U.S. patent application number 09/961353 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-24 for firearm assembly.
Invention is credited to Golan, Amos.
Application Number | 20030074823 09/961353 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25504369 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030074823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Golan, Amos |
April 24, 2003 |
FIREARM ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A firearm assembly including a fluid deflector adapted to be
connected to a discharge end of a barrel of a firearm, the fluid
deflector including a first passage for flow therethrough of a
fluid and a second passage in fluid communication with and angled
with respect to the first passage for flow therethrough of the
fluid.
Inventors: |
Golan, Amos; (Kfar Azar,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dekel Patent Ltd.
Beit HaRofim
18 Menuha VeNahala Street, Room 27
Rehovot
IL
|
Family ID: |
25504369 |
Appl. No.: |
09/961353 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/77 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/04 20130101;
F41C 9/00 20130101; F41A 19/09 20130101; F41A 21/00 20130101; F41C
27/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/77 |
International
Class: |
F41A 021/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A firearm assembly comprising: a fluid deflector adapted to be
connected to a discharge end of a barrel of a firearm, said fluid
deflector comprising a first passage for flow therethrough of a
fluid and a second passage in fluid communication with and angled
with respect to said first passage for flow therethrough of the
fluid.
2. The firearm assembly according to claim 1 and further comprising
a firearm comprising a barrel, said fluid deflector being attached
to a discharge end of said barrel.
3. The firearm assembly according to claim 2 and further comprising
an auxiliary barrel portion in fluid communication with said second
passage.
4. The firearm assembly according to claim 3 and further comprising
a projectile disposed in said auxiliary barrel portion.
5. The firearm assembly according to claim 3, wherein said firearms
comprises a source of pressurized fluid, said fluid flowing through
said first passage to said second passage to said auxiliary barrel
portion.
6. The firearm assembly according to claim 4, wherein said firearm
comprises a source of pressurized fluid, said fluid flowing through
said first passage to said second passage to said auxiliary barrel
portion, said fluid having sufficient force to expel said
projectile from said auxiliary barrel portion.
7. The firearm assembly according to claim 1 and further comprising
a barrel adapter adapted to couple said fluid deflector with a
discharge end of a barrel of a firearm.
8. The firearm assembly according to claim 1 wherein said second
passage is pivotable relative to said first passage.
9. The firearm assembly according to claim 3 and further comprising
aiming apparatus adapted to aim said auxiliary barrel portion at a
target.
10. The firearm assembly according to claim 9 wherein said aiming
apparatus comprises a camera mounted on said auxiliary barrel
portion, such that said camera moves together with said auxiliary
barrel portion, and a monitor in communication with said camera,
mounted on a portion of said firearm assembly.
11. The firearm assembly according to claim 5 wherein said source
of pressurized fluid comprises a blank cartridge.
12. The firearm assembly according to claim 1 and further
comprising a locking device adapted to secure said second passage
at a fixed angle relative to said first passage.
13. The firearm assembly according to claim 1 wherein said fluid
deflector comprises an inner cup, formed with an inner cavity in
fluid communication with said first passage, said inner cup being
rotatably mounted in an outer cup, wherein said second passage
extends from said outer cup.
14. A firearm assembly comprising: a support stock comprising a
stock trigger; a pivotal connector mounted on said support stock
and couplable to a firearm comprising a firearm trigger and a
barrel, and a trigger connector adapted to couple said stock
trigger to a firearm trigger for remote firing of a firearm.
15. The firearm assembly according to claim 14 wherein said pivotal
connector comprises a locking device adapted to releasably lock a
firearm at an angle relative to said support stock.
16. The firearm assembly according to claim 14 and further
comprising viewing apparatus mountable on the firearm, and a
display mounted on said support stock in communication with said
viewing apparatus.
17. The firearm assembly according to claim 16 wherein said viewing
apparatus comprises at least one of a camera and a mirror assembly
substantially alignable with a barrel of the firearm.
18. The firearm assembly according to claim 16 wherein said viewing
apparatus comprises an interface connectable to an external
display.
19. The firearm assembly according to claim 14 and further
comprising aiming apparatus alignable with the barrel of the
firearm.
20. The firearm assembly according to claim 14 wherein said trigger
connector comprises at least one of a mechanical,
electrical/electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic connector.
21. The firearm assembly according to claim 14 and further
comprising a safety catch adapted to prevent inadvertent pulling of
said stock trigger.
