Patent Application
20100275491
1. Technical Field
The present invention embodiments generally pertain to firearms. In particular, the present invention embodiments pertain to semiautomatic breech-locked, recoil-operated pistols configured to produce reliable and repetitive blank-fire operation.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Conventional semiautomatic pistols designed to discharge high-pressure cartridges (e.g., 9 mm Parabellum, 0.357 SIG, 0.40 S&W, 10 mm, and 0.45ACP cartridges) typically employ a breech-locked, recoil-activated mechanism that is derived from the BROWNING and COLT/BROWNING family of firearms. In this mechanism, the pistol barrel and slide are locked together and collectively travel rearward for a predetermined distance in response to firing of a projectile or bullet to initiate a firing cycle. The firing cycle is automatically performed from the recoil energy and typically includes: opening of the pistol breech after firing the shot; extraction and ejection of an empty cartridge shell; cocking of the pistol hammer; presentation and introduction of a loaded cartridge into the pistol barrel; and closing of the pistol breech. The design of the recoil-activated mechanism has evolved and is employed by various pistols (e.g., those produced by BERETTA, GLOCK, HECKLER & KOCH, SIG-SAUER, and SMITH & WESSON).
In accordance with this design (and variants thereof), safe discharge of the cartridges is accomplished by delaying opening of the pistol breech mechanism (and subsequent extraction of a fired cartridge case from the barrel chamber) until the fired projectile or bullet has exited the muzzle. This relieves the high-pressure gases contained within the barrel bore that would otherwise cause catastrophic rupture of a partially extracted case lacking support of a surrounding chamber enclosure. In order to provide the breech-opening delay, the pistol barrel and slide are locked together by a mechanical mechanism, and recoil in unison for a predetermined distance until a safe level of pressure is achieved subsequent the bullet's exiting the barrel. At this point, the barrel and slide are separated through the interaction of a supporting frame abutment that engages a provision at an underside of a barrel element, thereby drawing the barrel from a locked battery position and allowing rearward travel of the slide. The slide rearward motion effects extraction and ejection of the fired cartridge case, and maintains the barrel in a proper recoiled position to receive a fresh cartridge from a pistol magazine. These operations occur as a result of the moment of inertia generated by the mass of the moving projectile or bullet, rather than by the mere gas pressure generated. Examples of these effects are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,433,134 (Leiter), 5,585,589 (Leiter) and 5,675,106 (Leiter).
In order to provide reliable and repetitive blank-fire in these types of firearms, modifications to the barrel may be provided beyond the presence of a bore-restricting or occluding element that generates back pressure within the bore to produce recoil. These modifications to the barrel remove or modify interference by the breech-lock provision, and compensate for consequent ungoverned and un-timed barrel motion imparted by the slide as the barrel is forced rearward under recoil. An example device for overcoming the breech-lock obstacle that ordinarily hampers blank-fire operation is disclosed in aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,134 (Leiter). In addition, rearward displacement of a portion of the rearward underside of the barrel element may be provided to permit free barrel drop into recoil position absent the presence of a timed breech-lock feature, while still allowing engagement of the barrel element by the appropriate frame-abutting element of a pistol receiver. An example of this type of displacement is disclosed in aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,589 (Leiter). The Leiter patents discussed above (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,433,134; 5,585,589; and 5,675,106) are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
However, certain other obstacles may persist within these types of breech-locked firearms that hinder or prevent repetitive blank-fire. These obstacles may arise within pistol designs containing a particular disposition of the battery-indexing element of the frame. An example of this type of obstacle may be present within the H&K USP-series and the H&K P2000-series pistols. The obstacles may further arise within pistols incorporating improvements, altered geometries or dimensional changes in frame design affecting the battery-indexing element, where the alterations often occur for the purpose of strengthening the area surrounding or abutting the battery-indexing provision. An example of this type of obstacle may be present within the Third Generation of GLOCK pistols.
In the case of each of these obstacles, the design factors impose additional surfaces or material within the frame at the forward portion of the barrel underside critical for blank-fire operation. Further, the frame-mounted projections described above serve to establish a stop point for the barrel and slide when assembled on the frame, and define their locked, in-battery position on the frame. Consequently, a barrel drop into the recoil position is impeded by the presence of forwardly extended frame material (or by a counterpart in another frame-mounted component), and blank-fire cannot be effectively achieved since the barrel cannot clear the impediment that blocks the barrel drop and the continued rearward motion of the slide. Thus, even though the slide no longer contacts the corresponding locking element of the barrel upon discharge (e.g., as disclosed in the aforementioned Leiter patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,134)), it cannot draw the barrel immediately or sufficiently to the rear to bypass the forward areas of the frame that support and hold the barrel in battery position.
