USRE39465E1 - Modular sleeve yoke - Google Patents

Abstract

A Swan universal receiver sleeve attached to the top of a firearm upper receiver and extended forward above the firearm barrel to a position just short of the firearm front sight. The underside of the rear portion of the sleeve is fixedly attached to the receiver top. The underside of the forward portion of the sleeve has an upper handguard piece attached thereto. A bottom handguard piece is fitted about the bottom of the gun barrel and is attached to the upper handguard piece. The handguard pieces are not physically connected in any way to the gun barrel. The sleeve is self supported by the connection of the rear portion underside to the receiver top. A special yoke is inserted about the barrel nut of the firearm to which the modular sleeve is attached. The special yoke reinforces the modular sleeve while keeping the firearm barrel free floating.

Description

This application is a C-I-P of Ser. No. 10/007,590 filed Dec. 10, 2001, which claims benefit of Prov. No. 60,274,147 filed Mar. 9, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to integration means, and more particularly to a device added to a firearm for incorporating ancillary equipment.

As the field of combat and commercial weaponry expands, numerous add-on enhancements have become available for attachment to standard firearms thereby significantly upgrading the capability of the firearm. Various methods and means have been developed for interfacing the various add-on enhancements to firearms. Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,806, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a universal receiver sleeve having an upper interface portion with standard, universal dimensions regardless of the firearm and having a lower interface portion specific to a particular firearm.

Although the principles of the above identified patented device are generally applicable to all firearms, the specific firearm example identified in the patent was the U.S. military M16 rifle and carbine. The M16 has been in service for a number of years and will continue to be a popular rifle both in the U.S. military and foreign military for the foreseeable future. However, with the increasing development and refinement of laser technology, it has become highly desirable to integrate laser technology capabilities onto and into firearms, especially the commonly used M16.

The problem with integrating laser technology to firearms is the inherent conflict between a gun barrel's physical functioning and the rigid environment required for laser operations. For maximum results, a gun barrel should be physically isolated, i.e., “floating”. It is preferred that nothing be attached to the gun barrel, thereby isolating the barrel physically and eliminating bending and “droop” along the barrel's longitudinal axis. The ideal arrangement for lasers and ancillary optics and electronics is one of complete isolation from the gun barrel. The temperature of a gun barrel in use can rise to 900° F. This type of heat, as well as the physical shock on the gun barrel from firing, will quickly destroy lasers and ancillary optics and electronics.

The heat generated by the gun barrel transfers directly to any devices touching it thereby directly transferring enough heat to burn hands and destroy attached electrical devices. Further compounding this problem is the requirement that gun barrels be extra heavy to support the added weight attached by means of the collars. This in turn means more cantilevered stress on the barrel where it is joined with the M-16's aluminum receiver. The combination of heat and barrel weight tend to pull the barrel chamber out of alignment with the bolt lead, thereby causing bolt lug and extractor failure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a modular receiver sleeving system. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved interface means for firearms which will isolate the gun barrel while providing various capabilities for mounting and integrating optics, lasers and sensors.

To attain this, the present invention extends the Swan universal receiver sleeve forward above the firearm barrel to a position just short of the firearm front sight. A weaver type interface return portion may be provided on the underside of the sleeve, or left solid over the barrel in front of the receiver to accommodate solid handguards or modular, dovetailed handguards. The underside of the rear portion of the sleeve is fixedly attached to the receiver top. The underside of the forward portion of the sleeve has an upper handguard piece attached thereto. A bottom handguard piece is fitted about the bottom of the gun barrel and is attached to the upper handguard piece via a unique channel and track system. The handguard pieces are not physically connected in anyway to the gun barrel. The sleeve is self supported by the connection of the rear portion underside to the receiver top. Laser, electronics and optics modules may optionally be attached to the sleeve top side or to the upper handguard piece via special male and female dovetail track devices. The barrel of the rifle is essentially free floating. This permits greater shooting accuracy and protects sensitive electrical components integrated into and onto the firearm via the invention. Lighter weight barrels can be utilized as they are no longer deflected by outside pressure and direct transfer of heat to the hand is also eliminated.

Although the modular sleeve is self supported by the connection of the rear portion underside to the receiver top, additional support may be provided by the addition of a special yoke about the barrel nut of the firearm to which the modular sleeve is attached. The special yoke of the present invention, reinforces the modular sleeve while keeping the firearm barrel free floating.

Specifically, the present invention is a modular sleeve for interfacing modular enhancements to a firearm, said firearm having minimally a receiver with a stock and barrel attached thereto, said barrel defining the forward portion of the firearm and said stock defining the rearward portion of the firearm, said firearm longitudinal axis being defined as horizontal and running from said stock through said receiver to said barrel, said receiver having a forward portion, a top and a rearward portion, said barrel being joined to the forward portion of the receiver, said stock being joined to the rearward portion of the receiver. The modular sleeve is made up of a universal receiver sleeve having a top side, an underside and two opposite sides connecting said top side with said underside, said universal receiver sleeve being further defined as having a forward portion and a rear portion, the underside of the rear portion of the universal receiver sleeve being fixedly attached to the firearm receiver top, said receiver sleeve forward portion extended forward above the firearm barrel. The modular sleeve has an upper handguard piece with a front, rear, top, open bottom, opposing sides, outer side surfaces and inner side surfaces, said top, sides and bottom defining a hollow interior, said front and rear defining an upper handguard piece longitudinal axis, said upper handguard piece top being joined to the underside of the forward portion of the receiver sleeve. The modular sleeve also has a bottom handguard piece having a front, rear, open top, bottom, opposing sides, outer side surfaces and inner side surfaces, said bottom, sides and top defining a hollow interior, said front and rear defining a bottom handguard piece longitudinal axis, said bottom handguard piece being removably attached to the upper handguard piece. The upper handguard piece and attached bottom handguard piece surround the firearm barrel without touching said barrel. A special yoke is positioned about the firearm barrel nut of the firearm to which the modular sleeve is attached, said upper handguard piece rear being attached to said special yoke. The special yoke is held in place on the barrel nut by attachment to the modular sleeve and the barrel nut. The special yoke may be further held in place by a delta ring with those firearms with a handguard delta ring.

