WO2013093570A1

WO2013093570A1 - Firearm, elastic body and assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2013093570A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/055939
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dimitry Streshinskiy; Alexander Reztsov
Original assignee: Arsenal Firearms Finance Limited
Priority date: 2011-12-23
Filing date: 2011-12-23
Publication date: 2013-06-27

Abstract

The present invention relates to a firearm (1) comprising a blocking device of the magazine (6) in a housing compartment (4) of the firearm (1). Such device comprises at least one male retention element (8', 8") projecting into the compartment (4) to interfere with the magazine (6), and a manual command assembly (10) of the male element (8', 8"), operable from opposite sides (12', 12") of the firearm (1) to release the magazine ( 6). The manual command assembly (10) is translatable through the thickness of the firearm (1) to provoke a distancing of the male retention element (8', 8") from the magazine (6). The invention also relates to an elastic body, for example utilisable in the firearm (1), and an assembly comprising the firearm and a magazine.

Description

"Firearm, elastic body and assembly"

DESCRIPTION

[0001] . The present invention relates to a firearm, to an elastic body utilisable in such firearm and to an assembly comprising the firearm or elastic body.

[0002] . The use of ammunition-holder magazines for progressively supplying the firing chambers of firearms with shells is known of in the firearms sector. As is known, after the magazine is exhausted it is disengaged from the firearm for exchanging it with a loaded magazine .

[0003] . One widespread problem relates to the possibility of easily releasing the magazine from the firearm for left-handed users; release systems suitable for being dismantled from the firearms and remounted backwards exist to favour also such users. It follows clearly that in such circumstances the right-handed users are disadvantaged by such new arrangement.

[0004] . Fitting the firearms with ambidextrous release systems, that is to say suitable for being used both by right-handed and left-handed . users, has also been proposed.

[0005] . To permit such functionality, one particular type of system uses a tooth projecting from the surface of the magazine, and an engagement body, fitted in the firearm in a translatable manner and bearing a pair of grooves of sufficiently broad cross-section to be crossed by the tooth, in some positions of the engagement body in relation to the magazine.

[0006] . Consequently, when the magazine needs to be blocked, the tooth lies in abutment with the engagement body in a zone included between the two grooves; conversely, for the release of the magazine, the engagement body is translated towards one or the other groove depending on whether the user is right-handed or left-handed, so as to align with the tooth and thereby permit disengagement of the magazine from the firearm.

[0007] . Unfortunately, even such type of system is not free of drawbacks, mainly due to the presence of the tooth on the magazine; in particular, as well as risking causing injury to the user's hands, the tooth has a marked tendency to catch, for example in fabrics.

[0008] . It follows that for some types of users, such as police officers or assault groups, failure to extract the magazine may cost their life.

[0009] . The present invention therefore sets out to resolve the drawbacks of the prior art and, in particular, those mentioned above.

[0010] . Such objective is achieved by a firearm according to claim 1, by means of an elastic body according to claim 21, and by means of an assembly according to claim 22. The dependent claims show preferred embodiment variations.

[0011] . The present invention will now be described in detail, with the help of the attached drawings, wherein:

- figures 1 and 2 shows opposite views of a firearm which the present invention relates to, according to one possible variant;

- figures 3, 4 and 5 show two perspective views and a lateral view partially in cross-section corresponding to figures 1 and 2;

figures 3a and 4a show enlargements of the areas highlighted in figures 3 and 4, in which the blocking device engages the magazine;

- figures 6 and 6a are respectively a cross-section along the plane VI-VI of figure 5, and an enlargement of the area marked in figure 6;

- figures 7 and 7a, 8, 9 and 9a show a further cross- section of the firearm in figure 1, wherein the command assembly has been moved to a first release position of the magazine, figure 7a being an enlargement of the area marked in figure 7, figure 9 being a cross -section along the plane IX-IX in figure 8, and wherein figure 9a shows an enlargement of the area marked in figure 9;

- figures 10 and 10a, 11 and 11a correspond to the representations in 7, 7a, 9 and 9a, where the command assembly has however been moved to a second release position of the magazine, opposite the first; and

- the pairs of figures 12a, 12b and 13a, 13b 12a, 12b and 13a, 13b respectively show an elastic body and manual command assembly of the invention, according to a possible embodiment.

