GB2592563A

GB2592563A - Training weight

Info

Publication number: GB2592563A
Application number: GB2000075.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: I Joyce Alex; D Walters Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-03
Filing date: 2020-01-03
Publication date: 2021-09-08
Also published as: GB202000075D0

Abstract

A training weight for replicating a firearm comprises an outer component 7 which is elongate and an inner component (10, fig 7.) which is received in a hole in the outer component. The hole and inner component may have smooth surfaces or be threaded. The outer component preferably includes accessory rails 1 such as NATO Accessory Rail. A plurality of different length inner components (10) may be provided to provide different weights. The training weight replicates the weight and balance of a firearm but can be carried where it is illegal to carry a rifle or gun.

Description

Training weight TITLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] This invention relates to exercise training weights, more specifically exercise training weights with a variable load.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[2] Exercising in and out of gyms has developed exponentially into an incredibly popular past-time for people from a multitude of backgrounds; those training to sustain performance or become professional athletes, individuals wishing to preserve a healthy lifestyle or achieve a physical image and also those preparing to meet or maintain military and law enforcement fitness requirements.

[3] The military and other forces expect a certain level of fitness before an applicant can be accepted. Furthermore, qualified members are expected to perform a multitude of physical tasks which generally do not concern the civilian public such as the ability to carry heavy weights on their backs and in their arms while tabbing long distances.

[4] The need to carry a bergan and rifle is paramount in many law enforcement and military roles especially when deployed on active duty. It is necessary to physically prepare for this challenge as much as possible beforehand and throughout placement. However, while it is feasible for most people to carry a heavy weighted bag when oft base in public, it is not always as simple to prepare the body for carrying a rifle; both in terms of strength, stamina, feel and balance.

[5] Those training to join the military or maintaining high military fitness standards commonly pick up and carry logs or other items, such as lengths of scaffold pole and folded rebar, while exercising on public land. If they can be found conveniently along the trail at all, these items are usually dirty, cumbersome, uncomfortable to carry and of an unknown and potentially unsafe weight.

[6] In most countries it is illegal to carry a firearm in public either outdoors or in a gym. Even when it is strictly legal, like in some U.S. states, the sight of someone running or hiking with a rifle could cause alarm to others; potentially leading to engagements with members of law-enforcement or other undesirable incidents.

[7] Most people are unable to obtain a firearm to exercise with as they have not been trained and they're not licensed. Also, the firearm a candidate is expected to carry when in the military is often not available for civilians to purchase.

[8] When on military or private land then exercising with a rifle or other firearm is acceptable but still impractical when firing or performing drills involving the weapon is not required. A firearm normally has to be booked out of an armoury then stripped and cleaned before returning; an unnecessary and time-wasting process when it has simply been carried on manoeuvres.

[9] It can also be unnecessarily dangerous carrying a fully functioning rifle during physical exercises as accidents can and commonly do happen. There are imitation firearms on the market specifically designed to replicate the look and feel of a firearm. These non-firing replicas are often used as props in films, training aids for cadets, mounts for advertising firearm accessories etc. [10] BlueGuns(RTM) from Ring's Manufacturing are an example of existing training aids which accurately simulate a range of popular firearms in tine detail. While they are made to a very high standard in terms of quality and aesthetic correctness this can also be a draw back in some situations despite being manufactured in 'Law Enforcement Blue', a colour commonly recognised with safety. It an individual in uniform walked into a facility which has a history with law enforcement training programs while carrying a BlueCun(BTM), nobody would be even slightly alarmed. However, it the same person dressed in civilian clothing jogged into a town centre carrying the same blue replica firearm then it is highly likely that a member of the public would be alarmed and perhaps call the authorities. Even though the BlueGun(RTM) is supplied in 'Law Enforcement Blue' it still could easily be mistaken for a functioning firearm to someone with no experience in the business. The same principal can be applied to U55451162A Red Guns by Armament Systems & Procedures (ASP) which are advertised as having a 'distinctive colour' but also being a 'realistic replica'.

