Recoil spring assembly

Abstract

A recoil spring assembly (260) for a rearm (20) includes a guide rod (270) having a rearward end (279) and a forward end (277). The rearward end of the guide rod includes a guide rod neck (273) and a guide rod flange (275) that is attached to the guide rod neck and has a cross-sectional width larger than that of the guide rod neck. The recoil spring assembly includes a ring assembly (280) with at least two ring segments (281). The ring assembly is attachable to the rearward end of the guide rod so that the ring assembly surrounds the guide rod flange and guide rod neck. The recoil spring assembly further includes a recoil spring (261) that is positioned between the forward end and the rearward end of the guide rod. The recoil spring surrounds at least a portion of the guide rod and ring assembly.

Description

[0001] RECOIL SPRING ASSEMBLY

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention pertains generally to firearms and, in particular aspects, to a recoil spring assembly for a firearm.

[0004] To return the slide to a forward position after a firearm is fired, firearm manufacturers have designed and implemented various mechanisms. There remains, however, a desire for new and improved designs.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A recoil spring assembly for a firearm may include a guide rod having a rearward end and a forward end. The guide rod includes a guide rod body. The rearward end of said guide rod may include a guide rod neck extending from said guide rod body and a guide rod rear flange positioned rearwardly of said guide rod neck. A cross-sectional width of said guide rod neck may be smaller than a cross-sectional width of said guide rod flange. In certain examples, a front flange may be positioned at said forward end of said guide rod, extending from said guide rod body. A cross-sectional width of said front flange may be larger than a cross-sectional width of said guide rod body. In some embodiments, the guide rod body, guide rod neck, guide rod rear flange, and forward flange may be monolithic. In other embodiments, the guide rod body, guide rod neck, guide rod rear flange, and / or forward flange may be separate pieces. For example, the forward flange may be separately attachable to the guide rod body or may include multiple components that are attachable to the guide rod body.

[0007] The recoil spring assembly may also include a ring assembly including at least two ring segments. The ring assembly may be attachable to said rearward end of said guide rod so that said ring assembly at least partially surrounds said guide rod flange and said guide rod neck. The recoil spring assembly may also include a recoil spring positioned around at least a portion of said guide rod and said ring assembly and extending between said rearward end of said guide rod and an end of said ring assembly.

[0008] In certain embodiments, each of said at least two ring segments includes a ring segment flange and a ring segment base, and said ring segment flange extends radially outward from said ring segment base. In some aspects, each of said at least two ring segments includes a ring segment shelf, and said ring segment shelf of each of said at least two ring segments is in contact with an inner surface of said guide rod flange when said ring assembly is attached to said guide rod. For some embodiments, the recoil spring assembly may include exactly two ring segments. In some embodiments, said guide rod includes one or more guide rod grooves that extend on said guide rod body between said first and forward ends of said guide rod.

[0009] Some aspects may include a firearm that includes a frame and a slide positioned atop said frame. The slide and said frame may form a spring channel. The recoil spring assembly may be positioned within said spring channel, and wherein said forward end of said recoil spring is in contact with said slide. In some embodiments, the firearm may also include a safety disassembly system including a safety disassembly activator. The rearward end or rear end of said guide rod may be in contact with said safety disassembly activator. In some instances, the ring assembly is in contact with the safety disassembly activator.

[0010] Preferably, in a firearm containing a recoil spring assembly disclosed here, the recoil spring remains around the ring assembly during the entirety of the firing operation of the firearm (e.g., during reward and forward cycling of the slide relative to the frame). Advantageously, such an arrangement can aid in maintaining the ring assembly on the guide rod.

[0011] Preferably, only the recoil spring resists movement of the ring assembly and portions thereof from radial movement away from the guide rod. Preferably, the ring assembly is fixed in position along the length of the guide rod.

[0012] A method of assembling a recoil spring assembly may include inserting a guide rod into a recess defined through a recoil spring. The guide rod may be inserted along a spring axis defined by said recoil spring. The recoil spring is then compressed, if not already, or may be further compressed along said spring axis so that said recoil spring is positioned between the front flange of the guide rod and the rear flange of the guide rod. A plurality of ring segments may be attached to said guide rod to form a ring assembly so that the ring assembly surrounds a rear flange of the guide rod and a guide rod neck. In some embodiments, the ring segments are concurrently placed around said guide rod neck and said guide rod rear flange.

