US20150107144A1 - Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle - Google Patents

Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20150107144A1
US20150107144A1 US14/309,264 US201414309264A US2015107144A1 US 20150107144 A1 US20150107144 A1 US 20150107144A1 US 201414309264 A US201414309264 A US 201414309264A US 2015107144 A1 US2015107144 A1 US 2015107144A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
receiver
lower receiver
polymeric
rifle
metal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/309,264
Inventor
Anthony DiChario
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
American Tactical Inc
Original Assignee
American Tactical Imports Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=51212000&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=US20150107144(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by American Tactical Imports Inc filed Critical American Tactical Imports Inc
Priority to US14/309,264 priority Critical patent/US20150107144A1/en
Assigned to American Tactical Imports, Inc. reassignment American Tactical Imports, Inc. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: DICHARIO, ANTHONY
Publication of US20150107144A1 publication Critical patent/US20150107144A1/en
Assigned to AMERICAN TACTICAL, INC. reassignment AMERICAN TACTICAL, INC. CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: American Tactical Imports, Inc.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41WEAPONS
    • F41AFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A3/00Breech mechanisms, e.g. locks
    • F41A3/64Mounting of breech-blocks; Accessories for breech-blocks or breech-block mountings
    • F41A3/66Breech housings or frames; Receivers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41WEAPONS
    • F41AFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A11/00Assembly or disassembly features; Modular concepts; Articulated or collapsible guns

