FOLDING RIFLE STOCK

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Appl. No. 29/985,545, filed on Jan. 16, 2025; a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Appl. No. 29/985,555, filed on Jan. 16, 2025; and a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Appl. No. 29/985,567, filed on Jan. 16, 2025, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002]Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to firearms. In particular, embodiments described herein relate to a folding stock on a firearm, such as a rifle or other long-gun.

Description of the Related Art

[0003]The utility of long guns, such as a rifle or shotgun may depend upon the physical size, especially during extended hikes or hunts, as well as in other situations where space can be limited. For example, a longer rifle can be more unwieldy than a compact rifle when backpacking or hiking, passing through thick brush or rugged terrain, as well as within cramped quarters making the transport, storage and maneuverability of the rifle cumbersome. Gunstocks often represent over one-third of the total length of any particular rifle, so the ability to fold the stock of a rifle against the remaining body or receiver assembly can significantly reduce the space required to store and maneuver the rifle during transit.

[0004]Many styles of folding or adjustable stocks currently exist in the market place, such as various types of collapsible stocks or telescoping stocks. Typically, collapsible or telescoping stocks only shorten the stock by a length that does not include the receiver. Since the receiver assembly may account for one-third or more of the total length of the rifle, the collapsible or telescoping stock can only reduce about 10%-15% of the overall rifle length.

[0005]Alternatively, some folding stock adapters have been designed to allow fixed stocks the ability to fold toward or beside the firearm receiver assembly. However, the hinge in the folding stocks is typically outside the width of the receiver or stock causing the pivot point to be on the side of the rifle. The hinge protrudes out and increases the overall thickness of the rifle when in an unfolded position. This external hinge has a tendency to snag on clothing, bags, and other surfaces acquired in and around hunting or tactical environments. Also, once folded, some of these hinges further increase the thickness or width of the rifle in a folded stock position.

[0006]In addition, many of the folding stocks available on firearms are complicated to operate. Some have stiff buttons or levers that are restricted by friction and hard to operate when opening/unfolding or closing/folding the stock. Others folding stocks have one, two, or more buttons or levers in hard to reach places for the user while holding and operating the firearm.

[0007]Therefore, there is a need for an improved folding stock for a long gun, such as a rifle.

SUMMARY

[0008]Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a firearm with a folding stock, as well as a hinge assembly which may be used with firearms or other types of devices or products. The firearm with the folding stock described and discussed herein contains a hinge assembly which provides the stock assembly to rotate about 180° relative to the receiver assembly. When the firearm is in an unfolded position, the hinge assembly is hidden or otherwise completely contained within the firearm. As such, the hinge assembly is non-intrusive and snag-free when the firearm is in the unfolded position. The stock assembly may be used on all types of firearms including rifles, shotguns, pistols with stocks, or submachine guns.

[0009]In one or more embodiments, a firearm with a folding stock is provided and contains a hinge assembly coupled to and disposed between a receiver assembly and a stock assembly. The hinge assembly contains a receiver end chassis coupled to and disposed within the receiver assembly and a stock end chassis coupled to and disposed within the stock assembly, where the stock end chassis is pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis. The hinge assembly enables the stock assembly to move between an unfolded position (e.g., ready to shoot position) and a folded position (e.g., carry or storage position). The hinge assembly may be completely contained within the receiver assembly and the stock assembly when the stock assembly is in the unfolded position.

[0010]In other embodiments, a firearm with a folding stock is provided and contains a hinge assembly coupled to and disposed between a receiver assembly and a stock assembly. The hinge assembly contains a receiver end chassis coupled to the receiver assembly and a stock end chassis coupled to the stock assembly. The hinge assembly also contains a first linkage pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis at a first axis, a second linkage pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis at a second axis, a third linkage pivotably attached to the stock end chassis at a third axis, and a fourth linkage pivotably attached to the stock end chassis at a fourth axis. The first linkage may be attached to the third linkage and the second linkage may be attached to the fourth linkage.

[0011]In some embodiments, a firearm with a folding stock is provided and contains a hinge assembly coupled to and disposed between a receiver assembly and a stock assembly. The hinge assembly contains a receiver end chassis coupled to the receiver assembly, a stock end chassis coupled to the stock assembly, a first plurality of linkages pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis, and a second plurality of linkages pivotably attached to the stock end chassis. The first plurality of linkages is pivotably attached to the second plurality of linkages and the hinge assembly contains four or more pivot points.

