Customizable rifle chassis and method of use

Abstract

An adjustable rifle chassis can allow a user to customize various dimensions to suit the needs of an individual user. The distance between the pistol grip and the trigger can be adjusted, and the trigger guard can be adjusted. The magazine release can be adjusted to accommodate various magazines. The buttstock can be adjusted in a back-and-forth direction, an up and down direction, a yaw direction and a pitch direction. A cheek riser can be adjusted in an up and down direction, a back-and-forth direction, and a roll direction. A removable forend can allow set screws at the distal end of the chassis core to be tightened to apply pressure to the recoil lug, thereby securing the receiver to the chassis.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 763,814, filed Feb. 26, 2025, entitled CUSTOMIZABLE RIFLE CHASSIS AND METHOD OF USE, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This application relates generally to rifles and rifle chassis, and more particularly to adjustable competition rifle chassis.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Adjustable rifle chassis have gained significant popularity in the firearms industry due to their ability to enhance accuracy, stability, and modularity of rifles. A rifle chassis generally has a frame that serves as a basic mounting structure on which various components of the rifle are mounted. For example, the frame can serve as a basic structure for the components such as, barrel, magazine, stock, and accessories. In many cases, the receiver of the rifle is mounted directly into the rifle chassis and can be held in with glue, glass bedding, or other methods of fixing that can be relatively permanent and do not allow the receiver and chassis to be separated without a significant amount of time and effort, often requiring the skills of a professional gunsmith. Although this method of fixing with glue, glass bedding, etc., can result in a more rigidly assembled and secured rifle system, it can create major problems if the user wants to make adjustments or substitute new parts. Furthermore, conventional chassis often limit a user to a single manufacturer of magazines, or fail to perform as well with a variety of different magazines. In some cases, a magazine release may need to be permanently altered by a gunsmith to accept and release magazines from different manufacturers.

[0004] Not only does permanently fixing the receiver into the chassis limit the ability to make adjustments or substitute new parts in the future, conventional rifle systems often lack even basic adjustments or customizations. If the conventional rifle is adjustable, it is often difficult or impossible to be adjusted in more than one direction. Due to inherent constrains in design of conventional rifle systems, the adaptability and customization of the chassis systems to suit individual shooter preferences and shooting scenarios are often limited. This lack of comprehensive ergonomic adjustability features means that shooters cannot adjust the rifle to fit their individual optimal shooting posture. For example, the grip positions and grip angles of the conventional chassis are generally fixed, and the buttstocks are not adjustable. This adds discomfort and reduced shooting performance for the user with different body types and preferences. In many cases, if a rifle has a cheek riser, it will be in a fixed position, or will have a limited range of motion. The inability to make fine-tuned adjustments to achieve optimal hand and eye positioning compromises both accuracy and comfort.

[0005] Furthermore, shooters can engage in a wide range of shooting sports and can be disadvantaged by not being able to adjust a rifle quickly to different configurations. Conventional chassis, due to their fixed designs, fail to adapt to different shooting configurations and styles, and cannot account for individual shooter habits, leading to a suboptimal shooting experience and reduced accuracy. The above-mentioned limitations of the conventional rifles restrict the usability and functionality of the rifle chassis. In light of these challenges, there exists a need for a rifle chassis that offers enhanced adjustability to address the ergonomic concerns associated with conventional rifle chassis designs.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The rifle chassis disclosed herein overcomes disadvantages of the prior art by providing an apparatus and system to improve the customizability and the ergonomics of a rifle chassis. The rifle chassis can include a chassis body, a rifle receiver, a cheek riser, a grip mount, and a recoil plate. The chassis body is adapted to hold the rifle receiver such that a longitudinal axis of the rifle receiver is aligned in a shooting direction associated with the rifle chassis. In various embodiments, a rifle chassis can include a quickly removable and adjustable system for securely and rigidly fixing a receiver within a chassis. The system can include using two or more screws installed parallel to the longitudinal shooting axis to removably secure the receiver. The system can include an adjustable magazine release that can move up and down relative to the chassis, thereby allowing for different positions to engage the magazine.

[0007] The cheek riser can be adjustable in at least one of, a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the shooting direction, a horizontal direction along an axis that is parallel to the shooting direction, and an angular direction about the horizontal direction axis. In various embodiments, the rifle chassis can have a rail disposed underneath the cheek riser and aligned along the shooting direction. The cheek riser can pivotally supported on the rail which facilitates the cheek riser to be adjustable in the angular direction, along with sliding back and forth along the rail in the horizontal direction that is parallel to the shooting direction. The cheek riser can be adjustable with three degrees of freedom with respect to the receiver and the barrel, or put another way, the user can adjust the position of the receiver and barrel relative to the cheek of the user.

[0008] An adjustable pistol grip mount can allow a user to select any number of different pistol grips with different sizes, different angles, etc. that can be secured to the adjustable pistol grip mount. The adjustable pistol grip mount can be slidably disposed on the chassis body such that the grip mount is adapted to slide back and forth in a first direction and a second direction relative to the trigger, along a line that is parallel to the longitudinal shooting axis. The grip mount, upon sliding back and forth in the first and second directions, facilitates adjustment of a distance between the grip mount and the trigger. This allows a user to customize a rifle to each individual's hand size and finger length.

[0009] The recoil plate is coupled to the chassis body and adapted to exhibit up to four degrees of freedom to allow for nearly infinite customizations. A horizontal degree of freedom facilitates the recoil plate to move back and forth along the shooting direction, thereby increasing or decreasing the distance between the receiver and the shoulder of the shooter. A pitch axis can allow a user to adjust the pitch angle of the recoil plate. A yaw axis can allow a user to adjust the yaw angle of the recoil plate. A vertical degree of freedom can allow the recoil plate to be adjusted up and down along the vertical direction.

[0010] The chassis system can include an adjustable magazine release which holds a detachable magazine in place. The magazine release can be vertically adjustable to lock the magazine catch against various different magazine tabs from different manufacturers who produce different magazines with varying magazine tabs.

[0011] The recoil lug of the rifle receiver can sit in a lug pocket of the chassis, and one or more lug screws, also referred to as bracing screws, can screw into the chassis to provide a pressing force that holds the recoil lug in place within the chassis. In various embodiments, a lug wedge can sit in the pocket between the lug screws and the lug, and the lug wedge can be pressed against the lug to secure the lug and the receiver in place within the chassis. The lug screws can press against the lug wedge, thereby pressing the lug wedge against the lug, and securing the lug within the chassis.

[0012] The forend can be removable from the chassis body, thereby allowing a user access to the distal end (front) of the chassis body. Each threaded lug screw hole of the plurality of threaded lug screw holes is disposed at a distal end of the chassis body such that each threaded lug screw hole of the plurality of threaded lug screw holes is in communication with the lug pocket. Each threaded lug screw hole of the plurality of threaded lug screw holes is adapted to hold a threaded lug screw. The one or more bracing screws can be accessed and screwed in and out from the distal end of the chassis body, so that the bracing screws can be parallel with the barrel, the receiver, and the shooting axis. By having the bracing screws parallel to the direction of force when the rifle is fired, the bracing screws are able to more securely hold the lug wedge, the lug, and the receiver in place without loosening as the rifle is fired repeatedly. In various embodiments, the lug screws can press directly against the recoil lug, without the need for a lug wedge. This system of removable lug screws allows the user to quickly and easily remove the receiver from the chassis by removing the lug screws to release the pressure on the lug of the receiver.

[0013] Various innovations of the present disclosure can help to make the rifle more rigid and secure while also being infinitely more customizable than traditional rifle chassis.

[0014] In an embodiment, a customizable rifle chassis can have a chassis body having a receiver pocket. The receiver pocket of the chassis body can have a lug pocket extending from the receiver pocket. The lug pocket can have at least one bracing screw hole extending through a distal portion of the lug pocket, the at least one bracing screw hole parallel to a central axis of the rifle chassis, the at least one bracing screw hole adapted to hold at least one lug screw that can be adapted to provide force to a recoil lug in a proximal direction. The chassis body can include a chassis core and a removable forend, wherein the forend can be removed from the chassis core to allow access from a front of the chassis to the one or more bracing screw holes. The customizable rifle can include a recoil lug wedge, the recoil lug wedge adapted to be positioned within the lug pocket between the at least one lug screw and the recoil lug, the lug wedge adapted to transfer force from the at least one lug screw to the lug wedge.

[0015] The chassis body can include a slider track adapted to hold a slider of an adjustable pistol grip, the slider track positioned behind a trigger location. The slider track can have one or more set screw holes that allow a user to screw a set screw inward towards the interior of the slider track. The customizable rifle can include a sliding pistol grip mount, the sliding pistol grip mount having a slider adapted to slide back and forth within the slider track, the slider and slider track adapted to allow the sliding pistol grip mount to move back and forth relative to the trigger location. The sliding pistol grip mount can include a mounting region adapted to allow interchangeable pistol grips to be mounted to the sliding pistol grip mount. The chassis body can include an adjustable trigger guard, the adjustable trigger guard comprising an adjustable front portion and an adjustable bottom plate, the front portion selectively hingedly mounted to the chassis body, and the adjustable bottom plate selectively hingedly mounted to the front portion, so that the position of the front portion and the position of the bottom plate can be adjusted to accommodate a range of locations of the sliding pistol grip mount.

[0016] The chassis body can include an adjustable magazine release pivotably mounted within the chassis body, the magazine release having an engagement tip and a release lever, the engagement tip and release lever pivoting around an engagement post, the engagement post positioned within a slot and transverse to the slot. The engagement post can have a threaded portion and a nut, wherein tightening the nut on the engagement post causes the nut and a head of the engagement post to apply inward force on the sides of the slot, thereby selectively holding the engagement post in a fixed location, and wherein loosening the nut releases the inward force and allows the engagement post to slide up and down within the slot, thereby adjusting the location of the engagement tip.

[0017] A customizable rifle buttstock can include a buttstock core and an adjustable recoil plate. The buttstock core can include an adjustable cheek riser, the adjustable cheek riser having a check riser inner channel and a cheek riser rail, a riser axis extending through the center of the cheek riser inner channel and the cheek riser rail, the cheek riser rail slidably engaged within the cheek riser inner channel, the adjustable cheek riser selectively moving back and forth relative to the cheek riser rail along the riser axis. The buttstock core can include an adjustable cheek riser, the adjustable cheek riser having a cheek riser inner channel and a cheek riser rail, a riser axis extending through the center of the cheek riser inner channel and the cheek riser rail, the cheek riser rail rotatably engaged within the cheek riser inner channel, the adjustable cheek riser selectively rotating in a roll direction around the riser axis so that a check engagement surface of the cheek riser can be selectively secured in different positions around the riser axis.

