DEPLOYABLE AND RETRACTABLE BUTTSTOCK

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 63/745,744, filed January 15, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to firearm buttstocks. More particularly the present invention relates a deployable and retractable buttstock.

[0003] Collapsible or adjustable buttstocks for compact rifles and personal-defense-weapon platforms typically rely on manual manipulation of one or more latches to release a buffer tube and then manually position the stock at a desired length. Many known systems employ discrete stop features along a tube or rail and a spring-biased detent or pin to capture positions. In practice, manual deployment can be slow or inconsistent under stress, binding can occur at interfaces between latch members and mating slots, and over-deployment may occur if the user fails to arrest travel at the intended position. Serviceability can also be limited: internal components such as pins, cams, or springs may require specialized tools or partial disassembly of the firearm receiver for access.

[0004] Conventional arrangements that separate the release function (latch) from the capture function (detent/pin) can produce non-repeatable deployment lengths, especially when the user must arrest motion by feel. Over-deployment or hard stops at full extension may result in impact forces that accelerate wear of latch faces, pins, or riding surfaces. Further, alignment sensitivities between a latch locking member and a tube slot can contribute to friction or binding during transitions, particularly when tolerance stacks or debris are present. Many designs also limit maintenance by enclosing biasing members and cam or lever interfaces behind structural caps that are not intended for tool-less removal.

[0005] There is a need for buttstock assemblies provide a repeatable, user-selectable auto-deployment length and promote smooth transitions between the stowed state and the deployed state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In view of the above, a deployable and retractable firearm buttstock is disclosed. The deployable and retractable firearm buttstock is configured to auto-deploy to a user preset length and may be adjustable therefrom.

[0007] In one aspect, a buttstock assembly for a firearm is provided that transitions between a stowed state and a deployed state using coordinated interactions among a stock housing, a spring-biased buffer tube, a front latch, an adjustable stop, a primary pin assembly, and a cam cartridge assembly. The stock housing includes a buffer-tube receptacle and a bottom cavity that houses the cam cartridge and primary pin assemblies, and may be closed by a removable bottom cavity cap. The buffer tube is biased toward deployment by a compression member and carries a front stop and slot features that cooperate with the front latch for secure stowage and controlled release. Axially spaced stop-engagement features along the buffer tube allow the primary pin assembly to capture discrete deployed positions.

[0008] In operation, depressing the front latch clears its locking member from the buffer-tube front stop, allowing the compression member to drive the buffer tube forward. During this auto-deployment, the adjustable stop, pre-positioned at a selected stop-engagement feature, interacts with a cam member of the cam cartridge assembly. The cam simultaneously disengages the primary pin assembly from its compressed, locked condition and permits the primary pin’s top end to rise into the nearest stop-engagement feature, thereby fixing the buffer tube at a stable deployed position. The cam further limits over-deployment by engaging the adjustable stop when the buffer tube reaches the preset travel, defining a repeatable auto-deployment length.

[0009] Returning the buttstock to the stowed state is accomplished by depressing and rotating a primary lever coupled to the primary pin assembly while urging the buffer tube rearward. This action compresses the primary-pin compression member, lowers the primary pin from the engaged stop feature, and drives the adjustable stop past the cam riding surface. The cam’s compression member then rotates the cam to re-engage the primary pin assembly in a compressed lock condition. As the buffer tube continues rearward, tapered riding surfaces on the buffer-tube front stop and the front latch cooperate to re-engage the latch automatically, securing the buffer tube within the stock housing in the stowed state. Incremental changes in deployed length can be achieved by momentarily depressing the primary lever to release the primary pin and allowing it to reseat in a different stop-engagement feature, without altering the adjustable stop setting.

[0010] In another aspect, the bottom cavity cap is configured for tool-less serviceability. Rails or grooves constrain the cap in two axes while permitting axial sliding only when a spring-biased button member, operatively associated with the primary pin assembly, is depressed to remove an interference that otherwise blocks cap translation. Once the cap is removed, the cam cartridge assembly and primary pin assembly can be extracted for maintenance or replacement.

