Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-05-28)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
1\. A lock device, comprising:
a lock tongue;
a first pawl being capable of locking the lock tongue at a first locking position;
a second pawl being capable of locking the lock tongue at a second locking position; and
a control rod,
wherein the control rod is capable of blocking the first pawl at the first locking position in an event that the first pawl is engaged with the lock tongue,
the second pawl cooperates simultaneously or sequentially with the control rod and the first pawl in a moving process of the second pawl, to enable the first pawl to move towards a direction of separating from the first locking position of the lock tongue, and
the lock device further comprises an elastic part that applies elastic force to the control rod to enable the control rod to drive the first pawl towards a direction of engaging with the first locking position of the lock tongue, wherein the elastic part is a spring having an elastic arm, and the spring applies elastic force to the control rod by the elastic arm,
the lock device further comprises a limit block, wherein in an event that the first pawl locks the lock tongue at the first locking position based on the first driving action of the control rod, the limit block limits the control rod at a first limit position, and in an event that the control rod is limited at the first limit position by the limit block, the elastic part applies the elastic force to the control rod to maintain the control rod at the first limit position,
wherein the first pawl and the second pawl have different rotation centers.

2\. The lock device of claim 1, wherein the lock tongue comprises a first locking surface and a second locking surface, the first pawl locks the lock tongue at the first locking position by the first locking surface, and the second pawl locks the lock tongue at the second locking position by the second locking surface.

3\. The lock device of claim 2, wherein the first pawl comprises a first engagement surface, and the first pawl is engaged with the first locking surface by the first engagement surface, to lock the lock tongue at the first locking position; and
the second pawl comprises a second engagement surface, and the second pawl is engaged with the second locking surface by the second engagement surface, to lock the lock tongue at the second locking position.

4\. The lock device of claim 3, wherein the first engagement surface is an arc-shaped surface, and a center of the first engagement surface does not coincide with the rotation center of the first pawl, so that in an event that the first engagement surface is pressed, the first engagement surface generates torque that enables the first pawl to rotate towards a direction of unlocking the lock tongue.

5\. The lock device of claim 4, wherein a center of the first engagement surface is located at an outer position relative to the rotation center of the first pawl, and the outer position is not located in a position area between a rotation center of the lock tongue and the rotation center of the first pawl.

6\. The lock device of claim 5, wherein the first pawl releases the lock tongue from the first locking position based on a second driving action of the control rod.

7\. The lock device of claim 6, wherein the first pawl further comprises a first limit surface, and the control rod applies the first driving action to the first limit surface, so that the first engagement surface of the first pawl is engaged with the first locking surface of the lock tongue to maintain the lock tongue at the first locking position.

8\. The lock device of claim 7, wherein the first pawl further comprises a first drive surface, and the control rod applies the second driving action to the first drive surface, so that the first engagement

surface of the first pawl is disengaged from the first locking surface of the lock tongue to release the lock tongue from the first locking position.

9\. A motor vehicle, comprising a cover and/or a door, wherein the cover and/or the door is provided with the lock device of anyone of claims 1-8.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA  to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
Specification
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities: Each instance of the phrase “control rod” should be changed to “control member.”  See claim objections and rejections under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) below.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Objections
Claims 21-36 are objected to because of the following informalities:
In regards to claim 21, line 3, the phrase “locking the lock tongue at” should be changed to “engaging the lock tongue in,” in line 5, the phrase “locking the lock tongue at” should be changed to “engaging the lock tongue in,” and lines 7-25 should read as follows: “a control member, wherein the control member is capable of blocking the engagement of the first pawl with the lock tongue in the first locking position, the second pawl cooperates simultaneously or sequentially with the control member and the first pawl in a moving process of the second pawl, to enable the first pawl to rotate in a direction in which the first pawl disengages from the lock tongue, and the lock device further comprises an a spring that applies an elastic force to the control member to enable the control member to drive the first pawl in a direction in which the first pawl engages with the lock tongue in the first locking position, wherein the spring has an elastic arm, and the spring applies the elastic force to the control member by the elastic arm, the lock device further comprises a limit block, wherein in the first locking position and based on a first driving action of the control member, the limit block limits the control member in a first limit position, such that the spring applies the elastic force to the control member to maintain the control member in the first limit position, wherein the first pawl and the second pawl have different rotation centers.”
In regards to claim 22, the claim should read as follows after the preamble: “wherein the lock tongue comprises a first locking surface and a second locking surface, the first pawl engages the first locking surface when the lock tongue is in the first locking position, and the second pawl engages the second locking surface when the lock tongue is in the second locking position.”
In regards to claim 23, lines 3 and 4, the phrase “by the first engagement surface, to lock the lock tongue at the first locking position” should be changed to “by the first engagement surface, so as to lock the lock tongue in the first locking position,” and in lines 6 and 7, the phrase “by the second engagement surface, to lock the lock tongue at the second locking position” should be changed to “by the second engagement surface, so as to lock the lock tongue in the second locking position.”
In regards to claim 24, line 3, the phrase “so that in an event that” should be changed to “such that when,” in line 4, the phrase “generates torque” should be changed to “generates a torque,” and in line 5, the phrase “rotate towards a direction of unlocking the lock tongue” should be changed to “rotate in a direction in which the first pawl disengages from the lock tongue.”
In regards to claim 25, line 1, the phrase “a center” should be changed to “the center.”
In regards to claim 26, line 3, the phrase “control rod” should be changed to “control member.”
In regards to claim 27, line 2, the phrase “the control rod” should be changed to “the control member,” and in line 5, the phrase “at the first locking position” should be changed to “in the first locking position.”
In regards to claim 28, line 2, the phrase “the control rod” should be changed to “the control member.”
In regards to claim 29, line 1, the phrase “a cover and/or a door” should be changed to “a cover or a door,” and in lines 1 and 2, the phrase “the cover and/or the door” should be changed to “the cover or the door.”
In regards to claim 30, the claim should read as follows after the preamble: “wherein the lock tongue comprises a first locking surface and a second locking surface, the first pawl engages the first locking surface when the lock tongue is in the first locking position, and the second pawl engages the second locking surface when the lock tongue is in the second locking position.”
In regards to claim 31, lines 3 and 4, the phrase “by the first engagement surface, to lock the lock tongue at the first locking position” should be changed to “by the first engagement surface, so as to lock the lock tongue in the first locking position,” and in lines 6 and 7, the phrase “by the second engagement surface, to lock the lock tongue at the second locking position” should be changed to “by the second engagement surface, so as to lock the lock tongue in the second locking position.”
In regards to claim 32, line 3, the phrase “so that in an event that” should be changed to “such that when,” in line 4, the phrase “generates torque” should be changed to “generates a torque,” and in line 5, the phrase “rotate towards a direction of unlocking the lock tongue” should be changed to “rotate in a direction in which the first pawl disengages from the lock tongue.”