[0013] The recoil spring may then be extended between said front flange of the guide rod and flanges of said ring segments that form said ring assembly when said ring assembly is positioned around said guide rod. The recoil spring is preferably extended until the recoil spring contacts said flanges of said ring segments. Preferably, the recoil spring surrounds at least a portion of said ring assembly to retain the ring segments around the guide rod. In some embodiments, the ring segments may be retained around the guide rod by adhesive, a snap fit, or any other suitable attachment method in addition to or instead of being held to the guide rod by the recoil spring. In some embodiments, recoil spring assemblies having at least one different a characteristic (length, width, spring rate, preload, etc.) are distinguishable by different colors of said ring assemblies.

[0014] Advantageously, a spring ring assembly may be used with different sized recoil springs and recoil spring guide rods. This may reduce the cost of manufacturing the recoil spring assembly and the firearm as a whole. The ring segments may also be fabricated in different colors to distinguish different recoil spring assemblies during manufacturing. Additionally, the multiple ring segments may be easier or cheaper to manufacture than a whole ring.

[0015] The recoil spring is preferably a compression spring. The recoil spring may be formed of one or more round or flat wires. Preferably, the recoil spring is under compression (i.e., preload) in the assembled recoil spring assembly.

[0016] Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with the frame and the slide removed.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with the frame and the slide removed. FIG. 4 is a side view of the recoil spring assembly.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a side view of the recoil spring guide rod.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the spring ring assembly.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of recoil spring assembly of FIG. 4.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the recoil spring assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with the frame removed.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a zoomed cross-sectional view of the firearm of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for a method of assembling the recoil spring assembly

[0027] DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0029] Directional terms, such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, etc., are used in this description with reference to the specific embodiment shown and used for purposes of clarity. It should be recognized that these terms are not meant to be limiting. For the purposes of this description, the term “forward” refers to the direction moving toward the front end of the barrel, where a bullet exits upon being fired. The term “rearward” refers to a direction moving toward the grip end of the firearm.

[0030] A side view of a firearm 20 is shown in FIG. 1. Firearm 20 includes a frame 30 that defines a magazine well 35 for receiving a magazine 40. A slide 50 is positioned atop the frame 30 so that the slide 50 may move along the length of the frame 30. A barrel 60 is supported within the slide 50. The firearm 20 also includes a trigger assembly 110 that is housed within the frame 30. In some embodiments, the trigger assembly 110 may include a trigger 113 and a trigger safety 114 that is protected by a trigger guard 116.

[0031] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a right side view and a left side view, respectively, of the firearm 20 with the frame 30 and the slide 50 hidden to more clearly show the inner components of the firearm 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the trigger assembly 110 includes a trigger bar 120 that extends rearwardly from the trigger 113 and interacts with a sear assembly 130. The sear assembly 130 interacts with the firing pin 160 to allow release of the firing pin when the trigger 113 is pulled so that the firing pin may contact a loaded cartridge to fire the firearm 20.

[0032] A safety disassembly system 175 includes a safety disassembly lever 185 that is also capable of interaction with the sear assembly 130. The safety disassembly system 175 prevents accidental firing of the firearm 20 during disassembly of the firearm 20. In some embodiments, the safety disassembly lever 185 may also prevent disassembly of the firearm 20 when a magazine 40 is inserted into the magazine well. The safety disassembly lever 185 may also prevent insertion of a magazine 40 into the magazine well 35 when the safety disassembly system 175 is in a position to allow disassembly of the firearm 20.

[0033] A trigger housing 200 may be fit within the frame 30 and may provide support for the trigger assembly 110 and may also provide additional support for the frame 30. In addition to supporting the trigger assembly, the trigger housing 200 may also support the safety disassembly system 175. In some embodiments, the trigger housing 200 may define opposed openings through which a portion of the safety disassembly system 175 may be inserted. The trigger housing 200 may also provide support for a slide stop assembly 240. The slide stop assembly 240 may include a slide stop lever and a slide stop pin. The slide stop assembly 240 allows the slide 50 to be held in a rearward position.

[0034] A recoil spring assembly 260 is positioned below the barrel 60. The recoil spring assembly 260 assists to return the slide 50 to a forward position after the firearm 20 is fired.

