CHARGING HANDLE ASSEMBLY

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/733,752 , filed on Dec. 13, 2024, and entitled “Charging Handle Assembly,” which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to a charging handle assembly for a firearm.

BACKGROUND

The charging handle is central to the operation of the semi-automatic rifle, as its action draws the bolt out of battery. This action allows the shooter to open the breech and eject spent cartridges from the chamber and load a new round from the magazine. Opening the breech also allows the shooter to verify the chamber is clear of rounds or obstructions and/or clear any stoppages before moving the bolt back into battery. Typically, a standard charging handle is held in place by a plunger with surfaces designed to engage with a latch on the receiver. The engaged surfaces of the plunger and latch are configured to cam over each other when pulled with sufficient force by the shooter. However, when shooting heavy recoiling calibers, these charging handles may move rearward incidentally when the bolt assembly abruptly stops at the end of a stroke.

There is clearly an opportunity to improve the charging handles of semi-automatic rifles to prevent incidental rearward movement of the charging handle.

SUMMARY

An example charging handle assembly for moving a bolt within a receiver of a firearm along a first axis is disclosed. The receiver has a latch.

An example charging handle assembly is comprised of a first body and a second body. The first body comprises a projection configured to engage the bolt. A catch surface of the first body is configured to engage a lock body of the latch. The second body is pivotably coupled to the first body. The second body is pivotable between a first position and a second position. The second body comprises a protrusion projecting from an outer surface of the second body and projecting towards the first axis. In the first position of the second body, the protrusion is spaced from the latch. In the second position of the second body, the protrusion engages the latch to cause the lock body to disengage the catch surface of the first body.

In an example embodiment, the first body further comprises a first end and a second end oppositely disposed.

In a further example embodiment, the first body further comprises a receiver engagement surface extending between the first end and the second end. The receiver engagement surface defines the projection and the catch surface.

In an example embodiment, the receiver engagement surface further defines a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the lock body. A portion of the receiver engagement surface defining the recess comprises the catch surface.

In an example embodiment, the first body further comprises an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end and facing away from the receiver engagement surface. The outer surface comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion in spaced relation to define a receiving space therebetween.

In a further example embodiment, the first protrusion has a first hook shape and the second protrusion has a second hook shape.

In a further example embodiment, the first hook shape comprises a first lip portion and a first tip, and the second hook shape comprises a second lip portion and a second tip.

In a further example embodiment, the first protrusion is oriented with the first tip facing the second tip of the second protrusion, and the second protrusion is positioned between the first protrusion and the first end.

In an example embodiment, the outer surface of the first body defining a portion of the first protrusion and the second protrusion that defines the receiving space comprises a floor, a first side portion contiguous with the floor, and a second side portion contiguous with the floor. The first protrusion comprises the first side portion of the first body and the second protrusion comprises the second side portion of the first body.

In a further example embodiment, each of the first side portion and the second side portion of the outer surface of the first body defining the receiving space comprises a concave portion.

In a further example embodiment, the concave portion of the first side portion comprises a circular arc.

In an example embodiment, the second body further comprises a first side portion and a second side portion oppositely disposed and an opening between the first side portion of the second body and the second side portion of the second body.

In a further example embodiment, the second body further comprises a strut spanning the opening and extending from the first side portion of the second body to the second side portion of the second body. The strut is retained in the receiving space.

In a further example embodiment, the strut is retained in the receiving space by the first lip portion and the second lip portion.

In a further example embodiment, the strut comprises a first side portion retained by the first side portion of the outer surface of the first body defining the receiving space and a second side portion retained by the second side portion of the outer surface of the first body defining the receiving space.

In a further example embodiment, the first side portion of the strut comprises a convex portion. The convex portion is complementary to the concave portion of the first side portion on the outer surface of the first body defining the receiving space.