[0012] . With reference to the aforesaid drawings, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a firearm.

[0013] . Merely by way of example the present invention will be illustrated on the basis of a gun; however other embodiments of the invention envisage use of the device described on other types of firearm, such as a rile or a machine gun.

[0014]. The firearm 1 comprises a firearm frame 2 which defines a compartment 4 for the at least partial housing of a magazine 6.

[0015] . Preferably, the housing compartment 4 is of sufficient dimensions to house the magazine 6 substantially entirely. For example, with reference to figures 2 and 5, only a base 36 of the magazine 6 projects externally from the compartment 4, while a main portion of the same is positioned inside it.

[0016] . Advantageously, the housing compartment 4 communicates with a firing chamber of the firearm (not shown) so that the shells held by the magazine 6 may be progressively loaded and fired in such chamber.

[0017] . According to one embodiment, the housing compartment 4 communicates externally to the firearm through an access aperture, which in the drawings is hidden by the magazine and is facing downwards. This way, the magazine is inserted in the compartment 4 through the access aperture, and is extracted from such aperture for the replacement of a used magazine with a new one loaded with shells.

[0018] . According to a further variation, the housing compartment 4 is delimited by a grippable portion 34 of the firearm 1; in the embodiment shown, such grippable portion corresponds to gun butt.

[0019] . The firearm 1 further comprises a blocking device of the magazine 6 in the housing compartment 4. Advantageously, such device is suitable for the reversible blocking of the magazine so that the latter can be caught/released as needed.

[0020] . Such blocking device comprises at least one male retention element 8', 8", preferably a pair of such elements, projecting into the compartment 4 to interfere with the magazine 6.

[0021]. This way, the male element 8', 8" is the active component of the blocking device which acts on the magazine .

[0022] . According to one embodiment (not shown) , the male retention element 8' , 8", works on an outer surface, for example knurled or stepped, of the magazine.

[0023] . According to a further embodiment, the male retention element 8', 8" engages in a blocking aperture 38' , 38" made in the magazine, for example in a lateral magazine wall 40; in particular, the male retention element penetrates the blocking aperture to prevent the extraction of the magazine from the compartment.

[0024] . Preferably, the free end 8a, 8b of the male retention element 8' 8" is wedge-shaped with the sloping surface 42 of the wedge facing towards the access aperture. This way, the blocking of the magazine following its insertion is favoured, and its unintentional, disengagement from the firearm hindered.

[0025] . The blocking device further comprises a manual command assembly 10 of the male element 8', 8", operable from opposite sides of the firearm 1 to release the magazine 6.

[0026] . In other words, the command assembly is of the ambidextrous type, in that it is equally operable from both sides 12' , 12" of the firearm, for example from its flanks. This way, both left-handed and right-handed marksmen find themselves equally at ease in the magazine release operation.

[0027] . Moreover, it follows that the command assembly is operable towards a first and a second release position of the magazine, preferably symmetrical to each other in relation to a central firearm plane or axis.

[0028] . The manual command assembly 10 is translatable through the thickness of the firearm 1, along a translation direction X of such assembly, to cause a distancing of the male retention element 8' , 8" from the magazine 6, and thereby allow the release of the latter.

[0029] . As a result, the command assembly 10 is pushed (or pulled) from a first side of the firearm in a first direction of translation, while it can be pushed (or pulled) from a second side 12" of the firearm in a second direction, opposite the first. However, advantageously, the translation of the manual command assembly 10 occurs preventing it from being able to come out of its seat 16, regardless of the force, even unrestrained, applied to release the magazine.

[0030] . According to a preferred embodiment, the distancing of the male retention element 8', 8" occurs along a direction of retention Y substantially orthogonal to the direction of translation X and/or substantially parallel to a barrel axis.

[0031] . Preferably, the command assembly 10 is axial symmetric to the direction of translation X. For example, the direction of translation X is substantially orthogonal, at least in projection, in relation to the barrel axis of the firearm.

[0032] . According to a preferred variant, for the embodiments envisaging a pair of male retention elements 8', 8", such pair is distanced substantially parallel to the direction of translation X of the manual command assembly 10. This way, the pair of male retention elements 8', 8" is suitable for receiving at least a section of the magazine 6.

