Patent Publication Number: US-7716865-B2

Title: Systems and methods for providing a hand guard and accessory mounting device for a firearm

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60/808,007, entitled “Systems and Methods for Providing a Hand Guard and Accessory Mounting Device for a Firearm”,” filed May 24, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates generally to the field of firearms, and more particularly, relates to systems and methods for providing a hand guard and accessory mounting device for a firearm. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Conventional hand guards for firearms are relatively simple and may adversely affect a user&#39;s accuracy when aiming or using the firearm. Conventional hand guards for firearms can protect the user from injuries related to firing the firearm, such as burn or scald injuries caused by relatively high temperatures generated, particularly along the firearm barrel, when using the firearm. Some hand guards can provide a user with an improved grip on the firearm. Although conventional hand guards can protect a user&#39;s hands from injury and may provide a gripping surface for a user of the firearm, the torque on the firearm caused by a user&#39;s grip on a conventional hand guard can adversely affect the aim and accuracy of the firearm. 
   One conventional hand guard for a firearm uses a special U-shaped yoke to engage an upper hand guard piece mounted adjacent to a barrel of a firearm. Multiple hand guard pieces can then be supported from the upper hand guard piece to provide protection for a user. Since the special U-shaped yoke can only engage a portion of the barrel nut, because of the U-shape design of the yoke itself, this design and configuration of components may not provide suitable support for the hand guard pieces which will be supported from the yoke and barrel nut combination. In these instances, this conventional hand guard may not suitably protect or aid a user of the firearm. 
   Therefore, a need exists for systems and methods for providing a hand guard and accessory attachment device for a firearm, for example, a rifle. 
   A further need exists for systems and methods for providing a firearm hand guard capable of mounting an accessory to the firearm. 
   Additionally, a further need exists for systems and methods for providing a firearm hand guard capable of storing spare parts to aid a user. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Various embodiments of the invention address some or all of the needs presented above and certain combinations thereof. Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for providing a hand guard and accessory mounting device for a firearm. Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for providing a hand guard and accessory attachment device for a firearm, for example, a rifle. Other embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for providing a firearm hand guard capable of mounting an accessory to the firearm. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for providing a firearm hand guard capable of storing spare parts to aid a user. Embodiments of the invention can provide a system and method for providing a hand guard and accessory mounting device for a firearm, such as a M-16, AR-15, AR-10, or M4-type rifle. Embodiments of the invention can provide a user, such as a tactical or skilled shooter, with a system and method for providing a hand guard and accessory mounting device for a firearm, which can improve a user&#39;s aim and accuracy of the firearm with the associated hand guard. 
   In one embodiment, a method for providing a hand guard and accessory mounting device for a firearm can be provided. The method can include positioning at least one bolt up plate with respect to a barrel associated with the firearm. The method can also include mounting at least one barrel nut to a portion of a barrel associated with a firearm, wherein the at least one bolt up plate is positioned between the barrel nut and the firearm. In addition, the method can include mounting at least one hand guard to a portion of the bolt up plate, wherein the at least one hand guard is substantially concentric with a portion of the barrel. Furthermore, the method can include mounting at least one mounting device to the at least one hand guard, wherein the at least one hand guard is substantially concentric with a portion of the barrel when a firearm accessory is mounted to the at least one mounting device. 
   In one aspect of this embodiment, the barrel nut can include a series of threads corresponding to threads associated with a portion of the firearm. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the bolt up plate can include a ring-shaped plate with multiple bolt holes. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the hand guard can include a cylindrically-shaped component with a barrel receiving end capable of mounting to the bolt up plate. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the mounting device can include a rail-shaped component capable of pivoting with respect to the hand guard. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the hand guard is adapted to free float with respect to the barrel associated with the firearm when at least one firearm accessory is mounted to the at least one mounting device. 
   In another embodiment, a system for providing a hand guard and accessory mounting device for a firearm can be provided. The system can include at least one barrel nut adapted to mount to a portion of a barrel associated with a firearm. In addition, the system can include at least one bolt up plate adapted to mount between the at least one barrel nut and a portion of the firearm. Furthermore, the system can include at least one hand guard adapted to mount to a portion of the bolt up plate, wherein the at least one hand guard is substantially concentric with a portion of the barrel. Moreover, the system can include at least one mounting device adapted to mount to the at least one hand guard, wherein the mounting device is further adapted to receive at least one firearm accessory. 