[0018] The buttstock can include a recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate having a recoil plate inner channel slidably engaged with the recoil plate rail, a recoil plate axis extending through the center of the recoil plate inner channel and the recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate selectively moving up and down relative to the recoil plate rail along the recoil plate axis. The buttstock can include a recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate having a recoil plate inner channel rotatably engaged with the recoil plate rail, a recoil plate axis extending through the center of the recoil plate inner channel and the recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate selectively rotating in a yaw direction around the recoil plate axis so that a shoulder engagement surface of the recoil plate can be selectively secured in different positions around the recoil plate axis. The buttstock can include a pivot hinge between the buttstock core and the adjustable recoil plate, the adjustable recoil plate selectively pivoting in a pitch direction around the pivot hinge relative to the buttstock core.

[0019] A method of adjusting an adjustable rifle chassis can include adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions, the rifle chassis adapted to accommodate preferences of a user. Adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions can include adjusting a location of a slidable pistol grip mount relative to a trigger location, back and forth in a direction parallel to a central axis of the rifle chassis, the sliding pistol grip mount having a slider adapted to slide back and forth within a slider track of the rifle chassis, the slider and slider track adapted to allow the sliding pistol grip mount to move back and forth relative to a trigger location. Adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions can include adjusting a position and / or location of an adjustable cheek riser, the adjustable cheek riser having a cheek riser inner channel and a cheek riser rail, a riser axis extending through the center of the cheek riser inner channel and the cheek riser rail, wherein adjusting the position and / or location of the adjustable cheek riser can include adjusting at least one of the location of the cheek riser along the length of the cheek riser rail and / or the rotary position of the cheek riser in a roll direction around the riser axis. Adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions can include adjusting a position and / or location of an adjustable recoil plate, the adjustable recoil plate having a recoil plate inner channel, a recoil plate rail within the recoil plate inner channel, a recoil plate axis extending through the center of the recoil plate inner channel and the recoil plate rail, wherein adjusting the position and / or location of the adjustable recoil plate can include adjusting at least one of the location of the recoil plate along the length of the recoil plate rail and / or the rotary position of the recoil plate in a yaw direction around the recoil plate axis.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0021] FIG. 1A is a side view of improved competition adjustable rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the improved competition adjustable rifle chassis of FIG. 1A, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the bottom side of the receiver showing the receiver lug, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 2B is an upper perspective view of a receiver pocket and lug pocket of a rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 2C is a side perspective view of the receiver pocket and lug pocket of the rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the receiver and lug wedge in position to be inserted into the receiver pocket and lug pocket of the rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of the proximal end of the chassis core showing a sliding track for an adjustable pistol grip mount, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 3B is a side view of the adjustable rifle chassis showing the sliding pistol grip mount and the adjustable trigger guard, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of the area of detail 3C shown in FIG. 3B, showing the adjustable magazine release, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 3D is a partially cut away view of the chassis core showing the inner workings of the adjustable magazine release, according to an illustrative embodiment

[0031] FIG. 3E is a side view of the chassis showing the adjustable magazine release in an unreleased position, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 3F is a side view of the chassis showing the adjustable magazine releases in a released position, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 4A shows an ammunition magazine with a magazine tab, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 4B shows a different ammunition magazine with a different magazine tab, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a partially cut away rear perspective view of the adjustable recoil plate assembly at the proximal end of the buttstock, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a partially cut away perspective view from the side of the buttstock showing inner workings of the adjustable recoil plate and the adjustable cheek riser, according to an illustrative embodiment; and

[0037] FIG. 7 is a partially cut away perspective view from the rear of the buttstock showing inner workings of the adjustable cheek riser and the adjustable recoil plate, according to an illustrative embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] There are a great many possible implementations of the invention, too many to describe herein. Some possible implementations are described below. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It should be clear, however, that the innovation can be practiced without various specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, any particular embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages described herein. Thus, in various embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. It cannot be emphasized too strongly, however, that these are descriptions of implementations of the invention, and not descriptions of the invention, which is not limited to the detailed implementations described in this section but is described in broader terms in the claims. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 1A is a side view of improved competition adjustable rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the improved competition adjustable rifle chassis of FIG. 1A, according to an illustrative embodiment. The competition rifle chassis 100 can be used to hold components of a rifle including a receiver and a barrel. The rifle chassis can have a central axis A-A that passes through the bore of a barrel and the receiver when a barrel and receiver are installed in the chassis 100. The chassis 100 can have a shooting direction along the direction of arrow S, showing the direction of a bullet being shot from the distal end of the rifle. The shooting direction S is along the central axis A-A that passes through the bore of the barrel and the receiver when the barrel and receiver are installed in the chassis 100. A bridge 118 can be positioned on the top of the forend 102 to accommodate various peripheral equipment such as scopes or lights, and can be detachably attached or integrated to the forend 102. Although the barrel, receiver, magazines, shells, bullets, scopes, lights, and other components are mentioned herein to facilitate an understanding of the present invention, it should be clear that these components are not part of the invention and are not claimed as part of the invention.

[0040] The competition rifle chassis 100 of the present embodiment can include a chassis core 104 with a proximal end 142 and a distal end 144. A forend 102 can be detachably secured to the chassis core 104 at the distal end 144 of the chassis core, and a buttstock 120 can be detachably secured to the proximal end 142 of the chassis core. An adjustable pistol grip mount can be detachably secured and slidably adjustable at the bottom of the chassis core 104.

[0041] The forend 102 and the chassis core 104 can be fastened together using mechanical fasteners 106 that can be threaded screws. The forend 102 and the chassis core 104 can be separate components that can be removably attached together. Mechanical fasteners 106 can removably secure the forend 102 and the chassis core 104 together. This allows the forend to be replaceable and interchangeable, and removing the forend allows access to the distal end, also referred to as the front end, of the chassis core 104. Having direct access to the front end of the chassis core 104 allows for a novel system and method for securing a receiver within the chassis core, as will be explained more fully below.

[0042] FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the receiver showing the receiver lug, according to an illustrative embodiment, FIG. 2B is an upper perspective view of a receiver pocket and lug pocket of a rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment, FIG. 2C is a side perspective view of the receiver pocket and lug pocket of the rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment, and FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the receiver and lug wedge in position to be inserted into the receiver pocket and lug pocket of the rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment. Turning back to FIGS. 1A, 2B, and 2C, the chassis core 104 and forend 102 can have can have a protuberance 232 and a protuberance slot 234, and the protuberance 232 can slide within the protuberance slot 234 to make alignment and assembly faster and easier. After sliding the protuberance within the slot, a user can use mechanical fasteners 106 to secure the forend 102 to the chassis core 104.

[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, the chassis 100 has a receiver pocket 212 that is adapted to hold the receiver 200. The receiver 200 can be securely fixed in the receiver pocket 212, and the receiver can receive bullet shells from a magazine (not shown) located below the receiver pocket through the opening at the bottom of the receiver pocket. The bottom of the receiver 200 has a receiver lug 204 that is adapted to sit in a lug pocket 214 of the rifle chassis 100. The lug pocket can be an extension of the receiver pocket, with the lug pocket extending downwards and / or outwards from the receiver pocket. The receiver 200 can have threaded mounting holes 206, 208 that are adapted to mate with corresponding through mounting holes 216, 218 in the receiver pocket. The receiver 200 can sit in the receiver pocket 212 with the receiver lug 204 in the lug pocket 214, and the mounting holes 206, 208 of the receiver lined up with the corresponding mounting holes 216, 218 of the chassis, so that screws (not shown) can be passed through the through mounting holes 216, 218 and screwed into the threaded mounting holes 206, 208 to removably attach the receiver within the receiver pocket of the chassis.

[0044] The recoil lug can help to transfer recoil forces from the receiver through the chassis as shots are fired, and the more securely the recoil lug is secured to the chassis, the better the recoil force is transferred through the chassis. It is traditional for the users of competition rifles to also use glass bedding or other adhesive means to further secure a receiver within a rifle chassis. However, this technique can be irreversible. The present invention introduces a novel system and method for securing a receiver within the chassis. The lug pocket 214 can be sized to accommodate the recoil lug 204 and a recoil lug wedge 224. The recoil lug wedge can be inserted into the lug pocket as shown along arrow LW in FIG. 2B. The lug wedge 224 can be placed at the distal end of the recoil lug pocket 214, as shown in FIG. 2C, and the receiver 200 can be placed in the receiver pocket 212 as shown along arrow RL in FIG. 2D. The receiver 200 can be placed within the receiver pocket, with the recoil lug 204 in the lug pocket 214 proximal to the lug wedge 224. Put another way, the receiver can be cradled in the receiver pocket, with the recoil lug extending down into the lug pocket, and the lug wedge can lie in the lug pocket next to the recoil lug, with the lug wedge in front of the recoil lug, to the distal side of the recoil lug.

[0045] One or more threaded lug screw holes 240, also referred to as bracing screw holes 240, can accommodate lug screws 242 so that the lug screws 242 can provide a horizontal force to the recoil lug 204. That horizontal force can be parallel or approximately parallel to the central axis of the rifle chassis. In various embodiments, there can be more than one lug screw hole 240 and more than one lug screw 242, and the lug screws holes and lug screws can all be aligned in parallel with the central axis and in parallel with the shooting direction of the rifle chassis. Because the forend can be easily removed from the chassis core, the forend can be taken off to avoid interfering with the user screwing the lug screws that can be parallel to the central axis.

[0046] In various embodiments, the lug screws can press against the lug wedge which can force the lug wedge to press against the recoil lug. The force provided thereby can force the recoil lug against the back of the lug pocket, thereby securing the recoil lug in place within the lug pocket, and thereby securing the receiver within the receiver pocket. In various embodiments, the lug screws can press directly against the recoil lug which can force the recoil lug against the back of the lug pocket, thereby securing the recoil lug in place within the lug pocket, and thereby securing the receiver within the receiver pocket.

[0047] To remove a receiver from the chassis, a user can remove the mechanical fasteners 106 from the forend holes 244 on the side of the forend, and then slide the forend off of the chassis to expose the recoil lug screws 242. The recoil lug screws can then be removed from the lug screw holes 240 to release the pressure on the recoil lug, thereby releasing the pressure on the receiver. The user can then easily remove the screw from the mounting holes 206 and 216, and the screw from mounting holes 208 and 218, thereby releasing the receiver quickly and easily from the chassis.

[0048] To install a new receiver, the user can optionally place a lug wedge within the lug pocket, and then place the receiver within the receiver pocket and the receiver lug within the lug pocket. The user can screw lug screws 242 into lug screw holes 240, thereby applying a force to the recoil lug that can be parallel to the central axis and in the opposite direction of the shooting direction. In various embodiments, the lug screws 242 can press directly against the recoil lug. In various embodiments, the lug screws can press against a lug wedge so that the lug wedge presses against the recoil lug. It should be clear that the lug screws can apply a force that presses the recoil lug into the back of the lug pocket.

