Patent Grant
10132591
One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to non-lethal gas-operated guns with magazines that hold and supply non-lethal projectiles to be fed automatically to the chamber of a non-lethal gas operated gun.
Conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns that use paintballs as non-lethal projectiles are well known and have been in use for a number of years by individuals and the military (e.g., for training). Regrettably, most such guns are unrealistic in terms of look and feel compared to actual guns that fire live ammunition such as the M4, M16 or their variants. Therefore, skills learned on such guns are generally not translated and applicable when using real guns.
Further, conventional magazines used by conventional air guns that use non-lethal projectiles require refill or reloading of the magazine through a slow, tedious process of individually hand-feeding or hand-loading each non-lethal projectile into the magazine.
Additionally, conventional magazines used by conventional air guns that use non-lethal projectiles require recharging of gas canister (e.g., CO2 canister). It should be noted that with conventional magazines, the internal mechanics that drive the non-lethal projectiles into the chamber of a gun eventually wear out due to continuous reuse.
Accordingly, in light of the current state of the art and the drawbacks to current air guns, a need exists for a non-lethal gas-operated gun that would provide the users with similar look-and-feel of a real gun in most respects. Further, a need exists for a magazine of an air gun that would not require individual hand-feeding or hand-loading of each non-lethal projectile, separate recharging of gas, and that would not allow reuse of internal mechanical drives to a point where they would wear out and require individual replacement of parts.
A non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a non-lethal weapon, comprising:
Another non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides magazine, comprising:
Still, another non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides pre-pack, comprising:
A further non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides magazine, comprising:
Yet a further non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides pre-pack, comprising:
Another non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides magazine, comprising:
These and other features and aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments, taken together with the drawings and the claims that follow.
It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposes of exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word “exemplary” may be used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” but the absence of the term “exemplary” does not denote a limiting embodiment. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In the drawings, like reference character(s) present corresponding part(s) throughout.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and or utilized.
It is to be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Stated otherwise, although the invention is described below in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and aspects described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention.
In the description given below and or the corresponding set of drawing figures, when it is necessary to distinguish the various members, elements, sections/portions, components, parts, or any other aspects (functional or otherwise) or features or concepts or operations of a device(s) or method(s) from each other, the description and or the corresponding drawing figures may follow reference numbers with a small alphabet character such as (for example) “magazine 108a, 108b, and etc.” If the description is common to all of the various members, elements, sections/portions, components, parts, or any other aspects (functional or otherwise) or features or concepts or operations of a device(s) or method(s) such as (for example) to all magazines 108a, 108b, etc., then they may simply be referred to with reference number only and with no alphabet character such as (for example) “magazine 108.”
Throughout the disclosure, references to M4, M16, or other conventional rifles or variants thereof are meant as illustrative, for convenience of example, and for discussion purposes only and should not be limiting. Further, for ease of understanding, throughout the disclosure, the variant M4 will be mentioned as the one, non-limiting, non-exhaustive example of a conventional weapon for M4 and its variants, M16 and its variant or others instead of specifically mentioning each individually.
Throughout the disclosure the use of the term non-lethal projectile(s) is defined as a non-lethal object propelled through the air by the non-lethal gas-operated gun of the present invention, non-limiting, non-exhaustive listings of examples of non-lethal projectile(s) may include non-lethal round(s), BB(s), paintball(s), or the like.
The present invention defines the term “pre-pack” as a shortened version of the term “prepackaged.”
The present invention has discovered that most conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns operate at a considerable lower pressure and as a result, require additional components for proper operation of the conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns. Further, most make inefficient management and usage of the gas. The present invention has discovered and recognized that it is this lack of proper pressure and inefficient gas usage that has lead most conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns to use additional components (such as a hammer reset) for proper basic operations of the gun.
Accordingly, as detailed below, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a non-lethal gas-operated gun that maintains the proper basic operation of the gun without the use of additional components such as the hammer reset by sufficiently pressurizing the chamber of the gun and the efficient use and management of gas.
Additionally, one or more embodiments of the present invention comprise a non-lethal gas-operated gun that provides users with similar look-and-feel and experience of use of a real gun (such as the M4) in most respects, however uses non-lethal projectiles instead of live ammunition.
Further, one or more embodiments of the present invention comprise a gas-operated gun with a magazine that does not require individual hand-feeding or hand-loading of each non-lethal projectile, separate recharging of gas, and that does not allow reuse of internal mechanical drives to a point where they would wear out and require individual replacement of parts.
Non-lethal gas-operated gun 100 is comprised of an upper receiver assembly 102 (includes bolt carrier group 504 and other components) and a lower receiver assembly 104 (which includes trigger group 106 and other components) that accommodate spherical non-lethal projectiles rather than live ammunition.