[0035] A magazine catch assembly 310 is found within the frame 30 and adjacent to the magazine well 35 and the magazine 40 when the magazine 40 is loaded into the magazine well. The magazine catch assembly 310 holds the magazine 40 within the magazine well 35, and operation of the magazine catch assembly allows the magazine 40 to be released from the magazine well 35. In some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly 310 is designed to be ambidextrous so it may be operated by a right-handed or a left-handed user from either side of the firearm 20. Further, in some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly 310 may operate to prevent release of the magazine 40 from the magazine well 35 when the trigger 113 is pulled.

[0036] The firearm 20 also includes a manual safety assembly 340 which is positioned near the rearward end of the firearm 20. The manual safety assembly 340 may be in contact with and secured to a portion of the trigger housing 200. The manual safety assembly 340 may be rotatable with respect to the trigger housing 200, so that when the manual safety assembly 340 is rotated into an engaged orientation, the manual safety assembly 340 prevents rotation of the sear assembly 130. This prevents the firearm 20 from firing because the sear assembly 130 is unable to rotate to release the firing pin 160.

[0037] A backstrap assembly 360 is attachable to a rearward face of the frame 30. The backstrap assembly 360 provides a grip for a user firing the firearm 20. The backstrap assembly 360 may be designed to ergonomically fit within the hand of a user to increase comfort and make the firearm 20 more secure and easier to handle. In some embodiments, the backstrap assembly 360 may be designed to be attached and detached from the frame 30 without the need for an additional tool. Additionally, in some embodiments, the backstrap assembly 360 may include a lanyard assembly 390 that allows a lanyard to be attached the firearm 20.

[0038] An optical sight assembly 410 may be positioned on the top of the slide 50 of firearm 20. The slide 50 may include multiple mounting locations for the optical sight assembly 410 so that different varieties of optical sight assemblies 410 may be attached to the slide 50 as desired without the need for different mounting plates to be installed on the slide 50.

[0039] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the recoil spring assembly 260. The recoil spring assembly 260 includes a recoil spring 261, a recoil spring guide rod 270, and a spring ring assembly 280. The recoil spring 261 extends lengthwise along a length of the firearm 20. In the shown embodiment, the recoil spring 261 is helical in shape. A spring axis 262 is defined along the length and through the center of the recoil spring 261. In some embodiments, the recoil spring 261 may be fabricated from music wire, chrome silicon wire, or any other appropriate material.

[0040] The recoil spring 261 includes a spring front surface 264 defined on the forward-facing end of the recoil spring 261 which contacts the slide 50 when the recoil spring assembly 260 is assembled in the firearm 20. During operation of the firearm 20, the recoil spring front surface 264 applies force to the slide 50 to return the slide 50 to a forward position. The recoil spring 261 also includes a spring rear surface 265 which is defined on the rearward-facing end of the recoil spring 261. The spring rear surface 265 is opposite the spring front surface 264.

[0041] The recoil spring guide rod 270 extends through the center of the recoil spring 261 along the spring axis 262. The recoil spring guide rod 270 provides structural support for the recoil spring 261 to limit compression and extension of the recoil spring 261 to a direction along the spring axis 262. Preferably, the recoil spring guide rod 270 limits the movement of the recoil spring 261 in directions perpendicular to the spring axis 262.

[0042] The recoil spring guide rod 270 is generally cylindrical in shape. In the shown embodiment, the recoil spring guide rod 270 has a circular cross-section with grooves along its length. Alternatively, the recoil spring guide rod 270 may have no grooves or may have a differently shaped cross-section, for example, the cross-section of the recoil spring guide rod 270 may be elliptical or rectangular.

[0043] A spring ring assembly 280 is positioned on the rearward end of the recoil spring assembly 260. The spring ring assembly 280 attaches to the rearward end of the recoil spring guide rod 270. The recoil spring 261 radially encompasses a portion of the spring ring assembly 280 along the rearward end of the spring axis 262. The spring ring assembly 280 additionally contacts the recoil spring 261 at the spring rear surface 265.

[0044] FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of the recoil spring guide rod 270. As shown, the recoil spring guide rod 270 has a forward end 277 and a rearward end 279. Recoil spring guide rod 270 has a guide rod body 271 and a guide rod forward flange 272 that extends from the guide rod body 271 at the forward end 277 of the recoil spring guide rod 270. A guide rod neck 273 and a guide rod rear flange 275 extend from the guide rod body 271 at the rearward end 279 of the recoil spring guide rod 270. One or more guide rod grooves 278 may extend along the recoil spring guide rod 270, parallel to the spring axis 262.