The present invention provides a foundation for integrated laser fire control devices, sensors, communications, and a vast array of quickly attached ancillary devices, such as standard night vision, thermal, shot guns, grenade launchers, and other special systems.

The extra heavy barrels required on conventional rifles and carbines are no longer required with the present invention. A standard heavy or light weight barrel can be utilized because the present invention isolates and prevents hand, sling, and bipod pressure from deflecting the barrel. With the present invention, barrel handguards are not attached to the hot barrels, and provide a much cooler grip for the shooter. Weight reductions of at least one-half pound can be accomplished by use of a light weight barrel and the elimination of conventional solid aluminum and/or plastic handguards and their barrel hardware.

The modular sleeve is attached to the firearm upper receiver in a manner that provides a solid system, attachable or removable by a qualified armorer or a trained soldier. Greater accuracy is accomplished because the firearm has a free floating barrel with the instant invention and thereby no outside forces deflecting point of aim.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a standard combat firearm.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a universal receiver sleeve;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the rear portion of the sleeve of FIG.2.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a modular sleeve mounted on a firearm.

FIG. 5 is a front, exploded perspective view of a modular sleeve.

FIG. 6A is a diagrammic front view of a modular sleeve, with bottom handguard attached, positioned about a rifle barrel.

FIG. 6B is a diagrammic front view of another embodiment of a modular sleeve, with bottom handguard attached, positioned about a rifle barrel.

FIG. 6C is a diagrammic front view of the modular sleeve ofFIG. 6A with dovetail interface element attached.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the bottom handguard.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the upper handguard.

FIG. 9 is a top sectional view of the bottom handguard with exploded attachment element.

FIG. 10 is a top sectional view of the bottom handguard with attachment element.

FIG. 11 is sectional view of the interior of the bottom handguard.

FIG. 12 is a close-up view of a section of the bottom handguard.

FIG. 13 is a front, top perspective view of the bottom handguard.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the modular sleeve.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the modular sleeve.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the modular sleeve embodiment of FIG.15.

FIG. 17 shows a side elevational view of the connection between the firearm barrel and the firearm receiver.

FIG. 18 provides a disassembled, or exploded, view of the parts of the assembly shown in FIG.17.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the various parts of the assembly shown in FIG.18.

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of each of the parts shown in FIG.19.

FIG. 21A is a front elevational view of the special yoke of the present invention.

FIG. 21B is a rear elevational view of the special yoke of the present invention.

FIG. 21C is a bottom view of the special yoke of the present invention.

FIG. 21D is a top view of the special yoke of the present invention.

FIG. 21E is a side elevational view of the special yoke of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a sectional side view along theline22—22 of FIG.21B.

FIG. 23A is a front, perspective view of the upper hand guard piece.

FIG. 23B is a rear perspective view of the upper hand guard piece.

FIG. 24 is a side view, partly in section, of the special yoke engaging the firearm barrel nut.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the yoke engaged to the barrel nut.

FIG. 26A is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the special yoke of the present invention.

FIG. 26B is a rear elevational view of the special yoke of FIG.26A.

FIG. 26C is a bottom view of the special yoke of FIG.26A.

FIG. 26D is a top view of the special yoke of FIG.26A.

FIG. 26E is a side elevational view of the special yoke of FIG.26A.

FIG. 27 is a sectional side view along theline27—27 of FIG.26B.

FIG. 28A is a front, perspective view of another embodiment of the upper hand guard piece.

FIG. 28B is a rear perspective view of the upper hand guard piece of FIG.28A.

FIG. 29 is a side view, partly in section, of the second embodiment special yoke engaging the firearm barrel nut.

FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the second embodiment special yoke engaged to the barrel nut.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like elements are indicated by like numerals, there is shown inFIG. 1 an outline of a conventional combat firearm10 having aconventional stock11,upper receiver12 with flat top13,lower receiver17,barrel16,pistol grip7, andmagazine9. Thebarrel16 is joined to theupper receiver12. Thebarrel16 defines the forward portion of the firearm10 and thestock11 defines the rearward portion of the firearm10. The longitudinal axis of the firearm10 runs fromstock11 throughreceiver12,17 tobarrel16. Thebarrel16 is joined to theforward portion14 of theupper receiver12, i.e., theupper receiver12 “receives” thebarrel16. Thestock11 is joined to therear portion15 of theupper receiver12. Thebarrel16 hasprotective handguards18 about its circumference.

As shown more particularly inFIGS. 17-20, thefirearm barrel16 is detachably secured to a screw-threadedbarrel port160 at the front of the upper receiver forwardportion14 by means of abarrel nut assembly161. Thebarrel nut assembly161 is comprised of abarrel nut170, adelta ring162, adelta ring spring163, and a deltaring lock washer164. Thedelta ring162 is used to hold conventional handguards (not shown) in place. As may be best seen inFIG. 20, the tops of thebarrel nut170,delta ring162,delta ring spring163 and deltaring lock washer164 are either notched or open to accommodate the firearm's gas tube (not shown). When thebarrel nut assembly161 is assembled as shown inFIG. 17, thespring163 urges thedelta ring162 over thebarrel nut170.