[0011] The assembly may be realized with alternative geometries and materials suited to lightweight, robust firearm accessories, and the buffer tube may be tubular, solid, or partial-tube constructions. Latch, cam, and spring elements can be implemented with equivalent mechanical structures that provide the described functions. The system affords smooth transitions between states via tapered riding surfaces, repeatable auto-deployment to a user-selected travel, discrete multi-position capture via the primary pin, and convenient service access via the bottom cavity cap and button arrangement.

[0012] As used herein, “stowed state” means the buffer tube is fully within the stock-housing receptacle with the front latch assembly in a locked position and the cam member retaining the primary pin assembly in a compressed state.

[0013] As used herein, “deployed state” means the buffer tube is extended with the primary pin top end seated in one of the stop engagement features and the front latch locking member residing within the buffer tube slot.

[0014] As used herein, “auto-deployment length” means the axial displacement from the stowed state to the position at which the adjustable stop is engaged by the cam member’s adjustable-stop engagement portion to halt spring-driven travel of the buffer tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In the accompanying figures, like elements are identified by like reference numerals among the several preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 1 illustrates a deployable buttstock in stowed state.

[0017]FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal cross-section of a deployable buttstock in stowed state.

[0018]FIG. 3–4 illustrate a deployable buttstock deployment sequence.

[0019]FIG. 5–7 illustrate a deployable buttstock deployment sequence.

[0020]FIG. 8–12 illustrate a deployable buttstock stowing sequence.

[0021]FIG. 13–18 illustrate a deployable buttstock tool-less cap removal.

[0022] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar structures have similar reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0024]FIGS. 1-2 represent the buttstock assembly 10 in a stowed state. As shown in FIG. 1 and the cross-section of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 the buttstock assembly 10 comprises a stock housing 100, a buffer tube 200 disposed within stock housing 100, a buffer tube compression member 202 disposed within stock housing 100 and coupled to buffer tube 200, an adjustable stop 300 coupled to buffer tube 200, a primary pin assembly 400 disposed within the stock housing 100, a primary pin compression member 410 disposed within the stock housing 100 and coupled to the primary pin assembly 400, a cam cartridge assembly 500 disposed with the stock housing 100, a bottom cavity cap 112 coupled to the stock housing 100, a primary lever 600 rotatably coupled to the stock housing 100 and coupled to the primary pin assembly 400, and a front latch assembly 700 rotatably coupled to a front portion of the stock housing 100.

[0025] The stock housing 100 comprises stock housing front end 102, a stock housing rear end 104, a stock housing buffer tube receptacle 106 spanning from the stock housing front end 102 to the stock housing rear end 104 having a stock housing buffer tube opening 108 disposed in the stock housing front end 102, a stock housing bottom cavity 110, disposed beneath the stock housing buffer tube receptacle 106 proximal the stock housing front end 102, at least one front lever coupling member 118, disposed beneath the stock housing buffer tube receptacle 106 proximal the stock housing front end 102, and at least one primary lever coupling member 406 disposed beneath the stock housing buffer tube receptacle 106 distal the front lever coupling member 118 in between the stock housing front end 102 and the stock housing rear end 104. The front lever coupling member 118 and primary lever coupling member 406 may comprise pins extending from the stock housing 100 or may be an opening in the stock housing 100 having a mated fastener. The stock housing buffer tube receptacle 106 comprises a hollow tube configured to accommodate the buffer tube compression member 202 disposed within the tube bound by the stock housing rear end 104, and the buffer tube 200.

[0026] The buffer tube 200 comprises an buffer tube front end 204 configured to couple to a firearm, a buffer tube rear end 206 configured to couple to the buffer tube compression member 202, a buffer tube front stop 208 configured to engage with the front latch assembly 700, a buffer tube slot 210 extending from the buffer tube front stop 208 configured to accommodate with a portion of the front latch assembly 700, a plurality of stop engagement features 212 (including but not limited to depressions, slots or openings) disposed along the length of the buffer tube slot 210. The buffer tube front end 204 may be threaded or comprise additional snap engagement features or fastener features common to firearms. The plurality of stop engagement features 212 are configured to accommodate the adjustable stop 300 and the primary pin assembly 400 and restrict movement of the adjustable stop 300 and primary pin assembly 400 along the X, Y, and positive Z axis. In some aspects, the buffer tube front stop 208 additionally comprises a tapered riding surface 214 configured to facilitate the transition of the buffer tube from the deployed state to the stowed state. While shown and described as a tube primarily for weight and portability purposes, one of skill in the art would recognize that the tube may be a solid rod or a partial tube.