   In one aspect of this embodiment, the barrel nut can include a series of threads corresponding to threads associated with a portion of the firearm. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, bolt up plate can include a ring-shaped plate with multiple bolt holes. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the hand guard can include a cylindrically-shaped component with a barrel receiving end capable of mounting to the bolt up plate. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the mounting device can include a rail-shaped component capable of pivoting with respect to the hand guard. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the hand guard is adapted to free float with respect to the barrel associated with the firearm when at least one firearm accessory is mounted to the at least one mounting device. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the at least one mounting device can mount to the at least one hand guard via a plurality of quick disconnect thumb screws. 
   In another embodiment, an apparatus for a firearm can be provided. The apparatus can include at least one barrel nut adapted to mount to a portion of a barrel associated with a firearm. The apparatus can also include at least one bolt up plate adapted to mount between the at least one barrel nut and a portion of the firearm. Furthermore, the apparatus can include a hand guard adapted to mount to a portion of the bolt up plate, wherein the at least one hand guard is substantially concentric with a portion of the barrel. 
   In one aspect of this embodiment, the barrel nut can include a series of threads corresponding to threads associated with a portion of the firearm. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the bolt up plate can include a ring-shaped plate with multiple bolt holes. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the hand guard can include a cylindrically-shaped component with a barrel receiving end capable of mounting to the bolt up plate. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the at least one mounting device can be adapted to mount to the at least one hand guard, wherein the mounting device is further adapted to receive at least one firearm accessory. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the mounting device can include a rail-shaped component capable of pivoting with respect to the hand guard. 
   In another aspect of this embodiment, the hand guard is adapted to free float with respect to the barrel associated with the firearm when at least one firearm accessory is mounted to the at least one mounting device 
   Other embodiments and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective assembly view of an example system and apparatus for providing a hand guard for a firearm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded, perspective view of the example system an apparatus embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , and apart from the barrel of a firearm. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of example hangers, such as a M203-type hanger, for a firearm in an extended or deployed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is another perspective view of example hangers, such as a M203-type hanger, for a firearm in a position between extended or deployed and a closed or stored position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 5  is another perspective view of example hangers, such as a M203-type hanger, for a firearm in a closed or stored position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate respective assembled and disassembled views of an example hand guard and accessory mounting device for a firearm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an assembled system  100  for providing a hand guard and accessory mounting device for a firearm.  FIG. 2  is an exploded, perspective disassembled view of the system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the system  100  can include a hand guard  102  with an upper rail assembly  104  or hand guard piece, a lower rail assembly  106  or accessory mounting device, a series of bolt up screws  108 , a bolt up plate  110  or adaptor, and a barrel nut  112 . As described in greater detail below, the upper rail assembly  104  or hand guard piece can mount over a portion of a firearm  200 , such as an associated barrel  202  of the firearm  200 . Example firearms which can be implemented with embodiments of the invention can be, but are not limited to, M-16, AR-15, AR-10 and M-4 type rifles. The lower rail assembly  106  or accessory mounting device can mount to the upper rail assembly  104  adjacent to a lower portion of the barrel  202 . Various embodiments of the invention can incorporate at least one mounting component that can permit a hand guard to circumferentially or concentrically mount around some or all of a portion of the barrel of a firearm. 
   In the example shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a system  100  can include a hand guard  102  with an upper rail assembly  104  or a hand guard piece, and a lower rail assembly  106  or an accessory mounting device. The upper rail assembly  104  or hand guard piece is, for example, a cylindrically-shaped piece with a barrel receiving end  104   a . The central portion of the upper rail assembly  104  is relatively open and hollow to circumferentially or concentrically fit around some or all of the barrel  202  of an associated firearm  200 . The barrel receiving end  104   a  can be configured to mount to a portion of a firearm  200 . Other embodiments of an upper rail assembly or hand guard piece can have alternative configurations, such as a two or more intersecting pieces, in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. 
   The lower rail assembly  106  or accessory mounting device is, for example, a rail shaped piece capable of mounting to a portion of the upper rail assembly  104  or hand guard piece. The lower rail assembly  106  is described in greater detail below. Other embodiments of a lower rail assembly or accessory mounting device can have alternative configurations in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. 
   The bolt up screws  108 , bolt up plate  110  or adapter, and barrel nut  112  can be utilized to mount the barrel receiving end  104   a  of the upper rail assembly  104  to a portion of the firearm  200 . In the example shown, the firearm  200  can include a barrel  202  with threads  204  corresponding with threads associated with the barrel nut  112 . The bolt up plate  110  can mount over a portion of the barrel  202  to engage the corresponding threads  204 , and the barrel nut  112  can be rotably mounted to the threads  204  of the firearm  200 . In this configuration, the bolt up plate  110  can be aligned to receive the upper rail assembly  104  or hand guard piece. 
