Method and Apparatus for Providing a Module for Firearm Modification via an Existing Firing Control Unit

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/225,621, filed on Jul. 24, 2023 in the name of the same inventor and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Providing A Module for Firearm Modification via An Existing Control Unit,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/361,078, filed on Jun. 28, 2021 in the name of the same inventor and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Providing A Module for Firearm Modification via An Existing Control Unit,” issued as a U.S. Patent with U.S. Pat. No. 11,815,322, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/900,524, filed on Feb. 20, 2018 in the name of the same inventor and entitled “Method and Grip Module for Firearm Modification Using A Firing Control Unit,” issued as a U.S. Patent with U.S. Pat. No. 11,047,639, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/892,397, filed on Feb. 8, 2018 in the name of the same inventor and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Providing a Grip Module able to House a Firing Control Unit,” which further claims the benefit of priority based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/456,490, filed on Feb. 8, 2017 in the name of the same inventor and entitled “Firearm Grip Module,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/456,499, filed on Feb. 8, 2017 in the name of the same inventor and entitled “Firearm Grip Module Conversion.”

The U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/900,524 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/892,410, filed on Feb. 9, 2018 in the name of the same inventor and entitled “Method and Grip Module for Firearm Modification Using a Firing Control Unit.”

All of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The embodiments of present invention relate to firearms. More specifically, the present invention relates to firearm kits and existing FCUs.

A conventional gun, such as a rifle and/or pistol containing a striker is able to strike the casing of ammunition to ignite the primer and discharge the projectile. For example, when a trigger of pistol is pulled, the sear releases the striker, allowing the striker spring to displace the striker forward so that the striker strikes the ammunition to launch a bullet. Typically, the guns include different types of firearms which include, but not limited to, semiautomatic rifles (i.e., Ruger SR-556, Smith & Wesson M&P15-22, CMMG Mk47 Mutant), bullpup firearms (i.e., Kel-Tec KSG, Kel-Tec RDB, MI7S556), and/or machine guns (i.e., TEC 9, NP9, Honey Badger PDW).

A problem associated with the conventional guns is that the components of the different types of the guns are not interchangeable.

A firearm assembly, capable of firing bullets, includes a firearm assembly kit and a firing control unit (“FCU”). The FCU, in one embodiment, is disassembled from a handgun which is operable by one hand and capable of initiating firing a bullet when a trigger of the FCU is pulled. The firearm assembly kit is configured to house the FCU to form an operable firearm resembling a semiautomatic rifle operable by two hands. The kit includes a grip module and an extended firing slide (“EFS”). The grip module includes a handgrip, an FCU housing, a trigger guard, and a magazine port, wherein the trigger guard is situated between the handgrip and the magazine port which is located in front of the handgrip away from a user. The EFS facilitates firing of bullets passing through a magazine inserted in the magazine port via an extended firing pin in accordance with the FCU firing mechanism.

Additional features and benefits of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, figures and claims set forth below.

Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention is described herein in the context of a method, system and apparatus of modifying a firearm using a grip module or a firearm kit via an existing FCU.

Those of ordinary skills in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiment(s) is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the exemplary embodiment(s) as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “exemplary embodiment,” “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “exemplary aspect,” “various aspects,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application-and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be understood that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skills in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Various embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Rather, the dimensions of the various features may be expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or method.

As used herein, the singular forms of article “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

One embodiment of the presently claimed invention discloses a modified firearm or a firearm assembly capable of firing bullets. The firearm assembly includes a firearm assembly kit and a firing control unit (“FCU”). The FCU, in one embodiment, is disassembled from a handgun which is operable by one hand and capable of initiating firing a bullet when a trigger of the FCU is pulled. The firearm assembly kit is configured to house the FCU to form an operable firearm resembling a semiautomatic rifle operable by two hands. The kit includes a grip module and an extended firing slide (“EFS”). The grip module includes a handgrip, an FCU housing, a trigger guard, and a magazine port, wherein the trigger guard is situated between the handgrip and the magazine port which is located in front of the handgrip away from a user. The EFS facilitates firing of bullets passing through a magazine inserted in the magazine port via an extended firing pin.

