EP0331218B1 - Longitudinal magazine for a hand firearm such as a sub-machine gun, rifle or machine gun - Google Patents

Longitudinal magazine for a hand firearm such as a sub-machine gun, rifle or machine gun Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0331218B1
EP0331218B1 EP89200185A EP89200185A EP0331218B1 EP 0331218 B1 EP0331218 B1 EP 0331218B1 EP 89200185 A EP89200185 A EP 89200185A EP 89200185 A EP89200185 A EP 89200185A EP 0331218 B1 EP0331218 B1 EP 0331218B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
loader
vent
loader according
aforementioned
wall
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP89200185A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0331218A1 (en
Inventor
René Predazzer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cessione fabrique Nationale Nouvelle Herstal
Original Assignee
FN Herstal SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FN Herstal SA filed Critical FN Herstal SA
Priority to AT89200185T priority Critical patent/ATE83312T1/en
Publication of EP0331218A1 publication Critical patent/EP0331218A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0331218B1 publication Critical patent/EP0331218B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A9/00—Feeding or loading of ammunition; Magazines; Guiding means for the extracting of cartridges
    • F41A9/61—Magazines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A9/00—Feeding or loading of ammunition; Magazines; Guiding means for the extracting of cartridges
    • F41A9/61—Magazines
    • F41A9/64—Magazines for unbelted ammunition
    • F41A9/65—Box magazines having a cartridge follower
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A9/00—Feeding or loading of ammunition; Magazines; Guiding means for the extracting of cartridges
    • F41A9/54—Cartridge guides, stops or positioners, e.g. for cartridge extraction

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 represents a weapon, in this case a submachine gun 1, provided with a magazine 2 according to the invention.
  • the end 10 of the tube 3 is in this case constituted by a wall 12, possibly removable, U-shaped whose free ends 13,14 are folded towards each other so as to be able to cooperate with ribs, respectively 15 and 16, provided for this purpose on the walls 6 and 7.
  • the rib 33 is applied against the inclined end 36 of said extension 26 and is provided with a lip 37 which strikes the grooves 22 provided on the extension 26. Its width is equal to the width of said extension 26.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
  • Fats And Perfumes (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
  • Photographic Developing Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
  • Superconductors And Manufacturing Methods Therefor (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)
  • Electron Sources, Ion Sources (AREA)
  • Electrostatic Charge, Transfer And Separation In Electrography (AREA)

Abstract

The loader is of the type which can be fastened to the upper part of the firearm and in the axis of the carcass and is characterised in that this loader consists substantially of a tubular first part (3) which forms the actual magazine of the loader and in which the cartridges (5) are stored with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the loader (2); a second part (4) comprising a transfer element (34) having on either side a respective oblong slot (32, 46) in mutual relationship via two helical ramps (41- 42) extending over an angle of 90 degrees, one of these slots (32) making the connection between said parts (3) and (4), whilst the second slot (46) makes the connection between said part (3) and the firearm (1) with which the loader (2) interacts; and means (54) making it possible to transport the cartridges (5) within the loader (2). <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention concerne un chargeur pour arme individuelle telle que, pistolet-mitrailleur, fusil, mitrailleuse, et similaire du type pouvant être fixé sur la partie supérieure de l'arme et dans l'axe de la carcasse, ce chargeur comprenant une première partie en forme de tube formant le magasin proprement dit du chargeur et dans laquelle les cartouches sont emmagasinées avec leurs axes longitudinaux perpendiculaires par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du chargeur, une deuxième partie présentant de part et d'autre une lumière oblongue, l'une de ces lumières constituant la liaison entre lesdites parties et la deuxième lumière constituant la liaison entre ladite deuxième partie et l'arme avec laquelle coopère le chargeur, et des moyens permettant le transport des cartouches à l'intérieur de chargeur.The invention relates to a magazine for an individual weapon such as a submachine gun, rifle, machine gun, and the like which can be fixed on the upper part of the weapon and in the axis of the carcass, this magazine comprising a first part in the form of a tube forming the magazine itself of the magazine and in which the cartridges are stored with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the magazine, a second part having on either side an oblong opening, one of these lights constituting the connection between said parts and the second light constituting the connection between said second part and the weapon with which the magazine cooperates, and means allowing the transport of the cartridges inside the magazine.

Il est connu qu'une arme munie de son chargeur doit être aisément transportable, compacte et autoriser toutes positions de tir sur le terrain, etc...It is known that a weapon provided with its magazine must be easily transportable, compact and allow all firing positions on the ground, etc.

Pour pouvoir remplir ces conditions on a déjà proposé des chargeurs disposés soit au-dessous de l'arme, soit sur le côté de l'arme, soit encore au-dessus de l'arme.In order to be able to fulfill these conditions, magazines have already been proposed which are arranged either below the weapon, or on the side of the weapon, or even above the weapon.

Dans les deux premières solutions le chargeur est disposé d'une telle manière qu'il forme une partie saillante assez considérable de l'arme, d'où l'impossibilité de remplir les susdites conditions.In the first two solutions the magazine is arranged in such a way that it forms a fairly considerable projecting part of the weapon, hence the impossibility of fulfilling the above conditions.

Les chargeurs du troisième type disposés au-dessus de l'arme et selon la direction longitudinale de celle-ci remplissent au contraire toutes les conditions requises.Chargers of the third type arranged above the weapon and in the longitudinal direction thereof meet all the conditions required.

L'invention concerne des chargeurs dudit troisième type.The invention relates to chargers of said third type.

