TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connection system that feeds the ammunition strip (link) located inside an ammunition box within a backpack to an automatic firearm until the ammunition feeding unit of the firearm through a flexible and a partially closed feed chute composed of singular plastic parts.
The present invention particularly relates to a connection system that eliminates time losses that occur during ammunition change, that reduces the load imposed on personnel, that allows the user to carry the ammunition box on his/her back, thereby enabling the user to fire more ammunition to hostile elements at once, that provides extended time to the user in order allow the user to prevent hostile forces from moving to the target zone thereof in conflict zones, that allows for using as much ammunition as permitted by the firearm barrel at once and that maximizes the firepower of single personnel.
STATE OF THE ART
Machine guns are usually provided with a strip called ammunition link which is made of a narrow and long piece of cloth that comprises pockets and metal links connected in series to retain the cartridges in order to feed the gun with ammunition. The ammunition link increases the continuous fire rate of the machine gun, thereby providing a significant advantage to the personnel during an armed conflict. Nowadays, there are two types of systems employed for attaching the link strip to the firearm.
The first of these systems involves an ammunition link that holds 50 and 100 cartridges based on the dimensions and the needed quantity of ammunition, and in which the ammunition link is initially positioned inside apparatuses made of plastic/metal/cloth materials mountable on the firearm and subsequently, an end thereof is inserted into the ammunition feeding unit of the firearm. The apparatus is removed once the firing is done and the firing continues after the removed apparatus is supplied with another link. This results in imposing excessive load on the user's arm and the user cannot perform continuous firing since the number of cartridges is low. In case there is or is not a spare apparatus to continue firing, users require time for resupplying ammunition. The time loss users suffer at this stage may create enough time for hostile forces to move into another area.
The second system involves inserting an ammunition link, which approximately holds 200-300 rounds based on the cartridge size and needed quantity, to ammunition boxes that cannot be mounted on a firearm and therefore required to be carried around by another person. The auxiliary personnel assisting the user of the firearm opens the ammunition box when needed and inserts the ammunition link, which may feature different lengths based on needs, into the ammunition feeding box of the firearm. Since the link has an extended length, the auxiliary personnel position the ammunition link based on the location of the user of the firearm. Once the firing is complete, the auxiliary personnel grabs another link from the ammunition box and inserts it into the ammunition feeding unit of the firearm. The second system described above restricts the user's freedom of action as it requires 2 people to operate. The firepower is interrupted when the ammunition link runs out of live rounds.
Several studies have been conducted and many different configurations have been developed over the years in order to overcome the disadvantages in the state of the art. One of these studies is the invention titled “Flexible Ammunition Feed Chute with String Hanger”—“Askι Ba{hacek over (g)}lantιlι Esnek Mermi Yolu”, and numbered TR201721282. Said invention relates to a flexible ammunition feed chute that may be fixed from specific positions. The object of said invention is to provide mounting interfaces on the links of flexible ammunition feed chute in order to position flexible ammunition feed chutes so as to facilitate the flow of ammunition.
Another study in this regard is the invention disclosed in the utility model application numbered TR201905430 and titled “Flexible Ammunition Feed Chute”—“Esnek Mermi Yolu”. Said invention relates to a flexible ammunition feed chute used for feeding ammunition to rotary machine guns mounted on mobile military vehicles of any type, wherein said feed chute is capable of feeding ammunition from ammunition boxes to firearms of infantry soldiers, and of being deposited into military backpacks of infantry soldiers thanks to its lightweight structure. This is a system that feeds automatic firearms with ammunition.
Consequently, the need for a connection system that overcomes the disadvantages in the state of the art and the inadequacy of available solutions in this regard necessitated making an improvement in the relevant technical field.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, for meeting the aforementioned requirements, eliminating all disadvantages in the state of the art, and for providing further advantages thereto, relates to a connection system that feeds the ammunition strip (link) located inside an ammunition box within a backpack to an automatic firearm until the ammunition feeding unit of the firearm through a flexible and a partially closed feed chute composed of singular plastic parts.
The object of the present invention which has been developed based on the state of the art is to eliminate time losses experienced during ammunition change and to decrease the amount of weight imposed on personnel's arm by means of the inventive connection system.
The object of the present invention is to enable the user to carry the ammunition box on his/her back in the inventive connection system, thereby rendering it mobile and capable of firing more ammunition at once against hostile elements.
Another object of the present invention is to provide more time to the user by enabling him/her to fire more ammunition by means of the inventive connection system so as to prevent hostile forces from relocating to an area they desire to move into in an armed conflict zone.