In an alternative embodiment, a firearm assembly resembling a bullpup-shaped rifle (“BSR”) or ArmaLite rifle (“AR”) is assembled using a kit and an existing FCU. The BSR or AR shaped assembly is able to expel an object such as a bullet. In some embodiments, the BSR includes an FCU, grip module, bullpup rear attachment, and bolt and barrel assembly. The FCU is a serialized trigger mechanism capable of initiating launching a directional object when a trigger of the FCU is pulled. The grip module which contains a grip, FCU housing, and rear stabilizing connector, wherein the FCU housing is configured to house a removable FCU. The bullpup rear attachment which is coupled to the rear stabilizing connector for enhancing stability is configured to have a magazine port for receiving a magazine. The bolt and barrel assembly which is situated above the magazine port inside of the bullpup rear attachment behind the FCU facilitates the firing of the object. In one aspect, the BSR also includes an upper receiver configured to couple to the grip module for enclosing the FCU and the bolt and barrel assembly between the upper receiver and the grip module.

is a diagramillustrating a grip module and FCU in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram, in some embodiments, includes a grip module, FCU, internal components, and upper receiver. Internal componentsincludes, but not limited to, a slide, a barrel, a barrel block, a bolt, and/or return spring. Grip module, in one example, can also be referred to as bottom receiver or lower receiver. It should be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention would not change if one or more components (or elements) were added to or removed from diagram.

Grip module, in some embodiments, includes a handle or grip, an FCU housing, a rear stabilizing connector, and a trunnion. Gripcan be resized to better accommodate smaller or larger hands of a user. In one example, gripis configured to be hollow capable of receiving a magazine of ammunition. It should be noted that gripcan be designed to a grip similar to a particular model of firearm. FCU housing, in some embodiments, is configured to FCU or FCU module. In an alternative embodiment, grip moduleis configured to accept any one or more of the upper components of the original firearm (such as the barrel, barrel block, bolt, strike, and/or slide) in addition to FCU module. For the forgoing discussion, the terms “FCU” and “FCU module” are referring to the similar component(s) and they can be used interchangeably.

Rear stabilizing connector, in some embodiments, is configured to accommodate an arm brace, buttstock, or check rest attachment. For example, grip modulecan be designed as a Short Barrel Rifle (“SBR”), which would convert a pistol or rifle to an SBR or act as an alternative grip module for an existing SBR. In one aspect, the rear attachment, such as an arm brace, check rest, or buttstock, is configured to be optionally added or removed from rear stabilizing connector. In another aspect, the rear attachment such as buttstock could be designed to be stationary or collapsing, and could also be designed to incorporate a spare magazine holster. A function of the rear attachment such as an arm brace or buttstock is to provide stability of the modified assembly during a firing operation.

Upper receiver, in some embodiments, is configured to take the form of an upper receiver with the option of a mounting point, a dust cover, which could use the upper components from the original firearm or new components, a trunnion, or a stationary rail. For example, upper receivercontains scope latches-which will be used to secure a scope for aiming. Upper receiver, in one example, includes an opening for the movement of a bolt and bolt carrier associated with firearm cocking as indicated by numeral. Upper receiverfurther includes a serial displaying window which will be used to show the original serial number of FCU when FCU is inserted into FCU housing.