[0049] That force applied to the recoil lug can pin the recoil lug to the back of the lug pocket, thereby securing the recoil lug within the lug pocket and securing the receiver within the receiver pocket. Because the force from the lug screws is parallel to the shooting direction, the screws can remain secured in place throughout a large number of shots being fired in the shooting direction. Having two or more parallel lug screws further increases the security and stability of the system, as the three or more parallel legs of the screws and the receiver / barrel direction are all aligned with each other instead of working against each other under the extreme forces of large caliber shots being fired.

[0050] An adjustable rifle chassis can have an adjustable pistol grip mount and an adjustable trigger guard. FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of the proximal end of the chassis core showing a sliding track for an adjustable pistol grip mount, according to an illustrative embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a side view of the adjustable rifle chassis showing the sliding pistol grip mount and the adjustable trigger guard, according to an illustrative embodiment. A sliding pistol grip mount 300 can have a mounting region 304, and a user can mount various pistol grips to the mounting region 304. A user has the option to use any number of various interchangeable pistol grips adapted for different sized hands, etc., and the user can mount any of the various pistol grips to the mounting region 304, thereby mounting the pistol grip to the rifle. A sliding pistol grip mount 300 can have a slider 302, and the chassis core 104 can have a track 322. The track 322 and the slider 302 can extend parallel to the central axis of the chassis. The track 322 and the slider 302 can have features extending along their length that keeps the slider engaged within the track, allowing the slider and track to move only in a single back and forth direction relative to each other, along a single line. In various embodiments, the slider can have a narrow neck region and a broader head region that is captured by the track and slides within the track. In various embodiments, the track 322 can have wings that surround the head region of the slider, thereby capturing the head region of the slider within the track so that the slider can slide back and forth within the track without disengaging from the track and without moving in any direction other than parallel to the central axis of the chassis.

[0051] The slider of the sliding pistol grip mount 300 can slide back and forth in the track 322 along a path that is parallel to the central axis, thereby allowing the sliding pistol grip mount to slide back and forth relative to the receiver within the chassis core. This sliding movement allows the user to adjust the distance between the pistol grip and the trigger. Although the trigger (not shown) can be in a fixed location relative to the receiver, the sliding pistol grip allows the user to adjust the distance from the pistol grip to the receiver and trigger, thereby adapting the rifle to users with varying hand sizes and finger lengths.

[0052] The track 322 can have one or more set screw holes 324 that can allow a user to screw a set screw 326 from the outside inwards towards the slider 302. The set screws can allow the user to secure the slider in a desired position within the track 322. To adjust the location of the pistol grip, the user can loosen the set screws 326, thereby allowing the slider 302 to slide freely within the track 322. The user can then position the pistol grip at a desired position along the track, thereby adjusting the pistol-grip-to-trigger distance to suit the individual user. Put another way, the trigger is in a fixed position relative to the receiver, and the user can adjust the location of the pistol grip relative to the receiver. The chassis core and the receiver can be in a fixed relationship to each other due to the lug screws providing a force the secures the receiver within the chassis core, and the user can slide the pistol grip mount 300 back and forth along the track 322 of the chassis core 104 to adjust the location of the pistol grip relative to the chassis core and receiver. After placing the pistol grip at the desired position relative to the chassis core, the user can tighten the set screws 326 within the set screw holes 324 to lock the pistol grip in place in a fixed position relative to the chassis core 104 and relative to the receiver if a receiver is present.

[0053] With the adjustable pistol grip mount 300 in the user's desired location, the user can also adjust the front portion of the trigger guard 330. The adjustable front portion of the trigger guard can include a moveable trigger guard front plate 332 that can be hingedly connected to the chassis core 104 at a pivot point 334. In various embodiments, a bolt 336 or other fastener can be passed through the pivot point 334, and can be loosened to allow movement and tightened to secure the trigger guard front plate 332 in place relative to the chassis core 104. A trigger guard bottom plate 338 can be hingedly coupled to the trigger guard front plate at a pivot point 334. In various embodiments, a bolt 336 or other fastener can be passed through the pivot point 334, and can be loosened to allow movement and tightened to secure the trigger guard bottom plate 338 in place relative to the trigger guard front plate 332. A user can loosen the bolts 336 thereby allowing the front plate to rotate relative to the chassis core and allowing the bottom plate to rotate relative to the front plate. The user can position the front plate and the bottom plate of the front portion of the trigger guard in a desired location relative to the location of the sliding pistol grip, and then the user can tighten the bolts 336 thereby securely fixing the location of the front plate and the bottom plate relative to the chassis core and / or sliding pistol grip.

[0054] The moveable pistol grip mount 300 can include a pistol grip trigger guard plate 308 that can slidably engage the trigger guard bottom plate 338. As the moveable pistol grip mount 300 is slid back towards the rear, or proximal end, of the weapon, the pistol grip trigger plate 308 can slide along the trigger guard bottom plate, effectively elongating the trigger guard as the pistol grip is moved back towards the proximal end of the weapon.

[0055] In various embodiments, the chassis 100 can have an adjustable magazine release 350 that can be adjustably moved to better accommodate magazines made by different manufacturers without the need for a gunsmith or permanent alterations to the magazine release. FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of the area of detail 3C shown in FIG. 3B, showing the adjustable magazine release, according to an illustrative embodiment, FIG. 3D is a partially cut away view of the chassis core showing the inner workings of the adjustable magazine release, according to an illustrative embodiment, FIG. 3E is a side view of the chassis showing the adjustable magazine release in an unreleased position, according to an illustrative embodiment, and FIG. 3F is a side view of the chassis showing the adjustable magazine releases in a released position, according to an illustrative embodiment. Turning now to FIGS. 3C-3F, in the unreleased position, the engagement tip 354 of the magazine release 350 can protrude into the magazine well 360, where it can make contact with a tab on the back of the magazine. A compression spring 352 applies an outward force between the chassis core 104 and the magazine release engagement tip 354. The spring force keeps the engagement tip 354 in constant engagement with a tab of the magazine, thereby keeping the magazine from falling out. In the case where the engagement tip 354 and the tab of a magazine work well together, when the engagement tip 354 of the magazine release 350 protrudes past a tab marker axis 356, the tab on the back of the magazine cannot slide past the magazine and the magazine is held in place.

[0056] The magazine release 350 can have a release lever 358 that extends down below the pivot 364. To release the magazine, a user can push the release lever 358 in the direction of arrow R, thereby compressing the spring 352 and pulling the engagement tip 354 out of engagement with the magazine tab. Causing the engagement tip to disengage from the tab of the magazine releases the magazine, allowing the magazine to be removed from the magazine well of the chassis core.

[0057] FIG. 4A shows an ammunition magazine with a magazine tab, according to an illustrative embodiment. The proximal side 402 of a magazine 400 can have can have a magazine tab 404. When the magazine is inserted into the rifle chassis, the magazine tab comes into engagement with the engagement tip of the magazine release. As the magazine slides past the engagement tip, the spring holds the engagement tip in place under the magazine tab, thereby holding the magazine in place within the rifle chassis. FIG. 4B shows a different ammunition magazine 410 with a different magazine tab 412, according to an illustrative embodiment. Different manufacturers may make different magazines with different tabs. The tab of one magazine 400 may not properly engage with a particular engagement tip even while the tab of a second magazine 410 does engage well with that same engagement tip.

[0058] Turning back to FIGS. 3C-3F, the chassis core 104 can have a slot 362 that allows the magazine release 350 to move up and down along the direction of arrow P. The magazine release can pivot around a pivot point 364 that can be an engagement post such as a bolt or a cap screw 366 held in place by a nut 368. The cap screw 366 and nut 368 can be loosened to allow the pivot point 364 to move up and down in the slot 362. The magazine release that pivots around the pivot point 364 is also moved up and down relative to the chassis core along slot 362 of the chassis core 104 when the pivot point 364 is moved up and down. By moving the magazine release up and down along the slot 362, a user can adjust how the engagement tip engages with the magazine tab. Variations in the vertical position of the tab on the back of the magazine, and variations in the thickness of the tab sticking out from the back of the magazine can be overcome by adjusting the position of the magazine release to accommodate different magazines with different magazine tabs.

[0059] Turning back to FIG. 1, a customizable buttstock 120 can be detachably attached to the proximal end 142 of the chassis core 104. The customizable buttstock 120 can include a buttstock core 124, an adjustable recoil plate 130, and an adjustable cheek riser 140. The buttstock core 124 and the chassis core 104 can be secured together in a rigid relationship. The buttstock core 124 and the chassis core 104 can be detachably secured together using mechanical fasteners 108. In various embodiments, the buttstock can include an adjustable recoil plate 130 that can be adjusted in four degrees of freedom relative to the buttstock core 124 and the chassis core 104. In various embodiments, the buttstock 120 can include an adjustable cheek riser 140 that can be adjusted in three degrees of freedom relative to the buttstock core 124 and the chassis core 104.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a partially cut away rear perspective view of the adjustable recoil plate assembly at the proximal end of the buttstock, according to an illustrative embodiment. A buttstock can include a recoil plate assembly 500 that can allow the recoil plate 130 to be adjusted in a plurality of directions. In various embodiments, the recoil plate assembly 500 can allow the recoil plate 130 to be adjusted in four degrees of freedom. A user can adjust the position of the recoil plate relative to the chassis core to customize the shape and configuration of the rifle to maximize performance for individual users with different bodily dimensions.

[0061] A recoil plate 130 can have a central axis P that extends through the length of the recoil plate. The recoil plate 130 can move up and down along axis P in the direction shown along arrow C. In various embodiments, the recoil plate 130 can have an inner channel 530 that can slide over a recoil plate rail 532. Put another way, the recoil plate rail 532 can slide up and down within the inner channel 530, thereby allowing the recoil plate to move up and down relative to the recoil plate rail 532. Set screws 534 can be screwed into place to hold the recoil plate 130 and the recoil plate rail 532 in a fixed arrangement relative to each other, thereby prohibiting further adjustment. A user can loosen the set screws 534 to allow the vertical position of the recoil plate 130 to be adjusted, the user can place the recoil plate in the desired vertical position along arrow C, and the user can tighten the set screws 534 to secure the recoil plate in the desired position relative to the recoil plate rail 532.

