Firearm Gas System

Abstract

A gas system for a firearm is presented. The gas system has an elongate static tube and an elongate dynamic tube in a telescoping relationship. The elongate static tube defines a first internal passageway and is attachable to a portion of the gas block of the firearm. The elongate dynamic tube is telescopingly engaged with the elongate static tube. The elongate dynamic tube defines a second internal passageway in communication with the first internal passageway.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to rifle manufacturing, and more particularly to a gas system configured for use with a rifle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Traditional direct impingement gas operation does away with a separate gas cylinder, piston, and operating rod assembly to cycle the action of a firearm. High-pressure gas acts directly upon the bolt and carrier thereby saving weight, lowering costs, and reducing the mass of the operating parts, and thereby the wear on mechanical parts due to movement. A static tube is connected into the gas block and the gas block attaches to the gun's barrel and covers a portion of the gas port on the barrel. The gas key attached to the bold carrier slides over the tube when the bolt is in the chambered position. This system works because, as the bullet clears the gas port, a portion of the gas is forced down the gas tube and acts directly upon the bolt and carrier to start the cycle.

[0003] The main disadvantage of direct impingement is that the breech of the firearm's firing mechanism becomes fouled more quickly due to being exposed to the propellants of the cartridge. This is caused by solids from the high-temperature gas condensing on the bolt face and primary operating mechanism. The combustion gases contain vaporized metals, carbon, and impurities in a gaseous state until they contact cooler operating parts. The deposits increase friction on the bolt's camming system leading to malfunctions, so that thorough and frequent cleaning is required to ensure reliability. The amount of fouling depends upon the rifle's design as well as the type of propellant powder used.

[0004] A further disadvantage of traditional direct impingement is that combustion gases heat the bolt and bolt carrier as the firearm operates. This heating causes essential lubricant to be "burned off". Lack of proper lubrication is a very common source of weapon stoppages or malfunctions. These combined factors reduce service life of these parts, reliability, and mean time between failures.

SUMMARY

[0005] Presented herein is a gas system for a firearm. The gas system comprises an elongate static tube and an elongate dynamic tube in a telescoping relationship. The elongate static tube defines a first internal passageway and is attachable to a portion of the gas block of the firearm. When the elongate static tube is attached to the gas block, the first internal passageway is in communication with the aperture of the gas block. Also presented is an elongate dynamic tube that is telescopingly engaged with the elongate static tube. The elongate dynamic tube defines a second internal passageway in communication with the first internal passageway.

[0006] Firing the firearm causes high pressure gases enter into the first and second internal passageways via the aperture in the barrel, thereby extending the telescoping relationship between the static tube and the dynamic tube and forcing the bolt carrier proximally, which expels the spent shell.

[0007] Related methods of operation are also provided. Other apparatuses, methods, systems, features, and advantages of the firearm gas system will be or may become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional apparatuses, methods, systems, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the firearm gas system, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the instant invention and together with the description, serve to explain, without limitation, the principles of the invention. Like reference characters used therein indicate like parts throughout the several drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is side view of a gas system for a firearm of the present application, showing the gas system coupled to the firearm, according to one aspect.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gas system of FIG. 1, showing an elongate static tube and an elongate dynamic tube of the gas system.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the elongate static tube of FIG. 2, according to one aspect.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the elongate dynamic tube of FIG. 2, according to one aspect.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gas block of the firearm of FIG. 1, according to one aspect.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a gas key of the firearm of FIG. 1, according to one aspect.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, and claims, and their previous and following description. Before the present system, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific systems, devices, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0016] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known aspect. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes can be made to the aspects described, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.

[0017] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "firearm" includes aspects having two or more firearms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0018] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0019] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0020] Terms used herein, such as "exemplary" or "exemplified," are not meant to show preference, but rather to explain that the aspect discussed thereafter is merely one example of the aspect presented.

[0021] Additionally, as used herein, relative terms, such as "substantially", "generally", "approximately", and the like, are utilized herein to represent an inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0022] In one aspect, presented herein is gas system 10 for a firearm 12. In one aspect, the firearm can comprise an AR15 or similar rifle. The gas system comprises an elongate static tube 14 and an elongate dynamic tube 16 in a telescoping relationship. In one aspect, the gas system 10 can further comprise at least one of a gas block 24 and a gas key 40. Optionally, however, the gas block and/or the gas key can be an element of the firearm. The elongate static tube and the elongate dynamic tube can be formed from aluminum, stainless steel, or any other substantially rigid material with heat tolerance and corrosion resistance.