The present invention provides amodular sleeve1 about thefirearm barrel16 replacing the firearm's conventional handguards with a handguard assembly integrated into themodular sleeve1. The present invention is anchored by theuniversal receiver sleeve2 disclosed in applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,806, issued on Sep. 1, 1992, “Universal Receiver Sleeve”, to Richard E. Swan, and incorporated herein by reference.

Referring more particularly toFIGS. 2 and 3, auniversal receiver sleeve2 is fully illustrated.FIG. 2 illustrates a fulluniversal receiver sleeve2 comprised of afront portion3, arear portion4 and twosides5.FIG. 3 illustrates the receiverrear portion4 only. The receiver sleeverear portion4 only is actually joined to theupper receiver12. Therear portion4 is attached to theupper receiver12 by means of one ormore fasteners33 joined through thesleeve sides5 across thereceiver top13. Thesleeve front portion3 extends forwardly over thefirearm barrel16. TheSwan sleeve2 has a top section20 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3) and a bottom section40 (seeFIG. 3) and a longitudinal axis extending in spaced, parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the firearm10. The receiversleeve top section20 has a longitudinal, horizontally positionedbase portion21 along its length. Thebase portion21 has two long side edges29. A firstlongitudinal rail22 extends upward from thebase portion21 adjacent one of the long side edges29 and a secondlongitudinal rail23 extends upward from thebase portion21 adjacent the other of the long side edges29. Thesecond rail23 is in spaced parallel relationship to thefirst rail22. A longitudinal opening, i.e.,channel28, is formed between the first andsecond rails22,23. Theupper surface24 of thefirst rail22 lies on the same horizontal plane as theupper surface25 of thesecond rail23.Optional notches26 may also be provided in therails22,23. Thenotches26 provide additional means of engaging other components. The quantity and placement of pairs ofnotches26 are as required or needed. Each of the two long side edges29 of thebase portion21 and rails22,23 are integral with external angled engagement surfaces30 which extend the full length of thetop section20.

The receiversleeve top section20 is joined to the receiversleeve bottom section40. The receiver sleeve bottom section also has a longitudinal, horizontally positionedbase portion41 along its length. Thebase portion41 has two long side edges49. Afirst rail42 extends downward from thebase portion41 adjacent one of the long side edges49 and asecond rail43 extends down-ward from thebase portion41 adjacent the other of the long side edges49. Thesecond rail43 is in spaced parallel relationship to thefirst rail42. Thetop section base21 is joined in a mirrored, face to face relationship to thebottom section base41. Thelower surface44 of thefirst rail42 lies on the same horizontal plane as thelower surface45 of thesecond rail43. Each of the two long side edges49 of thebase portion41 and therails42,43 are integral with anangled engagement surface50 which extends the full length of thebottom section40. A longitudinalresultant channel48 is formed between the integrated rail-angled engagement surfaces42,50 and43,50. The cross section shape of thechannel48 will vary from firearm to firearm depending on theupper receiver top13 contour of the particular firearm. Thechannel48 is the interface and engagement means between thereceiver sleeve2 and the firearm10 or thesleeve2 and other firearm ancillary elements. The nominal cross section of thechannel48 and the cross section of the receiversleeve top section20 are identical. This permits complex integration of various modules to a firearm10. In this embodiment of the invention the channel cross section provides a weaver type interface return.

The present invention provides for extension of thereceiver sleeve2 forward above thefirearm barrel16 to a position just short of the firearmfront sight19. This is thesleeve front portion3 described above. The receiversleeve bottom section40 may be a weaver type interface or left solid over thebarrel16 in thereceiver front portion3 to accommodate solid handguards or modular, dovetailed handguards. Thebottom section40 of therear portion4 of thesleeve2 has a weaver type interface and is fixedly attached to thereceiver top13. In the present invention thebottom section40 of thefront portion3 of thesleeve2 has anupper handguard piece50 attached thereto. Abottom handguard piece70 is fitted about the bottom of thegun barrel16 and is attached to theupper handguard piece50. Thehandguard pieces50,70 are not physically connected in any way to thegun barrel16. Thesleeve2 is self supported by the joining of the sleeverear portion4bottom section40 to thereceiver top13. In another embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 6A the top of the53upper handguard50 and receiversleeve bottom section40 may be integrated into one piece, thereby forming a resulting upper handguard piece top53, said resulting upper handguard piece top having anupper surface49 and anundersurface59. Laser, electronics and optics modules may optionally be attached to thesleeve top section20 or to theupper handguard piece50 via special male and female dovetail track devices. Thebarrel16 of the firearm10 is essentially free floating. This permits greater shooting accuracy and protects sensitive electrical components integrated into and onto the firearm. Lighter weight barrels can be utilized as they are no longer deflected by outside pressure and direct transfer of heat to the hand is eliminated.

As may also be seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, in practice, the receiver sleeverear portion4 would incorporate a standard non-optical, flip up sight6 at the rear35 of thereceiver top section20. Windage andelevational adjustments36 and37 may also be included. Although for illustrative purposes the flip up sight6 is not shown in the modular sleeve figures, as a desired feature, a flip up sight would normally be included with themodular sleeve1.

Referring more particularly toFIGS. 4-16, theupper handguard piece50 has a front51, rear52, top53, open bottom54, opposingsides55, outer side surfaces56 and inner side surfaces57, said top53 andsides55 defining an interior58. The front51 and rear52 define the upper handguard piece's longitudinal axis. The top53 may be formed into a male weaver type interface. Each of the upper handguard sideouter surfaces56 have two longitudinal channels formed therein, i.e., a large and shallowupper channel60 and abottom interface channel61. The concave shape formed in the upper handguard piece by thechannel60 permits heat to escape faster from the firearm barrel area. The channel also permits ancillary equipment to be placed closer to the center line of the barrel bore. Thebottom interface channel61 is positioned near to the bottom54 and has a general female, T-shaped cross section.