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a rifle, and more particularly, to a modular automatic or semi-automatic assault-type rifle. Specifically, the present invention relates to a lower receiver assembly configured for use within a modular assault-type rifle.
  • AR-15 is a registered trademark of Colt Industries.
  • a number of additional companies manufacture clones of the AR-15 and market these clones under separate trademarks. While used throughout the specification, it is to be understood that the term AR-15 is meant to include not only those rifles manufactured by Colt Industries, but also those additional clones and any variants thereof.
  • the AR-15 is the semi-automatic variant of the fully automatic M16 rifle used by United States military personnel.
  • the AR-15 and M16 are designed as modular rifles generally comprising a buttstock, lower receiver, upper receiver and barrel assembly. Each component is separable from one another and affords rifle owners the opportunity to customize the rifle with after-market components such as barrels of differing lengths, upper receivers designed to handle different calibers of ammunition, flashlights, hand guards, grenade or flare launchers, flash or sound suppressors, grips, and front or rear sights.
  • the lower receiver is configured to include a trigger and magazine box wherein activation of the trigger causes a round (bullet) housed within the chamber of the upper receiver to be fired out the barrel of the rifle by action of a reciprocating bolt carrier group housed within the upper receiver.
  • the buttstock mounts to the lower receiver and includes a buffer assembly and action (or recoil) spring in communication with the bolt carrier group. After a spent shell has been discharged, the spring urges the bolt carrier group back toward the chamber in preparation for firing another round.
  • the modular construction of these rifles enables generally quick and easy field-stripping (disassembly of the rifle for cleaning of the rifle to ensure proper firing of the weapon).
  • the lower receiver In field-stripping the rifle, the lower receiver is separated from the upper receiver to gain access to the firing mechanism (bolt, bolt carrier and associated mechanisms) for cleaning and re-lubrication.
  • the upper and lower receivers When assembled, the upper and lower receivers are secured to one another through rear and forward extensions on the upper receiver fitting between corresponding sidewalls forming notches or grooves on the lower receiver.
  • the forward sidewalls and extension are fitted with a pivot pin to prevent the forward halves of the receivers from separating.
  • the rear sidewalls and extension employ a takedown pin to secure the two receivers together.
  • the takedown pin is sufficiently pushed out of the extension so as to enable the rear extension to lift out of the rear sidewalls thereby pivoting the lower and upper receivers about the pivot pin.
  • the pivot pin can then be pushed out a sufficient distance so as to enable removal of the front extension from the front sidewalls and thereby completing separation of the lower receiver from the upper receiver.
  • AR-15 and M16 can be constructed of aircraft grade forged aluminum, a trend in manufacturing current firearms/firearm components is to interchange metal parts/components with high strength polymeric materials, such as glass reinforced nylon, whenever possible. These polymeric parts/components decrease the weight of the rifle while also decreasing material costs associated with fabrication of the rifle or individual rifle parts.
  • One drawback in polymeric components is the eventual wear of these components after repeated field-stripping, cleaning and reassembly. This is of particular importance with regard to the lower receiver and the takedown and pivot pins. Any substantial wear to any of the components results in an unsafe and unusable firearm.
  • a further drawback to a polymeric lower receiver is the potential for fatigue or cracking of the lower receiver upon dropping of the weapon.
  • the lower receiver includes an upper lobe which is used to mount a receiver extension (which is housed within the buttstock) to the lower receiver.
  • the buffer assembly and action (recoil) spring is housed within this receiver extension. Dropping the rifle such that the buttstock strikes a surface with sufficient force or at an angle, or after repeated drops, the polymeric upper lobe can crack or completely fracture from the remainder of the lower receiver thereby causing misalignment between the buffer assembly and bolt carrier group resulting in a dangerous or inoperable firearm.
  • one embodiment the present invention is directed to a lower receiver assembly constructed as a polymeric/metal hybrid wherein the bulk of the lower receiver assembly is constructed of molded polymeric materials while at least a portion of the upper lobe is constructed of a metal.
  • the metal portion of the upper lobe is configured to be surrounded by the polymeric portion of the hybrid lower receiver such that the upper lobe is a single, contiguous construction with the remainder of the lower receiver.
  • the metal portion is positioned so as to engage the receiver extension and rifle buttstock. More preferably, the metal portion further extends to occupy at least a portion of the rear sidewalls of the lower receiver such that the takedown pin passes through the metal portion when attaching the lower receiver to the upper receiver.
  • a combination polymeric/metal lower receiver for use in a rifle is provided.
  • the lower receiver is adapted for removable attachment to a buttstock including a receiver extension having a recoil spring and buffer assembly, and an upper receiver having a bolt, bolt carrier and charging handle.
  • the lower receiver includes a polymeric lower receiver housing having an integral polymeric upwardly extending lobe.
  • a metal insert is secured within the polymeric lower receiver at the location of the lobe. The metal insert is preferably configured to permit detachable engagement of the hybrid lower receiver with the receiver extension component of the rifle assembly while the polymeric receiver housing is adapted to permit detachable engagement with the upper receiver component of the rifle assembly.
  • the metal insert may further include a pair of spaced side walls which may extend within the spaced side walls of the polymeric lower receiver housing, respectively.
  • the metal insert and polymeric lower receiver housing may further include aligned through-holes wherethrough a takedown pin may removably pass to secure the upper receiver component of the rifle assembly to the hybrid lower receiver.
  • the hybrid lower receiver includes a metal inserted adapted to display an elevated plate through a corresponding opening in the polymeric housing.
  • the elevated plate displays component identifiers, such as through casting or engraving, in compliance with applicable state, federal and/or international laws and regulations.
  • the embodiments of the present invention are well-suited to reduce material costs while also maintaining structural integrity of the lower receiver assembly even after multiple cleanings of the rifle or when subjected to severe or repeated drops.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a representative modular rifle suitable for incorporating an embodiment of a lower receiver in accordance with present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lower receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of a lower receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a metal insert incorporated within a lower receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a polymeric lower receiver housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is an environmental view of a lower receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showing an embedded metal insert in solid lines with a polymeric lower receiver housing shown in dashed lines;
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a lower receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as taken generally along the line 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 .
  • a rifle such as the AR-15, is generally indicated by reference numeral 100 .
  • Rifle 100 is a modular firearm consisting of a number of components and subcomponents.
  • Major components of rifle 100 include barrel assembly 102 , upper receiver 104 , lower receiver 106 and buttstock 108 .
  • upper receiver 104 is positioned atop lower receiver 106 such that front and rear projections on the upper receiver (not shown) rest within a notch or groove formed by sidewalls 110 ′ and 112 ′, respectively, of the lower receiver (see FIG. 2 ).
  • Each projection and respective sidewalls include a corresponding through-hole.
  • Sidewall through-holes 110 ′′ and 112 ′′ are configured to align with a respective through-hole of the upper receiver whereby a pin is inserted into and passes within each through-hole to secure the two receivers together.