In a further example embodiment, the convex portion of the first side portion of the strut comprises a circular arc. The circular arc of the convex portion is complementary to the circular arc of the concave portion. In a further example embodiment, the second body is pivotable about a pivot axis extending through a center of the circular arc of the convex portion of the first side portion of the strut.

In an example embodiment, the second side portion of the strut comprises a tapered section and a rim, wherein the tapered section tapers towards the first side portion of the strut extending from the rim towards the first axis.

In a further example embodiment, when the second body is in the first position, the rim is configured to abut the second lip of the second protrusion.

In a further example embodiment, when the second body is in the second position, the rim is configured to engage the second side portion of the outer surface of the first body defining the receiving space.

In an example embodiment, the further comprising a biasing element acting between the first body and the second body.

In an example embodiment, the biasing element biases the second body towards the first position.

In a further example embodiment, the biasing element is configured to compress when a force acts on the second body pivoting the second body from the first position towards the second position.

In a further example embodiment, the biasing element is a coil spring. A first end of the coil spring is attached to the first body and a second end of the coil spring is retained within a recess in the second body.

The disclosure also encompasses a receiver assembly for a firearm. An example receiver assembly is comprised of a bolt. A receiver is elongated along a first axis. The bolt is movable within the receiver along the first axis. A latch is coupled to the receiver. The latch comprises a lock body. A charging handle assembly is movably coupled to the receiver. The charging handle assembly is configured to move the bolt along the first axis. The charging handle assembly is comprised of a first body and a second body. The first body comprises a projection engaging the bolt. A catch surface of the first body is configured to engage the lock body of the latch. The second body is pivotably coupled to the first body. The second body is pivotable between a first position and a second position. The second body comprises a protrusion projecting from an outer surface of the second body and projecting towards the first axis. In the first position of the second body, the protrusion is spaced from the latch. In the second position of the second body, the protrusion engages the latch to cause the lock body to disengage the catch surface of the first body.

In an example embodiment, the projection of the first body of the charging handle assembly engages the bolt via a charging lug.

In an example embodiment, the receiver comprises an elongated slot extending along an axis substantially parallel to the first axis. The projection of the first body of the charging handle assembly extends through the slot. The charging handle assembly is configured to slide along the slot.

In an example embodiment, the lock body is elongated along an axis substantially parallel to the first axis. The lock body comprises a first end and a second end oppositely disposed along the axis.

In a further example embodiment, the lock body is pivotably coupled to the receiver between the first end and the second end of the lock body. The lock body is pivotable about a lock body pivot axis between a lock position and an unlock position. In the lock position, the lock body engages the catch surface of the first body of the charging handle assembly. In the unlock position, the lock body is spaced from the catch surface of the charging handle assembly.

In a further example embodiment, the latch further comprises a biasing element acting between the lock body and the receiver. The biasing element is positioned between the first end of the lock body and the lock body pivot axis. The biasing element biases the first end of the lock body radially outward from the first axis to the lock position.

In an example embodiment, in the lock position, the charging handle assembly is prohibited from moving the bolt. In the unlock position, the charging handle assembly can move the bolt.

In an example embodiment, the lock body comprises a corresponding catch surface configured to engage the catch surface of the first body of the charging handle assembly in the lock position.

In an example embodiment, the corresponding catch surface of the lock body is defined by a protrusion projecting radially away from the first axis. The protrusion is positioned between the first end of the lock body and the biasing element.

In an example embodiment, the lock body comprises an engagement surface facing away from the first axis and positioned at the biasing element.

In a further example embodiment, the engagement surface comprises a tapered portion. The tapered portion tapers radially inwardly towards the first axis along the axial direction from the first end of the lock body to the second end of the lock body.

In an example embodiment, in the second position of the second body of the charging handle assembly, the protrusion of the second body of the charging handle assembly engages the engagement surface of the lock body.

The disclosure also encompasses a firearm comprising the receiver assembly as described herein.