Un chargeur de ce genre correspondant au préambule de la revendication 1 et présentant les caractéristiques enumérées au premier paragraphe est connu de US-A-4.286.499. Les cartouches étant emmagasinées avec leurs axes longitudinaux perpendiculaires à l'axe du chargeur et donc à l'axe de la chambre du canon, elles doivent être pivotées de 90 degrés.A charger of this kind corresponding to the preamble of claim 1 and having the characteristics listed in the first paragraph is known from US-A-4,286,499. The cartridges being stored with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the axis of the magazine and therefore to the axis of the barrel chamber, they must be rotated 90 degrees.

Dans US-A-4.286.499 ce pivotenent s'effectue à l'intérieur de l'arme et à l'aide d'un poussoir faisant partie de cette arme.In US-A-4,286,499 this pivot is carried out inside the weapon and using a pusher that is part of this weapon.

Cette solution rend non seulement la fabrication de l'arme plus difficile en augmentant le prix de revient, mais la nécessité d'un poussoir mobile augmente également les risques de blocage d'où une fiabilité de fonctionnement médiocre.This solution not only makes the manufacture of the weapon more difficult by increasing the cost price, but the need for a movable plunger also increases the risks of blocking, hence poor operating reliability.

D'autres solutions sont connus de US-A-2.624.241, US-A-2.358.792 et US-A-2.448.081 mais elles comprennent également le pivotement des cartouches en dehors du chargeur et à l'aide d'un élément mobile faisant partie de l'arme, et présentent donc les mêmes désavantages que la solution susdite selon US-A-4.286.499.Other solutions are known from US-A-2,624,241, US-A-2,358,792 and US-A-2,448,081 but they also include pivoting the cartridges out of the magazine and using a mobile element forming part of the weapon, and therefore have the same disadvantages as the above solution according to US-A-4,286,499.

Le but de la présente invention est de pallier à ces désavantages en proposant un chargeur longitudinal disposé au-dessus de l'arme, permettant le pivotement des cartouches sur un angle de 90 degrés sans l'intervention d'éléments mobiles.The object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages by proposing a longitudinal magazine disposed above the weapon, allowing the cartridges to pivot around an angle of 90 degrees without the intervention of mobile elements.

A cet effet la deuxième partie du chargeur comporte un élément de transfert immobile comprenant les lumières susdites et présentant deux rampes hélicoïdales tournant en sens opposé sur un angle de 90 degrés à partir de la susdite première lumière, cette première lumière donnant accès aux rampes et ces rampes débouchant sur la deuxième lumière.For this purpose the second part of the charger comprises a stationary transfer element comprising the aforementioned lights and having two helical ramps rotating in opposite directions at an angle of 90 degrees from the aforesaid first light, this first light giving access to the ramps and these ramps leading to the second light.

De cette manière on obtient un chargeur longitudinal d'une grande fiabilité et d'une sécurité de fonctionnement efficace, le nombre de pièces étant minimalisé, tout en évitant l'emploi de pièces mobiles et permettant ainsi de réaliser une arme de dimension réduite et sans que le chargeur constitue saillie par rapport à l'arme proprement dite.In this way, a longitudinal magazine of high reliability and effective operational safety is obtained, the number of parts being minimized, while avoiding the use of moving parts and thus making it possible to produce a weapon of reduced size and without that the magazine constitutes a projection relative to the weapon proper.

Dans une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la deuxième partie du chargeur est constituée par une paroi saillante cylindrique prévue sur l'une des parois de ladite première partie, cette paroi comporte l'élément de transfert qui est cylindrique.In a particular embodiment of the invention, the second part of the charger is constituted by a cylindrical projecting wall provided on one of the walls of said first part, this wall comprises the transfer element which is cylindrical.

Pour plus de clarté, une réalisation d'un chargeur selon l'invention est décrite ci-après à titre illustratif et non restrictif, avec référence aux dessin annexés dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1 représente une vue latérale d'une arme, en l'occurence un pistolet-mitrailleur équipé d'un chargeur selon l'invention;
  • la figure 2 représente une vue latérale du chargeur selon l'invention, le chargeur étant partiellement chargé;
  • la figure 3 représente une vue selon la fléche F3 à la figure 2;
  • les figures 4 et 5 représentent des coupes selon les lignes IV et V-V de la figure 2;
  • la figure 6 représente une coupe selon la ligne VI-VI de la figure 3;
  • la figure 7 représente une vue agrandie de la partie indiquée par F7 à la figure 6, le chargeur étant vide;
  • les figures 8, 9 et 10 représentent des coupes, respectivement selon les lignes VIII-VIII, IX-IX et X-X de la figure 7;
  • la figure 11 représente une vue selon la flèche F11 de la figure 7;
  • la figure 12 représente une vue selon la flèche F12 de la figure 11, la paroi entourant l'élément de transfert des cartouches étant enlevée;
  • la figure 13 représente une vue selon la flèche F13 de la figure 12;
  • les figures 14, 15 et 16 représentent des vues respectivement selon les flèches F14, F15, F16 de la figure 13;
  • les figures 17 et 18 représentent en coupe deux positions du fonctionnement du chargeur;
  • la figure 19 représente, en perspective, et d'une manière très schématique, la partie essentielle du chargeur selon l'invention, certaines parois étant enlevées et le chargeur a été illustré renversé afin de mieux illustrer le fonctionnement du chargeur.
For clarity, an embodiment of a charger according to the invention is described below by way of illustration and not restrictively, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 shows a side view of a weapon, in this case a submachine gun equipped with a magazine according to the invention;
  • 2 shows a side view of the charger according to the invention, the charger being partially charged;
  • FIG. 3 represents a view according to arrow F3 in FIG. 2;
  • Figures 4 and 5 show sections along lines IV and VV of Figure 2;
  • Figure 6 shows a section along line VI-VI of Figure 3;
  • FIG. 7 represents an enlarged view of the part indicated by F7 in FIG. 6, the charger being empty;
  • Figures 8, 9 and 10 show sections, respectively along lines VIII-VIII, IX-IX and XX of Figure 7;
  • Figure 11 shows a view along arrow F11 in Figure 7;
  • Figure 12 shows a view along arrow F12 of Figure 11, the wall surrounding the cartridge transfer element being removed;
  • Figure 13 shows a view along arrow F13 of Figure 12;
  • Figures 14, 15 and 16 show views respectively according to the arrows F14, F15, F16 of Figure 13;
  • Figures 17 and 18 show in section two positions of the charger operation;
  • FIG. 19 represents, in perspective, and in a very schematic manner, the essential part of the charger according to the invention, certain walls being removed and the charger has been illustrated inverted in order to better illustrate the operation of the charger.