  • Pivot pin 110 detachably secures the front projection of the upper receiver within the lower receiver while takedown pin 112 secures the rear projection.
  • Upper receiver 104 houses the chamber 105 which holds a round (bullet) in position for firing, along with the firing mechanism to initiate discharge of the round.
  • the firing mechanism generally includes a bolt, bolt carrier, charging handle and related mechanisms.
  • Barrel assembly 102 is secured to upper receiver 104 generally through a threaded connection and includes a barrel 103 in operational communication with the chamber of the upper receiver such that a round fired from the chamber 105 passes down the length of the barrel and exits the firearm at barrel end 103 ′. Rounds are introduced into the chamber by way of magazine 107 fitted to the lower receiver. Activation of the firing mechanism is controlled by trigger 111 .
  • a grip 109 (such as a pistol grip, as shown) allows the user to aim and control the rifle while placing the user's trigger index finger in close proximity to the trigger. In this manner, the user can aim the rifle to the target and extend the trigger index finger to engage the trigger without losing control or accuracy of the rifle.
  • Lower receiver 106 includes an upwardly extending lobe 120 (see FIG. 2 ).
  • Buttstock 108 is detachably mounted to upwardly extending lobe 120 so that a receiver extension 113 is in operational alignment with the bolt carrier housed within the upper receiver.
  • Receiver extension 113 generally houses an action (or recoil) spring and buffer assembly (not shown). Upon discharge of a round, the bolt carrier within the upper housing is driven rearward by action of the gas discharged by the firing action. The buffer assembly and action spring dampen the kickback experienced by the user while also redirecting the firing mechanism back toward the chamber in preparation for firing another round.
  • Modular rifles are generally constructed of aircraft grade forged aluminum.
  • a current manufacturing trend is to interchange metal parts/components with high strength polymeric materials, such as glass reinforced nylon, whenever possible, including both the upper and lower receivers.
  • Polymeric parts/components decrease the weight of the rifle while also decreasing material costs associated with fabrication of the rifle parts.
  • One drawback in polymeric components is the eventual wear of these components after repeated field-stripping, cleaning and reassembly. This is of particular importance with regard to the lower receiver and the takedown and pivot pins. Any substantial wear to any of these particular components results in an unsafe and unusable firearm.
  • a further drawback to a polymeric lower receiver is the potential for fatigue or cracking of the lower receiver upon dropping of the weapon, particularly where the upwardly extending lobe begins its upward projection from the main body of the lower receiver.
  • the upper lobe 120 of the lower receiver is used to mount the receiver extension 113 (See FIG. 1 ).
  • Repeated or violent dropping the rifle particularly drops causing the buttstock 108 (within which is housed receiver extension 113 ) to strike a surface with sufficient force and/or at an angle can cause the upwardly extending lobe to crack, fracture or shear from the remainder of the lower receiver thereby causing misalignment between the buffer assembly and bolt carrier group resulting in a dangerous or inoperable firearm.
  • lower receiver 106 has a generally rectangular side profile and includes an upwardly extending lobe 120 .
  • Top surface 115 is a generally flat surface configured with openings for accepting the internal mechanisms required to operate the rifle.
  • opening 107 ′ is configured to accept an ammunition magazine 107 and associated hardware to direct rounds loaded within the magazine into the chamber in the upper receiver.
  • Opening 111 ′ houses mechanical components which engage the trigger 111 with the bolt carrier group in the upper receiver so that manipulation of the trigger results in firing of the rifle.
  • Lower receiver 106 is further adapted with a grip mounting interface 109 ′ for securing, for example, a pistol grip 109 .
  • the upper receiver 104 When assembled (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the upper receiver 104 mounts along lower receiver top surface 115 and abuts inner surface 122 of the upwardly extending lobe 120 .
  • Outer surface 124 of the upwardly extending lobe 120 engages with receiver extension 113 to mount buttstock 108 to lower receiver 106 .
  • Upwardly extending lobe 120 has a generally circular threaded through-hole 126 which is adapted to receive the mating male threads on the receiver extension 113 .
  • Through-hole 126 permits operational communication between the buffer assembly and action spring housed within the receiver extension (not shown) with the bolt carrier group (not shown) within the upper receiver which is mounted along top surface 115 , as shown in FIG. 1 . As shown most clearly in FIG.
  • upwardly extending lobe 120 forms a generally 90 degree elbow 128 with top surface 115 .
  • any force applied to the buttstock which is not along the longitudinal axis L of the rifle is directed at elbow 128 .
  • Repeated stress to elbow 128 may lead to mechanical failure of the elbow, particularly when that elbow is constructed from a polymeric material.
  • the lower receiver of the present invention is constructed as an integrated hybrid polymer/metal unit wherein a metal insert 130 ( FIG. 4 ) is secured within a polymeric lower receiver housing 140 ( FIG. 5 ).
  • Metal insert 130 can be constructed of any suitable metal, and is preferably constructed of aircraft grade aluminum.
  • the polymeric lower receiver housing 140 can be constructed of any suitable polymeric material, and is preferably constructed of glass reinforced nylon.
  • metal insert 130 includes the interior portion of upwardly extending lobe 120 , and more specifically defines the threaded through-hole 126 , as well as the inner surface 122 and outer surface 124 which contact the upper receiver and receiver extension, respectively.
  • the internal threads of the upwardly extending lobe gain the benefits of an all-metal lower receiver (more robust threads that are less likely to become stripped or cross-threaded upon repeated engagement/disengagement of the corresponding threads of the receiver extension 113 ) while the remainder of lower receiver gains the benefits of a polymeric lower receiver (lighter materials and less expensive material and fabrication costs).
  • exterior surface 125 of the metal insert 130 is preferably adapted to include a plurality of recess 132 and wells 134 . Exterior surface 125 is configured to mate with interior surface 125 a of polymeric housing 140 .
  • polymeric housing 140 further includes protrusions 132 a which engage recesses 132 and nodules 134 a which engage wells 134 .
  • Mating elements 132 / 132 a and 134 / 134 a lock the metal insert within the polymeric housing and prevent lateral displacement of the metal insert when subjected to a kickback force (such as that experienced immediately following discharge of the rifle) or when the lower receiver is being physically tampered with by a user.
  • metal insert 130 further extends through an elbow 128 ′ to define sidewalls 112 a ′ having takedown pin through-holes 112 a ′′.
  • sidewalls 112 a ′ are embedded within polymeric sidewalls 112 ′ such that metal insert takedown pin through-holes 112 a ′′ correspond with takedown pin through-holes 112 ′′ situated on the polymeric housing 140 thereby enabling selective engagement/disengagement of takedown pin 112 .
  • Metal sidewalls 112 a ′ defining through-holes 112 a ′′ minimize wear to the lower receiver and takedown pin when the lower receiver is separated from the upper receiver for cleaning and re-lubrication.
  • Metal sidewalls 112 a ′ by extending through the elbow to form a unitary metal insert with the threaded portion of the upwardly extending lobe 120 , increases the structural stability of the elbow of the integrated polymer/metal hybrid lower receiver.
  • This hybrid polymer/metal elbow resists cracking or fracturing such as that experienced by a solely polymeric lower receiver while also minimizing component weight and manufacturing costs by decreasing the amount of the metal used to construct the lower receiver.
  • metal insert 130 is fabricated to include an elevated plate 138 , Elevated plate 138 is incorporated in and passes through plate opening 138 a on polymeric housing 140 . Elevated plate 138 allows for the marking of a serial number or other identifier upon the lower receiver in compliance with 27 C.F.R. ⁇ 479.102.
  • the elevated plate 138 is conspicuously placed on the lower receiver and, by being incorporated within the metal insert, is not susceptible to being readily obliterated, altered or removed.
  • the size, position and/or orientation of the elevated plate can be modified as desired or necessitated so as to enable marking of the lower receiver in satisfaction of any state, federal or international law or regulation.