As further illustrated, non-lethal gas-operated gun 100 also includes a magazine 108, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, that holds and supplies non-lethal projectiles fed to the chamber of non-lethal gas-operated gun 100 (located in the upper assembly 102) through the cyclic action of the reciprocal bolt (detailed below). Housing 110 of magazine 108 is made to look, feel, and be experienced similar to a magazine of a conventional rifle such as the conventional live-fire M4 and its variants. As best illustrated in
The look, feel, experience, and use of non-lethal gas-operated gun 100 is very similar to that of an M4 or M16 rifle and their respective variants (such as the M4 carbine). For example, in order to use non-lethal gas-operated gun 100, magazine 108 is inserted into lower receiver 104 in the same manner as is done on an M4 rifle. The next operational act prior to firing non-lethal gas-operated gun 100 is to simply pull charging handle 114 of non-lethal gas-operated gun 100, similar to a conventional M16 variant rifle. Once the charging handle 114 is pulled, user simply fires rifle 100 by pulling trigger 116 of trigger group 106.
Regarding the actual feel and experience of non-lethal gas-operated gun 100 when it does fire non-lethal projectiles, non-lethal gas-operated gun 100 provides the same feel and experience as a well-known conventional Gas Blow Back (GBB) rifle. However, as detailed below, with less parts compared to other conventional non-lethal guns while maintaining proper operation.
Non-lethal gas-operated gun 100 uses pressure-regulated carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, detailed below, to fire non-lethal projectiles (facilitated by GBB) and hence, users experience the same jerking or “kick” motion as for example, the conventional live-fire M4. It should be noted that GBB mechanism serves the purpose of providing recoil, but most importantly, a new round is chambered through the gun's GBB action.
Accordingly,
In particular,
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As indicated above, the present invention has discovered and recognized that it is lack of proper pressure and inefficient gas usage that has lead most conventional gas-operated guns to use additional components (such as a hammer reset component) for proper basic operations of the gun. Accordingly, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a gas-operated gun that maintains the proper basic operation of the gun without the use of additional components such as the hammer reset component by sufficiently pressurizing the chamber of the gun and the efficient use and management of gas. That is, the present invention provides a non-limiting, exemplary higher gas pressure of approximately 250 psi or higher, which provides sufficient gas flow in the momentary actuation of poppet valve 506 by secondary hammer 514. Therefore, no lag or dwell time is required to provide more gas flow and therefore, no need for a hammer reset component.
In particular, most conventional gas-operated guns use a lower gas pressure of less than 200 psi. This means that it may take “Y” millisecond to provide the required “X” volume of gas to bolt 526 for ejecting a non-lethal projectile 320 and moving bolt carrier group 504 back. Since “Y” milliseconds is longer than the momentary actuation of poppet valve 506 when struck by secondary hammer 514, conventional systems require the addition of the hammer reset component, which when set, locks poppet valve 506 to open/pressed position to release more gas until sufficient pressure is achieved so that bolt 526 has successfully pushed backwards to reset the hammer reset component and poppet valve 506 (releasing/closing poppet valve 506 to shut off gas flow). With the present invention however, the non-limiting, exemplary higher pressure of greater than 250 psi means that it takes less than “Y” milliseconds to provide “X” volume of gas to bolt 526. Indeed, “X” volume of gas is released the second poppet valve 506 has been actuated thereby obviating the need for a hammer reset component to hold poppet valve 506 to open position for “Y” milliseconds. Further details are provided with respect to efficient use of gas to maintain high pressure when discussing details of gas regulator system 512a below in relations to
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As further illustrated, bolt 526 further includes an added filler 546 (configured as a beveled or slanted surface) to front bore 548 to better “cradle” non-lethal projectiles 320, and includes a generally thickened pusher 550 (
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Housing 558 includes a top side 562 that interfaces with upper receiver 102 of non-lethal gas-operated gun 100 and includes a front opening 564 that receives feeder 566 of a pre-pack 556a. Top side 562 further includes gas seal 552, and has a top, rear lateral opening 568 for receiving a strike (or actuation or switch) member 570 of a poppet valve 506.
Rear side 572 of magazine 108 includes a rear opening 574 for enabling access to an adjuster mechanism 716 (detailed below) of an adjustable stabilizer assembly 712 of outlet chamber 696 of pressure and flow stabilizer 690 of gas regulator system 512a (all of which are detailed below). The magazine further includes an enclosure assembly 584 to enable access into an interior 590 of housing 558 of magazine 108 to insert and remove pre-pack 556a.