La figure 1 représente une arme, en l'occurrence un pistolet-mitrailleur 1, pourvu d'un chargeur 2 selon l'invention.FIG. 1 represents a weapon, in this case a submachine gun 1, provided with a magazine 2 according to the invention.

Le chargeur consiste substantiellement comme représenté dans les figures 2 à 6, en deux parties 3 et 4. La première partie 3 constitue le chargeur proprement dit, tandis que la deuxième partie 4 est constituée par des éléments permettant le transfert des cartouches 5 de la partie 3 vers l'arme. La partie 3 présente la forme d'un tube de section transversale rectangulaire aux parois 6, 7, 8 et 9 tandis que la partie 4, formant l'une des extrémités 10-11 dudit tube, est constituée par une partie saillante cylindrique.The loader consists substantially as shown in Figures 2 to 6, in two parts 3 and 4. The first part 3 constitutes the loader itself, while the second part 4 is constituted by elements allowing the transfer of the cartridges 5 from the part 3 towards the weapon. Part 3 has the shape of a rectangular cross-section tube with walls 6, 7, 8 and 9 while part 4, forming one of the ends 10-11 of said tube, is constituted by a cylindrical projecting part.

L'extrémité 10 du tube 3 est en l'occurrence constituée par une paroi 12, éventuellement amovible, en forme de U dont les extrémités libres 13,14 sont repliés l'une vers l'autre afin de pouvoir coopérer avec des nervures, respectivement 15 et 16, prévues à cet effet sur les parois 6 et 7.The end 10 of the tube 3 is in this case constituted by a wall 12, possibly removable, U-shaped whose free ends 13,14 are folded towards each other so as to be able to cooperate with ribs, respectively 15 and 16, provided for this purpose on the walls 6 and 7.

Les faces internes 17, 18, 19 et 20 des parois 6 à 9 présentent dans cette exécution des nervures, respectivement, 21, 22, 23 et 24 formant les éléments de guidage pour les cartouches 5.In this embodiment, the internal faces 17, 18, 19 and 20 of the walls 6 to 9 have ribs, respectively, 21, 22, 23 and 24 forming the guide elements for the cartridges 5.

Par ce fait le frottement entre les parois du chargeur et les cartouches 5 est très minime et on obtient, entre les rainures, des cavités pouvant contenir des matières étrangères telles que des grains de sable ou similaires et on évite ainsi que ces matières étrangères ne nuisent au bon déplacement des cartouches par rapport au corps du chargeur.By this fact the friction between the walls of the charger and the cartridges 5 is very minimal and one obtains, between the grooves, cavities which can contain foreign matters such as grains of sand or the like and one thus avoids that these foreign matters do no harm the correct movement of the cartridges relative to the body of the magazine.

La face interne 18 de la paroi 7 destinée à venir s'appliquer contre la carcasse de l'arme, présente vers la partie 4 du chargeur une rampe 25 dont l'extrémité libre présente une extension 26. La largeur de la rampe 25 et l'extension 26 est telle qu'il subsiste entre leurs faces latérales 27,28 et les nervures voisines 23,24 un espace libre, respectivement 29,30. Comme il ressort des dessins, lesdites nervures 22 s'arrètent à l'extrémité libre de l'extension 26.The internal face 18 of the wall 7 intended to come to bear against the carcass of the weapon, presents towards the part 4 of the magazine a ramp 25 whose free end has an extension 26. The width of the ramp 25 and l 'extension 26 is such that there remains between their lateral faces 27,28 and the adjacent ribs 23,24 a free space, respectively 29,30. As can be seen from the drawings, said ribs 22 stop at the free end of the extension 26.

La distance entre les nervures 22 prévues sur l'extension 26 et les nervures 21 prévues sur la face interne 17 de la paroi 6 est légèrement supérieure au diamètre extérieur de la cartouche 5, tandis que la distance entre les nervures 21 et 22 prévus sur les faces internes 16, 17 des parois 6 et 7 est légèrement inférieure à deux fois ledit diamètre extérieur d'une cartouche 5.The distance between the ribs 22 provided on the extension 26 and the ribs 21 provided on the internal face 17 of the wall 6 is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the cartridge 5, while the distance between the ribs 21 and 22 provided on the internal faces 16, 17 of walls 6 and 7 is slightly less than twice said outside diameter of a cartridge 5.