Abstract

A combination metal/polymer lower receiver for use in a rifle. The lower receiver attaches to a buttstock including a receiver extension, and an upper receiver having a bolt carrier group. The lower receiver comprises a polymeric lower receiver housing having an integral polymeric upwardly extending lobe. The polymeric receiver housing engages with mounting features on the upper receiver to attach the lower receiver to the upper receiver. A metal insert is secured within the polymeric upwardly extending lobe and engages the receiver extension. The metal insert includes insert side walls incorporated within the polymer sidewalls of the lower receiver housing such that the sidewalls are adapted to receive a takedown pin to secure the upper receiver to the lower receiver. The metal insert can further include an elevated plate for displaying component identifiers.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to a rifle, and more particularly, to a modular automatic or semi-automatic assault-type rifle. Specifically, the present invention relates to a lower receiver assembly configured for use within a modular assault-type rifle.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • There are a number of automatic and semi-automatic rifles used by military personnel as well as law enforcement and civilians. While fully automatic rifles are generally illegal for use by the civilian population, many of the components which constitute an automatic rifle are the same as those found within semi-automatic models legalized for civilian use. Arguably the most popular semi-automatic assault-type rifle used by civilians, particularly within the United States, is the AR-15 and its clones. AR-15 is a registered trademark of Colt Industries. A number of additional companies manufacture clones of the AR-15 and market these clones under separate trademarks. While used throughout the specification, it is to be understood that the term AR-15 is meant to include not only those rifles manufactured by Colt Industries, but also those additional clones and any variants thereof. The AR-15 is the semi-automatic variant of the fully automatic M16 rifle used by United States military personnel.
  • The AR-15 and M16 are designed as modular rifles generally comprising a buttstock, lower receiver, upper receiver and barrel assembly. Each component is separable from one another and affords rifle owners the opportunity to customize the rifle with after-market components such as barrels of differing lengths, upper receivers designed to handle different calibers of ammunition, flashlights, hand guards, grenade or flare launchers, flash or sound suppressors, grips, and front or rear sights. To operate, the lower receiver is configured to include a trigger and magazine box wherein activation of the trigger causes a round (bullet) housed within the chamber of the upper receiver to be fired out the barrel of the rifle by action of a reciprocating bolt carrier group housed within the upper receiver. Internal mechanisms of the upper receiver expel the shell casing of the fired round from the chamber while components engaged with the magazine box housed within the lower receiver feed a new round into the now-empty chamber. The buttstock mounts to the lower receiver and includes a buffer assembly and action (or recoil) spring in communication with the bolt carrier group. After a spent shell has been discharged, the spring urges the bolt carrier group back toward the chamber in preparation for firing another round.
  • The modular construction of these rifles enables generally quick and easy field-stripping (disassembly of the rifle for cleaning of the rifle to ensure proper firing of the weapon). In field-stripping the rifle, the lower receiver is separated from the upper receiver to gain access to the firing mechanism (bolt, bolt carrier and associated mechanisms) for cleaning and re-lubrication. When assembled, the upper and lower receivers are secured to one another through rear and forward extensions on the upper receiver fitting between corresponding sidewalls forming notches or grooves on the lower receiver. The forward sidewalls and extension are fitted with a pivot pin to prevent the forward halves of the receivers from separating. Similarly, the rear sidewalls and extension employ a takedown pin to secure the two receivers together. To field-strip the rifle, the takedown pin is sufficiently pushed out of the extension so as to enable the rear extension to lift out of the rear sidewalls thereby pivoting the lower and upper receivers about the pivot pin. The pivot pin can then be pushed out a sufficient distance so as to enable removal of the front extension from the front sidewalls and thereby completing separation of the lower receiver from the upper receiver.
  • While the AR-15 and M16 can be constructed of aircraft grade forged aluminum, a trend in manufacturing current firearms/firearm components is to interchange metal parts/components with high strength polymeric materials, such as glass reinforced nylon, whenever possible. These polymeric parts/components decrease the weight of the rifle while also decreasing material costs associated with fabrication of the rifle or individual rifle parts. One drawback in polymeric components, however, is the eventual wear of these components after repeated field-stripping, cleaning and reassembly. This is of particular importance with regard to the lower receiver and the takedown and pivot pins. Any substantial wear to any of the components results in an unsafe and unusable firearm. A further drawback to a polymeric lower receiver is the potential for fatigue or cracking of the lower receiver upon dropping of the weapon. Specifically, the lower receiver includes an upper lobe which is used to mount a receiver extension (which is housed within the buttstock) to the lower receiver. The buffer assembly and action (recoil) spring is housed within this receiver extension. Dropping the rifle such that the buttstock strikes a surface with sufficient force or at an angle, or after repeated drops, the polymeric upper lobe can crack or completely fracture from the remainder of the lower receiver thereby causing misalignment between the buffer assembly and bolt carrier group resulting in a dangerous or inoperable firearm.
  • As such, there is a need for a lower receiver assembly which capitalizes upon the weight and cost savings afforded by polymeric materials while also enjoying the mechanical and structural strength afforded by metal (i.e. aircraft grade aluminum). The present invention addresses these and other needs.
  • BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In general, one embodiment the present invention is directed to a lower receiver assembly constructed as a polymeric/metal hybrid wherein the bulk of the lower receiver assembly is constructed of molded polymeric materials while at least a portion of the upper lobe is constructed of a metal.
  • Preferably, the metal portion of the upper lobe is configured to be surrounded by the polymeric portion of the hybrid lower receiver such that the upper lobe is a single, contiguous construction with the remainder of the lower receiver. The metal portion is positioned so as to engage the receiver extension and rifle buttstock. More preferably, the metal portion further extends to occupy at least a portion of the rear sidewalls of the lower receiver such that the takedown pin passes through the metal portion when attaching the lower receiver to the upper receiver.
  • Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a combination polymeric/metal lower receiver for use in a rifle is provided. The lower receiver is adapted for removable attachment to a buttstock including a receiver extension having a recoil spring and buffer assembly, and an upper receiver having a bolt, bolt carrier and charging handle. The lower receiver includes a polymeric lower receiver housing having an integral polymeric upwardly extending lobe. A metal insert is secured within the polymeric lower receiver at the location of the lobe. The metal insert is preferably configured to permit detachable engagement of the hybrid lower receiver with the receiver extension component of the rifle assembly while the polymeric receiver housing is adapted to permit detachable engagement with the upper receiver component of the rifle assembly.
  • The metal insert may further include a pair of spaced side walls which may extend within the spaced side walls of the polymeric lower receiver housing, respectively. The metal insert and polymeric lower receiver housing may further include aligned through-holes wherethrough a takedown pin may removably pass to secure the upper receiver component of the rifle assembly to the hybrid lower receiver.
  • In a further embodiment, the hybrid lower receiver includes a metal inserted adapted to display an elevated plate through a corresponding opening in the polymeric housing. The elevated plate displays component identifiers, such as through casting or engraving, in compliance with applicable state, federal and/or international laws and regulations.
  • The embodiments of the present invention are well-suited to reduce material costs while also maintaining structural integrity of the lower receiver assembly even after multiple cleanings of the rifle or when subjected to severe or repeated drops.
  • Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will in part become apparent to those in the practice of the invention, when considered with the attached figures.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, wherein like reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts in the various views, and wherein:
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a representative modular rifle suitable for incorporating an embodiment of a lower receiver in accordance with present invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lower receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of a lower receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a metal insert incorporated within a lower receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a polymeric lower receiver housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 6 is an environmental view of a lower receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showing an embedded metal insert in solid lines with a polymeric lower receiver housing shown in dashed lines; and