In regards to claim 33, line 1, the phrase “a center” should be changed to “the center.”
In regards to claim 34, line 3, the phrase “control rod” should be changed to “control member.”
In regards to claim 35, line 2, the phrase “the control rod” should be changed to “the control member,” and in line 5, the phrase “at the first locking position” should be changed to “in the first locking position.”
In regards to claim 36, line 2, the phrase “the control rod” should be changed to “the control member.”
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 21-36 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
In regards to claim 21, the relationship between the engagement of the first pawl with the lock tongue, as recited in line 9, and the “locking” of the lock tongue by the first pawl, as recited in line 3, is unclear from the claim language.  It is understood from the specification that the engagement of the first pawl with the lock tongue in the first position is equivalent to the locking of the lock tongue in the first position by the first pawl, and will be examined as such.  See claim objections above.
In regards to claim 21, where applicant acts as his or her own lexicographer to specifically define a term of a claim contrary to its ordinary meaning, the written description must clearly redefine the claim term and set forth the uncommon definition so as to put one reasonably skilled in the art on notice that the applicant intended to so redefine that claim term. Process Control Corp. v. HydReclaim Corp., 190 F.3d 1350, 1357, 52 USPQ2d 1029, 1033 (Fed. Cir. 1999). The term “control rod” is used by the claim to mean “a member or lever,” while the accepted meaning is “a slender bar.” The term is indefinite because the specification does not clearly redefine the term.  The structure of the control “rod” 400 is not a slender bar, and therefore, for examination purposes, the claims will be examined as reciting a control member.  See claim objections above.
In regards to claim 21, lines 12 and 13, it is unclear how a component moves “towards” or “in the direction of” a direction.  Furthermore, the relationship between the pawl “separating from the first locking position of the lock tongue” and the engagement of the first pawl with the lock tongue, as recited in line 9, is unclear from the claim language.  It is understood from the specification that the first pawl moves in a direction in which the first pawl disengages from the lock tongue, and will be examined as such.  See claim objections above.
In regards to claim 21, lines 15 and 16, it is unclear how a component moves “towards” or “in the direction of” a direction.  It is understood from the specification that the first pawl is driven in a direction in which the first pawl engages with the lock tongue in the first locking position, and will be examined as such.  See claim objections above.
In regards to claim 21, a broad range or limitation together with a narrow range or limitation that falls within the broad range or limitation (in the same claim) may be considered indefinite if the resulting claim does not clearly set forth the metes and bounds of the patent protection desired. See MPEP § 2173.05(c). In the present instance, the claim recites the broad recitation “an elastic part”, and the claim also recites “the elastic part is a spring” which is the narrower statement of the range/limitation. The claim(s) are considered indefinite because there is a question or doubt as to whether the feature introduced by such narrower language is (a) merely exemplary of the remainder of the claim, and therefore not required, or (b) a required feature of the claims.  For examination purposes, the claim will be examined as reciting that the lock device includes a spring.  See claim objections above.
In regards to claims 21-23, 30, and 31, it is unclear if the lock tongue has reached the first and second locking positions or has only reached a position near the first and second locking positions, as suggested by the phrases “at the first locking position” and “at the second locking position.”  It is understood from the specification that the lock tongue has reached the first and second locking positions or that the lock tongue is in the first and second locking positions, and will be examined as such.  See claim objections above.
In regards to claims 24 and 32, line 5 of each claim, it is unclear how a component moves “towards” or “in the direction of” a direction.  Furthermore, there is no antecedent basis for the first pawl to rotate, only for the first pawl to move, and therefore, the relationship between the movement of the first pawl and the rotation of the first pawl is unclear from the claim language.  It is understood from the specification that the first pawl rotates in a direction in which the first pawl disengages from the lock tongue, and will be examined as such.  See objections to claims 21, 24, and 32 above.
In regards to claim 29, it is unclear how the lock device can lock and release a cover and a door simultaneously, as suggested by the phrase “a cover and/or a door,” when it is understood from the specification that the lock device locks and releases either a cover or a door and will be examined as such.  See claim objections above.
In regards to claims 25-28 and 33-36, these claims are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) because they depend from claim 21.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary.  Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim(s) 21-36 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kajigai et al. (US Pub. No. 2020/0208444) in view of Hunt et al. (US Pub. No. 2011/0012376).
In regards to claim 21, Kajigai et al. discloses a lock device, comprising: a lock tongue 52; a first pawl 55 being capable of engaging the lock tongue in a first locking position (Figure 14); a second pawl 53 being capable of engaging the lock tongue in a second locking position (Figure 16); and a control member 54, wherein the control member is capable of blocking the engagement of the first pawl with the lock tongue in the first locking position (blocking via component 56, Figure 14), the second pawl cooperates simultaneously or sequentially with the control member and the first pawl in a moving process of the second pawl, to enable the first pawl to rotate in a direction in which the first pawl disengages from the lock tongue (Figures 17 and 18), and the lock device further comprises an a spring 59C that applies an elastic force to the control member to enable the control member to drive the first pawl in a direction in which the first pawl engages with the lock tongue in the first locking position (the spring applies an elastic force in a counterclockwise direction, as shown in Figure 13), the lock device further comprises a limit block (block restricting counterclockwise rotation of the control member in Figures 13 and 14, but not shown in the figures, see Paragraph 108), wherein in the first locking position and based on a first driving action of the control member, the limit block limits the control member in a first limit position (Figure 14), such that the spring applies the elastic force to the control member to maintain the control member in the first limit position (Figure 14), wherein the first pawl and the second pawl have different rotation centers (Figure 13).  Kajigai et al. fails to specify that the spring includes an elastic arm by which the spring applies the elastic force to the control member.  Hunt et al. teaches a spring 70 that includes an arm (arm engaging with portion 66, Figure 1) to apply an elastic force to a component 60.  It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of applicant’s invention to specify that the spring of Kajigai et al. have an arm, with reasonable expectation of success, since it is known in the art to include at least one arm extending from the body of a spring so as to cooperate with a portion of the component that is being biased by the spring.
In regards to claims 22 and 30, Kajigai et al. discloses that the lock tongue comprises a first locking surface 523a and a second locking surface (surface of portion 522a that engages with the second pawl, Figure 16), the first pawl engages the first locking surface when the lock tongue is in the first locking position (Figure 14), and the second pawl engages the second locking surface when the lock tongue is in the second locking position (Figure 16).