Thebottom handguard piece70 has a front71, rear72, open top73, bottom74, opposingsides75, outer side surfaces76 and inner side surfaces77, said bottom top74 andsides75 defining an interior78. The front71 and rear72 define the bottom handguard piece's longitudinal axis. The bottom74 may be formed into a male weaver type interface. Each of the bottom handguard sideouter surfaces76 have two longitudinal channels formed therein, i.e., a small and shallowupper channel80 and a larger,shallow bottom channel81. Thechannels80,81 provide hand gripping means for a user.

The upper handguard rear52 and bottom handguard piece rear72 may be shaped to accommodate various firearm barrel-receiver connection means.FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a military application for a firearm which has the normalhandguard delta ring162 removed.FIG. 15 illustrates a typical commercial application wherein the firearm normalhandguard delta ring162 has not been removed. This requires that the upper handguard piece rear52 be cut back more than the military version shown inFIG. 14 in order to accommodate thedelta ring162.

The bottom hand guard inner side surfaces77 each have a longitudinal T-shapedprotrusion82 position near to the top73, each protrusion being a mirror of the other. Thebottom handguard piece70 is adapted to being joined to theupper handguard piece50 by sliding the bottom handguard longitudinal T-shapedprotrusion82 into the upper handguardbottom interface channel61.

Referring more particularly toFIGS. 9-13 spring-loadedconnectors88 are inserted through the bottom handguard piece sides75 to hold thehandguard pieces50,70 in proper alignment.

Apertures62 may be formed in the upper handguard shallowupper channel60 for heat ventilating purposes. The upper handguard rear52 may also be tapered back toward the top53 to add strength to the invention.Apertures84 may also be formed in the lower handguardlower channel81 for heat ventilating purposes.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 6A and 6B, the lower handguard piece left and right T-shapedprotrusions82 engage the upper handguard piecebottom interface channels61. In one embodiment of the invention, thebottom handguard piece70 is positioned fully to the upperhandguard piece front51 and then brought back rearwardly in order to have the lower handguard piece left and right T-shapedprotrusions82 engage the upper handguard piecebottom interface channels61. To eliminate this requirement, the invention embodiment shown provides for an interrupted interface railing system comprised ofcutout portions65,85 in the upperhandguard interface channel61 and bottom handguardupper channel80. Each remainingstud66,86 of theinterface channel61 andchannel80 is a nominal ¾ inch in longitudinal length. Thecutout portions65,85 are also a nominal ¾ inch in longitudinal length. This allows thelower handguard piece70 to be placed a nominal ¾ inch forward of and in alignment with theupper handguard piece50. Thelower handguard piece70 is then pulled back rearwardly ¾ inch. Thestuds66,86 then fully engage and lock into one another.

Referring more particularly toFIGS. 5,6A,6B,8, and14-16, the upper handguard piece top53 and/or receiversleeve front portion3, may have alongitudinal gap130 formed therein. This permits the direct attachment of various aiming, optical and directed energy devices to theupper handguard top53, or the attachment of various interfacelongitudinal elements131 adapted and configured to join various aiming, optical and directed energy devices to the modular sleeve upperhandguard piece top53. See FIG.8. Thegap130 provides room to compensate for various height requirements for the various devices. Thegap130 is most clearly shown in FIG.14. Aninterface element131 attached to thegap130 is most clearly shown in FIG.15. In another embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 16, ahinging element132 is fixed to the upper handguard piece top53 at the front51 and is adapted to pivotally join aninterface element131 which may have different attachment configurations on each surface.

Referring more particularly toFIGS. 6C, and9-13, the modular sleeve is further enhanced wherein several of thestuds86 of thebottom handguard piece70 are reduced in longitudinal length to a nominal ½ inch. This permits engagement of an externaldovetail interface element90. Each externaldovetail interface element90 has an exteriorhorizontal surface91 with a cross-sectional dovetail shape adapted to attach ancillary equipment, and an opposite, generally flat,interior surface93 having one or more T-shapedprotrusion92 adapted to engage thecutout portions85 of the lower handguardupper channels80 and come into alignment with thestuds86 for engagement with the upperhandguard interface channel61. Any number ofstuds86 may be modified in any nominal longitudinal length to accommodatedovetail interface elements90 of varying lengths. Thedovetail interface elements90 also have one ormore apertures94 formed therethrough, saidapertures94 adapted to receive ascrew96. Thescrew96 enables adovetail interface element90 to be engaged directly to themodular sleeve1 at one of theapertures98 formed directly at various points in themodular sleeve1. Themodular sleeve apertures98 may have helicoils99 inserted therein to provide threaded engagement with ascrew96.

Thereceiver top13 has a plurality ofnotches8 formed thereon, each saidnotch8 having a rectangular cross section and are formed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the firearm10. Theuniversal receiver sleeve2 has an elongatedrectangular opening150 formed in a first universal receiver sleeve oppositeside5, saidrectangular opening150 extending from the universal received sleeve opposite side lower surface45 a predetermined distance toward the universalreceiver top side25 terminating in a rectangular openingupper edge151, said rectangular opening upper edge having a plurality ofrectangular notches141 formed therein. The second universal receiver sleeve oppositeside5′ has a plurality ofapertures152 formed therein, each saidaperture152 being formed directly opposite a first universal received sleeve opposite siderectangular notch141.