[0033] . Preferably, the manual command assembly 10 comprises a shaped pin comprising pin heads 28', 28" and a central area 30, of reduced cross section, connecting the heads 28', 28". The central zone therefore connects a pair of heads, of greater cross-section, advantageously symmetrical to each other. For example such heads are generally cylindrical.

[0034]. According to a preferred variant, the firearm 1 comprise an elastic body 14 which acts constantly pushing on the male retention element 8', 8" to block the magazine 6 in the housing compartment 4. As a result, the elastic body 14 opposes the distancing of the male element 8', 8" from the magazine, and the blocked condition of the magazine in the housing compartment occurs essentially via a snap mechanism.

[0035] . According to one embodiment, the central area 30 of the manual command assembly 10 has a substantially planar surface 32 for abutment with the elastic body 14. For example, the central area has a rectangular cross- section, or at least one pair of opposite planar surfaces 32, also to facilitate the assembly operations of the device. Alternatively, such cross-section of the central zone is square. Preferably, the pair of opposite planar surfaces 32 is connected by means of a curvilinear surface 48.

[0036] . According to a preferred variant, the manual command assembly 10 comprises opposite cam surfaces 26', 26" for the movement of the male retention element 8', 8".

[0037] . In other words, the cam surfaces 26' , 26" are used to convert the translational movement of the command assembly 10, into a distancing/approaching movement of the male retention element 8', 8" in relation to the magazine, for example in the retention direction Y.

[0038]. According to a further variation, the cam surfaces 26' , 26" are positioned in the zone connecting the central area 30 and each head 28', 28".

[0039] . The manual command assembly 10 is advantageously inserted in a transversal seat 16 of the firearm frame 2, with which such assembly 10 couples, preferably with a shape coupling. For example, inner walls of the frame 2 which define the transversal seat 16 may form guides for the translation of the manual command assembly 10.

[0040] . Preferably, the elastic body 14 works on the manual command assembly 10 to prevent its exit from said seat 16.

[0041] . This way, the elastic body acts both as a thrust element on the male retention element 8', 8", and as a retention component of the manual command assembly 10 in the aforesaid seat.

[0042] .. Preferably, the axially inner end of each head 28', 28" comprises annular abutment surfaces 32', 32" suitable for preventing the exit of the assembly/pin from its seat 16.

[0043] . In fact, since each cam surface ends preferably with an annular abutment surface 32', 32", the maximum translation of the pin in its seat 16 corresponds substantially to the distance between such annular surfaces, as may be noted for example comparing figures 9a and 10a.

[0044] . Preferably, the manual command assembly 10 is positioned between a first end portion 14' of the elastic body 14 and the magazine 6. [0045] . Even more preferably, the first end portion 14' comprises a flap 18 projecting rearwards (such adverb for example being referred to the arrangement in figure 12a) , sliding in abutment with the manual command assembly 10.

[0046] . In other words, according to this last variant, the manual command assembly 10 is suitably positioned between the flap 18 and the magazine 6; according to a further variation, the flap 18 interacts with the manual command assembly 10, and preferably with the central area 30 and/or with the cam surfaces 26', 26".

[0047] . According to one embodiment, the male retention element 8', 8" is connected to and extends from the first end portion 14' of the elastic body 14. For example, such male element extends frontwards from the first end portion 14', that is to say, in the opposite direction to the flap 18.

[0048] . According to a particularly advantageous variant, the elastic body 14, the male retention element 8', 8", optionally also the flap 18, are made in one piece .

[0049] . Preferably, the elastic body 14 and the male retention element 8', 8", optionally also the flap 18, are formed by bending a plate, preferably in a metal for springs .

[0050] . According to one embodiment, the elastic body 14 is inserted in a frame seat 20, obtained in the firearm frame 2, partially separate from the housing compartment 4, but preferably communicating with the latter .

[0051] . According to a further embodiment, the elastic body 14 comprises a second end portion 14" provided with attachment means to the frame 2.

[0052] . According to a particularly advantageous variant, the first 14' and the second 14" end portion of the elastic body are connected by means of a stem 44 having at least one flexible section. For example, such stem has a rectangular cross-section.

[0053]. Advantageously, the male retention element 8', 8" extends from the stem 44.

[0054] . According to one embodiment, the stem 44 extends along a curvilinear section. According to a further embodiment, the stem 44 has an at least partially concave front surface 46, facing towards the magazine.