22. The firearm assembly according to claim 19 and further
comprising an override unit adapted to disable said aiming
apparatus.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to firearms in general and, in
particular, to firearms for shooting around corners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In order to fire a firearm and hit a target, it is necessary
to aim towards the target and fire a bullet projectile with
sufficient force to reach and damage the target. With conventional
firearms, such as pistols, revolvers and other handguns, rifles,
submachine guns and the like, an elongate barrel is provided to
direct the bullet in the direction in which the firearm is aimed,
and to provide a path along which the bullet is accelerated.
[0003] In many cases, it would be desirable to hit a target lying
at an angle to, or around a corner from, the person firing the gun.
With conventional firearms, this is impossible, since the barrel is
straight and can only be fired forwards or backwards, or else the
gun must be held extended from the body and fired without visually
aiming towards the target.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention seeks to provide a firearm assembly
that permits firing around a corner at a target. In one embodiment
of the invention, the firearm assembly comprises a fluid (i.e., gas
or liquid) deflector that may deflect gas from an explosive charge
to an auxiliary barrel that is angled with respect to a barrel of a
firearm. The deflected gas may propel a projectile from the
auxiliary barrel to a target. In another embodiment of the
invention, the firearm assembly comprises a support stock with a
stock trigger. A pivotal connector may pivotally connect a firearm
to the support stock at any desired angle. A trigger connector may
couple the stock trigger to the trigger of the firearm for remote
firing of the firearm.
[0005] There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention a firearm assembly including a fluid
deflector adapted to be connected to a discharge end of a barrel of
a firearm, the fluid deflector including a first passage for flow
therethrough of a fluid and a second passage in fluid communication
with and angled with respect to the first passage for flow
therethrough of the fluid. The fluid deflector may be attached to a
discharge end of a firearm that has a barrel. Preferably, an
auxiliary barrel portion is in fluid communication with the second
passage, and a projectile may be disposed in the auxiliary barrel
portion.
[0006] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
the firearms includes a source of pressurized fluid, wherein the
fluid flows through the first passage to the second passage to the
auxiliary barrel portion. The fluid preferably has sufficient force
to expel the projectile from the auxiliary barrel portion.
[0007] Further in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention a barrel adapter may be provided that is adapted to
couple the fluid deflector with a discharge end of a barrel of a
firearm.
[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
the second passage is pivotable relative to the first passage.
[0009] Further in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention aiming apparatus is provided that is adapted to aim the
auxiliary barrel portion at a target.
[0010] Still further in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention the aiming apparatus includes a camera mounted on
the auxiliary barrel portion, such that the camera moves together
with the auxiliary barrel portion, and a monitor in communication
with the camera, mounted on a portion of the firearm assembly.
[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
the source of pressurized fluid includes a blank cartridge.
[0012] Further in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention a locking device is provided that is adapted to secure
the second passage at a fixed angle relative to the first
passage.
[0013] Still further in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention the fluid deflector includes an inner cup, formed
with an inner cavity in fluid communication with the first passage,
the inner cup being rotatably mounted in an outer cup, wherein the
second passage extends from the outer cup.
[0014] There is also provided in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention a firearm assembly including a support stock
including a stock trigger, a pivotal connector mounted on the
support stock and couplable to a firearm including a firearm
trigger and a barrel, and a trigger connector adapted to couple the
stock trigger to a firearm trigger for remote firing of a
firearm.
[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
the pivotal connector includes a locking device adapted to
releasably lock a firearm at an angle relative to the support
stock.
[0016] Further in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention viewing apparatus is provided that may be mounted on the
firearm, and a display is mounted on the support stock in
communication with the viewing apparatus.
[0017] Still further in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention the viewing apparatus includes at least one of a
camera and a mirror assembly substantially alignable with a barrel
of the firearm.
[0018] Additionally in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention the viewing apparatus includes an interface connectable
to an external display.
[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
aiming apparatus is provided that is alignable with the barrel of
the firearm.
[0020] Further in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention the trigger connector includes at least one of a
mechanical, electrical/electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic
connector.
[0021] Still further in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention a safety catch is provided that is adapted to
prevent inadvertent pulling of the stock trigger.