A sleevedovetail interface element140 is provided for engagement with the universal receiver sleeverear portion4. The sleevedovetail interface element140 has an exteriorhorizontal surface142 with a unique cross-sectional dovetail shape adapted to attach ancillary equipment, and an oppositeinterior surface143 with a standard dovetail configuration for securing the universal receiver sleeverear portion4 to thereceiver top13. There are a plurality of projectingelements144 formed on the sleeve dovetail interface elementinterior surface143, each said projectingelement144 having a rectangular cross-section, said projectingelements144 adapted to engage thenotches8 across thereceiver top13. The sleeve dovetail interface elementinterior surface143 is adapted to engage said universal receiver sleeve opposite side elongated opening150 and aside153 of saidreceiver top13. The sleeve dovetail interface element interiorsurface projecting elements144 are adapted to engage the elongated rectangular openingrectangular notches141, thereceiver top notches8 and theapertures152 in said second received sleeve oppositeside5′.Special nuts145, each adapted to engage a portion of a sleeve dovetail interface element interior surface projecting element projecting through eachaperture152 are also provided. The sleevedovetail interface element140 permits devices to be secured to the side of a firearm, adjacent to the upper receiver without interfering with the functions or handling of the firearm.

Referring more particularly toFIGS. 17-25, thefirearm barrel16, is detachably secured to a screw threadedbarrel port160 at the front of the upper receiver forwardportion14 by means of abarrel nut assembly161. Theassembly barrel nut170 has a generallycylindrical body174 with a central longitudinal threadedopening171 permitting the nut to be slid over thefirearm barrel16 and cooperatively engaging a flange (not shown) on thebarrel16. Said barrel nut threaded opening171 adapted to engage the screw threadedbarrel portion160 at the front of the upper receiver forwardportion14. Thebarrel nut170 has aforward end172 with a number ofprongs173 protruding radially outward from thebarrel nut body174. The barrel nut prongs173 are adapted to be engaged by a wrench to tighten or loosen thebarrel nut170.

Thespecial yoke180 is a U-shaped device having twoupright elements181 interconnected by acurvilinear element182. Thespecial yoke180 has a top183, bottom184,front185, rear186 and twoopposite sides187. Thecurvilinear element182 contains theyoke bottom184. Theupright elements181 terminate at theyoke top183. In this embodiment of the invention, theupright elements181 are generally rectangular block-like elements protruding forwardly away from the special yoke rear186. Theside187 of eachupright element181 each has at least one threaded,lateral aperture188 formed therethrough. Other embodiments could have more than one lateral aperture. Theside187 of eachupright element181 also has anindentation189 formed therein about each saidaperture188. Theindentation189 is adapted to receive a screw head. The rear186 of thecurvilinear element182 has achannel flange190 formed at theyoke bottom184 opening upward. Thechannel flange190 andyoke bottom184 have arectangular notch191 formed therein.

As may be best seen fromFIG. 24, thespecial yoke180 is positioned in front of thebarrel nut170 so that the special yoke rear186 is against the barrel nutforward end172. The rear186 of the specialyoke channel flange190 is positioned to engage thebarrel nut body174 while thechannel190 covers thelower half prongs173 without actually touching theprongs173. The special yoke ofFIG. 22 corresponds to the view shown in FIG.24.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of thespecial yoke180 engaged to thefirearm barrel nut170 with only twoprongs173 visible through thespecial nut notch191. Thebottom handpiece70 has been removed and only a portion of theupper handguard piece50 is visible. As may be seen from bothFIGS. 24 and 25, once thespecial yoke180 engages thebarrel nut170, thedelta ring162, which is spring loaded and is held back with a screw driver or the like while thespecial yoke180 is installed, is released and moves forward substantially covering thebarrel nut170 and a portion of thespecial yoke180. Thespecial yoke notch191 provides access for a screw driver or other tool in manipulating thedelta ring162 andspecial yoke180. On those firearms with thedelta ring162 removed, thespecial yoke180 is positioned exactly the same way over thebarrel nut170.

As may be seen fromFIGS. 23A and 23B, theupper handguard piece50 has a small, circularhorizontal aperture63 formed through each upper handguard piece side55 near to the rear52 in thebottom interface channel61. Referring again toFIG. 25, threadedscrews195 are inserted through the upper handguard piece small, circularhorizontal apertures63 for threaded engagement with the specialyoke lateral apertures188. Theupper handguard piece50 is then supported not only by therear portion underside40 to thereceiver top13, but also by the engagement of theupper handguard piece50 with thespecial yoke180. Thespecial yoke180 is joined to thebarrel nut170 and optionally held in position by thedelta ring162. Thespecial yoke180 does not touch thefirearm barrel16. Additional downward pressure on the upper handguard piece top53 translates by means of thespecial yoke180 to thefirearm barrel nut170. Thefirearm barrel nut170 andspecial yoke180 are made from steel thereby slowing down heat transfer from thefirearm barrel16 to the aluminumupper receiver12.

In another embodiment of the invention, the special yokeupright elements181 have generally rectangular block-like elements192 protruding laterally sideways. SeeFIGS. 26A-27. The top193 of each laterally protrudingelement192 each has a threaded,vertical aperture188 formed therethrough. The top193 of each laterally protrudingelement192 also has anindentation189 formed therein about each saidaperture188. Eachindentation189 is adapted to receive a screw head. As may be seen fromFIGS. 28A and 28B, in this embodiment of the invention theupper handguard piece50 has a small, circular,vertical aperture63 formed through thelongitudinal element64 along each upper handguard piece side55 separating the shallowupper channel60 from thebottom interface channel61. Theaperture63 is formed near to the rear52 of the upperhand guard piece50. Anotch67 is also formed in the upper handguard piece cut outportion65 at the upper handguard rear52. The special yoke laterally protrudingelements192 each engage an upperhandguard piece notch67. Referring also toFIGS. 29 and 30, threadedscrews195 are inserted through the upper handguard piece small, circular,vertical apertures63 for threaded engagement with the special yokevertical apertures188. Theupper handguard piece50 is then supported not only by therear portion underside40 to thereceiver top13, but also by the engagement of theupper handguard piece50 with thespecial yoke180. Thespecial yoke180 is joined to thebarrel nut170 and optionally held in position by thedelta ring162. Thespecial yoke180 does not touch thefirearm barrel16. Additional downward pressure on the upper handguard piece top53 translates by means of thespecial yoke180 to thefirearm barrel nut170. Thefirearm barrel nut170 andspecial yoke180 are made from steel thereby slowing down heat transfer from thefirearm barrel16 to the aluminumupper receiver12.