The disclosure also encompasses a method of unlocking the charging handle assembly from the receiver to move the bolt of the receiver assembly as described herein. An example method comprises pivoting the second body from the first position to the second position until the protrusion engages the latch to cause the lock body to disengage the catch surface of the first body.

The disclosure also encompasses a method of locking the charging handle assembly to the receiver to prevent the charging handle assembly from moving the bolt of the receiver assembly as described herein. An example method comprises:

• • pivoting the second body of the charging handle assembly from the second position to the first position; and
  • engaging the catch surface of the first body of the charging handle assembly and the lock body of the latch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example firearm according to the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the example firearm shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a section view taken along the plane indicated by line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a partial view of the section view shown in FIG. 3 with an example second body of a charging handle assembly in a first position and an example lock body of a latch in a lock position;

FIG. 5 shows the partial view shown in FIG. 4 with the example second body of the charging handle assembly is a second position and the example lock body of the latch in an unlock position;

FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of an example charging handle assembly;

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the example charging handle assembly shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the example charging handle assembly shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 shows a section view taken along the plane indicated by line 9-9 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a bottom perspective view of the first body of the charging handle assembly shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of the first body shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows a section view taken along the plane indicated by line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a bottom perspective view of the second body of the charging handle assembly shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of the second body shown in FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 shows a section view taken along the plane indicated by line 15-15 in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the accompanying detailed description, which includes examples, claims and drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

As used herein the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” can optionally include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, use of the term “a protrusion” can represent disclosure of embodiments in which only a single protrusion is provided, and unless the context dictates otherwise, can also represent disclosure of embodiments in which a plurality of such protrusions are provided.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms an-other aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedent “about,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. Similarly, use of “substantially” (e.g., “substantially parallel”) or “generally” (e.g., “generally planar”) should be under-stood to include embodiments in which angles are within ten degrees, or within five degrees, or within one degree.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and, in alternative embodiments, unless context dictates otherwise, can include any combination of members of that list.

The terms “forward,” “rearward,” “top,” “bottom,” and derivatives thereof are meant to indicate position with respect to the firearm when held in a firing or use position by a shooter.

The terms “horizontal” and “vertical” as used herein may refer to directions or orientations relative to an assumed normal firing or use position of the firearm, unless otherwise indicated. “Horizontal” generally refers to a direction or plane that is substantially parallel to the ground or supporting surface when the device and/or system is in an installed or use position. “Vertical” generally refers to a direction or plane that is substantially perpendicular to the ground or supporting surface when the device and/or system is in an installed or use position. It will be appreciated that these terms are used for ease of understanding and are not intended to be limiting, as the device may be oriented differently in actual use.

It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the device, systems, and associated methods can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the device, systems, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated device, systems, and associated methods and may be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

FIGS. 1-3 show a firearm 10, in this example a semi-automatic rifle. Although depicted in the drawings as a semi-automatic rifle, it is contemplated that other firearm designs and configurations can be compatible with the current disclosure. The firearm 10 comprises a receiver assembly 20. The receiver assembly 20 comprises a receiver 24 elongated along a first axis 26 and a bolt 22 movable within the receiver 25 along the first axis 26. A charging handle assembly 50 configured to move the bolt 22 along the first axis 26 is movably coupled to the receiver 24. As shown in FIG. 4, a latch 30 comprising a lock body 32 is coupled to the receiver 24. The latch 30 is configured to interlock with the charging handle assembly 50 to prevent the charging handle assembly 50 from moving rearward incidentally.