[11] Bright colours do not always indicate a non-functioning training item or toy. In some countries and U.S states blue indicates a less-than-lethal firearm to law enforcement agencies, so they're not confused with full-lethal; but still a dangerous and functioning type of weapon. Tazer in the UK is painted bright yellow. Custom paint-jobs on rifles are also very popular; the full 'stars and stripes', tiger-print and bright pink are commonly seen. These examples prove that bright paint cannot be taken as evidence of harmlessness and that it is still justifiable to assume that a replica is dangerous despite the colour.

[12] Athletes often use hand weights of various loads when jogging, running, walking and during floor exercises to aid arm and core muscle development.

[13] 1154218057A is an existing arm exerciser for runners. Where these hand weights are designed to exercise arm muscles while the user is running, they are individual apparatus to be held singularly in each hand. These do not attempt match the look, ergonomics or weight of a firearm and do not come close to simulating carrying one. While these hand weights would improve a runner's arm strength, they would not be best suited to providing sufficient muscle preparation for carrying a rifle in terms of balance, touch, stamina or strength.

[14] Traditional kettlebells like USD61694951, free-weights like US1672944A, dumbbells like 0N85203110U and barbells like US4566690A are fine for developing strength and muscle stamina in most circumstances but they are not appropriate for all situations; for example, they're awkward to carry on a long tab or carry on an obstacle course. Barbells and dumbbells could be customised to match the weight of a particular firearm but they do not get close to the ergonomics or balance. It would also be very time consuming to research the appropriate weight for a firearm and all desired accessories before attaching the corresponding weight to the bar.

[15] While appropriate for use in a gym, these free-weights and dumbbells cannot be used to imitate the ergonomics, exact weight or size and balance of a firearm and are instead designed to be used when the handler is stationary.

[16] GEI5/49930A discloses a firearm training device with one or more reservoirs within the device for adjusting the weight of the firearm training device. This means that unless the reservoirs are completely full it does not have a consistent weight distribution relating to that of a firearm. Adjusting the weight using a threaded rod as in the present invention provides a stable weight distribution, and the use of different rods makes the end weight more customisable. GB2549930A also does not discuss the use of rail systems for the addition of extra weights or components.

[17] How does one safely train muscles and practise movement while, as accurately as possible, prepare for carrying a firearm? Furthermore, how do you train for carrying a firearm without carrying a functioning weapon because it is illegal and potentially dangerous, you can't get hold of a firearm, you want to avoid scaring people and you don't want to get shot yourself or involved in an altercation with law-enforcement? [018] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a training and exercise weight that closely matches the ergonomics, weight and balance of a firearm while minimising the aesthetic similarities of said firearm.

[19] As the invention is not a functioning firearm and its aesthetic similarities with a firearm both in shape and potentially its colours are kept to a minimum, it should allow for its use in situations where a real firearm would be not allowed as it would cause alarm or is otherwise not permitted. BlueGun's(RTM) and ASP's Red Guns for example are not functioning firearms but they do accurately match the look and feel of a firearm, barring the bright colours. It has been pointed out that colour alone cannot be relied upon to differentiate between a real firearm and a replica, training aid, exercise weight or toy.

[20] As the invention is not a functioning firearm and keeps firearm aesthetic similarities to a minimum its purchase and use should not be limited in locations where firearm purchase and open display is restricted. To minimise the aesthetic similarities, the invention does not have a protruding magazine, does not have a solid pistol grip with trigger or a barrel with flash hider extending out at the front.

[21] Another benefit of the invention is that it does not have any moving parts or function that could be soiled or easily damaged that would stop it working until it was cleaned or taken for expensive repairs; which is a potential weaknesses of a real firearm in an exercise and training situation.