It is understood that the above-described embodiment is merely illustrative of the application. Other embodiments may be readily devised by those skilled in the art which will embody the principles of the invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims (36)

1. In combination:

a modular sleeve for interfacing modular enhancements to a firearm, said firearm having minimally a receiver with a stock and barrel attached thereto, said barrel defining the forward portion of the firearm and said stock defining the rearward portion of the firearm, said firearm longitudinal axis being defined as horizontal and running from said stock through said receiver to said barrel, said receiver having a forward portion, a top and a rearward portion, said barrel being joined to the forward portion of the receiver, said stock being joined to the rearward portion of the receiver, said barrel being detachable secured to a screw-threaded barrel port on said receiver forward portion by means of a barrel nut having a generally cylindrical body with a central longitudinal threaded opening permitting the nut to be slid over the firearm barrel, said barrel nut threaded opening adapted to engage the screw-threaded barrel port, said barrel nut having a forward end with a plurality of prongs protruding radially outward from the barrel nut body, said modular sleeve comprising:

a universal receiver sleeve having a top side, an underside and two opposite sides connecting said top side with said underside, said universal receiver sleeve being further defined as having a forward portion and a rear portion, the underside of the rear portion of the universal receiver sleeve being fixedly attached to the firearm receiver top, said receiver sleeve forward portion extended forward above the firearm barrel;

an upper handguard piece having a front, rear, top, open bottom, opposing sides, outer side surfaces and inner side surfaces, said top, sides and bottom defining a hollow interior, said front and rear defining an upper handguard piece longitudinal axis, said upper handguard piece top being joined to the underside of the forward portion of the receiver sleeve, each said outer side surface having two longitudinal channels formed therein, a large and shallow upper channel and a bottom interface channel, said channels being separated by a longitudinal element, said bottom interface channel being positioned near to the upper hand guard piece bottom, said upper handguard piece having a small, circular horizontal aperture formed through each upper hand guard piece side near to the rear in the bottom interface channel;

a bottom handguard piece having a front, rear, open top, bottom, opposing sides, outer side surfaces and inner side surfaces, said bottom, sides and top defining a hollow interior, said front and rear defining a bottom handguard piece longitudinal axis, said bottom handguard piece being removably attached to the upper handguard piece;

wherein, said upper handguard piece and attached bottom handguard piece surround the firearm barrel without touching said barrel;

a modular sleeve yoke, comprising:

a U-shaped device having two upright elements interconnected by a curvilinear element, said device having a top, bottom, front, rear and two opposite sides, said curvilinear element containing said device bottom, said upright elements terminating at the device top, said upright elements being generally rectangular block-like elements protruding forwardly away from said device rear, each upright element having two sides, each upright element having at least one threaded, lateral aperture formed therethrough, said device rear having a channel flange formed on the curvilinear element at the device bottom opening upward;

wherein, said device rear is positioned at and against the forward end of the barrel nut, said device adapted to engage the barrel nut body while the channel flange a plurality of prongs;

a threaded screw inserted through each upper handguard piece small, circular horizontal aperture for threaded engagement with each device upright element threaded, lateral aperture.

2. The combination as recited inclaim 1, further comprising:

an indentation formed about one side of each said device, upright element, threaded, lateral aperture, each said indentation adapted to receive a screw head.

3. The combination as recited inclaim 2claim 1, further comprising:

a rectangular notch formed in the channel flange at the device bottom.

4. The combination as recited inclaim 3claim 1, wherein:

said firearm has a conventional handguard delta ring, a delta ring spring, and a delta ring lock washer, mounted on said screw-threaded barrel port;

wherein said delta ring substantially covers the barrel nut and a portion of the special yoke.

5. The combination as recited inclaim 4claim 1, wherein:

said barrel nut and modular sleeve yoke are each made from steel.

6. In combination:

a modular sleeve for interfacing modular enhancements to a firearm, said firearm having minimally a receiver with a stock and barrel attached thereto, said barrel defining the forward portion of the firearm and said stock defining the rearward portion of the firearm, said firearm longitudinal axis being defined as horizontal and running from said stock through said receiver to said barrel, said receiver having a forward portion, a top and a rearward portion, said barrel being joined to the forward portion of the receiver, said stock being joined to the rearward portion of the receiver, said barrel being detachable secured to a screw-threaded barrel port on said receiver forward portion by means of a barrel nut having a generally cylindrical body with a central longitudinal threaded opening permitting the nut to be slid over the firearm barrel, said barrel nut threaded opening adapted to engage the screw-threaded barrel port, said barrel nut having a forward end with a plurality of prongs protruding radially outward from the barrel nut body, said modular sleeve comprising:

a universal receiver sleeve having a top side, an underside and two opposite sides connecting said top side with said underside, said universal receiver sleeve being further defined as having a forward portion and a rear portion, the underside of the rear portion of the universal receiver sleeve being fixedly attached to the firearm receiver top, said receiver sleeve forward portion extended forward above the firearm barrel;

