Patent Publication Number: US-9897406-B2

Title: Upgrade kit for assault rifle

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to firearms. More particularly, the present invention relates to kits and methods for upgrading assault rifles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An assault rifle is a selective-firearm, meaning that the user can select between semi-automatic and automatic firing modes. The assault rifle usually has firearm cartridges with a detachable magazine. Assault rifles were first used during World War II and, by the end of the 20th century, had become the standard service rifle for most of the world&#39;s armies. 
     Until today, different types of assault rifles have been produced over the years. However, the majority of users still prefer the “old” reliable rifles withstanding the test of time, such as the AK-47 (from 1947, manufactured by “Kalashnikov Concern”) and the M16 (from 1957, manufactured by “Colt&#39;s Manufacturing Company”) rifles. These firearms are designed for, and were proven to operate in, extreme harsh conditions and have therefore become so popular. 
     As the security challenges of the 21st century differ from the challenges of the 20th century, alongside with the vast technological developments, these “old” rifles are required to operate in rather new situations and conditions. For instance, some armies are interested in usage of reliable firearms, such as the AK-47, as well as using new technology such as infrared sights or grenade launcher assemblies. 
     Therefore, a need arises for a way to modify (or upgrade) the old existing assault rifles so as to create a new firearm that combines the long-tested reliability of the “old” weapon with steady combat operation including enhanced capabilities. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an upgrade kit for an assault rifle, the rifle comprising a rear trunnion and a barrel positioned along a longitudinal axis of the rifle is provided, the kit comprising: a mounting rail assembly, comprising a mounting platform that is configured to couple with rifle attachments, whereby the mounting rail assembly is adapted to provide steady and tight attachment to the barrel, an ambidextrous charging handle assembly adapted to be installed on the right or the left side of the rifle, at substantially the same location along the longitudinal axis, the charging handle assembly comprising: a modified bolt carrier having a perforation, and a press-fit pin, an installation rod having a first gap, and the installation rod corresponding in shape to the perforation in the bolt carrier, a charging handle configured to be gripped by a user, and an intermediate section having a second gap, and connected to the installation rod and to the charging handle, wherein the press-fit pin corresponds in shape to the first and second gaps, and wherein the press-fit pin is configured to removably connect the handle body to the bolt carrier. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting rail assembly further comprises a rear latch, configured to removably connect to the rear trunnion. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upgrade kit further comprises a locking latch, configured to be gripped by the user, wherein in a locked state the locking latch locks the mounting rail assembly to the rifle, and wherein operation of the locking latch removes the mounting rail assembly from the rifle. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the locking latch from an open state to a locked state, snaps the locking latch onto at least one locking element, and aligns the locking latch with the barrel. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting rail is a Picattiny rail. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upgrade kit further comprises a handguard cover. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handguard cover comprises a bottom mounting platform that is configured to couple with rifle attachments. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upgrade kit further comprises a V-shaped attachment configured to align additional components onto the rifle, wherein the V-shaped attachment is further configured to allow contact with the barrel. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the V-shaped attachment further comprises at least one V-shaped notch that is configured to tightly couple with a compatible portion of the top mounting rail assembly, and wherein the V-shaped notch is further configured to align the mounting rail assembly with the barrel along the longitudinal axis. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for assembling a mounting rail assembly onto an assault rifle coupled with a locking latch, the rifle comprising a rear trunnion and a barrel positioned along a longitudinal axis of the rifle is provided, the method comprising providing a mounting rail assembly comprising a mounting platform that is configured to couple with rifle attachments, and a rear latch that is configured to removably connect to the rear trunnion, positioning the mounting rail assembly onto the barrel, along the longitudinal axis, such that the rear latch faces the rear trunnion, pushing the mounting rail assembly along the longitudinal axis, until the rear latch engages the rear trunnion and couples thereon, and moving the locking latch so as to snap at least one locking element of the rifle. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises moving the locking latch so as to snap off at least one locking element of the rifle, pushing the mounting rail assembly along the longitudinal axis, until the rear latch disengages the rear trunnion, and removing the mounting rail assembly from the rifle. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a modified assault rifle is provided, comprising a barrel, positioned along a longitudinal axis of the rifle, a rear trunnion, a mounting rail assembly, comprising a mounting platform that is configured to couple with rifle attachments, whereby the mounting rail assembly is adapted to provide steady and tight attachment to the barrel, an ambidextrous charging handle assembly adapted to be installed on the right or the left side of the rifle, at substantially the same location along the longitudinal axis, the charging handle assembly comprising a modified bolt carrier having a perforation, and a press-fit pin; an installation rod having a first gap, and the installation rod corresponding in shape to the perforation in the bolt carrier, a charging handle configured to be gripped by a user; and an intermediate section having a second gap, and connected to the installation rod and to the charging handle, wherein the press-fit pin corresponds in shape to the first and second gaps, and wherein the press-fit pin is configured to removably connect the handle body to the bolt carrier. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting rail assembly further comprises a rear latch, configured to removably connect to the rear trunnion. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modified assault rifle further comprises a locking latch, configured to be gripped by the user, wherein in a locked state the locking latch locks the mounting rail assembly to the rifle, and wherein operation of the locking latch removes the mounting rail assembly from the rifle. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the locking latch from an open state to a locked state, snaps the locking latch onto at least one locking element, and aligns the locking latch with the barrel. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting rail is a Picattiny rail. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modified assault rifle further comprises comprising a handguard cover. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handguard cover comprises a bottom mounting platform that is configured to couple with rifle attachments. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modified assault rifle further comprises a V-shaped attachment configured to align additional components onto the rifle, wherein the V-shaped attachment is further configured to allow contact with the barrel. 
     Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the V-shaped attachment further comprises at least one V-shaped notch that is configured to tightly couple with a compatible portion of the top mounting rail assembly, and wherein the V-shaped notch is further configured to align the mounting rail assembly with the barrel along the longitudinal axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a modified assault rifle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a commercially available bolt carrier coupled to a bolt; 
         FIG. 2B  schematically illustrates a perspective left side view of a modified bolt carrier coupled to a bolt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2C  schematically illustrates a perspective right side view of the modified bolt carrier coupled to a bolt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a modified charging handle assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  schematically illustrates a perspective left side view of the modified bolt carrier coupled to the bolt and to the modified charging handle assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3C  schematically illustrates a perspective right side view of the modified bolt carrier coupled to the bolt and to the modified charging handle assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  schematically illustrates a partial top view of the modified charging handle assembly coupled to the rifle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the modified charging handle assembly coupled to the rifle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the modified rifle prior to engagement with a top mounting rail assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a V-shaped attachment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5C  schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the modified rifle during engagement with the top mounting rail assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5D  schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the top mounting rail assembly assembled onto the rifle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5E  schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the top mounting rail assembly assembled onto the modified rifle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5F  schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the top mounting rail assembly assembled onto the modified rifle and locked with a locking latch, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5G  schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the top mounting rail assembly assembled onto the modified rifle and locked with a locking latch, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the top mounting rail assembly assembled onto the modified rifle in an open state, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6B  schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the top mounting rail assembly assembled onto the modified rifle in a closed state, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7A  schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the bottom handguard assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 7B  schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the bottom handguard assembly with a frontal attachment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1 , which schematically illustrates a perspective view of a modified assault rifle, generally designated  100 , according to some embodiments of the invention. The modified assault rifle  100  may be created by assembling a dedicated upgrade kit onto an existing rifle so as to provide enhanced features for that rifle. 
     Alternatively, in some non-limiting embodiments, the modified assault rifle  100  may be provided as a complete unit (such that there is no need to assemble a kit onto the rifle), as further described hereinafter. 
