Quick takedown charging handle

Abstract

Described herein is an improved quick change or takedown charging handle for a firearm to allow for modification of an existing firearm platform and ease of repair and replacement for charging handles on the firearm.

Description

PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to the provisional application No. 63 / 746, 851 filed Jan. 17, 2025.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein is generally directed to an improved quick change or takedown charging handle for a firearm to allow for modification of an existing firearm platform and ease of repair and replacement for charging handles on the firearm.BACKGROUND

[0003] Charging handle 100, see FIG. 1, also known as a cocking handle or bolt handle, is a device on a firearm which, when manipulated, results in the bolt being pulled to the rear, putting the hammer / striker into a spring-loaded (“cocked”) “ready and set” position. Some sources reserve the terms “bolt handle” and “charging handle” for reciprocating and non-reciprocating handles respectively. This allows the operator to open the breech and eject any spent / unwanted cartridge / shell from the chamber, and then load a new round from the magazine or belt if required. By opening the breech, it also helps the operator to verify that the weapon's chamber is clear of any rounds or other obstructions; to clear a stoppage such as a jam, double-feed, stovepipe or misfire; to facilitate moving the bolt back into battery, acting as a forward assist (but not necessarily); and to release a bolt locked to the rear by a catching mechanism on a firearm equipped with a “last round bolt hold open.”

[0004] These devices vary significantly between firearms but may occur in the form of a small protrusion or hook from the side of the bolt, pump, or lever on manual repeating firearms. The slide on a pistol performs a similar action as a cocking handle. In designing a cocking handle, both durability and ergonomics must be taken into account. When heavily used, repeated motion of the handle can lead to metal fatigue, and to avoid part breakage, designs attempt to increase the mean time between failures.

[0005] In use, cocking handles must also be easily and comfortably gripped by the hand of a firearm's operator, including when the operator is wearing gloves or other protective equipment which may limit their dexterity. An example of this ergonomic design can be seen in the thumb grooves found on the cocking handles of the British SA80 family of rifles; these provide extra grip when charging the weapon, preventing the bolt from slipping out of the operator's grip before it is fully pulled back.

[0006] Cocking handles may or may not reciprocate along with the action of the firearm. The advantage of a reciprocating handle is that it gives the user complete control over the movement of the bolt and bolt carrier. It enables great force to be used to chamber or extract difficult or ruptured cartridges. However, it adds an extra, fast-moving part on the outside of the gun and may limit the way the gun is handled.

[0007] Given the criticality of the charging handle to operating a firearm, the part is often extensively integrated into a firearm platform, and by that design, difficult to change, especially during “in field” or active firing situations. Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved charging handle that may be replaced on a firearm quickly, efficiently, and without the need for extensive tool or specifically designed parts.

[0008] Citation or identification of any document in this application is not an admission that such a document is available as prior art to the present disclosure.SUMMARY

[0009] The above objectives are accomplished according to the present disclosure by providing in one instance a charging handle for a firearm having a bolt carrier that may include a charging handle body defining an interior cavity, a post disposed within the interior cavity and a post engagement surface at a distal end accessible from outside the charging handle body, a locking plate operatively coupled to the post and moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position configured to engage a recess of the bolt carrier, and a return spring biasing the locking plate toward the locked position. Depression of the post against a bias of the return spring permits rotation of the post to move the locking plate from the unlocked position to the locked position, and release of the depressed post allows the return spring to drive the locking plate into engagement with the recess of the bolt carrier to secure the charging handle, whereby the charging handle is configured as installable and removable without threaded fasteners.

[0010] In some embodiments, the locking plate may be moved to the locked position by rotation of the post by substantially 180°. The post engagement surface may define a tool-agnostic chasm selected from the group consisting of flat-head slot, Phillips, star, tongue-in-groove, and other keyed geometries, to accept improvised tools. The charging handle may be installable in only one orientation relative to the bolt carrier to prevent upside-down or backward installation. The charging handle body, locking plate, and post may comprise machined steel, aluminum, polymer, or combinations thereof. Engagement of the locking plate with the recess may occur without threads, using a counterbore and hole geometry in the bolt carrier. The locking plate may be configured such that clockwise rotation of the post achieves locking and counterclockwise rotation achieves unlocking. The locking plate may be operatively connected to the post by male / female engagement between an insertion tip of the post and an engaging orifice in the locking plate. In some embodiments, ramps are provided such that rotation of the post without depression urges the locking plate into the locked position. The charging handle may also be configured for a pull version in which the user pulls outward on the handle to clear the locking plate from the recess prior to rotation to the unlocked position. In certain embodiments, the charging handle provides a bolt hold open function by moving a bolt hold open catch into engagement with a receiver when the bolt is pulled outward, and disengaging the bolt hold open catch when the charging handle is re-seated. The charging handle may be configured for use with semi-automatic platforms, bolt-action platforms, and pistol platforms. The locking plate may be shaped to interlock with a corresponding recess geometry on the bolt carrier to resist operational loads during cycling.