[0022] Additionally in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention an override unit is provided that is adapted to disable
the aiming apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The present invention will be further understood and
appreciated from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the drawing in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a firearm assembly
constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B are simplified sectional illustrations of a
fluid deflector of the firearm assembly of FIG. 1, constructed and
operative in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of a firearm assembly
constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of
the invention; and
[0027] FIG. 4 is a simplified illustration of the firearm assembly
of FIG. 3 in a pivoted orientation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a firearm
assembly 10 constructed and operative in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0029] Firearm assembly 10 may include a fluid deflector 12 adapted
to be connected to a discharge end 14 (e.g., a fire suppressor,
also referred to in the art as a fire hider or arrester) of a
barrel 16 of a firearm 18. For ease of illustration, firearm 18 is
illustrated as a rifle. However, it is appreciated that the
invention is applicable for any other kind of firearm. Fluid
deflector 12 is adapted to receive fluid from a source of
pressurized fluid, such as gas expelled from an explosive charge in
firearm 18 through barrel 16, and deflect the fluid at an angle
with respect to barrel 16 to an auxiliary barrel portion 20
connected to and in fluid communication with fluid deflector 12, as
is explained more in detail hereinbelow. The auxiliary barrel
portion 20 may have a projectile 22 disposed therein, and the fluid
flowing through fluid deflector 12 may have sufficient force to
expel projectile 22 from auxiliary barrel portion 20.
[0030] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which are
sectional illustrations of fluid deflector 12 constructed and
operative in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Fluid
deflector 12 may comprise a first passage 24 for flow therethrough
of a fluid 25 and a second passage 26 in fluid communication with
and angled with respect to first passage 24 for flow therethrough
of the fluid 25. Again, fluid 25 may emanate from a source of
pressurized fluid, such as gas expelled from an explosive charge in
firearm 18 through barrel 16.
[0031] First passage 24 may be formed in a barrel discharge
coupling member 28. Barrel discharge coupling member 28 may be
shaped to fit in and connect to discharge end 14 of barrel 16 of
firearm 18 by any suitable manner, such as but not limited to, a
press fit or a threaded connection 29, or by means of a barrel
adapter 27 (FIG. 1), for example. Barrel discharge coupling member
28 may extend from an inner cup 30, formed with an inner cavity 32
and a radial aperture 34. Inner cavity 32 may be in fluid
communication with first passage 24. Inner cup 30 may be rotatably
mounted in an outer cup 36. Outer cup 36 may be formed with a
radial aperture 38 through which pass barrel discharge coupling
member 28 and first passage 24. Second passage 26 may extend from
outer cup 36, and second passage 26 may be arranged to be in fluid
communication with inner cavity 32 of inner cup 30 via radial
aperture 38. Second passage 26 may be formed in an auxiliary barrel
portion coupling member 39.
[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates fluid deflector 12 in one orientation
wherein fluid 25 passes through first passage 24 and flows out of
second passage 26 at an angle .alpha.. FIG. 2B illustrates fluid
deflector 12 in another orientation wherein fluid 25 passes through
first passage 24 and flows out of second passage 26 at a different
angle .beta..
[0033] Second passage 26 may be at a fixed angle with respect to
first passage 24. Alternatively, second passage 26 may be pivotable
relative to first passage 24. Second passage 26 may be adapted to
rotate 360.degree. relative to first passage 24, for example. A
locking device 40 may be provided to secure inner and outer cups 30
and 36 together, so as to secure second passage 26 at a fixed angle
relative to first passage 24. Locking device 40 may comprise
without limitation a thumbscrew that passes through outer cup 36
and abuts against inner cup 30, or detents formed between inner and
outer cups 30 and 36, or a pawl and ratchet mechanism, for
example.
[0034] Reference is again made to FIG. 1. The firearm assembly 10
may further comprise aiming apparatus adapted to aim auxiliary
barrel portion 20 at a target 42. The aiming apparatus may comprise
without limitation a camera 44 mounted on auxiliary barrel portion
20 and a monitor 46 in communication with camera 44. Camera 44 may
move together with auxiliary barrel portion 20 so that camera 44
always has the target 42 in sight. For example, camera 44 may be
mounted on a swivel post 50 pivotally attached to fluid deflector
12. Monitor 46 may be mounted on any portion of firearm assembly
10, such as but not limited to, a hand guard 48 by means of a
fastener 49 or other suitable hardware. Camera 44 may be connected
to monitor 46 in any suitable manner, such as but not limited to,
an electrical cable 52. A power source (not shown) may be provided
for powering camera 44 and monitor 46.
[0035] One possible operation of firearm assembly 10 in accordance
with the present invention is now described.
