US010267581B2

(12) United
Hangen
States Patent ( 10) Patent No.: US 10 , 267,581 B2
(45) Date of Patent: Apr. 23 , 2019
(54 ) FIREARM CONFIGURATION FOR
REDUCING RECOIL
(58 ) CPC
Field .of.....Classification Search
F41A 3 / 26 ; F41A 3 /54 ; F41A 3 /56 ; F41A
3 / 78 ; F41A 3 / 80 ; F41A 3 /82 ; F41A
(71 ) Applicant: 5794 Corporation , Winter Garden , FL 25 / 10 ; F41A 25/ 12 ; F41A 25 / 14 ; F41C
(US ) 3 /00 ; F41C 23 /06 ; F41C 27 /22
(72 ) Inventor: William A . Hangen , Winter Garden , FL See application file for complete search history .
(US) (56 ) References Cited
( 73 ) Assignee : 5794 Corporation , Winter Garden , FL U .S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
(US)
2 , 139 ,203 A 12 / 1938 Petter
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 2 ,522 ,192 A 9/ 1950 Porter
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 0 days . (Continued )
(21) Appl. No.: 16 /130,044 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
DE 19951536 C1 7 /2001
( 22 ) Filed : Sep . 13 , 2018 WO 2009024309 A22 /2009
(65) Prior Publication Data OTHER PUBLICATIONS
US 2019/0011203 A1 Jan . 10, 2019
Related U .S . Application Data Definition of “ Alignment” . American Heritage® Dictionary of the
English Language , Fifth Edition . Copyright © 2011 by Houghton
(63 ) Continuation -in -part of application No. 15 /988, 165, Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company , Published by Houghton
filed on May 24 , 2018 , which is a continuation -in - part Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
of application No. 15/ 485,626 , filed on Apr. 12 , 2017 ,
which is a continuation -in - part of application No . Primary Examiner — Gabriel J. Klein
15 /095 ,415, filed on Apr. 11 , 2016 , now Pat. No. (74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — GrayRobinson, P. A .;
(Continued ) Michael J. Colitz, III
(51) Int . CI. (57 ) ABSTRACT
F41A 21/00 ( 2006 . 01) Disclosed is a firearm configuration for a handgun. The
F41A 3 /86 ( 2006 .01) firearm configuration is designed to reduce the recoil forces
F41A 19 / 10 ( 2006 .01) encountered by a user upon firing the weapon. It further
F41A 9/64 ( 2006 .01) includes a recoil plate that absorbs forces generated by the
F41A 25 / 12 ( 2006 .01) slide during firing . Recoil forces are reduced by lowering the
(Continued ) firearm ' s center of mass and by aligning a recoiling mass
(52) U . S . CI. with the user 's arm and trigger finger. The firearm configu
CPC ........... ....... F41A 3 /86 (2013 .01) ; F41A 5 / 10 ration further includes a locking block which prevents
(2013 .01 ); F41A 9 /64 (2013 .01 ); F41A 19 / 10 rotational and lateral movement of the barrel upon firing .
( 2013 .01 ); F41A 25/ 12 (2013.01); F41C 23 /06
( 2013 .01) 6 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets
- 102
14
152 164 166 162 104
146 148
130 142
156 4144
- 136
TIBICICLETAS Tu To 118 116
116 122
- 122
158 106 ( 134 118 116 114
- 110 4 112
108108
 US 10 ,Page
267,2581 B2

Related U .S . Application Data 4 ,569 ,270 A 2 /1986 Timari

4 ,579 ,037 A * 4 / 1986 Gillum . F41A 3 /62
9 ,644, 909, which is a continuation - in -part of appli 42/72
cation No. 14 / 997 ,060 , filed on Jan . 15 , 2016 , now 4 ,715 ,140 A 12/1987 Rosenwald
Pat. No . 9 ,546 ,832, which is a continuation - in - part of 4 , 955, 155 A 9 / 1990 Jones
5 , 069 ,110 A 12 /1991 Menck
application No . 14 / 948 ,716 , filed on Nov . 23 , 2015 , 5 , 076 ,139 A 12 /1991 Hiett
now Pat. No. 9 ,551, 542 , which is a continuation of D328,632 S 8/ 1992 Bigwood
application No. 14 /313 ,495 , filed on Jun . 24 , 2014 , 5 ,675 , 106 A 10 / 1997 Leiter
now Pat. No . 9 , 194 ,650 , which is a continuation - in 5 ,734 , 120 A 3 /1998 Besselink
part of application No. 13/617 ,953, filed on Sep . 14 , 5 ,815 ,972 A 10 / 1998 Anderson
5 ,818,972 A 10 / 1998 Girod et al .
2012 , now abandoned . 6 , 129 ,000 A 10 / 2000 Schmid
6 .212 .991 B 4 / 2001 Frazier, III
(51) Int . Cl. 6 ,530 , 306 B1 3 /2003 LaFleur
F41A 5 / 10 ( 2006 .01) 6 ,742, 297 B2 6 /2004 Lakatos et al.
F41C 23 / 06 (2006 .01) 8 ,037, 805 B1 10 /2011 Neroni
8 , 132, 352 B2 3 /2012 Lippard
8 , 156 ,677 B2 4 / 2012 Glock
( 56 ) References Cited 8 ,539,706 B1 9/2013 Vieweg et al.