[0011] The current disclosure also provides a method of installing and removing a charging handle in a firearm. The method may include inserting a charging handle into a bolt carrier of the firearm, depressing a post against a bias of the return spring to place the locking plate in the unlocked position, rotating the post to move the locking plate into the locked position, and releasing the post such that the return spring urges the locking plate into engagement with a recess of the bolt carrier to secure the charging handle. For removal, the method comprises depressing the post, rotating the post to move the locking plate to the unlocked position, and withdrawing the charging handle from the bolt carrier, wherein the method is performed without threaded fasteners and without specialized tools beyond any object that fits the post engagement surface. In some embodiments, the post is rotated by substantially 180°. The method may further comprise using the charging handle to hold the bolt open by moving a bolt hold open catch into engagement with a receiver, and re-seating the charging handle to disengage the bolt hold open catch and release the bolt. The charging handle may be retrofit to an existing firearm platform originally configured for a threaded charging handle, wherein retrofitting comprises forming or using a counterbore and hole geometry in the bolt carrier to receive the locking plate. The firearm platform may comprise an AK-pattern rifle, an AR-pattern rifle, a shotgun pattern firearm, or a pistol pattern firearm, and the locking plate geometry is adapted to the corresponding bolt or carrier recess.

[0012] These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the example embodiments will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of example embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] An understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure may be utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a prior art charging handle.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the current disclosure in an exploded view.

[0016] FIGS. 3A and 3B shows an assembled charging handle of the current disclosure in a locked and unlocked configuration.

[0017] FIG. 4 at (a), (b), and (c) shows a charging handle of the current disclosure moving between a locked and unlocked position.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a top-down perspective view of one embodiment of the current disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a bottom-up perspective view of one embodiment of the current disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a right-side view of one embodiment of the current disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a left-side view of one embodiment of the current disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a front-end view of one embodiment of the current disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a rear-end view of one embodiment of the current disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a top-down view of one embodiment of the current disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a bottom-up view of one embodiment of the current disclosure.

[0026] The figures herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Before the present disclosure is described in greater detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, and as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0028] Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and / or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and / or” unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0029] Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,”“at least,”“but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

[0030] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

[0031] All publications and patents cited in this specification are cited to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. All such publications and patents are herein incorporated by references as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Such incorporation by reference is expressly limited to the methods and / or materials described in the cited publications and patents and does not extend to any lexicographical definitions from the cited publications and patents. Any lexicographical definition in the publications and patents cited that is not also expressly repeated in the instant application should not be treated as such and should not be read as defining any terms appearing in the accompanying claims. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided could be different from the actual publication dates that may need to be independently confirmed.

[0032] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order that is logically possible.

[0033] Where a range is expressed, a further embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within the respective ranges, as well as the recited endpoints. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure. For example, where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure, e.g. the phrase “x to y” includes the range from ‘x’ to ‘y’ as well as the range greater than ‘x’ and less than ‘y’. The range can also be expressed as an upper limit, e.g. ‘about x, y, z, or less’ and should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of ‘about x’, ‘about y’, and ‘about z’ as well as the ranges of ‘less than x’, less than y’, and ‘less than z’. Likewise, the phrase ‘about x, y, z, or greater’ should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of ‘about x’, ‘about y’, and ‘about z’ as well as the ranges of ‘greater than x’, greater than y’, and ‘greater than z’. In addition, the phrase “about ‘x’ to ‘y’”, where ‘x’ and ‘y’ are numerical values, includes “about ‘x’ to about ‘y’”.

[0034] It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data can be expressed herein in a range format. 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. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms a further aspect. For example, if the value “about 10” is disclosed, then “10” is also disclosed.

[0035] It is to be understood that such a range format is used for convenience and brevity, and thus, should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. To illustrate, a numerical range of “about 0.1% to 5%” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 0.1% to about 5%, but also include individual values (e.g., about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, and about 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., about 0.5% to about 1.1%; about 5% to about 2.4%; about 0.5% to about 3.2%, and about 0.5% to about 4.4%, and other possible sub-ranges) within the indicated range.