As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the charging handle assembly 50 comprises a first body 52. The first body 52 of the charging handle assembly 50 may comprise a first end 58 and a second end 60 oppositely disposed along an axis (optionally the axis is parallel or substantially parallel, for example within 10° of parallel, to the first axis 26). A receiver engagement surface 62 may extend between the first end 58 and the second end 60 of the first body 52. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first body 52 comprises a projection 54 that engages the bolt 22. The projection 54 may be defined by the receiver engagement surface 62. Optionally, the projection 54 of the first body 52 engages the bolt 22 via a charging lug 136. The projection 54 of the first body 52 may extend through an elongated slot 138 extending parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., within 10° of parallel) to the first axis 26 in the receiver 24 to engage the bolt 22. The charging handle assembly 50 may slide along the slot 138 to move the bolt 22 along the first axis 26. The charging handle assembly 50 may be moved rearward within the slot 138 to draw the bolt 22 out of battery. This action allows a shooter to open the breech and eject spent rounds. This action also allows a shooter to load a new round from a magazine.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first body 52 comprises a catch surface 56 configured to engage the lock body 32 of the latch 30. When the catch surface 56 engages the lock body 32, the charging handle assembly 50 and latch 30 are interlocked, and the charging handle assembly 50 is prevented from moving rearward and from moving the bolt 22. Engagement between the catch surface 56 of the first body 52 and the lock body 32 of the latch 30 prevents the charging handle assembly 50 from moving rearward incidentally even when heavy recoiling calibers are shot. The catch surface 56 may be defined by the receiver engagement surface 62. The receiver engagement surface 62 may further define a recess 64 configured to receive at least a portion of the lock body 32. A portion of the receiver engagement surface 62 defining the recess 64 may comprise the catch surface 56.

As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the first body 52 may comprise an outer surface 66 extending between the first end 58 and the second end 60 of the first body and facing away from the receiver engagement surface 62. The outer surface 66 may comprise a first protrusion 68 and a second protrusion 70 in spaced relation to define a receiving space 82 therebetween. The first protrusion 68 may have a first hook shape 84 and the second protrusion 70 may have a second hook shape 86. The first hook shape 84 may comprise a first lip portion 88 and a first tip 90. The second hook shape 86 may comprise a second lip portion 92 and a second tip 94. The first protrusion 68 may be oriented with the first tip 90 facing the second tip 94 of the second protrusion 70. The second protrusion 70 may be positioned between the first protrusion 68 and the first end 58. The outer surface 66 of the first body 52 that defines the receiving space 82 may comprise a floor 96, a first side portion 98 contiguous with the floor 96, and a second side portion 100 contiguous with the floor 96. The first protrusion 68 may be or comprise the first side portion 98 of the outer surface 66 defining the receiving space 82 and the second protrusion 70 may be or comprise the second side portion 100 of the outer surface 66 defining the receiving space 82. Each of the first side portion 98 and the second side portion 100 of the outer surface 66 of the first body 52 defining the receiving space 82 may comprise a concave portion 102. Optionally, the concave portion 102 of the first side portion 98 may comprise a circular arc 104.

As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the charging handle assembly 50 comprises a second body 72 pivotably coupled to the first body 52. The second body 72 is pivotable between a first position (shown in FIG. 4) and a second position (shown in FIG. 5). As shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 15, the second body 72 comprises a protrusion 80 projecting from an outer surface 83 of the second body 72 and projecting towards the first axis 26. Optionally, the protrusion 80 projects radially towards the first axis 26. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first position of the second body 72, the protrusion 80 is spaced (optionally radially spaced) from the latch 30. As shown in FIG. 5, in the second position of the second body 72, the protrusion 80 engages the latch 30 to cause the lock body 32 to disengage the catch surface 56 of the first body 52 thereby unlocking the charging handle assembly 50 from the latch 30 and allowing the shooter to move the charging handle assembly 50, and thus, the bolt 22, rearward within the slot in the receiver 24.