Moreover, regardless of the force the slide imparts to a barrel with breech-lock modification under blank-fire (e.g., refer to the aforementioned Leiter patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,134)), the barrel cannot achieve sufficient velocity to clear the forward frame or frame-mounted element and is re-captured by the reciprocating slide, thereby preventing downward barrel motion through interaction with the rearward frame abutment/support element. This prevents proper timing of barrel motion, drop, and clearance from the reciprocating slide. Since the modified barrel begins motion from a state of rest while the slide has already accelerated under recoil, the barrel cannot gain sufficient velocity to exceed that of the recoiling slide and clear the forward frame abutments beneath the barrel.
Accordingly, the present invention embodiments provide a barrel component with the forward under-portion of the barrel configured in various manners. For example, the configurations may include an upward displacement, or angular or radial contouring, of barrel material at the forward underside of a barrel component understation or projection. These configurations provide clearance to allow the barrel to bypass frame-mounted impediments to blank-fire, and permit proper timing and coordination of rearward barrel motion under impact of the recoiling slide and the resultant barrel drop into recoil position without interference with, or re-capture by, the reciprocating slide component.
In addition, blank-fire operation may be enhanced to include laser targeting or laser signature capability. In particular, the blank-fire barrel may be configured to incorporate a threaded laser device. This capability is of particular value in law enforcement and military training usages, and commercial applications, where realistic firearm operation is afforded by blank-fire when laser-marking capability is available to replicate bullet point of impact. This affords both marksmanship training and the ability to conduct realistic tactical training exercises absent the inherent restrictions and dangers attendant with the use of live ammunition.
The above and still further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of example embodiments thereof, particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are utilized to designate like components.
An example Heckler and Koch type pistol 20 for use with present invention embodiments is illustrated in
The barrel unit and slide are locked together toward intermediate portions of those components. Pistol 20 typically includes a breech-lock mechanism in the form of a vertical abutment surface 29 of slide 2 engaging a vertical abutment surface 24 disposed on a top surface of chamber portion 41A. Abutment surface 24 basically forms a shoulder (e.g., or non-planar geometry) with the barrel portion top surface to engage abutment surface 29. The breech-lock mechanism collectively drives barrel unit 3A and slide 2 rearwardly to an appropriate position during recoil. Spring recoil mechanism 5 is positioned below barrel portion 43A and returns slide 2 and barrel unit 3A to the forward battery position after recoil as described below.
Normal live-fire indexing and maintenance of slide 2 and barrel unit 3A in a battery position is accomplished by a combination of recoil spring mechanism 5 and a barrel support 13. The barrel support includes lower and upper recesses 22, 23 respectively defined in barrel support top and bottom surfaces, and is removably affixed to frame 1 by a slide-stop latch pin 17 disposed within barrel support lower recess 22 above trigger 18. Forward understation or projection 9 of barrel unit 3A is disposed within upper recess 22 and abutts barrel support 13 to maintain barrel unit 3A in a locked in-battery position. Further, the combination of barrel unit 3A and barrel support 13 are fixed in their locked in-battery position by latch pin 17 contacting a rearward portion of barrel support lower recess 22 to prevent forward motion of the assembled elements (e.g., slide 2, barrel unit 3A, barrel support 13, etc.). Rearward motion of the assembled elements is precluded by contact of barrel support 13 with frame 1 adjacent spring recoil mechanism 5.
Upon discharge of pistol 20, barrel unit 3A and slide 2 (e.g., engaged by abutment surfaces 24 and 29 forming the breech-lock mechanism) move rearward, and rear barrel understation 26 clears barrel support 13. The barrel unit is further drawn downward by the engagement of projection 9 with barrel support 13 (e.g., projection 9 being disposed within barrel support lower recess 22) to provide fired cartridge extraction and ejection, and to be placed in position to receive a fresh cartridge housed within magazine 21 of handle 19. This interaction of elements is dimensionally timed to enable forward understation or projection 25 to clear barrel support 13 by the moment of barrel drop. Projection 25 basically bypasses a support surface 27 disposed between barrel support upper recess 23 and spring recoil mechanism 5 through the coordinated support of the bottom surface of rear projection 26, thereby permitting correct and unimpeded separation of the barrel unit from the reciprocating slide (e.g., disengagement of barrel abutment surface 24 from slide abutment surface 29). This rearward distance is traversed by barrel unit 3A to allow proper barrel drop, and for this to occur, immediate barrel unit motion accompanies initial slide motion.
