the components of the lever assembly  20  along with a tool  76 , in this case an Allen wrench that is sized and shaped to be received within matching openings in the two mounting screws  36  and set screw  38 . As can be seen here, the clamp member  34  has an exterior surface  78  that is ribbed to provide a gripping surface for a user&#39;s finger or thumb to manipulate the lever assembly  20  when in operation. The kit form shown in  FIG. 16  can be sold with or without the tool  76 . However, preferably the tool is included to facilitate easy assembly and installation. In use, the clamp member  34  can be loosely attached to the L-shaped body  32 , then slid over the actuator  22  where the mounting screws  36  and set screw  38  are then tightened by the tool  76 . 
         [0042]    In operation, the bolt catch-release actuator  22  automatically locks the bolt in the back position when the last round in the magazine  56  is fired. However, if it is desirable to manually pull the bolt back and lock it in position, the lever assembly  20  can be manipulated by the user&#39;s left or right thumb on the exterior  78  of the clamp member  34  by pushing it in towards the weapon  24 . The user can simply lift up on the lever using their trigger finger while pulling back the charging lever with their support hand (without having to switch hands) and the bolt will be locked open. After a jam has been cleared or maintenance completed, or after a magazine has been replaced in the weapon  24 , the user can quickly and easily release the catch-release mechanism by using their trigger finger and pushing upward in the indentation  50  at the free end  54  of the second leg  46 . This facilitates the user being more quickly in a ready-to-fire configuration with their right hand and trigger finger. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 4-14  illustrate another embodiment of the present disclosure in which a catch-release lever assembly  80  is shown to include a clamp member  82  attached to an L-shaped body  84 . The body  84  includes a first leg  86  having a clamp head  88  formed at a proximal end  90  and a second leg  92  extending at substantially a right angle from a distal end  94 . The clamp member  82  includes a ribbed exterior surface  96  and two countersunk openings  98  to receive the mounting screws and a non-countersunk opening  100  for the set screw. 
         [0044]    Other features visible in this embodiment of the present disclosure include a scallop  102  formed on one or both sides of the first leg  86  and various faces or facets  104  formed on the corners and sides of the L-shaped body  84  that have no purpose other than ornamentation. The clamp member  82  has an angled face  106  to provide clearance with other components on the weapon  24 . 
         [0045]    The second leg  42  has a step  108  formed in the top surface  110  of the second leg  92  for clearance with the trigger guard  30  on the weapon  24 . The step  108  is formed by a first angled surface  112  that angles downward and away from the distal end  94  of the first leg  86  and a second angled surface  114  that angles upward from the first angled surface  112  towards the free end  116 . In addition, a notch  118  is formed in a bottom surface  120  of the second leg  92  adjacent the free end  116 . 
         [0046]    As shown more clearly in FIGS.  8  and  12 - 14 , in this embodiment the opening  122  formed by the clamp member  82  and the clamp head  88  has arcuate top and bottom portions  124 ,  126 , respectively, as shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 8 . A straight center section  128  connects the arcuate top and bottom sections  124 ,  126 . Straight portions  130  can be seen more clearly in  FIGS. 12-14  that transition from the arcuate top and bottom portions  124 ,  126  to the top and bottom exterior surfaces of the clamp member  82  and clamp head  88 . With this configuration, the lever assembly  80  must be assembled around the actuator  22  instead of being slipped over the top as with the previous embodiment because the arcuate bottom portions  126  close off the opening  122 . While this involves slightly more manipulation of the clamp member  82  and clamp head  88  to attach it to the actuator  22 , it provides much more stability to the attached assembly  80 , effectively preventing any inadvertent removal or detachment of the lever assembly from the actuator  22  that could result from repeated vibration and shock while the weapon  24  is being fired. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 17-20  illustrate an alternative configuration of an L-shaped paddle body  140  in which similar components with the previous embodiment bear the same reference numbers for ease of illustration. In this configuration, the clamp head  142  has a beveled face  144  adjacent the top  146  and angling downward to intersect a front face  148  to provide additional clearance between the paddle body  140  and the receiver of the weapon. In some weapons additional clearance is needed due to the size and shape thereof. Ideally the beveled face  144  is at about a 45 degree angle with respect to the top  146  and the front face  148  of the clamp head  142 . Alternatively it can be in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees with respect to the front face  148 . A notch  150  is formed in the beveled face  148  that is in the shape of a half circle that opens towards the outside of the head  142 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 21-25  illustrate an alternative configuration of the clamp  152  in which a back surface  154  includes a transverse channel  156  centrally located thereon and extending from a first side wall  158  to a first central opening  160  in the clamp  152 . The channel  160  is as wide as the opening  160  and extends between second and third openings  162 ,  164  formed in the clamp  152 . A half circular notch  166  is formed in a projection  168  that extends from a second side wall  172  of the clamp  152 . 
         [0049]    In all other respects, the embodiments described above are used in the same manner. Preferably the components are formed from metal, although high-strength composite lightweight material may be used to save weight. 
         [0050]    The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments. 
         [0051]    These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. For example, the present disclosure can be modified for use with left-handed users, as will be evident to one of skill in this technology. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.