9 , 897 ,403 B2 * 2/ 2018 Kedairy F41A 3 / 86
U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS 2006 /0266209 Al * 11/2006 Grabowski ....... F41A 3 / 86
89/ 198
2 , 846 ,925 A 8/ 1958 Norman 2009/0126559 A1 5 / 2009 Mantas
3 ,027 ,673 A 4 / 1962 Oliver 2010 /0031812 A1 2 /2010 Kerbrat et al .
3 ,082,667 A 3 / 1963 Ramseyer 2010 / 0077643 Al 4 /2010 Kerbrat et al.
3, 365,829 A 1/ 1968 Shockey 2014 / 0075799 A13 / 2014 Hangen
3 ,491,650 A 1/ 1970 Rohr 2016 /0047613 A1 * 2 /2016 Hudson, III ....... F41A 3 / 86
4 ,031,808 A 6 / 1977 Raville 42 / 14
4 , 176 , 584 A 12 / 1979 Thomas, Jr. et al. 2018 /0164058 Al * 6 /2018 Hudson , III ............. F41A 3 /86
4 ,388 ,855 A 6 / 1983 Sokolovsky
4 ,522 , 107 A 6 / 1985 Woodcock et al. * cited by examiner
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 US 10 ,267 ,581 B2
FIREARM CONFIGURATION FOR buffering recoil mechanism . The mechanism includes a
REDUCING RECOIL recoil spring in proximity to a trigger housing .
Furthermore , U .S . Pat. No. 2 , 139 ,203 to Petter discloses
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED an automatic pistol with a rearward displacement that
APPLICATIONS 5 extracts and ejects the case of a fired cartridge . In the return
on
movement, the upper cartridge is extracted from a magazine .
This application claims priority to and is a continuation Another firearm is disclosed by U . S . Pat. No. 2 ,846 , 925 to
in - part of application Ser. No . 15 / 988 , 165 filed on May 24 , Norman . Norman discloses a firearm with a breech block
2018 and entitled “ Fixed Barrel Firearm Configuration for operated disconnector. The moveable breech utilizes recoil
Reducing Recoil,” which is a continuation -in - part of appli- 10 to reload and cock the weapon . Finally, DE 19951536 to
cation Ser. No . 157485, 626 filed on Apr. 12 , 2017 and Radlinger discloses a hand gun with a counter-weight dis
entitled “ Fixed Barrel Firearm Configuration For Reducing placed in opposition to movement.
Recoil,” which is a continuation -in -part of application Ser. Although each of these inventions achieves its own indi
No. 15 /095 ,415 filed Apr. 11 , 2016 , entitled “ Firearm Con 5 vidual objective , none of the background art relates to a
figuration for Reducing Recoil” , now U . S . Pat. No. 9,644 , 15 mechanism for lessening recoil by lowering a firearm 's
909, which itself is a continuation - in -part of application Ser.
No. 14 / 997 ,060 filed Jan . 15 , 2016 , entitled “ Firearm Con center ofmass . The firearm configuration described herein is
figuration for Reducing Frame Battering,” now U .S . Pat. No . aimed at overcoming these and other shortcomings noted in
9 ,546 ,832, which itself is a continuation - in - part of applica the background art.
tion Ser. No. 14 /948 ,716 filed Nov. 23 , 2015 , entitled 20
“ Firearm Configuration for Reducing Recoil,” now U . S . Pat. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
No. 9 ,551,542, which itself is a continuation of application The disclosed system has several important advantages .
Ser. No. 14 /313 ,495 filed Jun . 24 , 2014 , entitled “ Firearm
Configuration For Reducing Recoil,” now U . S . Pat. No. For example , the disclosed firearm configuration reduces the
9 . 194,650 , issued Nov . 24 , 2015 , which itself is a continu - 25 recoil encountered by the user.
ation -in -part of application Ser. No. 13 /617 ,953 filed Sep . A further possible advantage is that recoil forces are
14 , 2012 , entitled “ Firearm Configuration for Reducing reduced by lowering the firearm 's center of reciprocating
Recoil ,” now abandoned . The contents of all of these appli mass . A manufacturer may further reduce recoil by over
cations are fully incorporated herein for all purposes . weighting the reciprocating mass in line with the hand past
30 what is necessary for basic structural integrity .
TECHNICAL FIELD Still yet another possible advantage of the present system
is to lower the axis along which recoil forces are generated
This disclosure relates to a firearm configuration . More to thereby lessen the associated torque.
specifically, the present invention relates to an open bolt Another advantage of the present system is to improve the
firearm with a mechanism for reducing recoil, both per- 35 user 's capacity for accuracy by reducing recoil . Higher
ceived and actual. recoil forces disrupt most firearm users ' concentration and
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION inflame something akin to the “ fight or flight” instinct, so
less recoil equals less psychological disruption , which in
Handguns have grown increasingly more powerful over 40 turn promotes the users ' capacity for accurate fire . This
the years . As caliber size increases , so does the recoil of the increase in accuracy via reduced recoil is most pronounced
firearm . Recoil is the rearward momentum generated by a in the application of this system to a machine pistol format,
firearm upon firing. Large caliber firearms generally create as such weapons are generally less controllable due to their
a substantial recoil impulse upon firing,which may cause the light weight, comparatively meager grip surface area, and
weapon to be forced upward due to an imbalance of forces. 45 high rate of fire in full automatic mode .