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a lower receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as taken generally along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • Referring to the drawings in detail, and specifically to FIG. 1, a rifle, such as the AR-15, is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. Rifle 100 is a modular firearm consisting of a number of components and subcomponents. Major components of rifle 100 include barrel assembly 102, upper receiver 104, lower receiver 106 and buttstock 108. To assemble a completed rifle, upper receiver 104 is positioned atop lower receiver 106 such that front and rear projections on the upper receiver (not shown) rest within a notch or groove formed by sidewalls 110′ and 112′, respectively, of the lower receiver (see FIG. 2). Each projection and respective sidewalls include a corresponding through-hole. Sidewall through-holes 110″ and 112″ are configured to align with a respective through-hole of the upper receiver whereby a pin is inserted into and passes within each through-hole to secure the two receivers together. Pivot pin 110 detachably secures the front projection of the upper receiver within the lower receiver while takedown pin 112 secures the rear projection.
  • Upper receiver 104 houses the chamber 105 which holds a round (bullet) in position for firing, along with the firing mechanism to initiate discharge of the round. The firing mechanism generally includes a bolt, bolt carrier, charging handle and related mechanisms. Barrel assembly 102 is secured to upper receiver 104 generally through a threaded connection and includes a barrel 103 in operational communication with the chamber of the upper receiver such that a round fired from the chamber 105 passes down the length of the barrel and exits the firearm at barrel end 103′. Rounds are introduced into the chamber by way of magazine 107 fitted to the lower receiver. Activation of the firing mechanism is controlled by trigger 111. A grip 109 (such as a pistol grip, as shown) allows the user to aim and control the rifle while placing the user's trigger index finger in close proximity to the trigger. In this manner, the user can aim the rifle to the target and extend the trigger index finger to engage the trigger without losing control or accuracy of the rifle.
  • Lower receiver 106 includes an upwardly extending lobe 120 (see FIG. 2). Buttstock 108 is detachably mounted to upwardly extending lobe 120 so that a receiver extension 113 is in operational alignment with the bolt carrier housed within the upper receiver. Receiver extension 113 generally houses an action (or recoil) spring and buffer assembly (not shown). Upon discharge of a round, the bolt carrier within the upper housing is driven rearward by action of the gas discharged by the firing action. The buffer assembly and action spring dampen the kickback experienced by the user while also redirecting the firing mechanism back toward the chamber in preparation for firing another round.
  • Modular rifles are generally constructed of aircraft grade forged aluminum. However, a current manufacturing trend is to interchange metal parts/components with high strength polymeric materials, such as glass reinforced nylon, whenever possible, including both the upper and lower receivers. Polymeric parts/components decrease the weight of the rifle while also decreasing material costs associated with fabrication of the rifle parts. One drawback in polymeric components, however, is the eventual wear of these components after repeated field-stripping, cleaning and reassembly. This is of particular importance with regard to the lower receiver and the takedown and pivot pins. Any substantial wear to any of these particular components results in an unsafe and unusable firearm. A further drawback to a polymeric lower receiver is the potential for fatigue or cracking of the lower receiver upon dropping of the weapon, particularly where the upwardly extending lobe begins its upward projection from the main body of the lower receiver. The upper lobe 120 of the lower receiver is used to mount the receiver extension 113 (See FIG. 1). Repeated or violent dropping the rifle, particularly drops causing the buttstock 108 (within which is housed receiver extension 113) to strike a surface with sufficient force and/or at an angle can cause the upwardly extending lobe to crack, fracture or shear from the remainder of the lower receiver thereby causing misalignment between the buffer assembly and bolt carrier group resulting in a dangerous or inoperable firearm.
  • As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, lower receiver 106 has a generally rectangular side profile and includes an upwardly extending lobe 120. Top surface 115 is a generally flat surface configured with openings for accepting the internal mechanisms required to operate the rifle. For instance, opening 107′ is configured to accept an ammunition magazine 107 and associated hardware to direct rounds loaded within the magazine into the chamber in the upper receiver. Opening 111′ houses mechanical components which engage the trigger 111 with the bolt carrier group in the upper receiver so that manipulation of the trigger results in firing of the rifle. Lower receiver 106 is further adapted with a grip mounting interface 109′ for securing, for example, a pistol grip 109.
  • When assembled (as shown in FIG. 1), the upper receiver 104 mounts along lower receiver top surface 115 and abuts inner surface 122 of the upwardly extending lobe 120. Outer surface 124 of the upwardly extending lobe 120 engages with receiver extension 113 to mount buttstock 108 to lower receiver 106. Upwardly extending lobe 120 has a generally circular threaded through-hole 126 which is adapted to receive the mating male threads on the receiver extension 113. Through-hole 126 permits operational communication between the buffer assembly and action spring housed within the receiver extension (not shown) with the bolt carrier group (not shown) within the upper receiver which is mounted along top surface 115, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, upwardly extending lobe 120 forms a generally 90 degree elbow 128 with top surface 115. As the buttstock has a sole mounting surface along outer surface 124 of upwardly extending lobe 120, any force applied to the buttstock which is not along the longitudinal axis L of the rifle is directed at elbow 128. Repeated stress to elbow 128, such as by dropping the rifle on the buttstock, may lead to mechanical failure of the elbow, particularly when that elbow is constructed from a polymeric material.
  • Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, the lower receiver of the present invention is constructed as an integrated hybrid polymer/metal unit wherein a metal insert 130 (FIG. 4) is secured within a polymeric lower receiver housing 140 (FIG. 5). Metal insert 130 can be constructed of any suitable metal, and is preferably constructed of aircraft grade aluminum. Similarly, the polymeric lower receiver housing 140 can be constructed of any suitable polymeric material, and is preferably constructed of glass reinforced nylon.
  • In a preferred embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, metal insert 130 includes the interior portion of upwardly extending lobe 120, and more specifically defines the threaded through-hole 126, as well as the inner surface 122 and outer surface 124 which contact the upper receiver and receiver extension, respectively. As the threaded through-hole 126 is constructed out of the metal insert 130, the internal threads of the upwardly extending lobe gain the benefits of an all-metal lower receiver (more robust threads that are less likely to become stripped or cross-threaded upon repeated engagement/disengagement of the corresponding threads of the receiver extension 113) while the remainder of lower receiver gains the benefits of a polymeric lower receiver (lighter materials and less expensive material and fabrication costs).
  • As seen in FIG. 4, exterior surface 125 of the metal insert 130 is preferably adapted to include a plurality of recess 132 and wells 134. Exterior surface 125 is configured to mate with interior surface 125 a of polymeric housing 140. Directing attention to FIG. 5, polymeric housing 140 further includes protrusions 132 a which engage recesses 132 and nodules 134 a which engage wells 134. Mating elements 132/132 a and 134/134 a lock the metal insert within the polymeric housing and prevent lateral displacement of the metal insert when subjected to a kickback force (such as that experienced immediately following discharge of the rifle) or when the lower receiver is being physically tampered with by a user. While described as having a metal insert with recesses and wells and a polymeric housing with protrusions and nodules, it would be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the orientation of these features can be reversed or combined in any suitable configuration so as to perform the intended function.
  • Turning again to FIGS. 6 and 7, metal insert 130 further extends through an elbow 128′ to define sidewalls 112 a′ having takedown pin through-holes 112 a″. Preferably sidewalls 112 a′ are embedded within polymeric sidewalls 112′ such that metal insert takedown pin through-holes 112 a″ correspond with takedown pin through-holes 112″ situated on the polymeric housing 140 thereby enabling selective engagement/disengagement of takedown pin 112. Metal sidewalls 112 a′ defining through-holes 112 a″ minimize wear to the lower receiver and takedown pin when the lower receiver is separated from the upper receiver for cleaning and re-lubrication. Metal sidewalls 112 a′, by extending through the elbow to form a unitary metal insert with the threaded portion of the upwardly extending lobe 120, increases the structural stability of the elbow of the integrated polymer/metal hybrid lower receiver. This hybrid polymer/metal elbow resists cracking or fracturing such as that experienced by a solely polymeric lower receiver while also minimizing component weight and manufacturing costs by decreasing the amount of the metal used to construct the lower receiver.
  • In a further embodiment, metal insert 130 is fabricated to include an elevated plate 138, Elevated plate 138 is incorporated in and passes through plate opening 138 a on polymeric housing 140. Elevated plate 138 allows for the marking of a serial number or other identifier upon the lower receiver in compliance with 27 C.F.R. §479.102. In a preferred embodiment, the elevated plate 138 is conspicuously placed on the lower receiver and, by being incorporated within the metal insert, is not susceptible to being readily obliterated, altered or removed. The size, position and/or orientation of the elevated plate can be modified as desired or necessitated so as to enable marking of the lower receiver in satisfaction of any state, federal or international law or regulation.
  • Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain aspects thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the aspects contained herein.
  • All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims (3)