Once a pre-pack 556a is used and emptied out of its non-lethal projectiles 320, it may be removed and replaced with a new pre-pack 556a. A new pre-pack 556a may be inserted into magazine housing 558 by first opening enclosure assembly 584 (
As illustrated in
Magazine enclosure assembly 584 includes a handle 598 associated with a latch member 600a, and an enclosure 602a with a keeper portion 604a that enables latch member 600a to latch onto keeper 604a to maintain enclosure 602a at closed, latched position. Handle 598 is comprised of a first end 606 (
First and second extensions 610 and 612 of handle 598 include a first set of openings 614 that are aligned and a second set of openings 616 that are aligned. First set of openings 614 engage latch member 600a, while second set of openings 616 pivotally engage lateral sides walls 592 and 594 of magazine 108a via a first pivot pin 618. Magazine has a first set of enclosure assembly openings 620 along lateral walls 592 and 954 that receive first pivot pin 918.
Latch member 600a is comprised of a top portion 622 that includes a set of lateral projections 624 that extend transversely, forming pegs that pivotally engage (are inserted into) first set of openings 614 of handle 598, enabling latch member 600a and handle 598 to independently rotate (pivot) with respect to one another. A lower portion 626 of latch member 600a has an opening 628 defined by a transversely extending interlock portion 630 connected with longitudinally extending support portions 632, with opening 628 receiving keeper 604a of enclosure 602a to interlock keeper 604a with interlock portion 630 of latch member 600a.
Enclosure 602a is comprised of a first end that is configured as keeper 604a, and a second end (a hinge) 634 that pivotally engages a rear end of magazine 108a by a second pivot pin (a hinge pin) 636. Magazine 108a has a second set of enclosure assembly openings 638 along lateral walls 592 and 594 thereof that receive second pivot pin 636. Enclosure 602a rotates about second pivot pin 636. In other words, enclosure 602a is a hinged door that includes a hinge pivot 636 that is inserted through a hinge barrel 634 and connected to second set of enclosure assembly openings 638 of magazine 108a.
The set up provides a rotating handle 598 as shown to allow latch 600a to lock or be released from keeper 604a. It should be noted that as shown in
As further illustrated in
Casing 640a further includes an exterior rear side 648 part of which is configured as a cradle portion 650 of casing 640a that accommodates gas canister 206. Canister 206 may be secured to cradle portion 650 of casing 640a by a variety of mechanisms, a non-limiting example of which may include the use of adhesives such as a glue to fix canister 206 onto cradle portion 650 of casing 640a.
Casing 640a is comprised of a compartment 652 positioned along an interior of front side 644, with compartment 652 having a top end 654 comprised of feeder 566. Feeder 566 includes a loader opening 324 that enables bolt leg of bolt 526, to clear it. Bolt 526 through its forward motion moves projectile 320 at ejector opening 322 into the inner barrel chamber.
Feeder 566 also includes a restrictor opening 328 that prevents non-lethal projectiles 320 from falling out of feeder 566. In other words, restrictor opening 328 is configured as a slit, which prevents further vertical motion of non-lethal projectiles 320 out of feeder 566, prior to projectile 320 being horizontally driven by bolt 526 out of ejector opening 322. It should be noted that there is constant load acting on non-lethal projectiles 320 prompting them to move upward towards restrictor opening 328. The load originates from projectile actuator assembly 642 (detailed below).
A bottom end 656 of casing 640a has an assembly opening 658 that receives a lower portion of a follower member 660 of projectile actuator assembly 642, with assembly opening 658 facilitating the assembly of pre-pack 556a. As illustrated, compartment 652 houses non-lethal projectiles 320 and projectile actuator assembly 642.
Projectile actuator assembly 642 is comprised of follower member 660 and a biasing mechanism 662 comprised of a resilient member in a form of a spring. It should be noted that biasing mechanism 662 is active once pre-pack 556a is assembled, ready for use.
Follower member 660 includes a top distal portion 664 that engages to push and guide non-lethal projectiles 320 within compartment 652 and out from feeder 566. Follower member 660 further includes a body 666 around which biasing mechanism 662 is wrapped, with a first end 668 of biasing mechanism 662 supported by a set of transversely extending flanges 670a of top distal portion 664, and a second end 672 of biasing mechanism 662 supported by bottom end 656 of casing 640a.
Follower 660 has a bottom distal portion 674 that includes a flat surface with a protrusion 676 that extends from bottom end 674, and extends out of assembly opening (through-hole) 658 of bottom end 565 of casing 640a. Protrusion 676 includes an opening 678 that receives a pin 677 (
Once pin 677 is removed out of opening 678 (best shown in
As illustrated, non-lethal projectiles 320 (about 30 rounds or more) may optionally be positioned two-wide (double stack pattern) in a vertical channel 680 and are pushed into chamber of the gun via biasing mechanism 662. Top surface 682 of follower 660 located between biasing mechanism 662 and the last non-lethal projectiles 320 in casing 640a has a geometry that preferentially pushed one projectile at a time into the chamber of the gun. The preferential geometry is comprised of offset top surfaces 684 and 686 that enable only one projectile 320 to be pushed into the chamber of the gun at any time.