La face interne 17 de la paroi 6, ainsi que les nervures 21 sont prolongées à proximité de l'extrémité libre de ladite extension 26 par une surface de guidage courbe 31 pratiquée dans la partie 4 du chargeur. L'extrémité libre de cette surface détermine un côté d'une lumière oblongue 32 dont les autres côtés sont déterminés par les faces internes 19,20 et des parois 8,9, d'une part, et une nervure 33 prévue sur un élément cylindrique rapporté 34 logé dans la paroi saillante cylindrique 35 de la partie 4 du chargeur 2, d'autre part.The internal face 17 of the wall 6, as well as the ribs 21 are extended near the free end of said extension 26 by a curved guide surface 31 formed in part 4 of the loader. The free end of this surface determines one side of an oblong opening 32, the other sides of which are determined by the internal faces 19, 20 and walls 8, 9, on the one hand, and a rib 33 provided on a cylindrical element. reported 34 housed in the cylindrical projecting wall 35 of the part 4 of the charger 2, on the other hand.

Cet élément cylindrique 34 constitue l'élément de transfert de cartouches 5 du magasin proprement dit ou la partie 3 du chargeur vers l'arme pourvue d'un tel chargeur. L'éléments 34 peut être fixé dans la paroi 35 par tous moyens quelconques par exemple au moyen d'un adhésif adéquat.This cylindrical element 34 constitutes the cartridge transfer element 5 from the magazine proper or part 3 of the magazine to the weapon provided with such a magazine. The elements 34 can be fixed in the wall 35 by any means whatsoever, for example by means of a suitable adhesive.

La nervure 33 s'applique contre l'extrémité inclinée 36 de ladite extension 26 et est pourvue d'une lèvre 37 laquelle vient heurter les rainures 22 prévues sur l'extension 26. Sa largeur est égale à la largeur de ladite extension 26.The rib 33 is applied against the inclined end 36 of said extension 26 and is provided with a lip 37 which strikes the grooves 22 provided on the extension 26. Its width is equal to the width of said extension 26.

En-dessous de ladite nervure 33, l'élément 34 présente une partie 38 dont la forme est telle qu'elle s'adapte à la forme locale de la partie correspondante de la rampe 25, respectivement de l'extension 26 et dont la largeur est égale à la largeur de ladite nervure 33.Below said rib 33, the element 34 has a part 38 whose shape is such that it adapts to the local shape of the corresponding part of the ramp 25, respectively of the extension 26 and whose width is equal to the width of said rib 33.

La susdite lumière 32 donne accès à deux rampes respectivement 41 et 42, tournant d'un angle de 90 degrés selon les flèches P1, P2 à la figure 13, ces rampes étant chacune délimitées par deux faces hélicoïdales semblables, respectivement 43 et 44. Les extrémités libres des faces supérieures 43 se terminent chacune par une partie courbe 45 débouchant dans une deuxième lumière oblongue 46 disposée dans l'axe longitudinal du chargeur.The above light 32 gives access to two ramps 41 and 42 respectively, rotating at an angle of 90 degrees according to the arrows P1, P2 in FIG. 13, these ramps each being delimited by two similar helical faces, respectively 43 and 44. The free ends of the upper faces 43 each terminate in a curved portion 45 opening into a second oblong opening 46 disposed in the longitudinal axis of the charger.

Comme il a été illustré, plus spécialement à la figure 11, les côtés longitudinaux de la lumière 46 présentent aux deux extrémités des zones plus rapprochées, respectivement 47,48 et 49,50.As has been illustrated, more particularly in FIG. 11, the longitudinal sides of the lumen 46 have closer areas at the two ends, respectively 47.48 and 49.50.

La longueur des zones 47,48 n'est que de quelques millimètres, tandis que la longueur des zones 49,50 est de l'ordre d'un tiers de la longueur de la lumière 46.The length of the zones 47, 48 is only a few millimeters, while the length of the zones 49, 50 is of the order of a third of the length of the lumen 46.

Enfin, la face inférieure 44 de la rampe logeant les parties avant ou ogives des cartouches est pourvue d'une zone 51 approfondie.Finally, the lower face 44 of the ramp housing the front or warhead parts of the cartridges is provided with a deepened zone 51.

Dans l'axe de la lumière 46 la paroi 34 de la partie 4 du chargeur sont prévues deux encoches rectangulaires, respectivement 52 et 53.In the axis of the light 46 the wall 34 of the part 4 of the charger are provided with two rectangular notches, respectively 52 and 53.

A l'intérieur du tube 3 est finalement logé un ressort 54 dont l'extrémité arrière prend appui sur la susdite paroi 12 tandis que l'extrémité avant est fixée sur la queue 55 d'un transporteur ou élément poussoir 56 constitué en l'occurrence par une partie centrale 57 et deux rebords latéraux, respectivement 58 et 59, par exemple en forme de trapèze rectangulaire dont le bord incliné avant est dirigé vers la partie 4 du chargeur, la grande base du trapèze étant adjacente à la susdite paroi 6. Les rebords latéraux 58 et 59 sont disposés d'une telle manière et ont une épaisseur, telles qu'ils peuvent pénétrer dans les susdites espaces 29,30.Inside the tube 3 is finally housed a spring 54, the rear end of which bears on the aforesaid wall 12 while the front end is fixed on the tail 55 of a conveyor or pusher element 56 constituted in this case by a central part 57 and two lateral edges, respectively 58 and 59, for example in the shape of a rectangular trapezium whose inclined front edge is directed towards part 4 of the loader, the large base of the trapezium being adjacent to the aforesaid wall 6. The side edges 58 and 59 are arranged in such a way and have a thickness, such that they can penetrate into the aforesaid spaces 29,30.