[22] The invention will allow for 'real steel' firearm accessories such as scopes and torches (if the situation permits this such as on military training grounds), as well as weighted simulations [Fig.8], to be attached using a rail system on the top, bottom and sides. Depending on the invention's model type, the rails could be in the form of NATO Accessory Rails (otherwise known as the STANAG 4694 rails), Keymod holes or Weaver rails etc. If the invention's target firearm was bullpup in design then a simulated magazine weight [Fig.8] could be attached on the bottom rail towards the rear of the invention in order to match the balance more closely. If the target firearm was an M4A1 for example, then the simulated magazine weight could be attached on the bottom rail towards the middle or further forward to match the real firearm's balance.

[23] The invention's weight can be adjusted to match that of any desired firearm by changing the length, diameter or material of the bar that is inserted along the invention's core from end to end. This means the base invention with rails can be kept as standard with only the centre bar or bore hole needing to be switched or altered to change the invention's target firearm model. The position of a core threaded bar can be adjusted either forward or backwards in a screwing motion, so the invention's balance can more accurately match that of the target firearm. It the core bar were smooth rather than threaded, then different length bungs could be positioned at each end to hold it in the desired position. A smooth bar could also be pressed then glued in place if it were the same diameter as the bore hole. If the target firearm was bullpup in design, like the SA83/L85, then the core bar could be positioned further back towards the rear whereas an M4A1 for example could have the core bar located further forward.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[24] A first aspect of the invention provides an adjustable training weight for replicating the weight and balance of a firearm, the adjustable training weight comprising outer and inner components: the outer component being elongate in shape and comprising a hole passing through its length; the inner component comprising a weighted rod of complimentary diameter for fitting with the threaded hole passing through the outer component, such that the rod can be Inserted into the hole.

[25] The hole through the outer component may be threaded, and the rod of the inner component may be threaded, such that the rod can be inserted into the hole by being screwed into the hole.

[025] Alternatively, the hole through the outer component may have a substantially smooth internal surface, and the rod of the inner component may have a substantially smooth exterior surface, such that the rod can be inserted into the hole by being slid into the hole.

[26] The outer component may further comprise rails, slots or holes on the exterior for receiving attachments.

[27] The outer component may further comprise rail systems on opposing external sides of the outer component, the rails extending in a lengthwise direction of the external component, the rail system being usable for the attachment of additional weights and attachments.

[28] The inner component may be selectable from a plurality of rods of various lengths so as to allow a user to adjust the total weight and balance of the adjustable training weight.

[29] The rails may be of one of the following standard rail systems: NATO accessory rails, KeyMod systems, M-Lok(RTM) systems, Weaver rails, or Picatinny rails.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[30] It is to be understood that the disclosed figures are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various forms within the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosed figures herein depict the invention when the outer component is configured with NATO Accessory Rails (otherwise known as the STANAC 1/2694 rails or NAR). Other models of the invention can be manufactured within the scope of the present disclosure with Picatinny or MIL-STD-1913 rail, M-Lok or other tactical rail designed for accessories and attachments.

[31] It is to be noted that some elements within the enclosed figures may not be drawn exactly to scale so are not to he treated as limiting when related to the claims.

Fig.1 3D perspective view of the present invention where the outer component is fitted with NAP rails but no accessories or weighted simulations attached.

Fig.2 Top view (or bottom view as this is identical) of the invention's outer component with NAP rails but without accessories or weighted simulations attached.

Fig.3 Side view of the invention's outer component (left or right as they are identical) with NAP rails and no accessories or weighted simulations attached.

Fig.4 Front end view of the invention fitted with NAP rails on the outer component but no accessories or weighted simulations attached.

Fig.5 Rear end view of the invention fitted with NAP rails on the outer component but no accessories or weighted simulations attached.

Fig.6 Cross sectional slice view of pint [14]; labelled in both Fig.1, Fig.2 and Fig.3.

Fig.7 Side view of one embodiment of the invention's inner component; the threaded rod which acts as the adjustable weight to be inserted in the center bore hole of the invention's outer component.

Fig.6 3D view, example of a weighted simulation to be attached to the NAP rail of the invention.