[0027] The adjustable stop 300 comprises an adjustable stop stopping member 302 configured to mate with a buffer tube stop engagement feature 212, an adjustable stop flange 304 configured to align to the buffer tube 200, and an adjustable stop cam engagement feature 306 configured to engage with cam cartridge assembly 500 to stop accidental deployment or removal of the buffer tube 200 from the stock housing 100.

[0028] The primary pin assembly 400 comprises a primary pin top end 402 configured to mate with one of the plurality of stop engagement features 212, a primary pin bottom end 404 configured to accommodate the primary pin compression member 410, a primary lever coupling member 406 extending from the primary pin assembly 400 configured to extend outside of the stock housing 100 and couple to the primary lever 600, and a primary pin cam interference member 408 configured to engage with the cam cartridge assembly 500.

[0029]The cam cartridge assembly 500 comprises a cam cartridge housing 502, a cam member 504 rotatably coupled to the cam cartridge housing 502, and a cam compression member 506 coupled to the cam cartridge housing 502 and the cam member 504. The cam compression member 506 is configured to provide a force on the cam member 504 and rotate the cam member 504 into a locking position. The cam member 504, comprises a cam primary pin engagement member 508, a cam primary pin riding surface 510, a cam adjustable stop riding surface 512, and a cam adjustable stop engagement member 514.

[0030] The primary lever 600 comprises a depression handle 602 disposed at a rear end of the primary lever, a primary lever coupling feature 604 disposed centrally along the length of the primary lever 600, and a primary pin engagement slot 606 disposed at the front end of the primary lever 600.

[0031] The front latch assembly 700 comprises a front latch depression surface 702, a front latch locking member 704 extending inwardly from the front latch depression surface 702, a front latch compression member 706 coupled to the inner portion of the front latch depression surface 702, and the stock housing front end 102. The front latch compression member 706 is configured to provide a force on the interior of the front latch depression surface 702 and rotate the front latch locking member 704 into a locking position. The front latch locking member 704 having tapered front latch riding surface 708 configured to facilitate the transition of the buffer tube from the deployed state to the stowed state.

[0032]In the stowed state, the buffer tube 200 is disposed into the stock housing buffer tube receptacle 106 fully compressing the buffer tube compression member 202, the front latch assembly 700 is rotated into locked position, the cam member 504 is rotated into a primary pin lock position, and the primary pin assembly 400 is locked in a compressed state. The buffer tube 200 is constrained in its rear position the front latch locking member 704 interferes with the buffer tube front stop 208. Further, the primary pin assembly 400 and cam cartridge assembly 500 are constrained and held in the stock housing bottom cavity 110 by the bottom cavity cap 112 coupled to the stock housing 100.

[0033] In operation and in a transition state to the deployed state, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, the front latch depression surface 702 is depressed, rotating the front latch locking member 704 downwards, clearing the interference with the buffer tube front stop 208. Once the interference is cleared, the compression force of the buffer tube compression member 202, drives the buffer forward. As shown in FIG. 5-7, as the buffer tube 200 is being deployed, the force of the buffer tube compression member 202 drives adjustable stop flange 304 into the cam adjustable stop riding surface 512, rotating the cam member 504 and compressing the cam compression member 506, causing the cam adjustable stop riding surface 512 to be constrained by the adjustable stop flange 304, the cam adjustable stop engagement member 514 to interfere with adjustable stop cam engagement feature 306 stopping buffer tube 200 over deployment, the cam primary pin engagement member 508 to disengage from the primary pin cam interference member 408 allowing the primary pin compression member 410 to expand and drive the primary pin top end 402 to engage with the closest stop engagement feature 212. In this deployed state, the primary pin cam interference member 408 engages with the cam primary pin riding surface 510 while the front latch locking member 704 resides in the in the buffer tube slot 210.