Pistol 20 including a blank-fire barrel unit of a present invention embodiment is illustrated in
Abutment surface 24 of barrel unit 32A is configured to obviate immediate contact between slide 2 and barrel unit 32A. In particular, abutment surface 24 includes a rearwardly inclined surface 33 angled in an approximate range of eight to fifteen degrees, and preferably ten to thirteen degrees, relative to a barrel unit longitudinal axis. This diminishes the effect of initial barrel unit/slide locking by enabling a predetermined distance of free travel of slide 2 rearward during recoil, thereby producing a delay between the slide rearward movement and contact with barrel inclined surface 33. For an example of this type of configuration, reference is made to the aforementioned Leiter patents.
Rear understation or projection 26 of barrel unit 32A is configured to allow for correct rear barrel drop. In particular, rear understation or projection 26 is configured with a shorter dimension by moving a forward most upwardly-angled surface 31 of the projection to the rear at an oblique angle, preferably approximating the angle configuration for projection 26 of barrel unit 3A of
The combination of angled abutment surface 24 and shortened understation or projection 26 (or lengthened gap 45) assists pistol 20 to operate in a repetitive automatic manner with the barrel unit dropping to a cartridge feeding position at the appropriate time sequence. Barrel unit 32A may further include a restrictor element or occlusion 47 disposed at any suitable location (e.g., proximal or distal end, intermediate portion, etc.) within barrel portion 43A to generate sufficient back pressure upon firing of a blank cartridge to drive slide 2 and barrel unit 32A rearwardly, while recoil spring mechanism 5 returns slide 2 and barrel unit 32A to the battery position as described above.
Since the immediate contact between slide 2 and barrel unit 32A has been removed by inclined surface 33 of abutment surface 24 as described above, no manner exists to permit barrel forward understation or projection 25 (
Barrel unit 32A may further be configured to receive a laser device emitting a laser beam upon firearm actuation. This provides enhanced capabilities with respect to training and marksmanship applications. Referring to
Solid occluding element or occlusion 47 is disposed between receiving chamber 39 and bore area 49. Occlusion 47 prevents passage of a projectile through barrel unit 32A, and further prevents combustion gases from reaching laser device 75 disposed within muzzle 37. The combustion gases may damage the laser device and/or propel the laser device from the barrel unit. The laser device housing and internal mechanism are housed within receiving chamber 39. The laser device housing includes threading 46 disposed about the housing distal end external perimeter, while corresponding threads 36 are disposed about the internal perimeter of muzzle 37. Laser device 75 is removably affixed to the barrel unit by inserting the laser device into receiving chamber 39 and engaging muzzle threads 36 with laser device housing threads 46. Receiving chamber 39 includes transverse cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., diameter, etc.) in the approximate range of 0.312 to 0.375 inches, and a depth sufficient to provide occlusion 47 with longitudinal dimensions of approximately 0.100 to 0.750 inches. The particular dimensions of receiving chamber 39 depend upon the size and design of the laser device. The longitudinal depth of muzzle threads 36 is approximately 0.250 to 0.500 inches, and depends upon the laser device geometries and the dimensional geometries of the barrel unit, where the combination of elements allows for the minimum occlusion dimension noted above. Further, muzzle threads 36 include a thread dimension and pitch matching that of laser device housing threads 46, and are preferably configured to include a thread dimension of approximately 7/16 of an inch with a pitch in the approximate range of 24 to 48 threads per inch. The particular specifications of thread dimensions and pitch are determined by the specific geometry of the laser device and the muzzle dimensions. In any case, muzzle threads 36 are configured to provide positive thread engagement without weakening the surrounding barrel unit material.
An example third generation GLOCK type pistol 40 for use with present invention embodiments is illustrated in
The barrel unit and slide are locked together toward intermediate portions of those components. Pistol 40 typically includes a breech-lock mechanism in the form of a vertical abutment surface 56 of slide 2 (
A comparative top view of second and third generation GLOCK type pistols 35, 40 is illustrated in
Upon discharge of pistols 35, 40, barrel unit 3B and slide 2 (e.g., engaged by abutment surfaces 11 and 56 forming the breech-lock mechanism) move rearward, where prior to barrel drop into recoil position, bottom surface 68 of front projection 52 clears frame buttress 15 and 15A. However, the extended buttress area of frame 15A interferes with correct rearward barrel motion, timing, and drop into recoil position and, consequently, interferes with slide travel.
