Patent Publication Number: US-2017356711-A1

Title: Chamber flag and service tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/349,549 filed Jun. 13, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     INTRODUCTION 
     Chamber flags are inserted into a chamber of a firearm to prevent inadvertent firing thereof and to serve as a visual confirmation that the firearm is inoperable. Often, chamber flags are required during shipping of the firearm and at shooting ranges and other facilities so as to prevent inadvertent discharge of the firearm when not in active use. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the disclosed technology relates to a chamber flag having: a substantially Z-shaped body having a central portion, wherein the substantially Z-shaped body defines an opening therethrough; and a rod extending from the substantially Z-shaped body. In an embodiment, the substantially Z-shaped body includes a first leg extending from the central portion and a second leg extending from the central portion in a direction substantially opposite to the first leg. In another embodiment, the rod is substantially parallel to the central portion of the substantially Z-shaped body. In yet another embodiment, the first leg and the second leg are substantially orthogonal to the central portion. In still another embodiment, the first leg defines the opening and the rod extends from the second leg. 
     In another embodiment of the above aspect, the technology relates to a maximum outer width of the rod substantially similar to a minimum inner width of the opening. In an embodiment, a maximum outer width of the rod is less than a minimum inner width of the opening. In another embodiment, a tool extending from the chamber flag. In yet another embodiment, the tool has at least one of a spanner and a screwdriver. 
     In another aspect, the technology relates to a chamber flag having: a body defining an opening having an opening axis; and a rod extending from the body and having a rod axis substantially parallel to the opening axis, wherein the chamber flag is configured to support an upper receiver and a lower receiver of a rifle at a fixed angle when the rod is connected to the upper receiver and when the body is inserted into the lower receiver. In one embodiment, the opening in the body is configured to align with an opening defined by the lower receiver. In another embodiment, the body includes a central portion, a first leg, and second leg, wherein the first leg extends from the central portion and the second leg extends from the central portion in a direction substantially opposite to the first leg. In another embodiment, the body includes a first leg that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to at least a portion of the rod. In another embodiment, the first leg defines the opening and the rod extends from the second leg. In another embodiment, a maximum outer width of the rod is less than or substantially similar to a minimum inner width of the opening. In another embodiment, at least one tool extends from the chamber flag. In another embodiment, the tool includes a spanner and/or a screwdriver. 
     In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of temporarily securing a position of an upper receiver of a firearm to a lower receiver of the firearm, the method including: inserting a rod of a chamber flag into an eyelet (e.g., pin channel) of the upper receiver; inserting a body of the chamber flag into the lower receiver, wherein the lower receiver defines a pin opening; and inserting a pin through the pin opening of the lower receive and an opening defined by the body of the chamber flag. In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of removing a pin from the pin channel in the upper receiver before inserting the rod into the pin channel. In another embodiment, the portion of the body of the chamber flag is a first leg that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to at least a portion of the rod. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIG. 1  is a top, front, left side perspective view of an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a top, rear, right side perspective view of an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a left side view of an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a right side view of an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  shows an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure during use with a firearm. 
         FIG. 5B  shows an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure during use with a firearm. 
         FIG. 5C  shows an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure during use with a firearm. 
         FIG. 6A  shows a configuration of an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  shows a configuration of an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6C  shows a configuration of an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6D  shows a configuration of an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6E  shows a configuration of an embodiment of a chamber flag of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing a method of using a chamber flag of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-4  are various views of a chamber flag  100 , and are described concurrently. The chamber flag  100  includes a body  102  and a rod  104  extending therefrom. In the depicted configuration, the body  102  has an offset configuration that is substantially Z-shaped. The substantially Z-shaped body  102  has two legs  106 ,  108 , axes A L  which are offset from and substantially parallel to each other. A central portion  110  has an axis A C  that, in the depicted configuration, is substantially orthogonal to both of legs  106 ,  108 . Other angular relationships are contemplated and other configurations of bodies having offset configurations consistent with the technologies herein are described below. 
     The rod  104  extends from the body  102 , for example from an end of one of the legs  108 . The rod  104  may have an axis A R  that is substantially parallel to the central portion axis A C , although other angular relationships are contemplated. The rod  104  may have any cross-sectional configuration as required or desired for a particular application. For example, the rod  104  may be cross-shaped, as depicted, or may be round, oval, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, and so on. Regardless of shape, the rod  104  includes a maximum width W. The maximum width W may be dictated by, e.g., one or more conditions of the use of the chamber flag. In general, the maximum width W is such that the rod  104  may be inserted through a pin channel or eyelet in an upper receiver of a rifle or other firearm, as described in more detail below. The rod  104  has a length L that allows for insertion into a barrel of a rifle, when the chamber flag  100  is inserted to the chamber of the rifle. The length L may be such that the chamber flag is not prone to sliding out of the rifle barrel when inserted therein. The length L may be dictated by the size of the chamber opening and other factors. In at least one embodiment, the length L is 1-27 inches, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches. 