What is claimed is:
1. A combination metal/polymer lower receiver for use in a rifle, the lower receiver being adapted to be detachably attached to a buttstock including a receiver extension having a recoil spring and buffer assembly, and an upper receiver having a bolt, bolt carrier and charging handle, the lower receiver comprising:
a) a polymeric lower receiver housing configured to receive the receiver extension, the polymeric lower receiver housing adapted to detachably engage with mounting features on the upper receiver to attach said lower receiver to said upper receiver; and
b) a metal insert rigidly secured within at least a portion of the polymeric lower receiver housing, wherein the metal insert is adapted to detachably engage the receiver extension.
2. The combination metal/polymer lower receiver of claim 1 wherein said metal insert further includes insert side walls embedded within respective polymer sidewalls of said polymeric lower receiver housing such that the polymer/metal side walls are adapted to detachably engage a rear mounting feature of said upper receiver.
3. The combination metal/polymer lower receiver of claim 1 wherein said metal insert further includes an elevated plate, wherein the elevated plate is disposed within a plate opening on said polymeric lower receiver housing.
US14/309,264 2013-06-26 2014-06-19 Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle Abandoned US20150107144A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/309,264 US20150107144A1 (en) 2013-06-26 2014-06-19 Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/927,152 US8789305B1 (en) 2013-06-26 2013-06-26 Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle
US14/309,264 US20150107144A1 (en) 2013-06-26 2014-06-19 Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/927,152 Continuation US8789305B1 (en) 2013-06-26 2013-06-26 Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20150107144A1 true US20150107144A1 (en) 2015-04-23

