CA2561884A1 - Shoulder support magazine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding element (9) for an ammunition magazine (5) which is arranged on the shoulder end of a weapon (1) and is embodied in such a way that an ammunition magazine (5) arranged in the holding element (9) can be used as a shoulder support. The invention also relates to an ammunition magazine (5) that can be inserted into one such holding element (9) and embodied in such a way that it is at least partially used as a shoulder support. The invention further relates to a weapon (1) provided with a holding element (9) on a shoulder end thereof, said holding element receiving a correspondingly embodied cartridge magazine (5) that can then be used as a shoulder support. Also disclosed is a padded element (11, 11') that can be applied to an ammunition magazine (5) used as a shoulder support or to a holding element (9) for receiving one such magazine (5).

Description

2 PCTIEP2005i003127 Shoulder support magazine The present invention relates to a holder for an ammunition magazine which is located on the shoulder-side of a weapon and is constructed in such a way that an ammunition magazine arranged in the holder can be used as a shoulder support. An additional aspect of the invention relates to an ammunition magazine which can be inserted into such a holder and which is constructed in such ~ way that at it serves at least partially as a shoulder support. Finally, the invention also relates to weapon in which case a shoulder-side end is provided with a corresponding holder so that a correspondingly constructed cartridge magazine, which is inserted v~itl~ir., can be used as a shoulder suppori.
Positional terms used in the following such as "up'', ''front" etc. refer to a weapon which is in normal firing position and whose axis of the bore (barrel-central axis) runs horizontally; "front" in firing direction; ''left" and "right" are described from the view of a marksman who has the weapon in firing direction.
Modern weapons systems consist of extensively standardized function modules or components which, depending on the type of use, can be configured into different weapons. Depending on the range of application the completely configured weapon is configured for different applications. For example precision, firepower, compact dimensions etc. In this connection efforts are always being made that the weapon be as light as possible and that the marksman be able to carry the greatest possible supply of ammunition with him. In addition there is often the requirement that a weapon exhibit the minimum dimensions possible in the case of being transported to an operating site (commando units). In competition with this however there is the requirement that when shooting the most precise possible target acquisition be possible for an effective operation of the weapon. For this purpose the weapons are as a rule provided with a shoulder support which is required for precise aiming. In order to make possible the most compact weapons dimensions during transport or en route tlu-ough difficult terrain. such shoulder supports are often constructed to be removable or fold away. The shoulder support in this connection forms a component with relatively large dimensions which however does not fulfill any further task.
Additionally a marksman should be able to carry as much ammunition with him as possible and it should be possible to provide the weapon with new ammunition quickly and easily. For this purpose as a rule compartment magazines are used which the marksman carries with him ir~ sufficient quantity. In order to save ~~eight, such P ,»t f t"
nompartmPnt magazines arP made cut of light materials, for exampl., c.~. o~
s...rd, plastics but also out of tin. In order to also have as much ammunition as possible on the weapon itself, several magazines can be coupled with each other, either by means of gluing several magazines together into a bundle or as a result of the fact that the magazines are provided with coupling elements so that several magazines can be "plugged into each other".
It is also known from USP 5,225,613 to design a closable hollow space in the shoulder support which can hold an ammunition magazine. In this connection the shoulder support bottom serves as a cover for the closing of the hollow space. To replace the magazine the cover is opened and exchanged for a magazine located in the magazine well of the weapon. Subsequently the cover is closed again.
Since weapons however exhibit only one magazine well, the number of magazines that can be directly attached on the weapon is limited. The marksman must carry the other magazines on his person in order to exchange them if necessary for empty magazines.
In the accommodating of a magazine in the shoulder support itself, additional covers and hinges are required. Furthermore it cannot be recognized without further ado whether there is a WO ZOOS10933&2 PCT/EP2005/0031Z7 there is a reserve magazine in the shoulder support or whether the reserve magazine is ._____ ~lsa actuallyfilled~ith-ammunition: ---___________"_____.'.___________._.~___.____.___.~__..____________.____.__.__ Thus there is the task of providing a light, compact weapon which fulfills several competing requirements. Aruong these are accurate firing position, compact dimensions when being transported, large supply of ammunition on the weapon, rapid magazine exchange and best possible economy of space, weight optimization and reduction of the required number of components.