   When the upper rail assembly  104  is aligned to receive the barrel  202  of the firearm  200 , a series of bolt up screws  108  or other mounting devices can be inserted through corresponding bolt holes of the bolt up plate  110 , and into additional bolt holes in the barrel receiving end  104   a  of the upper rail assembly  104  or hand guard piece. When tightened or otherwise locked, the bolt up screws  108  or other mounting devices can secure the upper rail assembly  104  to the bolt up plate  110 . In one embodiment, the barrel nut  112  can be positioned partially between the upper rail assembly  104  and the bolt up plate  110  when the bolt up screws  108  or other mounting devices are secured to the bolt up plate  110 . In this manner, the upper rail assembly  104  can be mounted to the firearm  200  via the bolt up plate  110 , and the upper rail assembly  104  can provide suitable protection and aid for a user of the firearm. 
   Embodiments of a hand guard for a firearm can permit the hand guard to “free float” with respect to a barrel of a firearm. In the manner described above, the system  100  allows the hand guard  102  to “free float” with respect to the barrel  202  of the firearm  200 . The term “free float” is defined herein as meaning the barrel of a firearm is concentrically aligned within a hollow or partially hollow member (such as a hand guard or upper rail assembly) such that a relatively close space or clearance between the exterior surface of the barrel and interior surface of the hollow member exists along some or all of the barrel around which the hollow member is positioned. When the barrel, such as  202 , of the firearm, such as  200 , is able to free float with respect to the hand guard, such as  102 , some or all movement from a user of the firearm  200 , such as the torque on the firearm  200  caused by a user&#39;s grip on the hand guard  104 , can have a relatively less detrimental effect on the user&#39;s aim and accuracy of the firearm  200 . 
   In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , various rail-type assemblies and/or rail-mounted accessories, such as a lower rail assembly  106  or an accessory mounting device, can be mounted to a hand guard  102 , or upper rail assembly  104  mounted to the hand guard  102 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In these embodiments, the barrel  202  of the firearm  200  can still free float with respect to the hand guard  102 . In one example, a firearm accessory, such as a M203 Grenade Launcher, can be mounted to the upper rail assembly  104  and the barrel  202  of the firearm  200  can still free float with respect to the hand guard  102 . Likewise, one or more suitable rail-mounted firearm accessories can be mounted to a lower rail assembly  106  or assembly mounting device shown in  FIG. 2 , and the barrel  202  of the firearm  200  can still free float with respect to the hand guard  102 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
   The lower rail assembly  106  or accessory mounting device is generally rail shaped and can include a series of mounting holes or other devices along the length of the assembly  106 . The lower rail assembly  106  is capable of mounting to a portion of the upper rail assembly  104  or hand guard piece. As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5 , various mounting-type devices, such as hangers  114  or M203-type hangers, can mount to a lower portion of the upper rail assembly  104  via a series of hanger screws  116  or similar devices. Each of the hanger screws  116  can be inserted into corresponding holes in the hangers  114  and can also be mounted with an associated washer  118 , such as a nylon-type washer, on an opposing side of the hangers  114 . Once the hangers  114  are mounted to the upper rail assembly  104 , a firearm accessory such as a M-203-type grenade launcher, for example, can mount to a portion of the extended hangers  114  or a portion of another firearm accessory mounting device. In this manner, a firearm accessory such as a M203-type grenade launcher, can extend from the upper rail assembly  104  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , or from another accessory mounting device. 
   In one embodiment, a series of quick disconnect (QD)-type thumbscrews  120  or other screws or fastening devices can be inserted into a series of corresponding holes in the lateral sides of the upper rail assembly  104  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . When in use, the lower rail assembly  106  can mount adjacent to the upper rail assembly  104  and the QD thumbscrews  120  or other screws or fastening devices can retain the position of the lower rail assembly  106  adjacent to the upper rail assembly  104  to maintain the lower rail assembly  106  in a position substantially parallel with and in close proximity to the upper rail assembly  104 . 
   In the event the QD thumbscrews  120  or other screws or fastening devices become dislodged or lost, the upper rail assembly  104  can include spare screws or other fastening devices to be substituted for any missing QD thumbscrews  120 . These spare screws or other fastening devices can be stored in an associated storage area, compartment, or other indentation within the upper rail assembly  104 . 
   Some or all aspects of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-5  can be provided by a “AR15 Lite Rail,” “AR10 Lite Rail,” as well as a “Rail Interface System (RIS) II,” available from Daniel Defense, Inc. of Savannah, Ga. Suitable materials used for the upper rail assembly  104  and lower rail assembly  106  can be, but is not limited to, metals and/or composites. Other materials can be used in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. 
   While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of the disclosed embodiments. One skilled in the art will recognize other configurations, shapes, and designs for a system can exist in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the concepts thereof. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications that are within the scope of the invention.