Handguard Window

Abstract

A firearm handguard is disclosed. The handguard has a body portion defining an enclosure attached to the rifle receiver covering at least a portion of the firearm's components, including but not limited to the rifle barrel and gas control mechanism. The handguard further has at least one window. The window is a cutout section formed on a portion of the body. The window is configured to provide access to components within the handguard, including a gas control mechanism. In some embodiments the window is sized and positioned to allow the fingers of a user to access the gas control mechanism and other components within the handguard without removing the handguard from the firearm.

Description

PRIORITY

[0001] The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional 63 / 791,863 filed Apr. 21, 2025, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for a windowed handguard.Description of Related Art

[0003] Gas control systems are often used on firearms. However, they are often difficult to access. Consequently, there is a need for a better gas control system.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the windowed handguard in one embodiment;

[0006] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the windowed handguard in one embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the windowed handguard in one embodiment. A handguard is used to house components of a firearm, such as a barrel. The handguard, as depicted, comprises a handguard body 101. The handguard body 101 is an elongated body which surrounds and covers the barrel 106. The handguard body 101 can comprise various attachments such as rails or the like. The handguard body 101 can comprise virtually any material used wherein the body portion is constructed of a durable, heat-resistant material.

[0009] In one embodiment, and as depicted, the handguard body 101 surrounds a gas control 103. The gas control 103, in one embodiment, includes an adjustable gas block. Self-loading gas-operated firearms require an operating system with three balanced component areas. These include, reciprocating mass, spring performance (rate and resistance), and gas (pressure, volume, and timing). Upon firing, the gasses developing from the combustion of gunpowder within the cartridge expand rapidly, pushing the bullet down the bore of the barrel towards the muzzle of the barrel where the bullet is released into flight and the gas pressure subsides. Some of that gas is bled off to be used in the self-loading operation. A portion of the gas is directed to a gas block which directs the gas to a gas tube or other gas path. The gas tube uses the gas for the self-loading operation. A gas control 103 allows for some adjustments and control over the distribution of the resulting gas.

[0010] The handguard body 101 discussed herein can utilize virtually any type of material known and used in the art. In one embodiment the body portion is constructed of a durable, heat-resistant material.

[0011] The gas control 103 can comprise virtually any type of gas control mechanism known and utilized in the art.

[0012] As illustrated, the gas control 103 comprises a radial knob. The knob has a plurality of indicia 104 located along the circumference of the gas control 103. This allows the user to visually inspect the current setting. The indicia 104 can be printed text, or it can comprise raised or physical indicia so that the user can physically inspect and detect the setting.

[0013] The gas control 103 as depicted further comprises divots 105. These divots 105 can be recessed (as depicted) or extended divots which aid the user in manipulating the gas control 103. The divots 105 provide texture to allow the user to grasp and adjust the gas control 103 knob.

[0014] It should be noted that while a radial gas control 103 is depicted, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. Other types of gas control 103 mechanism can similarly be used.

[0015] As shown, the body 101 comprises a window 102. The window 102 provides at least partial access to the gas control 103. In one embodiment the window 102 is sufficiently sized to allow the user to manipulate the gas control 103. In one embodiment the window 102 is sufficiently sized to allow a user's fingers to access and manipulate the gas control 103. Windows can range from ⅝ to 1.25 inches (as measured from the front to the back along the length of the firearm). The height of the window is often a little greater to allow adjustment. In one embodiment the window has the dimension of an MLOK window. The window 102 should not be overly sized so as to overly expose the barrel 101, for example. Instead, the window 102, in one embodiment, is properly sized to allow access to the underlying gas control 103.

[0016] The window 102 can take various forms. In one embodiment it is a cut-out from at least one side of the body 101. As can be seen, the window 102 does not extend to the top or bottom of the body 101—the top rail, for instance, remains. As such, the window 102 does not extend the entire circumference of the body 101. Rather, the window 102 exists only on the side of the body 101.

[0017] In other embodiments, however, the system uses a single window on the bottom of the handguard. In some embodiments, there are gas control designs which fit in that configuration.

[0018] The body 101, as shown, comprises a front side 107, a top side 108, a rear side 110, and a bottom side 109. In one embodiment, the four sides 107, 108, 109, 110 are contiguous along the circumference. In one embodiment the body 101 is generally cylindrical, though this is for illustrative purposes and should not be deemed limiting. The front side 107 is on the opposite side as the rear side 110. Likewise, the top side 108 is on the opposite side as the bottom side 109. As depicted, the top side 108 comprises a rail system. This is for illustrative purposes only however, as not every handguard utilizes a rail on top.