As indicated above, magazine 108 further includes a gas regulator system 512a.
Further included is a piercing portal 670a comprising a piercing cavity 672 that includes two sealing members 674 and 676 that seal gas canister 206 from external leakage prior to piercing of gas canister 206, and an invasive probe 678 in the form of a needle to pierce canister 206.
A first o-ring 674 seals canister 206 prior to being pierced, and as canister 206 is further driven into piercing portal 670a, a second o-ring 676 further seals canister 206. It should be noted that once gas reservoir cartridge (or canister) 206 is pierced, the gas will flow from canister 206 and hence, it is a matter of regulating flow and pressure build-up within pressure regulator 688a to make efficient use of gas.
Pressure regulator 688a includes a pressure and flow stabilizer 690 as well as a pressure limiter 692a. Pressure and flow stabilizer 690 includes an inlet chamber 694 and an outlet chamber 696, with inlet chamber 694 associated with outlet chamber 696 by a stabilizer opening 698. Inlet chamber 694 includes an ingress opening 700 associated with piercing portal 670a, and an inlet valve assembly 702 positioned between ingress opening 700 and stabilizer opening 698.
Inlet valve assembly 702 is comprised of a first biasing mechanism 704 and an inlet restrictor valve 706. Inlet restrictor valve (or flow restrictor) 706 is a hex, enabling continuous, but controlled flow of gas around inlet restrictor valve 706 and into inlet chamber 694 via ingress opening 700.
First biasing mechanism 704 biases inlet restrictor valve 706 to a closed position to close off stabilizer opening 700. First biasing mechanism 704 is a resilient member comprised of a spring with one end pressing against fastener 695 while the other end pressing against inlet restrictor valve 706.
Outlet chamber 696 is comprised of an outlet 708 that guides gas into poppet valve 506, an opening 710 that leads into pressure limiter 692a, and an adjustable stabilizer assembly 712. Adjustable stabilizer assembly 712 includes an actuator shaft 715 of inlet flow restrictor valve 706 and a second biasing mechanism 714 to adjustably move actuator shaft 715. Further included is an adjuster mechanism 716 (further detailed below). Second biasing mechanism 714 biases (forces) actuator shaft 715 to move inlet flow restrictor valve 706 to a less restrictive position away from stabilizer opening 698 to allow greater flow of gas.
A first end 718 of the actuator shaft 715 is engaged with second biasing mechanism 714, and a second end 720 of actuator shaft 715 is coupled with inlet flow restrictor valve 706. Second biasing mechanism 714 is positioned in-between, and engaged with, adjuster mechanism 716 and actuator shaft 715.
Adjuster mechanism 716 may be used to calibrate and set a desired stabilizing force required to be exerted by second biasing mechanism 714 to counter cumulative forces exerted by first biasing mechanism 704 and pressure from gas canister 206. This adjusts the position of inlet flow restrictive valve 706 to adjust flow of gas.
The compression force of first and the second biasing mechanisms 704 and 714 are dynamically, and continuously changed in relation to one another to maintain stability (and desired gas flow rate) based on the desired calibrated stabilizing force commensurate with pressurized force of gas from canister 206. In other words, biasing mechanisms 704 and 714 control the position of inlet flow restrictor valve 706 to control gas flow and hence, amount of pressure at a given time. As illustrated, adjuster mechanism 716 is a threaded plate that engages second biasing mechanism 714 and provides desired compression force to second biasing mechanism 714.
Adjuster mechanism 716 may be rotated from outside magazine 108, which would push on second biasing mechanism 714 and compress second biasing mechanism 714 to thereby apply force to actuator shaft 715. Therefore, any time second biasing mechanism 714 is stronger than the combined force from the gas pressure and the first biasing mechanism 704, inlet flow restrictor valve 706 moves to a less restrictive position away from stabilizer opening 698 to allow increased flow of gas. Adjuster mechanism may be adjusted prior to installation and assembly of magazine 108 or, alternatively, may be further adjusted by end user.
Pressure limiter 692a is comprised of a pressure chamber 722a and an outlet relief valve assembly 724 (
It should be noted that gas regulator system 512a and in particular, pressure regulator 688a in accordance with the present invention, enables the use of canister 206 for several days rather than hours. In most instances, the CO2 from canister 206 continuously leaks out gas after it has been pierced and directs connects with poppet valve 506. Pressure regulator 688a of the present invention extends the life and hence, the use of the same canister 206 over several days. Accordingly, pressure regulator 688a of the present invention very efficiently regulates flow rate and pressure of gas from canister 206, including at poppet valve 506.