Unless properly adjusted for by the user, the recoil of a Another advantage is realized by utilizing a firearm
firearm may cause the user to fire inaccurately and miss the configuration that allows the manufacturer to integrate the
intended target. This is especially the case when firing in a recoil spring guide rod with the frame, resulting in fewer
fully automatic mode, as in a machine pistol. parts and lowering manufacturing costs . This also has the
This problem is a result ofphysics. The mass and velocity 50 beneficial result of simplified disassembly procedures for the
of a projectile must exert an equal and opposite reaction in end user and increased reliability of the weapon .
the system behind it. This relationship is defined as “ free A further advantage is that the firearm configuration of the
recoil” in the firearm industry . Free recoil, in turn , results in present disclosure decreases overall weapon height with no
muzzle rise . Muzzle rise is defined as the immediate, post- appreciable reduction in magazine capacity as compared to
fire angular velocity of the firearm about its center of force . 55 known designs. Alternatively, the present configuration can
The center of force is determined by both the user ' s hand result in a weapon of equal height to known designs, but
pressure across the grip and the handgun 's own center of with an increased magazine capacity .
mass . A further advantage of the present system is that it allows
For the foregoing reasons , efforts have been made over a user to execute quicker follow -up shots , as the recoil forces
the years to reduce the amount of recoil generated by a 60 impeding faster shots will be reduced .
firearm . For instance , U . S . Pat. No. 6 ,742 ,297 to Lakatos The firearm configuration of the present disclosure also
discloses a firearm recoil reduction method . The method reduces the recoil of a given cartridge , which allowsmore
employs a spring, a trigger housing and a barrel. Addition powerful ammunition to be utilized with approximately the
ally, U . S . Pat. No. 4 , 388 ,855 to Sokolovsky discloses a same recoil as a conventional configuration . The use ofmore
firearm pneumatic slide decelerator assembly . The assembly 65 powerful ammunition , in turn , allows for a flatter bullet
includes a recoil spring in proximity to a trigger housing . trajectory and thus increased effective range of a handgun .
U . S . Pat. No . 5 ,069, 110 to Menck discloses an impact Also , the ability to use more powerful ammunition with the
 US 10 , 267 ,581 B2
same recoil allows for the use of larger -caliber armor FIG . 16 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment ofthe
penetrating bullets , resulting in increased lethality and effec - firearm employing an open bolt construction .
tiveness on the battlefield . FIG . 17 is a side elevational view of the firearm illustrat
Another advantage is that the system provides for a lower i ng the user 's trigger finger in line with the guide rod , recoil
barrel axis when combined with a rotating barrel locking 5 mass , and recoil spring .
mechanism , further reducing recoil. Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts through
The advantages of the present system may be further out the several views of the drawings .
maximized by using any or all of the following additional
design elements: use of a sliding trigger assembly, use of a DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
striker firing mechanism , or use of external or " slide in 10
frame" guide rails. The present disclosure relates to a firearm configuration
A further advantage of the present system is that itmay be for a handgun. The firearm configuration is designed to
configured to eliminate the snag or catch point located at the reduce the recoil forces encountered by a user upon firing the
front corner of the trigger guard , thereby making the action weapon . Recoil forces are reduced by lowering the firearm ' s
of holstering or un - holstering the weapon easier. 15 center of mass and by aligning a recoil plate that absorbs
Another advantage of the present system is realized by forces generated by the slide during firing and recoil mass
providing an open bolt type firearm with a mechanism for which aligns with the user's arm and trigger finger. The
reducing recoil. various details of the present disclosure, and the manner in
Yet another advantage of the present system is realized by which they interrelate , will be described in greater detail
providing a firearm that lends itself to fully automatic firing 20 hereinafter.
while at the same time providing a means for reducing With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the firearm con
associated recoil . figuration ( 10 ) of the present disclosure is disclosed . As
Still yet another advantage is provided by a firearm that is noted , configuration (10 ) assists in reducing recoil forces
well ventilated ,avoiding problems associated with overheat- encountered by the user of an associated firearm ( 12) . The
ing while still redirecting and abating associated recoil 25 configuration ( 10 ) includes an upper housing ( 14 ) . Upper
forces . housing ( 14 ) is alternatively referenced as a " slide,” to
Various embodiments of the invention may have none , describe its movement relative to lower housing ( 26 ). Upper
some, or all of these advantages . Other technical advantages housing ( 14 ) houses a barrel ( 16 ) and a firing assembly ( 18 ).
of the present invention will be readily apparent to one The barrel (16 ) and firing assembly ( 18 ) are of a conven
skilled in the art. 30 tional construction . The specific trigger (28 ) and trigger
assembly (32 ) depicted are of the type found in the Glock®
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS series of handguns. Upper housing ( 14 ) further includes a
recoil mass ( 22 ) with an opening. In one possible embodi
For a more complete understanding of the present disclo ment, recoil mass ( 22 ) is tapered along its upper edge , with
sure and its advantages, reference is now made to the 35 a thicker forward end and a narrowed rearward end . The
following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accom - recoil mass (22), however, need not be tapered . As noted in
panying drawings, in which : the figures, barrel (16 ) and firing assembly ( 18 ) are posi
FIG . 1 is a cross sectional view of the firearm configu - tioned in axial alignment with one another and are posi
ration prior to firing . tioned along a first axis ( 24 ) . First axis (24 ) is defined prior
FIG . 2 is a cross sectional view of the firearm configu - 40 to the weapon being fired . The firing assembly ( 18 ) can take
ration after firing . the form of a conventional striker firing assembly or a
FIG . 3 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodi- conventional hammer firing assembly . The use of other
ment of the firearm configuration prior to firing. conventional firing assemblies is also within the scope of the
FIG . 4 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodi - present disclosure. One suitable firing assembly is disclosed
ment of the firearm configuration after firing . 45 in U . S . Pat. No . 8 , 156 ,677 entitled “ Assemblies and Fire
FIG . 5 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodi- arms Incorporating such Assemblies," which issued to
ment of the firearm configuration prior to firing with the Gaston Glock on Apr. 17, 2012 . The contents of this issued
recoil plate . patent are fully incorporated herein for all purposes.