[0036] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0037] As used herein, “about,”“approximately,”“substantially,” and the like, when used in connection with a measurable variable such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, are meant to encompass variations of and from the specified value including those within experimental error (which can be determined by e.g. given data set, art accepted standard, and / or with e.g. a given confidence interval (e.g. 90%, 95%, or more confidence interval from the mean), such as variations of + / −10% or less, + / −5% or less, + / −1% or less, and + / −0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosure. As used herein, the terms “about,”“approximate,”“at or about,” and “substantially” can mean that the amount or value in question can be the exact value or a value that provides equivalent results or effects as recited in the claims or taught herein. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art such that equivalent results or effects are obtained. In some circumstances, the value that provides equivalent results or effects cannot be reasonably determined. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about,”“approximate,” or “at or about” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about,”“approximate,” or “at or about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0038] As used interchangeably herein, the terms “sufficient” and “effective,” can refer to an amount (e.g. mass, volume, dosage, concentration, and / or time period) needed to achieve one or more desired and / or stated result(s). For example, a therapeutically effective amount refers to an amount needed to achieve one or more therapeutic effects.

[0039] As used herein, “tangible medium of expression” refers to a medium that is physically tangible or accessible and is not a mere abstract thought or an unrecorded spoken word. “Tangible medium of expression” includes, but is not limited to, words on a cellulosic or plastic material, or data stored in a suitable computer readable memory form. The data can be stored on a unit device, such as a flash memory or CD-ROM or on a server that can be accessed by a user via, e.g. a web interface.

[0040] Various embodiments are described hereinafter. It should be noted that the specific embodiments are not intended as an exhaustive description or as a limitation to the broader aspects discussed herein. One aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced with any other embodiment(s). Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment,”“an example embodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,”“in an embodiment,” or “an example embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0041] All publications, published patent documents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as though each individual publication, published patent document, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference.

[0042] As used herein, “tangible medium of expression” refers to a medium that is physically tangible or accessible and is not a mere abstract thought or an unrecorded spoken word. “Tangible medium of expression” includes, but is not limited to, words on a cellulosic or plastic material, or data stored in a suitable computer readable memory form. The data can be stored on a unit device, such as a flash memory or CD-ROM or on a server that can be accessed by a user via, e.g. a web interface.

[0043] As used herein, the terms “weight percent,”“wt %,” and “wt. %,” which can be used interchangeably, indicate the percent by weight of a given component based on the total weight of a composition of which it is a component, unless otherwise specified. That is, unless otherwise specified, all wt % values are based on the total weight of the composition. It should be understood that the sum of wt % values for all components in a disclosed composition or formulation are equal to 100. Alternatively, if the wt % value is based on the total weight of a subset of components in a composition, it should be understood that the sum of wt % values the specified components in the disclosed composition or formulation are equal to 100.

[0044] Various embodiments are described hereinafter. It should be noted that the specific embodiments are not intended as an exhaustive description or as a limitation to the broader aspects discussed herein. One aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced with any other embodiment(s). Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment,”“an example embodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,”“in an embodiment,” or “an example embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the disclosure. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0045] All patents, patent applications, published applications, and publications, databases, websites and other published materials cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as though each individual publication, published patent document, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference.Kits

[0046] Any of the quick-change charging handles described herein can be presented as a combination kit. As used herein, the terms “combination kit” or “kit of parts” refers to the components, parts, pieces, modules, and any additional components that are used to package, sell, market, deliver, and / or provide the combination of elements or a single element, such as the charging handle(s) described herein. Such additional components include, but are not limited to, packaging, blister packages, and the like. When one or more of the components, parts, pieces, modules, and any additional components described herein or a combination thereof (e.g., a charging handle provided alone or a charging handle provided with constituent parts / pieces for installation) contained in the kit are provided simultaneously, the combination kit can contain the charging handle alone or the charging handle provided with other accoutrements for installation, modification, and / or upkeep. When the components, parts, pieces, modules, and any additional components described herein or a combination thereof and / or kit components are not provided simultaneously, the combination kit can contain the charging handle and constituent parts in separate combinations. The separate kit components can be contained in a single package or in separate packages within the kit.

