Patent Publication Number: US-11656058-B2

Title: Free-floating rifle rail and barrel locking system(s)/assemblies

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of rifles, and more particularly, to free-floating, quick release rifle rail and barrel locking systems/assemblies that are easily attached to and detached from the main body of a rifle (e.g., assault rifle main bodies) without tools. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Shooting enthusiasts have many commercially-available options to configure their AR-15 rifle(s), AR-10 rifle(s), and/or variants thereof for personal taste and/or shooting styles. These include, but are not limited to, optical scopes, laser sights, lights, tripods, barrel lengths and calibers. These options and accessories are available with standard attachment interfaces, including KeyMod and M-Lok. Commercially-available rail systems typically have one or both interfaces that are securely attached to the rifle but are not easily removed without specialized tools and expertise along with a lengthy time period for doing so. Although the shooting enthusiast may desire the quick and interchangeable use of one of more of the above-mentioned accessories on their rifle, the shooting enthusiast may not have the time, tools, and/or expertise to accomplish this skilled task, which is often very problematic to the enthusiast lacking one or more of the above-mentioned attributes. 
     SUMMARY 
     Thus, a need exists to provide the shooting enthusiast with an alternative that overcomes the above-mentioned problems. Thus, specifically disclosed is a free-floating, quick release rifle rail and barrel locking system(s) (also referred to as “quick release assembly” and/or “rail assembly” and/or “barrel assembly”) that are detachable from the main body of a rifle (also referred to as “rifle assembly” or “assault rifle assembly”) without tools. Attachment and detachment of these assemblies to the rifle main body are quite easy and can often be accomplished in less than, for example, 10 minutes or even 5 minutes without any additional tools. The disclosed systems/assemblies use a hand-activated lever/latch system to easily remove both rail and barrel assemblies from the main body of a rifle. This eliminates the necessity for specialized tools and complex disassembly of the AR-15 rifle system, AR-10 rifle system, and/or variants thereof to change or add KeyMod/M-Lok accessories or complete rail systems. Thus, the disclosed systems/assemblies provide simplicity and allow the user to quickly change barrel(s) as desired. 
     In certain aspects disclosed is a quick release assembly configured for attachment to an rifle assembly (assault rifle assembly), the quick release assembly comprising: (a) a rail assembly including: (i) a sleeve configured to directly attach to the rifle assembly (assault rifle assembly); (ii) an elongate rail mount having a first end and second end that are spaced apart from one another and a first and second securing levers positioned on opposite sides of an outer surface of the elongate rail mount, wherein: the first end of the elongate rail mount securely receives the sleeve of the rail assembly therein, and the spaced apart second end of the elongate rail mount and first and second securing levers are configured to securely mate within a rail of the rail assembly; and (iii) a rail having a first end and second end that are spaced apart from one another, wherein: the first end of the rail is configured to receive and securely mate with the second end of the elongate rail mount to axially align the sleeve, elongate rail mount, and rail along the longitudinal axis of the rail assembly, the first end of the rail further includes slots positioned on opposite sides of the rail that are configured to receive the securing levers of the elongate rail mount therein to securely engage and disengage the elongate rail mount to the rail, and the second end of the rail is configured to receive the barrel assembly therein; and (b) the barrel assembly including a barrel having a first end and a second end that are spaced apart from one another, wherein: a portion of the barrel assembly is configured to advance through the rail of the rail assembly and is securely received within the second end of the elongate rail mount such that the barrel assembly and rail assembly are axially aligned to form an internal channel in fluid communication with the rifle assembly (assault rifle assembly). 
     In certain aspects, the elongate rail mount and rail comprises apertures on each respective first end that are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rail and barrel assemblies (when assembled). 
     In certain aspects, the apertures on each respective first end of the elongate rail mount and rail are configured to align with one another when the quick release assembly is assembled. 
     In certain aspects, the first end of the elongate rail mount and rail are configured to fasten to one another by advancing a fastener within the aligned apertures on each respective first end of the elongate rail mount and rail. 
     In certain aspects, the barrel assembly is secured within the elongate rail mount and rail by the fastener positioned within the aligned apertures of each respective first end of the elongate rail mount and rail. 
     In certain aspects, the fastener and apertures on each respective first end of the elongate rail mount and rail are configured for a threaded engagement or snap fit engagement. In certain aspects, the fastener is a screw having a threaded outer diameter that engages the threaded apertures (inner diameter of each aperture) positioned on the first end of the elongate rail mount and the first end of the rail. 
     In certain aspects, the slots positioned on the first end of the rail further comprise an internal compartment configured to securely receive an end of the first and second securing levers therein when the quick release assembly is assembled to securely mate each respective securing lever internally within and to the rail. In certain aspects, the slots have two opposing ends with one end being more proximate to the sleeve of the rail assembly (and the rifle assembly) and one end of the slot being more proximate to an end of the barrel (that is the end of the fully assembled rifle), and in this aspect, the internal compartments of the rail being on an end of the slots 
     In certain aspects, the each lever is biased in a direction towards exterior of the rail to securely maintain position of the levers within the internal compartments of the rail when quick release assembly is assembled (as well as securely maintain engagement between the rail mount and rail). 
