GB2200438A

GB2200438A - Safe indicator for firearms

Info

Publication number: GB2200438A
Application number: GB08800730A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Tibbitt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-01-27
Filing date: 1988-01-13
Publication date: 1988-08-03
Also published as: GB8701797D0; GB8800730D0

Abstract

A safe indicator comprises a device inserted into the breech of a firearm to prevent it from being loaded with live ammunition. This device (or snapcap) includes a head shaped to provide a local diaphragm effect, the diaphragm absorbing the impact of the firing pin and flexing accordingly. <IMAGE>

Description

Improved Safe Indicator, incorporating the use of a Diaphragm Snapcap.

This patent application is presented to cover 'All Weapons' irrespective of type / calibre / mechanism, including the following.

Handguns Automatic, semi automatic, non automatic, single shot, machine pistols, revolvers, single and double action.

Rifles Automatic, semi automatic, non automatic, bolt action, single shot.

Machine guns All types.

Shotguns Automatic, semi automatic, pump action, bolt action, side by side, over and under, single shot.

The novelty of the invention is to provide a clear visual indicator easily seen from a distance, guaranteeing that the weapon is 100% safe, irrespective of an open or closed breech. If closed the trigger can be pulled, utilizing the old method of spring and plunger snap cap principle, or this Patent Applications improved diaphragm snapcap principle. The term 'safe' is to be interpreted as not possible to disharge.The use of this invention is only possible when the barrel or breech is void of ammunition. Enclosed is a 'concept only' sketch to describe the principle of the invention when applied to an automatic shotgun.

Therefore the novelties claimed by this application are, a Safe Indicator, and the diaphragm snapcap principle.

Notes to drawings Sketch 1: Sheet 2 Shows invention 'principle' body can be solid or hollow, and can be made from any suitable material that is durable and compatable with the breech and action of the weapon to utilise the invention.It is also the design intent that the colour of the indicator is such that it can be clearly seen from a distance.

Sectional views sheet 2 Shows invention utililising the existing spring and plunger principle, or alternatively in conjunction with this patents novelty,using the diaphragm principle.

Note 3 sheets 1/2 The shape/contour of indicator will vary to suit any particular type of weapon.And can include a folding feature to facilitate storage.

Sheet 3 Drawing A shows a section of a typical Snapcap, using a plunger and coil spring construction. The plunger absorbs the impact of the firing pin.

Note 1, shows the head of the firing pin impacting into the inner face of the weapons action. This is extremely detrimental to the life of the weapon.

Note 2, Shows schematicaly the normal action construction, housing the functional components, springs and firing pin etc.

Dimension X, indicates the protusion of the firing pin through the action face as when the trigger is pulled.

Note 3, Shows the inevitable deformation of the Snapcap plunger. When the depth of this deformation equals dimension X the Snapcap is no longer effective.

Drawing B. This section shows the concept of a reduced wall thickness to produce a local diaphragm effect. The diaphragm absorbs the impact of the firing pin and flexes accordingly. The prime materials for this design of Snapcap are plastics and rubbers.

Claims

Claims

This Patent application is to protect the novelty of an invention previously submitted, and given a filing date of 27 January 1987, and an application Number of 8701797.This resubmission is due to the invention being improved by several modifications. The main modification is the addition of an annulus to the top face.The principle is to achieve a diaphragm effect to give resistance to the firing pin when the weapon is dry fired. This was temporarily covered on patent application No 8716847.The following describes the main features of this resubmission.

The breech/action/barrel,of a firearm,shotgun,airweapon, cannot hold live ammunition when the safe indicator is in place.

The shape,size,material of the safe indicator will be defined by the individual characteristics of the weapon intending to use the invention.

When the safe indicator is not in position there will always be the possibility of the weapon being loaded with live ammunition and ready to disharge.

The addition of the diaphram principle has the following advantages.The current designs of snapcap have in common a coil spring to activate a plunger ( substitute for the percussion cap )The purpose of the coil spring is to offer resistance to the firing pin.The plunger must be made from a soft type of material,normaly brass to prevent damage to the nose/tip of the firing pin.

in use the soft plunger suffers deformation that in time compares with the protrusion of the firing pin through the face of the action. When this has happened the effectiveness of the snapcap is nil.This invention uses the diaphragm principle in conjunction with an appropriate material.The design intent is the diaphragm replaces the spring and the base material has a memory. Therefore making wear of the firing pin contact face minimal.This is intended to give prolonged operational effectiveness.