An embodiment of the present invention provides for proper timing, barrel separation, and barrel drop in blank-fire operation by alteration of the barrel unit as illustrated in
Abutment surface 11 of barrel unit 32B is configured to obviate immediate contact between slide 2 and barrel unit 32B. In particular, abutment surface 11 includes a rearwardly inclined surface 57 angled in an approximate range of eight to forty-five degrees relative to a barrel unit longitudinal axis. This diminishes the effect of initial barrel unit/slide locking by enabling a predetermined distance of free travel of slide 2 rearward during recoil, thereby producing a delay between the slide rearward movement and contact with barrel inclined surface 57. For an example of this type of configuration, reference is made to the aforementioned Leiter patents.
Rear understation or projection 54 of barrel unit 32B is configured to allow for correct rear barrel drop. In particular, rear understation or projection 54 is configured with a shorter dimension by moving a forward most upwardly-angled surface 53 of the projection to the rear at an oblique angle, preferably approximating the forward angle configuration for projection 54 of barrel unit 3B. This effectively increases the dimensions of gap 55 and shortens the projection contact with the frame, thereby reducing the time and distance necessary for barrel unit 32B to drop downwardly into the rearward recoil/cartridge feeding position. Consequently, the amount of recoil force required to drive the slide and barrel unit rearwardly is reduced. Preferably, understation or projection 54 is shortened (or gap 55 is lengthened) by approximately 25% to 75% relative to barrel unit 3B (e.g., includes a reduced length in the approximate range of 0.075 to 0.225 inches). For an example of this type of configuration, reference is made to the aforementioned Leiter patents.
The combination of angled abutment surface 11 and shortened understation or projection 54 (or lengthened gap 55) assists pistol 40 to operate in a repetitive automatic manner with the barrel unit dropping to a cartridge feeding position at the appropriate time sequence. Barrel unit 32B may further include a restrictor element or occlusion 47 disposed at any suitable location (e.g., proximal or distal end, intermediate portion, etc.) within barrel portion 43B to generate sufficient back pressure upon firing of a blank cartridge to drive slide 2 and barrel unit 32B rearwardly, while the recoil spring mechanism returns slide 2 and barrel unit 32B to the battery position as described above.
In order to bypass frame buttress impediment 15A (
Alternatively, bottom surface 68 of lower projection 66B may include a curved configuration (or radial disposition). In particular, bottom surface 68 may include curved surface 72, preferably arcing outward from (e.g., convex configuration) chamber portion 41B and diminishing the thickness of surface 14. Curved surface 72 extends from the lower portion of front surface 14 (e.g., with minimal or no protrusion relative to bottom surface 68 of
Barrel unit 32B may further be configured to receive a laser device emitting a laser beam upon firearm actuation. This provides enhanced capabilities with respect to training and marksmanship applications. Referring to
Solid occluding element or occlusion 47 is disposed between receiving chamber 50 and bore area 58. Occlusion 47 prevents passage of a projectile through barrel unit 32B, and further prevents combustion gases from reaching laser device 75 disposed within muzzle 37. The combustion gases may damage the laser device and/or propel the laser device from the barrel unit. The laser device housing and internal mechanism are housed within receiving chamber 50. The laser device housing includes threading 46 disposed about the housing distal end external perimeter, while corresponding threads 36 are disposed about the internal perimeter of muzzle 37. Laser device 75 is removably affixed to the barrel unit by inserting the laser device into receiving chamber 50 and engaging muzzle threads 36 with laser device housing threads 46. Receiving chamber 50 includes transverse cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., diameter, etc.) in the approximate range of 0.312 to 0.375 inches, and a depth sufficient to provide occlusion 47 with longitudinal dimensions of approximately 0.100 to 0.750 inches. The particular dimensions of receiving chamber 50 depend upon the size and design of the laser device. The longitudinal depth of muzzle threads 36 is approximately 0.250 to 0.500 inches and depends upon the laser device geometries and the dimensional geometries of the barrel unit, where the combination of elements allows for the minimum occlusion dimension noted above. Further, muzzle threads 36 include a thread dimension and pitch matching that of laser device housing threads 46, and is preferably configured to include a thread dimension of approximately 7/16 of an inch with a pitch in the approximate range of 24 to 48 threads per inch. The particular specifications of thread dimensions and pitch are determined by the specific geometry of the laser device and the muzzle dimensions. In any case, muzzle threads 36 are configured to provide positive thread engagement without weakening the surrounding barrel unit material.
The operative principle of the present invention embodiments may be applied to any types or brands of firearms. The present invention embodiments provide a manner to enable proper timing of barrel/slide separation and barrel drop to permit reliable and repetitive blank-fire operation in various types and designs of breech-locked semiautomatic pistols.
It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many ways of implementing blank-firing barrels for semiautomatic pistols and method of repetitive blank fire.