In regards to claims 23 and 31, Kajigai et al. discloses that the first pawl comprises a first engagement surface 552a, and the first pawl is engaged with the first locking surface by the first engagement surface, so as to lock the lock tongue in the first locking position (Figure 14); and the second pawl comprises a second engagement surface 532c, and the second pawl is engaged with the second locking surface by the second engagement surface, so as to lock the lock tongue in the second locking position (Figure 16).
In regards to claims 24 and 32, Kajigai et al. discloses that the first engagement surface is an arc-shaped surface (Figure 13), and a center of the first engagement surface does not coincide with the rotation center of the first pawl (see Figure 13 below, with the first engagement surface lying on a circle with its center offset from the rotation center 58D of the first pawl), such that the first engagement surface is pressed, the first engagement surface generates a torque that enables the first pawl to rotate in a direction in which the first pawl disengaged from the lock tongue (Figures 14-18).
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In regards to claims 25 and 33, Kajigai et al. discloses that the center of the first engagement surface is located at an outer position relative to the rotation center of the first pawl, and the outer position is not located in a position area between a rotation center of the lock tongue and the rotation center of the first pawl (the center of the first engagement surface is located between a wall of component 51 and the rotation center of the first pawl, see Figure 13 above).
In regards to claims 26 and 34, Kajigai et al. discloses that the first pawl releases the lock tongue from the first locking position based on a second driving action of the control member (driving action via component 56, Figures 17 and 18).
In regards to claims 27 and 35, Kajigai et al. discloses that the first pawl further comprises a first limit surface (surface of portion 554 that cooperates with portion 563 of component 56, Figure 14), and the control member applies the first driving action to the first limit surface, so that the first engagement surface of the first pawl is engaged with the first locking surface of the lock tongue to maintain the lock tongue in the first locking position (the control member applies the first driving action via component 56, Figure 14).
In regards to claims 28 and 36, Kajigai et al. discloses that the first pawl further comprises a first drive surface (surface of portion 553 that cooperates with portion 563 of component 56, Figure 18), and the control member applies the second driving action to the first drive surface, so that the first engagement surface of the first pawl is disengaged from the first locking surface of the lock tongue to release the lock tongue from the first locking position (the control member applies the second driving action via component 56, Figure 18).
In regards to claim 29, Kajigai et al. in view of Hunt et al. teaches a motor vehicle, comprising a cover or a door 10, wherein the cover or the door is provided with the lock device of claim 21 (Figure 1 of Kajigai et al.).
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: Substitute Specification Marked-Up Version
LOCK DEVICE AND MOTOR VEHICLE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This Application is a national stage application of PCT/CN2022/106246. This application claims priorities from PCT Application No. PCT/CN2022/106246, filed July 18, 2022, and from the Chinese patent application 202110846438.1 filed July 26, 2021, the content of which are incorporated herein in the entirety by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of lock devices, and to a lock device for a cover or door, which is suitable for a cover or door of a motor vehicle or building.
BACKGROUND
A lock device for a cover or door in the prior art is generally designed with a single lock tongue and a single pawl, and locking reliability of the lock device is challenged.
In addition, when the cover or door is subjected to great sealing force, unlocking force of the existing lock device is also great, which causes great operating force of a user.
SUMMARY
In order to resolve at least one of the foregoing technical problems, the present disclosure provides a lock device and a motor vehicle.
The lock device and the motor vehicle of the present disclosure are realized through the following technical solutions.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a lock device is provided, comprising: a lock tongue; a first pawl that can
[[lock ]]
engage
the lock tongue
[[at ]]
in
a first locking position; a second pawl that can
[[lock ]]
engage
the lock tongue
[[at ]]
in
a second locking position; a
control rod
control member
, wherein a rotating action of the second pawl can be partially transmitted to the first pawl through the
control rod
control member
, so that the first pawl unlocks the lock tongue from the first locking position; and an elastic part that applies
an
elastic force to the
control rod
control member
, so that the
control rod
control member
drives the first pawl to the first locking position, the first pawl and the second pawl have different rotation centers.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the lock tongue comprises a first locking surface and a second locking surface, the first pawl
locks
engages
the lock tongue
[[at ]]
in
the first locking position through the first locking surface, and the second pawl
locks
engages
the lock tongue
[[at ]]
in
the second locking position through the second locking surface.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the first pawl comprises a first engagement surface, and the first pawl is engaged with the first locking surface through the first engagement surface,
[[to ]]
so as to
lock the lock tongue
[[at ]]
in
the first locking position; and the second pawl comprises a second engagement surface, and the second pawl is engaged with the second locking surface through the second engagement surface,
[[to ]]
so as to
lock the lock tongue
[[at ]]
in
the second locking position.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the first engagement surface is an arc-shaped surface, and a center of the first engagement surface does not coincide with the rotation center of the first pawl, so that in an event that pressed, the first engagement surface generates
a
torque that enables the first pawl to rotate
towards
in
a direction
of unlocking the lock tongue
in which the first pawl disengages from the lock tongue
.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, a center of the first engagement surface is located at an outer position relative to the rotation center of the first pawl, and the outer position is not located in a position area between a rotation center of the lock tongue and the rotation center of the first pawl.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the first pawl locks the lock tongue at the first locking position based on a first driving action of the
control rod
control member
, and the first pawl releases the lock tongue from the first locking position based on a second driving action of the
control rod
control member
.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the first pawl further comprises a first limit surface, and the
control rod
control member
applies the first driving action to the first limit surface, so that the first engagement surface of the first pawl is engaged with the first locking surface of the lock tongue to maintain the lock tongue
[[at ]]
in
the first locking position.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the first pawl further comprises a first drive surface, and the
control rod
control member
applies the second driving action to the first drive surface, so that the first engagement surface of the first pawl is disengaged from the first locking surface of the lock tongue to release the lock tongue from the first locking position.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the lock device further comprises a limit block.
In an event that
When
the first pawl
locks
engages
the lock tongue
[[at ]]
in
the first locking position based on the first driving action of the
control rod
control member
, the limit block limits the
control rod
control member
[[at ]]
in
a first limit position, so that the
control rod
control member
maintains engagement of the first engagement surface of the first pawl with the first locking surface of the lock tongue.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure,
in an event that
when
the first pawl releases the lock tongue from the first locking position based on the second driving action of the
control rod
control member
, the
control rod
control member
separates from the first limit position.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, in an event that the
control rod
control member
is limited
[[at ]]
in
the first limit position by the limit block, the elastic part applies the elastic force to the
control rod
control member
, to maintain the
control rod
control member
[[at ]]
in
the first limit position.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the second pawl comprises a clamping slot part, the
control rod
control member
comprises a driven part, and the driven part is disposed in the clamping slot part, so that the
control rod
control member
can be driven by an action of the second pawl.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the second pawl comprises a second drive surface, and the second drive surface is used for receiving a driving action of an external drive mechanism.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the driven part comprises a cylindrical part and a limit part, the cylindrical part is disposed in the clamping slot part through insertion, and the limit part limits the cylindrical part in the clamping slot part, to prevent the driven part from separating from the clamping slot part.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the
control rod
control member
comprises a
control rod
control member
engagement surface and a
control rod
control member
limit surface, the
control rod
control member
applies the first driving action to the first limit surface of the first pawl through the
control rod
control member
engagement surface, and the limit block limits the
control rod
control member
through the
control rod
control member
limit surface.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the
control rod
control member
comprises a
control rod
control member
drive part, and the
control rod
control member
applies the second driving action to the first drive surface of the first pawl through the
control rod
control member
drive part.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the first drive surface is in a concave shape.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, a plane part is formed on the
control rod
control member
drive part, and the elastic part applies the elastic force to the
control rod
control member
through the plane part.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the second driving action separates the first pawl from the first locking position.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the elastic part applies the elastic force to the plane part of the
control rod
control member
, to push the
control rod
control member
to the first limit position.