An advantage of employing grip module is that it provides accessory options, capability enhancements, customization options, and other options not available on the otherwise available firearms.

illustrates an arm braceand a magazine holster check restcapable of being attached to the rear stabilizing connector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Arm brace, in one example, can be connected to the rear stabilizing connector of the grip module for providing stability. A stripwhich can be part of arm braceis used to provide additional stability support. Check rest, in some embodiments, can be a magazine holster for carrying additional ammunition. Alternatively, check restcan be a solid piece for check resting. It should be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention would not change if one or more components (or elements) were added to or removed from diagramsor.

illustrates diagrams-showing rear attachments capable of being attached to the grip module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagramillustrates a buttstockattached to grip moduleor lower receiver. In one aspect, buttstockis removable but it is stationary when it is connected. Diagramshows an alternative type of buttstock which can be similar to buttstock. Diagramillustrates a modified assembly containing barrel, grip module, and buttstock. In one aspect, buttstockis collapsible by holding buttstockin 180 degrees. It should be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention would not change if one or more components (or elements) were added to or removed from diagrams-.

is a diagramillustrating a conversion process using the same FCU with different bodies in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagramincludes a pistoland a modified assemblywhich is configured to resemble as an MP9 (maschinenpistol 9 mm) like submachine gun. In some embodiments, modified assemblyis configured to incorporate usage of FCUwhich is the same or substantially the same as FCUused in pistol. It should be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention would not change if one or more components (or elements) were added to or removed from diagram.

Pistol, in some embodiments, includes FCU, pistol receiver, magazine, and internal componentswhich includes a slide, barrel, and return spring. Pistol, in one example, can be the Glock model 17 which can be easily disassembled to separate FCUfrom pistol. FCU, in one embodiment, can be refitted into modified assemblyas indicated by numeral.

Modified assembly, in one embodiment, includes a grip module, magazine, internal components, upper receiver, and FCUwhich is similar or the same as FCU. Internal componentsincludes, but not limited to, a slide, a barrel, a barrel block, a bolt, and/or return spring. Grip module includes a rear stabilizing connector which is used to couple to a buttstock. It should be noted that when modified assemblyis assembled with FCU, the assembly should resemble a semiautomatic machine gun such as MP9.

An advantage of using a grip module is that it facilitates a conversion from a pistol like firearm to a rifle or machine gun like firearm using similar FCU modules.

is a diagramillustrating a bullpup-shaped rifle (“BSR”) using the grip module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagramincludes a grip module, FCU, upper receiver, bolt and barrel assembly, and barrel. Grip module, in some embodiments, includes a BSR buttstock. It should be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention would not change if one or more components (or elements) were added to or removed from diagram.

Grip module, in one aspect, includes a grip or handle, FCU housing or cavity for housing FCU, trunnion, and rear stabilizing connector. Grip module, in some embodiments, is structured to include at least a portion of lower receiver for a pistol, Small Barrel Rifle (“SBR”), and/or self-loading semiautomatic rifle. It should be noted that the grip module such as grip moduleis designed to accept an FCU module such as FCUin such a way that the ammunition loading port(s) and/or ammunition type(s) can be deviated from the originally designated port(s) associated with the FCU when it is manufactured.

An SBR, or short barrel rifle is a type of rifle with relatively short barrel(s). For example, an SBR may have a barrel shorter than 16″ or smaller than 26″ overall length of SBR. Another type of firearm that is similar to SBR is bullpup rifle or Short Barrel Shotgun both of which have relatively short barrels.

The BSR, in one aspect, includes an FCU, grip module, bullpup rear attachment, and bolt and barrel assembly, and is capable of firing an object such as a bullet. FCUis configured to be a serialized trigger mechanism capable of initiating launching a directional object when a trigger is pulled. Grip modulefurther contains a grip, FCU housing, and rear stabilizing connector, wherein the FCU housing is configured to house a removable FCU such as FCU.

Bullpup rear attachment, coupled to the rear stabilizing connector, is used to enhance overall stability of the BSR. In one example, bullpup rear attachmentis configured to have a magazine portfor receiving a magazine. The magazine, in one example, is a vessel or receptacle for housing ammunition. Bolt and barrel assemblyis situated above magazine portinside attachmentfor facilitating firing of the object. In one example, bolt and barrel assemblyis physically situated behind FCU.