[0045] The guide rod forward flange 272 is positioned at the forward end of the recoil spring guide rod 270 and includes a rearward facing surface. The guide rod forward flange 272 extends radially outward of the profile of the recoil spring guide rod 270 and defines the forward edge of the recoil spring guide rod 270. In the shown embodiment, the cross-section of the guide rod forward flange 272 is circular. Alternatively, the profile of the guide rod forward flange 272 can be elliptical, rectangular, or any shape that extends outside the profile of the recoil spring guide rod 270.

[0046] The guide rod neck 273 protrudes from the rearward end of the guide rod body 271. The guide rod neck 273 extends along the spring axis 262 and is recessed in the radial direction relative to the rest of the recoil spring guide rod 270. In one embodiment, the guide rod neck 273 has a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the guide rod neck 273 may have an elliptical, rectangular, or other shaped cross-section.

[0047] A guide rod rear surface 274 is defined on the rearward end of the guide rod body 271 of recoil spring guide rod 270, and the guide rod neck 273 extends from the guide rod rear surface 274. In the shown embodiment, the guide rod rear surface 274 is oriented perpendicularly to the spring axis 262. The junction between the guide rod neck 273 and the guide rod rear surface 274 may be rounded such that there is a smooth transition between the two components. The guide rod rear flange 275 extends rearwardly from the guide rod neck 273. The guide rod rear flange 275 has a cross-sectional width that is greater than the cross-sectional width of the guide rod neck 273. For example, in the embodiment shown, the guide rod rear flange 275 extends further outward in the radial direction than the guide rod neck 273. As shown, the guide rod rear flange 275 may have a circular cross-section perpendicular to the spring axis 262. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the cross-section of the guide rod rear flange 275 can be elliptical, rectangular, or any shape that extends outside the cross-section of the guide rod neck 273.

[0048] A rear flange inner surface 276 is defined on the side of the guide rod rear flange 275 that faces the guide rod rear surface 274. In the shown embodiment, the rear flange inner surface 276 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the spring axis 262. The junction between the guide rod neck 273 and the rear flange inner surface 276 may be rounded such that there is a smooth transition between the two components.

[0049] FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of the spring ring assembly 280. The spring ring assembly includes at least two ring segments 281. As shown, the two ring segments 281 are oriented symmetrically with respect to each other to form a ring flange opening 288 between the ring segments 281. The ring segments 281 are configured to fit around the guide rod neck 1 of the recoil spring guide rod 270, so that the guide rod neck 273 fits within the ring flange opening 288.

[0050] In the shown embodiment, the two ring segments 281 which are generally semi- cylindrical in shape. In an alternative embodiment, there may be more than two ring segments 281 which are generally shaped as sections of a cylinder divided rotationally around a central axis to form the ring flange opening 288 when connected together. For example, the spring ring assembly 280 could be constructed from three or four ring segments 281.

[0051] Each ring segment 281 of the spring ring assembly 280 includes a ring segment base 282. In the embodiment shown, the cross-section of the ring segment bases 282 when connected together to form the spring ring assembly 280 have the same maximum cross-sectional dimension as the cross-section of the recoil spring guide rod 270.

[0052] Each ring segment also includes a ring segment flange 285. The ring segment flange 285 extends radially outward from the ring segment base 282. In the shown embodiment, the profile of the assembled ring segment flanges 285 is circular. Alternatively, the profile of the assembled ring segment flanges 285 can be elliptical, rectangular, or any shape that extends outside the profile of the ring segment bases 282.

[0053] On each ring segment 281, a ring segment shelf 283 is defined on the inside of the ring segment base 282. The ring segment shelf 283 defines a rearwardly-facing surface that may be generally flat. Conversely, a ring segment base surface 284 defines a forward-facing surface.

[0054] On each ring segment flange 285, a ring flange forward surface 286, that is a forwardfacing surface, is defined on the forward-facing side of the ring segment flange 285. A ring flange rear surface 287 is also defined on the rearward-facing side of the ring segment flange 285. In the assembled configuration, the multiple ring segment flanges 285 may define a ring flange opening 288. The ring flange opening 288 may extend lengthwise from the ring segment shelf 283 to the ring flange rear surface 287. The maximum cross-sectional width of the ring flange opening 288 is preferably greater than the that of the opening inside the ring segment base 282.