According to the lock device in at least one implementation of the present disclosure, the limit block comprises a limit fitting surface, and the limit block limits, through the limit fitting surface, the
control rod
control member
[[at ]]
in
the first limit position.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle is provided, comprising a cover
and/or
or
door, wherein the cover
and/or
or
door is provided with the lock device according to any one of the foregoing descriptions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings show exemplary implementations of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. These accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.
FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of one perspective of a lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of one perspective of a lock tongue of the lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another perspective of the lock tongue of the lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a first pawl of the lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a second pawl of the lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a
control rod
control member
of the lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an elastic part of the lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a limit block of the lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of another perspective of the lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of still another perspective of the lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 to FIG. 15 are schematic diagrams of an unlocking process of the lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 16 to FIG. 21 are schematic diagrams of a locking process of the lock device according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
Description of the reference numerals:
100: lock tongue;
101: first locking surface;
102: second locking surface;
200: first pawl;
201: first engagement surface;
202: first limit surface;
203: first drive surface;
300: second pawl;
301: second engagement surface;
302: clamping slot part;
303: second drive surface;
control rod
control member
;
control rod
control member
engagement surface;
control rod
control member
limit surface;
403: drive part;
404: plane part;
405: cylindrical part;
406: limit part;
500: elastic part;
501: elastic arm;
600: limit block;
601: limit fitting surface;
1000: lock device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and implementations. It can be understood that the specific implementations described herein are only used to explain related content, but are not intended to limit the present disclosure. It should be further noted that, for ease of description, only a part related to the present disclosure is shown in the accompany drawings.
It should be noted that, on the premise of no conflict, the implementations in the present disclosure and features in the implementations may be combined with each other. Technical solutions of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in conjunction with the implementations.
Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary implementations/embodiments are understood as providing exemplary features of various details of some ways in which technical concepts of the present disclosure may be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features of various implementations/embodiments may be additionally combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the technical concepts of the present disclosure.
The use of crosshatch and/or shade in the accompanying drawings is generally used to make a boundary between adjacent parts clear. In this case, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of the crosshatch or shade does not express or indicate any preference or requirement for a specific material, material property, size, proportion of a part, commonality between illustrated parts, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property, and the like of the part. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, a size and a relative size of a part may be exaggerated for clarity and/or a purpose of description. When exemplary embodiments may be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed in an order different from an order described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order reverse to an order described. In addition, the same reference numerals denote the same part.
When a part is referred to as being "on" or "over", "connected to", or "coupled to" another part, this part may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the another part, or an intermediate part may exist. However, when a part is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another part, an intermediate part does not exist. Therefore, the term "connected" may refer to physically connected, electrically connected, and the like, and an intermediate part exists or does not exist.
For a purpose of description, the present disclosure may use spatially relative terms such as "beneath...", "below...", "under...", "lower", "above...", "upper", "on...", "higher", and "side (for example, in a "sidewall")" to describe a relationship between one part and another (other) part as shown in the accompanying drawings. The spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of a device in use, operation, and/or manufacturing in addition to the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, a part that is described as "below" or "beneath" another part or feature is then located "above" the other part or feature. Therefore, the exemplary term "below..." may include two orientations: "above" and "below". In addition, the device may be further located (for example, the device is rotated 90 degrees or at another orientation). In this case, the spatially relative terms used herein are explained accordingly.
The terms used herein are for a purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to put a limit. As used herein, unless otherwise clearly specified in the context, singular forms "one" ("a" and "an") and "said (the)" are intended to include plural forms as well. In addition, when used in this specification, the terms "comprise" and/or "include" and variations thereof indicate presence of the described features, entireties, steps, operations, parts, assemblies and/or a combination thereof, but does not exclude presence or addition of one or more other features, entireties, steps, operations, parts, assemblies and/or a combination thereof. It should be further noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially" and "about", and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than degree terms, and therefore, they are used to explain an inherent deviation that is of a measured value, a calculated value, and/or a provided value and that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.
First, a structure of a lock device 1000 of the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 10. "+" in each accompanying drawing is a label of a rotation center.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a lock device is provided. Refer to FIG. 1. A lock device 1000 according to an implementation of the present disclosure includes: a lock tongue 100, a first pawl 200, a second pawl 300, a
control rod
control member
400, and an elastic part 500.
The first pawl 200 can
[[lock ]]
engage
the lock tongue 100
[[at ]]
in
a first locking position (primary locking position).
The second pawl 300 can
[[lock ]]
engage
the lock tongue 100
[[at ]]
in
a second locking position (secondary locking position). A rotating action of the second pawl 300 can be partially transmitted to the first pawl 200 through the
control rod
control member
400, so that the first pawl 200 unlocks the lock tongue 100 from the first locking position.
The elastic part 500 applies
an
elastic force to the
control rod
control member
400, so that the
control rod
control member
400 drives the first pawl 200 to the first locking position.
The first pawl 200 and the second pawl 300 have different rotation centers.
According to the lock device 1000 of this implementation, the rotating action of the second pawl 300 is transmitted to the first pawl 200 through the
control rod
control member
400, so that the first pawl 200 unlocks the lock tongue 100 from the first locking position, that is, the first pawl 200 is separated from the first locking position, to unlock the lock tongue 100.
The lock device 1000 of this implementation is provided with the elastic part 500. The elastic part 500 applies the elastic force to the
control rod
control member
400, so that the
control rod
control member
400 drives the first pawl 200 to the first locking position, to implement a locking process.
Refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. For the lock device 1000 of the present disclosure, the lock tongue 100 of the lock device 1000 includes a first locking surface 101 and a second locking surface 102, the first pawl 200 locks the lock tongue 100
[[at ]]
in
the first locking position through the first locking surface 101, and the second pawl 300 locks the lock tongue 100
[[at ]]
in
the second locking position through the second locking surface 102.