FIG . 6 is a detailed view of the recoil plate of the present Configuration ( 10 ) further includes a lower housing ( 26 )
disclosure . 50 that is slidably interconnected to the upper housing ( 14 ). A
FIG . 7 is a perspective view of the recoil plate of the trigger (28 ) and trigger assembly (32) are positioned within
present disclosure . the lower housing (26 ). The disclosed trigger ( 28 ) is a
FIG . 8 is a view of the recoil plate in place within the pivoting trigger , but sliding triggers can also be used in
firearm . connection with the present invention . The depicted trigger
FIG . 9 is an alternative view of the recoil plate . 55 (28 ) and trigger assembly (32 ) are of the type found in the
FIG . 10 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodi - Glock® series of handguns, as well as U .S . Pat. No. 8 , 156 ,
ment of the firearm configuration prior to firing. 677 , and are of a standard and well known construction . In
FIG . 11 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodi- accordance with the invention , trigger (28 ) pivots about a
ment of the firearm configuration after firing. second axis (34 ) . Second axis (34 ) is positioned below , and
FIG . 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodi- 60 is perpendicular to , the first axis ( 24 ). The trigger assembly
ment employing multiple guide rods. ( 32 ) is interconnected to the striker assembly ( 18 ). As is
FIG . 13 is a plan view of the multiple guide rods that can known in the art, ammunition ( 38 ) is delivered upwardly
be used in the firearm . from the magazine (36 ) under a spring force into the upper
FIG . 14 is a plan view of the multiple guide rods that can housing (14 ). Individual cartridges to be fired are delivered
be used with the firearm . 65 between the barrel ( 16 ) and the firing assembly (18 ). Trigger
FIG . 15 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the assembly (32 ) is used to selectively actuate the striker
firearm employing an open bolt construction . assembly ( 18 ) and fire the firearm ( 12 ). The relationship
 US 10 , 267 ,581 B2
between trigger assembly (32 ) and striker assembly (18 ) will ment. Recoil mass (22 ) is adapted for linear movement
be appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art. The exact within second housing (26 ) and in alignment with trigger
mechanism employed does not form part of the present (28 ). Thus, in the second embodiment, the guide rod (42)
invention and can be similar to that utilized by the type does not fully extend within recoil spring (44 ). Instead , first
found in the Glock® series of handguns . 5 guide rod portion (42a ) extends a short distance within the
Lower housing ( 26 ) further includes a guide rod ( 42 ) and first end of spring (44 ) and the second guide rod portion
recoil spring (44 ) that extend through the opening in the (42b ) extends a short distance within the second end of
recoil mass ( 22 ). Recoil spring ( 44 ) has an end seated within spring (44) . This embodiment is possible because it has been
recoil mass (22). Guide rod (42 ) is positioned along a third discovered that spring (44) does not need to be supported
axis (46 ). The third axis ( 46 ) is positioned below the second 10 along its entire length to be effective . This reduces the
axis (34 ). Guide rod (42) is integral with the lower housing overall weight of firearm (12 ) without any reduction in the
(26 ). effectiveness of the recoil mass (22 ). It should be noted that
In accordance with the present disclosure , when a user second guide rod portion ( 42b ) merely fixes the position of
fires firearm ( 12 ), the upper housing ( 14 ) slides back with the recoil spring adjacent trigger. Accordingly , other con
respect to the lower housing ( 26 ). This action , in turn , causes 15 figurations, such as an appropriately sized cavity can be used
the recoil mass ( 22) to slide along the guide rod (42 ) to to fix the position of spring (44 ). Still yet other retaining
compress the recoil spring (44). The recoil generated by mechanisms, in lieu of guide rod portions (42a and 42b ) can
firearm ( 12 ) is greatly reduced by the position and move - be used . It is also possible to eliminate the use of any
ment of the recoil mass ( 22 ). More specifically , the axis of retaining mechanisms.
the recoil spring (44 ) — i.e. the third axis (46 ) — is parallel to 20 At its most basic , this reconfiguration takes the guide rod
and below the first axis (24), which is an axis drawn down (42 ) from being a passive part in the recoil cycle to an active
the centerline of the barrel ( 16 ) prior to the firing of the part of the recoil cycle , making the resultant weapon more
weapon , and upon which the bullet exits the barrel. In this efficient with regard to the use of existing weight.
regard , the first and third axes ( 24 ) and ( 46 ) remain parallel The reconfigured guide rod (42a and 42b ) also increases
to each other at all times during firing. As a result , the linear 25 the mass of the recoil mass (22 ), which can be relocated
momentum generated by ammunition ( 38 ) leaving barrel lower in front of the trigger. This allows for a greater
(16 ) is completely countered by the linear momentum of the reduction in recoil and/or muzzle rise . The weapon has
recoil mass (22 ) moving towards trigger (28 ). In other further reduced recoil over our previous work , and further
words, ammunition ( 38 ) leaving barrel ( 16 ) travels on a lowers the firearm 's center of reciprocating mass. As such ,
vector that is 180 degrees from the vector of the recoil mass 30 it is an example of overweighting the reciprocating mass in
(22 ). The positioning of recoil mass ( 22 ) below barrel (16 ) line with the hand past what is necessary for basic structural
and striker assembly ( 18 ) also effectively lowers the center integrity. Also , though the axis on which the spring is guided
of mass of the overall firearm (12 ). In the preferred embodi- is not further lowered , the overall axis along which recoil
ment, the center of mass is in alignment with the recoil forces are transmitted to the user is further lowered with this
spring (44) (see FIG . 1). It should be noted that the exact 35 addition.