[0047] In some embodiments, the combination kit also includes instructions printed on or otherwise contained in a tangible medium of expression. The instructions can provide information regarding the charging handle, installation / upkeep / maintenance information, information regarding use, etc. In some embodiments, the instructions can provide directions and protocols for installing a charging handle or providing maintenance to same. In some embodiments, the instructions can provide one or more embodiments of the methods for making charging handle of the current disclosure as any of the methods described in greater detail elsewhere herein.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of charging handle 200 of the current disclosure. Charging handle 200 may include locking plate 202, charging handle body 204, return spring 206, and flat head post 208. Return spring 206 is placed onto or over flat heads post exterior 210 of flat head post 208. Both return spring 206 and flat head post 208 are slipped into interior 212 of charging handle body 204 and pressed into interior 212. Locking plate 202 engages flat head post 208 via engaging orifice 214 defined in locking plate body 216 receiving flat head post insertion tip 218 defined on distal end 220 of flat head post 208. Engaging orifice 214 and insertion tip 218 may engage one another via frictional engagement or specifically shaping engaging orifice 214 and insertion 218 for male / female engagement or other engagement types as known to those of skill in the art. Further, while called “flat head” flat head post 208 and post engagement surface 222 may define any shaped post chasm 224 as desired. The current disclosure is not limited, nor should it be interpreted to be limited, to simply a “flat head” orifice such as used with a flat head screwdriver, defined in post engagement surface 222. Any shaped orifice can be used such as star shaped, “Phillips” head, slotted, tongue in groove, or any other desired shape.

[0049] FIG. 3A shows locking plate 202 in locked position A. FIG. 3B shows locking plate 202 in unlocked position B. FIG. 4 shows at (A) that after insertion of charging handle 200 into a firearm flat head post 208 may be pushed in to depressed location 402. At (B), flat head post 208 may be turned 180 degrees (or more or less degrees ranging from 1 degree to 360 degrees, including ranges and specific angles between 1 and 360 degrees). This turning motion turns locking plate 202 from the unlocked position A to the locked position B. At (C), flat head post 208 is released, moving flat head post to released location 404, by removing the tool and pressure created from the tool, not shown, used to depress flat head post 208, which in turn allows locking plate 202 to lock into a recess in the bolt carrier, not shown, due to the pressure of return spring 206. FIGS. 5 through 12 shows alternate views of a charging handle of the current disclosure. The current disclosure could be configured as a pull version if a need were to arise. Or there could also be a version where you just need to rotate to lock, but would still need to press in and turn to unlock.

[0050] The current disclosure provides a quick takedown charging handle allows the user of a rifle, shotgun, or pistol to have a charging handle that can be quickly and easily removed by slipping the charging handle into a bolt or bolt carrier, pressing in the flat head post then turning the flat head post 180 degrees and release the flat head post to lock system. To unlock the Charging Handle, perform the same steps with the flat head post but rotate counterclockwise or clockwise then pull out the charging handle. Note that the Flat Head post allows for many types of objects to press and turn, such as the base of a cartridge, screw drivers, keys, etc. All of this allows for the user to perform a field strip of their rifle without the need for a specific tool, as the charging handle would need to be removed before the breakdown of the rifle. Other charging handles are typically permanently attached or screwed onto a bolt or bolt carrier which requires specific tools to remove or attach. The charging handles of the current disclosure may be made from machined steel components but could be aluminum or plastic as well.

[0051] The current disclosure provides a quick takedown method for a firearm charging handle that could be quickly removed for takedown of the firearm without having to find a specialized tool to remove the handle before being able to remove the bolt carrier. The current disclosure also provides for being able to put a charging handle directly into the bolt carrier group. Any tool that fits post chasm 224 could be used to remove the charging handle from a firearm. This significantly improves over prior platforms where charging handles had to be torqued down, requiring a specific tool to remove and replace same to ensure appropriate torque is applied. The current disclosure employing 180° turn to lock in the charging handle is unique in that it allows the user to press in turn the charging handle 180° degrees with this turning motion turning locking plate 202 from the unlocked position A to the locked position B which in turn allows locking plate 202 to lock into a recess in the bolt carrier due to the pressure of return spring 206. This design also provides for only “one-way” installation of the charging handle into the bolt carrier. The handle cannot be installed upside down, backwards, etc. Further, there is no need to define threads, simply a counter bore and a hole. This disclosure could also be incorporated into pistol slides or used on a bolt action bolt instead of a semi-automatic platform. Further, different embodiments may provide for a version where the user pulls instead of pushes, requiring only the user's fingers to pull out and then turn to disengage the charging handle. Additionally, there could be a version where in order to lock it in, you do not push in and rotate, you instead rotate and ramps up into the locked position. Further, the current disclosure could be configured as a bolt hold open device. One would pull on the charging handle outwardly away from the gun and use it as a bolt hold open device. For instance, FIG. 12 shows bolt hold open catch 1202 that moves when the bolt is pulled outward. Bolt hold open catch 1202 would rest on a receiver. “Popping” the charging handle back in would disengage bolt hold open catch 1202 and releases the bolt. For instance, on an AK platform firearm, wherein there is not a good way for a last round bolt hold open, this would create a condition where the user can have a bolt hold open.