[0012]In other embodiments, a hinge assembly for a firearm or other type of devices is provided and contains a first chassis, a second chassis, a first linkage pivotably attached to the first chassis at a first axis, a second linkage pivotably attached to the first chassis at a second axis, a third linkage pivotably attached to the second chassis at a third axis, and a fourth linkage pivotably attached to the second chassis at a fourth axis. The first linkage is pivotably attached to the third linkage at a fifth axis, the second linkage is pivotably attached to the fourth linkage at a sixth axis, and the second linkage is further pivotably attached to the third linkage at a seventh axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, and may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0014]FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a firearm with a folding stock in an unfolded position, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein.

[0015]FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of the firearm shown in FIG. 1A with the folding stock in a folded position, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein.

[0016]FIG. 2A depicts a top view of the firearm shown in FIG. 1A with the stock assembly in an unfolded position, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein.

[0017]FIG. 2B depicts a top view of the firearm shown in FIG. 2A with the stock assembly in in a partially folded position, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein.

[0018]FIG. 2C depicts a top view of the firearm shown in FIG. 2A with the stock assembly in a completely folded position, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein.

[0019]FIGS. 3A-3H depict different views of a hinge assembly, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein.

[0020]FIGS. 4-5 depict different perspective views of the hinge assembly, a latch system, and a tensioner on the firearm, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein.

[0021]FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of a stock assembly on the firearm, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein.

[0022]FIGS. 7A-7C depict different views of the firearm with the folding stock in folded position, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein.

[0023]FIGS. 8A-8C depict different views of a magnetic stabilizer on the firearm, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein.

[0024]To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation. Many of the details, dimensions, angles and other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, components, dimensions, angles and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. In addition, further embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced without several of the details described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025]Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a firearm with a folding stock, as well as a hinge assembly which may be used with a firearm or other type of device. The firearm with a folding stock described and discussed herein contains a hinge assembly which provides the stock assembly to rotate about 180° relative to the receiver assembly. When the stock assembly is in an unfolded position, the hinge assembly is hidden or otherwise completely contained within the firearm. As such, the hinge assembly is non-intrusive and snag-free when the stock assembly is in the unfolded position. Also, the firearm contains a latch system which is conveniently located for the user while holding and using the firearm. The latch system is easy to use with one ergonomic latch on the hand grip. Certain details are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1A-8C to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0026]In one or more embodiments, a firearm 100 contains a receiver assembly 200, a stock assembly 300, and a hinge assembly 400 coupled to and disposed between the receiver assembly 200 and the stock assembly 300, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of the firearm 100 with the stock assembly 300 in an unfolded position or a ready to shoot position, and FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of the firearm 100 with the stock assembly 300 in a folded position, such as a carry position or a storage position, according to embodiments described and discussed herein. The firearm 100 also contains a latch system 500 configured to maintain or lock the stock assembly 300 in the unfolded position and to release or unlock the stock assembly 300 when placing into the folded position.

[0027]The receiver assembly 200 of the firearm 100 may contain a hand grip 210 (or pistol grip), a receiver 220, a forearm 242, and a barrel 250. The receiver assembly 200 also contains a bolt assembly 230 and a fire control system 224 (e.g., trigger, firing mechanism). The bolt assembly contains a bolt 232, a bolt handle 234, a bolt knob 236, and other parts, as further described and discussed herein. The stock assembly 300 contains a cheek pad or riser 310, a buttpad or bumper 320, a stock body 330 (e.g., main frame or structure), and other parts, as further described and discussed herein. FIG. 1B depicts the stock assembly 300 engaged or otherwise locked onto the receiver assembly 200 via the bolt knob 236 when in the folded position.

[0028]FIGS. 2A-2C depict top views of the firearm 100 having the stock assembly 300 in various positions, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein. The firearm has an axis 110 which passes through the receiver assembly 200. FIG. 2A depicts the firearm 100 with the stock assembly 300 in an unfolded position, similar to FIG. 1A. The axis 110 passes through both the receiver assembly 200 and the stock assembly 300, such that the stock assembly 300 is at about 0° from the axis 110 and the receiver assembly 200, as shown in FIG. 1A.