Entre l'élément poussoir 56 et les cartouches proprement dite 5, sont prévues au moins deux fausses cartouches, respectivement 60 et 61, en l'occurrence constituées par des tiges cylindriques pourvues au milieu et aux deux extrémités d'un épaulement cylindrique, respectivement 62, 63, 64 et dont les distances mutuelles correspondent avec les distances mutuelles des rainures 21, respectivement 22.Between the pusher element 56 and the cartridges proper 5, at least two false cartridges are provided, respectively 60 and 61, in this case constituted by cylindrical rods provided in the middle and at the two ends of a cylindrical shoulder, respectively 62 , 63, 64 and whose mutual distances correspond to the mutual distances of the grooves 21, respectively 22.

Le fonctionnement du chargeur tel que décrit est simple et comme suit.The operation of the charger as described is simple and as follows.

Le chargement du chargeur 2 peut s'effectuer, soit en introduisant des cartouches 5 par la lumière 46 de l'élément cylindrique 34, soit par l'arrière en enlevant la paroi 12 et le ressort 54 avec l'élément poussoir 56.The charger 2 can be loaded, either by inserting cartridges 5 through the slot 46 of the cylindrical element 34, or from the rear by removing the wall 12 and the spring 54 with the pusher element 56.

Il est évident qu'à ce moment les cartouches 5 sont poussées sous l'action du ressort 54 et par l'intervention de l'élément poussoir 56 et des fausses cartouches 60,61 vers la partie 4 du chargeur.It is obvious that at this time the cartridges 5 are pushed under the action of the spring 54 and by the intervention of the pusher element 56 and of the false cartridges 60, 61 towards the part 4 of the magazine.

Par cette action les cartouches 5 arrivent, l'une après l'autre, dans le couloir formé entre la paroi 6 et l'extension 26, puis au travers de la lumière 32 et les rampes 41,42, dans le voisinage de la lumière 46, d'où le transfert des cartouches 5 de la chambre d'emmagasinage vers la partie extérieure du chargeur en changeant la direction de ces cartouches d'un angle de 90 degrés.By this action the cartridges 5 arrive, one after the other, in the corridor formed between the wall 6 and the extension 26, then through the light 32 and the ramps 41, 42, in the vicinity of the light. 46, hence the transfer of the cartridges 5 from the storage chamber to the external part of the charger by changing the direction of these cartridges by an angle of 90 degrees.

La cartouche se trouvant à ce moment devant la lumière 46 est retenue dans le chargeur par la présence des extrémités 65,66 des zones 49,50, d'une part, et la cartouche suivante, d'autre part, laquelle pousse la première cartouche contre lesdites extrémités 65,66.The cartridge located at this moment in front of the light 46 is retained in the magazine by the presence of the ends 65, 66 of the zones 49, 50 on the one hand, and the following cartridge, on the other hand, which pushes the first cartridge against said ends 65.66.

La première cartouche se trouve ainsi dans la position telle que représentée dans la figure 17.The first cartridge is thus in the position as shown in FIG. 17.

A ce moment il suffit que la culasse de l'arme vienne heurter la partie arrière de la première cartouche pour la déplacer vers le canon de l'arme. Pendant ce déplacement la cartouche restera en contact avec les extrémités 65 et 66 des zones 49 et 50 ce qui fait que la première cartouche, tout en étant poussée vers l'extérieur de la lumière 46 par l'action combinée de la culasse et de la cartouche suivante, est déplacée, sous un certain angle, voir figure 18 vers et ensuite dans le canon de l'arme.At this time it is enough for the breech of the weapon to strike the rear part of the first cartridge to move it towards the barrel of the weapon. During this movement, the cartridge will remain in contact with the ends 65 and 66 of the zones 49 and 50 so that the first cartridge, while being pushed towards the outside of the light 46 by the combined action of the cylinder head and the next cartridge, is moved, at a certain angle, see figure 18 towards and then in the barrel of the weapon.

La vidange totale du chargeur est assurée par la présence des fausses cartouches 60,61 qui permettent de délivrer la dernière cartouche 5 devant la lumière 46.The complete emptying of the magazine is ensured by the presence of the false cartridges 60, 61 which make it possible to deliver the last cartridge 5 in front of the light 46.

Effectivement, à ce moment la dernière cartouche sera poussée par la fausse cartouche 61 vers la position telle que représentée dans la figure 17, tout déplacement angulaire subséquent de la fausse cartouche 61 étant arrèté par la présence de la cavité 51 dans la face inférieure 44 de la rampe 42.In fact, at this moment the last cartridge will be pushed by the false cartridge 61 to the position as shown in FIG. 17, any subsequent angular displacement of the false cartridge 61 being stopped by the presence of the cavity 51 in the lower face 44 of ramp 42.

Les parties constitutives du chargeur selon l'invention, à l'exclusion du ressort 54 et éventuellement des fausses cartouches 60,61 sont réalisées de préférence en une matière résistant à l'abrasion et auto-lubrifiante, par exemple du polycarbonat-choc.The constituent parts of the charger according to the invention, excluding the spring 54 and possibly false 60,61 cartridges are preferably made of an abrasion-resistant and self-lubricating material, for example impact polycarbonate.