[0052] Various modifications and variations of the described methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Although the disclosure has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications and that the disclosure as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the disclosure that are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure following, in general, the principles of the disclosure and including such departures from the present disclosure come within known customary practice within the art to which the disclosure pertains and may be applied to the essential features herein before set forth.

Claims

1. A charging handle for a firearm having a bolt carrier, the charging handle comprising:a charging handle body defining an interior cavity;a post disposed within the interior cavity and having a post engagement surface at a distal end accessible from outside the charging handle body;a locking plate operatively coupled to the post and moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position configured to engage a recess of the bolt carrier; anda return spring biasing the locking plate toward the locked position,wherein:(i) depression of the post against a bias of the return spring permits rotation of the post to move the locking plate from the unlocked position to the locked position; and(ii) release of the depressed post allows the return spring to drive the locking plate into engagement with the recess of the bolt carrier to secure the charging handle, whereby the charging handle is configured as installable and removable without threaded fasteners.

2. The charging handle of claim 1, wherein the locking plate is moved to the locked position by rotation of the post by substantially 180°.

3. The charging handle of claim 1, wherein the post engagement surface defines a tool-agnostic chasm selected from the group consisting of flat-head slot, Phillips, star, tongue-in-groove, and other keyed geometries, to accept improvised tools.

4. The charging handle of claim 1, wherein the charging handle is installable in only one orientation relative to the bolt carrier to prevent upside-down or backward installation.

5. The charging handle of claim 1, wherein the charging handle body, locking plate, and post comprise machined steel, aluminum, polymer, or combinations thereof.

6. The charging handle of claim 1, wherein engagement of the locking plate with the recess occurs without threads, using a counterbore and hole geometry in the bolt carrier.

7. The charging handle of claim 1, wherein the locking plate is configured such that clockwise rotation of the post achieves locking and counterclockwise rotation achieves unlocking.

8. The charging handle of claim 1, wherein the locking plate is operatively connected to the post by male / female engagement between an insertion tip of the post and an engaging orifice in the locking plate.

9. The charging handle of claim 1, further comprising ramps configured such that rotation of the post without depression urges the locking plate into the locked position.

10. The charging handle of claim 1, configured for a pull version in which the user pulls outward on the handle to clear the locking plate from the recess prior to rotation to the unlocked position.

11. The charging handle of claim 1, wherein the charging handle provides a bolt hold open function by moving a bolt hold open catch into engagement with a receiver when the bolt is pulled outward, and disengaging the bolt hold open catch when the charging handle is re-seated.

12. The charging handle of claim 1, wherein the charging handle is configured for use with semi-automatic platforms, bolt-action platforms, and pistol platforms.

13. The charging handle of claim 1, wherein the locking plate is shaped to interlock with a corresponding recess geometry on the bolt carrier to resist operational loads during cycling.

14. A method of installing and removing a charging handle in a firearm, the method comprising:inserting a charging handle into a bolt carrier of the firearm;depressing a post against a bias of a return spring to place a locking plate in an unlocked position;rotating the post to move the locking plate into a locked position; andreleasing the post such that the return spring urges the locking plate into engagement with a recess of the bolt carrier to secure the charging handle;and for removal,depressing the post,rotating the post to move the locking plate to the unlocked position, andwithdrawing the charging handle from the bolt carrier,wherein the method is performed without threaded fasteners and without specialized tools beyond any object that fits the post engagement surface.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the post is rotated by substantially 180°.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising using the charging handle to hold the bolt open by moving a bolt hold open catch into engagement with a receiver.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising re-seating the charging handle to disengage the bolt hold open catch and release the bolt.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the charging handle is retrofit to an existing firearm platform originally configured for a threaded charging handle.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein retrofitting comprises forming or using a counterbore and hole geometry in the bolt carrier to receive the locking plate.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the firearm platform comprises an AK-pattern rifle, an AR-pattern rifle, a shotgun pattern firearm, or a pistol pattern firearm, and the locking plate geometry is adapted to the corresponding bolt or carrier recess.

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