[0023] In an exemplified aspect, the elongate static tube 14 defines a first internal passageway 18 extending between a proximal end 20 and a distal end 22 of the elongate static tube. In another aspect, the distal end of the elongate static tube 14 can be attachable to a portion of the gas block 24 coupled to a barrel 46 of the firearm. In this aspect, when the elongate static tube is attached to the gas block, the first internal passageway can be in communication with an aperture 26 defined in the gas block 24. Note that the aperture in the gas block can be in communication with an exhaust port in a barrel 46 of the firearm 12 through a gas duct 27 defined in the gas block 24. The attachment between the elongate static tube 14 and the gas block can be a conventional attachment means, such as a threaded relationship, a weld, and the like. The attachment, in an exemplified aspect, can be substantially sealed so that fluid cannot escape between an outer surface 28 of the elongate static tube and the aperture 26 of the gas block.

[0024] In another aspect, the elongate dynamic tube 16 can be telescopingly engaged with the elongate static tube 14 such that the elongate dynamic tube can slide longitudinally relative to the elongate static tube. In this aspect, the elongate dynamic tube 16 can defines a second internal passageway 30 extending between a proximal end 32 and a distal end 34 of the elongate dynamic tube. In another aspect, when the elongate dynamic tube 16 is coupled to the elongate static tube 14, the second internal passageway can be in communication with the first internal passageway 18. As can be appreciated, in an exemplified aspect, an internal diameter 36 of the elongate dynamic tube can be larger than an external diameter 38 of the elongate static tube such that the elongate dynamic tube 16 can slide or telescope over at least a portion of the elongate static tube. In one aspect, the external diameter of the elongate static tube can be between 2/1000'' and 10/1000'' smaller than the internal diameter of the elongate dynamic tube. In another aspect, that tolerance can be about 3/1000''. It is contemplated in another aspect that the reverse can also be true, such that the elongate dynamic tube 16 slides therein the first internal passageway 18. In this aspect, an internal diameter of the elongate static tube 14 can be larger than an external diameter of the elongate dynamic tube. In an exemplified aspect, the inner tube can be lubricated with Boron or other dry film lubricant and the like.

[0025] In one aspect, the proximal end 32 of the elongate dynamic tube 16 can be attachable to a portion of a gas key 40 of the firearm. In this aspect, when the elongate dynamic tube is attached to the gas key, the second internal passageway 30 can be in communication with an aperture 42 defined in the gas key 40. The attachment between the elongate static tube 14 and the gas key can be a conventional attachment means, such as a threaded relationship, a weld, and the like. The attachment, in an exemplified aspect, can be substantially sealed so that fluid cannot escape between an outer surface 44 of the elongate dynamic tube and the aperture 42 of the gas key. In another aspect, the gas key can be fixedly attached to a bolt carrier 48 of the firearm 12, so that movement of the gas key can move the bolt carrier similarly. Note that the aperture 42 in the gas key 40 can be in communication with the bolt carrier 48 of the firearm 12 through a gas duct 50 defined in the gas key.

[0026] It is also contemplated that the cross-sectional shapes of the elongate static tube 14 and the elongate dynamic tube 16 be complimentary. In one exemplified aspect, the cross-sectional shapes can be substantially circular, oval, rectangular, square, or star shaped.

[0027] In one aspect, the elongate static tube 14 and the elongate dynamic tube 16 can be installed above the barrel 46 of the firearm 12. The elongate tubes can be, for example, installed 0.787'' about the barrel. In another aspect, the elongate static tube 14 and the elongate dynamic tube 16 can be substantially equidistant from the barrel 46. In another aspect, at least one of the elongate tubes can be substantially parallel to the barrel.

[0028] In use, firing the firearm 12 causes high pressure gases to enter into the first internal passageway 18 and second internal passageway 30 via the gas port in the barrel 46, the gas duct 27 defined in the gas block 24 and the aperture 26 defined in the gas block. The high pressure gases can urge the elongate dynamic tube 16 longitudinally, telescopingly relative to the elongate static tube 14. That is, the high pressure gases can urge the elongate dynamic tube proximally away from the gas block, which also urges the gas key 40 and a bolt carrier 48 proximally, thereby expelling a spent shell. The gas system 10 can be normally be substantially sealed, with the exception of the distal end 22 of the elongate static tube 14 which is open to and in fluid communication with the barrel in order to receive the high pressure gases into the gas system 10. When the firearm 12 is fired, the high pressure gases behind the bullet propel the bullet through the barrel. As the bullet clears the gas port in the barrel 46, the gas pressure travels through the port, into the gas block 24, into the first internal passageway 18 and into the second internal passageway 30, forcing the proximal end 32 of the elongate dynamic tube 16 proximally away from the gas block. Because the proximal end of the elongate dynamic tube is attached to gas key 40, and the gas key is attached to the bolt carrier, the bolt carrier 48 can be forced proximally to start the cycle.

