Attachment assembly for firearm handguard and method of attaching handguard to a firearm

Abstract

An attachment assembly for a firearm handguard includes a barrel nut for mounting on a firearm barrel and engaging the firearm handguard thereon. The barrel nut includes a first end for engaging an upper receiver of a firearm, a second end opposite the first end for receiving the firearm handguard, and a transverse groove formed on an exterior surface of the barrel nut between the first end and the second end, which mechanically locks the firearm handguard on the barrel nut. The barrel nut can include an interior surface with threads formed thereon proximate the first end for engaging complementary threads of the upper receiver. A knurled section can be formed on the exterior surface between the transverse groove and the second end, which provides frictional engagement at the interface of the barrel nut and the handguard.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 323,132, filed Apr. 12, 2010. The present invention relates to handguard attachment assembly for use on a firearm, and a method of attaching a handguard to a firearm. One embodiment of the invention is particularly suited for use with automatic and semi-automatic rifles, such as the M-16, AR-15 and AR-10 rifles.TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Handguards for use on firearms are known in the art for providing protection to the user from burns that can result from heat generated along the barrel of the firearm during use. While such handguards offer protection from the hot temperatures generated by firing of the weapon, the handguards can be prone to becoming loose or detached from the firearm due to the force generated when discharging the firearm. Also, the handguards can become loose or detached due to the rigorous handling of the firearm, such as use in combat related activities. Sudd...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]According to another embodiment of the invention, the barrel nut includes a knurled section formed on the exterior surface of the barrel nut proximate the second end, and the knurled section facilitates frictional engagement at the interface of the barrel nut and the handguard.

[0014]According to another embodiment of the invention, the barrel nut includes a knurled section formed on the exterior surface of the barrel nut proximate the second end, and the knurled section facilitates frictional engagement at the interface of the barrel nut and the handguard.

[0022]According to another embodiment of the invention, the handguard includes a lug proximate the receiving end whereby the lug engages the upper receiver and minimizes movement of the handguard.

Problems solved by technology

While such handguards offer protection from the hot temperatures generated by firing of the weapon, the handguards can be prone to becoming loose or detached from the firearm due to the force generated when discharging the firearm.

Also, the handguards can become loose or detached due to the rigorous handling of the firearm, such as use in combat related activities.

Sudden unexpected detachment of the handguard from the firearm can render the firearm ineffective and can pose a risk of injury to the user, particularly in combat situations.

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