     In certain aspects, the first and second securing levers are recessed and in parallel planes with an outer surface of the rail when in an engaged state. 
     In certain aspects, the first and second securing levers is perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the rail assembly when in a disengaged state. 
     In certain aspects, the rail assembly, barrel assembly, or a combination thereof are detachable from the rifle assembly (assault rifle assembly) without the use of any additional tools. 
     In certain aspects and also disclosed is a rail assembly for use in a quick release attachment to an rifle assembly (assault rifle assembly), the rail assembly comprising: (i) a sleeve configured to directly attach to the rifle assembly (assault rifle assembly); (ii) an elongate rail mount having a first end and second end that are spaced apart from one another and a first and second securing levers positioned on opposite sides of an outer surface of the elongate rail mount, wherein: the first end of the elongate rail mount securely receives the sleeve of the rail assembly therein, and the spaced apart second end of the elongate rail mount an first and second securing levers are configured to securely mate within a rail of the rail assembly; and (iii) a rail having a first end and second end that are spaced apart from one another, wherein: the first end of the rail is configured to receive and securely mate with the second end of the elongate rail mount to axially align the sleeve, elongate rail mount, and rail along the longitudinal axis of the rail assembly, the first end of the rail further includes slots positioned on opposite sides of the rail that are configured to receive the securing levers of the elongate rail mount therein to securely engage and disengage the elongate rail mount to the rail, and the second end of the rail is configured to receive the barrel assembly therein. 
     In certain aspects, the elongate rail mount and rail comprises apertures on each respective first end that are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rail and barrel assemblies (when assembled). 
     In certain aspects, the apertures on each respective first end of the elongate rail mount and rail are configured to align with one another when the rail assembly is assembled. 
     In certain aspects, the first end of the elongate rail mount and rail are configured to fasten to one another by advancing a fastener within the aligned apertures on each respective first end of the elongate rail mount and rail. In certain aspects, the fastener is a screw having a threaded outer diameter that engages the threaded apertures (inner diameter of each aperture) positioned on the first end of the elongate rail mount and the first end of the rail. 
     In certain aspects, the rail assembly is configured to secure a barrel assembly within the elongate rail mount and rail by the fastener positioned within the aligned apertures of each respective first end of the elongate rail mount and rail. 
     In certain aspects, the fastener and apertures on each respective first end of the elongate rail mount and rail are configured for a threaded engagement or snap fit engagement. 
     In certain aspects, the slots positioned on the first end of the rail further comprise an internal compartment configured to securely receive an end of the first and second securing levers therein when the rail assembly is assembled to securely mate each respective securing lever of the elongate rail mount internally within and to the rail. 
     In certain aspects, each lever is biased in a direction towards exterior of the rail to securely maintain position of the levers within the internal compartments of the rail when the rail assembly is assembled. 
     Embodiments of the invention can include one or more or any combination of the above features and configurations. 
     Additional features, aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present various embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is an Isometric view of the rail and barrel assemblies; 
         FIG.  2    is a Front view of the rail and barrel assemblies; 
         FIG.  3    is a Left Section View of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a magnified Detail View of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a Top Section View of  FIG.  3    further depicting the rail and barrel assemblies; 
         FIG.  6    is a magnified Detail View of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a Section View of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a Front view of the rail and barrel assemblies; 
         FIG.  9    is a Section view of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a magnified Detail view of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is an Exploded isometric view of the rail and barrel assemblies; 
         FIG.  12    is another Exploded isometric view of the rail and barrel assemblies; 
         FIG.  13    is another Isometric view of the rail and barrel assemblies; 
         FIG.  14    is a magnified Detail view of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a Top view of the rail and barrel assemblies; 
         FIG.  16    is a Side view of the rail and barrel assemblies; 
         FIG.  17    is a Bottom view of the rail and barrel assemblies; 
         FIG.  18    is a Front view of the rail and barrel assemblies; 
         FIG.  19    is a Rear view of the rail and barrel assemblies; and 
