Multi-use block quick transitioning equipment support interface handguard

Abstract

A multi-use block (MUB) quick-transitioning (QT) handguard body includes an upper surface of the body configured to engage with and to secure equipment to the body. A channel is configured through the body for maintaining a firearm barrel. A bottom surface is configured with a support mounting interface. A rear surface of the body is configured for attachment to a firearm handguard mounting system. The body is configured with one or more accessory attachment points.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-use block (MUB) quick-transitioning (QT) handguard, comprising:
 a body comprising:
 an upper surface of the body configured to engage with and to secure equipment to the body; 
 a channel configured through the body for maintaining a firearm barrel; 
 a bottom surface configured with a support mounting interface; 
 a rear surface configured for attachment to a firearm handguard mounting system; and 
 one or more accessory attachment points. 
   
     
     
         2 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , wherein the upper surface is configured as a Picatinny- or a WEAVER-type rail. 
     
     
         3 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , wherein planes formed by the front surface and the back surface are parallel or substantially parallel. 
     
     
         4 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , wherein planes formed by at least a portion of the right side and the left side are parallel or substantially parallel. 
     
     
         5 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , wherein the support mounting interface is a one or more of an ARCA-SWISS or a MANFROTTO interface. 
     
     
         6 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , further configured with a horizontal cylindrical path or a vertical cylindrical path defined through the body for carrying a horizontal bubble level, a vertical bubble level, or both visible from a back surface of the body. 
     
     
         7 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , wherein the firearm handguard mounting system is a Delta Ring or free-float-type handguard mounting system. 
     
     
         8 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , further comprising a front surface configured for attachment to a firearm handguard mounting system. 
     
     
         9 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , wherein that accessory attachment points include one or more of MAGPUL M-LOK, KEYMOD, and flush cup Quick-Detach. 
     
     
         10 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises support ribs along the left side and the right side that are defined by multiple channels configured through the body perpendicular to the axis of the channel. 
     
     
         11 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , wherein the body can be extruded, injection-molded, CNC machined, or three-dimensionally printed using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). 
     
     
         12 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 11 , wherein DMLS is used to integrally form at least part of the equipment mounting interface or the support mounting interface, as part of the body. 
     
     
         13 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , wherein the body is configured of at least one of aluminum, titanium, steel, metal alloy, polymer, or composite. 
     
     
         14 . The MUB QT handguard of  claim 1 , wherein the body is at least partially coated with a finish in the group of finishes including anodizing, CERAKOTE, DURACOAT, paint, powder coating, or phosphate.