center ofmass may change as ammunition (38 ) is depleted . The use of the reconfigured rod (42a and 42b ) also
Nonetheless , it is preferred to keep the center of mass as reduces the total part count by integrating the guide rod with
closely aligned with recoil spring (44 ) as possible . By the slide (as opposed to the frame), thus allowing for
lowering the center of mass , there is no lever arm created decreased production cost and increased reliability . The
between the trigger finger or arm and the center of mass. 40 reconfigured guide rod (42a and 42b ) still allows for similar
Such a lever arm would multiply any recoil forces and disassembly in comparison with current designs, and thus
produce unwanted torque . does not require additional training. The reconfigured guide
Recoil is further reduced by positioning the axis of trigger rod (42a and 42b ) further reduces recoil, which allows for
( 28 ) — i.e . the second axis (34 ) - in close proximity (i.e . more rapid follow -up shots and for the use of more powerful
approximately 1 inch or less ) to the first axis (24 ). This 45 ammunition .
ensures that the recoil mass ( 22 ) is in alignment with the Increasing the mass present in the slide internally allows
user 's trigger finger and/or arm upon firing. Computer for a weapon with the same exterior slide dimensions to fire
modeling of the claimed invention demonstrates that a recoil more powerful ammunition ; alternatively , it allows for a
mass of approximately 0 . 38 lbs., located approximately 3. 1 reduction in the exterior slide dimensions of the weapon
inches forward of, and approximately 0 .5 inches beneath , 50 while still allowing for an identical level of ammunition
the center of force greatly reduced the associated muzzle power.
rise. Specifically , the modeling showed that about 22 % more In the case of an existing pistol using a steel guide rod ,
free recoil was absorbed as compared to a conventional this relocation would shift a portion of the total weapon
firearm . Likewise, muzzle rise was reduced by approxi- weight from the frame assembly to the slide , essentially
mately 59 % . 55 allowing for a pistol of equal weight to fire more powerful
ammunition in comparison to said existing pistol. This
Guide Rod Portions comparison is between a modified and an unmodified pistol
both using a half-length guide rod — as such , you could take
A second embodiment of the firearm ( 12 ) is illustrated in a pistol with an existing full-length guide rod and modify it
FIGS. 3 and 4 . This embodiment is the same in most respects 60 by relocating the guide rod (substituting a half-length one )
as the firearm ( 12 ) depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, in to the slide , thereby creating a pistol both lighter than the
the second embodiment, the guide rod (42) does not extend unmodified version and yet still able to use more powerful
through the recoil mass (22 ). Instead , the guide rod (42) is ammunition . Such a substitution is once again assuming all
replaced by a first guide rod portion (42a ) that extends from guide rods in both pistols are composed of steel.
within the recoil mass ( 22 ). Additionally, a second guide rod 65 The embodiments presented herein may also be improved
portion (42b ) extends from the area in front of the trigger. by overweighting a lower section ( 48 ) of the recoilmass (22 )
Guide rods portions ( 42a and 42b ) are preferably in align - or reducing the weight of the upper housing (14 ). Preferably,
 US 10 , 267 ,581 B2
the lower section of the recoil mass (22) is the lower half of attached to the restof the frame) results in a decreased parts
the recoil mass ( 22 ) but may be any amount of the recoil count, lower manufacturing costs , simplified disassembly
mass (22 ) that will allow for the center ofmass to drop an procedure , and increased weapon reliability .
appreciable amount. Similarly , a reduced weight portion of FIGS. 6 and 7 also show a refined recoil plate (52) with
the upper housing (14 ) would comprise part of the upper half 5 an angled component (54 ) that extends back over the trigger
of same upper housing ( 14 ), but may be any amount of the guard area in the frame. This allows the cam to interact with
upper housing ( 14 ) that will allow for the center of mass to the track on a rotating barrel or other mechanism that
drop an appreciable amount. The upper housing ( 14 ), or a similarly facilitates barrel locking and unlocking. This
portion of such , may be made of a lighter material such as would also reduce parts count and manufacturing cost while
aluminum , titanium , carbon fiber composite, or a similarly 10 increasing weapon reliability , as the cam must be made from
durable polymer , whereas the lower section (48 ) may be high -strength material to interact with the steel (or other
made of a heavier material such as tungsten , bismuth , or high strength material) barrel.
depleted uranium to further lower the center of mass . The It is also possible to include an accommodation to rein
lower section (48 ) and upper section (50 ) of the recoilmass force the area of the frame housing a barrel retention device
(22) may be connected by friction fitting, threads, pinning , 15 upon the upper surface of angled component (54 ). Barrel
dovetailing, adhesive , or any other method for attachment retention devices interact with the bottom of the barrel when
whether known or yet to be discovered . The samemethods the slide and barrel are fully forward under spring pressure
of attachment apply to the joining of any reduced weight to retain both parts on the frame. The area of the frame
portion of the upper housing ( 14 ) with the remainder of the around and interacting with the barrel retention device is a
same upper housing ( 14 ). Alternatively, the lower section 20 very high -stress area also , prone to cracking and other wear.