Family

ID=51212000

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/927,152 Active US8789305B1 (en) 2013-06-26 2013-06-26 Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle
US14/309,264 Abandoned US20150107144A1 (en) 2013-06-26 2014-06-19 Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/927,152 Active US8789305B1 (en) 2013-06-26 2013-06-26 Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (2) US8789305B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2014210336A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9429387B1 (en) 2015-03-20 2016-08-30 Magpul Industries Corp. Modular stock for a firearm
US9568261B1 (en) 2015-09-28 2017-02-14 Corby Hall Firearms receiver with integrated locking joint
US9664465B1 (en) 2015-12-15 2017-05-30 Smith & Wesson Corp. Bolt carrier bearing tube for rifle receiver
US10101102B2 (en) 2015-07-31 2018-10-16 Magpul Industries Corp. Magazine well for a firearm
USD844735S1 (en) 2017-03-07 2019-04-02 Magpul Industries Corp. Firearm stock
US10345076B2 (en) 2017-03-07 2019-07-09 Magpul Industries Corp. Firearm barrel tray, stock, and related methods
USD943702S1 (en) * 2019-11-17 2022-02-15 James Matthew Underwood Firearm receiver

Families Citing this family (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD757877S1 (en) * 2013-01-04 2016-05-31 George Huang Pin for a firearm
US8789305B1 (en) * 2013-06-26 2014-07-29 American Tactical Imports, Inc. Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle
US10767943B2 (en) * 2013-06-28 2020-09-08 David K Roberts Hybrid polymer lower receivers for firearms and metal threaded inserts, kits and methods therefor
US9297599B2 (en) * 2013-08-20 2016-03-29 Mean L.L.C. Polymer/composite firearms and a process for strengthening polymer/composite firearms
US9068786B2 (en) * 2013-11-15 2015-06-30 American Tactical Imports, Inc. Hybrid upper receiver for a rifle
USD763397S1 (en) * 2014-04-30 2016-08-09 George Huang Upper receiver for a firearm
USD746936S1 (en) * 2014-06-19 2016-01-05 George Huang Lightweight lower receiver
USD765211S1 (en) * 2014-06-19 2016-08-30 George Huang Lower receiver for a firearm
EP3186576A4 (en) * 2014-08-01 2018-07-25 Helvetic Design Corporation Firearm system and methods of assembly and disassembly
USD762804S1 (en) * 2014-10-15 2016-08-02 Dauntless Technologies, Inc. Removable pin
USD768253S1 (en) 2014-11-26 2016-10-04 In Ovation Llc Fire control housing
USD764005S1 (en) * 2015-02-12 2016-08-16 Viking Armament Inc. Rifle lower receiver
USD775304S1 (en) * 2015-05-29 2016-12-27 Yi Huei Jen Enhanced pivot pin
US10228205B2 (en) * 2016-06-02 2019-03-12 Dean Francis Quinn Apparatus for preventing the rapid reloading of a semi-automatic firearm
US10215517B2 (en) * 2016-06-30 2019-02-26 Palmetto State Armory, LLC Caliber modification using modular fire control group
US10393459B2 (en) * 2016-10-04 2019-08-27 Edward Tompkins Modular receiver system for firearms and an adjustable and tool-less removable trigger assembly
US10731934B2 (en) * 2018-03-29 2020-08-04 Tingwu Song Firearm receiver and a method of manufacturing it
USD886934S1 (en) * 2018-10-18 2020-06-09 WHG Properties, LLC Firearm takedown pin
USD898155S1 (en) * 2019-04-13 2020-10-06 Paul Leitner-Wise Cam pin
US11441859B2 (en) 2019-11-17 2022-09-13 James Matthew Underwood Hybrid ambidextrous receiver
US11543196B2 (en) 2020-03-20 2023-01-03 James Matthew Underwood Monolithic upper receiver assembly
US11828550B2 (en) 2021-04-08 2023-11-28 James Matthew Underwood Polymer firearm receiver
US20220371354A1 (en) * 2021-05-21 2022-11-24 Silencerco, Llc Method and item for identifying serialized parts