Most CO2 canisters operate at a much higher PSI than the maximum operating PSI required by the gun. This means that maximum required pressure to eject a non-lethal projectile 320 is less than that which may be generated by a canister.
Pressure limiter 692a restricts (or regulates) the amount of pressure applied to projectile 320 to below a maximum level pressure of canister. Gas first moves into regulator inlet chamber 694 and into pressure limiter 692a, which operates to limit and maintain the overall gas pressure at poppet valve 506 at no more than a maximum level required to operate the gun and eject projectile 320.
Initial State of Gas Regulator System 512a—No Gas:
If force from second biasing mechanism 714 is adjusted by adjuster mechanism 716 to be greater than first biasing mechanism 704, inlet flow restrictor valve 706 is less restrictive to flow of gas from stabilizer opening 698.
With Gas Canister 206 Connected:
If force from second biasing mechanism 714 is adjusted by adjuster mechanism 716 to be greater than first biasing mechanism 704 and the force of the pressure of the gas from canister 206, inlet flow restrictor valve 706 moves to open position. That is, second biasing mechanism 714 will exert higher force “F2” greater than the combined force “F1” of first biasing mechanism 704 and the pressurized force from the gas. Accordingly, inlet flow restrictor valve 706 is moved to less restrictive position to allow controlled flow of gas from inlet chamber 694 to outlet chamber 696 via the stabilizer opening 698. This further stabilizes the pressure between the inlet and outlet chamber 694 and 698 at desired pressures P1 (inlet chamber pressure) and P2 (outlet chamber pressure). The pressure “differential” between P1 and P2 sets the pressure by which gas moves to the feeding tube (first outlet) 708 to poppet valve 506, thereby controlling the amount of gas flowing into and out of poppet valve 506 and into the chamber of the gun.
When Gun is not Discharged:
Gas continues to build-up (as the gas continues to move from canister 206 and into pressure and flow stabilizer 690), but relief valve 728 of gas storage pressure chamber 722a regulates the pressure to maintain it at desired PSI.
When a Gun is Discharged:
When pulling trigger 116, secondary hammer 514 of trigger group 106 opens poppet valve 506; gas moves to the breach of the gun; this drops pressure in the pressure and flow stabilizer 690; however, at the same time, gas continues to fill the pressure and flow stabilizer 690 from canister 206 as well as the storage chamber 722a, which provides additional sufficient volume of gas to maintain desired pressure.
Substantially Consistent Projectile Velocity:
The time for the pressure to recuperate within the pressure and flow stabilizer 690 and poppet valve 506 to maintain a substantially consistent projectile velocity is significantly shorter due to the use of a pressure limiter 692a. Without the use of pressure regulator 688a (and the pressure storage chamber 722a in particular) where canister 206 is directly connected to popper valve 506, once a projectile 320 is fired, it would take significant amount of time to recuperate gas pressure to an appropriate level. The time required to recuperate the pressure to minimal required operating pressure depends on several variables, all of which are compensated by the use of pressure storage chamber 722a. For example, if non-lethal projectiles 320 are rapidly fired, there may not be sufficient time for pressure to recuperate for the next firing of projectile 320.
Pressure storage chamber 722a of the pressure limiter 692a also enables rapid fire (ejections) of multiple non-lethal projectiles 320 in a short duration within a pressure range, enabling the gun to operate in automatic mode. The restricted volume of gas (and hence the pressure thereof) entering into poppet valve 506 and the chamber of the gun is not sufficient to propel and eject multiplicity of non-lethal projectiles 320 in a short duration. Accordingly, pressure chamber 722a also functions (as a “capacitor”) to compensate with added pressure of gas to enable automatic mode of operation for the gun.
As illustrated in
As further illustrated (best shown in
As illustrated in
As further illustrated in
As illustrated in
Further, gas regulator system 512b includes pressure regulator 688b comprised of a pressure limiter 692b with a reduced size pressure chamber 722b without a relief valve that is machined directly into a body 758 of gas regulator system 512b. Accordingly, in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, relief valve of the pressure chamber has been eliminated.
As illustrated, in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, gas regulator system 512c includes pressure regulator 688c comprised of a pressure limiter 692c having an elongated pressure chamber 722c that may be threaded 760 (
As illustrated, gas regulator system 512d is very similar to that of gas regulator 512b with the exception that body 758 of gas regulator system 512d is cast and then machined to include all cavities required to accommodate various components. In addition, fastener 695 would no longer be needed since body 758 is machined to include a blind-hole cavity as inlet chamber 694. It should be noted that in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, piercing portal 670d may also be an integral part of body 758 rather than assembled onto a hex fastener and be removable.