The BSR further includes an upper receiver configured to couple to grip modulecapable of enclosing FCUas well as assemblybetween upper receiverand grip module. Upper receiverincludes scope latchescapable of receiving a scope for target aiming and a charging handle. FCUcontains an original serial number for identifying FCU and/or firearm. Grip modulecontains a serial number window which is located in such a way that when FCUis inserted in the FCU housing of grip module, the original serial number of FCUdisplays through the serial number window. Grip module, in some embodiments, can be fabricated by one of aluminum, zinc, alloy, composite materials, and pressure resistance plastics. Grip moduleincludes a trunnion, barrel block, or receiver which are used to receive or attach a barrelcoupling to grip module.

An advantage of using grip moduleis that it enable to a user to convert from a pistol to a semiautomatic machine gun or rifle or vice versa.

is a diagramillustrating a carbine-like rifle using a grip module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagramincludes grip moduleand buttstock. In one aspect, bolt and barrel assemblyis situated in the vicinity of FCU. A carbine rifle is a relatively long gun with a medium range barrel which is generally shorter than a rifle. A carbine rifle, such as M4 carbine, is a version of rifle capable of firing rifle ammunition as well as pistol ammunition. It should be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention would not change if one or more components (or elements) were added to or removed from diagram.

In operation, grip module or lower receiveris configured to house FCUas well as bolt and barrel assembly. Barrelcan be coupled to bolt & barrel assemblyusing either a bolt block, lower receiver, and/or assembly. Upper receiver, which can perform a function of dusk cover and/or stationary rail, is coupled to lower receiver. A benefit of using the embodiment of grip module or lower receiveris that it facilitates converting a hand gun to a carbine-like rifle using some components of the hand gun such as FCU.

is a diagramillustrating a grip module capable of housing one or more FCUs in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagramillustrates a semiautomatic firearm assembly able to expel ammunition. The firearm assembly includes FCU, grip module, upper receiver, and bullpup rear attachment. FCU, in some embodiments, controls firing sequence. Grip modulecontains a grip, first FCU housing or primary FCU location referenced by numeral, second FCU housing or secondary FCU location referenced by numeral, third FCU housing or tertiary FCU location referenced by numeral, and rear stabilizing connector. The rear stabilizing connector is used to couple to a bullpup rear attachment or buttstock.

First FCU housing or primary FCU location is situated above the trigger, and second FCU housing or secondary FCU location is situated in behind of the trigger. It should be noted that barrel of a gun is referred as the front of gun and buttstock is referred to as the back of the gun. Also, the direct against the gravity is referred to as up or above and the direct with the gravity is referred to as low or below. Third FCU housing or tertiary FCU location is situated in the front of the trigger, wherein the first, second, and third FCU housings are capable of housing one or more FCU modules which can be used to facilitate launching one or more types of ammunition substantially the same time.

In some embodiments, the primary FCU location or primary FCU module location is configured to be above the trigger, and the secondary FCU location or FCU module location is situated to be forward of the trigger. The tertiary FCU module location or FCU location is rearward of the trigger as indicated by numeral. In some aspects, grip moduleis designed to accept an FCU module at any two of the primary, secondary, and tertiary FCU module locations. Grip module, in one embodiment, utilizes a single external trigger to actuate one or more FCUs situated in the FCU module locations referenced by numbers-. Grip module, in an alternative embodiment, utilizes a single external trigger to actuate three FCUs situated in the FCU module locations referenced by numbers-.

Alternatively, different FCU can be configured to control firing different caliber of bullets. For example, the first FCU may be used to fire 50 caliber (“50 cal”) while the second FCU may be used to control filing of 5.56 millimeters (“mm”). It should be noted that Caliber (Cal) is the diameter of a firearm's bore. For example, “50 cal” is a 0.50 inch caliber, or a half-inch in diameter. Also, 9 mm, 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm are usually referring to the diameter of the bore and bullet that goes through it.