Detailed Description

[32] It is to be acknowledged that the present written disclosure will not include detailed instructions on the fitting, removing or operating of tactical rail attachments or accessories. Exact measurements or descriptions for the NATO Accessory Rail will not be included either as these are not unique to this invention and no claim to this rail design is made in this disclosure. Such components and rail specifications are readily available and techniques relating to their use are widely known, especially to one of ordinary skill in this art or field. It is therefore reasonable to believe that the statement and descriptions herein will be satisfactory for said individual of ordinary skill in this field to comprehend, manufacture and operate the present invention.

[33] The embodiment of the invention as pictured in Figs 1 to 6 and described in this written disclosure comprises an outer component featuring the NATO Accessory Rail, also known as the STANAG 4694 or NAR. Other versions of the invention are not limited to the NATO Accessory Rail but for the purposes of this disclosure the NATO Accessory Rail configuration has been chosen as a comprehensive example and therefore the principal and purpose can be understood.

[34] In Fig.1 the invention is displayed with four sides featuring the NATO Accessory rail. The top and bottom rails [1] run the full length of the invention from the front [8] Fig.4 to the rear [9] Fig.5 and are identical. The NATO Accessory Rail 'ribs' positioned closest to the front [8] Fig.4 and rear [9] Fig.5 are chamfered [5] to minimize the risk of injury through the user's contact with sharp edges.

[35] The left and right sides of the invention are identical to provide and ambidextrous training platform. The accessory rail on the left and right [2] does not run the full length of the outer component as it does on top [1] and bottom [1]. The front end's [8] side accessory rail [2] runs approximately one third of the invention's length then slopes down [3] closer to the centre of the shaft to provide a more comfortable 'rib-free' portion [4] so it becomes more comfortable to carry in one hand. Firearms do not tend to cater for accessories or attachments in this portion of their design as this would traditionally be occupied by the receiver and trigger mechanism. A sloped [3] leads up to a small portion of NATO Accessory rail [6] at the rear [9] of the invention's left and right sides to allow for the addition of a butt stock or sling ring attachment.

[36] The inner sections [3] of the invention's left and right side rails are sloped in this way to provide a smoother transition between the 'rib-free' portion of the invention and railed portions [2][6]. This is to minimize discomfort if the user's hand were to slide forward or backward from the user's intended carrying position.

[37] Other configurations of the invention with rail systems such as KeyMod, would not require a sloped inner section [3] as their designs do not feature raised sections that would impact or affect a user in the event of slippage or hand misplacement.

[38] The invention's top [1] and bottom [1] rails run continuously the full length of the outer component's as there is a requirement for

S

accessories and simulated attachments Fig.8 on almost all firearms that the invention would be replicating.

[39] The outer component's inner core in Fig.7 [10] may be threaded to accommodate an inner component [10]. The inner component may be threaded so it can be secured in various positions within the outer component's core. The threaded inner component [10] has a slot on each end so it's location can be adjusted within the core of the outer component by rotating with a flat head screw driver or similar tool. In another embodiment, the outer component's core bore could be smooth to accommodate a smooth inner component which would in turn be held in place with a tapered bung at each end.

[40] The length of the inner component [10] can be modified to adjust the total weight of the invention when the inner component [10] is inserted inside the core of the outer component [7]. The shorter the inner component [10] is, the lower the total weight will be. The length of the Inner component [10] would be adjusted so that when combined with the outer component the invention's total weight would match that of any given real firearm.

[41] The top [1] and bottom [1] rails of the outer component protrude radially slightly further than the left and right rails [2][6]. The variance in radial measurements is designed to create a slight oblong shape to differentiate between the invention's top and side while being more ergonomically comfortable in the hand's natural grip.

[42] Fig.8 shows an example of a weight to be attached to the NATO Accessory Rail. The removable weights are simulations of real firearm accessories. For instance; to simulate the added weight of a STANAG 5.56x45mm 30 round magazine that is compatible with most M16 variants and many other firearms, the simulated weight would be approximately 450g. This would then be attached to the bottom rail [1] of the invention to accurately replicate a real firearm's balance and weight while minimizing the aesthetic similarities.

[43] The weight of the simulated accessory/attachment in Fig.8 could be adjusted by using different materials or by changing the length and depth. By making these adjustments the weight could simulate any desire real firearm accessory.