[0029]FIG. 2B depicts the stock assembly 300 in a partially folded position, such that the stock assembly 300 is rotated or otherwise positioned about 90° about the hinge assembly 400 relative to the axis 110 and the receiver assembly 200. FIG. 2C depicts the stock assembly 300 in a completely folded position, such that the stock assembly 300 is rotated or otherwise positioned about 180° about the hinge assembly 400 relative to the axis 110 and the receiver assembly 200. The stock assembly 300 rotates from about 0° until reaching the folded position at about 180°, and all degrees therebetween, relative to the axis 110 and the receiver assembly 200. In one or more embodiments, the hinge assembly 400 is completely hidden or otherwise contained within the firearm 100, such as between the receiver assembly 200 and the stock assembly 300, when the stock assembly 300 is in the unfolded position. As such, the hinge assembly 400 is non-intrusive and snag-free when the stock assembly 300 is in the unfolded position while the firearm is in use.

[0030]FIGS. 3A-3H depict different views of the hinge assembly 400, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein. The hinge assembly 400 is coupled to and disposed between the receiver assembly 200 and the stock assembly 300, as shown in FIGS. 1A-2C. Although the hinge assembly 400 is illustrated as a part in the firearm 100, the hinge assembly 400 may be used in any other type of firearm to enable a folding stock relative to a firearm receiver. In other embodiments, the hinge assembly 400 may be used in other devices or products (e.g., non-firearm products) which may utilize hinge. For example, the hinge assembly 400 may be used on a door, a window, cabinet, a piece of furniture, or other device or product.

[0031]The hinge assembly 400 contains two chassis, such as a first chassis or a receiver end chassis 410 and a second chassis or a stock end chassis 412. The receiver end chassis 410 is coupled to and disposed within the receiver assembly 200 and the stock end chassis 412 is coupled to and disposed within the stock assembly 300, such that the stock end chassis 412 is pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis 410. The hinge assembly 400 enables the stock assembly 300 to move between the unfolded position and the folded position. In one or more embodiments, the hinge assembly 400 may be completely contained within the receiver assembly 200 and the stock assembly 300 when the stock assembly 300 is in the unfolded position. As such, the hinge assembly 400 may be completely unseen or not visible when the stock assembly 300 is in the unfolded position.

[0032]In some embodiments, the hinge assembly 400 may contain a plurality of linkages (collectively, 420, 430, 440, 450) disposed between and coupled to the receiver end chassis 410 and the stock end chassis 412. The plurality of linkages provides multiple pivot points for the hinge assembly 400, namely between the receiver end chassis 410 and the stock end chassis 412. In one or more embodiments, as depicted in the Figures, the hinge assembly 400 contains seven pivot points and the stock assembly 300 is configured to rotate up to and about 180° about the hinge assembly 400 relative to the receiver assembly 200. In other embodiments, not shown in the Figures, the hinge assembly 400 may be modified to have less or more pivot points than seven pivot points. In some examples, a derivative of the hinge assembly 400 may contain three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more pivot points. In one or more examples, the hinge assembly 400 contains four, five, six, seven, or more pivot points.

[0033]The hinge assembly 400 may be coupled to or otherwise attached to the receiver assembly 200 with fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, pins) passing through one, two, or more holes 414. Also, the hinge assembly 400 may be coupled to or otherwise attached to the stock assembly 300 with fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, pins) passing through one, two, or more holes 416 disposed on a support member. In one or more examples, the receiver assembly 200 contains the hand grip 210, and the receiver end chassis 410 is coupled to the hand grip 210 (as shown in the Figures). In other examples, the receiver end chassis 410 may be coupled to the receiver assembly 200 without being attached to a hand grip (not shown).

[0034]In one or more embodiments, the first plurality of linkages contains a first linkage 420 pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis 410 at a first axis 422 and a second linkage 430 pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis 410 at a second axis 432. The second plurality of linkages contains a third linkage 440 pivotably attached to the stock end chassis 412 at a third axis 442 and a fourth linkage 450 pivotably attached to the stock end chassis 412 at a fourth axis 452. In one or more examples, the first linkage 420 may be referred to as the outer single bar linkage, the second linkage 430 may be referred to as the inner single bar linkage, the third linkage 440 may be referred to as the inner dual bar linkage, and the fourth linkage 450 may be referred to as the outer dual bar linkage.