As shown in FIG. 13-15, the second body 72 may comprise a first side portion 74 and a second side portion 76 oppositely disposed along an axis 77 (shown in FIG. 14) that is transverse (optionally, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular, for example within 10° of perpendicular) to the first axis 26. Optionally, the first side portion 74 may comprise a first handle 78 and/or the second side portion 76 may comprise a second handle 79 to allow a shooter to grip the charging handle assembly 50. The second body 72 may comprise an opening 106 between the first side portion 74 of the second body 72 and the second side portion 76 of the second body 72. The second body 72 may comprise a strut 108 spanning the opening 106 and extending from the first side portion 74 of the second body 72 to the second side portion 76 of the second body 72. As shown in FIGS. 4-9, the strut 108 may be retained in the receiving space 82 of the first body 52 to pivotably couple the second body 72 to the first body 52. The strut 108 may be retained in the receiving space 82 by the first lip portion 88 and the second lip portion 92 of the protrusions 68, 70 of the first body 52. The strut 108 may comprise a first side portion 110 retained by the first side portion 98 of the outer surface 66 of the first body 52 defining the receiving space 82 and a second side portion 112 retained by the second side portion 100 of the outer surface 66 of the first body 52 defining the receiving space 82. The first side portion 110 of the strut 108 may comprise a convex portion 114. The convex portion 114 may have a size and shape that is complementary to the concave portion 102 of the first side portion 98 of the outer surface 66 of the first body 52 defining the receiving space 82. The convex portion 114 of the first side portion 110 of the strut 108 may comprise a circular arc 116. The circular arc 116 of the convex portion 114 may be complementary to the circular arc 104 of the concave portion 102. For example, the circular arc 116 of the convex portion 114 may have a radius that allows the circular arc 116 of the convex portion 114 to nest within the concave portion 102 to allow the second body 72 to pivot with respect to the first body 52. The second body 72 may be pivotable about a pivot axis 118 extending through a center of the circular arc 116 of the convex portion 114 of the first side portion 110 of the strut 108. The second side portion 112 of the strut 108 may comprise a tapered section 120 and a rim 122. The tapered section 120 may taper towards the first side portion 110 of the strut 108 extending from the rim 122 towards the first axis 26. When the second body 72 is in the first position (shown in FIG. 4), the rim 122 may abut the second lip 92 of the second protrusion 70. When the second body 72 is in the second position (shown in FIG. 5), the rim 122 may engage the second side portion 100 of the outer surface 66 of the first body 52 defining the receiving space 82. Engagement between the rim 122 and the second side portion 100 of the outer surface 66 may maintain the second body 72 in the second position with respect to the first body 52 until a force moving the second body 72 towards the first position overcomes the engagement.

As shown FIGS. 4 and 9, the charging handle assembly according to claim 19 may comprise a biasing element 124 acting between the first body 52 and the second body 72. The biasing element 124 may bias the second body 72 towards the first position. A force acting on the second body 72 can compress the biasing element 124 to pivot the second body 72 from the first position towards the second position. The biasing element 124 may be a spring (e.g., a coil spring) 126 having a first end 128 attached to the first body 52 and a second end 130 retained within a recess 132 in the second body 72.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lock body 32 of the latch may be elongated along an axis 33 parallel or substantially parallel (for example within 10° of parallel) to the first axis 26 and comprise a first end 140 and a second end 142 oppositely disposed along the axis. The lock body 32 may be pivotably coupled to the receiver 24 between the first end 140 and the second end 142 of the lock body 32. The lock body 32 may be pivotable about a lock body pivot axis 144 between a lock position and an unlock position. In the lock position, the lock body 32 is configured to engage the catch surface 56 of the first body 52 of the charging handle assembly 50 to prohibit the charging handle assembly 50 from moving rearward and from moving the bolt 22. In the unlock position, the lock body 32 is spaced (optionally, radially spaced) from the catch surface 56 of the charging handle assembly 50 to disengage or not engage the charging handle assembly 50 and allow the charging handle assembly 50 to move the bolt 22 along the first axis 26. The latch 30 may comprise a biasing element 146 (optionally a coil spring as shown) acting between the lock body 32 and the receiver 24. The biasing element 146 may be positioned between the first end 140 of the lock body 32 and the lock body pivot axis 144 to bias the first end 140 of the lock body 32 radially outward from the first axis 26 to the lock position. The lock body 32 may comprise a corresponding catch surface 148 configured to engage the catch surface 36 of the first body 52 of the charging handle assembly 50 in the lock position. The corresponding catch surface 148 of the lock body 32 may be defined by a protrusion 150 projecting radially away from the first axis 26. The protrusion 150 may be positioned between the first end 140 of the lock body 32 and the biasing element 146. The lock body 32 may comprise an engagement surface 152 facing away from the first axis 26 and positioned at the biasing element 146. The engagement surface 152 may comprise a tapered portion 154 tapering radially inwardly towards the first axis 26 along the axial direction from the first end 140 of the locking body 32 to the second end 142 of the locking body 32. In the second position of the second body 72 of the charging handle assembly 50, the protrusion 80 of the second body 72 of the charging handle assembly 50 may engage the engagement surface 152 of the lock body 32 to pivot the lock body 32 from the lock position to the unlock position to unlock the charging handles assembly 50 from the latch 30, and thus, the receiver 24.