[0062] A recoil plate 130 can rotate in a yaw direction around axis P about the recoil plate rail 532, as shown by arrow D. In various embodiments, the recoil plate 130 can have an inner channel 530 that can partially encircle the recoil plate rail 532 so that the recoil plate 130 can partially rotate around the recoil plate rail 532. Set screws 534 can be screwed into place to hold the recoil plate 130 and the recoil plate rail 532 in a fixed arrangement, thereby prohibiting further adjustment. A user can loosen the set screws 534 to allow the rotational position of the recoil plate 130 to be adjusted, the user can place the recoil plate in the desired rotational position in the yaw direction along arrow D, and the user can tighten the set screws 534 to secure the recoil plate in the desired position relative to the recoil plate rail 532.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a partially cut away perspective view from the side of the buttstock showing inner workings of the adjustable recoil plate and the adjustable cheek riser, according to an illustrative embodiment. Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, a recoil plate 130 can rotate in a pitch direction relative to the buttstock core 124, as shown by arrow E. In various embodiments, a pivot hinge 540 can allow the recoil plate 130 and the buttstock core 124 to pivot relative to each other around pivot axis Q. Various embodiments of pivot hinge are possible. In various embodiments, the pivot hinge 540 can include a first plate 602 in a fixed angular relationship with the buttstock core 124 and a second plate 604 in a fixed angular relationship with the recoil plate rail 532. Screws 606 can keep the first plate 602 and the second plate 604 in a fixed and rigid relationship. A user can loosen or remove the screws 606 and can rotate the first plate relative to the second plate, or put another way, the user can pivot the recoil plate rail 602 relative to the buttstock core. The user can position the recoil plate in a desired rotational position around axis Q relative to the buttstock core 124, and then the user can tighten the screws 606 to secure the first plate and the second plate together, thereby locking the recoil plate rail 532 in the desired rotational position relative to the buttstock core 124.

[0064] In various embodiments, the recoil plate can be adjusted in a proximal-distal direction, as shown in the direction of arrow F. An adjustable recoil plate assembly 500 can include a recoil plate adjustment nut 612, a threaded rod 614, and one or more support rods 616. The recoil plate adjustment nut 612 can be disposed within the buttstock core, and can be an adjustment nut that can be referred to as a captured nut. The adjustable recoil plate assembly can have one or more support rods 616 in parallel with the threaded rod 614, and in various embodiments, the adjustable recoil plate assembly 500 can have two smooth support rods 616 in parallel with the threaded rod 614. The threaded rod 614 and the smooth rod(s) 616 can all be in a rigid fixed relationship together with the first plate 602. In various embodiments, two smooth rods 616 and the threaded rod 614 can be in a three-dimensional relationship with the lengthwise axis of the rods arranged along the proximal-distal direction. The lengthwise axis of the rods can be parallel with the central axis A-A of the rifle barrel. In various embodiments, the three ends of the three rods can be in a triangular relationship with each other. In this arrangement, the three rods can move together in the proximal distal direction, with the triangular relationship between them resulting in maximum strength and stability.

[0065] Smooth rods 616 can slide back and forth along the proximal-distal direction through close-fitting channels within the buttstock core, and twisting the adjustment nut 612 can drive the threaded rod 614 back and forth in the proximal-distal direction. When the adjustment nut is twisted to drive the threaded rod in a chosen direction, the first plate 602 and the smooth rods 616 also move together as one solid unit in the same direction relative to the buttstock core. The three rods rigidly connected together in the triangular relationship ensure that there is no wiggle or play in the system between the first plate and the buttstock core. As the adjustment nut is twisted, the recoil plate is moved back and forth in the proximal-distal direction, in the direction of arrow F, relative to the chassis. A user can twist the adjustment nut to adjust the distance between the chassis core and the recoil plate, thereby customizing the rifle chassis to the individual user.

[0066] An adjustable rifle chassis can allow an adjustable recoil plate to be adjusted in up to four degrees of freedom relative to the buttstock core and the chassis core, including horizontal movement in a back-and-forth direction, rotational movement in a pitch direction, rotational movement in a yaw direction, and up and vertical movement in an up and down direction. An adjustable rifle chassis can also have an adjustable cheek riser, and the adjustable cheek riser can move in up to three degrees of freedom. The cheek riser can have vertical movement in an up-and-down direction, horizontal movement in a back-and-forth direction, and rotational direction around an axis that can be parallel to the central axis A-A of the chassis.

[0067] The adjustable cheek riser 140 can be adjusted so that users of various bodily dimensions can stably rest a cheek on the movable cheek riser while firing the rifle. FIG. 7 is a partially cut away perspective view from the rear of the buttstock showing inner workings of the adjustable cheek riser and the adjustable recoil plate, according to an illustrative embodiment. Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, an adjustable cheek riser assembly 620 can include the cheek riser 140, a cheek riser adjustment nut 622, a threaded rod 624, one or more smooth rods 626, and a cheek riser rail 632. The cheek riser adjustment nut can be disposed within the buttstock core, and can be an adjustment nut that can also be referred to as a captured nut.

[0068] The cheek riser rail 140 can move back and forth along axis R in the proximal-distal direction shown along arrow G. The cheek riser 140 can have an inner channel 630 that can slide over a cheek riser rail 632. Put another way, the cheek riser rail 632 can slide back and forth within the inner channel 630, thereby allowing the cheek riser to move back and forth relative to the cheek riser rail 632. Set screws 634 can be screwed into place to hold the cheek riser 140 and the cheek riser rail 632 in a fixed arrangement, thereby prohibiting further adjustment. A user can loosen the set screws 634 to allow the horizontal position of the cheek riser 140 to be adjusted, the user can place the cheek riser in the desired horizontal position along arrow G, and the user can tighten the set screws 634 to secure the cheek riser in the desired position relative to the cheek riser rail 632.

[0069] The cheek riser can rotate in a roll direction around axis R about the cheek riser rail 632, as shown by arrow H. In various embodiments, the cheek riser 140 can have an inner channel 630 that can partially encircle the cheek riser rail 632 so that the cheek riser 140 can partially rotate around the cheek riser rail 632. Set screws 634 can be screwed into place to hold the cheek riser and the cheek riser rail 632 in a fixed arrangement, thereby prohibiting further adjustment. A user can loosen the set screws 634 to allow the rotational position of the cheek riser to be adjusted, the user can place the cheek riser 140 in the desired rotational position in the roll direction along arrow H, and the user can tighten the set screws 634 to secure the cheek riser in the desired position relative to the cheek riser rail 632.

[0070] In various embodiments, the cheek riser 140 can be adjusted up and down in a vertical direction, as shown in the direction of arrow I. The adjustable cheek riser assembly can have one or more smooth rods 626 in parallel with the threaded rod 624, and in various embodiments, the adjustable cheek riser assembly 620 can have one or more support rods 626 in parallel with the threaded rod 624. The threaded rod 624 and the smooth support rod(s) 626 can all be in a rigid fixed relationship together with the cheek riser rail 632. In various embodiments, two smooth rods 626 and the threaded rod 624 can be in a three-dimensional relationship with the lengthwise axis of the rods arranged along the vertical direction as shown by arrow I, and the lengthwise axis of the three rods can be arranged in parallel with each other. In this arrangement, the three rods can move together in the up and down direction, with the rigid relationship between them resulting in strength and stability.

[0071] Smooth rods 626 can slide back and forth along the up and down direction through close-fitting channels within the buttstock core, and twisting the adjustment nut 622 can drive the threaded rod 624 up and down in the vertical direction. When the adjustment nut is twisted to drive the threaded rod in a chosen direction, the cheek riser rail 632 and the smooth rods 626 also move together as one solid unit in the same direction relative to the buttstock core. The three rods rigidly connected together in the parallel relationship supporting the cheek riser rail ensure that there is no wiggle or play in the system between the cheek riser rail and the buttstock core. As the adjustment nut is twisted, the cheek riser rail is moved up and down in the vertical direction, in the direction of arrow I, relative to the chassis. A user can twist the adjustment nut to adjust the distance between the buttstock core and the cheek riser, thereby customizing the rifle chassis to the individual user.

[0072] An adjustable rifle chassis can allow an adjustable cheek riser to be adjusted in up to three degrees of freedom relative to the chassis core and the buttstock core, including horizontal movement in a back-and-forth direction, rotational movement in a roll direction, and vertical movement in an up-and-down direction. The rotational movement in a roll direction can be around an axis that can be parallel to the central axis of the chassis.

[0073] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and / or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

[0074] The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. For example, in various embodiments, additional degrees of freedom may be introduced. Additionally, where the term “substantially” or “approximately” is employed with respect to a given measurement, value or characteristic, it refers to a quantity that is within a normal operating range to achieve desired results, but that includes some variability due to inherent inaccuracy and error within the allowed tolerances (e.g. 1-2%) of the system. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]There are a great many possible implementations of the invention, too many to describe herein. Some possible implementations are described below. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It should be clear, however, that the innovation can be practiced without various specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, any particular embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages described herein. Thus, in various embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments...

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 763,814, filed Feb. 26, 2025, entitled CUSTOMIZABLE RIFLE CHASSIS AND METHOD OF USE, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This application relates generally to rifles and rifle chassis, and more particularly to adjustable competition rifle chassis.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Adjustable rifle chassis have gained significant popularity in the firearms industry due to their ability to enhance accuracy, stability, and modularity of rifles. A rifle chassis generally has a frame that serves as a basic mounting structure on which various components of the rifle are mounted. For example, the frame can serve as a basic structure for the components such as, barrel, magazine, stock, and accessories. In many cases, the receiver of the rifle is mounted directly into the rifle chassis and can be held in with glue, glass bedding, or other methods of fixing that can be relatively permanent and do not allow the receiver and chassis to be separated without a significant amount of time and effort, often requiring the skills of a professional gunsmith. Although this method of fixing with glue, glass bedding, etc., can result in a more rigidly assembled and secured rifle system, it can create major problems if the user wants to make adjustments or substitute new parts. Furthermore, conventional chassis often limit a user to a single manufacturer of magazines, or fail to perform as well with a variety of different magazines. In some cases, a magazine release may need to be permanently altered by a gunsmith to accept and release magazines from different manufacturers.

[0004] Not only does permanently fixing the receiver into the chassis limit the ability to make adjustments or substitute new parts in the future, conventional rifle systems often lack even basic adjustments or customizations. If the conventional rifle is adjustable, it is often difficult or impossible to be adjusted in more than one direction. Due to inherent constrains in design of conventional rifle systems, the adaptability and customization of the chassis systems to suit individual shooter preferences and shooting scenarios are often limited. This lack of comprehensive ergonomic adjustability features means that shooters cannot adjust the rifle to fit their individual optimal shooting posture. For example, the grip positions and grip angles of the conventional chassis are generally fixed, and the buttstocks are not adjustable. This adds discomfort and reduced shooting performance for the user with different body types and preferences. In many cases, if a rifle has a cheek riser, it will be in a fixed position, or will have a limited range of motion. The inability to make fine-tuned adjustments to achieve optimal hand and eye positioning compromises both accuracy and comfort.

[0005] Furthermore, shooters can engage in a wide range of shooting sports and can be disadvantaged by not being able to adjust a rifle quickly to different configurations. Conventional chassis, due to their fixed designs, fail to adapt to different shooting configurations and styles, and cannot account for individual shooter habits, leading to a suboptimal shooting experience and reduced accuracy. The above-mentioned limitations of the conventional rifles restrict the usability and functionality of the rifle chassis. In light of these challenges, there exists a need for a rifle chassis that offers enhanced adjustability to address the ergonomic concerns associated with conventional rifle chassis designs.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The rifle chassis disclosed herein overcomes disadvantages of the prior art by providing an apparatus and system to improve the customizability and the ergonomics of a rifle chassis. The rifle chassis can include a chassis body, a rifle receiver, a cheek riser, a grip mount, and a recoil plate. The chassis body is adapted to hold the rifle receiver such that a longitudinal axis of the rifle receiver is aligned in a shooting direction associated with the rifle chassis. In various embodiments, a rifle chassis can include a quickly removable and adjustable system for securely and rigidly fixing a receiver within a chassis. The system can include using two or more screws installed parallel to the longitudinal shooting axis to removably secure the receiver. The system can include an adjustable magazine release that can move up and down relative to the chassis, thereby allowing for different positions to engage the magazine.