This task is fulfilled according to the invention by the subject matters of the independent claims 1 ~ I3; 18 and 19.
Claim 1 relates to a holder for an ammunition magazine which is located on the shoulder-side end of a weapon and wluch is constructed in such a way that an ammunition magazine arranged in the holder can be used as a shoulder support. Such a holder has the advantage that no additional shoulder is any longer required. Or, in other words, the shoulder support functionality is partially fulfilled by a component that is necessary anyway, namely the cartridge magazine. In the process, in the case of the corresponding design of the components, the ammunition can be fired directly from the shoulder support. Such a style makes weapons designs possible in which the trigger mechanism is arranged in front of the ammunition magazine in so-called "bullpup style", which then in the present case is held in a corresponding holder and serves simultaneously as a shoulder support.
In a different design the holder exclusively serves the purpose of a holder for a cartridge magazine with the ammtmition contained within being supplied to the breech mechanism.
Claims 2 through 6 relate to designs of the holder which relate to secure and easy to operate Ioclcing of the magazine. For this purpose according to Claim 2 a spring-loaded loclting device is provided which ensures that the magazine does not unintentionally come loose from the holder. The improvement in accordance with Claim 3 makes possible an easy insertion of the magazine without the locking device itself having to be actuated. The embodiments in accordance with Claims 4 through 6 relate to elements of the locking device which for one thing serve the purpose of securing the magazine itself in the holder (Claim 4), via an additionally provided actuating element, that the locking mechanism (Claim S) can be unlocked and finally that a swivel lever (Claim 6) which exhibits both the actuating e1_ement as well as also the locking element, through which the corresponding arrangement of the swiveling axis makes possible an especially functional operation.
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of the ammunition magazine wherein the walls of the compartment enclose a front (open) section of the magazine. In the case of this construction the magazine is for one thing spatially defined and inserted stably into the holder and can thus be moved securely into the locking position. For another thing the enclosing walls fulfill a sealing and protective function which prevents the ammunition from being accessible from the outside and which prevents the mechanism of the magazine from becoming dirty and possibly impaired in its function. Thus function impairments which can be caused by dirty. damp ammunition and/or magazine mechanisms are prevented or at least reduced.
Claims 8 through 12 relate to improvements in which the fixing of the magazine in the holder, in particular in a compartment-like constructed holder according to Claim 7, is achieved in expedient manner. For this purpose according to Claim 8 the inner surface of at least one wall exhibits an elevation which protrudes into a correspondingly provided recess of an inserted magazine. These two interlocking parts guarantee the Fxation of the inserted magazine in the holder and prevent an unintentional slippage. In the process according to Claim 9 this stopping mechanism J
is constmcted resiliently elastic so that a certain holding force is exercised which must be overcome to insert or remove the magazine. To this purpose the surface transitions on the recess and on the elevation are constructed in such a way that they can glide along each other wherein however a specific holding resistance must be overcome with a defined removal or insertion force. If the elevation is constructed island-like on an inner side of the wall element the entire wall arches elastically in the case of insertion or removal of the magazine and exerts the holding force in an inserted state. This embodiment permits an especially easy and sturdy design which manages without additional mechanical elements. According to Claim 11 however such an elevation can also be constricted as a tongue-shaped wall element v~hich engages as an elastically deformable tongue into the corresponding recesses so that in the case of inserting or removing the magazine only this tongue is elastically deformed. In the case of the design in accordance with Claim 12 the elevation can also be constructed as a leaf spring element which is mounted in the interior on an inside wall.
In the case of all the above described embodiments the fimetion elements can also be exchanged between magazine and holder, i.e. the corresponding locking elements or surface elevations are provided or formed on the magazine itself and the corresponding locking counterparts or the recesses are provided in or on the holder.
Claim 13 relates to the design of the ammunition magazine as a shoulder support. The improvements according to Claims 14 through 17 relate to inventive improvements which are each to be allocated complementarily to the corresponding constructions of the holder itself. Thus Claims 14 and 15 relate to the locking device of the magazine in the holder and a corresponding design in order to specify the active coupling with the locking element (Claim 1 S).