[0035]The first linkage 420 may be attached to the third linkage 440 and the second linkage 430 may be attached to the third linkage 440 and/or the fourth linkage 450. In one or more examples, the second linkage 430 is attached to the third linkage 440 and the fourth linkage 450. In addition, the first linkage 420 may be pivotably attached to the third linkage 440 at a fifth axis 462, the second linkage 430 may be pivotably attached to the fourth linkage 450 at a sixth axis 472, and the second linkage 430 may be further pivotably attached to the third linkage 440 at a seventh axis 482.

[0036]In one or more embodiments, the first linkage 420 is pivotably attached to the first chassis at the first axis 422 via a first pin 424, the second linkage 430 is pivotably attached to the first chassis at the second axis 432 via a second pin 434, the third linkage 440 is pivotably attached to the second chassis at the third axis 442 via a third pin 444, the fourth linkage 450 is pivotably attached to the second chassis at the fourth axis 452 via a fourth pin 454, the first linkage 420 is pivotably attached to the third linkage 440 at the fifth axis 462 via a fifth pin 464, the second linkage 430 is pivotably attached to the fourth linkage 450 at the sixth axis 472 via a sixth pin 474, and the second linkage 430 is pivotably attached to the third linkage 440 at the seventh axis 482 via a seventh pin 484.

[0037]In some embodiments, each of the first linkage 420 and the second linkage 430 independently has a single bar and each of the third linkage 440 and the fourth linkage 450 independently has dual bars. The single bar of the first linkage 420 is disposed between and pivotably attached to the dual bars of the third linkage 440. The single bar of the second linkage 430 is disposed between and pivotably attached to the dual bar of the third linkage 440. The single bar of the second linkage 430 is disposed between and pivotably attached to the dual bar of the fourth linkage 450.

[0038]In one or more embodiments, a pair of bushings may be disposed on each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh pins 424, 434, 444, 454, 464, 474, 484. For example, the hinge assembly 400 may have the following configurations, as shown throughout FIGS. 3A-3H, and labeled in FIGS. 3B, 3F, and 3H. A first pair of bushings 426a, 426b may be disposed on and around the first pin 424 such that the bushing 426a is disposed between an upper portion of the first linkage 420 and an upper portion of the receiver end chassis 410 and the bushing 426b is disposed between a lower portion of the first linkage 420 and a lower portion of the receiver end chassis 410. A second pair of bushings 436a, 436b may be disposed on and around the second pin 434 such that the bushing 436a is disposed between an upper portion of the second linkage 430 and an upper portion of the receiver end chassis 410 and the bushing 436b is disposed between a lower portion of the second linkage 430 and a lower portion of the receiver end chassis 410. A third pair of bushings 446a, 446b may be disposed on and around the third pin 444 such that the bushing 446a is disposed between an upper portion of the third linkage 440 and an upper portion of the stock end chassis 412 and the bushing 446b is disposed between a lower portion of the third linkage 440 and a lower portion of the stock end chassis 412. A fourth pair of bushings 456a, 456b may be disposed on and around the fourth pin 454 such that the bushing 456a is disposed between an upper portion of the fourth linkage 450 and an upper portion of the stock end chassis 412 and the bushing 456b is disposed between a lower portion of the fourth linkage 450 and a lower portion of the stock end chassis 412. A fifth pair of bushings 466a, 466b may be disposed on and around the fifth pin 464 such that the bushing 466a is disposed between the bar of the first linkage 420 and the upper bar of the third linkage 440 and the bushing 466b is disposed between the bar of the first linkage 420 and the lower bar of the third linkage 440. A sixth pair of bushings 476a, 476b may be disposed on and around the sixth pin 474 such that the bushing 476a is disposed between the bar of the second linkage 430 and the upper bar of the fourth linkage 450 and the bushing 476b is disposed between the second linkage 430 and the lower bar of the fourth linkage 450. A seventh pair of bushings 486a, 486b may be disposed on and around the seventh pin 484 such that the bushing 486a is disposed between the bar of the second linkage 430 and the upper bar of the third linkage 440 and the bushing 486b is disposed between the second linkage 430 and the lower bar of the third linkage 440.