[0055] . Preferably, the first 14' and the second 14" end portion of the elastic body are connected to each other offset^' along a longitudinal extension axis of the stem 44.

[0056] . Even more preferably, the attachment means comprise at least one proximal groove or tooth 22', 22" (preferably a pair of opposite proximal teeth) suitable for engaging with a corresponding guide 24, respectively projecting or lowered, performed in the firearm frame 2.

[0057] . It follows, that the position of the elastic body in its seat is strictly maintained, without the possibility of shifting.

[0058]. According to the variants shown, the proximal tooth extends, for example substantially at right angles, from the stem 44. For the variants with a pair of teeth 22', 22" they extend advantageously from opposite sides of such stem.

[0059]. Advantageously, the proximal tooth 22', 22" is also made in one piece with the elastic body 14 and with the male retention element 8', 8". Optionally, a production of the aforementioned components may be envisaged by bending of a sheet, for example in a metal for springs.

[0060] . The present invention further relates to an elastic body 14 for blocking a magazine 6 in a firearm 1.

[0061] . Such elastic body 14 comprises a stem 44 which comprises at least one flexible section and which connects a first 14' and a second 14" end portion of the body; such body further comprises a male retention element 8', 8", for example at the first end portion 14', projecting from the stem 44 for blocking the magazine 6 in the firearm 1. The aforesaid end portions 14', 14" are offset along a longitudinal extension axis of the stem 44.

[0062 ] . In other words, the end portions 14', 14" are not positioned along the same axis, but are staggered in such a way that the second end portion 14" abuts against the firearm frame 2, while the first end portion 14' remains engaged with the magazine 6 in an oscillating manner .

[0063] . Preferably, such elastic body has all the features mentioned in relation to the previous embodiments, and can advantageously be used with the aforementioned firearm.

[0064] . The present invention relates, lastly, to an assembly comprising a firearm 1, according to any of the previous claims, and a magazine 6 at least partially inserted in the housing compartment 4 of such firearm 1.

[0065] . Innovatively, the firearm which the present invention relates to makes it possible to guarantee safe blocking of the magazine in the absence of male portions on the magazine, so that both the replacement of the magazine and its storage take place in total safety.

[0066] . Advantageously, the firearm which the present invention relates to is extremely simple to construct, so that the production method of the relative components is enormously simplified. [0067] . Advantageously, the blocking device which the present invention relates to has extremely limited dimensions, so that the total size of the firearm do not increase on account of the presence of such device.

[0068] . Advantageously, the blocking device which the present invention relates to can also be used with magazines commonly used today, in that the means used for blocking are mechanically compatible with such magazines and with the release systems used as of today in firearms.

[0069] . Advantageously, the blocking device which the present invention relates to is incredibly resistant precisely because of its simplicity, and is placed in the firearm in a removable manner without the need to use tools.

[0070] . Advantageously, in the blocking device which the present invention relates to, the multiple function played by the components makes it possible to reduce costs and dimensions in the firearm.,

[0071] . Advantageously, the blocking device which the present invention relates to simplifies the blocking of the magazine in a reliable manner and favours the release of the same.

[0072] . Advantageously, the manual command assembly described provides a broad area of interaction with the elastic body; moreover, its specific geometry prevents the rotation of the assembly in its seat.

[0073] . Among the other advantages, such constricted rotation gives a feeling of solidity to the firearm and to the device.

[0074] . Advantageously, the geometry of the command assembly means that its insertion in the respective seat always takes place in the correct position, and allows the elastic body to position it in the configuration suitable for correct functioning of the firearm.

[0075] . Advantageously, the blocking device which the present invention relates to permits a level of safety unmatched by traditional release systems; in fact while in the devices of the prior art the double slot positioned on the magazine is made for the backward reassembly of such release system, in the present invention both such elements co-operate to keep the magazine in its seat. Such advantage is also absent in the systems with male element positioned on the magazine described at the outset .

[0076] . A person skilled in the art may make variations to the embodiments of the firearm, elastic body and assembly described above or replace elements with others functionally equivalent so as to satisfy specific requirements. [0077] . Such variations are also contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

[0078] . Moreover, each of the variants described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be realised independently of the other variants described.