[0055] In some embodiments, the ring segments 281 of the ring assembly 280 may be colored to denote a certain physical characteristic of the recoil spring assembly 260. The color of the ring assembly 280 makes that characteristic of the recoil spring assembly 260 easily identifiable when compared to other recoil spring assemblies 260. For example, in some instances, the color of the ring assembly 280 may identify the length or the thickness of the guide rod 270. In other embodiments, the color of the ring segments 281 of the ring assembly 280 may correspond to certain characteristics of the recoil spring 261 such as spring stiffness and / or spring preload.

[0056] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of the rearward-positioned components of the recoil spring assembly 260. The spring ring assembly 280 and the rearward portions of the recoil spring 261 and the recoil spring guide rod 270 are shown. The inner portion of the ring segment 281 is pictured as well as the ring flange opening 288. Additionally, an alternate view of the surfaces of the ring segment 281 are shown including the ring segment shelf 283, the ring segment base surface 284, and the ring flange forward surface 286.

[0057] On the ring segments 281, the ring segment bases 282, when assembled, form an opening that is preferably at least the size of the guide rod neck 1 . Similarly, the ring flange opening 288 is preferably at least the size of the guide rod rear flange 275. The ring segment shelf 283 is configured to at least partially complement the rear flange inner surface 276. The ring segment base surface 284 may be configured to at least partially complement the guide rod rear surface 274, although the ring segment base surface 284 and the guide rod rear surface 274 are preferably spaced from one another in the assembled recoil spring assembly 260.

[0058] The ring assembly 280 may include transitions (e.g., fillets, chamfers) to complement transitions between corresponding surfaces on the recoil spring guide rod 270. For example, in the embodiment shown, the edges between the ring segment bases 282 and the ring segment base surfaces 284 may be rounded to complement the rounded transition between the guide rod neck 273 and the guide rod rear surface 274.

[0059] FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the side profile of the recoil spring assembly 260. In the shown assembled configuration, the ring segments 281 are placed around both the guide rod rear flange 275 and the guide rod neck 273. The guide rod rear flange 275 fits at least partially inside the ring flange opening 288. The guide rod neck 273 fits at least partially within the ring segment base 282. In the embodiment shown, when the spring ring assembly 280 is placed around the recoil spring guide rod 270, the ring segment shelf 283 contacts the rear flange inner surface 276 and the ring segment base surface 284 is spaced rearwardly from the guide rod rear surface 274 in one embodiment. However, in other embodiments, both pairs of surfaces may contact each other when the components are assembled. The length of each ring segment base 282 approximates the spacing between the rear flange inner surface 276 and the guide rod rear surface 274. When the ring segments 281 are placed around the guide rod neck 273, the position of the ring segments 281 are preferably fixed along the spring axis 262. In some embodiments, the ring segments 281 may be retained around the guide rod neck 273 by the recoil spring 261. In other embodiments, the ring segments 281 may be snap fit to each other, may be adhered to each other, or may be retained around the guide rod neck 273 by another suitable attachment method in addition to or instead of being retained solely by the recoil spring 261.

[0060] The recoil spring 261 is positioned around the recoil spring guide rod 270 and the ring segment bases 282. In this configuration, the spring rear surface 265 contacts the ring flange forward surface 286 of the ring segment flanges 285. Preferably, the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the ring segment base 282 when assembled on the guide rod neck 273 approximates the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the recoil spring guide rod 270. The recoil spring 261 limits the movement of spring ring assembly 280 in a radial direction from the spring axis 262. In this way, the spring ring assembly 280 is effectively locked in place relative to recoil spring guide rod 270. FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of the firearm 20. The slide 50, the barrel 60, the recoil spring assembly 260, and a safety disassembly activator 176 of the safety disassembly system 175 are pictured. The safety disassembly activator 176 is positioned rearwardly of the recoil spring assembly 260. The guide rod rear flange 275 and / or the ring segment flanges 285 contact the safety disassembly activator 176 in the assembled firearm 20. Preferably, the spring ring assembly 280 contacts the safety disassembly activator 176. Specifically, the ring flange rear surface 287 preferably contacts a surface 180 of the safety disassembly activator 176. The safety disassembly activator 176 provides support to the recoil spring assembly 260 such that rearward movement is limited in the direction of the spring axis 262.

