Abstract:
The present invention is a charging handle for an automatic, bolt actuated rifle. The handle features a ratcheting retraction assist and blowback diversion structures.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The field of the present invention is an automatic rifle and more particularly relates to a charging handle for the same. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The use of bolt operated automatic and semi-automatic rifles is widespread and in all military and law-enforcement environments. Under normal operating conditions, a user can manually retract the bolt carrier group of such rifles by pulling back on the charging handle in order to load the rifle or to clear stoppages. However, certain malfunctions require the user to retract the bolt carrier group with additional force beyond what is necessary for normal operation. Unfortunately, there are neither any features integral to the M16 system nor are there any aftermarket solutions that allow for additional mechanical advantage to be applied in such circumstances. Standard techniques for clearing such a malfunction require the user to remove the rifle from the shoulder and strike the butt of the rifle against a firm surface while simultaneously hitting, unlocking and retracting the charging handle. This technique requires physical dexterity and greatly reduces the tactical awareness of the user. 
         [0003]    Additionally, the use of sound suppression devices was apparently not heavily considered during the development of the M16 system. These devices increase the duration of the pressure spike of combustion gasses and often times force excess gas around the charging handle and directly into the face of the user. There is currently an aftermarket replacement part (the GAS BUSTER by Precision Reflex Inc.) that mitigates this problem for a right-handed user. However, this design does not allow for additional mechanical leverage and directs some gas through the right-hand side of the rifle towards a left-handed operator&#39;s eyes and face. 
         [0004]    Finally, there are reports of the charging handle failing under extreme usage. Although the exact nature of these failures is not specified, it is most likely that these failures occur when the charging handle is in the extended position and then subjected to excessive lateral or upward forces. This could bend the charging handle enough to prevent the bolt carrier group from closing. In this scenario, the rifle becomes completely inoperable until the charging handle can be removed, replaced or possibly bent back into place (which may cause a full breakage). In this case, it is possible for the rifle to function without a charging handle but the rifle&#39;s usability and operational abilities become extremely hindered. 
         [0005]    What is required, therefore, is a new replacement assembly or assemblies that will integrate mechanical advantage bolt retraction and gas-blowback diversion to the M16 Rifle Series. Additionally, the new assembly should seamlessly integrate into the M16/M4 platform, function ergonomically and safely, be unobtrusive, not impair the user in any way and operate in all military and law-enforcement environments. Specifically, such a replacement assembly should be able to increase the speed and ease of clearing jams such as a stuck case, stuck bolt, live round double-feed, empty case double-feed (i.e. ejection failure), certain failures to extract, and even case head separation, possibly with the assistance of a broken shell removal device in this later scenario. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known charging handles, this invention provides an improved charging handle providing both mechanical advantage and gas diversion structures. As such, the present invention&#39;s general purpose is to provide a new and improved charging handle that will be easily actuated, provide greater leverage and force for the removal of jams within the weapon and divert gas blowback away from the face of a user. 
         [0007]    To accomplish these purposes, the charging handle according to the present invention provides two gas diversion sections built within the very structure of the handle, one at a forward end and one toward a distal end, near the user&#39;s face. The structures are designed to generate turbulence in the gas flow and prevent blow back into a user&#39;s face. Secondarily, the handle also provides a leveraged latching handle that ratchets the charging handle through a primary retraction zone in the weapon and also provides a primary appendage for use in retracting the handle through a secondary retraction zone. The handle should also be mage stronger, to withstand both lateral and upward sheer forces when extended and help prevent bending and disfigurement of the handle while in this exposed stage. 
         [0008]    The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow. 
         [0009]    Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views. 
         [0010]    Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0011]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the prior art. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3   a - 3   e  are successive top plan views of the invention being retracted from a rifle receiver. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0015]    With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the enhanced charging handle is herein described. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an” and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0016]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2  the charging handle  10  is initially comprised of a shaft  12  with a connection means (not shown) at one end and a backstop  14  at the other. The connection means is the interface with the bolt carrier group within the rifle, while the backstop  14  is the portion viewable outside the rifle. Shaft  12  is ideally hemispherically hollowed on the underside, with gas diversion means located underneath housing  22 . Turbulence induction grooves  20 ,  24  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) are proximate backstop  14  and assist in diverting gas generated from firing the rifle. Attached to backstop  14  is lever  17 , which is, in turn connected to pivot handle  16  and latch  18 . 
         [0017]    As shown In  FIGS. 3   a - 3   d , the handle  10  is installed within the upper receiver  19 , with backstop  14  located over buffer tube/butt stock combination. Pivot handle  16  is then parallel with the upper receiver  19 . Pivot handle  16  is drawn backwards to a point where it is perpendicular with upper receiver  19 , which likewise draws lever  17  (hidden), and the attached shaft  12 , away from the upper receiver  19 . This levering provides the mechanical assist to more efficiently clear jams in the weapon. Simultaneously, lever  17  draws latch  18  away from the upper receiver, where it maintained further contact necessary to secure the handle  10  to the weapon. The additional drawing of latch  18 , frees the handle  10  for lateral movement, with the attached bolt carrier group, within the upper receiver  19 . At this point pivot handle  16  serves as an additional appendage to ergonomically draw the handle  10  back. 
         [0018]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.