Yet another object of the present invention is to ensure that the user is capable of using as much ammunition as the firearm barrel permits by attaching the flexible ammunition feed chute and ammunition box to the firearm by means of the inventive connection system and to further ensure that the need for auxiliary personnel to perform this action is eliminated.
Yet another object of the present invention is to singularly maximize the firepower of each personnel.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an advantage in terms of weight by manufacturing the inventive flexible ammunition feed chute from a plastic-based material.
Yet another object of the present invention is to ensure that the ammunition box may be detached from the firearm without exerting significant effort, losing time, and using an additional apparatus by means of the latches included in the inventive flexible ammunition feed chute.
Yet another object of the present invention is to enable the user to keep track of the amount of ammunition left in the ammunition box by means of the hollow structure provided adjacent to the ammunition box.
Structural and characteristic features of the present invention, as well as all advantages thereof, will be understood more clearly by means of the attached figures and the detailed description provided making references thereto, therefore, the respective evaluation should be conducted by taking said figures and the detailed description into consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The present invention needs to be evaluated together with the figures described below in order to understand the configuration, additional elements, and advantages of the present invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates the general schematic view of the assembled state of the inventive connection system.
FIG. 2 illustrates the general schematic view of the assembled state of the ammunition box.
FIG. 3 illustrates the general schematic view of the disassembled state of the ammunition box.
FIG. 4 illustrates the general schematic view of the assembled state of the connection apparatus of the ammunition box.
FIG. 5 illustrates the general schematic view of the disassembled state of the connection apparatus of the ammunition box.
FIG. 6 illustrates the general schematic view of the assembled state of the firearm connection apparatus of the flexible ammunition feed chute.
FIG. 7 illustrates the general schematic view of the disassembled state of the firearm connection apparatus of the flexible ammunition feed chute.
FIG. 8 illustrates the general schematic view of the state in which the connection apparatus for the flexible ammunition feed chute and the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus are mounted.
FIG. 9 illustrates the general schematic view of the assembled state of the singular plastic piece.
FIG. 10 illustrates the general schematic view of the assembled state of the firearm connection adapter.
FIG. 11 illustrates the general schematic view of the disassembled state of the firearm connection adapter.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
100. Connection System
200. Flexible Ammunition Feed Chute
210. Singular Plastic Piece
220. Ammunition Feed Chute Socket
230. Socket Seat
240. Mid Gap
250. Side Lugs
260. Lower Lugs
270. Cylindrical Structure
300. Ammunition Box
310. Angular Piece
320. Pin
321. Washer
322. Nut
330. Cylindrical Mechanism Bushing
340. Cylindrical Mechanism Pulley
350. Hinge Lock
360. Opening
370. Box Body
371. Box Plate
380. Lid
381. Lid Body
382. Lid Socket
383. Sling Attachment Swivel
400. Ammunition Box Connection Apparatus
410. Connection Apparatus Body
420. Socket
430. Latch Pin
440. Cotter Pin
450. Connection Apparatus Socket
460. Latch Spring
470. Latch
480. Latch Tabs
500. Flexible Ammunition Feed Chute Firearm Connection Apparatus
510. Firearm Connection Apparatus Body
520. Firearm Connection Apparatus Socket
530. Connection Apparatus Latch Spring
540. Connection Apparatus Latch
550. Connection Apparatus Latch Pin
560. Connection Apparatus Cotter Pin
570. Connection Apparatus Latch Tabs
580. Rectangular Gap
600. Firearm Connection Adapter
610. Lower Connection Piece
620. Side Piece
630. Spring
640. Adapter Pin
650. Ring
660. Tab Seat
670. Adapter Tab
680. C-Piece
690. Adapter Socket Seat
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the detailed description provided herein, the inventive connection system (100) that feeds an ammunition strip (link) located inside an ammunition box (300) within a backpack to an automatic firearm until the ammunition feeding unit of the firearm through a flexible and partially-closed ammunition feed chute (200) composed of singular plastic parts (210) is described only to provide a better understanding of the subject and without imposing any limiting effects thereon.