     The basic assault rifle (prior to modifications) usually comprises a barrel  101 , a gas tube and a bolt carrier (not shown in this drawing), all positioned along a longitudinal axis “Y” of the rifle. The basic assault rifle further comprises a pistol grip  102  at the bottom of the rifle&#39;s receiver  103 , a buttstock  104  (for instance a foldable stock), and a fire mode selector lever  105  that allows the user to select the firing mode, i.e., for example between automatic, semi-automatic and safe modes. Additionally, the basic assault rifle may further comprise a trigger assembly  106 , adapted to allow the user to squeeze the trigger and thereby fire a bullet/bullets from a compatible magazine. 
     Once additional upgrade elements are assembled onto the basic rifle, the modified assault rifle  100  may be created. These elements (for example provided with the dedicated upgrade kit) may comprise a top mounting rail assembly  500 , a bottom handguard assembly  700 , and also an ambidextrous charging handle assembly  300 . 
     The modified assault rifle  100  may be equipped with the top mounting rail assembly  500  in order to allow mounting external components (for example electronic sights) onto a compatible mounting rail on top of the rifle, further described hereinafter. Similarly, the modified assault rifle  100  may be equipped with the bottom handguard assembly  700  in order to allow gripping the frontal part of the fired rifle that gets very hot, further described hereinafter. Thus, the basic rifle may be easily modified with enhanced features that are not possible, or that suffer of severe drawbacks, in the original basic rifle. 
     Additionally, the modified assault rifle  100  may be equipped with the ambidextrous charging handle assembly  300  so as to allow full operation of the rifle from the right or left side, as further described hereinafter. It is appreciated that such ambidextrous use may be particularly important during battle as both right-handed and left-handed operators may use the same weapon. In some non-limiting embodiments, the modified assault rifle  100  further comprises a second fire selector lever on the opposite side of the rifle (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), and connected to the first fire selector, so as to allow the mode selection on either side of the rifle. Thus, total ambidextrous use may be achieved. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2A-2C , which show a commercially available bolt carrier and a modified bolt carrier coupled to a bolt.  FIG. 2A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a commercially available bolt carrier coupled to a bolt, generally designated  200 . The commercially available bolt carrier  201  is coupled to a bolt  202 , wherein a charging handle  203  is structurally fixed to the bolt carrier  201 . It is appreciated that, with this design, there is a need to provide separate bolt carriers (with corresponding charging handle) for right and left handed users, since the charging handle  203  is fixed to a particular side (right or left), right in the example of the drawing, of the bolt carrier  201 . Moreover, due to structural constrains of the bolt carrier and the rifle&#39;s top cover of a commercially available rifle, installation of the charging handle on the other side of the bolt carrier (left in this case) may not be done at the same location along the longitudinal Y axis or the elevation Z axis of the bolt carrier. 
       FIG. 2B  schematically illustrates a perspective left side view of a modified bolt carrier  211  coupled to a bolt  202  (with an enlarged section), generally designated  210 , according to some embodiments of the invention. The modified bolt carrier  211  may be coupled with similar bolt  202  (as in the commercially available basic rifle), whereby the modification is carried out at the body of the modified bolt carrier  211  and also with a modified charging handle assembly, further described hereinafter. 
     The modified bolt carrier  211  may be modified with a perforation  212  (e.g. cylindrical) passing from the left side to the right side, through the transverse axis “X”. The modified charging handle assembly (for example as shown in  FIG. 3A ) may then be removably inserted and accommodated in that perforation  212  from either side of the bolt carrier  211  such that ambidextrous operation may be allowed. 
     It should be noted that the position of the perforation  212  on the modified bolt carrier  211  is particularly chosen for optimal performance, and therefore may provide a substantially stable connection with the modified charging handle assembly so as to allow ambidextrous use. Moreover, the position of the perforation  212  is very close to the position of the original commercially available charging handle (of the basic rifle) such that the position of the modified charging handle (once assembled) may correspond to the position of the charging handle on the rifle. Furthermore, it is appreciated that the perforation  212  is carried out in a position that has sufficient bulk material (of the bolt carrier) for perforating and yet provide sufficient mechanical support to the charging handle, thus keeping a substantially stable structure of the modified bolt carrier  211  while providing an opening for connection to the modified charging handle on both sides of the bolt carrier  211 . 