Preferably, the first locking surface 101 and the second locking surface 102 are not in a same plane.
Preferably, a plane in which the first locking surface 101 is located is parallel or roughly parallel to the second locking surface 102.
According to an alternative implementation of the present disclosure, the first locking surface 101 may include a part of an arc-shaped surface, and the second locking surface 102 may also include a part of an arc-shaped surface.
Preferably, refer to FIG. 4. For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the first pawl 200 includes a first engagement surface 201. The first pawl 200 is engaged with the first locking surface 101 through the first engagement surface 201, to lock the lock tongue 100 at the first locking position. The second pawl 300 includes a second engagement surface 301. The second pawl 300 is engaged with the second locking surface 102 through the second engagement surface 301, to lock the lock tongue 100 at the second locking position.
The overall shape of the first pawl 200 in FIG. 4 is only a preferred shape of the first pawl 200 of the present disclosure, and adjustment on the shape of the first pawl 200 made by those skilled in the art based on a full understanding of the technical solutions of the present disclosure falls within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the first engagement surface 201 is an arc-shaped surface, and a center of the first engagement surface 201 does not coincide with the rotation center of the first pawl 200, so that in an event that pressed, the first engagement surface 201 generates torque that enables the first pawl 200 to rotate towards a direction of unlocking the lock tongue 100.
For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the center (B) of the first engagement surface 201 is located at an outer position of the rotation center of the first pawl 200, and the outer position is not located in a position area between a rotation center of the lock tongue 100 and the rotation center of the first pawl 200.
FIG. 4 shows the rotation center A of the first pawl 200, and exemplarily shows the center B of the first engagement surface 201.
A position of the center of the first engagement surface 201 is set by setting a shape of the first engagement surface 201 of this implementation, so that the center of the first engagement surface 201 is shifted to an outer side of the first pawl 200 to reduce unlocking force.
For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the first pawl 200 locks the lock tongue 100
[[at ]]
in
the first locking position based on a first driving action of the
control rod
control member
400, and the first pawl 200 releases the lock tongue 100 from the first locking position based on a second driving action of the
control rod
control member
Refer to FIG. 4. For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the first pawl 200 further includes a first limit surface 202, and the
control rod
control member
400 applies the first driving action to the first limit surface 202, so that the first engagement surface 201 of the first pawl 200 is engaged with the first locking surface 101 of the lock tongue 100 to maintain the lock tongue 100 at the first locking position.
Refer to FIG. 4. For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the first pawl 200 further includes a first drive surface 203, and the
control rod
control member
400 applies the second driving action to the first drive surface 203, so that the first engagement surface 201 of the first pawl 200 is disengaged from the first locking surface 101 of the lock tongue 100 to release the lock tongue 100 from the first locking position.
Refer to FIG. 1. According to a preferred implementation of the present disclosure, the lock device 1000 further includes a limit block 600. In an event that the first pawl 200 locks the lock tongue 100
[[at ]]
in
the first locking position based on the first driving action of the
control rod
control member
400, the limit block 600 limits the
control rod
control member
400 at a first limit position, so that the
control rod
control member
400 maintains engagement of the first engagement surface 201 of the first pawl 200 with the first locking surface 101 of the lock tongue 100.
Preferably, in an event that the first pawl 200 releases the lock tongue 100 from the first locking position based on the second driving action of the
control rod
control member
400, the
control rod
control member
400 separates from the first limit position.
According to the lock device 1000 of the preferred implementation of the present disclosure, in an event that the
control rod
control member
400 is limited
[[at ]]
in
the first limit position by the limit block 600, the elastic part 500 applies the elastic force to the
control rod
control member
400, to maintain the
control rod
control member
400 at the first limit position.
The elastic part 500 may be a spring. Refer to FIG. 7. The spring has an elastic arm 501 (clamping pin), and the spring applies elastic force to the
control rod
control member
400 through the elastic arm 501.
Refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the second pawl 300 includes a clamping slot part 302, the
control rod
control member
400 includes a driven part, and the driven part is disposed in the clamping slot part 302, so that the
control rod
control member
400 can be driven by an action of the second pawl 300.
According to the lock device 1000 of this implementation, the clamping slot part 302 is disposed on the second pawl 300, so that the second pawl 300 can drive the
control rod
control member
400 to move.
Preferably, the driven part of the
control rod
control member
400 is clamped in the clamping slot part 302, and can slide/move in a slot of the clamping slot part 302.
Refer to FIG. 5. For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the second pawl 300 includes a second drive surface 303, and the second drive surface 303 is used for receiving a driving action of an external drive mechanism.
Refer to FIG. 6. For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the driven part of the
control rod
control member
400 includes a cylindrical part 405 and a limit part 406, the cylindrical part 405 is disposed in the clamping slot part 302 through insertion, and the limit part 406 limits the cylindrical part 405 in the clamping slot part 302, to prevent the driven part from separating from the clamping slot part 302.
The structure of the
control rod
control member
400 shown in FIG. 6 is only a structure of the
control rod
control member
in the preferred implementation of the present disclosure, and adjustment on the structure of the
control rod
control member
made by those skilled in the art based on a full understanding of the technical solutions of the present disclosure falls within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
Refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 8. The
control rod
control member
400 includes a
control rod
control member
engagement surface 401 and a
control rod
control member
limit surface 402, the
control rod
control member
400 applies the first driving action to the first limit surface 202 of the first pawl 200 through the
control rod
control member
engagement surface 401, and the limit block 600 limits the
control rod
control member
400 through the
control rod
control member
limit surface 402.
For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the
control rod
control member
400 includes a
control rod
control member
drive part 403, and the
control rod
control member
400 applies the second driving action to the first drive surface 203 of the first pawl 200 through the
control rod
control member
drive part 403.
According to the preferred implementation of the present disclosure, the
control rod
control member
drive part 403 is in a cylindrical shape.
Preferably, the
control rod
control member
drive part 403 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the cylindrical part 405.
According to the preferred implementation of the present disclosure, the first drive surface 203 is in a concave shape.
For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, a plane part 404 is formed on the
control rod
control member
drive part 403, and the elastic part 500 applies the elastic force to the
control rod
control member
400 through the plane part 404.
For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the second driving action described above separates the first pawl 200 from the first locking position (that is, from the first limit position).
For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, preferably, the elastic part 500 applies the elastic force to the plane part 404 of the
control rod
control member
400 through the elastic arm 501, to push the
control rod
control member
400 to the first limit position (that is, the first locking position).