[0029] In still another aspect, at least one exhaust port 52 can be defined in the bolt carrier 48 adjacent the proximal end 32 of the elongate dynamic tube 16. In one aspect, the at least one exhaust port can comprise two exhaust ports. The at least one exhaust port 52 can normally be in a closed position. In this aspect, when a bolt of the firearm 12 is pushed distally (i.e., towards the gas block 24), gas can be blown into the atmosphere through the exhaust port(s) defined in the bolt carrier 48. Any gas and other particles that remain in the gas system 10 can be sucked out of the distal end 22 of the elongate static tube 14 when the bullet exits the barrel 46. In this manner, no significant gas and/or pollutants exit the gas system into other portions of the firearm, such as the upper receiver, to cause the gas and/or pollutants to foul the bolt assembly. This configuration also can enable the cycling pressure to be controlled with more precision due to the fact that telescoping tubing increases volume as the bolt is forced proximally. This expansion of the volume expands the gases and aids in the cooling of the gases as well.

[0030] Although several aspects of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other aspects of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific aspects disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention.

Claims

1. A gas system for a firearm having a bolt, a bolt carrier, a gas key attached to the bolt carrier, a receiver, a barrel defining a gas port, a gas block attached to the barrel having an aperture in communication with the gas port, the gas system comprising: an elongate static tube defining a first internal passageway, the elongate static tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being attachable to a portion of the gas block where, when attached to the gas block, the first internal passageway is in communication with the aperture of the gas block; and an elongate dynamic tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate dynamic tube being telescopingly engaged with the elongate static tube wherein the proximal end of the elongate dynamic tube is configured to be fastened to the gas key of the firearm, and wherein the elongate dynamic tube defines a second internal passageway that is in communication with the first internal passageway; wherein firing the firearm causes high pressure gases to enter into the first and second internal passageways via the aperture in the barrel, thereby extending the telescoping relationship between the static tube and the dynamic tube and forcing the bolt carrier proximally.

2. The gas system of claim 1, wherein the first and second internal passageways are substantially sealed, with the exception of the distal end of the elongate static tube.

3. The gas system of claim 1, further comprising at least one exhaust port defined adjacent the proximal end of the dynamic tube, wherein, the exhaust port is normally closed.

4. The gas system of claim 3, wherein when the bolt is pushed forward, the at least one exhaust port is opened to enable release of gas.

5. The gas system of claim 4, wherein when the gas is released and the bolt is moved distally, the at least one exhaust port returns to the closed position.

6. A firearm system, comprising: a firearm having a bolt, a bolt carrier, a gas key attached to the bolt carrier, a receiver, a barrel defining a gas port, a gas block attached to the barrel having an aperture in communication with the gas port; an elongate static tube defining a first internal passageway, the elongate static tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being attachable to a portion of the gas block where, when attached to the gas block, the first internal passageway is in communication with the aperture of the gas block; and an elongate dynamic tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate dynamic tube being telescopingly engaged with the elongate static tube wherein the proximal end of the elongate dynamic tube is configured to be fastened to the gas key of the firearm, and wherein the elongate dynamic tube defines a second internal passageway that is in communication with the first internal passageway; wherein firing the firearm causes high pressure gases enter into the first and second internal passageways via the aperture in the barrel, thereby extending the telescoping relationship between the static tube and the dynamic tube and forcing the bolt carrier proximally.

7. The gas system of claim 6, wherein the first and second internal passageways are substantially sealed, with the exception of the distal end of the elongate static tube.

8. The gas system of claim 6, further comprising at least one exhaust port defined adjacent the proximal end of the dynamic tube, wherein, the exhaust port is normally closed.

9. The gas system of claim 8, wherein when the bolt is pushed forward, the at least one exhaust port is opened to enable release of gas.

10. The gas system of claim 9, wherein when the gas is released and the bolt is moved distally, the at least one exhaust port returns to the closed position.

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