     Since the charge handle according to the invention is adapted to be inserted into the perforation in the bolt carrier and is not made as part of it, there is no need to keep some material (typically steel) for a fixed charging handle. Thus, the bulk material required for manufacturing of such modified bolt carriers may be substantially smaller compared to bulk material required for manufacturing commercially available bolt carriers. 
       FIG. 2C  schematically illustrates a perspective right side view of a modified bolt carrier coupled to a bolt (with an enlarged section), generally designated  220 , according to some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated that  FIG. 2C  shows the other end of the perforation  212  (as previously shown in  FIG. 2B ), on the right side of the modified bolt carrier  211 . The modified charging handle may pass from the left side to the right side (or vice versa) through the perforation  212  in order to connect with the bolt carrier  211 , as further described hereinafter. 
     The modified bolt carrier  211  may be further adapted to secure the position of the modified charging handle once it is inserted through the perforation  212 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the modified bolt carrier  211  comprises a press-fit pin  221  (partially shown in  FIG. 2C ) that is partially housed inside the bolt carrier  211  such that only the top portion protrudes towards the perforation  212 . For example, a spring operated press-fit ball plunger may be employed, whereby a physical element that is adapted to apply force onto the top portion to be inserted into the bolt carrier  211  may cause the spring to contract and later release the accumulated energy. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A-3C , which show a modified charging handle assembly alone, and coupled to the modified bolt carrier, respectively.  FIG. 3A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a modified charging handle assembly, generally designated  300 , according to some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated that the modified charging handle assembly  300  has a sufficiently symmetric structure in order to allow ambidextrous operation, from either side of the rifle. 
     The modified charging handle assembly  300  comprises a charging handle installation rod  302  that is configured to be removably inserted into the perforation  212  (for instance as shown in  FIG. 2C ), a charging handle  306 , and an intermediate section  304  between the installation rod  302  and the charging handle  306 . In some embodiments, the installation rod  302  is at least partially cylindrical. 
     The installation rod  302  may comprise a first concave gap  301   a , on a first side of the modified charging handle assembly  300 , this gap having a structure that corresponds to the press-fit pin  221  (for instance as shown in  FIG. 2C ). Therefore, when the installation rod  302  is inserted into the perforation  212 , the press-fit pin  221  may then snap-fit into the first concave gap  301   a , forced by its spring, into the space of this gap. The installation rod  302  may further comprise a first indentation  303   a , on the first side, and a second indentation  303   b , on the opposite second side of the modified charging handle assembly  300 . The first and second indentations  303   a ,  303   b  are configured to engage, each at its corresponding installation side (right or left), other elements of the rifle within the bolt carrier (for example engaging the recoil spring), as further described in  FIG. 4B . It should be noted that if the installation rod  302  is inserted into the perforation  212 , a portion of the intermediate section  304  and charging handle  306  remain on the outer side of the bolt carrier, further described hereinafter. Optionally, a portion of the intermediate section  304  may be accommodated inside the bolt carrier  211 , thereby providing further stability to the charging handle. 
     The intermediate section  304  may comprise a second concave gap  301   b  (for instance shown in  FIG. 3B ), on the second side of the charging handle assembly  300 , whereby the second concave gap  301   b  has similar structure and purpose as the first concave gap  301   a . The reason that both of these gaps are required is that a symmetrical charging handle is optimal for ambidextrous operation. 
     In case that the charging handle assembly  300  is inserted into the perforation  212  through the right side of the rifle, the second concave gap  301   b  may engage the press-fit pin  221 . Alternatively, in case that the charging handle assembly  300  is inserted into the perforation  212  through the left side of the rifle, the first concave gap  301   a  may engage the press-fit pin  221  (for instance as shown in  FIG. 4B ). 