[0039]In one or more embodiments, the receiver end chassis 410 and the stock end chassis 412 have one, two, or more indexing guides 490. FIGS. 3A-3H depict two indexing guides 490, an upper indexing guide 490 on the upper horizontal bars of the chassis 410, 412, and a lower indexing guide 490 on the lower horizontal bars of the chassis 410, 412, as labeled in FIG. 3B. Each of the indexing guides 490 contains an indexing notch 492 and an indexing appendix 494, and the indexing notch 492 is on one or the receiver end chassis 410 or the stock end chassis 412, and the indexing appendix 494 is on the receiver end chassis 410 or the stock end chassis 412 without the indexing notch. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3H, the indexing notch 492 is on one or the receiver end chassis 410, and the indexing appendix 494 is on the stock end chassis 412.

[0040]FIGS. 4-5 depict different perspective views of the receiver assembly 200, the hinge assembly 400, the latch system 500, and a tensioner 540 disposed on the firearm 100, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein. The hand grip 210 is configured to accept the hinge assembly 400 and at least a portion of the latch system 500. For example, the latch 510 may be coupled to the hand grip 210.

[0041]In one or more embodiments, the latch system 500 is configured to lock or otherwise maintain the stock assembly 300 in the unfolded position and also configured to unlock or otherwise release the stock assembly 300 into the folded position. The latch system 500 contains a latch 510 and a catch 530, as depicted in FIG. 4. The latch 510 may be coupled to and/or disposed on the receiver assembly 200, such as the hand grip 210. The latch 510 contains an indexing end 512 opposite a button end 514 with optional teeth or knurled features or surface. The catch 530 may be coupled to or disposed on the stock assembly 300. In some example, the catch 530 may be coupled to or disposed on the stock body 330 or other portion of the frame or structure of the stock assembly 300. For example, the catch 530 may be coupled to or disposed within a nook 332 on the stock body 330, as depicted in FIG. 5. The catch 530 contains a notch 532 on one end and an opening 534 on the other end. The opening 534 may be oval, acentric, elongated, round, or another geometric shape. In one or more examples, the opening 534 has an oval geometry or acentric geometry. The indexing end 512 is configured to mate or fit within the notch 532 when the stock assembly 300 is in the unfolded position.

[0042]In other embodiments, the latch system 500 further contains the tensioner 540 configured to adjust tension between the latch 510 and the catch 530. The tensioner 540 may contain one, two, or more threaded members 542, an acentric disc 544, and a locking nut 546. The latch system 500 also contains an actuator 520 (e.g., spring, clip) coupled or otherwise disposed between the latch 510 and the receiver assembly 200 (or the hand grip 210). The latch system 500 further contains a swivel pin 522 (e.g., detent, screw, bolt, pin) passing through a portion the latch 510 and configured to couple with the receiver assembly 200 (or the hand grip 210) and provide the latch 510 to swivel or otherwise move back and forth between positions for engaging or disengaging the indexing end 512 from the notch 532.

[0043]FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the stock assembly 300, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein. In one embodiment, the stock assembly 300 contains a stock clip 350 configured to engage and lock on the bolt handle 234 behind the bolt knob 236 when the stock assembly 300 is in the folded position and to disengage and unlock from the bolt knob 236 in order to remove the stock assembly 300 from the folded position before pivoting or swinging the stock assembly 300 into the unfolded position.

[0044]The stock clip 350 contains a clip member 352 with a lever or button surface 354 with optional teeth or knurled features and an engagement surface 356 is configured with a surface for engaging the bolt handle 234 and/or the bolt knob 236. The stock clip 350 further contains an actuator 360 (e.g., spring, clip) coupled or otherwise disposed between the clip member 352 and the stock assembly 300 (or the stock body 330). The stock clip 350 also contains a swivel pin 358 (e.g., detent, screw, bolt, pin) and a stop pin 348 (e.g., detent, screw, bolt, pin), each independently passes through a different portion of the clip member 352 and is configured to couple with the stock assembly 300 (or the stock body 330). The swivel pin 358 is configured to provide movement for the clip member 352, such as to swivel or otherwise move back and forth between positions for engaging or disengaging the surface 356 from the bolt handle 234 and/or the bolt knob 236. A slot 346 formed within the clip member 352 provides a track for the stop pin 348 in order to control the distance the clip member 352 can move towards the upper portion of the stock assembly 300 (in the direction of the cheek pad or riser 310).