Claims (24)

  1. Longitudinal loader for small weapons such as, machine pistol, rifle, machine gun, and similar of the type which can be attached to the upper part of the weapon and in the axis of the frame, this loader comprises a first part (3) in tube form which forms the actual magazine of the loader and in which the cartridges (5) are stored with their longitudinal axes perpendicular in relation to the longitudinal axis of the loader (2), a second part (4) which shows on both sides an oblong vent (32, 46), one of these vents (32) constituting the connection between the aforementioned parts (3 and 4) and the second vent (46) constituting the connection between the aforementioned second part (4) and the weapon (1) with which the loader (2) works together, and means (54) which permit the transport of the cartridges (5) inside the loader (2), characterised in that the second part (4) comprises an immobile transfer element (34) including the above mentioned vents (32 and 46) and which shows two helicoidal slopes (41-42) turning in opposite directions through an angle of 90 degrees from the above mentioned first vent (32), to the above mentioned second vent (46), this first vent (32) giving access to the slopes (41-42) and these slopes (41-42) opening into the second vent (46).
  2. Loader according to claim 1, characterised in that the first part (3) is constituted by a tube of transverse section at right angles to walls (6, 7, 8 and 9), of which the internal height is slightly less than twice the exterior diameter of a cartridge (5) and of which the internal width is slightly greater than the length of the cartridge (5), the rear extremity (10) of the aforementioned part (3) being constituted by a wall (12) while the other extremity is constituted by the aforementioned part (4).
  3. Loader according to claim 1, characterised in that the first part (3) is constituted by a tube of transverse section at right angles to walls (6, 7, 8 and 9), of which the internal faces (17, 18, 19 and 20) each show at least two ribs, respectively (21, 22, 23 and 24) which form guiding elements for the cartridges (5), the distance between the upper and lower ribs (21-22) of the loader is slightly less than twice the exterior diameter of a cartridge (5) while the distance between the lateral ribs (23-24) of the loader is slightly greater than the length of the cartridge (5), the rear extremity (10) of the aforementioned part (3) being constituted by a wall (12) while the other extremity is constituted by the aforementioned part (4).
  4. Loader according to either of the claims 2 and 3, characterised in that the wall (12) is fixed.
  5. Loader according to either of the claims 2 and 3, characterised in that the wall (12) is detachable.
  6. Loader according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second part (4) of the loader is constituted by a cylindrical protruding wall (35) provided on one of the walls (7) of the aforementioned first part (3), this wall (35) comprises the transfer element (34), which is cylindrical.
  7. Loader according to claim 3, characterised in that the guiding faces (17-18) or the guiding ribs (21-22) are extended up to the vent (32) provided in the transfer element (34).
  8. Loader according to claim 7, characterised in that the wall (17), respectively the ribs (21), at the proximity of the aforementioned vent (32) show a curved guiding surface (31) of which the free extremity determines one side of the aforementioned vent (32).
  9. Loader according to claim 7, characterised in that the wall (18) respectively the ribs (22) show towards the extremity (11) of the part (3) of the loader a slope (25) extended by an extension (26) of which the free extremity determines a second side of the aforementioned vent (32).
  10. Loader according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the perpendicular distance between the wall (17) and the extension (26) respectively between the ribs (21) and (22), at the location of the extension is slightly greater than the exterior diameter of a cartridge (5).
  11. Loader according to one or more preceding claims, characterised in that the aforementioned vent (32) gives access to two descending slopes (41-42), each delimited by two helicoidal faces, extending at 90 degrees and of which the faces (41-42) each terminate in a curved part (45) which opens into the aforementioned oblong vent (46) disposed in the longitudinal axis of the loader.
  12. Loader according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the aforementioned wall (35) shows, in the axis of the vent (46) two diametrically opposite notches (52-53).
  13. Loader according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the longitudinal sides of the vent (46) at both extremities show zones closer together (47-48) and (49-50).
  14. Loader according to claim 13, characterised in that the zones closer together (47-48) are situated at the extremity of the vent (46) next to the barrel of the weapon (1) their length being only of a few millimetres.
  15. Loader according to claim 13, characterised in that the zones closer together (49-50) are situated at the farther extremity from the barrel of the weapon (1), their length being of the order of a third of the length of the vent (46).
  16. Loader according to claim 3 and claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the width of the slope (25), of the extension (26), of the rib (33) which limits on one side the first vent (32) and of the part (38) of the transfer element (34) situated underneath the rib (33) are such that between their lateral faces and the neighbouring walls or ribs, respectively (8-9) and (23-24), a free space remains, respectively (29) and (30), the bottom of these spaces (29-30) being at the same level as the internal face (18) of the part (7).
  17. Loader according to claim 1, characterised in that the means (54) which permit the transport of the cartridges (5) in the loader (2) are constituted by a spring of which the rear extremity rests against the wall (12) while the front extremity rests against a pushing element (56) for the cartridges (5).
  18. Loader according to claim 17, characterised in that the pushing element (56) is constituted by a central part (57) and two lateral flanges (58, 59) which work together with the cartridges (5) in order to transport them through the loader (2).
  19. Loader according to claim 18, characterised in that the lateral flanges (58, 59) have a thickness less than the width of the spaces (29, 30) such that these flanges can penetrate into these spaces (29-30).
  20. Loader according to claim 3 and claim 18 or 19, characterised in that the lateral flanges (58, 59) are in the form of a rectangular trapezium of which the inclined edge is directed towards the cartridges (5), the large base of the trapezium being adjacent to the upper wall (6) and the height of the pusher being slightly less than the distance between the walls (6, 7), respectively the ribs (21-22).
  21. Loader according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one false cartridge (60-61) is disposed between the cartridges (5) and the aforementioned pusher (56).
  22. Loader according to claim 21, characterised in that each false cartridge is in the form of a cylindrical rod provided with at least two cylindrical shoulders (62-63-64) disposed opposite the ribs (21-22).
  23. Loader according to claim 21 or 22, characterised in that the shoulders (62-63-64) show a diameter equal to the exterior diameter of a cartridge (5).
  24. Loader according to one or more preceding claims, characterised in that the lower face (44) of the slope which houses the front parts or cartridge heads (5) is provided with a deepened zone (51) with which a false cartridge can work together in order to stop it when the loader (2) is empty.
EP89200185A 1988-03-02 1989-01-30 Longitudinal magazine for a hand firearm such as a sub-machine gun, rifle or machine gun Expired - Lifetime EP0331218B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89200185T ATE83312T1 (en) 1988-03-02 1989-01-30 LENGTH MAGAZINE FOR SMALL ARMS SUCH AS SUB MACHINE GUNS, RIFLES OR MACHINE GUN.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BE8800235 1988-03-02
BE8800235A BE1001469A3 (en) 1988-03-02 1988-03-02 Rip charger for personal weapon as-gunner gun, gun, gun, and like.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0331218A1 EP0331218A1 (en) 1989-09-06
EP0331218B1 true EP0331218B1 (en) 1992-12-09