(48 ) of the recoil mass (22) may be overweighted using the By fortifying this area with high -strength material, frame
same material as the upper section (50) while remaining the wear is reduced and weapon reliability increased without
same material as the upper section (50 ). The result of these increasing weapon parts count.
modifications is a reduction in the amount of muzzle rise and FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrates yet another embodiment. In this
associated recoil. 25 embodiment, the recoil plate (52) is fitted with a pair of
upper rails (56 ). These rails (56 ) integrate onto the recoil
Recoil Plate plate the frame rails which mate with the rails on the slide
( 14 ) , upon which the slide reciprocates during the recoil
The embodiment of FIG . 5 further includes a recoil plate stroke. Such an integration would lead to lower manufac
(52 ). Recoil plate (52 ) is positioned in the area immediately 30 turing costs due to a lower number of parts being manufac
forward of the trigger housing. Recoil plate (52 ) is prefer tured for insertion into the frame. It also enhances the
ably constructed from a high strength material, such as steel modularity of the design , as a removable insert of this type
or titanium , or equivalent alloys or composite materials. would allow for frame rail replacement without having to
This allows recoil plate (52 ) to absorb impact forces gen replace the entirety of the frame.
erated by recoil mass (22 ) during firing. Specifically , during 35
firing, recoil mass (22 ) travels rearwardly to impact recoil Locking Block and Lug
plate (52 ). Recoil plate (52 ) function as a reinforcement
means to absorb recoil forces and prevent damage to weaker Another embodiment of the firearm ( 12 ) is illustrated in
components of the firearm ( 10 ). Recoil pate (52) can be FIGS. 10 and 11 . This embodiment is the same in most
formed integrally with the remainder of the firearm ( 10 ) or 40 respects as the firearm ( 12 ) depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
can be attached via suitable fasteners , such as rivets , welds, However, in this embodiment, a locking assembly (58 )
pins, or other fasteners. Recoil plate (52) can be integrally comprising a locking block (60) and locking lug (62) are
formed as part of guide rod (42). The end of recoil spring present so as to prevent any rotational or lateral movement
( 44 ) preferably abuts the face of recoil plate (52 ). As more of the barrel (on any axis ). The locking lug (62) is preferably
fully described hereinafter , alternative embodiments of 45 a pin but may be any mechanical or other way now known
recoil plate (52 ) may include an angled component (54 ) that or otherwise to be discovered for preventing movement of
extends over the top of the trigger housing (FIG . 2 ) . Recoil the barrel , for instance chemical bonding, adhesives , weld
plate (52 ) may also include upper rails (56 ) upon which the ing, or the like. Likewise , the firearm ( 12 ) could have a large
upper slide ( 14 ) travels (FIG . 5 ) . frame projection that the barrel ( 16 ) is press - fit or threaded
Recoil plate (52 ) is preferably composed of high -strength 50 into , or the barrel ( 16 ) can be fixed through the use of a
material and is inserted into the comparatively lower - rotating lever or spring-loaded sliding catch . Otherwise , this
strength frame in the area under impact from the slide during embodiment is the same in most respects as the firearm (12)
recoil . The recoil plate (52 ) increases the durability of the depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
frame not only through its advantage in material composi
tion but also by further increasing the surface area available 55 Multiple Guide Rods
to the frame for transmitting the force imparted by the slide
( 14 ). This increase in surface area may include the normally further embodiment of the present invention is dis
wasted space directly behind the guide rod (42 ), but also by closed in FIG . 12 . This embodiment is the same is all
extending the sides and/ or top and /or bottom of the recoil respects as the embodiments described above ; however,
plate further into the frame. This may be assisted by an 60 instead of a single guide rod (42 ), a series of three guide rods
angled component (54 ) The latter not only helps to seat the (42 ) are utilized . In the depicted embodiment, three guide
recoil plate in the frame but also gives the frame additional rods (42 ) are oriented to be parallel to one another and each
surface area to absorb the slide impact beyond merely the is fitted with a recoil spring (44 ). This embodiment is
surface area of the rear of the slide. disclosed in conjunction with a recoil plate (52 ). Nonethe
As noted , recoil plate (52 ) optionally includes an inte - 65 less , the use of such a recoil plate (52 ) is optional. In the
grated guide rod (42 ). Integration of the guide rod (42 ) with absence of a recoil plate (52), guide rods (42 ) would extend
the recoil plate (52 ) (which itself may be permanently from the trigger guard of the lower housing (26 ). This
 US 10 , 267 ,581 B2
10
embodiment would operate in a fashion similar to the trigger mechanism ( 136 ). Upper housing ( 104 ) is maintained
primary embodiment, namely the recoil mass (22) (FIG . 13 ) in this position by positioning sear ( 146 ) firmly within notch
would include a series of three apertures to accept the three ( 148 ).