Claim 16 relates to the design of at least one outer surface of the magazine so that the corresponding elevations constructed on the holder can actively engage there.
According to Claims 17 and 18 the magazine can additionally exhibit a shoulder cushion on its bottom or on another suitable area, said shoulder cushion being present in the case of a corresponding arrangement of the magazine in the holder on the shoulder-side (rear) cnd of the magazine.
In the case of a weapon constructed in accordance with the invention (Claims 20 through 22) in accordance with Claim 21 the holder, which hold ~ a cartridge magazine serving as a shoulder support, can be constrr:eted to be rPmovablc, so that the weapo_n_ can also be provided with a standard shoulder support or with a shoulder support that folds away or can be inserted. Claim 22 relates to a weapon which is constructed in accordance with the invention with a holder according to any one of Claims 2 through 12.
The invention will described more closely in the following with the help of the attached drawings, in which Figure 1 shows a lateral view of a rear weapon part which shows an inventive holder and a magazine inserted within, Figure 2 shows a partially cutaway drawing of the holder from Figure 1 Figure 3 shows the same view as Figure l, in which the magazine is provided with an especially designed shoulder cushion, Figure 4 shows a cutaway of the holder in partial longitudinal section in which an elevation engages in a corresponding recess on the magazine, Figure 5 shows the same view as Figure 1 in which a shoulder cushion is directly inserted into the holder.
Figure 1 shows in one view a part of a weapon 1 with a grip 2 with the trigger region 3 in front of which a magazine compartment 4 is arranged, in which a magazine 5 is inserted.
Above the grip there is a case part 6 whose exterior region together with a rear stock of the drip 2 defines a plane 8 limiting the case, said plane essentially running at a right angle to the axis of the barrel. On the plane 8 a holder 9 attaches, at whose rear end a magazine 5 is also mounted. The magazine is secured via a locking device 10 in the holder. T he holder 9 and the magazine 5 inserted within. form, together ~arith the protection/cushion element 1 l, in the simplest case with the magazine botton,_ wir__h_oot padding, the shoulder support.
'1 here are also embodiments in which the magazine bottom is constructed without padding (not shown).
Figure 3 shows an alternative cushion element 11', which is attached either as replacement of the protection/cushion element 11 or is slipped or placed upon said protection/cushion element. The cushion element 11' is extended to the bottom and thus offers an enlarged supporting surface on the shoulder.
Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which the holder 9 and cushion element 11' are constructed in such a way that the cushion element 11' is mounted in the holder 9 without magazine ~. The cushion element 11' can thus be optionally mounted on a magazine 5 or in or on the holder 9. With this the opening of the holder 9 is always closed, the cushion element 11' cannot be lost. The weapon 1 can also be used without the magazine inserted in the holder 9.