     In some embodiments, the size of the intermediate section  304  may be substantially larger than the size of the installation rod  302 , in order to provide enhanced stability to the charging handle assembly  300 . The enhanced stability may be provided when the intermediate section  304  engages a shelf  309  of the bolt carrier  211  (as shown in  FIGS. 2C and 4B ) so that a force applied for pulling or pushing the charging handle  306  does not transfer only to the installation rod  302  (inside the perforation) but rather on the intermediate section  304  that partially “rests” on the shelf  309  supporting the intermediate section  304 . 
     The charging handle  306  may comprise a socket  305  configured to house a compatible fastening means, such as screws connecting the charging handle  306  to the intermediate section  304 . The charging handle  306  may further comprise at least one gripping portion  308  that is configured to allow a user to grip and pull the charging handle (once assembled) in order to recharge the rifle. 
       FIG. 3B  schematically illustrates a perspective left side view of the modified bolt carrier  211  coupled to the bolt  202  and to the modified charging handle assembly  300  (with an enlarged section), generally designated  310 , according to some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated that the modified charging handle assembly  300  is coupled with the bolt carrier  211  such that that only the intermediate section  304  and charging handle are protruding, while the installation rod is within the perforation. 
       FIG. 3C  schematically illustrates a perspective right side view of the modified bolt carrier  211  coupled to the bolt  202  and to the modified charging handle assembly  300  (with an enlarged section), according to some embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the charging handle assembly  300  is inserted from the left side such that the installation rod  302  protrudes from the right side in order to engage the press-fit pin  221 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4A-4B , which show the modified charging handle assembly coupled to the rifle.  FIG. 4A  schematically illustrates a partial top view of the modified charging handle assembly coupled to the rifle, generally designated  400 , according to some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated that the modified charging handle assembly may be coupled with the rifle such that ambidextrous operation is provided, whereby the user may assemble the charging handle assembly either on the right or left side of the rifle. Furthermore, it should be noted that, while the charging handle assembly may be assembled on different sides of the rifle, the positioning of the perforation causes the charging handle to be located on the same position along the longitudinal axis “Y”, whether the right or left sides are chosen. It should be noted that a dashed line indicates the position of the charging handle (numbered  306 ′) if it was inserted from the right side, wherein the position of the charging handle remains on the same location along the longitudinal axis “Z”. 
     The user may easily remove the charging handle from a certain side, right or left, where it is coupled to the rifle, and place it on the opposite side. For example, a soldier at the battlefield may take a typical bullet (from the compatible magazine) to push the charging handle assembly against fastening force applied by the press-fit pin, such that the charging handle may be removed from the perforation and then inserted through the opposite side of the perforation. Thus, there is no need to keep some left handed and some right handed firearms, as the modified charging handle assembly allows the rifle to be used as a left-handed or right-handed charging action rifle, as may be needed. In some embodiments, upon engagement with the press-fit pin, the position of the charging handle is secured. 
     As mentioned above, in some embodiments the modified rifle may comprise a second fire selector lever  405  (in addition to the first lever  105 ) therefore providing ambidextrous operation since the user may use the charging handle and the fire selector lever either on the left side or on the right side on the same modified rifle. 
     Other elements of the basic rifle (as shown in  FIG. 4A ) may include a recoil spring  401  that is compatible with the bolt carrier  211 . The recoil spring  401  may be configured to push forward the bolt carrier  211  after firing, wherein the gas released from the firing pushing the bolt carrier backwards. 
       FIG. 4B  schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the modified charging handle assembly coupled to the rifle, wherein the cross-section is along the A-A line shown in  FIG. 4A , according to some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated that in the case that the charging handle assembly  300  is inserted into the perforation  212  through the left side of the rifle (as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B ), the first indentation  303   a  engages the recoil spring  401  placed thereupon after assembly. Thus, the recoil spring  401  may freely move along the longitudinal axis “Y” of the rifle such that friction with the installation rod is reduced and does not disturb the operation of the rifle. 
     It should be noted that, in the opposite case that the charging handle assembly is inserted into the perforation through the right side of the rifle, the second indentation  303   b  may engage the recoil spring  401 . 