In this non-limiting, exemplary instance, non-lethal gas-operated gun 100 also includes a magazine 108c in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention that holds and supplies non-lethal projectiles 320 fed to chamber of non-lethal gas-operated gun 100. Magazine 108c includes an automatic projectile feeder mechanism, supplying rounds to non-lethal gas-operated gun 100 through the action of reciprocal bolt carrier group 504.
As best illustrated in
First compartment 302 of cartridge 204 is comprised of a first end 306 (best illustrated in detail in
As further illustrated, first compartment 302 of cartridge 204 is further comprised of a second end 316 (best illustrated in
Second compartment 304 of cartridge 204 is comprised of a first opening 332 that receives piercing end 334 of gas canister 206 (best illustrated in
As best illustrated in
Auger 364 of the present invention includes a top distal end 344 that is comprised of a lateral recess or indentation 346. Lateral recess 346 functions as a keeper that receives an engagement portion 348 of a latch member 350. This prevents auger 364 from rotating when latch member 350 is in latch position (best shown in
Top distal end 344 of auger 208 further includes a circumferential groove 352 for accommodating engagement portion 348 of latch member 350 when latch member 350 is in unlatched position to thereby allow rotation of auger 364. As best illustrated in
Top distal end 344 of auger 364 further includes a central opening 354 that leads to final flighting 356 of the auger 364 via an angled conduit, or canal, 358, through which non-lethal projectiles 320 are moved from the final auger flighting 356 to the channel 318 of first compartment 316 of cartridge 204. Therefore, non-lethal projectiles move along the outer periphery of the auger 364, moved by flighting 356 of the auger, but exit through central opening 354 without being jammed. As further illustrated, a bottom distal end of auger 364 includes driver end 314 that is configured to engage with drive mechanism 210.
Auger 364 provides efficient packaging in that it provides narrowest (smallest diameter) for packing non-lethal projectiles. In general, viewed in the cross-sectional, auger 364 has four pillars of non-lethal projectiles 320 that are moved by auger 364.
The limitation of size of auger 364 to include optimal number of non-lethal projectiles 320 is not a limitation of capability, but one that provides the same number of ammunition as conventional M4 rifle magazine. The number of flightings 356, and flight angle for each fighting 356 of auger 364 is selected in accordance with the number of auger rotations required based on the energy that may be stored in biasing mechanism 428 (detailed below).
Projectile actuator module 208 further accommodates a bolt stop member 366 (best illustrated in
Drive mechanism 210 further includes a projectile actuator shaft assembly 404 that includes a projectile shaft 452 that rotates auger 364 of projectile actuator module 208 to feed non-lethal projectiles 320 into chamber of gun. Drive mechanism 210 also includes mechanical components (e.g., one-way bearings, crank, adapter, torsion spring, etc. detailed below) that enables selective actuation of piercing shaft 450 and projectile actuator shaft 452.
Piercing shaft assembly 402 is comprised of a seat 406 that is moveably (rotates or spins) secured to a first distal end 408 of piercing shaft 450 by a fastener 454, with seat 406 engaging canister 206. Piercing shaft 450 includes a first end 410 that has an outer diameter threading 412 that engages an inner diameter threading 414 of a hollow support post 416 of a support base 418 of drive mechanism 210.
Further, piercing shaft assembly 402 also accommodates a second end of a biasing mechanism (or resilient member) 428 comprised of a torsion spring, near first end 410 of piercing shaft 450. Piercing shaft 450 also includes a second distal end 420 that is adapted and configured to slide within a central double D internal feature of an adapter 436 associated with crank assembly 456.
Piercing shaft assembly 402 is further comprised of a first one-way roller bearing (or one-way needle clutch bearing) 430 comprised of outer race 460 and roller pins 462. First one-way roller bearing 430 is associated with piercing shaft 450 by adapter (double D lock profile) 436 and a first driver gear 438 of the gear train, with the first one-way roller bearing 430 positioned in-between first driver gear 438 and the adapter 436. Outer race 460 of first one-way roller bearing 430 is connected to inner circumference 464 of first drive gear 438, while roller pins 462 roller over outer circumference 466 of adapter 436, enable one-way rotation of piercing shaft 450 in first direction 496. As detailed below, first one-way bearing 430 enables one-way transfer of torque from rotating piercing shaft 450 to a spool 444 associated with projectile actuator shaft assembly 404 via the gear train in the initial mode of operation. However, as detailed below, first one-way bearing 430 prevents rotation of adapter 436 (and hence piercing shaft 450) in second direction 498 while first driver gear 438 freely rotates in second direction 498 under the torsion force of biasing mechanism 428.