[0061] FIG. 10 depicts a zoomed cross-sectional view of firearm 20. The recoil spring assembly 260, the frame 30, and the slide 50 are pictured. A spring channel 290 is defined by the frame 30 and the slide 50. The spring channel 290 provides a recess for the recoil spring assembly 260 to fit within the frame 30 and the slide 50. In the shown embodiment, a lower portion of the spring channel 290 is defined by the frame 30, and an upper portion of the spring channel 290 is defined by the slide 50.

[0062] A spring channel front surface 292 is defined by the slide 50 at the forward end within the spring channel 290. The spring channel front surface 292 faces towards the rearward end of the firearm 20. The spring channel front surface 292 is also aligned in a similar orientation as the spring front surface 264. In the shown embodiment, the spring channel front surface 292 is oriented perpendicularly to the spring axis 262. When the firearm is assembled, the spring front surface 264 contacts the spring channel front surface 292 to force the slide 50 forwards (i.e., towards the muzzle of the barrel). The spring channel front surface 292 is positioned rearward of the guide rod forward flange 272 so that the recoil spring 261 contacts the spring channel front surface 292 rather than contacting the guide rod forward flange 272 during operation of the firearm 20.

[0063] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart for a method 500 of assembling the recoil spring assembly 260. In a first stage 505, the recoil spring guide rod 270 is inserted into the recoil spring 261 such that the recoil spring guide rod 270 extends at least partially through the recoil spring 261 along the spring axis 262. The recoil spring 261, while in a compressed state, may be placed between the guide rod forward flange 272 and the guide rod rear flange 275. Alternatively, the recoil spring 261 may extend past the guide rod rear flange 275 in an uncompressed state.

[0064] In a second stage 510, the recoil spring 261 is compressed, if not already, or may optionally be further compressed along the spring axis 262. In one embodiment, the recoil spring 261 is compressed such that both the recoil spring front surface 264 and the recoil spring rear surface 265 are positioned between the guide rod forward flange 272 and the rear flange inner surface 276. guide rod forward flange 272

[0065] In a third stage 515, the ring segments 281 are placed around the guide rod neck 273 and guide rod rear flange 275 to form the spring ring assembly 280. The third stage 515 preferably occurs while the recoil spring 261 is in a compressed state. In one embodiment, the ring segments 281 are placed around the guide rod neck 273 and guide rod rear flange 275 at the same time. Alternatively, the ring segments 281 can be placed around the guide rod neck 273 and guide rod rear flange 275 sequentially or in groups.

[0066] Once the spring ring assembly 280 has been formed on the rearward end of the recoil spring guide rod 270, the recoil spring 261 may be expanded along the spring axis 262 in an optional fourth stage 520. In one embodiment, the recoil spring 261 is expanded to extend around the ring segment bases 282. Preferably, the recoil spring 261 is expanded to contact the ring segment flanges 285 of the spring ring assembly 280.

[0067] Preferably, the recoil spring 261 is under compression (i.e., preload) in the finished assembly.

[0068] The method of assembly can be used for multiple sizes and / or numbers of recoil springs 261. Accordingly, the term “spring” as used herein may refer to one or more springs. In one embodiment, the same spring ring assembly 280 is configured to attach to varying sizes of recoil springs 261 and recoil spring guide rods 270. In another embodiment, multiple spring ring assemblies 280, perhaps with the same dimensions, are colored differently and attached to different recoil springs 261 and / or recoil spring guide rods 270 (e.g., of varying lengths) such that each color corresponds to a different arrangement (e.g., different size such as length or width, spring rate, preload, etc.).

[0069] The following numbered clauses set out specific embodiments that may be useful in understanding the present invention:

[0070] 1. A recoil spring assembly for a firearm comprising: a compression spring having a forward end and a rearward end and defining an internal recess extending along a spring axis extending from said forward end to said rearward end; a guide rod positioned along said spring axis within said internal recess, said guide rod having a forward end, a rearward end, and a lengthrearward end; and a ring assembly comprising a first ring segment and a second ring segment; wherein a forward flange of the recoil spring assembly has a rearward-facing surface that abuts the forward end of the compression spring; wherein said first ring segment and said second ring segment each have a rearward flange with a forward-facing surface abutting said rearward end of said compression spring; wherein said compression spring is under compression in the recoil spring assembly; and wherein said ring assembly has a portion positioned between the compression spring and the guide rod and is retained against said guide rod at least by said compression spring.