A shooter may interlock the charging handle assembly 50 and the latch 30 to prevent the charging handle assembly 50 from incidentally moving rearward. A method of locking the charging handle assembly 50 to the receiver 24 to prevent the charging handle assembly 50 from moving the bolt 22 of the receiver assembly 20 may comprise pivoting the second body 72 of the charging handle assembly from the second position to the first position, and engaging the catch surface 56 of the first body 52 of the charging handle assembly and the lock body 32 of the latch 30.

A shooter may unlock the charging handle assembly 50 from the latch 30 to move the charging handle assembly 50 and thus the bolt 22 rearward. A method of unlocking the charging handle assembly 50 from the receiver 24 to move the bolt 22 of the receiver assembly 20 may comprise pivoting the second body 72 from the first position to the second position until the protrusion engages the latch 30 to cause the lock body 32 to disengage the catch surface 56 of the first body 52.

It is expected that the example charging handle assembly 50 and corresponding methods according to the disclosure will allow a user to lock the charging handle assembly 50 to the receiver 24 so that the charging handle assembly 50 cannot move rearward until the shoot unlocks the charging handle assembly from the latch 30. It is expected that the example charging handle assembly 50 and receiver assembly 20 will prevent the charging handle assembly 50 from moving rearward incidentally.

All of the embodiments of the claimed invention described herein are provided expressly by way of example only. Innumerable variations and modifications may be made to the example embodiments described herein without departing from the concept of this disclosure. Additionally, the scope of this disclosure is intended to encompass any and all modifications and combinations of all elements, features, and aspects described in the specification and claims, and shown in the drawings. Any and all such modifications and combinations are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure.

Exemplary Aspects

In view of the described devices, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