an upper handguard piece having a front, rear, top, open bottom, opposing sides, outer side surfaces and inner side surfaces, said top, sides and bottom defining a hollow interior, said front and rear defining an upper handguard piece longitudinal axis, said upper handguard piece top being joined to the underside of the forward portion of the receiver sleeve, each said outer side surface having two longitudinal channels formed therein, a large and shallow upper channel and a bottom interface channel, said channels being separated by a longitudinal element, said bottom interface channel being positioned near to the upper hand guard piece bottom, said upper handguard piece having a small, circular vertical aperture formed through the longitudinal element along each upper hand guard piece side near to the upper handguard piece rear, said upper hand guard piece side having a notch formed along the bottom at the rear;

a bottom handguard piece having a front, rear, open top, bottom, opposing sides, outer side surfaces and inner side surfaces, said bottom, sides and top defining a hollow interior, said front and rear defining a bottom handguard piece longitudinal axis, said bottom handguard piece being removably attached to the upper handguard piece;

wherein, said upper handguard piece and attached bottom handguard piece surround the firearm barrel without touching said barrel;

a modular sleeve yoke, comprising:

a U-shaped device having two upright elements interconnected by a curvilinear element, said device having a top, bottom, front, rear and two opposite sides, said curvilinear element containing said device bottom, said upright elements terminating at the device top, said upright elements having generally rectangular block-like elements protruding laterally sideways, each laterally protruding block-like elements having a top with at least one threaded, vertical aperture formed there through, said device rear having a channel flange formed on the curvilinear element at the device bottom opening upward;

wherein, said device rear is positioned at and against the forward end of the barrel nut, said device adapted to engage the barrel nut body while the channel flange a plurality of prongs;

a threaded screw inserted through each upper handguard piece small, circular vertical aperture for threaded engagement with each device upright element protruding block-like element threaded, vertical aperture;

wherein, each the top of each laterally protruding block-like element engages each upper hand guard piece side notch.

7. The combination as recited inclaim 6, further comprising:

an indentation formed on the top of each laterally protruding block-like element said device, about each threaded, vertical aperture.

8. The combination as recited inclaim 7claim 6, further comprising:

a rectangular notch formed in the channel flange at the device bottom.

9. The combination as recited inclaim 8claim 6, wherein:

said firearm has a conventional handguard delta ring, a delta ring spring, and a delta ring lock washer, mounted on said screw-threaded barrel port;

wherein said delta ring substantially covers the barrel nut and a portion of the special yoke.

10. The combination as recited inclaim 9claim 6, wherein:

said barrel nut and modular sleeve yoke are each made from steel.

11. A system for attaching modular enhancements to a firearm, said firearm having a receiver, said receiver having a top and a barrel receiving receptacle at a forward end thereof, said firearm further including a barrel received in said barrel receiving receptacle and a barrel nut received around an outer surface of said barrel receiving receptacle to retain said barrel within said barrel receiving receptacle, said system comprising:

a receiver sleeve having a top, an underside, a forward portion and a rear portion, wherein the underside of the rear portion of the receiver sleeve is configured and arranged to be fixedly attached to the top of said firearm receiver and said forward portion of said receiver sleeve is configured to extend above at least a portion of the firearm barrel;

a handguard piece depending from the underside of the forward portion of the receiver sleeve, said handguard piece having a side wall that forms a hollow interior cavity, a forward end, and a rearward end, wherein said sidewall of said handguard piece surrounds the firearm barrel without touching said barrel, said rearward end of said handguard piece being adjacent said forward end of said receiver when said receiver sleeve is attached to said firearm receiver; and

a yoke configured and arranged for engagement with said barrel nut, said yoke extending forwardly into said reward end of said handguard piece, said yoke being further configured and arranged for engagement with said rearward end of said handguard piece,

wherein said yoke supports said handguard piece relative to said receiver.

12. The system ofclaim 11 wherein said yoke includes means for releasably engaging said barrel nut, and further includes means for releasably engaging said rearward end of said handguard piece.

13. The system ofclaim 12 wherein said means for releasably engaging said barrel nut comprises a flange channel.

14. The system ofclaim 12 wherein said means for releasably engaging said rearward end of said handguard piece comprises a fastener extending through an aperture in said rearward end of the handguard piece, and into a threaded aperture in said yoke.

15. The system ofclaim 11, wherein said top side of said receiver sleeve includes a dovetail interface element extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the top of the receiver sleeve, said dovetail interface element being configured and arranged for the mounting of ancillary equipment.

16. The system ofclaim 11, further comprising:

at least one external dovetail interface element arranged on the sidewall of said handguard piece, said external dovetail element being configured and arranged for the mounting of ancillary equipment.

17. The system ofclaim 16 wherein said at least one external dovetail interface element is removably secured to said sidewall of said handguard piece.

18. The system ofclaim 16, wherein said at least one external dovetail interface element comprises:

three external dovetail interface elements arranged on the sidewall of said handguard piece at3:00,6:00 and9:00 positions.

19. The system ofclaim 18 wherein said external dovetail interface elements are removably secured to said sidewall of said handguard piece.

20. A system for attaching modular enhancements to a firearm, said firearm having a receiver, said receiver having a top and a barrel receiving receptacle at a forward end thereof, said firearm further including a barrel received in said barrel receiving receptacle and a barrel nut received around an outer surface of said barrel receiving receptacle to retain said barrel within said barrel receiving receptacle, said system comprising:

a receiver sleeve having a top, an underside, a forward portion and a rear portion, wherein the underside of the rear portion of the receiver sleeve is configured and arranged to be fixedly attached to the top of said firearm receiver and said forward portion of said receiver sleeve is configured to extend above at least a portion of the firearm barrel;

an upper handguard piece depending from the underside of the forward portion of the receiver sleeve, said upper handguard piece having a side wall that forms a hollow interior cavity, a forward end, and a rearward end, wherein said sidewall of said handguard piece at least partially surrounds the firearm barrel without touching said barrel, said rearward end of said handguard piece being adjacent said forward end of said receiver when said receiver sleeve is attached to said firearm receiver; and

a yoke configured and arranged for engagement with said barrel nut, said yoke extending forwardly toward said reward end of said upper handguard piece, said yoke being further configured and arranged for engagement with said rearward end of said upper handguard piece,

wherein said yoke supports said upper handguard piece relative to said receiver.