Figure 1 shows coupling retainers 12 on the side of the magazine 5 inserted into the holder 9, to which an additional magazine with corresponding mushroom-shaped coupling cams 13 can be mounted. Such coupling cams 13 can be recognized by the magazine 5 inserted in the magazine compartment 4. That is, the magazines have coupling retainers 12 on one side and coupling cams 13 on the other side, so that several magazines can be locked into place coupled to each other. Additional magazines can be connected both to the magazine 5 located in the holder 9 as well as to the magazine 5 located in the magazine compartment 4.
The holder 9 is essentially leguminous in structure and will be explained further in relation to Figure 2, in ~Jhich the holder 9 is depicted in a longitudinal cutaway. On the weapon-side end the holder 9 exhibits a hollow space 14 into which a coupling piece I 5 protrudes. The coupling piece 15 is mounted on the case part 6 or constructed in one piece together with said case part. The inner surfaces of the hollow space 14 correspond to the outer surfaces of the coupling piece 15, so that the holder can be joined to the case 6 in defined position, wherein outside between case 6 and holder 8 a transitional joint 8~
lying on the plane 8 is visible.
For attachment a pin 16 penetrating the holder 9 and the coupling piece 15 is inserted and locked. With this the holder 9 is firmly connected to the weapon 1.
On the rear end the holder 9 forms a compartment 17, which encloses the front open end 18 of the inserted magazine 5. In the process the inner surfaces of the compartment 17 correspond essentially to the outer surfaces of the magazine 5. The insertion depth of the magazine 5 is defined by a rotary flange 19, which in the case of the insertion of the magazine 5 into the compartment 17 attaches to the face 20 of the compartment pointing to the rear.
In the case of another (not shown) embodiment the flange 19 is not rotary, but rather defined by suitable projections engaging at the face 20 at the magazine exterior. The insertion depth can also be fixed via a stop formed in the interior of the compartment 17, which applies at the open side of the magazine.
Between the compartment 17 and the hollow space 14 a partition 21 runs, which closes the weapons interior to the outside. At the bottom of the compartment 17 a locking device is mounted, which is formed as a toggle lever 22 which serves the purpose of spring-loaded locking of the magazine 5. The toggle lever 22 exhibits an actuating end 23 and a locking end 24 and is fastened via a pin 22' on the holder 9 which penetrates the holder and the lever. The locking end 24 of the lever 21 extends in the interior of the compartment 17, said lever exhibiting a locking face 25 at its end, said locking face engaging in the displayed locking position into a corresponding counterface 25' on the magazine 5. The toggle lever 22 is spring-loaded with a torsion spring not shown in such a way that the locking end 24 engages with the locking face 25 on the magazine 5. In the case of inserting the magazine 5 into the compartment 17 of the holder 9 the region of the corresponding magazine wall pointing downward glides along the locking end 24 and swivels the toggle lever 22 against the spring weight until its locking end 24 snaps into a transverse slot provided on the magazine and the magazine 5 is secured from removal via the counterface 25' in engagement with the locking face 25.
To release the magazine 5 the marksman encompasses with one hand the end of the magazine 5 jutting to the rear out of the compartment 17 so that the actuating end 23 can be operated. The toggle lever 22 is swiveled via the actuating end 23 against the spring resistance applied by the torsion spring, W~ 2005/093362 PCT/EP2005/003127 l~
so that the locking end 24 releases from engagement with the magazine S, the locking face 25 is no longer engaged with the counterface 25' and the magazine can be removed from the compartment 17 of the holder 9.
The toggle lever 21 itself is fixed via the pin 22' penetrating the holder 9, said pin simultaneously defining the swiveling axis of the lever 22. A fixation can also take place via bearing throats (not shown) formed on the lever 21 itself, said bearing throats being pivotable in suitable manner in the holder 9, but axially fixed. So that impacts and blows, i.e. accelerations of the weapon, do not release the magazine lock, the lever 22 can be made of a relatively light plastic, for example in one piece, in t he injection molding method, under circumstances being provided with a metal insert. Tl:e spring resistance of the torsion spring acting on the lever 22 as well as the lengths of the locking or actuating ends 23, 24 and the location and alignment of the swiveling axis are to be coordinated to one another in such a way that a conceivably secure locking of the magazine 5 is ensured and simultaneously an actuation of the lever 21 is possible, without too great of a release force having to be applied. The swiveling axis running here horizontally transverse to the main axis of the weapon can also be arranged in such a way that the actuation direction of the swivel lever 22 runs at a right angle to the main axis. This way it is possible to prevent the toggle lever 21 from accidentally being actuated in place of the trigger, which is actuated in direction of the main axis of the weapon, and the magazine 5 at the end of the weapon being released from the holder 9.
Along with the above described locking of the magazine 5 in the compartment 17, the holding of the magazine 5 can also take place in accordance with Figure 4. In this view from above the magazine 5 and the holder 9 are show-n partially cutaway.

w0 ?005/093352 PCT/EP2005/003127 In one embodiment (Variant A) the inner surface of the compartment I7 is provided with an elevation 27 which engages in a corresponding recess 26 that is formed on the exterior of the magazine wall. In the insertion of the magazine 5 into the compartment 17 the curve formed on the open end of the magazine forces the elevation 27 to the outside and elastically arches the compartment wall 30 to the outside and if necessary the magazine wall to the inside until the magazine 5 connects to the flange 19 on the face 20 of the holder 9 and the elevation snaps into the recess 26 and the magazine 5 is locked in the holder. In the removal of the magazine 5 From the holder 9 the holding force must first be overcome in order to release the locking elevation 27 from the recess 26. 'fhe elevation 27 then glides over rib 3 i formed between the curve 29 and the recess 26, v~=herein the compartment wall 30 (and if necessary the magazine ~aJall) in turn are elastically archPrl and then glide along the curve 29, wherein the compartment wall 30 releases again. The magazine 5 is now loose in the compartment 17 and can be removed without additional expenditure of force.
In another embodiment (Variant B) instead of the elevation 27 a leaf spring 32 is provided on the inside of the compartment wall 30, said leaf spring also engaging in the recess 26 on the magazine 5 and also elastically deforming in the case of the insertion or removal of the magazine, i.e. in taut state at the compartment wall 30 (in the case of insertion) and in released state engaging in the recess 26 or in the case of a removed magazine 5 from the compartment wall 30 projecting inward. The leaf spring is constructed in such a way that it cannot catch in the recess 26, neither in the case of insertion nor in the case of removal of the magazine S.
In a third embodiment (not shown) the compartment wall 30 is cut out in the shape of a tongue (u-shaped) in the region of the elevation 27, so that in the case of the removal or the insertion of the magazine 5 the entire compartment wall does not elastically deform, but rather onlv the cut out wC! 2005!093352 PCTlEP2005/003t27 tongue region on which the elevation 27 is formed. By means of the corresponding design of this tongue the arching force can be set which is necessary to have elevations glide over the rib 31, in case such rigid materials are used for the holder 9 that do not permit an elastic arching of the entire compartment or the compartment wall 30.