Claims

1. Firearm (1) comprising:

- a firearm frame (2) which defines a compartment (4) for the at least partial housing of a magazine (6);

- a blocking device of the magazine (6) in the housing compartment (4) comprising:

a) at least one male retention element (8' , 8") projecting into said compartment to interfere with the magazine (6); and

b) a manual command assembly (10) of said male element (8' , 8") , operable from opposite sides (12' , 12") of the firearm (1) to release the magazine (6);

wherein the manual command assembly (10) is translatable through the thickness of said firearm (1) to provoke a distancing of the male retention element (8' , 8") from the magazine (6) .

2. Firearm according to claim 1, comprising an elastic body (14) pushing constantly the male retention element (8' , 8") to block the magazine (6) in the housing compartment (4).

3. Firearm according to claim 2, wherein the manual command assembly (10) is inserted in a transversal seat (16) of the firearm frame (2), and wherein the elastic body (14) works on the manual command assembly (10) to prevent its exit from said seat (16) .

4 . Firearm according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the manual command assembly (10) is positioned between a first end portion (14') of the elastic body (14) and the magazine (6) .

5. Firearm according to claim 4, wherein the first end portion (14') comprises a flap (18) projecting rearwards, in sliding abutment with the manual command assembly (10).

6. Firearm according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the male retention body (8', 8") is connected to and extends from the first end portion (14') of the elastic body (14).

7. Firearm according to any of the claims from 2 to 6, wherein the elastic body (14) is inserted in a frame seat (20), made in the firearm frame (2), partially separate from the housing compartment (4) .

8. Firearm according to any of the claims from 2 to 7, wherein the elastic body (14) comprises a second end portion (14") provided with attachment means to the frame (2) .

9. Firearm according to claim 8, wherein the attachment means comprise at least one proximal groove or tooth (22', 22"), suitable for engaging with a corresponding guide (24), respectively projecting or lowered, performed in the firearm frame (2) .

10. Firearm according to any of the claims from 2 to 9, wherein the elastic body (14) and the male retention element (8' , 8"), optionally also the flap (18) and/or the proximal tooth (22', 22"), are one-pieced.

11. Firearm according to any of the claims from 2 to 10, wherein the elastic body (14) and the male retention element (8', 8"), optionally also the flap (18) and/or the proximal tooth (22', 22"), are made by bending a plate, for example in a metal for springs.

12. Firearm according to any of the previous claims, wherein the free end (8a, 8b) of the male retention element (8' 8") is wedge-shaped.

13. Firearm according to any of the previous claims, comprising a pair of male retention elements (8', 8"), distanced substantially parallel to the direction of translation (X) of the manual command assembly (10) .

14. Firearm according to claim 13, wherein the pair of male retention elements (8' , 8") is suitable for receiving at least a section of the magazine (6).

15. Firearm according to any of the previous claims, wherein the manual command assembly (10) comprises opposite cam surfaces (26' , 26") for the movement of the male retention element (8', 8").

16. Firearm according to any of the previous claims, wherein the manual command assembly (10) comprises a shaped pin comprising pin heads (28' , 28") and a central area (30), of reduced cross section, connecting said heads (28' , 28") .

17. Firearm according to claim 16, when dependent on any of the claims from 2 to 11, wherein the central area (30) has a substantially planar surface (32) for abutment with the elastic body (14).

18. Firearm according to claims 15 or 16, wherein the cam surfaces (26', 26") are positioned in the zone connecting the central area (30) and each head (28', 28").

19. Firearm according to any of the claims from 16 to 18, wherein the axial^'ly internal end of each head (28', 28") comprises annular abutment surfaces (32', 32") suitable for preventing the exit of the manual command assembly (10) from its seat (16) .

20. Firearm according to any of the previous claims, wherein the housing compartment (4) is delimited by a grippable portion (34) of the firearm (1), for example by a gun butt.

21. Elastic body (14) for blocking a magazine (6) in a firearm (1) comprising:

- a stem (44) which comprises at least one flexible section and which connects a first (14") and a second (14") end portion of said body (14);

- a male retention element (8' , 8") , projecting from the stem (44), for example at the first end portion (14'), for blocking the magazine (6) in the firearm (1);

wherein said end portions (14', 14") are offset from each other along a longitudinal extension axis of the stem (44) .

22. Assembly comprising:

- a firearm (1) according to any of the previous claims, and

- a magazine (6) at least partially inserted in the housing compartment (4) of such firearm (1).