21. The system ofclaim 20 wherein said yoke includes means for releasably engaging said barrel nut, and further includes means for releasably engaging said rearward end of said upper handguard piece.

22. The system ofclaim 21 wherein said means for releasably engaging said barrel nut comprises a flange channel.

23. The system ofclaim 21 wherein said means for releasably engaging said rearward end of said upper handguard piece comprises a fastener extending through an aperture in said rearward end of the upper handguard piece, and into a threaded aperture in said yoke.

24. The system ofclaim 20, wherein said top side of said receiver sleeve includes a dovetail interface element extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the top of the receiver sleeve, said dovetail interface element being configured and arranged for the mounting of ancillary equipment.

25. The system ofclaim 20, further comprising:

at least one external dovetail interface element arranged on the sidewall of said handguard piece, said external dovetail element being configured and arranged for the mounting of ancillary equipment.

26. The system ofclaim 25 wherein said at least one external dovetail interface element is removably secured to said sidewall of said handguard piece.

27. The system ofclaim 25, wherein said at least one external dovetail interface element comprises:

three external dovetail interface elements arranged on the sidewall of said handguard piece at3:00,6:00 and9:00 positions.

28. The system ofclaim 27 wherein said external dovetail interface elements are removably secured to said sidewall of said handguard piece.

29. A system for attaching modular enhancements to a firearm, said firearm including a receiver having a forward portion and a top, and further including a barrel joined to the forward portion of the receiver, said system comprising:

a receiver sleeve having a top, an underside, a forward portion and a rear portion, wherein the underside of the rear portion of the receiver sleeve is configured and arranged to be fixedly attached to the top of said firearm receiver and said forward portion of said receiver sleeve is configured to extend above at least a portion of the firearm barrel;

a handguard piece depending from the underside of the forward portion of the receiver sleeve, said handguard piece having a side wall that forms a hollow interior cavity, a forward end, and a rearward end, wherein said sidewall of said handguard piece surrounds the firearm barrel without touching said barrel, said rearward end of said handguard piece being adjacent said forward end of said receiver when said receiver sleeve is attached to said firearm receiver; and

a yoke element coupled to said forward portion of said receiver, said yoke element extending forwardly from said receiver into said rearward end of said handguard piece, said yoke element being configured and arranged for engagement with said rearward end of said handguard piece,

wherein said yoke element supports said handguard piece relative to said receiver.

30. A system for attaching modular enhancements to a firearm, said firearm including a receiver having a forward portion and a top, and further including a barrel joined to the forward portion of the receiver, said system comprising:

a receiver sleeve having a top, an underside, a forward portion and a rear portion, wherein the underside of the rear portion of the receiver sleeve is configured and arranged to be fixedly attached to the top of said firearm receiver and said forward portion of said receiver sleeve is configured to extend above at least a portion of the firearm barrel;

a handguard piece depending from the underside of the forward portion of the receiver sleeve, said handguard piece having a side wall that forms a hollow interior cavity, a forward end, and a rearward end, wherein said sidewall of said handguard piece surrounds the firearm barrel without touching said barrel, said rearward end of said handguard piece being adjacent said forward end of said receiver when said receiver sleeve is attached to said firearm receiver; and

a supporting element engaged with said forward portion of said receiver, said supporting element extending forwardly from said forward portion of said receiver into said reward end of said handguard piece, said supporting element being configured and arranged for engagement with said rearward end of said handguard piece,

wherein said supporting element supporting said handguard piece relative to said receiver.

31. A system for attaching modular enhancements to a firearm, said firearm having a receiver, said receiver having a top and a barrel receiving receptacle at a forward end thereof, said firearm further including a barrel received in said barrel receiving receptacle and a barrel nut received around an outer surface of said barrel receiving receptacle to retain said barrel within said barrel receiving receptacle, said system comprising:

an upper handguard piece having a forward end and a rearward end, and further having a dovetail rail extending longitudinally between the forward end and the rearward end;

a U-shaped supporting yoke removably secured to said rearward end of said upper hand guard,

said U-shaped supporting yoke including engagement surfaces configured to cooperatively engage an outer surface of said barrel nut and thereby support said upper handguard piece relative to said barrel nut,

wherein said upper handguard piece extends from said forward end of said upper receiver forwardly above said barrel without engaging said barrel.

32. The system ofclaim 31, wherein said upper handguard piece includes opposing side walls that extend outwardly and downwardly from said dovetail rail, said opposing side walls terminating in opposing interface channels.

33. The system ofclaim 32 wherein each of said longitudinally extending interface channels has an upper wall and a lower wall, and said lower wall comprises a plurality of spaced wall segments.

34. The system ofclaim 31 further comprising a bottom firearm accessory, said upper handguard piece and said bottom firearm accessory including interfitting mating formations for removably securing said bottom firearm accessory to said upper handguard piece.

35. The system ofclaim 32 further comprising a bottom firearm accessory having opposing side walls that extend outwardly and upwardly, said opposing sidewalls including protrusions that interfittingly engage within said interface channels.

36. The system ofclaim 33 further comprising a bottom firearm accessory having opposing sidewalls that extend outwardly and upwardly, said opposing sidewalls including protrusions that interfittingly engage within said interface channels, said protrusions comprising a plurality of spaced protrusions that matingly interfit between said spaced wall segments.

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