Firearm with gas system accessory latch

Abstract

A gas-operated firearm has a barrel defining a bore with a gas block defining a chamber communicating with the bore via a gas passage. A gas regulation element has a first position and a second position, and serves to provide different gas flow characteristics in the different positions. The latch element gives the user audible or tactile feedback upon installation of an accessory device when the gas regulation element is a correct position suited to use of the accessory, and not when in the other position unsuited to accessory usage. The accessory may be a sound suppressor, and the latch may serve to secure the gas regulation element against position change. The latch may engage a circular array of elements on the rear face of the suppressor, and may have an angled cam face to provide ratcheting engagement for installation, and to resist removal or loosening without deliberate actuation of the latch.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to firearms, and more particularly to gas-operated self-loading firearms.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0002]Auto-loading rifles generally employ the energy produced in firing a round to cycle a bolt (bolt carrier and bolt) and load the next round. This includes machine guns and semi-automatic rifles of many types.[0003]One type of system for transferring energy to the bolt employs the gas pressure developed behind the bullet in the barrel upon discharge. This is know as a direct-gas operated system. A small lateral vent hole is provided in the barrel (usually at a forward location), and the momentary gas pressure is transmitted through the vent hole back to the bolt assembly to cycle it. In direct-gas-operated rifles (such as an M16 or M4 rifle) the gas pressure is transmitted via a tube that extends back to the bolt, which has a piston-like portion to which the gas imparts pressure. In others (such as an M14) the gas pres...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a gas-operated firearm with a gas regulation element that can be adjusted to different gas flow characteristics. The gas regulation element has a latch that provides feedback to the user when installing an accessory device, such as a sound suppressor. The latch securely engages the gas regulation element to prevent position change. The technical effect of this invention is to ensure proper functioning and reliability of the firearm, even when using different types of accessories, such as a sound suppressor."

Problems solved by technology

Inadequate pressure can cause the firearms to fail to fully cycle, thus failing to chamber a round.

Excessive pressure can cause excessive wear, and may damage components, as well as causing unreliable performance.

While such gas system adjustments are satisfactory for use with suppressors, problems can occur when a user installs a suppressor, but forgets to set the gas plug to a smaller aperture.

This can cause unwanted damage, or a failure of the firearm to properly perform (with potentially dire consequences in a combat or self-defense context.)

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