     Furthermore, it is appreciated that the first concave gap  301   a  engages the press-fit pin  221  (accommodated therein) in the case that the charging handle assembly is inserted into the perforation through the left side of the rifle. In the opposite case that the charging handle assembly is inserted into the perforation through the right side of the rifle, the second concave gap  301   b  may engage the press-fit pin  221  (accommodated therein). 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 5A-5G , which show the assembling of the top mounting rail assembly onto the rifle. It is appreciated that for illustrative purposes and enhanced clarity, the trigger assembly and pistol grip are not shown in these figures.  FIG. 5A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the modified rifle prior to engagement with the top mounting rail assembly, generally designated  501 , according to some embodiments of the invention. 
     It should be noted that the rifle illustrated in  FIG. 5A  is a modified rifle (for instance a modified AK-47) that is compatible with the top mounting rail assembly  500  (for example as shown in  FIG. 5C ). Specifically, the basic rifle may be provided with compatible components such as a rear trunnion  508  (a protrusion used as a mounting and/or pivoting point) or a V-shaped attachment  510  that are configured to allow connection to the top mounting rail assembly  500  in order to create the modified rifle onto which the mounting rail assembly  500  may be assembled. Optionally, the modified rifle (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be provided as a complete unit. In other embodiments, such compatible components may be provided separately (for instance in a kit) and later assembled onto the rifle. 
     Optionally, the modified rifle may further have a rear coupling element  507  and top coupling element  513  (shown in  FIG. 5B ) that are configured to allow coupling the top mounting rail assembly  500  to the rifle, and also a bottom coupling element  511  that is configured to allow coupling the bottom handguard assembly  700  (for example as shown in  FIG. 7 ) to the rifle. Such coupling elements may be for example apertures in the rifle&#39;s receiver  103  that are capable of coupling with a dedicated pin. 
     Furthermore, the modified rifle may comprise a locking latch  512 , which is configured to be gripped and allow the user to initiate quick release (or alternatively quick locking) of the top mounting rail assembly. It is appreciated that the locking latch  512  may be assembled onto the basic rifle (i.e., to create the modified rifle) or alternatively provided already assembled on a modified rifle prior to mounting of the top mounting rail assembly, as further described hereinafter. 
       FIG. 5B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the V-shaped attachment  510 , according to some embodiments of the invention. The V-shaped attachment  510  may be assembled along the longitudinal axis “Y” of the rifle as a central component of the rifle that is configured to accurately align the additional components that may be assembled onto the rifle (to create the modified rifle). For such alignment, the V-shaped attachment  510  may have a channel rotated 90° degrees relative to the transverse axis “X”. The V-shaped attachment  510  may comprise a top concave surface  514   a  that is adapted to contact the gas tube cover  450  (shown in  FIG. 5A ), and also a bottom concave surface  514   b  that is adapted to contact the barrel  101  of the modified rifle. 
     In some embodiments, the V-shaped attachment  510  further comprises at least one V-shaped notch  515  that is configured to tightly couple with a compatible portion of the top mounting rail assembly  500 , thus aligning the top mounting rail assembly  500  with the rifle&#39;s barrel along the longitudinal axis “Y”. 
       FIG. 5C  schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the modified rifle during engagement with the top mounting rail assembly, generally designated  502 , according to some embodiments of the invention. The user may couple the rifle with the top mounting rail assembly  500 , by sliding alignment elements  525  through the V-shaped notch  515  of the V-shaped attachment  510  such that the top mounting rail assembly  500  may be tightly attached and securely aligned with the barrel  101  of the rifle (i.e., with the longitudinal axis). 
     Thus, the user may slide the top mounting rail assembly  500  backwards with respect to the shooting direction to engage the rear trunnion  508  in order to secure the position of the rear portion of the top mounting rail assembly  500  with a rear latch, whereby the securing (or locking) mechanism of the top mounting rail assembly  500  is further described in  FIG. 5D . 