guide rods ( 42 ) and associated recoil springs (44). Individual Thereafter, when the user pulls trigger ( 132 ), the sear
recoil springs (44 ) are positioned over each of the guide rods 5 ( 146 ) is released and the upper housing ( 104 ) slides for
( 42 ) and extend between an aperture in the recoil mass ( 22 ) wardly with respect to the lower housing ( 106 ). This action
and the backing plate (52 ) or trigger guard . Upon firing, the also causes a front face ( or breechface ) of the upper housing
recoil mass (22 ) would slide along the three guide rods (42 ) ( 104 ) to push a round ( 114 ) to be fed upwardly into chamber
and against the force of the associated springs ( 44 ). This ( 130) of barrel ( 152 ) for firing. Barrel ( 152) is positioned
would have the effect of counterbalancing any recoil forces 10 within the forward extent of the upper housing ( 104 ). The
in the firearm . round ( 114 ) is fired via a fixed firing pin ( 154 ) as described
FIG . 13 is a top plan view of the three guide rods ( 42 ) and herein after. As is known in the art, rifling may be included
their associated recoil springs (44 ) . This view shows the on the internal surface of barrel ( 152 ). Fixed firing pin ( 154 )
recoilmass (22 ) into which the guide rods (42 ) and springs is positioned upon the rearward extent of the upper housing
(44) are inserted . Although the alternate embodiment has 15 (104 ), a surface also known as the breechface . One of the
been depicted as three guide rods , other numbers of guide advantages of the open bolt configuration is that it limits the
rods can also be used . For instance as illustrated in FIG . 14 , number of parts for the firing mechanism . This static , fixed
two guide rods with associated recoil springs (44 ) could be firing pin ( 154 ) is adapted to impact the primer ( 122 ) of a
used in lieu of three guide rods. chambered round ( 114 ) to initiate the firing sequence.
20 Next, the recoil reducing mechanism is described . This
Open Bolt Firearm mechanism incudes a recoil mass ( 156 ) that is integrally
formed as part of the forward extent of the upper housing
A further alternative embodiment of the present firearm is (104 ). In other words, the upper housing (104 ) and recoil
shown in FIGS . 15 and 16 . The disclosed firearm ( 102) is mass ( 156 ) are formed from the samematerial and move in
adapted to be fired with the user ' s trigger finger and gener - 25 unison . Recoil mass ( 156 ) is slidably positioned along the
ally includes forward and rearward ends . It is likewise guide rod (158 ). The internal aperture ( 162) includes a step
configured with a mass for reducing theamount of recoil felt (164 ) at the forward end . In this regard , internal aperture
by the user during firing . ( 162 ) is sized to receive rod ( 158 ) . A spring is preferably
As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 , upper and lower positioned between this internal step ( 164 ) formed and the
housings (104 , 106 ) are included that are slidably intercon - 30 adjacent surface of the trigger housing ( 134 ). This configu
nected to one another along internal slides , rails, or other ration allows the spring ( 166 ) to bias the recoil mass ( 156 )
similar structures. FIG . 15 illustrates the firearm ( 102 ) prior to the forward end of the firearm ( 102 ).
to firing. FIG . 16 shows the firearm ( 102 ) after it has been In use , after the user pulls the trigger ( 132 ), the upper
fired . Notably, in the open bolt configuration , the firearm housing ( 104 ) slides forwardly to both chamber a round and
( 102) starts with the upper housing ( 104) slid rearwardly 35 allow the firing pin (154 ) to engage the primer ( 122 ). This
with respect to the lower housing ( 106 ). Upon firing, the results in the projectile ( 118 ) being propelled out through the
upper housing ( 104 ) slides forwardly to the forward most end of barrel ( 152 ). As this occurs , recoilmass ( 156 ) initially
end of firearm ( 102 ). As also illustrated , the rear extent of the slides to the forward end of the firearm (102). The firing
lower housing ( 106 ) includes both a grip ( 108) and an cycle is completed as the recoil mass (156 ) and upper
internal magazine (112 ) . The magazine (112 ) houses a 40 housing ( 104 ) return to their rearward position as indicated
number of rounds (114) in a stacked configuration as is in FIG . 15 . Recoil forces are reduced as the recoil mass
known , with each round including a casing ( 116 ), a projec - ( 156 ) slides rearwardly against the tension of the spring
tile ( 118 ) , and a primer (122 ). A spring (124 ) and a lower ( 166 ) . FIG . 17 is a side elevational view of the firearm
shelf or magazine follower ( 126 ) are included in the maga - illustrating the user' s trigger finger in line with the guide
zine ( 112 ) to selectively feed each round into a chamber 45 rod, recoilmass, and recoil spring.
(130 ). Chamber ( 130 ) is located within the rear extent of the In open bolt systems, the slide or bolt of the firearm is held
barrel ( 152 ). The firearm employs an open bolt configuration to the rear until it is fired . Upon pulling the trigger, the bolt
in that an ejection port (128 ) remains opened both before and moves forward to both feed a round into the barrel ' s
after firing. A number of rounds ( 114 ) can be stored in a chamber and to cause a preferably fixed firing pin to strike
single magazine, with the magazine being inserted or 50 the primer of the round . This eliminates the need for a
removed from the lower end of grip ( 108 ). mobile firing pin and associated firing pin spring. The
Also disclosed is a trigger (132 ) and trigger housing (134 ) resulting energy of the shot causes the bolt to then move
that are located at the intermediate extent of firearm ( 102 ). backwards to eject the spent cartridge casing completing the
By way of non - limiting example, trigger ( 132 ) may include cycle . Such an open bolt weapon format results in a weapon
a curved or an arcuate shape for comfortably receiving the 55 that is optimized for fully automatic fire . The fixed firing pin
trigger finger of the user. However, a flat trigger face may can be integrated into the slide or pinned into the slide or
also be employed . As illustrated , trigger ( 132 ) is intercon - otherwise fastened . This results in greater reliability due a to
nected to a trigger mechanism (136 ) that of, among other lower number of parts and the deletion of all components
components , a trigger bar ( 142) with a sear ( 146 ). The associated with a separate firing pin . This also results in a
configuration placement , and function of these trigger com - 60 lower cost of manufacture and simplified disassembly pro
ponents will be well understood by one of ordinary skill in cedures.