The ammunition box (300) in the connection system (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is located inside a backpack, however, it may also be used externally and can hold up to 800 rounds depending on the size of the round. One of the ends of the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) is attached to the outlet of the ammunition box (300) by means of the ammunition box connection apparatus (400). A connection adapter (600) is mounted on the firearm so that the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) may be connected to the firearm. The other end of the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) is attached to the firearm connection adapter (600) that is connected to the firearm by means of the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500). The firearm connection adapter (600) and the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500) are attached to the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) by using the connection interfaces of singular plastic pieces (210). The ammunition link located inside the ammunition box (300) is run through a flexible and partially-closed ammunition feed chute (200) and the first round is placed into the ammunition feeding unit of the firearm, wherein said flexible and partially-closed ammunition feed chute (200) may feature a length of 1-1.5 meters, may pass either over the shoulder or under the arm and may be extended or shortened depending on the usage habits of the user without necessitating the use of an additional apparatus. As the firearm is operated, the firearm's own recoil force moves the ammunition link located in the ammunition box (300) inside the flexible ammunition feed chute (200), thereby ensuring that the ammunition reaches the ammunition feeding unit of the firearm whenever the trigger is pulled for single fire or burst fire.
The ammunition box (300) that is carried around in the backpack, and in which the ammunition is stored as illustrated in FIG. 2, is designed to hold ammunition links housing up to 500-800 rounds for various ammunition sizes. The amount of weight created when the rounds are superimposed inside the box changes the position of bullets. Therefore, an angular piece (310) is provided on the inner base of the ammunition box (300) in order to rectify the position of the bullets as well as to ensure proper feeding. A hinge lock (350) is provided in order to lock the lid (380) of the ammunition bag located inside the ammunition box (300). The box body (370) that constitutes the ammunition box (300) illustrated in FIG. 3 is created by welding the box plate (371) which is composed of two bent plates. The user can monitor how many rounds left inside the ammunition box by means of the openings (360) shaped like gaps positioned on the ammunition box (300). The upper portion of the ammunition box (300) is provided with a cylindrical mechanism pulley (340) and a cylindrical mechanism bushing (330), wherein said mechanism pulley (340) prevents rounds from getting stuck by rotating around the cylindrical mechanism bushing (330) while the rounds are getting out of the ammunition box (300), and wherein the cylindrical mechanism bushing bears the cylindrical mechanism pulley. This particular mechanism reduces the friction to a minimum while the ammunition link is advancing and provides a smoother flow for ammunition. The cylindrical mechanism pulley (340) and the cylindrical mechanism bushing (330) rotate around a pin (320) which serves as a hinge in order to open or close the lid (380) of the ammunition box (300). Said pin (320) is fastened by means of a washer (321) and a nut (322). The lid (380) of the ammunition bag opens from one side and it may be locked by means of a hinged hinge lock (350). The lid (380) comprises a lid body (381) made of bent sheet metal, a lid socket (382) that is mounted on said body by welding, and that ensures the connection of ammunition box connection apparatus (400) located at the end of the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) to the ammunition box (300) and sling attachment swivels (383) to which a sling is attached in order to facilitate carrying the ammunition box (300). Moving and carrying the ammunition box (300) is rendered possible by means of a sling attached to sling attachment swivels (383) positioned in the middle section of the lid (380). There are two lid sockets (382) that are located on the lid (380) and aligned with the cylindrical mechanism pulley (340) and cylindrical mechanism bushing (330). This lid socket (382) is designed for the ammunition box connection system (400) that enables attaching the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) to the ammunition box. Two sockets (420) provided in the ammunition box connection apparatus (400) are inserted into said lid socket (382), thereby completing the connection between the ammunition box (300) and the flexible ammunition feed chute (200).
The ammunition box connection apparatus (400) illustrated in FIG. 4 serves as a bridge by ensuring the connection between the ammunition box (300) and the flexible ammunition feed chute (200). There are two sockets (420) provided on the edges of the ammunition box connection apparatus (400), wherein said sockets ensure its connection to the flexible ammunition feed chute (200), and are attached to the socket seat (230) located on the singular plastic piece (210). There are latches (470) with springs provided on each side of said sockets (420), wherein said latches function as a locking mechanism and enable connecting the ammunition box connection apparatus (400) to the ammunition box (300). Said sockets (420) are mounted on the connection apparatus body (410). A latch spring (460) is provided in the latch (470) so as to enable the movement of the latch (470) on the clip mechanism and the whole structure is positioned inside the socket (420), and a latch pin (430) which serves as a hinge by allowing the latch (470) to rotate, is inserted into the holes of said pieces. Said latch pin (430) is fixed by means of a cotter pin (440). The spring-latch (470) mechanism created thereby is attached to the connection apparatus body (410). The ammunition box connection apparatus (400) is placed onto the ammunition box (300) by pressing on the latches (470) located on the connection apparatus socket (450) that allows for connecting the ammunition box connection apparatus (400) to the ammunition box (300) and that is attached to the lid socket (382), and subsequently, the latches (470) are released. Latch tabs (480) that are located on the released latches (470) and that ensure connection by being attached to the lid socket (382) are get positioned over the socket seats (230), thereby fixing the ammunition box connection apparatus (400) to the ammunition box (300). When the user wants to remove the ammunition box connection apparatus (400), he/she needs to press the latches (470) once again. Otherwise, the ammunition box connection apparatus (400) cannot be detached from the ammunition box (300). This also ensures that the ammunition box connection apparatus (400) remains securely attached to the ammunition box (300). The edge of the ammunition box connection apparatus (400), illustrated in FIG. 5, to be attached to the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) has a structure similar to the ammunition feed chute socket (220) of the singular plastic piece (210). This structure ensures that said singular plastic piece (210) is readily attached to the ammunition box connection apparatus (400). A C-piece (680) that is made of a metal material and that is fixed to the ammunition box connection apparatus (400) before this structure. Said C-piece (680) ensures that the rounds follow a straight line at the outlet of the ammunition box (300). The ammunition box connection apparatus (400) is located on the flexible ammunition feed chute (200). It is used for detaching the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) from the ammunition box (300) if and when desired. When the user desires to reload ammunition to the ammunition box (300), he/she presses the latches (470) of the ammunition box connection apparatus (400), which is connected to the flexible ammunition feed chute (200), thereby detaching the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) from the ammunition box (300), and subsequently can reload ammunition.
The flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500) illustrated in FIG. 6 is designed for ammunition link transfer by ensuring the connection between the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) and the firearm connection adapter (600). The flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection adapter (600) is similar to the ammunition box connection apparatus (400) of the ammunition box (300). As illustrated in FIG. 7, a connection apparatus latch spring (530), which enables the movement of the connection apparatus latch (540), is positioned inside the connection apparatus latch (540) pieces, which allow for attaching the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500) to the firearm connection adapter (600). The pieces of the connection apparatus latch (540) are positioned inside the firearm connection apparatus socket (520), which allow for attaching the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500) to the firearm connection adapter (600), and which is connected to the adapter socket seat (690), and the connection apparatus latch pin (550) that serves as a hinge by enabling the connection apparatus latch (540) to rotate is inserted through the holes located on said pieces. The connection apparatus latch pin (550) is fixed by means of the connection apparatus cotter pin (560). The spring connection apparatus latch (540) mechanism obtained as a result is mounted on the firearm connection apparatus body (510). The flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500) is positioned into the firearm connection adapter (600) by pressing on the connection apparatus latches (540) located on the firearm connection apparatus sockets (520), and subsequently, connection apparatus latches (540) are released. Connection apparatus latch tabs (570), which are located on the released connection apparatus latches (540) and connected to the adapter socket seat (690), come onto the adapter socket seat (690) and firearm connection apparatus sockets (520) are inserted into adapter socket seats (690) located on the firearm connection adapter (600), thereby fixing the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500) to the firearm connection adapter (600). When the user wants to detach the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500), he/she needs to press the connection apparatus latches (540) once again. Otherwise, the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500) cannot be detached from the firearm connection adapter (600). This ensures that the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500) remains securely attached to the firearm connection adapter (600). Rectangular gaps (580) are provided on the edges of the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500). The rectangular gaps (580) illustrated in FIG. 8 are created so as to attach the lugs of the singular plastic piece (210) to the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500). Said rectangular gaps (580) have the same function as the socket seats (230) provided on the singular plastic pieces (210), and ensure the connection between the singular plastic pieces (210) and the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500). The flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500) stays attached to the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) and the user may continue firing by detaching the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500) from the firearm connection adapter (600) by means of the latches (540) of the connection apparatus and by inserting another ammunition link thereto even without the flexible ammunition feed chute (200).