[0071] 2. The recoil spring assembly of clause 1, wherein when retained against said guide rod by said compression spring, said first and second ring segments are fixed in position along said length of said guide rod.

[0072] 3. The recoil spring assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the ring assembly extends rearwardly beyond the rearward end of the guide rod.

[0073] 4. The recoil spring assembly of any preceding clause, wherein said forward flange is integral with said guide rod.

[0074] 5. The recoil spring assembly of any preceding clause, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of said forward flange along a direction orthogonal to said spring axis is less than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of said ring assembly along said same direction.

[0075] 6. The recoil spring assembly of any preceding clause, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of said ring assembly portion positioned between the compression spring and the guide rod is approximately equal to a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the guide rod intermediate the forward and rearward ends of the guide rod.

[0076] 7. A firearm comprising: a frame; a slide positioned atop said frame, wherein said slide and said frame define a spring channel; a recoil spring assembly comprising: a recoil spring having a forward end and a rearward end and defining an internal recess extending along a spring axis extending from said forward end to said rearward end; a guide rod positioned along said spring axis within said internal recess, said guide rod having a forward end, a rearward end, and a length; and a ring assembly comprising a first ring segment and a second ring segment; wherein said first ring segment and said second ring segment each have a forward-facing surface abutting said rearward end of said recoil spring; wherein said ring assembly has a portion positioned between the recoil spring and the guide rod and is retained against said guide rod at least by said recoil spring; and wherein said recoil spring assembly is positioned within said spring channel, and wherein said forward end of said recoil spring abuts said slide.

[0077] 8. The firearm of clause 7, wherein when retained against said guide rod by said compression spring, said first and second ring segments are fixed in position along said length of said guide rod.

[0078] 9. The firearm of any one of clauses 7-8, wherein the ring assembly extends rearwardly beyond the rearward end of the guide rod.

[0079] 10. The firearm of any one of clauses 7-9, further comprising a forward flange integral with said guide rod.

[0080] 11. The firearm of clause 10, wherein said forward flange has a maximum cross-sectional dimension along a direction orthogonal to said spring axis that is less than a maximum cross- sectional dimension of said ring assembly along said same direction.

[0081] 12. The firearm of any one of clauses 7-11, further comprising: a safety disassembly system including a safety disassembly activator; and wherein said rearward end of said ring assembly is in contact with said safety disassembly activator.

[0082] 13. The firearm of clause 12, wherein said guide rod is in contact with said safety disassembly activator.

[0083] 14. The firearm of any one of clauses 7-13, wherein said rearward end of said guide rod includes a guide rod groove and said ring assembly is positioned at least partially within said groove. 15. The firearm of any one of clauses 7-14, wherein said ring assembly is retained against said guide rod solely by said recoil spring.

[0084] 16. A method of assembling a recoil spring assembly, the method comprising: inserting a guide rod into a recess defined through a recoil spring, wherein said guide rod is inserted into a forward end of said recoil spring along a spring axis defined by said recoil spring; compressing said recoil spring along said spring axis so that a rearward end of said recoil spring is positioned forward of a rearward flange of said guide rod; attaching a plurality of ring segments to a rearward end of said guide rod, wherein said ring segments have a portion configured to interfere with said rearward flange of said guide rod to limit rearward movement of said ring segments along said guide rod; and extending said recoil spring to position rearward end coils of said recoil spring around portions of said ring segments to retain said ring segments on said guide rod.

[0085] 17. The method of clause 16, wherein extending said recoil spring includes decreasing compressive force on said recoil spring but keeping said recoil spring under compression.

[0086] 18. The method of any one of clauses 16-17, wherein when said ring segments are retained on said guide rod by said recoil spring said ring segments are fixed in position along the length of the guide rod.

[0087] 19. The method of assembly of any one of clauses 16-18, wherein after said extending, the ring segments extend rearwardly beyond the rearward end of the guide rod.

[0088] 20. The method of assembly of any one of clauses 16-19, wherein after said extending, a maximum cross-sectional dimension defined by outer surfaces of the portions said ring segments within said rearward coils is approximately equal to a maximum cross-sectional dimension of an intermediate portion of the guide rod.