Refer to FIG. 8. For the lock device 1000 of each of the foregoing implementations, the limit block 600 includes a limit fitting surface 601, and the limit block 600 limits, through the limit fitting surface 601, the
control rod
control member
[[at ]]
in
the first limit position.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle is provided, including: a cover or door. The cover or door is provided with the lock device 1000 of any of the foregoing implementations.
An unlocking process of the lock device of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 15.
Initially, the lock tongue 100 is locked
[[at ]]
in
the primary locking position (the first locking position) by the first pawl 200. In an event that the second drive surface 303 of the second pawl 300 is pushed by an unlocking mechanism (not shown), the second pawl 300 drives the
control rod
control member
400 to rotate counterclockwise, so that the
control rod
control member
400 separates from the limit block 600, as shown in FIG. 11. Then, the second pawl 300 continues to drive the
control rod
control member
400 to rotate clockwise, and the drive part 403 (which may be in a form of a drive surface) pushes, through the first drive surface 203, the first pawl 200 to rotate clockwise, so that the first pawl 200 is separated from the first locking surface 101, and the lock tongue 100 is unlocked, as shown in FIG. 12. After that, the lock tongue 100 rotates clockwise to a full open position, as shown in FIG. 13. After the second drive surface 303 of the second pawl 300 is released, the first pawl 200 and the second pawl 300 stop against the lock tongue 100 under the action of the elastic part 500 (which functions as a return spring), and the
control rod
control member
400 stops against the limit block 600 under the action of the elastic part 500, so that the lock device implements unlocking. As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show an unlocked state of the lock device from different perspectives.
A locking process of the lock device of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 21.
FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 show, from different perspectives, the lock tongue 100
[[at ]]
in
the full open position and the first pawl 200 and the second pawl 300 stopping against the lock tongue 100.
In an event that the lock tongue 100 is pushed to rotate to the secondary locking position (the second locking position), the second pawl 300 rotates clockwise (in FIG. 16) to enter the secondary locking position, so that the lock device 1000 implements locking at the secondary locking position, as shown in FIG. 18. Then, in an event that the lock tongue 100 continues to rotate to the primary locking position (the first locking position), the first pawl 200 enters the primary locking position to lock the lock tongue 100
[[at ]]
in
the primary locking position, and meanwhile, the
control rod
control member
400 is inserted between the first pawl 200 and the limit block 600 under the action of a
control rod
control member
spring (the elastic part 500), so that the first pawl 200 is limited
[[at ]]
in
the primary locking position, to improve reliability of the lock device, as shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 21.
According to the lock device of the present disclosure, for example, locking reliability of the first pawl and the lock tongue is improved by designing the
control rod
control member
, the elastic part (the
control rod
control member
spring), and the limit block on the outer side of the first pawl, and the first pawl is released through a connection between the second pawl and the
control rod
control member
, and the unlocking force is reduced. The lock device of the present disclosure has a compact and simple structure and high execution efficiency, and is suitable for various cover or door systems, particularly for a cover or door of an automobile system.
In the description of this specification, reference to the description of “one embodiment / implementation”, “some embodiments / implementations”, “example”, “specific example” or “some examples”, and the like means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment / implementation or example is included in at least one embodiment / implementation or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the schematic descriptions of the foregoing terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment/implementation or example. In addition, the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described may be combined in any one or more embodiments/implementations or examples in an appropriate manner. In addition, on the premise of no conflict, those skilled in the art may combine different embodiments/implementations or examples and features of the different embodiments/implementations or examples described in this specification.
In addition, the terms “first” and “second” are only intended for a purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature limited by "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the descriptions of the present disclosure, unless otherwise explicitly and specifically limited, the term "a plurality of" means at least two, for example, two, three, and the like.
Those skilled in the art should understand that the foregoing implementations are only for clearly describing the present disclosure and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other changes or variations may further be made based on the foregoing disclosure, and these changes or variations also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
The examiner’s amendments below have been made to correct some language in claim 21.  For example, the amendment for lines 23 and 24 below, which was suggested by the examiner in the Non-Final Office Action, removes language that is already found in the preceding lines 21 and 22.
EXAMINER'S AMENDMENT
An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee.
The application has been amended as follows:
In the Claims:
Claim 21, line 3, insert the phrase –of the lock tongue—after the phrase “a first locking position.”
Claim 21, line 5, insert the phrase –of the lock tongue—after the phrase “a second locking position.”
Claim 21, lines 23 and 24, remove the phrase –and in an event that the control member is limited at a first limit position--.
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: Although the references of record show some features similar to those of applicant’s device, the prior art fails to teach or make obvious the claimed invention.
In regards to claim 21, Kajigai et al. (US Pub. No. 2020/0208444) discloses that the lock tongue comprises a first locking surface 523a formed by a first portion 523 of the lock tongue and a second locking surface 522a formed by a second portion 522 of the lock tongue, with the first pawl engaging the first locking surface when the lock tongue is in the first locking position (Figure 14) and the second pawl engaging the second locking surface when the lock tongue is in the second locking position (Figure 16).  Kajigai et al. fails to disclose that the first portion and the second portion are located in different planes perpendicular to a rotation axis of the lock tongue.  The first and second portions of Kajigai et al. are located in the same plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the lock tongue, and therefore, the examiner can find no motivation to modify the device of Kajigai et al. without employing improper hindsight reasoning and without destroying the intended structure and operation of the device.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20230221092A1: Claims:
A handguard assembly for a firearm comprising: an outer member disposed forward of an upper receiver of the firearm, the outer member comprising a rear cavity and a threaded portion; a barrel nut disposed within the rear cavity; and at least one alignment member, wherein the at least one alignment member contacts both the outer member and the upper receiver for alignment.
an outer member disposed forward of an upper receiver of the firearm, the outer member comprising a rear cavity and a threaded portion;
a barrel nut disposed within the rear cavity; and
at least one alignment member,
wherein the at least one alignment member contacts both the outer member and the upper receiver for alignment.
The handguard assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer member comprises a polymer material.
The handguard assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one alignment member comprises two alignment members.
The handguard assembly of claim 3 , wherein the two alignment members are connected to one another using a plurality of fasteners that pass through the outer member.
The handguard assembly of claim 3 , wherein the two alignment members are identical.
The handguard assembly of claim 1 , wherein the threaded portion comprises an insert that is a separate component from the outer member.
The handguard assembly of claim 6 , wherein the insert is metallic and outer member comprises a polymer material.
The handguard assembly of claim 7 , wherein the insert is overmolded as a permanent component of the outer member.
The handguard assembly of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the barrel nut comprises a taper such that the aft-most portion of the outer surface has a larger dimension than other portions of the outer surface.
The handguard assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one alignment member is metallic and comprises a counterbored hole and a threaded hole.