[0019] As depicted, the window 102 extends within the front side 107. In some embodiments the window 102 only resides in the front side 107. In other embodiments, however, the window 102 only resides in the rear side 110. In still other embodiments, a first window 102 resides in the front side 107, and a second window resides in the rear side 110. The location of the window 102 will depend upon a variety of factors. In some embodiments having a window 102 in both the front 107 and rear sides 110 allows for easier manipulation as the user can grasp the gas control 103 from both sides. This allows the user to grasp and rotate the gas control 103. Further, having a window 102 on both sides makes the window ambidextrous and allows the user to utilize either hand. In other embodiments, however, the window 102 will only appear on a single side.

[0020] In one embodiment a system and method for a handguard is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system for a handguard, said system comprising a handguard body; a barrel located within said handguard body; a gas control system coupled to said barrel; wherein said handguard body comprises a front side; a top side, a rear side, and a bottom side, and wherein the front side is opposite from the bottom side, and wherein said front side is opposite said rear side; wherein a first handguard window extends within said front side. In some embodiments, a second handguard window extends within said rear side. In some embodiments, the top side comprises a rail system. In some embodiments, the first handguard window exposes said gas control system. In some embodiments, the first handguard window does not extend to the top side or bottom side. In some embodiments, the first handguard window extends only within said front side. In some embodiments, the gas control system comprises a radial knob.

[0021] As noted, in some embodiments, the radial knob comprises a plurality of indicia along a circumference of said gas control. The radial knob can comprise divots. In some embodiments, the first handguard window is sufficiently sized to allow a user's fingers to access and manipulate said gas control. As noted, in some embodiments, the rail is uninterrupted. In some embodiments, the top side and said bottom sides are uninterrupted. Uninterrupted means unbroken by a window. This means, the window does not extend into, or break, the top side or bottom side.

[0022] The handguard windows can be created by casting, molding, etc. The gas control can be adjusted without removing said handguard body.

[0023] There are some advantages to having the window 102 appear on the front 107 or rear side 110. One advantage is that the rail can be uninterrupted. Since the rail is often used for accessories or other items, having an uninterrupted rail system offers many advantages. Additionally, in some embodiments, having uninterrupted top 108 and bottom 109 sides increases the structural rigidity of the handguard.

[0024] The window 102 can be created via any method known in the art. The window 102 can comprise a void in the material. The window 102 can be created upon casting or molding. Or the window 102 can be created by cutting a void into the body 102.

[0025] In one embodiment, the window 102 is shaped to allow ergonomic finger placement and movement while accessing the gas control mechanism 103.

[0026] The window 102 offers many advantages. First, as noted, this allows the user to adjust the gas control 103 without removing or modifying the handguard body 101. This is an advantage over prior systems which required to the user to remove the body 101. This allows the user to make adjustments quickly resulting in better shooting, and a better user experience.

[0027] Second, because the window 102 is only as large as necessary to allow access gas to the gas control 103, the benefits of the handguard remain. Thus, the window 102 increases the benefit of the gas control 103 without compromising the safety and effectiveness of the handguard. The window allows access to adjustment on the gas control system. While some handguards can utilize voids for ventilation, for example, these are insufficient to provide access to adjust the gas control system. The window allows access for adjustment of the gas control system with a user's fingers or a tool, if necessary.

[0028] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for a handguard, said system comprising:a handguard body;a barrel located within said handguard body;a gas control system coupled to said barrel;wherein said handguard body comprises a front side; a top side, a rear side, and a bottom side, and wherein the front side is opposite from the bottom side, and wherein said front side is opposite said rear side;wherein a first handguard window extends within said front side.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein a second handguard window extends within said rear side.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said top side comprises a rail system.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said first handguard window exposes said gas control system.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said first handguard window does not extend to the top side or bottom side.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said first handguard window extends only within said front side.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said gas control system comprises a radial knob.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said radial knob comprises a plurality of indicia along a circumference of said gas control.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein said radial knob comprises divots.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said first handguard window is sufficiently sized to allow a user's fingers to access and manipulate said gas control.

11. The system of claim 3 wherein said rail is uninterrupted.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein said top side and said bottom sides are uninterrupted.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein said first handguard window is created by casting.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein said first handguard window is created by molding.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein said gas control can be adjusted without removing said handguard body.

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