First one-way roller bearing 430 locks in relation to adapter 436 (and hence, the piercing shaft 450) when rotated along a first direction 496, including rotating the first driver gear 438 in the first direction 496. As first driver gear 438 turns, it rotates an idle gear 440 of the gear train, which, in turn, rotates a second driver gear 442 (detailed below) of the gear train in the first direction 496. First one-way roller bearing 430 freely rotates in relation to the adapter (and hence, piercing shaft 450) when rotated along a second direction 498 (roller pins 462 simply roll over the outer circumference 466 of adapter 436), which enables rotation of the first drive gear 438 in the second direction, while piercing shaft 450 is not rotated. It should be noted that a plate gear 478 supports the first drive gear 438.
Piercing shaft assembly 402 further includes crank assembly 456 that includes a handle base 468, a handle toggle 470, with pin 472 connecting handle base 468 and handle toggle 470 together. The pin 472 slips into the opening of handle toggle 470, and is press fit in the opening of handle base 468. Crank assembly 456 is connected to adapter 436 via a first and second roll-pin fasteners 474 and 476. Crank assembly 456 converts application of torque into a reciprocal (or linear) motion for piercing shaft 450 and further, for application of a torsion load to biasing mechanism 428 for storing mechanical energy.
As crank assembly 456 is rotated, torque from crank assembly 456 rotates piercing shaft 450 that has its outer diameter (OD) threading 412 engaged with inner diameter (ID) threading 414 of hollow support post 416 of base 418 to axially move (vertically) the piercing shaft 450. In other words, the threads enable translational movement of the rotating piercing shaft 450 along its longitudinal axis. The threaded shaft 450 pivots about its longitudinal axis, rotating through hollow support post 416, enabling both translational and rotational movement of shaft 450 through the threaded hollow support post 416. As indicated above, seat 406 is free to rotate due to fastener 454 connection.
Projectile actuator shaft assembly 404 is comprised of a driver engagement member 422 associated with a first distal end 424 of projectile actuator shaft 452 via a first spacer washer 480 to ensure relative movement of both in relation to one another. A snap ring 482 secures driver engagement member 422 onto projectile actuator shaft 452. Driver engagement member 422 latches onto driver end 314 of auger 364 to rotate auger 364.
Projectile actuator shaft assembly 404 is further comprised of a second one-way roller bearing (or one-way needle clutch bearing) 434 that is identical to first one-way roller bearing 430, but installed to have an opposite mode of operation in relation to bearing 430. Second one-way roller bearing 434 is illustrated as an “interface view” for simplicity.
Second one-way roller bearing 434 is associated with projectile actuator shaft 452 and driver engagement member 422, with second one-way roller bearing 434 positioned in-between projectile actuator shaft 452 and driver engagement member 422. Outer race (not shown) of second one-way roller bearing 434 is connected (press-fit) to inner circumference of driver engagement member 422, while roller pins (not shown) roll over outer circumference of projectile actuator shaft 452, enable one-way rotation of driver engagement member 422 in second direction 498 (detailed below). In other words, second one-way bearing 434 and driver engagement member 422 are fixed relative to one another.
As detailed below, second one-way bearing 434 enables one-way transfer of torque from rotating projectile actuator shaft 452 to driver engagement member 422 in second direction. However, as detailed below, second one-way bearing 434 prevents rotation of driver engagement member 422 in first direction 496 while projectile actuator shaft 452 freely rotates in first or second directions 498.
As further illustrated, projectile actuator shaft assembly 404 further includes a spool 444 that accommodates torsion spring 428, a first end of which is secured to spool 444 by pin 484 within space 486. Spool 444 is associated with a simple bearing 490 via washer 488 to ensure that the adjacent parts move one relative to the other, with bearing 490 allowing projectile actuator shaft 452 to rotate freely within base 418.
Projectile actuator shaft 452 also includes a second end 426 that is coupled with second driver gear 442 via an E-ring 492, which prevents projectile actuator shaft 452 from being pulled out through bearing 490. E-ring 492 in cooperation with washer 494 allow projectile actuator shaft 452 to rotate freely.
Drive mechanism 210 has an initial mode of operation that enables engagement of canister 206 with piercing portal of gas regulator system 212 and stores mechanical energy within biasing mechanism 428. Drive mechanism 210 has an operation mode function that rotates auger 364 of projectile actuator module 208 by stored mechanical energy of biasing mechanism 428. A final mode of drive mechanism 210 enables disengagement of canister 206 from piercing portal of gas regulator system 212 for replacing cartridge 204.