[0007] The cheek riser can be adjustable in at least one of, a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the shooting direction, a horizontal direction along an axis that is parallel to the shooting direction, and an angular direction about the horizontal direction axis. In various embodiments, the rifle chassis can have a rail disposed underneath the cheek riser and aligned along the shooting direction. The cheek riser can pivotally supported on the rail which facilitates the cheek riser to be adjustable in the angular direction, along with sliding back and forth along the rail in the horizontal direction that is parallel to the shooting direction. The cheek riser can be adjustable with three degrees of freedom with respect to the receiver and the barrel, or put another way, the user can adjust the position of the receiver and barrel relative to the cheek of the user.

[0008] An adjustable pistol grip mount can allow a user to select any number of different pistol grips with different sizes, different angles, etc. that can be secured to the adjustable pistol grip mount. The adjustable pistol grip mount can be slidably disposed on the chassis body such that the grip mount is adapted to slide back and forth in a first direction and a second direction relative to the trigger, along a line that is parallel to the longitudinal shooting axis. The grip mount, upon sliding back and forth in the first and second directions, facilitates adjustment of a distance between the grip mount and the trigger. This allows a user to customize a rifle to each individual's hand size and finger length.

[0009] The recoil plate is coupled to the chassis body and adapted to exhibit up to four degrees of freedom to allow for nearly infinite customizations. A horizontal degree of freedom facilitates the recoil plate to move back and forth along the shooting direction, thereby increasing or decreasing the distance between the receiver and the shoulder of the shooter. A pitch axis can allow a user to adjust the pitch angle of the recoil plate. A yaw axis can allow a user to adjust the yaw angle of the recoil plate. A vertical degree of freedom can allow the recoil plate to be adjusted up and down along the vertical direction.

[0010] The chassis system can include an adjustable magazine release which holds a detachable magazine in place. The magazine release can be vertically adjustable to lock the magazine catch against various different magazine tabs from different manufacturers who produce different magazines with varying magazine tabs.

[0011] The recoil lug of the rifle receiver can sit in a lug pocket of the chassis, and one or more lug screws, also referred to as bracing screws, can screw into the chassis to provide a pressing force that holds the recoil lug in place within the chassis. In various embodiments, a lug wedge can sit in the pocket between the lug screws and the lug, and the lug wedge can be pressed against the lug to secure the lug and the receiver in place within the chassis. The lug screws can press against the lug wedge, thereby pressing the lug wedge against the lug, and securing the lug within the chassis.

[0012] The forend can be removable from the chassis body, thereby allowing a user access to the distal end (front) of the chassis body. Each threaded lug screw hole of the plurality of threaded lug screw holes is disposed at a distal end of the chassis body such that each threaded lug screw hole of the plurality of threaded lug screw holes is in communication with the lug pocket. Each threaded lug screw hole of the plurality of threaded lug screw holes is adapted to hold a threaded lug screw. The one or more bracing screws can be accessed and screwed in and out from the distal end of the chassis body, so that the bracing screws can be parallel with the barrel, the receiver, and the shooting axis. By having the bracing screws parallel to the direction of force when the rifle is fired, the bracing screws are able to more securely hold the lug wedge, the lug, and the receiver in place without loosening as the rifle is fired repeatedly. In various embodiments, the lug screws can press directly against the recoil lug, without the need for a lug wedge. This system of removable lug screws allows the user to quickly and easily remove the receiver from the chassis by removing the lug screws to release the pressure on the lug of the receiver.

[0013] Various innovations of the present disclosure can help to make the rifle more rigid and secure while also being infinitely more customizable than traditional rifle chassis.

[0014] In an embodiment, a customizable rifle chassis can have a chassis body having a receiver pocket. The receiver pocket of the chassis body can have a lug pocket extending from the receiver pocket. The lug pocket can have at least one bracing screw hole extending through a distal portion of the lug pocket, the at least one bracing screw hole parallel to a central axis of the rifle chassis, the at least one bracing screw hole adapted to hold at least one lug screw that can be adapted to provide force to a recoil lug in a proximal direction. The chassis body can include a chassis core and a removable forend, wherein the forend can be removed from the chassis core to allow access from a front of the chassis to the one or more bracing screw holes. The customizable rifle can include a recoil lug wedge, the recoil lug wedge adapted to be positioned within the lug pocket between the at least one lug screw and the recoil lug, the lug wedge adapted to transfer force from the at least one lug screw to the lug wedge.

[0015] The chassis body can include a slider track adapted to hold a slider of an adjustable pistol grip, the slider track positioned behind a trigger location. The slider track can have one or more set screw holes that allow a user to screw a set screw inward towards the interior of the slider track. The customizable rifle can include a sliding pistol grip mount, the sliding pistol grip mount having a slider adapted to slide back and forth within the slider track, the slider and slider track adapted to allow the sliding pistol grip mount to move back and forth relative to the trigger location. The sliding pistol grip mount can include a mounting region adapted to allow interchangeable pistol grips to be mounted to the sliding pistol grip mount. The chassis body can include an adjustable trigger guard, the adjustable trigger guard comprising an adjustable front portion and an adjustable bottom plate, the front portion selectively hingedly mounted to the chassis body, and the adjustable bottom plate selectively hingedly mounted to the front portion, so that the position of the front portion and the position of the bottom plate can be adjusted to accommodate a range of locations of the sliding pistol grip mount.

[0016] The chassis body can include an adjustable magazine release pivotably mounted within the chassis body, the magazine release having an engagement tip and a release lever, the engagement tip and release lever pivoting around an engagement post, the engagement post positioned within a slot and transverse to the slot. The engagement post can have a threaded portion and a nut, wherein tightening the nut on the engagement post causes the nut and a head of the engagement post to apply inward force on the sides of the slot, thereby selectively holding the engagement post in a fixed location, and wherein loosening the nut releases the inward force and allows the engagement post to slide up and down within the slot, thereby adjusting the location of the engagement tip.

[0017] A customizable rifle buttstock can include a buttstock core and an adjustable recoil plate. The buttstock core can include an adjustable cheek riser, the adjustable cheek riser having a check riser inner channel and a cheek riser rail, a riser axis extending through the center of the cheek riser inner channel and the cheek riser rail, the cheek riser rail slidably engaged within the cheek riser inner channel, the adjustable cheek riser selectively moving back and forth relative to the cheek riser rail along the riser axis. The buttstock core can include an adjustable cheek riser, the adjustable cheek riser having a cheek riser inner channel and a cheek riser rail, a riser axis extending through the center of the cheek riser inner channel and the cheek riser rail, the cheek riser rail rotatably engaged within the cheek riser inner channel, the adjustable cheek riser selectively rotating in a roll direction around the riser axis so that a check engagement surface of the cheek riser can be selectively secured in different positions around the riser axis.

[0018] The buttstock can include a recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate having a recoil plate inner channel slidably engaged with the recoil plate rail, a recoil plate axis extending through the center of the recoil plate inner channel and the recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate selectively moving up and down relative to the recoil plate rail along the recoil plate axis. The buttstock can include a recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate having a recoil plate inner channel rotatably engaged with the recoil plate rail, a recoil plate axis extending through the center of the recoil plate inner channel and the recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate selectively rotating in a yaw direction around the recoil plate axis so that a shoulder engagement surface of the recoil plate can be selectively secured in different positions around the recoil plate axis. The buttstock can include a pivot hinge between the buttstock core and the adjustable recoil plate, the adjustable recoil plate selectively pivoting in a pitch direction around the pivot hinge relative to the buttstock core.

[0019] A method of adjusting an adjustable rifle chassis can include adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions, the rifle chassis adapted to accommodate preferences of a user. Adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions can include adjusting a location of a slidable pistol grip mount relative to a trigger location, back and forth in a direction parallel to a central axis of the rifle chassis, the sliding pistol grip mount having a slider adapted to slide back and forth within a slider track of the rifle chassis, the slider and slider track adapted to allow the sliding pistol grip mount to move back and forth relative to a trigger location. Adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions can include adjusting a position and / or location of an adjustable cheek riser, the adjustable cheek riser having a cheek riser inner channel and a cheek riser rail, a riser axis extending through the center of the cheek riser inner channel and the cheek riser rail, wherein adjusting the position and / or location of the adjustable cheek riser can include adjusting at least one of the location of the cheek riser along the length of the cheek riser rail and / or the rotary position of the cheek riser in a roll direction around the riser axis. Adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions can include adjusting a position and / or location of an adjustable recoil plate, the adjustable recoil plate having a recoil plate inner channel, a recoil plate rail within the recoil plate inner channel, a recoil plate axis extending through the center of the recoil plate inner channel and the recoil plate rail, wherein adjusting the position and / or location of the adjustable recoil plate can include adjusting at least one of the location of the recoil plate along the length of the recoil plate rail and / or the rotary position of the recoil plate in a yaw direction around the recoil plate axis.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0021] FIG. 1A is a side view of improved competition adjustable rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the improved competition adjustable rifle chassis of FIG. 1A, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the bottom side of the receiver showing the receiver lug, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 2B is an upper perspective view of a receiver pocket and lug pocket of a rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 2C is a side perspective view of the receiver pocket and lug pocket of the rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the receiver and lug wedge in position to be inserted into the receiver pocket and lug pocket of the rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of the proximal end of the chassis core showing a sliding track for an adjustable pistol grip mount, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 3B is a side view of the adjustable rifle chassis showing the sliding pistol grip mount and the adjustable trigger guard, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of the area of detail 3C shown in FIG. 3B, showing the adjustable magazine release, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 3D is a partially cut away view of the chassis core showing the inner workings of the adjustable magazine release, according to an illustrative embodiment

[0031] FIG. 3E is a side view of the chassis showing the adjustable magazine release in an unreleased position, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 3F is a side view of the chassis showing the adjustable magazine releases in a released position, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 4A shows an ammunition magazine with a magazine tab, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 4B shows a different ammunition magazine with a different magazine tab, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a partially cut away rear perspective view of the adjustable recoil plate assembly at the proximal end of the buttstock, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a partially cut away perspective view from the side of the buttstock showing inner workings of the adjustable recoil plate and the adjustable cheek riser, according to an illustrative embodiment; and

[0037] FIG. 7 is a partially cut away perspective view from the rear of the buttstock showing inner workings of the adjustable cheek riser and the adjustable recoil plate, according to an illustrative embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] There are a great many possible implementations of the invention, too many to describe herein. Some possible implementations are described below. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It should be clear, however, that the innovation can be practiced without various specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, any particular embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages described herein. Thus, in various embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. It cannot be emphasized too strongly, however, that these are descriptions of implementations of the invention, and not descriptions of the invention, which is not limited to the detailed implementations described in this section but is described in broader terms in the claims. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 1A is a side view of improved competition adjustable rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the improved competition adjustable rifle chassis of FIG. 1A, according to an illustrative embodiment. The competition rifle chassis 100 can be used to hold components of a rifle including a receiver and a barrel. The rifle chassis can have a central axis A-A that passes through the bore of a barrel and the receiver when a barrel and receiver are installed in the chassis 100. The chassis 100 can have a shooting direction along the direction of arrow S, showing the direction of a bullet being shot from the distal end of the rifle. The shooting direction S is along the central axis A-A that passes through the bore of the barrel and the receiver when the barrel and receiver are installed in the chassis 100. A bridge 118 can be positioned on the top of the forend 102 to accommodate various peripheral equipment such as scopes or lights, and can be detachably attached or integrated to the forend 102. Although the barrel, receiver, magazines, shells, bullets, scopes, lights, and other components are mentioned herein to facilitate an understanding of the present invention, it should be clear that these components are not part of the invention and are not claimed as part of the invention.