[0045]FIGS. 7A-7C depict different views of the firearm 100 with the stock assembly 300 in the folded position, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein. The engagement surface 356 is depicted engaged or locked on the bolt handle 234 behind the bolt knob 236. The lever or button surface 354 is still accessible for disengaging the engagement surface 356 from the bolt handle 234 and the bolt knob 236 when desired to place the stock assembly 300 into the unfolded position.

[0046]FIGS. 8A-8C depict different views of a magnetic stabilizer 140 on the firearm 100, according to one or more embodiments described and discussed herein. The magnetic stabilizer 140 contains one, two, three, four, or more magnets disposed in or on the firearm 100. In one or more examples, the magnetic stabilizer 140 contains one, two, or more magnets 240 and/or one, two, or more magnets 340. The one or more magnets 240, 340 are positioned and configured to be magnetically attracted to another magnet and/or a magnetic surface (e.g., steel or iron-containing item or surface) when the stock assembly 300 is in the folded position. The one or more magnets 240, 340 provide further stability and less rattling of the stock assembly 300 against the receiver assembly 200. Each of the magnets 240, 340 may independently be or contain one or more of a rare earth magnet, a neodymium magnet, an iron or ferro magnet, or any combination thereof.

[0047]In one or more embodiments, the magnetic stabilizer 140 includes one, two, or more magnets 240 (or first magnets) disposed in or on the receiver assembly 200 and one, two, or more magnets 340 (or second magnets) disposed on or in the stock assembly 300, as depicted in FIGS. 8A-8C. In one or more examples, the receiver assembly 200 contains a pair of the magnets 240 and the stock assembly 300 contains a pair of the magnets 340. In FIG. 8C, the first and second magnets 240, 340 are aligned to magnetically attract each other when the stock assembly 300 is in the folded position. In one or more examples, the one or more magnets 240 may be disposed behind a panel 222 which is disposed on the receiver assembly 200. In some examples, the one or more magnets 340 may be disposed in or behind the cheek pad or riser 310 of the stock assembly 300, such as between the cheek pad or riser 310 and the stock body 330 or other part of the stock assembly 300. In other examples, the one or more magnets 340 may be disposed in the stock body 330 of the stock assembly 300.

[0048]In one or more embodiments, the firearm 100 is provided and contains a receiver assembly 200, a stock assembly 300, and a hinge assembly 400 coupled to and disposed between the receiver assembly 200 and the stock assembly 300. The hinge assembly 400 may contain a receiver end chassis 410 (e.g., first chassis) coupled to the receiver assembly 200 and a stock end chassis 412 (e.g., second chassis) coupled to the stock assembly 300. In some embodiments, the hinge assembly 400 may contain a plurality of linkages (collectively, 420, 430, 440, 450) disposed between the receiver end chassis 410 and the stock end chassis 412. In one or more embodiments, the hinge assembly 400 may contain a first linkage 420 pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis 410 at a first axis 422, a second linkage 430 pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis 410 at a second axis 432, a third linkage 440 pivotably attached to the stock end chassis 412 at a third axis 442, and a fourth linkage 450 pivotably attached to the stock end chassis 412 at a fourth axis 452. In some examples, the first linkage 420 may be attached to the third linkage 440, the second linkage 430 may be attached to the third linkage 440 and/or the fourth linkage 450.