[0034] In order to return the buttstock assembly 10 to the stowed state, as shown in FIGS. 8-12 the primary lever 600 is depressed and rotated while a compressive force is applied to the stock housing rear end 104, driving the primary pin bottom end 404 to compress the primary pin compression member 410, lowering the primary pin top end 402 out of the stop engagement feature 212. This process drives the primary pin cam interference member 408 below the cam primary pin engagement member 508 while the adjustable stop 300 is being driven towards the stock housing rear end 104. As the adjustable stop 300 moves past the cam adjustable stop riding surface 512, and no longer constrains it, the cam compression member 506, drives the cam member 504 to rotate lowering the cam adjustable stop engagement member 514 and rotating the cam primary pin engagement member 508 to engage with the primary pin cam interference member 408 constraining the primary pin assembly 400 back into the compressed position. In a final step, while the buffer tube 200 is being driven towards the stock housing rear end 104, the buffer tube front stop 208 engages with the tapered front latch riding surface 708, the force of which compresses the front latch compression member 706, lowering the front latch locking member 704 until the interference is cleared. Once the interference is cleared, the front latch compression member 706 expands raising the front latch locking member 704 to constrain the buffer tube 200 once again. A user may make incremental deployments up until the adjustable stop 300 by depressing the primary lever 600 and depressing the primary pin top end 402 just enough to lower the primary pin top end 402 out of a buffer tube stop engagement feature 212 and allowing the buffer tube 200 to travel such that the primary pin top end 402 can expand to a different buffer tube stop engagement feature 212.

[0035] In operation the adjustable stop 300 is mated to the a buffer tube stop engagement feature 212 prior to assembly of the buffer tube 200 into the stock housing 100. As shown in FIG. 7 the buffer tube 200 will only deploy until the cam adjustable stop engagement member 514 interferes with the adjustable stop 300. In order to control the auto-deployment length of the buffer tube 200, the adjustable stop 300 can be mated to different stop engagement features 212 arranged axially along the buffer tube 200. For example, to achieve the longest auto-deployment length, the adjustable stop 300 is mated to the a stop engagement feature 212 closest to the buffer tube rear end 206 and to achieve the shortest auto-deployment length, , the adjustable stop 300 is mated to the a stop engagement feature 212 closest to the buffer tube front end 204. This allows for a user to customize the deployment length prior to assembly.

[0036] In some aspects of the invention, the bottom cavity cap 112 is coupled to the stock housing 100 using snaps, or common fasteners. In an another example as shown in FIGS. 13-14, the bottom cavity cap 112 is coupled to the stock housing 100 through a plurality of grooves or rails 114 that constrain movement in the z and y direction but allow for movement along the x direction. In this example the x direction movement is constrained by the primary pin assembly 400. The primary pin bottom end 404, abuts a primary pin button member 412. A portion of the primary pin button member 412 is disposed in a bottom cavity cap opening 116 and a portion is disposed in the stock housing bottom cavity 110. As shown in FIG. 4, the primary pin button member 412 in constrained from movement in the x/y direction by the stock housing bottom cavity 110 and the cam cartridge assembly 500. The primary pin button member 412 is constrained along the z direction by the primary pin compression member 410 the primary pin compression member 410 which biases the primary pin button member 412 into the bottom cavity cap opening 116 thereby causing an interference constraining motion of the bottom cavity cap 112 in the x direction. In operation as shown in FIGS. 15-18 the bottom cavity cap 112 can be removed by compressing the primary pin button member 412 into the stock housing bottom cavity 110 thereby removing the bottom cavity cap 112 x direction constraint and allowing the bottom cavity cap 112 slide off in the x direction. Once removed, the primary pin assembly 400 and the cam cartridge assembly 500 can be removed.

[0037] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the aforementioned description of the invention has been made with reference to a certain exemplary embodiment of the invention, which describe a deployable buttstock and method of use. Those of skill in the art will understand that obvious variations in construction, material, dimensions or properties may be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is intended to be limited only by the claims appended hereto.