A free float handguard assembly for a firearm comprising: an outer member comprising a rear cavity; a barrel nut disposed within the rear cavity; and at least one alignment member, wherein the at least one alignment member aligns the outer member relative to the firearm.
an outer member comprising a rear cavity;
wherein the at least one alignment member aligns the outer member relative to the firearm.
The free float handguard assembly of claim 11 , wherein the at least one alignment member contacts both the outer member and an upper receiver of the firearm for alignment.
The free float handguard assembly of claim 11 , wherein the outer member comprises a threaded portion that is removably attached to the barrel nut.
The free float handguard assembly of claim 11 , wherein the threaded portion comprises an insert that is a separate component from the outer member.
The free float handguard assembly of claim 15 , wherein the insert is metallic and outer member comprises a polymer material.
The free float handguard assembly of claim 16 , wherein the insert is overmolded as a permanent component of the outer member.
The free float handguard assembly of claim 11 , wherein the outer member comprises a polymer material.
The free float handguard assembly of claim 11 , wherein the at least one alignment member comprises two alignment members.
The free float handguard assembly of claim 19 , wherein the two alignment members are connected to one another using a plurality of fasteners that pass through the outer member.
Ref US20230194202A1: Claims:
A firearm assembly, comprising: a barrel; a barrel receiving unit adapted for receiving the barrel; a first barrel nut disposed over the barrel and mating with the barrel receiving unit; and a second barrel nut disposed over the barrel and mating with the first barrel nut to align the barrel with the barrel receiving unit.
a barrel receiving unit adapted for receiving the barrel;
a first barrel nut disposed over the barrel and mating with the barrel receiving unit; and
a second barrel nut disposed over the barrel and mating with the first barrel nut to align the barrel with the barrel receiving unit.
The firearm assembly of claim 1 , further including: a barrel extension, wherein a first end of the barrel is mated to the barrel extension; and the first barrel nut comprises an internal shoulder making contact with a shoulder of the barrel extension.
a barrel extension, wherein a first end of the barrel is mated to the barrel extension; and
the first barrel nut comprises an internal shoulder making contact with a shoulder of the barrel extension.
The firearm assembly of claim 2 , wherein the internal shoulder of the first barrel nut and the shoulder of the barrel extension are beveled or tapered.
The firearm assembly of claim 2 , wherein the internal shoulder of the primary barrel nut and the shoulder of the barrel extension is flat.
The firearm assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second barrel nut comprises an internal shoulder contacting a shoulder of the barrel.
The firearm assembly of claim 1 , wherein the internal shoulder of the second barrel nut and the shoulder of the barrel are beveled or tapered.
A firearm assembly, comprising: a barrel; a barrel receiving unit; a primary barrel nut contacting the barrel and mating with the barrel receiving unit; and a secondary barrel nut contacting the barrel and mating with the first barrel nut.
a barrel receiving unit;
a primary barrel nut contacting the barrel and mating with the barrel receiving unit; and
a secondary barrel nut contacting the barrel and mating with the first barrel nut.
The firearm assembly of claim 7 , further including: a barrel extension, wherein a first end of the barrel is mated to the barrel extension; and the primary barrel nut comprises an internal shoulder making contact with a shoulder of the barrel extension.
the primary barrel nut comprises an internal shoulder making contact with a shoulder of the barrel extension.
The firearm assembly of claim 8 , wherein the internal shoulder of the primary barrel nut and the shoulder of the barrel extension are beveled or tapered.
The firearm assembly of claim 8 , wherein the internal shoulder of the primary barrel nut and the shoulder of the barrel extension is flat.
The firearm assembly of claim 7 , wherein the secondary barrel nut comprises an internal shoulder contacting a shoulder of the barrel.
The firearm assembly of claim 7 , wherein the internal shoulder of the secondary barrel nut and the shoulder of the barrel are beveled or tapered.
The firearm assembly of claim 7 , wherein the primary barrel nut is threaded onto the barrel receiving unit and the secondary barrel nut is threaded onto the primary barrel nut.
A method of making a firearm assembly, comprising: providing a barrel; inserting the barrel into a barrel receiving unit; disposing a first barrel nut over the barrel and mating with the barrel receiving unit; and disposing a second barrel nut over the barrel and mating with the first barrel nut to align the barrel with the barrel receiving unit.
providing a barrel;
inserting the barrel into a barrel receiving unit;
disposing a first barrel nut over the barrel and mating with the barrel receiving unit; and
disposing a second barrel nut over the barrel and mating with the first barrel nut to align the barrel with the barrel receiving unit.
The method of claim 14 , further including: providing a barrel extension, wherein a first end of the barrel is mated to the barrel extension; and the first barrel nut comprises an internal shoulder making contact with a shoulder of the barrel extension.
providing a barrel extension, wherein a first end of the barrel is mated to the barrel extension; and
The method of claim 15 , wherein the internal shoulder of the first barrel nut and the shoulder of the barrel extension are beveled or tapered.
The method of claim 15 , wherein the internal shoulder of the primary barrel nut and the shoulder of the barrel extension is flat.
The method of claim 14 , wherein the second barrel nut comprises an internal shoulder contacting a shoulder of the barrel.
The method of claim 14 , wherein the internal shoulder of the second barrel nut and the shoulder of the barrel are beveled or tapered.
The method of claim 14 , wherein the first barrel nut is threaded onto the barrel receiving unit and the second barrel nut is threaded onto the primary barrel nut.
Ref US20230020437A1: Claims:
- 3 . (canceled)
A handguard for mounting on a barrel or a barrel nut of an existing firearm, where the barrel or barrel nut has an annular groove, the handguard comprising: a handguard housing having a housing axis, the handguard housing defining a slit running radially thereto, and further defining a through-opening running in a transverse direction, where the through-opening is a long hole having an outline comprised of two semicircles with a first axis and a second axis parallel to the first axis, with a rectangle located in-between; and a clamping device for mounting in the through-opening of the handguard housing, the clamping device having a lever that defines a lever axis and that includes: a center element having a recess in a center area of the center element, the center element extending along and surrounding the lever axis and having a threaded section at a first end portion and a lever arm at a second end portion, where a conical shaft section is provided at the second end portion that widens towards the lever arm and is configured to contact a corresponding conical clamping surface of the handguard housing; and a nut having an internal thread that matches the threaded section of the first end portion of the center element; such that when the handguard is in its assembled state, the lever is disposed in the through-opening of the handguard housing in a plane normal to the handguard axis, the nut is screwed onto the threaded section thereby narrowing the slit, and an angular position of the lever about the lever axis is such that the center element contacts the annular groove of the barrel or barrel nut.