the art. As illustrated , the rearward extent of the upper Open bolt systems also provide a weapon with improved
housing ( 104 ) includes a notch ( 148 ) for selectively engag cooling when the weapon is being fired at a high rate as both
ing or disengaging the sear ( 146 ). Prior to firing , the upper the barrel and action have a greater access to air flow
housing ( 104 ) is slid rearwardly with respect to the lower 65 through the chamber and the ejection port . FIG . 15 discloses
housing ( 106 ) and against the force of recoil spring ( 166 ). A the firearm in a configuration that is ready to be fired with
trigger spring 140 is also included for providing tension to the slide or bolt retracted . Once the firing mechanism
 US 10,267,581 B2
12
releases the slide or bolt, the slide or bolt moves forward to 3. The open bolt firearm as described in claim 1 further
both strip a cartridge off the top of the magazine for comprising a barrel with a chamber, and an open ejection
chambering, and fires the cartridge via detonating the primer port formed within the upper housing;
through the impact of the fixed firing pin in the breechface a magazine formed within the grip for delivering rounds
of the slide or bolt. In this regard , the integrated firing pin 5 to be fired into the chamber.
may have a protrusion for impacting the cartridge primer . 4 . The open bolt firearm as described in claim 1 wherein
FIG . 16 shows that weapon immediately after it has been the firing pin is fixed .
fired . Here , the spent cartridge casing has been omitted from 5 . The open bolt firearm as described in claim 1 wherein
the chamber of the barrel for clarity . As illustrated , the firing the recoil mass includes an internal aperture and wherein
mechanism has released the slide or bolt forward and the 10 one end of the spring is seated upon a rear surface of the
fired cartridge has been stripped from the magazine . The recoil mass.
recoil impulse from the fired round will move the slide or 6 . An open bolt firearm adapted to be fired by the trigger
bolt to the rear once more to reset the firing mechanism for finger of a user, the firearm having forward and rearward
the next firing cycle . Other than implementing this open bolt ends, the firearm configured to reduce the amount of recoil
format, the details of the recoil reducing mechanism are the 15 felt by the user during firing, the firearm comprising :
same as that illustrated in FIGS . 1 - 14 . upper and lower housings slidably interconnected to one
Although this disclosure has been described in terms of another, each housing having a forward extent and a
certain embodiments and generally associated methods, rearward extent, the upper housing sliding to the for
alterations and permutations of these embodiments and ward end of the firearm upon firing ;
methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accord - 20 a grip and magazine forming part of the rearward extent
ingly, the above description of example embodiments does of the lower housing, the magazine housing a number
not define or constrain this disclosure . Other changes , sub of rounds , each round including a primer, a barrel with
stitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing a chamber, an open ejection port formed within the
from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. upper housing , the magazine delivering rounds to be
What is claimed is: 25 fired into the chamber ;
1 . An open bolt firearm comprising: a trigger and trigger housing positioned between the
upper and lower housings slidably interconnected to one forward and rearward extent of the lower housing , the
another, each housing having a forward extent and a trigger manipulating to a trigger bar with a sear, the sear
rearward extent; selectively engaging and disengaging the rearward
a grip forming part of the rearward extent of the lower 30 extent of the upper housing, whereby pulling the trigger
housing, a barrel with a chamber , an open ejection port disengages the sear to permit the upper housing to slide
formed within the upper housing ; forward , whereby a round is chambered and firearm is
a trigger and trigger housing positioned between the fired ;
forward and rearward extent of the lower housing ; a barrel positioned within the forward extent of the upper
a barrel positioned within the forward extent of the upper 35 housing, the barrel adapted to receive a round in its
housing ; chamber;
a firing pin positioned upon a forward surface of the a fixed firing pin positioned upon a forward surface of the
rearward extent of the upper housing ; rearward extent of the upper housing, the fixed firing
a guide rod positioned within the forward extent of the 20 pin adapted to impact the primer of a chambered round
lower housing, the guide rod being substantially 40 as the firearm is fired ;
aligned with a user 's trigger finger when the grip is held a guide rod positioned within the forward extent of the
by the user in a read - to - fire position; lower housing, the guide rod being substantially
a recoil mass being slidably positioned along the guide aligned with the user ' s trigger finger when the grip is
rod , a spring positioned between the recoil mass and the held by the user in a read- to -fire position ;
trigger housing; 42 a recoil mass formed as part of the forward extent of the
whereby when the user pulls the trigger a round is upper housing, the recoil mass being slidably posi
chambered and the firing pin moves forward to engage tioned along the guide rod , a spring positioned between
a primer of the round and fire the firearm , and whereby the recoil mass and the trigger housing , the spring
recoil forces are reduced as the recoil mass slides biasing the recoil mass to the forward end of the
toward the rearward end of the firearm and against the 50 firearm ;
tension of the spring . whereby when the user pulls the trigger a round is
2 . The open bolt firearm as described in claim 1 further chambered and the fixed firing pins moves forward to
comprising a trigger bar with a sear manipulated by the engage the primer and fire the firearm , and whereby
trigger , the sear selectively engaging and disengaging the recoil forces are reduced as the recoil mass slides
rearward extent of the upper housing , whereby pulling the 55 toward the rearward end of the firearm and against the
trigger disengages the sear to permit the upper housing to tension of the spring.
slide to the forward end of the firearm .