Rifle charging handle
AssigneeLWRC International LLC
InventorJesus S. Gomez
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An ambidextrously operated charging handle for use with the M16 family of firearms is provided. The charging handle provides a latch mechanism consisting of two extended handles which are in operational communication with each other. Either handle may be independently retracted to disengage the latch mechanism of the charging handle from the host firearms receiver. The spring-biased mechanism of the charging handle is sheltered within the interior of the charging handle thereby protecting it from the elements. Further, an improved axial pin has been provided to secure the handles of the latch mechanism to the grasping portion of the charging handle.
Claims20
A charging handle for a rifle having a receiver, comprising:
- a body portion comprised of a shaft having a transverse member at a rearward end and a bolt carrier engagement portion at a forward end, said transverse member defining a top surface, a bottom surface, a right side and a left side;
- a grasping portion comprising a handle, a spring, and a plunger;
- a recess in said grasping portion wherein said recess is configured to receive a portion of said handle;
- wherein said handle is attached to said grasping portion so that said handle can rotate about an axis;
- and said spring and said plunger are housed within an interior space of said transverse member and said spring biases said plunger towards the rearward end of the charging handle.
A method of producing a charging handle for a firearm, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a body portion comprised of a shaft having a transverse member at a rearward end and a bolt carrier engagement portion at a front end;
- providing a grasping portion, wherein the grasping portion comprises:
- a primary handle comprising a latch element on the front end of said primary handle and a protruding member on the rearward end of said primary handle;
- a secondary handle comprising a protruding portion on the rearward end of said secondary handle;
- securing the primary handle and the secondary handle to the charging handle;
- inserting a spring and a plunger into an opening in said grasping portion and said spring provides a rearward bias to said plunger.
A method of making a charging handle for a rifle having a receiver, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a body portion comprised of a shaft having a transverse member at a rearward end and a bolt carrier engagement portion at a forward end, said transverse member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a right side and a left side;
- providing a grasping portion comprising a handle;
- providing a recess in said grasping portion wherein said recess is configured to receive a portion of said handle;
- connecting said handle to said grasping portion so that said handle can rotate about an axis;
- housing a spring and a plunger within an interior space of said transverse member and said spring biases said plunger towards the back end of the charging handle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.