Family

ID=3883289

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89200185A Expired - Lifetime EP0331218B1 (en) 1988-03-02 1989-01-30 Longitudinal magazine for a hand firearm such as a sub-machine gun, rifle or machine gun

Country Status (12)

Country Link
US (1) US4905394A (en)
EP (1) EP0331218B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2812702B2 (en)
KR (1) KR960004919B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1014357B (en)
AT (1) ATE83312T1 (en)
BE (1) BE1001469A3 (en)
BR (1) BR8900946A (en)
DE (2) DE68903769T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2011220T3 (en)
GR (2) GR900300015T1 (en)
IL (1) IL89129A0 (en)

Families Citing this family (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4995179A (en) * 1989-11-09 1991-02-26 Switzer Robert D Cartridge clip
US5081778A (en) * 1989-11-09 1992-01-21 Switzer Robert D Cartridge clip
US5239911A (en) * 1992-02-13 1993-08-31 Ostor Pierre A Multiple-round grenade launcher
IT1284722B1 (it) * 1996-08-02 1998-05-21 Augusta Spa Dispositivo di alimentazione di munizioni ad un'arma imbarcata su un aeromobile, ed aeromobile provvisto di tale dispositivo.
US6185853B1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2001-02-13 Fn Manufacturing Co Inc Speedloader for shotgun
US7908780B2 (en) * 2007-06-01 2011-03-22 Magpul Industries Corp. Ammunition magazine
US20110168009A1 (en) * 2007-11-20 2011-07-14 Robb Eric P Semiautomatic Rifle with Downward Ejection
WO2009067099A1 (en) * 2007-11-20 2009-05-28 Military Gun Supply, Inc. Magazine conversion for a semi-automatic rifle
DE102009042786A1 (en) * 2009-09-25 2011-03-31 O.E. Technology Ltd. Magazine for a handgun
BR112012023713B1 (en) * 2010-03-25 2021-05-18 ArmWest, LLC charger, firearm, and method
US9021935B1 (en) * 2013-12-05 2015-05-05 George Kellgren Hollow hammer with downward ejecting chamber for rifle
US9341421B2 (en) 2014-02-20 2016-05-17 Smith & Wesson Corp. Rifle having a fixed magazine
US9689633B1 (en) 2015-12-22 2017-06-27 Christopher Andrew Plate Magazine loader
US9618286B1 (en) 2015-09-29 2017-04-11 Christopher Andrew Plate Ammunition magazine loader
US10598455B2 (en) 2015-09-29 2020-03-24 Plate Llc Magazine ammunition loader
US9921014B2 (en) 2016-03-28 2018-03-20 John DEES Pistol with horizontal magazine beneath the barrel
FI128189B (en) * 2017-07-07 2019-12-13 Oy Asenetti Finland Ab Magazine for a firearm
US10739091B2 (en) 2018-08-06 2020-08-11 Makin Mesco Automatic and semi-automatic handgun with magazine aligned and disposed beneath the barrel
SE543680C2 (en) 2019-10-15 2021-06-01 Bae Systems Haegglunds Ab Arrangement for feeding ammunition to a weapon
US11248864B2 (en) 2020-04-07 2022-02-15 Kel-Tec Cnc Industries, Inc. Compact firearm