• • Aspect 1: A charging handle assembly for moving a bolt within a receiver of a firearm along a first axis, said receiver having a latch, said charging handle assembly comprising:
  • a first body comprising:
  • a projection configured to engage said bolt, and
  • a catch surface configured to engage a lock body of said latch; and
  • a second body pivotably coupled to said first body, said second body pivotable between a first position and a second position, said second body comprising a protrusion projecting from an outer surface of said second body and projecting towards said first axis;
  • wherein in said first position of said second body, said protrusion is spaced from said latch, and wherein in said second position of said second body, said protrusion engages said latch to cause said lock body to disengage said catch surface of said first body.
  • Aspect 2: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 1, wherein said first body further comprises a first end and a second end oppositely disposed.
  • Aspect 3: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 2, wherein said first body further comprises a receiver engagement surface extending between said first end and said second end, said receiver engagement surface defining said projection and said catch surface.
  • Aspect 4: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 3, wherein said receiver engagement surface further defines a recess configured to receive at least a portion of said lock body, wherein a portion of said receiver engagement surface defining said recess comprises said catch surface.
  • Aspect 5: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 3 or aspect 4, wherein said first body further comprises an outer surface extending between said first end and said second end and facing away from said receiver engagement surface, said outer surface comprising a first protrusion and a second protrusion in spaced relation to define a receiving space therebetween.
  • Aspect 6: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 5, wherein said first protrusion has a first hook shape and said second protrusion has a second hook shape.
  • Aspect 7: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 6, wherein said first hook shape comprises a first lip portion and a first tip, and said second hook shape comprises a second lip portion and a second tip.
  • Aspect 8: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 8, wherein said first protrusion is oriented with said first tip facing said second tip of said second protrusion, and said second protrusion is positioned between said first protrusion and said first end.
  • Aspect 9: The charging handle assembly according to any of aspects 5-8, wherein said outer surface of said first body defining a portion of said first protrusion and said second protrusion that defines said receiving space comprises:
  • a floor,
  • a first side portion contiguous with said floor, and
  • a second side portion contiguous with said floor, wherein said first protrusion comprises said first side portion of said first body and said second protrusion comprises said second side portion of said first body.
  • Aspect 10: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 9, wherein each of said first side portion and said second side portion of said outer surface of said first body defining said receiving space comprises a concave portion.
  • Aspect 11: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 10, wherein said concave portion of said first side portion comprises a circular arc.
  • Aspect 12: The charging handle assembly according to any of aspects 1-11, wherein said second body further comprises a first side portion and a second side portion oppositely disposed and an opening between said first side portion of said second body and said second side portion of said second body.
  • Aspect 13: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 12, wherein said second body further comprises a strut spanning said opening and extending from said first side portion of said second body to said second side portion of said second body, wherein said strut is retained in said receiving space.
  • Aspect 14: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 13, wherein said strut is retained in said receiving space by said first lip portion and said second lip portion.
  • Aspect 15: The charging handle assembly according to aspects 13 or 14, wherein said strut comprises a first side portion retained by said first side portion of said outer surface of said first body defining said receiving space and a second side portion retained by said second side portion of said outer surface of said first body defining said receiving space.
  • Aspect 16: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 15, wherein said first side portion of said strut comprises a convex portion, wherein said convex portion is complementary to said concave portion of said first side portion on said outer surface of said first body defining said receiving space.
  • Aspect 17: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 16, wherein said convex portion of said first side portion of said strut comprises a circular arc, wherein said circular arc of said convex portion is complementary to said circular arc of said concave portion.
  • Aspect 18: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 17, wherein said second body is pivotable about a pivot axis extending through a center of said circular arc of said convex portion of said first side portion of said strut.
  • Aspect 19: The charging handle assembly according to any of aspects 15-18, wherein said second side portion of said strut comprises a tapered section and a rim, wherein said tapered section tapers towards said first side portion of said strut extending from said rim towards said first axis.
  • Aspect 20. The charging handle assembly according to aspect 19, wherein when said second body is in said first position, said rim is configured to abut said second lip of said second protrusion.
  • Aspect 21: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 19 or aspect 20, wherein when said second body is in said second position, said rim is configured to engage said second side portion of said outer surface of said first body defining said receiving space.