[44] In this written disclosure the invention's example embodiment is configured with NATO Accessory Rails so in this case the simulated weight would clamp on to the rail in the standard accessory/attachment fashion; the simulated weight split lengthways [13] into two main components [11][12] then secured with parallel bolts [14] that line up in the recesses between the NATO Accessory Rail's ribs.

[45] As a demonstrable example of the invention; the total weight of an M4 Carbine is 2.67kg with loaded 5.56x45mm 30 round magazine as an additional 450g. If manufactured in aluminium and configured with NATO Accessory Rails the invention's outer component at 70cm in length would weigh 1.4kg. The threaded inner component [10] would be cut to make up the remaining 1.47kg and inserted into the outer component's core [7] to equal the firearm's 2.67kg. The 450g simulated magazine weight could then be attached to replicate what an end user could typically be expected to carry on deployment if issued an M4 Carbine. Optional scopes etc could also be simulated in the same format for further accuracy and weight.

[46] In summary, the invention provides:

[47] An adjustable training weight which replicates the weight and balance of a firearm and allows for additional weights and attachments through the use of rail systems.

[48] A training weight which comprises of an outer component with rails, slots or holes on the exterior for attachments. The outer component has a hollow inner core along its full length.

[49] A training weight with an inner core component comprised of a section of threaded rod to be inserted into the outer component. The inner core component threaded rod can be exchanged for a longer or shorter rod to adjust the invention's total weight.

[50] A training weight that when the inner component is inserted into the core of the outer component, their combined weight matches that of a desired firearm.

[51] The invention's outer component, as recited in claim 2, features rails such as, but not limited to, NATO Accessory Rails (as pictured in Fig.1-6), KeyMod systems, M-Lok systems, Weaver rails, Picatinny rails and others.

[52] Real functioning firearm accessories such as, but not limited to, scopes, torches, pistol grips, handguard covers, carry handles, sling rings and lasers can be attached to the rails, holes and slots of the invention's outer component.

[53] Real firearm accessories and attachments such as, but not limited to, scopes, torches, pistol grips, magazines and lasers are replicated in the form of weighted or skeletonized simulations to be attached to the rails, holes and slots on the exterior of the invention's outer component.

[54] A customizable exercise training weight featuring rails, slots or holes that allow for accessories to be quickly attached or removed and contains a weighted component along its central core. The length of the inner component can he adjusted so that when combined with the invention's other parts the total weight and balance closely replicates that of any desired firearm while ensuring firearm aesthetics are minimized.

Claims

Claims 1. An adjustable training weight for replicating the weight and balance of a firearm, the adjustable training weight comprising outer and inner components: the outer component being elongate in shape and comprising a hole passing through its length; the inner component comprising a weighted rod of complimentary diameter for fitting with the threaded hole passing through the outer component, such that the rod can be inserted into the hole.
2. An adjustable training weight according to claim I wherein the hole through the outer component is threaded, and the rod of the inner component is threaded, such that the rod can be inserted into the hole by being screwed into the hole.
3. An adjustable training weight according to claim I wherein the hole through the outer component has a substantially smooth internal surface, and the rod of the inner component has a substantially smooth exterior surface, such that the rod can be inserted into the hole by being slid into the hole.
4. An adjustable training weight according to claim I wherein the outer component further comprises rails, slots or holes on the exterior for receiving attachments.
5. An adjustable training weight according to claim I wherein the outer component further comprises rail systems on opposing external sides of the outer component, the rails extending in a lengthwise direction of the external component, the rail system being usable for the attachment of additional weights and attachments.
6. An adjustable training weight according to claim I wherein the inner component can be selected from a plurality of rods of various lengths so as to allow a user to adjust the total weight and balance of the adjustable training weight.
7. An adjustable training weight according to claim 5 wherein the rails are of one of the following standard rail systems: NATO accessory rails, KeyMod systems, M-Lok(RTM) systems, Weaver rails, or Picatinny rails.