[0040] The competition rifle chassis 100 of the present embodiment can include a chassis core 104 with a proximal end 142 and a distal end 144. A forend 102 can be detachably secured to the chassis core 104 at the distal end 144 of the chassis core, and a buttstock 120 can be detachably secured to the proximal end 142 of the chassis core. An adjustable pistol grip mount can be detachably secured and slidably adjustable at the bottom of the chassis core 104.

[0041] The forend 102 and the chassis core 104 can be fastened together using mechanical fasteners 106 that can be threaded screws. The forend 102 and the chassis core 104 can be separate components that can be removably attached together. Mechanical fasteners 106 can removably secure the forend 102 and the chassis core 104 together. This allows the forend to be replaceable and interchangeable, and removing the forend allows access to the distal end, also referred to as the front end, of the chassis core 104. Having direct access to the front end of the chassis core 104 allows for a novel system and method for securing a receiver within the chassis core, as will be explained more fully below.

[0042] FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the receiver showing the receiver lug, according to an illustrative embodiment, FIG. 2B is an upper perspective view of a receiver pocket and lug pocket of a rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment, FIG. 2C is a side perspective view of the receiver pocket and lug pocket of the rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment, and FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the receiver and lug wedge in position to be inserted into the receiver pocket and lug pocket of the rifle chassis, according to an illustrative embodiment. Turning back to FIGS. 1A, 2B, and 2C, the chassis core 104 and forend 102 can have can have a protuberance 232 and a protuberance slot 234, and the protuberance 232 can slide within the protuberance slot 234 to make alignment and assembly faster and easier. After sliding the protuberance within the slot, a user can use mechanical fasteners 106 to secure the forend 102 to the chassis core 104.

[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, the chassis 100 has a receiver pocket 212 that is adapted to hold the receiver 200. The receiver 200 can be securely fixed in the receiver pocket 212, and the receiver can receive bullet shells from a magazine (not shown) located below the receiver pocket through the opening at the bottom of the receiver pocket. The bottom of the receiver 200 has a receiver lug 204 that is adapted to sit in a lug pocket 214 of the rifle chassis 100. The lug pocket can be an extension of the receiver pocket, with the lug pocket extending downwards and / or outwards from the receiver pocket. The receiver 200 can have threaded mounting holes 206, 208 that are adapted to mate with corresponding through mounting holes 216, 218 in the receiver pocket. The receiver 200 can sit in the receiver pocket 212 with the receiver lug 204 in the lug pocket 214, and the mounting holes 206, 208 of the receiver lined up with the corresponding mounting holes 216, 218 of the chassis, so that screws (not shown) can be passed through the through mounting holes 216, 218 and screwed into the threaded mounting holes 206, 208 to removably attach the receiver within the receiver pocket of the chassis.

[0044] The recoil lug can help to transfer recoil forces from the receiver through the chassis as shots are fired, and the more securely the recoil lug is secured to the chassis, the better the recoil force is transferred through the chassis. It is traditional for the users of competition rifles to also use glass bedding or other adhesive means to further secure a receiver within a rifle chassis. However, this technique can be irreversible. The present invention introduces a novel system and method for securing a receiver within the chassis. The lug pocket 214 can be sized to accommodate the recoil lug 204 and a recoil lug wedge 224. The recoil lug wedge can be inserted into the lug pocket as shown along arrow LW in FIG. 2B. The lug wedge 224 can be placed at the distal end of the recoil lug pocket 214, as shown in FIG. 2C, and the receiver 200 can be placed in the receiver pocket 212 as shown along arrow RL in FIG. 2D. The receiver 200 can be placed within the receiver pocket, with the recoil lug 204 in the lug pocket 214 proximal to the lug wedge 224. Put another way, the receiver can be cradled in the receiver pocket, with the recoil lug extending down into the lug pocket, and the lug wedge can lie in the lug pocket next to the recoil lug, with the lug wedge in front of the recoil lug, to the distal side of the recoil lug.

[0045] One or more threaded lug screw holes 240, also referred to as bracing screw holes 240, can accommodate lug screws 242 so that the lug screws 242 can provide a horizontal force to the recoil lug 204. That horizontal force can be parallel or approximately parallel to the central axis of the rifle chassis. In various embodiments, there can be more than one lug screw hole 240 and more than one lug screw 242, and the lug screws holes and lug screws can all be aligned in parallel with the central axis and in parallel with the shooting direction of the rifle chassis. Because the forend can be easily removed from the chassis core, the forend can be taken off to avoid interfering with the user screwing the lug screws that can be parallel to the central axis.

[0046] In various embodiments, the lug screws can press against the lug wedge which can force the lug wedge to press against the recoil lug. The force provided thereby can force the recoil lug against the back of the lug pocket, thereby securing the recoil lug in place within the lug pocket, and thereby securing the receiver within the receiver pocket. In various embodiments, the lug screws can press directly against the recoil lug which can force the recoil lug against the back of the lug pocket, thereby securing the recoil lug in place within the lug pocket, and thereby securing the receiver within the receiver pocket.

[0047] To remove a receiver from the chassis, a user can remove the mechanical fasteners 106 from the forend holes 244 on the side of the forend, and then slide the forend off of the chassis to expose the recoil lug screws 242. The recoil lug screws can then be removed from the lug screw holes 240 to release the pressure on the recoil lug, thereby releasing the pressure on the receiver. The user can then easily remove the screw from the mounting holes 206 and 216, and the screw from mounting holes 208 and 218, thereby releasing the receiver quickly and easily from the chassis.

[0048] To install a new receiver, the user can optionally place a lug wedge within the lug pocket, and then place the receiver within the receiver pocket and the receiver lug within the lug pocket. The user can screw lug screws 242 into lug screw holes 240, thereby applying a force to the recoil lug that can be parallel to the central axis and in the opposite direction of the shooting direction. In various embodiments, the lug screws 242 can press directly against the recoil lug. In various embodiments, the lug screws can press against a lug wedge so that the lug wedge presses against the recoil lug. It should be clear that the lug screws can apply a force that presses the recoil lug into the back of the lug pocket.

[0049] That force applied to the recoil lug can pin the recoil lug to the back of the lug pocket, thereby securing the recoil lug within the lug pocket and securing the receiver within the receiver pocket. Because the force from the lug screws is parallel to the shooting direction, the screws can remain secured in place throughout a large number of shots being fired in the shooting direction. Having two or more parallel lug screws further increases the security and stability of the system, as the three or more parallel legs of the screws and the receiver / barrel direction are all aligned with each other instead of working against each other under the extreme forces of large caliber shots being fired.

[0050] An adjustable rifle chassis can have an adjustable pistol grip mount and an adjustable trigger guard. FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of the proximal end of the chassis core showing a sliding track for an adjustable pistol grip mount, according to an illustrative embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a side view of the adjustable rifle chassis showing the sliding pistol grip mount and the adjustable trigger guard, according to an illustrative embodiment. A sliding pistol grip mount 300 can have a mounting region 304, and a user can mount various pistol grips to the mounting region 304. A user has the option to use any number of various interchangeable pistol grips adapted for different sized hands, etc., and the user can mount any of the various pistol grips to the mounting region 304, thereby mounting the pistol grip to the rifle. A sliding pistol grip mount 300 can have a slider 302, and the chassis core 104 can have a track 322. The track 322 and the slider 302 can extend parallel to the central axis of the chassis. The track 322 and the slider 302 can have features extending along their length that keeps the slider engaged within the track, allowing the slider and track to move only in a single back and forth direction relative to each other, along a single line. In various embodiments, the slider can have a narrow neck region and a broader head region that is captured by the track and slides within the track. In various embodiments, the track 322 can have wings that surround the head region of the slider, thereby capturing the head region of the slider within the track so that the slider can slide back and forth within the track without disengaging from the track and without moving in any direction other than parallel to the central axis of the chassis.

[0051] The slider of the sliding pistol grip mount 300 can slide back and forth in the track 322 along a path that is parallel to the central axis, thereby allowing the sliding pistol grip mount to slide back and forth relative to the receiver within the chassis core. This sliding movement allows the user to adjust the distance between the pistol grip and the trigger. Although the trigger (not shown) can be in a fixed location relative to the receiver, the sliding pistol grip allows the user to adjust the distance from the pistol grip to the receiver and trigger, thereby adapting the rifle to users with varying hand sizes and finger lengths.

[0052] The track 322 can have one or more set screw holes 324 that can allow a user to screw a set screw 326 from the outside inwards towards the slider 302. The set screws can allow the user to secure the slider in a desired position within the track 322. To adjust the location of the pistol grip, the user can loosen the set screws 326, thereby allowing the slider 302 to slide freely within the track 322. The user can then position the pistol grip at a desired position along the track, thereby adjusting the pistol-grip-to-trigger distance to suit the individual user. Put another way, the trigger is in a fixed position relative to the receiver, and the user can adjust the location of the pistol grip relative to the receiver. The chassis core and the receiver can be in a fixed relationship to each other due to the lug screws providing a force the secures the receiver within the chassis core, and the user can slide the pistol grip mount 300 back and forth along the track 322 of the chassis core 104 to adjust the location of the pistol grip relative to the chassis core and receiver. After placing the pistol grip at the desired position relative to the chassis core, the user can tighten the set screws 326 within the set screw holes 324 to lock the pistol grip in place in a fixed position relative to the chassis core 104 and relative to the receiver if a receiver is present.