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE544859C (en) * 1932-02-24 Simson & Co Drum magazine for pistol ammunition
US1451339A (en) * 1918-08-16 1923-04-10 Kottas Arthur Magazine firearm
GB557685A (en) * 1938-11-09 1943-12-01 Martin James Ammunition box or magazine for machine guns
US2358792A (en) * 1940-12-02 1944-09-26 Woodville B Conway Firearm
US2448081A (en) * 1944-07-20 1948-08-31 Woodville B Conway Automatic ammunition feed for firearms
BE545725A (en) * 1946-04-18
BE515335A (en) * 1949-11-04
US2903809A (en) * 1956-02-21 1959-09-15 Fairchild Engine & Airplane Co Cartridge magazine of aluminum or magnesium
US2882635A (en) * 1956-12-19 1959-04-21 John L Hill Tubular combined cartridge container and magazine unit
NL102280C (en) * 1959-01-31
US3465463A (en) * 1968-03-13 1969-09-09 Us Army Adapter assembly for magazine containing blank cartridges
US4291481A (en) * 1979-03-12 1981-09-29 Wildey Firearms Company, Inc. Firearm magazine safety mechanism
US4286499A (en) * 1979-10-24 1981-09-01 Gillum Richard R Cross axis shell feeding apparatus for firearms
US4514922A (en) * 1983-02-01 1985-05-07 Pachmayr Gun Works, Inc. Gun magazine structure
KR890005151B1 (en) * 1986-02-15 1989-12-14 범양산업 주식회사 Magazin for automatic fire arm
IT207544Z2 (en) * 1986-06-04 1988-01-25 Franchi Spa Luigi PACKAGE MAGAZINE FOR HUNTING LINE CARTRIDGES.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2011220T3 (en) 1993-06-16
BE1001469A3 (en) 1989-11-07
CN1035717A (en) 1989-09-20
US4905394A (en) 1990-03-06
DE68903769T2 (en) 1993-04-08
CN1014357B (en) 1991-10-16
DE68903769D1 (en) 1993-01-21
JPH0217395A (en) 1990-01-22
BR8900946A (en) 1989-10-24
GR900300015T1 (en) 1991-06-07
GR3006502T3 (en) 1993-06-30
IL89129A0 (en) 1989-08-15
ES2011220A4 (en) 1990-01-01
KR890014986A (en) 1989-10-25
DE331218T1 (en) 1990-03-01
ATE83312T1 (en) 1992-12-15
KR960004919B1 (en) 1996-04-17
EP0331218A1 (en) 1989-09-06
JP2812702B2 (en) 1998-10-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0331218B1 (en) Longitudinal magazine for a hand firearm such as a sub-machine gun, rifle or machine gun
EP0708908B1 (en) Improved firearm with a pivoting magazine
EP0690284B1 (en) Deploying device for a projectile wing
FR2969276A1 (en) MACHINE FOR LAUNCHING TARGETS
FR2836843A1 (en) Tipping jet perfume dispenser comprises pump with hollow piston rod activated by pivoting lever to which dispensing nozzle is fixed and connected by conduit to end coupled to rod
EP3682183A1 (en) Machine gun
BE1004981A3 (en) Tipping loader gun or gun cartridges gunner.
FR2479441A1 (en) STORE FOR FIREARM
EP0717255B1 (en) Cartridge ejecting device for firearms
FR2672974A1 (en) DOUBLE AND INTERCHANGEABLE CARTRIDGE FEEDER FOR AUTOMATIC ARM WITH EXTERIOR DRIVE.
EP0194208B1 (en) Cartridge feed mechanism and magazine for an explosive load actuated apparatus
EP0592032B1 (en) Firearm with movable magazine and magazine for such a weapon
EP0129457B1 (en) Double ammunition feed mechanism for automatic weapons
FR2884600A1 (en) Ammunition feeding device for weapon e.g. naval weapon, has transfer units with guide pivotably mounted around axle and channel displaced relative to guide by ball pivot, and mounting clearance formed between channel and weapon
EP0692696B1 (en) Pump-action gun
FR2572509A1 (en) Sports hand-gun magazine
EP0260204B1 (en) Gas-operated automatic rifle, e.g. of the breakdown type
EP0024997B1 (en) Automatic feeding device for primer cartridges of a gun
BE896073A (en) SAFETY AND SAFETY DEVICE FOR WEAPONS, PARTICULARLY FOR GUNS WITH A TIPPING BRIDGE
FR2726637A1 (en) Ammunition round loader and unloader for tank gun or artillery piece
FR2475714A1 (en) GATLING PERFECTION MACHINE GUN
WO2007028875A1 (en) Pencil lead box
BE1010259A5 (en) System of a gun; charger and was to such a system.
EP1344016B1 (en) Automatic toy gun with multipurpose firing unit
EP0176426A1 (en) Ammunition storage and automatic loading device for tanks

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19890927

ITCL It: translation for ep claims filed

Representative=s name: JACOBACCI CASETTA & PERANI S.P.A.

TCAT At: translation of patent claims filed
GBC Gb: translation of claims filed (gb section 78(7)/1977)
DET De: translation of patent claims
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19910510

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 83312

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19921215

Kind code of ref document: T

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19921209

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 68903769

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19930121

ITPR It: changes in ownership of a european patent

Owner name: CESSIONE;FABRIQUE NATIONALE NOUVELLE HERSTAL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PUE

Owner name: FABRIQUE NATIONALE NOUVELLE HERSTAL (FNNH) S.A.

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: FG4A

Free format text: 3006502

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 89200185.0

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PFA

Free format text: FABRIQUE NATIONALE NOUVELLE HERSTAL (FNNH) S.A. TRANSFER- FN HERSTAL S.A.

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

Owner name: FN HERSTAL, SOCIETE ANONYME

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CD

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050130

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20071231

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20080111

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20080117

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080211

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20080117

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20080125

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20080204

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20071220

Year of fee payment: 20

PGRI Patent reinstated in contracting state [announced from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Effective date: 20080801

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20090129

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Payment date: 20080130

Year of fee payment: 20

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20090131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20090129

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20090131