As indicated above, crank assembly 456 converts application of torque into a reciprocal (or linear) motion for piercing shaft 450 and further, for application of a torsion load to biasing mechanism 428 for storing mechanical energy. First one-way roller bearing 430 enables transfer of torque from rotating piercing shaft 450 to spool 444 associated with projectile actuator shaft 452 via a gear train in the initial mode of operation. Second one-way roller bearing 434 enables transfer of stored energy from biasing mechanism 428 (wound on piercing shaft assembly 402) back onto spool 444 on projectile actuator shaft 404, rotating projectile actuator shaft 452. The first and the second one-way bearings 430 and 434 are set to operate in opposite modes (e.g., opposite one-way directions).
The second one-way roller bearing 434 allows free rotation of the projectile actuator shaft 404 in the first direction 496 as shown but without the rotation of driver engagement member 424 when second driver gear 442 is rotated in the first direction 496. This means that as projectile actuator shaft 404 rotates in first direction 496, driver engagement member 422 does not rotate to rotate an attached auger 364. It should be noted that if driver engagement member 422 is rotated in the first direction 496 to rotate auger 364 in the first direction 496, non-lethal projectiles 320 would be pushed downwards towards the drive mechanism 210 and hence, they would jam. Accordingly, driver engagement member 422 does not rotate when projectile actuator shaft 404 rotates in first direction 496 (due to second one-way bearing 434).
The rotation of second driver gear 442 in first direction 496 rotates projectile actuator shaft 452 in first direction 496 to rotate the connected spool 444 in first direction 496 to unwind biasing mechanism 428 onto outer circumference of hollow support post 416 associated with piercing shaft 450 while second one-way roller bearing 434 prevents driver engagement member 422 from rotating. Once wound onto hollow support post 416, as non-lethal projectiles 320 are ejected (in operation mode), biasing mechanism 428 unwinds from hollow support post 416 back onto spool 444, applying a stored torsion energy to rotate projectile actuator shaft 452 in a second direction 498. Rotation of first driver gear 438 in second direction 498 rotates idle gear 440 in second direction 498 to rotate second driver gear 442 in second direction 498.
The piercing shaft 452 is locked out of rotation in second direction 498 due to first one-way roller bearing 430, which allows piercing shaft 450 to rotate in first direction 496 only. In other words, as first driver gear 438 rotates in second direction 498, one-way roller bearing 430 rotates in second direction 498 with bearings freely rotating and rolling over the piercing shaft 450 rather than locking shaft 450 in tandem motion with first driver gear 438.
Rotation of second driver gear 442 in second direction 498 rotates the projectile actuator shaft 452 in second direction 498, which rotates second one-way roller bearing 434 in second direction 498. This allows driver engagement member 422 to rotate in second direction 498, which rotate auger 364 to move non-lethal projectiles 320 into the chamber of the gun. In other words, in second direction 498, projectile actuator shaft 452 and driver engagement member 422 move in tandem due to second one-way roller bearing 434. That is, second one-way roller bearing 434 locks with the motion of projectile actuator shaft 452 together with engagement member 422.
At the final mode of operation, drive mechanism 210 may be used to facilitate disengagement of canister 206 from gas system 212. Rotating crank 802 in a second direction 498 rotates piercing shaft 402 to lower canister 206 away from the piercing portal, regardless of the state of the first and second one-way bearings 430 and 434. It should be noted that the biasing mechanism (e.g., torsion spring) 428 and piercing shaft 450 have no direct mechanical connection to affect one another in final mode. Further, first one-way bearing shaft 430 enables tandem rotation of drive gear 438 and piercing shaft 452 in only one direction (first direction 496), but not the second 498. Hence, when rotating crank assembly 456 in second direction 498, piercing shaft 452 rotates in second direction 498 since crank assembly 459 is connected to piercing shaft 450 by means of adapter 436, but first drive gear 438 is not rotated due to bearing 430.
Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, the specification is not confined to the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, pre-pack 556 may comprise of single piece rather than two pieces. As another example, the path of the non-lethal projectiles within casings 640 could be purely linear (as shown) or cured in geometries similar to a “j” or a “U” shape to maximize the total number of non-lethal projectiles that could be housed in the allowed space. As yet another example, the two pieces of casing 640b or casing 640a may also be assembled so that the pieces are separated with ease (e.g., using well known detachable connection mechanisms) so that canister 206 or even their respective internally housed projectile actuator modules may be replaced without damaging the respective pre-packs 556a or 556b. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, inside, outside, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction, orientation, or position. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations/positions and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.
In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.
Further the terms “a” and “an” throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of,” “act of,” “operation of,” or “operational act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.
This Application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Utility Provisional Patent Application 62/380,947, filed Aug. 29, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. All documents mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. It should be noted that throughout the disclosure, where a definition or use of a term in any incorporated document(s) is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the incorporated document(s) does not apply.
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