[0053] With the adjustable pistol grip mount 300 in the user's desired location, the user can also adjust the front portion of the trigger guard 330. The adjustable front portion of the trigger guard can include a moveable trigger guard front plate 332 that can be hingedly connected to the chassis core 104 at a pivot point 334. In various embodiments, a bolt 336 or other fastener can be passed through the pivot point 334, and can be loosened to allow movement and tightened to secure the trigger guard front plate 332 in place relative to the chassis core 104. A trigger guard bottom plate 338 can be hingedly coupled to the trigger guard front plate at a pivot point 334. In various embodiments, a bolt 336 or other fastener can be passed through the pivot point 334, and can be loosened to allow movement and tightened to secure the trigger guard bottom plate 338 in place relative to the trigger guard front plate 332. A user can loosen the bolts 336 thereby allowing the front plate to rotate relative to the chassis core and allowing the bottom plate to rotate relative to the front plate. The user can position the front plate and the bottom plate of the front portion of the trigger guard in a desired location relative to the location of the sliding pistol grip, and then the user can tighten the bolts 336 thereby securely fixing the location of the front plate and the bottom plate relative to the chassis core and / or sliding pistol grip.

[0054] The moveable pistol grip mount 300 can include a pistol grip trigger guard plate 308 that can slidably engage the trigger guard bottom plate 338. As the moveable pistol grip mount 300 is slid back towards the rear, or proximal end, of the weapon, the pistol grip trigger plate 308 can slide along the trigger guard bottom plate, effectively elongating the trigger guard as the pistol grip is moved back towards the proximal end of the weapon.

[0055] In various embodiments, the chassis 100 can have an adjustable magazine release 350 that can be adjustably moved to better accommodate magazines made by different manufacturers without the need for a gunsmith or permanent alterations to the magazine release. FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of the area of detail 3C shown in FIG. 3B, showing the adjustable magazine release, according to an illustrative embodiment, FIG. 3D is a partially cut away view of the chassis core showing the inner workings of the adjustable magazine release, according to an illustrative embodiment, FIG. 3E is a side view of the chassis showing the adjustable magazine release in an unreleased position, according to an illustrative embodiment, and FIG. 3F is a side view of the chassis showing the adjustable magazine releases in a released position, according to an illustrative embodiment. Turning now to FIGS. 3C-3F, in the unreleased position, the engagement tip 354 of the magazine release 350 can protrude into the magazine well 360, where it can make contact with a tab on the back of the magazine. A compression spring 352 applies an outward force between the chassis core 104 and the magazine release engagement tip 354. The spring force keeps the engagement tip 354 in constant engagement with a tab of the magazine, thereby keeping the magazine from falling out. In the case where the engagement tip 354 and the tab of a magazine work well together, when the engagement tip 354 of the magazine release 350 protrudes past a tab marker axis 356, the tab on the back of the magazine cannot slide past the magazine and the magazine is held in place.

[0056] The magazine release 350 can have a release lever 358 that extends down below the pivot 364. To release the magazine, a user can push the release lever 358 in the direction of arrow R, thereby compressing the spring 352 and pulling the engagement tip 354 out of engagement with the magazine tab. Causing the engagement tip to disengage from the tab of the magazine releases the magazine, allowing the magazine to be removed from the magazine well of the chassis core.

[0057] FIG. 4A shows an ammunition magazine with a magazine tab, according to an illustrative embodiment. The proximal side 402 of a magazine 400 can have can have a magazine tab 404. When the magazine is inserted into the rifle chassis, the magazine tab comes into engagement with the engagement tip of the magazine release. As the magazine slides past the engagement tip, the spring holds the engagement tip in place under the magazine tab, thereby holding the magazine in place within the rifle chassis. FIG. 4B shows a different ammunition magazine 410 with a different magazine tab 412, according to an illustrative embodiment. Different manufacturers may make different magazines with different tabs. The tab of one magazine 400 may not properly engage with a particular engagement tip even while the tab of a second magazine 410 does engage well with that same engagement tip.

[0058] Turning back to FIGS. 3C-3F, the chassis core 104 can have a slot 362 that allows the magazine release 350 to move up and down along the direction of arrow P. The magazine release can pivot around a pivot point 364 that can be an engagement post such as a bolt or a cap screw 366 held in place by a nut 368. The cap screw 366 and nut 368 can be loosened to allow the pivot point 364 to move up and down in the slot 362. The magazine release that pivots around the pivot point 364 is also moved up and down relative to the chassis core along slot 362 of the chassis core 104 when the pivot point 364 is moved up and down. By moving the magazine release up and down along the slot 362, a user can adjust how the engagement tip engages with the magazine tab. Variations in the vertical position of the tab on the back of the magazine, and variations in the thickness of the tab sticking out from the back of the magazine can be overcome by adjusting the position of the magazine release to accommodate different magazines with different magazine tabs.

[0059] Turning back to FIG. 1, a customizable buttstock 120 can be detachably attached to the proximal end 142 of the chassis core 104. The customizable buttstock 120 can include a buttstock core 124, an adjustable recoil plate 130, and an adjustable cheek riser 140. The buttstock core 124 and the chassis core 104 can be secured together in a rigid relationship. The buttstock core 124 and the chassis core 104 can be detachably secured together using mechanical fasteners 108. In various embodiments, the buttstock can include an adjustable recoil plate 130 that can be adjusted in four degrees of freedom relative to the buttstock core 124 and the chassis core 104. In various embodiments, the buttstock 120 can include an adjustable cheek riser 140 that can be adjusted in three degrees of freedom relative to the buttstock core 124 and the chassis core 104.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a partially cut away rear perspective view of the adjustable recoil plate assembly at the proximal end of the buttstock, according to an illustrative embodiment. A buttstock can include a recoil plate assembly 500 that can allow the recoil plate 130 to be adjusted in a plurality of directions. In various embodiments, the recoil plate assembly 500 can allow the recoil plate 130 to be adjusted in four degrees of freedom. A user can adjust the position of the recoil plate relative to the chassis core to customize the shape and configuration of the rifle to maximize performance for individual users with different bodily dimensions.

[0061] A recoil plate 130 can have a central axis P that extends through the length of the recoil plate. The recoil plate 130 can move up and down along axis P in the direction shown along arrow C. In various embodiments, the recoil plate 130 can have an inner channel 530 that can slide over a recoil plate rail 532. Put another way, the recoil plate rail 532 can slide up and down within the inner channel 530, thereby allowing the recoil plate to move up and down relative to the recoil plate rail 532. Set screws 534 can be screwed into place to hold the recoil plate 130 and the recoil plate rail 532 in a fixed arrangement relative to each other, thereby prohibiting further adjustment. A user can loosen the set screws 534 to allow the vertical position of the recoil plate 130 to be adjusted, the user can place the recoil plate in the desired vertical position along arrow C, and the user can tighten the set screws 534 to secure the recoil plate in the desired position relative to the recoil plate rail 532.

[0062] A recoil plate 130 can rotate in a yaw direction around axis P about the recoil plate rail 532, as shown by arrow D. In various embodiments, the recoil plate 130 can have an inner channel 530 that can partially encircle the recoil plate rail 532 so that the recoil plate 130 can partially rotate around the recoil plate rail 532. Set screws 534 can be screwed into place to hold the recoil plate 130 and the recoil plate rail 532 in a fixed arrangement, thereby prohibiting further adjustment. A user can loosen the set screws 534 to allow the rotational position of the recoil plate 130 to be adjusted, the user can place the recoil plate in the desired rotational position in the yaw direction along arrow D, and the user can tighten the set screws 534 to secure the recoil plate in the desired position relative to the recoil plate rail 532.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a partially cut away perspective view from the side of the buttstock showing inner workings of the adjustable recoil plate and the adjustable cheek riser, according to an illustrative embodiment. Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, a recoil plate 130 can rotate in a pitch direction relative to the buttstock core 124, as shown by arrow E. In various embodiments, a pivot hinge 540 can allow the recoil plate 130 and the buttstock core 124 to pivot relative to each other around pivot axis Q. Various embodiments of pivot hinge are possible. In various embodiments, the pivot hinge 540 can include a first plate 602 in a fixed angular relationship with the buttstock core 124 and a second plate 604 in a fixed angular relationship with the recoil plate rail 532. Screws 606 can keep the first plate 602 and the second plate 604 in a fixed and rigid relationship. A user can loosen or remove the screws 606 and can rotate the first plate relative to the second plate, or put another way, the user can pivot the recoil plate rail 602 relative to the buttstock core. The user can position the recoil plate in a desired rotational position around axis Q relative to the buttstock core 124, and then the user can tighten the screws 606 to secure the first plate and the second plate together, thereby locking the recoil plate rail 532 in the desired rotational position relative to the buttstock core 124.

[0064] In various embodiments, the recoil plate can be adjusted in a proximal-distal direction, as shown in the direction of arrow F. An adjustable recoil plate assembly 500 can include a recoil plate adjustment nut 612, a threaded rod 614, and one or more support rods 616. The recoil plate adjustment nut 612 can be disposed within the buttstock core, and can be an adjustment nut that can be referred to as a captured nut. The adjustable recoil plate assembly can have one or more support rods 616 in parallel with the threaded rod 614, and in various embodiments, the adjustable recoil plate assembly 500 can have two smooth support rods 616 in parallel with the threaded rod 614. The threaded rod 614 and the smooth rod(s) 616 can all be in a rigid fixed relationship together with the first plate 602. In various embodiments, two smooth rods 616 and the threaded rod 614 can be in a three-dimensional relationship with the lengthwise axis of the rods arranged along the proximal-distal direction. The lengthwise axis of the rods can be parallel with the central axis A-A of the rifle barrel. In various embodiments, the three ends of the three rods can be in a triangular relationship with each other. In this arrangement, the three rods can move together in the proximal distal direction, with the triangular relationship between them resulting in maximum strength and stability.

[0065] Smooth rods 616 can slide back and forth along the proximal-distal direction through close-fitting channels within the buttstock core, and twisting the adjustment nut 612 can drive the threaded rod 614 back and forth in the proximal-distal direction. When the adjustment nut is twisted to drive the threaded rod in a chosen direction, the first plate 602 and the smooth rods 616 also move together as one solid unit in the same direction relative to the buttstock core. The three rods rigidly connected together in the triangular relationship ensure that there is no wiggle or play in the system between the first plate and the buttstock core. As the adjustment nut is twisted, the recoil plate is moved back and forth in the proximal-distal direction, in the direction of arrow F, relative to the chassis. A user can twist the adjustment nut to adjust the distance between the chassis core and the recoil plate, thereby customizing the rifle chassis to the individual user.

[0066] An adjustable rifle chassis can allow an adjustable recoil plate to be adjusted in up to four degrees of freedom relative to the buttstock core and the chassis core, including horizontal movement in a back-and-forth direction, rotational movement in a pitch direction, rotational movement in a yaw direction, and up and vertical movement in an up and down direction. An adjustable rifle chassis can also have an adjustable cheek riser, and the adjustable cheek riser can move in up to three degrees of freedom. The cheek riser can have vertical movement in an up-and-down direction, horizontal movement in a back-and-forth direction, and rotational direction around an axis that can be parallel to the central axis A-A of the chassis.