     An opening  112  is defined by the body  102 , for example from an end of the other leg  106 . The opening  112  may have an axis A O  that is substantially parallel to the rod axis A R . Typically, the opening axis A O  is substantially orthogonal to the first leg  106  axis A L . The opening  112  may have any cross-sectional configuration desired. For example, the opening  112  may be round, oval, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, and so on. Regardless of shape, the opening  112  is defined by a minimum width w. The minimum width w may be dictated by, e.g., one or more conditions of the use of the chamber flag. In general, the minimum width w is such that the opening  112  may receive a pin extending though a lower receiver of a rifle or other firearm, as described in more detail below. In at least one embodiment, the minimum width w is up to 0.5 inches, such as 0.375 inches or 0.25 inches. 
     The chamber flag  100  may be used to separate, at a fixed angle, upper and lower receivers of a rifle for cleaning, servicing, or other purposes. Some embodiments of this configuration are depicted in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . As such, there is a relationship between the maximum width W of the rod  104  and the minimum width w of the opening  112 . In most AR-type rifles, the upper receiver is connected to the lower receiver at a forward hinge. When the upper and lower receivers are engaged, a pin is inserted into an opening in the lower receiver and passes through a pin channel or eyelet in the upper receiver, thus holding the upper and lower receivers together such that the rifle is in an operable configuration. As such, the size of the pin of a particular rifle may dictate both the maximum width W of the rod  104  and the minimum width w of the opening  112 . For example, the maximum width W of the rod  104  may be similar in size to, or smaller than, a maximum width of the pin. In this way, the rod  104  may be inserted into the pin channel or eyelet when the upper and lower receivers are hinged into an open position. The leg  106  may then be inserted into the lower receiver, the opening  112  aligned with the opening in the lower receiver, and the pin inserted therethrough. As such, the minimum width w of the opening  112  may be similar in size to, or larger than, the maximum width of the pin. In this way, the opening  112  may receive the pin when the upper and lower receivers are hinged into an open position. As such, in examples, the maximum width W of the rod  104  and the minimum width w of the opening  112  may be substantially the same. In such a configuration, “substantially the same” means that the maximum width W of the rod  104  is such that it would have a close fit with the opening  112 , if inserted therein. In other examples, the maximum width W of the rod  104  is smaller than the minimum width w of the opening  112 . 
     In some embodiments, the chamber flag  100  is substantially symmetrical about a plane that includes both the rod axis A R  and the opening axis A O . As such, the chamber flag  100  can be utilized to hold the upper receiver and lower receiver in an open position whether installed through the pin channel or eyelet from left-to-right or right-to-left. 
     The chamber flag  100  may further include integrated therewith one or more tools that may be utilized to service, assemble, clean, or repair a firearm or accessories related thereto (e.g., a sight, scope, mount, or other device). For example, the depicted chamber flag  100  includes two protrusions  114  extending therefrom. These protrusions  114  function as a face spanner for adjusting an optical device or other accessory. In examples, these two protrusions may be 1.8 mm diameter pins. Additionally, the chamber flag  100  may include a screwdriver  116  (e.g., a flat head as depicted in  FIG. 2 ). Both of these tools may be incorporated into the leg  108 , although other tool locations are contemplated (e.g., the leg  106 ). In a further example, another screwdriver, e.g., a Phillips head, may be incorporated into an end  118  of the rod  104 . The rod  104  may also include integrated therewith (or secured thereto) a circumferential brush for insertion into the barrel of a rifle for cleaning. 