Claims (22)

1.~Holder (9) for an ammunition magazine (5) which is located on the shoulder-side of a weapon and is constructed in such a way that an ammunition magazine (5) arranged in the holder (9) can be used as a shoulder support.

2.~Holder (9) according to Claim 1, which is provided with a spring-loaded, detachable locking device (10) which secures the magazine (5) in the holder.

3.~Holder (9) according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the locking device (10) is constructed in such a way that the magazine can be inserted into the holder without actuation of the locking device.

4. ~Holder (9) according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the locking device (10) exhibits a locking element (24) which in a locking position acts on the magazine (5) and secures it in the holder (9).

5.~Holder (9) according to Claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the locking element (24) can be adjusted via an actuating element (23) from the locking position into an unlocking position for removal of the magazine.

6.~Holder (9) according to Claim 5, wherein the locking element (24) and the actuating element (23) form ends of a toggle lever constructed in particular in one piece, whose swiveling axis in particular runs at a right angle to a main axis of the weapon running in the direction of fire.

7.~Holder (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, which exhibits a compartment (17) holding the open end of the ammunition magazine wherein the walls (30) of the compartment enclose a front section of the magazine.

8.~Holder (9) according to Claim 7, wherein the inner surface of a wall (30) exhibits an elevation (26) which extends into a corresponding recess (27) of an inserted magazine (5).

9. ~Holder (9) according to Claim 7, wherein the elevation (26) engages resiliently/elastically with a holding force in the recess (26) and the borders of the elevation (26) or the recess (27) exhibit transition areas so that in the case of the insertion of the magazine (5) into the compartment (17) or in the case of the removal of the magazine (5) from the compartment (17) the holding force is overcome and the elevation (26) glides elastically into the recess (27) or glides out of the recess (22).

10. Holder (9) according to Claim 8 or 9, in which case the elevation (26) is constricted in the shape of an island, in particular in a single piece on the wall element and the wall (30) is elastically arched in the case of the insertion or removal of the magazine (5).

11. Holder (9) according to Claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the elevation is constructed as the element of an elastic, tongue-shaped wall element.

12. Holder (9) according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the elevation is constructed as a leaf spring element (32) which is mounted to the wall interior.

13. Ammunition magazine (5) which is designed in such a way that it can be attached or inserted on the shoulder-side end of a weapon (1), 13. ~Ammunition magazine (5) which is designed in such a way that it can be attached or inserted with its open end on the shoulder-side end of a weapon (1), in particular into a holder (9) and the closed end of the ammunition magazine is constructed in such a way that it forms at least part of a shoulder support when it is inserted into the holder (9).

in particular into a holder (9) and forms at least partially a shoulder support.

14. ~Ammunition magazine according to Claim 13 which can be secured by means of a locking device (10) provided on the holder (9).

15. ~Ammunition magazine according to Claim 13 or 14 wherein the magazine is provided with a recess or a projection into which or on which a locking element (24), in particular an end of a spring-loaded toggle lever (22) engages.

16. ~Ammunition magazine according to Claim 13, 14 or 15 in which an exterior area of the magazine (5) is provided with a recess (27) into which an elevation (25) at the inside of a wall (30) of a compartment (17) engages in a retainer (9) on a weapon (1).

17. ~Ammunition magazine according to any one of Claims 13 through 16 which exhibits a cushion element (11,11') on its lower (shoulder-side) end.

18. ~Cushion element (11, 11') which is designed in such a way that it can be placed or inserted on the shoulder-side end of a weapon, in particular in a holder (9) according to any one of Claims 1 through 12, and can be fixed on an ammunition magazine (5), in particular on an ammunition magazine (5) according to any one of Claims 13 through 17.

19. ~Use of an ammunition magazine (5) as an essential part of the shoulder support of a weapon (1), wherein the closed end (bottom) of the magazine is constructed in such a way that it rests against the shoulder of a marksman and the open end can be firmly connected to a weapon holder (9).

20. Weapon (1) with a holder (9) on the shoulder-side end in which the holder (9) is constructed in such a way that an ammunition magazine (5) arranged in the holder can be used as a shoulder support.

21. Weapon (1) according to Claim 20 in which the holder (9) can be removed and can be exchanged for a shoulder support.

22. Weapon according to Claim 20 or 21 in which the holder (9) is constructed according to any one of Claims 2 through 12.