An advantage of using more than one FCU modules or using one FCU module control multiple types of ammunition is to allow a user to launch a grenade, missile, and/or drone while keeping firing of bullets.

is a diagramillustrating a modified assembly having a grip module and upper receiver in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram, in one embodiment, is similar to diagramexcept that the upper receiver and lower receiver (or grip module) are in closed formation. In one aspect, the modified assembly can be used to convert a pistol to a bullpup-like rifle using some of the pistol's components such as the FCU or vice versa.

is a diagram illustrating cut-open illustrations of an MP9 like gunand bullpup rifle with grenade launcher (or semiautomatic machine gun)showing internal components in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. MP9 like gunillustrates a boltand a barrel blockwherein barrel blockis used to anchor a barrel, not shown in. In some embodiments, the grip module such as grip moduleis designed to accept variable sized barrels for different sized ammunition. Grip modulecontaining a grip is capable of receiving a magazineto facilitate burst firing of bullets.

Machine gunincludes a gun portionand a grenade launcherwherein gun portionincludes a grip module, barrel, and bullet(s). Grenade launcherincludes grenade(s)and launcher barrel. In some aspects, FCU(s)can be in gun portion, launcher, or both depending on the configuration of FCU(s). For example, gunincludes a bullpup rifle portioncontaining barreland grenade launcherwith a barrel. It should be noted that grenade launchercan launch grenades, drones, missiles, and/or cannons.

Grip module, in one example, is designed to accept barrels-for various sized ammunition such as grenadeand bullet. In one embodiment, grip moduleaccepts a barrel at the Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary FCU module location as well as two or three barrels simultaneously. Alternatively, grip moduleoris designed to convert the slide or bolt carrier of the original firearm into a bolt carrier or slide. Grip moduleoris designed to use the FCU module as a triggering device that activates a firing apparatus. It should be noted that grip module such as grip moduleis capable of permitting the FCU module such as FCUto activate one or more types of ammunition substantially concurrent.

An advantage of using the grip module is to increase the versatility of firearm using a portion of existing components such as FCU(s).

In some embodiments, gunincludes a semiautomatic firearm assembly able to expel or fire bullets and/or grenades. Gunincludes an FCU moduleand grip module. FCU moduleis configured to be a serialized trigger mechanism capable of initiating launching one or more directional objects such as bullets and grenade when a trigger is pulled. FCU module, in one embodiment, includes a single FCU configured to control both bullet and grenade firings. Alternatively, FCU moduleincludes two FCUs wherein one FCU is used to fire bulletswhile another FCU is used to launch grenades. It should be noted that additional FCUs may be used to control additional types of ammunition.

Gunfurther includes an upper receiver configured to couple to the grip module such as grip modulefor enclosing the FCU, bolt and barrel assembly between the upper receiver and the grip module. Note that the FCU situated in the grip module is able to select one of multiple types of ammunition. In some embodiments, the FCU situated in the first FCU housing is actuated via a triggering system for firing a bullet while the FCU situated in the second FCU housing is actuated via the triggering system for launching a grenade.

are diagrams-illustrating exemplary firearms capable of using grip modules in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the illustrated firearms are self-loading rifles or machine guns. Self-loading or automatic loading semiautomatic firearm can be referred to as automatic loading of ammunition in response to the prior firing. It should be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention would not change if one or more guns (or elements) were added to or removed from diagrams-.

Diagramillustrates a bullpup or bullpup like rifle capable of firing ammunition continuously using self-loading mechanism. Embodiments of grip module can be employed to convert between a hand gun and a bullpup like rifle using certain shared components such as FCU module(s). A benefit of using the embodiment(s) of the grip module is to enable a user to interchange certain components such FCU module(s) between pistols, rifles, and machine guns.