     In some non-limiting embodiments, the top mounting rail assembly  500  may comprise at least one side slot  521  that may serve as an ejection port (for ejection of cartridges during firing) on a first side as well as a passage for the charging handle  300  on the opposite side (for example as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Thus, while assembling the top mounting rail assembly  500  onto the rifle, the user may pass the charging handle  300  through the corresponding slot  521 , and slide the top mounting rail assembly  500  backwards to engage the rear trunnion  508 . 
     The top mounting rail assembly  500  may further comprise a mounting rail platform  520  (e.g., Picattiny rail) that is configured to allow coupling the rifle with external mountable components. For instance, assembling a laser sight onto the mounting rail platform  520 . 
     In some non-limiting embodiments, the top mounting rail assembly  500  may further comprise a plurality of openings  523  that are adapted to allow heat extraction from the gas tube within. Optionally, the top mounting rail assembly  500  has mounting rail rear coupling element  527  that corresponds to the rifle&#39;s rear coupling element  507  (as shown in  FIG. 5A ), such that insertion of a compatible locking pin through elements  527  and  507  may secure the top mounting rail assembly  500  to the rifle. 
     It is appreciated that the assembling of the top mounting rail assembly  500  onto the rifle with the sliding of the alignment elements  525  through the V-shaped notches  515  (further described in  FIG. 5G ) may provide accurate and stable positioning of the mounting rail platform  520 . Thus, any component mounted onto the mounting rail platform  520  may be accordingly accurately aligned and stable respectively. 
     In some embodiments, the top mounting rail assembly  500  may further comprise at least one locking element  522  that is configured to connect with the locking latch  512 , further described hereinafter. 
       FIG. 5D  schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the top mounting rail assembly assembled onto the rifle wherein the cross-section is along the B-B line shown in  FIG. 5E , according to some embodiments of the invention. 
     The top mounting rail assembly may comprise a rear latch  528  that corresponds to the rear trunnion  508  of the rifle. The rear latch  528  may be pivotally connected to the mounting rail platform  520  with an elastic element  526  (e.g. a spring) that is configured to allow the rear latch  528  to be aligned with the rear trunnion  508  by being tightly attached to it. Specifically, when the user pushes the top mounting rail assembly backwards towards the rear trunnion  508 , the rear latch  528  may engage the rear trunnion  508  and accordingly adjust the height of the mounting rail platform  520  with respect to the barrel longitudinal direction. It is appreciated that the rear latch  528  “cages” the rear trunnion  508  so as to ensure tight and aligned mounting of the mounting rail platform  520  to the rifle. 
       FIG. 5E  schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the top mounting rail assembly assembled onto the modified rifle, generally designated  503 , according to some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated that with the top mounting rail assembly  503  assembled onto the modified rifle, the gas tube (also covered by the top mounting rail assembly) may be aligned and optionally fixed with the mounting rail platform  520 , such that the accuracy of the rifle is not reduced. 
     It should be noted that, at this state, the top mounting rail assembly  500  may be fixed to the rifle with the dedicated locking pin inserted into rear coupling element  507 . In order to fix the frontal portion of the top mounting rail assembly  500 , additional locking may be required with the locking latch  512 . 
       FIG. 5F  schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the top mounting rail assembly assembled onto the modified rifle and locked with a locking latch, generally designated  504 , according to some embodiments of the invention. 
     The user may move the locking latch  512  pivotally upward towards the barrel  101 , so as to align the locking latch  512  with the barrel  101  and lock the frontal portion of the top mounting rail assembly  500  to the rifle. Thus, the modified rifle is in a locked state. 
     The pivotal movement of the locking latch  512  upwardly may tightly snap latch  512  onto the at least one locking element  522  (on the top mounting rail assembly  500 ) such that the locking element  522  may be tightened to removably affix the position and orientation of the top mounting rail assembly  500  with the applied pressure from the snap. The engagement of the locking latch  512  with the locking element  522  is further described in  FIG. 5G . 