The barrel units may be of any shape or size, and may be configured for any type or brand of firearm (e.g., semiautomatic pistol, hand-gun, etc.). The chamber and barrel portions may be of any size or shape, and occupy any desired portions of the barrel units. The abutment surfaces of the barrel units may be of any quantity, shape or size, and may be disposed at any suitable locations to engage the slide. The occlusion may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials, and may be disposed at any suitable locations (e.g., proximal end, distal end, intermediate portions, etc.) within the chamber and/or barrel portions of the barrel units.
The inclined surfaces of the barrel unit abutment surfaces may be oriented at any desired angles or angle ranges (e.g., preferably acute angles in the approximate range of one to ninety degrees, etc.) in any desired directions (e.g., rearward, etc.). The forward and rear understations or projections of the chamber portions may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be disposed at any suitable locations and/or arranged in any desired fashion. The gap between the forward and rear understations or projections may be of any desired dimensions and/or the dimensions of the rear understation or projection may be configured in any manner to bypass frame obstacles for suitable barrel drop.
Forward projection 25 of barrel unit 32A may be modified in any fashion to bypass support surface 27 or other obstacles of a firearm or frame. For example, the forward projection may be removed from the barrel unit. Further, projection 25 may include reduced dimensions or a modified configuration (e.g., curved, contoured, tapered, etc.) to bypass the support surface or other obstacle.
Forward projection 52 may be of any shape or size. The upper shoulder, recess and lower projection may be of any quantity, shape or size and disposed at any suitable locations. Lower projection 66B of barrel unit 32B may be modified in any fashion to bypass the frame buttress or other obstacles of a firearm or frame. For example, the height or thickness dimensions of front surface 14 may be adjusted in any fashion. Further, the surfaces of lower projection 66B may include any configurations (e.g., curved or arcuate toward any direction, contoured, tapered, tilted at any desired angles (e.g., preferably acute angles in the range of one to ninety degrees), scalloped or sinusoidal, substantially or entirely removed, etc.) to bypass the frame buttress or other obstacles. The various configurations may include any suitable dimensions or dimension ranges.
Moreover, the upper shoulder and recess may be modified in substantially the same manner as the lower projection. By way of example, the dimensions of one or more of these elements may be adjusted in any fashion. In addition, these elements may include various configurations (e.g., curved, contoured, tapered, tilted at any desired angles (e.g., preferably acute angles in the range of one to ninety degrees), scalloped or sinusoidal, substantially or entirely removed, etc.) to bypass obstacles for blank fire.
The threads of the barrel units may be of any quantity, shape or size, may include any desired dimensions, spacing or pitch, and may be disposed at any suitable locations (e.g., proximal end, distal end, intermediate portions, etc.) on or within the chamber and/or barrel portions of the barrel units to engage the laser device. The threads of the laser device may be of any quantity, shape or size, may include any desired dimensions, spacing or pitch, and may be disposed at any suitable locations on or within the housing (e.g., proximal end, distal end, intermediate portions, etc.). The laser device may be implemented by any conventional or other laser device to project a laser beam or other energy form (e.g., light, infrared, sound, etc.) from the barrel units in response to any conditions (e.g., trigger or firearm actuation, etc.). The laser device may be permanently or removably affixed to the barrel unit interior or exterior by any conventional or other securing techniques (e.g., fasteners, threaded engagement, friction fit, etc.). The receiving chambers may be of any quantity, shape or size to receive any portions of the laser device (e.g., the laser device may be partially or entirely disposed within the barrel units).
The barrel units of the present invention embodiments may be utilized in combination with any suitable type or brand of firearms to produce a firearm with repetitive blank fire capability. Further, the various configurations of the barrel unit elements (e.g., abutment surface, forward and rear projections, etc.) may be utilized by a barrel unit either individually, or in any desired combinations, to enable repetitive blank fire.
It is to be understood that the terms “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “height”, “length”, “width”, “upper”, “lower”, “forward” and the like are used herein merely to describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention embodiments to any particular orientation or configuration.
The barrel units are not limited to the applications or firearms described above, but may be utilized to facilitate repetitive blank-fire in any types or brands of firearms.
From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the invention makes available novel blank-firing barrels for semiautomatic pistols and method of repetitive blank fire, wherein a forward under-portion of a barrel is configured in various manners to provide clearance to allow the barrel to bypass frame-mounted impediments to blank-fire.
Having described preferred embodiments of new and improved blank-firing barrels for semiautomatic pistols and method of repetitive blank fire, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/905,033, entitled “Blank-Firing Conversions for Semiautomatic Pistols and Method of Repetitive Blank Fire” and filed Mar. 6, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60905033 | Mar 2007 | US |