  • Aspect 22: The charging handle assembly according to any of aspects 1-21 further comprising a biasing element acting between said first body and said second body.
  • Aspect 23: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 22, wherein said biasing element biases said second body towards said first position.
  • Aspect 24: The charging handle assembly according to aspect 22 or aspect 23, wherein said biasing element is configured to compress when a force acts on said second body pivoting said second body from said first position towards said second position.
  • Aspect 25: The charging handle assembly according to any of aspects 22-24, wherein said biasing element is a coil spring, wherein a first end of said coil spring is attached to said first body and a second end of said coil spring is retained within a recess in said second body.
  • Aspect 26: A receiver assembly for a firearm, said receiver assembly comprising:
  • a bolt;
  • a receiver elongated along a first axis, said bolt movable within said receiver along said first axis,
  • a latch coupled to said receiver, said latch comprising a lock body; and
  • a charging handle assembly movably coupled to said receiver, said charging handle assembly configured to move said bolt along said first axis, said charging handle assembly comprising:
    • a first body comprising:
      • a projection engaging said bolt, and
      • a catch surface configured to engage said lock body of said latch; and
    • a second body pivotably coupled to said first body, said second body pivotable between a first position and a second position, said second body comprising a protrusion projecting from an outer surface of said second body and projecting towards said first axis;
  • wherein in said first position of said second body, said protrusion is spaced from said latch, and wherein in said second position of said second body, said protrusion engages said latch to cause said lock body to disengage said catch surface of said first body.
  • Aspect 27: The receiver assembly according to aspect 26, wherein said projection of said first body of said charging handle assembly engages said bolt via a charging lug.
  • Aspect 28: The receiver assembly according to aspect 26 or aspect 27, wherein said receiver comprises an elongated slot extending along an axis substantially parallel to said first axis, wherein said projection of said first body of said charging handle assembly extends through said slot, wherein said charging handle assembly is configured to slide along said slot.
  • Aspect 29: The receiver assembly according to any of aspects 26-28, wherein said lock body is elongated along an axis substantially parallel to said first axis, said lock body comprising a first end and a second end oppositely disposed along said axis.
  • Aspect 30: The receiver assembly according to aspect 29, wherein said lock body is pivotably coupled to said receiver between said first end and said second end of said lock body, wherein said lock body is pivotable about a lock body pivot axis between a lock position and an unlock position, wherein in said lock position, said lock body engages said catch surface of said first body of said charging handle assembly, and in said unlock position, said lock body is spaced from said catch surface of said charging handle assembly.
  • Aspect 31: The receiver assembly according to aspect 30, wherein said latch further comprises a biasing element acting between said lock body and said receiver, wherein said biasing element is positioned between said first end of said lock body and said lock body pivot axis, wherein said biasing element biases said first end of said lock body radially outward from said first axis to said lock position.
  • Aspect 32: The receiver assembly according to aspect 30 or aspect 31, wherein in said lock position, said charging handle assembly is prohibited from moving said bolt, and wherein in said unlock position, said charging handle assembly can move said bolt.
  • Aspect 33: The receiver assembly according to any of aspects 30-32, wherein said lock body comprises a corresponding catch surface configured to engage said catch surface of said first body of said charging handle assembly in said lock position.
  • Aspect 34: The receiver assembly according to aspect 33, wherein said corresponding catch surface of said lock body is defined by a protrusion projecting radially away from said first axis, said protrusion positioned between said first end of said lock body and said biasing element.
  • Aspect 35: The receiver assembly according to any of aspects 31-34, wherein said lock body comprises an engagement surface facing away from said first axis and positioned at said biasing element.
  • Aspect 36. The receiver assembly according to aspect 35, wherein said engagement surface comprises a tapered portion, wherein said tapered portion tapers radially inwardly towards said first axis along the axial direction from said first end of said lock body to said second end of said lock body.
  • Aspect 37. The receiver assembly according to any of aspects 34-36, wherein, in said second position of said second body of said charging handle assembly, said protrusion of said second body of said charging handle assembly engages said engagement surface of said lock body.
  • Aspect 38. A firearm comprising the receiver assembly according to any of aspects 26-37.
  • Aspect 39. A method of unlocking the charging handle assembly from the receiver to move the bolt of the receiver assembly according to any of aspects 26-37, said method comprising:
  • pivoting said second body from said first position to said second position until said protrusion engages said latch to cause said lock body to disengage said catch surface of said first body.
  • Aspect 40. A method of locking the charging handle assembly to the receiver to prevent the charging handle assembly from moving the bolt of the receiver assembly according to any of aspects 26-37, said method comprising:
  • pivoting said second body of said charging handle assembly from said second position to said first position; and
  • engaging said catch surface of said first body of said charging handle assembly and said lock body of said latch.