     In some embodiments, the locking latch  512  may also provide a quick release. From a locked state, the user may grip and pull downward the locking latch  512  so as to release the lock (from locking elements  522 ) and then remove the top mounting rail assembly  500  by sliding it forward. Thus, quick dismantling may be achieved, in contrast to commercially available rifles where several parts need to be dismantled in order to be able remove the top cover of the rifle. 
     It is appreciated that with the top mounting rail assembly  500  assembled onto the rifle, various brackets and/or bumps are covered such that the user may only contact a smooth surface. 
       FIG. 5F  schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the top mounting rail assembly assembled onto the modified rifle and locked with a locking latch, wherein the cross-section is along the traverse line of the locking elements  522 . At the state where the locking latch is locked, the locking lips  552  of the locking latch  512  may snap onto the elastic locking elements  522  so as to press and lock the top mounting rail assembly  500  onto the V-block attachment  510  so as to press and lock the top mounting rail assembly  500  onto the V-block attachment  510  and thereby lock onto the rifle. 
     It is appreciated that the alignment of the top mounting rail assembly  500  to the barrel  101  may occur due to the sliding of the alignment elements  525  along the V-shaped notches  515 . In some embodiments, the locking latch may pivotally move with a dedicated pivoting pin  559  inserted into the top coupling element  513 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A-6B , which show two positions of the locking latch  512 , in open (released) position and in close (locked) position, respectively. It is appreciated that, for illustrative purposes and enhanced clarity, the barrel is not shown in these figures.  FIG. 6A  schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the top mounting rail assembly  500  assembled onto the modified rifle in an open state, and  FIG. 6B  schematically illustrates the same in a locked state. As is shown in  FIG. 6B  when locking latch  512  is in “close” position locking lips  552  of locking latch  512  apply pressure onto locking elements  522 , thereby tightening them onto notches  515  (shown in  FIG. 5G ) to provide tightly aligned affixing of top mounting rail assembly  500  onto the rifle. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 7A , which schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the bottom handguard assembly  700 , according to some embodiments of the invention. The bottom handguard assembly  700  may be assembled onto the modified rifle once the top mounting rail assembly  500  is assembled and in a locked state. The user may attach the bottom handguard assembly  700  from the bottom side of the barrel (for instance as shown in  FIG. 1 ) in order to provide a handguard. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom handguard assembly  700  may comprise a handguard coupling element  711  that corresponds to the bottom coupling element  511  (for example as shown in  FIG. 5F ). By coupling the bottom handguard assembly  700  to the modified rifle (e.g., with a dedicated locking pin), the bottom handguard assembly  700  may be fixed to the bottom portion of the rifle. 
     Optionally, the bottom handguard assembly  700  may also comprise a bottom mounting rail  722  that is capable of receiving mountable attachments (e.g., a grenade launcher) that are compatible with such rails. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 7B , which schematically illustrates a perspective left-side view of the bottom handguard assembly  700  with a frontal attachment  752 , generally designated  750 , according to some embodiments of the invention. In order to further attach the bottom handguard assembly  700  to the rifle, at least one frontal attachment  752  may be assembled onto the bottom handguard assembly  700  in order to attach to the rifle (e.g., with dedicated screws). 
     It should be noted that the bottom handguard assembly  700  may easily be removed from the modified rifle once assembled (e.g., with removal of a locking pin). Thus, the modified rifle may be easily dismantled from the covers in a minimal number of operations (e.g., with 4 operations), in contrast to some commercially available rifles that require a longer operation with a larger number of steps. 
     Furthermore, with such configuration for the rifle, firing may still be enabled once the covers, i.e., the top mounting rail assembly and the bottom handguard assembly, are removed in contrast to some commercially available rifles (e.g., the AK-47) that require removal of the gas tube in order to remove the bottom cover, thereby preventing operation of the rifle. 
     While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. 
     Various embodiments have been presented. Each of these embodiments may of course include features from other embodiments presented, and embodiments not specifically described may include various features described herein.