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7428795B2 (en) * 2005-02-11 2008-09-30 Herring Geoffrey A Receiver for firearm
US8141287B2 (en) * 2008-12-30 2012-03-27 Smith & Wesson Corp. Lightweight, low cost semi-automatic rifle
US8342075B2 (en) * 2009-03-10 2013-01-01 Gomez Jesus S Receiver for an autoloading firearm
US8615917B2 (en) * 2011-12-23 2013-12-31 Eric Higgins Protective cover for firearm lower receiver
US8789305B1 (en) * 2013-06-26 2014-07-29 American Tactical Imports, Inc. Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7971379B2 (en) * 2004-02-13 2011-07-05 Rmdi, Llc Firearm
US20050229463A1 (en) * 2004-04-14 2005-10-20 Paul Tashjian Firearm assembly

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7428795B2 (en) * 2005-02-11 2008-09-30 Herring Geoffrey A Receiver for firearm
US8141287B2 (en) * 2008-12-30 2012-03-27 Smith & Wesson Corp. Lightweight, low cost semi-automatic rifle
US8342075B2 (en) * 2009-03-10 2013-01-01 Gomez Jesus S Receiver for an autoloading firearm
US8615917B2 (en) * 2011-12-23 2013-12-31 Eric Higgins Protective cover for firearm lower receiver
US8789305B1 (en) * 2013-06-26 2014-07-29 American Tactical Imports, Inc. Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9612084B2 (en) 2015-03-20 2017-04-04 Magpul Industries Corp. Modular stock for a firearm
US9429387B1 (en) 2015-03-20 2016-08-30 Magpul Industries Corp. Modular stock for a firearm
US10101102B2 (en) 2015-07-31 2018-10-16 Magpul Industries Corp. Magazine well for a firearm
US10996008B2 (en) 2015-07-31 2021-05-04 Magpul Industries Corp. Magazine well for a firearm
US9568261B1 (en) 2015-09-28 2017-02-14 Corby Hall Firearms receiver with integrated locking joint
US9702643B1 (en) 2015-12-15 2017-07-11 Smith & Wesson Corp. Bolt carrier bearing tube for rifle receiver
US9664465B1 (en) 2015-12-15 2017-05-30 Smith & Wesson Corp. Bolt carrier bearing tube for rifle receiver
USD844735S1 (en) 2017-03-07 2019-04-02 Magpul Industries Corp. Firearm stock
US10345076B2 (en) 2017-03-07 2019-07-09 Magpul Industries Corp. Firearm barrel tray, stock, and related methods
USD868930S1 (en) 2017-03-07 2019-12-03 Magpul Industries Corp. Firearm stock
USD868929S1 (en) 2017-03-07 2019-12-03 Magpul Industries Corp. Firearm stock
USD879234S1 (en) 2017-03-07 2020-03-24 Magpul Industries Corp. Firearm stock
US10982928B2 (en) 2017-03-07 2021-04-20 Magpul Industries Corp. Firearm barrel tray, stock, and related methods
US11578943B2 (en) 2017-03-07 2023-02-14 Magpul Industries Corp. Firearm barrel tray, stock, and related methods
USD943702S1 (en) * 2019-11-17 2022-02-15 James Matthew Underwood Firearm receiver
USD1020966S1 (en) 2019-11-17 2024-04-02 James Matthew Underwood Firearm receiver

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2014210336A1 (en) 2014-12-31
US8789305B1 (en) 2014-07-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8789305B1 (en) Hybrid lower receiver for a rifle
US9068786B2 (en) Hybrid upper receiver for a rifle
US10598454B2 (en) Magazine adapter
US9021733B1 (en) Anti-walk pin assembly for a lower receiver
US9599430B1 (en) Firearm handguard
US9310160B1 (en) Hybrid metal/polymer pistol frame
KR102501847B1 (en) shotgun shell magazine
US11193724B1 (en) Hybrid pistol frame kit for receiving firearm parts and accessories
EP3295109B1 (en) Shotgun shell magazine
AU2018271301B2 (en) Bolt carrier bearing tube for rifle receiver
US20210341236A1 (en) Modular handgun grip assembly
US20140041271A1 (en) Recoil Reducing Buffer and Stock Adaptor for Firearms
US8966798B1 (en) Recoil reducing buffer and stock adaptor for firearms
US11940240B2 (en) Customizable firearm system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: AMERICAN TACTICAL IMPORTS, INC., NEW YORK

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DICHARIO, ANTHONY;REEL/FRAME:033394/0305

Effective date: 20140725

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE

AS Assignment

Owner name: AMERICAN TACTICAL, INC., SOUTH CAROLINA

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:AMERICAN TACTICAL IMPORTS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:042257/0866

Effective date: 20160705