The flexible ammunition feed chute (200) is an apparatus that transfers the ammunition link from the ammunition box (300) to the firearm, that is designed for accommodating various ammunition sizes, that is formed by attaching the singular plastic pieces (210) illustrated in FIG. 9 to one another without any additional apparatuses, and that is capable of flexing, extending, shrinking and twisting. Each of the singular plastic pieces (210) that constitute the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) has a C shape. Each of the singular plastic pieces (210) comprises 2 ammunition feed chute sockets (220) and 2 socket seats (230), which allow them to be attached to another singular plastic piece (210). The ammunition feed chute socket (220) and the socket seat (230) allow for interconnecting the singular plastic pieces (210). The area in which the ammunition link moves is designed such that the ammunition link does not cause anything to get stuck. The aforementioned socket seats (230) are designed to have the shape of a pool in order to ensure that end portions of the ammunition feed chute sockets (220) are not visible from the other side of the singular plastic piece (210) when the singular plastic pieces (210) are interconnected to one another. The fact that the end portions of said ammunition feed chute sockets (220) do not overflow to the other surface ensures that the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) does not catch onto any object during use. The mid gap (240) that remains in the midsection due to the C shape of singular plastic pieces (210) and that enable the ammunition link to reach the firearm from the ammunition box (300) by being hold from one end thereof ensures that the ammunition link conveyed from the ammunition box (300) advances to the ammunition feeding unit of the firearm. Said mid gap (240) allows the user to hold on to the one end of the ammunition link and to move the ammunition link along the ammunition feed chute and bring it to the ammunition feeding unit of the firearm. The ammunition feed chute sockets (220) are positioned on two side lugs (250) that extends along with the singular plastic piece (210) and that sustain the movement of the ammunition link by maintaining the alignment of singular plastic pieces (210) while the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) extends and contracts upon the reciprocating motion of the ammunition feed chute socket (220) within the socket seat (230). The inner portion of said side lugs (250) is designed based on the flow direction of the ammunition link and causes no snags while the ammunition link is moving. Two lower lugs (260), which sustain the movement of the ammunition link by maintaining the alignment of singular plastic pieces (210) while the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) extends and contracts upon the reciprocating motion of the ammunition feed chute (220) inside the socket seat (230), are positioned at the lower portion of the singular plastic pieces (210). Said lower lugs (260), in addition to serving as a guide during the interconnection of singular plastic pieces (210), avoid the formation of any gaps due to the flexing of the flexible ammunition feed chute (200), thereby preventing rounds located on the ammunition link from getting jammed between two singular plastic pieces (210). The aforementioned ammunition feed chute sockets (220) are attached to side lugs (250) located on the side portion of singular plastic pieces (210) by means of a semi-cylindrical structure (270) that facilitate the movement of the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) inside the socket seat (230) during the rotational motion thereof without snagging onto anything therein. A rectangular-shaped ammunition feed chute socket (220) is positioned on the semi-cylindrical structure (270). The cylindrical structure (270) moves on the horizontal plane inside the socket seat (230) after the rectangular ammunition feed chute sockets (220) are inserted into the rectangular socket seats (230). This particular structure enables extending, contracting, and rotating movements in the flexible ammunition feed chute (200). Since there is barely any difference between the socket seat (230) and the ammunition feed chute socket (220) in terms of measurements, the singular plastic pieces (210) are prevented from involuntarily disjoining from one another.
The firearm connection adapter (600) illustrated in FIG. 10 is designed to enable the ammunition link transition between the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) and the firearm. It is mounted on the firearm by means of the connection system (100) that is designed based on the connection mechanism located in the trigger area of the automatic firearm to be used. The lower connection piece (610) of the adapter is designed according to the connection interface of the firearm. Side pieces (620) mounted on the lower connection piece (610) feature an “L” shape since the firearm connection mechanism and the ammunition feeding unit are not on the same axis. Thus, the flexible ammunition feed chute (200) and the ammunition feeding unit are aligned with one another. The C-piece (680), that enables the planar motion of the ammunition link in a specific distance by combining with the firearm connection apparatus body (510) and on which the adapter socket seats (690) that enable the connection of the flexible ammunition feed chute firearm connection apparatus (500) upon the connection of the firearm connection apparatus socket (520) and the connection apparatus latch (540) are positioned, is attached to the side pieces (620). The C-piece (680) and the firearm connection apparatus body (510) ensure the horizontal alignment of the rounds and their entry into the firearm. Adapter socket seats (690) located on the aforementioned firearm connection adapter (600) are created so as to ensure the engagement of firearm connection apparatus latch tabs (570). The pressure is applied to the correct matching point to be able to mount the firearm connection adapter (600) to the firearm and the adapter tabs (670) on the firearm connection adapter (600) are seated onto the connection point of the firearm. The spring (630) located behind the adapter tabs (670), which enable the connection of the firearm connection adapter (600) to the firearm along with the lower connection piece (610) ensures that the adapter tab (670) applies pressure constantly. The adapter tab (670) moves inside the tab seat (660). Thus, the motion is rendered axial. In order to remove the firearm connection adapter (600), the user is required to retract the adapter tab (670) via the spring mechanism by means of pulling the ring (650), which is connected to the adapter pin (640), which facilitates holding and limits the movement of the spring (630), for retracting the adapter pin (640) and the adapter tab (670) located behind the adapter tab (670). Thus, the firearm connection adapter (600) can be readily detached from the firearm.
Patent Application
20220397358