[0089] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A recoil spring assembly for a firearm comprising: a compression spring having a forward end and a rearward end and defining an internal recess extending along a spring axis extending from said forward end to said rearward end; a guide rod positioned along said spring axis within said internal recess, said guide rod having a forward end, a rearward end, and a length; and a ring assembly comprising a first ring segment and a second ring segment; wherein a forward flange of the recoil spring assembly has a rearward-facing surface that abuts the forward end of the compression spring; wherein said first ring segment and said second ring segment each have a rearward flange with a forward-facing surface abutting said rearward end of said compression spring; wherein said compression spring is under compression in the recoil spring assembly; and wherein said ring assembly has a portion positioned between the compression spring and the guide rod and is retained against said guide rod at least by said compression spring.

2. The recoil spring assembly of claim 1 , wherein when retained against said guide rod by said compression spring, said first and second ring segments are fixed in position along said length of said guide rod.

3. The recoil spring assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ring assembly extends rearwardly beyond the rearward end of the guide rod.

4. The recoil spring assembly of claim 1, wherein said forward flange is integral with said guide rod.

5. The recoil spring assembly of claim 1 , wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of said forward flange along a direction orthogonal to said spring axis is less than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of said ring assembly along said same direction.

6. The recoil spring assembly of claim 1 , wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of said ring assembly portion positioned between the compression spring and the guide rod isapproximately equal to a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the guide rod intermediate the forward and rearward ends of the guide rod.

7. A firearm comprising: a frame; a slide positioned atop said frame, wherein said slide and said frame define a spring channel; a recoil spring assembly comprising: a recoil spring having a forward end and a rearward end and defining an internal recess extending along a spring axis extending from said forward end to said rearward end; a guide rod positioned along said spring axis within said internal recess, said guide rod having a forward end, a rearward end, and a length; and a ring assembly comprising a first ring segment and a second ring segment; wherein said first ring segment and said second ring segment each have a forward-facing surface abutting said rearward end of said recoil spring; wherein said ring assembly has a portion positioned between the recoil spring and the guide rod and is retained against said guide rod at least by said recoil spring; and wherein said recoil spring assembly is positioned within said spring channel, and wherein said forward end of said recoil spring abuts said slide.

8. The firearm of claim 7, wherein when retained against said guide rod by said compression spring, said first and second ring segments are fixed in position along said length of said guide rod.

9. The firearm of claim 7, wherein the ring assembly extends rearwardly beyond the rearward end of the guide rod.

10. The firearm of claim 7, further comprising a forward flange integral with said guide rod.

11. The firearm of claim 10, wherein said forward flange has a maximum cross-sectional dimension along a direction orthogonal to said spring axis that is less than a maximum cross- sectional dimension of said ring assembly along said same direction.

12. The firearm of claim 7, further comprising: a safety disassembly system including a safety disassembly activator; and wherein said rearward end of said ring assembly is in contact with said safety disassembly activator.

13. The firearm of claim 12, wherein said guide rod is in contact with said safety disassembly activator.

14. The firearm of claim 7, wherein said rearward end of said guide rod includes a guide rod groove and said ring assembly is positioned at least partially within said groove.

15. The firearm of claim 7, wherein said ring assembly is retained against said guide rod solely by said recoil spring.

16. A method of assembling a recoil spring assembly, the method comprising: inserting a guide rod into a recess defined through a recoil spring, wherein said guide rod is inserted into a forward end of said recoil spring along a spring axis defined by said recoil spring; compressing said recoil spring along said spring axis so that a rearward end of said recoil spring is positioned forward of a rearward flange of said guide rod; attaching a plurality of ring segments to a rearward end of said guide rod, wherein said ring segments have a portion configured to interfere with said rearward flange of said guide rod to limit rearward movement of said ring segments along said guide rod; and extending said recoil spring to position rearward end coils of said recoil spring around portions of said ring segments to retain said ring segments on said guide rod.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein extending said recoil spring includes decreasing compressive force on said recoil spring but keeping said recoil spring under compression.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein when said ring segments are retained on said guide rod by said recoil spring said ring segments are fixed in position along the length of the guide rod.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein after said extending, the ring segments extend rearwardly beyond the rearward end of the guide rod.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein after said extending, a maximum cross-sectional dimension defined by outer surfaces of the portions said ring segments within said rearward coils is approximately equal to a maximum cross-sectional dimension of an intermediate portion of the guide rod.

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