[0049]In some embodiments, the firearm 100 is provided and contains the receiver assembly 200, the stock assembly 300 and the hinge assembly 400 coupled to and disposed between the receiver assembly 200 and the stock assembly 300. The hinge assembly 400 contains a receiver end chassis 410 coupled to the receiver assembly 200 and a stock end chassis 412 coupled to the stock assembly 300. The hinge assembly 400 also contains a first plurality of linkages pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis 410 and a second plurality of linkages pivotably attached to the stock end chassis 412. The first plurality of linkages is pivotably attached to the second plurality of linkages. In one or more embodiments, the first plurality of linkages contains a first linkage 420 pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis 410 at a first axis 422 and a second linkage 430 pivotably attached to the receiver end chassis 410 at a second axis 432. The second plurality of linkages contains a third linkage 440 pivotably attached to the stock end chassis 412 at a third axis 442 and a fourth linkage 450 pivotably attached to the stock end chassis 412 at a fourth axis 452. The first linkage 420 may be attached to the third linkage 440 and the second linkage 430 may be attached to the third linkage 440 and/or the fourth linkage 450.

[0050]In other embodiments, a hinge assembly 400 for use in a firearm or other device or product is provided and contains a first chassis 410 (or a receiver end chassis) and a second chassis 412 (or a stock end chassis). The hinge assembly 400 also contains a first linkage 420 pivotably attached to the first chassis at a first axis 422, a second linkage 430 pivotably attached to the first chassis at a second axis 432, a third linkage 440 pivotably attached to the second chassis at a third axis 442, and a fourth linkage 450 pivotably attached to the second chassis at a fourth axis 452. In one or more examples, the first linkage 420 is pivotably attached to the third linkage 440 at a fifth axis 462, the second linkage 430 is pivotably attached to the fourth linkage 450 at a sixth axis 472, and the second linkage 430 is further pivotably attached to the third linkage 440 at a seventh axis 482.

[0051]In some examples, the hinge assembly 400 may contain the first linkage 420 is pivotably attached to the first chassis at the first axis 422 via a first pin 424, the second linkage 430 is pivotably attached to the first chassis at the second axis 432 via a second pin 434, the third linkage 440 is pivotably attached to the second chassis at the third axis 442 via a third pin 444, the fourth linkage 450 is pivotably attached to the second chassis at the fourth axis 452 via a fourth pin 454, the first linkage 420 is pivotably attached to the third linkage 440 at the fifth axis 462 via a fifth pin 464, the second linkage 430 is pivotably attached to the fourth linkage 450 at the sixth axis 472 via a sixth pin 474, and the second linkage 430 is pivotably attached to the third linkage 440 at the seventh axis 482 via a seventh pin 484. In some examples, a pair of bushings disposed on each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh pins 424, 434, 444, 454, 464, 474, 484.

[0052]In other examples, each of the first linkage 420 and the second linkage 430 independently has a single bar and each of the third linkage 440 and the fourth linkage 450 independently has dual bars. The single bar of the first linkage 420 is disposed between and pivotably attached to the dual bars of the third linkage 440. The single bar of the second linkage 430 is disposed between and pivotably attached to the dual bar of the third linkage 440. The single bar of the second linkage 430 is disposed between and pivotably attached to the dual bar of the fourth linkage 450.

[0053]While the firearm 100 is illustrated as a bolt-action rifle throughout the Figures described and discussed herein, the hinge assembly 400 and/or the latch system 500 may be used on or with other types of receiver assemblies (besides the receiver assembly 200) and/or other types of stock assemblies (besides the stock assembly 300). For example, the hinge assembly 400 and/or the latch system 500 may be used on all types of firearms including rifles, shotguns, pistols with stocks, or submachine guns. Exemplary firearms may be or include bolt-action rifles, lever-action rifles, break-open, semi-automatic rifles, select fire or fully-automatic fire rifles, pump-action shotguns, semi-automatic shotguns, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), pistols with stocks, any other types of firearms.

[0085]While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. All documents described herein are incorporated by reference herein, including any priority documents and/or testing procedures to the extent they are not inconsistent with this text. As is apparent from the foregoing general description and the specific embodiments, while forms of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited thereby. Likewise, whenever a composition, an element, or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that the same composition or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting essentially of”, “consisting of”, “selected from the group of consisting of”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element, or elements and vice versa, are contemplated.

[0086]Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical minimum values and a set of numerical maximum values. It should be appreciated that ranges including the combination of any two values, e.g., the combination of any minimum value with any maximum value, the combination of any two minimum values, and/or the combination of any two maximum values are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain minimum values, maximum values, and ranges appear in one or more claims below.