a handguard housing having a housing axis, the handguard housing defining a slit running radially thereto, and further defining a through-opening running in a transverse direction, where the through-opening is a long hole having an outline comprised of two semicircles with a first axis and a second axis parallel to the first axis, with a rectangle located in-between; and
a clamping device for mounting in the through-opening of the handguard housing, the clamping device having a lever that defines a lever axis and that includes: a center element having a recess in a center area of the center element, the center element extending along and surrounding the lever axis and having a threaded section at a first end portion and a lever arm at a second end portion, where a conical shaft section is provided at the second end portion that widens towards the lever arm and is configured to contact a corresponding conical clamping surface of the handguard housing; and a nut having an internal thread that matches the threaded section of the first end portion of the center element;
a center element having a recess in a center area of the center element, the center element extending along and surrounding the lever axis and having a threaded section at a first end portion and a lever arm at a second end portion, where a conical shaft section is provided at the second end portion that widens towards the lever arm and is configured to contact a corresponding conical clamping surface of the handguard housing; and
a nut having an internal thread that matches the threaded section of the first end portion of the center element;
such that when the handguard is in its assembled state, the lever is disposed in the through-opening of the handguard housing in a plane normal to the handguard axis, the nut is screwed onto the threaded section thereby narrowing the slit, and an angular position of the lever about the lever axis is such that the center element contacts the annular groove of the barrel or barrel nut.
The handguard according to claim 4 , wherein: the center element is further provided with an annular groove at its first end portion; the nut includes the internal thread in a first axial section of the nut, the first axial section being provided with a conical nut section on an outer surface, and a bore with a larger diameter than the internal thread in the first axial section is formed in a second axial section, and a safety ring is inserted into the annular groove of the first end portion.
the center element is further provided with an annular groove at its first end portion;
the nut includes the internal thread in a first axial section of the nut, the first axial section being provided with a conical nut section on an outer surface, and a bore with a larger diameter than the internal thread in the first axial section is formed in a second axial section, and a safety ring is inserted into the annular groove of the first end portion.
The handguard according to claim 5 , wherein the long hole of the handguard housing includes a conical clamp taper surface at each end of the long hole, each conical clamp taper surface being centrally formed about the first axis of the through-opening outline and the conical clamp taper surfaces being configured to cooperate with the conical shaft section and the conical nut section, respectively.
Ref US20210293498A1: Claims:
An upper receiver assembly comprising: an outer member comprising an upper rail; and an inner member comprising at least one of a pivot pin lug and a takedown pin lug, wherein the inner member is disposed at least partially inside the outer member.
an outer member comprising an upper rail; and
an inner member comprising at least one of a pivot pin lug and a takedown pin lug,
wherein the inner member is disposed at least partially inside the outer member.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 1 , wherein: the outer member comprises an ejection port; the inner member comprises an ejection port; and the ejection port of the inner member is at least partially aligned with the ejection port of the outer member.
the outer member comprises an ejection port;
the inner member comprises an ejection port; and
the ejection port of the inner member is at least partially aligned with the ejection port of the outer member.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer member comprises an opening for a charging handle.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer member is an extrusion.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer member comprises a polymer material.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer member comprises an aft portion and a forward portion.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 6 , wherein: the aft portion comprises an ejection port and an opening for a charging handle; the forward portion comprises an array of openings; and the upper rail is a single continuous member extending along both the aft portion and the forward portion.
the aft portion comprises an ejection port and an opening for a charging handle;
the forward portion comprises an array of openings; and
the upper rail is a single continuous member extending along both the aft portion and the forward portion.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 6 , wherein the outer member further comprises a transition portion located between the aft portion and the forward portion.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 8 , wherein the transition portion corresponds to the location of a barrel nut, which attaches a barrel to the inner member.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 1 , wherein the upper rail extends as a single continuous member from an opening for a charging handle to a forward end of the a handguard portion of the outer member.
An upper receiver assembly comprising: an outer member comprising an upper rail, an aft portion, and a forward portion; an inner member comprising an ejection port; and at least one of a pivot pin lug and a takedown pin lug, wherein the inner member is disposed at least partially inside the outer member.
an outer member comprising an upper rail, an aft portion, and a forward portion;
an inner member comprising an ejection port; and
at least one of a pivot pin lug and a takedown pin lug,
The upper receiver assembly of claim 11 , wherein the forward portion comprises a handguard.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 11 , wherein: the outer member comprises an ejection port; and the ejection port of the inner member is at least partially aligned with the ejection port of the outer member.
the outer member comprises an ejection port; and
The upper receiver assembly of claim 11 , wherein the outer member comprises an opening for a charging handle.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 11 , wherein the outer member is an extrusion.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 11 , wherein the outer member comprises a polymer material.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 11 , wherein: the aft portion comprises an ejection port and an opening for a charging handle; the forward portion comprises an array of openings; and the upper rail is a single continuous member extending along both the aft portion and the forward portion.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 11 , wherein the outer member further comprises a transition portion located between the aft portion and the forward portion.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 18 , wherein the transition portion corresponds to the location of a barrel nut, which attaches a barrel to the inner member.
The upper receiver assembly of claim 19 , further comprising fasteners that extend through the transition portion to attach the outer member to the barrel nut.
Ref US20210180904A1: Claims:
An apparatus comprising: a firearm barrel trunnion comprising: a rear portion shaped to couple to a receiver for a firearm; a front portion shaped to couple to a handguard for the firearm and to support the handguard without the handguard contacting other components of the firearm; and a bore formed within the trunnion, the bore shaped to receive a barrel for the firearm.
a firearm barrel trunnion comprising: a rear portion shaped to couple to a receiver for a firearm; a front portion shaped to couple to a handguard for the firearm and to support the handguard without the handguard contacting other components of the firearm; and a bore formed within the trunnion, the bore shaped to receive a barrel for the firearm.
a rear portion shaped to couple to a receiver for a firearm;
a front portion shaped to couple to a handguard for the firearm and to support the handguard without the handguard contacting other components of the firearm; and
a bore formed within the trunnion, the bore shaped to receive a barrel for the firearm.
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the front portion comprises a fluted exterior surface.
The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising the handguard, the handguard comprising an interior contact surface shaped to engage the fluted exterior surface of the front portion of the trunnion.
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the front portion comprises side openings for attaching the handguard via quick detach (QD) sling swivel sockets.
The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising the barrel and a barrel nut for securing the barrel in the bore, wherein: the barrel comprises a tapered shoulder portion; and the barrel nut comprises a tapered internal portion to engage with the tapered shoulder portion of the barrel, to align the barrel with the bore.
the barrel comprises a tapered shoulder portion; and
the barrel nut comprises a tapered internal portion to engage with the tapered shoulder portion of the barrel, to align the barrel with the bore.
The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the bore is internally threaded and the barrel nut is externally threaded to engage the bore.
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the firearm barrel trunnion further comprises a top portion integral to th
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