     In some embodiments, a cross-section of the body  102  of the chamber flag  100  (e.g., orthogonal to any axes A L , A C  of the legs  106 ,  108  or the central portion  110 ) is in a substantially H-shaped configuration, which helps maintain rigidity of the body  102  while reducing material required for manufacture. The cross-shaped cross-section of the rod  104  is manufactured as such for similar reasons. Of course, entirely solid components may also be utilized. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  depict views of a chamber flag  100  during use with a firearm  200 . With regard to  FIG. 5A , two chamber flags  100   a ,  100   b  are depicted in use. Of course, only one chamber flag  100  need be utilized at any given instant on the firearm  200 . Chamber flag  100   a  is disposed so as to keep the upper receiver  202  and lower receiver  204  in a fixed position for cleaning or other purposes, as described elsewhere herein. This use of the chamber flag  100   a  is also depicted in  FIG. 5B . As can be seen, the upper receiver  202  and lower receiver  204  are joined at a hinge  206 . In this way, the rod  104   a  may be inserted into a pin channel or eyelet  208  in the upper receiver  202  when the upper receiver  202  and the lower receiver  204  are hinged into an open position. The leg  106   a  is inserted into the lower receiver  204 , and the opening (not shown) in the leg  106   a  is aligned with an opening in the lower receiver  204  so as to receive a pin  210 . The chamber flag  100   b  is utilized as a chamber flag to indicate that the rifle  200  is not in an operable condition. This use is also depicted in  FIG. 5C , in which the chamber flag  100   b  is inserted into the chamber opening  212  such that the rod  104   b  extends down into the barrel  214 . In this position, the chamber flag  100   b  is inserted in a forward position but may be pulled rearward by gripping the leg  106   b  so as to release the rod  104   b  from the barrel  214 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6E  depict additional offset configurations of chamber flags  300  consistent with the disclosure herein. These and other offset configurations of the chamber flag allow the chamber flag to also be used as a tool to hold the hinged upper and lower receivers of a rifle at a fixed angle. The chamber flags may be symmetrical in that the rods thereof can be inserted into the upper receiver eyelet from either left-to-right or right-to-left. Each chamber flag  300  includes a body  302  defining an opening  306  therethrough and a rod  304  extending therefrom. With regard to  FIG. 6A , the body  302   a  is substantially V-shaped with a rod  304   a  extending at an acute angle from the body  302   a . The chamber flag  300   b  of  FIG. 6B  depicts a curved shape, while the chamber flag  300   c  depicts a body  302   b  having a central portion disposed at non-orthogonal angles to the legs. The chamber flag configurations depicted in  FIGS. 6B and 6C  are fairly similar to those described above in  FIGS. 1-4 . Chamber flag  300   d  depicted in  FIG. 6D  includes a straight body  302   d  with a U-shaped rod  304   d  extending therefrom. Chamber flag  300   e  depicted in  FIG. 6E  includes an L-shaped body  302   e  with a curved rod  204   e  extending therefrom. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a method  400  of using a chamber flag to hold upper and lower receivers of a rifle in a fixed hinged position. The method  400  begins at operation  402  with removing a pin from a pin channel in an upper receiver and a pin opening in a lower receiver of a firearm. This allows the upper and lower receivers to be moved relative to each other. Next in operation  404 , the upper and lower receivers are hingedly moved relative to each other. Operation  406  then includes inserting a rod of a chamber flag into the pin channel of the upper receiver. Thereafter, operation  408  includes inserting at least a portion of a body of the chamber flag into the pin opening of the lower receiver. To fully secure the position of the upper receiver relative to the lower receiver, operation  410  then requires re-inserting the pin into the pin opening of the lower receiver and an opening defined by the body of the chamber flag. In this fixed position, the rifle may be more easily and more safely cleaned, serviced, and otherwise manipulated. 
     The chamber flags described herein may be utilized with a number of different firearms available on the market, for example, AR-15 and AR-10 based rifles. Configurations, sizes, and dimensions may be modified as required or desired to accommodate other rifle types or to accommodate pistols. 
     The chamber flag may be manufactured by known techniques using injection molded plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), various grade densities of polyethylene, or other plastics or thermoplastic polymers. Glass-filled plastics, such as 30% glass-filled nylon may be desirable, since they allow a certain degree of deflection under load while still maintaining sufficient strength. Additionally, the chamber flag may be molded of brightly colored materials or painted after manufacture. This increases visibility of the chamber flag during use. The chamber flag may be injection molded as a single piece, including some or all of the components described herein, or the chamber flag may be manufactured in two or more pieces and joined together (e.g., along a plane that includes both the rod axis A R  and the opening axis A O ). For example, the body  102  may be manufactured separately from the rod  104  and the two components may then be joined together after manufacture. Adhesives, mechanical connections, press- or snap-fit connections, and/or combinations thereof can be used to permanently or temporarily connect discrete parts of the chamber flag. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” means being of considerable degree, almost all, or all. For example, a “substantially Z-shaped body” refers to a body that is Z-shaped, or that has a shape that considerably resembles the shape of a Z. As another example, a “substantially similar” measurement, such as a width, refers to a value that is the same or almost the same as another such measurement value. 
     While there have been described herein what are to be considered exemplary and preferred embodiments of the present technology, other modifications of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. The particular methods of manufacture and geometries disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not to be considered limiting. It is therefore desired to be secured in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the technology. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is the technology as defined and differentiated in the following claims, and all equivalents.