Modular handguard device for a firearm

Abstract

A modular handguard device configured to be slidably mated to an outer surface of an existing or affixed handguard. The handguard of the present invention may be configured to mate with any handguard to provide an extension of the handguard for purposes including mitigation of detectable heat signature, operator safety and increased reconfigurability of firearms for mission specific needs.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit to provisional patent application No. 62 / 360,924, entitled “MODULAR HANDGUARD DEVICE FOR A FIREARM”, filed Jul. 11, 2016, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention pertains in general to shielding of surfaces as associated with firearms with elevated surface temperatures with a heat mitigation and shielding device to reduce the risk of injury to an operating user.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Firearms are weapons designed to fire a projectile, or round, at a high rate of speed toward an intended target. A rapidly combusting or explosive charge is initiated within the firearm to generate a rapidly expanding gas, which is controlled and directed through a barrel. The rapidly expanding gas propels a projectile out of the muzzle-end of the barrel at high velocity. The combustion of the explosive charge within the firearm subjects par...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text is about a modular handguard for firearms that helps protect operators from injury and is designed to mitigate external surface temperatures. The handguard is made from materials with heat mitigating characteristics, such as ceramic or polymers with low heat transfer coefficients. It may also include an intermediate insulative barrier or strategic air-pockets to further reduce detectable heat signature. The technical effects of this innovation include reducing the transfer of heat to an external surface, improving safety, and minimizing detectable heat signature.

Problems solved by technology

Changing barrels to a longer barrel exposes more barrel surface, which may reach elevated temperatures and injure the operator or others in near proximity.

Adding a suppressor extends the effective length of a barrel and exposes surfaces, which may reach elevated temperatures and injure the operator or others in near proximity.

Grasping a firearm in close-proximity to the muzzle-end may expose the operator to potential injury from direct exposure to the muzzle blast of the firearm.

Furthermore, a handguard that extends beyond the muzzle end of a firearm may result in a firearm that is heavier than necessary, and longer than necessary.

A firearm that is longer than necessary is typically more difficult to maneuver in situations such as those that the operator is within a building or vehicle.

Materials having heat mitigating characteristics typically have low heat transfer properties.

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