         FIG.  20    is an Isometric view of the rifle assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings. 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  8 ,  9 ,  12 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18  and  19   , the rail assembly  1  and barrel assembly  2  are an integral part of the AR-15/10 rifle assembly  3 . Rail assembly  1  and barrel assembly  2  are detachable from the main AR-15/10 rifle assembly  3  by means of three attachment points as described herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12   , rail assembly  1  includes the rail  4  and accessory mount  39 . The accessory mount  39  is designed to accept commercially available accessories for the AR-15/10 rifle. The accessory mount  39  is attached to rail  4  by means of a plurality of rail stud projections  35  nesting in a rail groove  34  on each side of accessory mount  39 . Rail  4  includes a plurality of M-lock slots  38 . In this embodiment, slots are designed to accept M-lock type commercially available accessories. In other embodiments, the slot configuration can be changed to accept KeyMod or other types of commercially available accessories. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  8     9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 , and  20 , rail mount  5  is attached to the AR-15/10 rifle assembly  3  by means of interface nut  6  connected onto receiver threaded barrel mount  14  on upper receiver  18 . Rail mount  5  is slid onto and attached to interface nut  6  by a polarity of rail mount set screws  32  tightened into the interface nut notch  13 . Referring to  FIGS.  13  and  14   , receiver set screws  33  on rail mount  5 , aligns rail mount  5  by contacting the surface on each side of the upper receiver  21 . This becomes the attachment point for rail assembly  1  and barrel assembly  2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  11 ,  12 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18   , rail mount  5  is permanently secured to the AR-15/10 rifle assembly  3 . Rail  4  is slid onto and tightly positioned onto rail mount  5  by the interior surfaces of rail  4  contacting the rear mating surfaces  40  and front mating surfaces  37  on rail mount  5 . The rail  4  is also positioned by a plurality of raised mounting projections  36  contacting the front mating surface  37  on rail mount  5 . The interface of the mounting projections  36  on rail  4  and the front mating surfaces  37  on rail mount  5  cause a slight distortion of the manufactured shape of rail mount  4 , thereby ensuring a tight fit to rail mount  5 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  11 ,  12 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19  and  20   , the barrel assembly  2  is comprised of the barrel  30 , barrel extension  19  and other features required for operation of the gun. To fully install the barrel into the AR-15/10 rifle assembly  3 , the barrel assembly  2  is slid through rail assembly  1  and rail mount  5  until barrel extension  19  is fully engaged in the barrel extension receiver  23 , an integral feature of the upper receiver  18 . The barrel assembly  2  is secured to the AR-15/10 rifle assembly  3  by two lever assemblies  44 . Each lever assembly is comprised of a pressure lock lever  7 , barrel lock lever  27  and barrel lock adjustment screw  31 . A pressure lock lever slide  28 , an integral part of pressure lock lever  7 , slides and is captured into barrel lever aperture  21 , an integral part of barrel lock lever  27  and is locked together by barrel lock adjustment screw  31 . Pressure lock lever  7  is affixed and freely rotatable by lever pin  8 , secured in lever pin aperture  20 , a feature of rail mount  5 . Rail mount  5  translates pressure to hold the barrel assembly  2  tight and secure to the upper receiver  18 , through lever pin  8 , pressure lock lever  7 , adjustment screw  31 , and barrel lock lever  27 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , as the lever assemblies  44  are rotated to the fully closed position through barrel lever rail aperture  42  in rail  4 , the retainer pawl  24 , an integral part of barrel lock lever  27 , contacts the barrel extension face  22 , an integral part of barrel extension  19 , to secure the barrel assembly  2  to the AR-15/10 rifle assembly  3 . To insure a tight fit of the barrel assembly  2 , within the tolerance range of the multitude of components, the barrel lock adjustment screw  31  allows adjustment of the distance between the retainer pawl  24 , relative to the lever pin aperture  20  on rail mount  5  and the barrel extension face  22 , on barrel extension  19 . 
     The lever assemblies  44  are held secure in the closed and locked position by the rail overlap edge  29  on rail  4  as rail assembly  1  is slid back to the normal fully installed position held by rail retainer screw  12 . Rail retainer screw  12  aligns and fixes rail  4  in the exact fully installed position by the rail retaining screw taper  11 , an integral part of rail retainer screw  12 , self-aligning and centering in the rail screw mounting aperture  17  on rail  4 . This secures rail assembly  1  to rail mount  5  and therefore to AR-15/10 rifle assembly  3 . 
     Loosening rail retainer screw  12  allows rail  4  to move, in direction  41 , to a position where rail overlap edge  29  is clear of any interference with lever assemblies  44 , thereby allowing lever assemblies  44  to swing to an outward open position. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , as the lever assemblies  44  are rotated to the fully open position, the retainer pawl  24  allows the barrel assembly  2  to be removed from the AR-15/10 rifle assembly  3  in direction  41 . After removal, the lever assemblies  44  can be rotated back to a closed position through barrel lever rail aperture  42  in rail  4 . Rail assembly  1  can then be removed in direction  41 . 
     The foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention by way of example only. It is envisioned that other embodiments may perform similar functions and/or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
           1  rail system     2  barrel assembly     3  AR-15/10 rifle assembly     4  Rail     5  rail mount     6  interface nut     7  pressure lock lever     8  lever pin     9  Not Used     10  Not Used     11  rail retaining screw taper     12  rail retainer screw     13  interface nut notch     14  receiver threaded barrel mount     15  Not Used     16  Not Used     17  rail screw mounting aperture     18  upper receiver     19  barrel extension     20  lever pin aperture     21  barrel lock lever aperture     22  barrel extension face     23  barrel extension receiver     24  Not Used     25  Not Used     26  Not Used     27  barrel lock lever     28  pressure lock lever slide     29  rail overlap edge     30  Barrel     31  barrel lock adjustment screw     32  rail mount set screw     33  receiver set screw     34  accessory mount groove     35  rail stud projection     36  mounting projection     37  front mating surface     38  M-lock slots     39  accessory mount     40  rear mating surface     41  Direction     42  barrel lever rail aperture     43  Not Used     44  lever assembly