[0067] The adjustable cheek riser 140 can be adjusted so that users of various bodily dimensions can stably rest a cheek on the movable cheek riser while firing the rifle. FIG. 7 is a partially cut away perspective view from the rear of the buttstock showing inner workings of the adjustable cheek riser and the adjustable recoil plate, according to an illustrative embodiment. Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, an adjustable cheek riser assembly 620 can include the cheek riser 140, a cheek riser adjustment nut 622, a threaded rod 624, one or more smooth rods 626, and a cheek riser rail 632. The cheek riser adjustment nut can be disposed within the buttstock core, and can be an adjustment nut that can also be referred to as a captured nut.

[0068] The cheek riser rail 140 can move back and forth along axis R in the proximal-distal direction shown along arrow G. The cheek riser 140 can have an inner channel 630 that can slide over a cheek riser rail 632. Put another way, the cheek riser rail 632 can slide back and forth within the inner channel 630, thereby allowing the cheek riser to move back and forth relative to the cheek riser rail 632. Set screws 634 can be screwed into place to hold the cheek riser 140 and the cheek riser rail 632 in a fixed arrangement, thereby prohibiting further adjustment. A user can loosen the set screws 634 to allow the horizontal position of the cheek riser 140 to be adjusted, the user can place the cheek riser in the desired horizontal position along arrow G, and the user can tighten the set screws 634 to secure the cheek riser in the desired position relative to the cheek riser rail 632.

[0069] The cheek riser can rotate in a roll direction around axis R about the cheek riser rail 632, as shown by arrow H. In various embodiments, the cheek riser 140 can have an inner channel 630 that can partially encircle the cheek riser rail 632 so that the cheek riser 140 can partially rotate around the cheek riser rail 632. Set screws 634 can be screwed into place to hold the cheek riser and the cheek riser rail 632 in a fixed arrangement, thereby prohibiting further adjustment. A user can loosen the set screws 634 to allow the rotational position of the cheek riser to be adjusted, the user can place the cheek riser 140 in the desired rotational position in the roll direction along arrow H, and the user can tighten the set screws 634 to secure the cheek riser in the desired position relative to the cheek riser rail 632.

[0070] In various embodiments, the cheek riser 140 can be adjusted up and down in a vertical direction, as shown in the direction of arrow I. The adjustable cheek riser assembly can have one or more smooth rods 626 in parallel with the threaded rod 624, and in various embodiments, the adjustable cheek riser assembly 620 can have one or more support rods 626 in parallel with the threaded rod 624. The threaded rod 624 and the smooth support rod(s) 626 can all be in a rigid fixed relationship together with the cheek riser rail 632. In various embodiments, two smooth rods 626 and the threaded rod 624 can be in a three-dimensional relationship with the lengthwise axis of the rods arranged along the vertical direction as shown by arrow I, and the lengthwise axis of the three rods can be arranged in parallel with each other. In this arrangement, the three rods can move together in the up and down direction, with the rigid relationship between them resulting in strength and stability.

[0071] Smooth rods 626 can slide back and forth along the up and down direction through close-fitting channels within the buttstock core, and twisting the adjustment nut 622 can drive the threaded rod 624 up and down in the vertical direction. When the adjustment nut is twisted to drive the threaded rod in a chosen direction, the cheek riser rail 632 and the smooth rods 626 also move together as one solid unit in the same direction relative to the buttstock core. The three rods rigidly connected together in the parallel relationship supporting the cheek riser rail ensure that there is no wiggle or play in the system between the cheek riser rail and the buttstock core. As the adjustment nut is twisted, the cheek riser rail is moved up and down in the vertical direction, in the direction of arrow I, relative to the chassis. A user can twist the adjustment nut to adjust the distance between the buttstock core and the cheek riser, thereby customizing the rifle chassis to the individual user.

[0072] An adjustable rifle chassis can allow an adjustable cheek riser to be adjusted in up to three degrees of freedom relative to the chassis core and the buttstock core, including horizontal movement in a back-and-forth direction, rotational movement in a roll direction, and vertical movement in an up-and-down direction. The rotational movement in a roll direction can be around an axis that can be parallel to the central axis of the chassis.

[0073] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and / or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

[0074] The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. For example, in various embodiments, additional degrees of freedom may be introduced. Additionally, where the term “substantially” or “approximately” is employed with respect to a given measurement, value or characteristic, it refers to a quantity that is within a normal operating range to achieve desired results, but that includes some variability due to inherent inaccuracy and error within the allowed tolerances (e.g. 1-2%) of the system. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]There are a great many possible implementations of the invention, too many to describe herein. Some possible implementations are described below. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It should be clear, however, that the innovation can be practiced without various specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, any particular embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages described herein. Thus, in various embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments...

Claims

1. A customizable rifle chassis comprising:a chassis body having a receiver pocket.

2. The customizable rifle chassis of claim 1, the receiver pocket of the chassis body having a lug pocket extending from the receiver pocket, the lug pocket having at least one bracing screw hole extending through a distal portion of the lug pocket, the at least one bracing screw hole parallel to a central axis of the rifle chassis, the at least one bracing screw hole adapted to hold at least one lug screw that can be adapted to provide force to a recoil lug in a proximal direction.

3. The customizable rifle of claim 2, the chassis body comprising a chassis core and a removable forend, wherein the forend can be removed from the chassis core to allow access from a front of the chassis to the one or more bracing screw holes.

4. The customizable rifle of claim 2, further comprising a recoil lug wedge, the recoil lug wedge adapted to be positioned within the lug pocket between the at least one lug screw and the recoil lug, the lug wedge adapted to transfer force from the at least one lug screw to the lug wedge.

5. The customizable rifle of claim 1, the chassis body further comprising a slider track adapted to hold a slider of an adjustable pistol grip, the slider track positioned behind a trigger location.

6. The customizable rifle of claim 5, further comprising a sliding pistol grip mount, the sliding pistol grip mount having a slider adapted to slide back and forth within the slider track, the slider and slider track adapted to allow the sliding pistol grip mount to move back and forth relative to the trigger location.

7. The customizable rifle of claim 6, wherein the sliding pistol grip mount further comprises a mounting region adapted to allow interchangeable pistol grips to be mounted to the sliding pistol grip mount.

8. The customizable rifle of claim 6, the chassis body further comprising an adjustable trigger guard, the adjustable trigger guard comprising an adjustable front portion and an adjustable bottom plate, the front portion selectively hingedly mounted to the chassis body, and the adjustable bottom plate selectively hingedly mounted to the front portion, so that the position of the front portion and the position of the bottom plate can be adjusted to accommodate a range of locations of the sliding pistol grip mount.

9. The customizable rifle of claim 1, the chassis body further comprising an adjustable magazine release pivotably mounted within the chassis body, the magazine release having an engagement tip and a release lever, the engagement tip and release lever pivoting around an engagement post, the engagement post positioned within a slot and transverse to the slot.

10. The customizable rifle of claim 9, the engagement post having a threaded portion and a nut, wherein tightening the nut on the engagement post causes the nut and a head of the engagement post to apply inward force on the sides of the slot, thereby selectively holding the engagement post in a fixed location, and wherein loosening the nut releases the inward force and allows the engagement post to slide up and down within the slot, thereby adjusting the location of the engagement tip.

11. A customizable rifle buttstock comprising:a buttstock core; andan adjustable recoil plate.

12. The customizable rifle buttstock of claim 11, the buttstock core further comprising an adjustable cheek riser, the adjustable cheek riser having a check riser inner channel and a cheek riser rail, a riser axis extending through the center of the cheek riser inner channel and the cheek riser rail, the cheek riser rail slidably engaged within the cheek riser inner channel, the adjustable cheek riser selectively moving back and forth relative to the cheek riser rail along the riser axis.

13. The customizable rifle buttstock of claim 11, the buttstock core further comprising an adjustable cheek riser, the adjustable cheek riser having a cheek riser inner channel and a cheek riser rail, a riser axis extending through the center of the cheek riser inner channel and the cheek riser rail, the cheek riser rail rotatably engaged within the cheek riser inner channel, the adjustable cheek riser selectively rotating in a roll direction around the riser axis so that a check engagement surface of the cheek riser can be selectively secured in different positions around the riser axis.

14. The customizable rifle buttstock of claim 11 further comprising a recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate having a recoil plate inner channel slidably engaged with the recoil plate rail, a recoil plate axis extending through the center of the recoil plate inner channel and the recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate selectively moving up and down relative to the recoil plate rail along the recoil plate axis.

15. The customizable rifle buttstock of claim 11 further comprising a recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate having a recoil plate inner channel rotatably engaged with the recoil plate rail, a recoil plate axis extending through the center of the recoil plate inner channel and the recoil plate rail, the adjustable recoil plate selectively rotating in a yaw direction around the recoil plate axis so that a shoulder engagement surface of the recoil plate can be selectively secured in different positions around the recoil plate axis.

16. The customizable rifle buttstock of claim 11, further comprising a pivot hinge between the buttstock core and the adjustable recoil plate, the adjustable recoil plate selectively pivoting in a pitch direction around the pivot hinge relative to the buttstock core.

17. A method of adjusting an adjustable rifle chassis comprising:adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions, the rifle chassis adapted to accommodate preferences of a user.

18. The method of adjusting an adjustable rifle chassis of claim 17, wherein adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions includes adjusting a location of a slidable pistol grip mount relative to a trigger location, back and forth in a direction parallel to a central axis of the rifle chassis, the sliding pistol grip mount having a slider adapted to slide back and forth within a slider track of the rifle chassis, the slider and slider track adapted to allow the sliding pistol grip mount to move back and forth relative to a trigger location.

19. The method of adjusting an adjustable rifle chassis of claim 17, wherein adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions includes adjusting a position and / or location of an adjustable cheek riser, the adjustable cheek riser having a cheek riser inner channel and a cheek riser rail, a riser axis extending through the center of the cheek riser inner channel and the cheek riser rail, wherein adjusting the position and / or location of the adjustable cheek riser includes adjusting at least one of the location of the cheek riser along the length of the cheek riser rail and / or the rotary position of the cheek riser in a roll direction around the riser axis.

20. The method of adjusting an adjustable rifle chassis of claim 17, wherein adjusting the rifle chassis in one or more dimensions includes adjusting a position and / or location of an adjustable recoil plate, the adjustable recoil plate having a recoil plate inner channel, a recoil plate rail within the recoil plate inner channel, a recoil plate axis extending through the center of the recoil plate inner channel and the recoil plate rail, wherein adjusting the position and / or location of the adjustable recoil plate includes adjusting at least one of the location of the recoil plate along the length of the recoil plate rail and / or the rotary position of the recoil plate in a yaw direction around the recoil plate axis.

Images