[0036] Barrel discharge coupling member 28 is connected to
discharge end 14 of barrel 16 of firearm 18. Second passage 26 is
secured at a fixed angle relative to first passage 24 with locking
device 40. One or more projectiles 22 are inserted into the open
end of auxiliary barrel portion 20. According to one embodiment of
the invention, the projectiles may be rubber bullets or paint balls
in an arcade, as they are relatively light in weight. However, any
other projectile may be fired if sufficient fluid pressure is
generated within firearm 18 and fluid deflector 12 is built of
sufficiently strong materials.
[0037] Firearm 18 comprises a source of pressurized fluid (liquid
or gas) for expelling projectiles 22. According to an embodiment of
the invention, firearm 18 is loaded with blank cartridges
(cartridges with explosive powder but without a bullet). Upon
firing firearm 18, a blast of pressurized gas travels down barrel
16. The blast of gas travels into barrel discharge coupling member
28 into first passage 24 of fluid deflector 12, and then through
second passage 26 into auxiliary barrel portion 20, propelling
projectile 22 from auxiliary barrel portion 20 towards the target
42.
[0038] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which illustrates a firearm
assembly 60 constructed and operative in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention, and also suitable for firing
projectiles around a corner at a target.
[0039] Firearm assembly 60 may comprise a support stock 62 having a
stock trigger 64 and a display 66. A pivotal connector 68, such as
a hinge and clamp, may be mounted on a distal end of support stock
62 and arranged for pivotal coupling to a firearm 70, such as, but
not limited to, a handgun, revolver, pistol, submachine gun, or
rifle. Firearm 70 may comprise a firearm trigger 72 and a barrel
74. Pivotal connector 68 may comprise a locking device 75 for
releasably locking firearm 70 at an angle relative to support stock
62. Locking device 75 may comprise without limitation a thumbscrew,
locking detents, pawl and ratchet mechanism, or
electrical/electronic, hydraulic or pneumatic release device, for
example.
[0040] Alternatively, the pivotal connector 68 of support stock 62
may be adapted so that firearm 70 may be rotated 360.degree.
relative to support stock 62. For example, a robotic arm may be
employed to rotate firearm 70 at any angle and revolve any number
of revolutions.
[0041] A trigger connector 76 may couple stock trigger 64 to the
firearm trigger 72 for remote firing of the firearm. Thus, a person
holding the support stock 62 on which firearm 70 is mounted may
actuate the firing mechanism of firearm 70 from a remote location.
Trigger connector 76 may comprise any kind of connector that
permits remote firing of the firearm 70, such as but not limited
to, a mechanical, electrical/electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic
connector, for example.
[0042] For example, according to one embodiment of the invention,
trigger connector 76 comprises a mechanical connector, such as but
not limited to, a cable (not shown) that couples stock trigger 64
to firearm trigger 72. The cable may be arranged to slide within a
sleeve (not shown), such as in a manner similar to bicycle hand
brakes. Calibration apparatus 84, such as but not limited to,
calibrating nuts may be provided for adjusting the length of
trigger connector 76 (if a mechanical trigger is used), which
changes depending upon the particular firearm mounted on the
support stock 62. Pulling stock trigger 64 causes firearm trigger
72 to be pulled by trigger connector 76, thereby firing the firearm
70.
[0043] Firearm assembly 60 may further comprise viewing apparatus
90, which may be mounted on the firearm 70, such as but not limited
to, beneath barrel 74. Viewing apparatus 90 may comprise without
limitation a camera, mirror assembly or any other scanning or
viewing device that permits viewing a target (not shown). Images
viewed by viewing apparatus 90 may be displayed on display 66,
which may be in electrical or any other kind of communication with
viewing apparatus 90. Alternatively, an interface 91 may be
provided that is connectable to an external display, such as but
not limited to, a helmet display or command post display (not
shown).
[0044] Additional pinhole cameras 92 or other viewing devices may
be provided on either side of support stock 62 to increase the
field of view. When there is more than one viewing device, a
selector button 94 may be provided to permit selection of the
desired viewing device for displaying images on display 66 or an
external display.
[0045] Firearm assembly 60 may also comprise aiming apparatus 96,
which is preferably mounted together with viewing apparatus 90
substantially aligned with barrel 74. Aiming apparatus 96 may be
any suitable aiming apparatus, such as but not limited to, laser,
infrared, or focused light source, for example, or any combination
of such apparatus. One or more selector buttons 98 may be provided
on support stock 62 coupled to aiming apparatus 96 for selecting
the desired aiming device, when more than one device is
present.
[0046] Firearm assembly 60 may comprise various safety mechanisms.
For example, a safety catch 100 may be provided to prevent
inadvertent pulling of the stock trigger 64. An override unit 102
may be provided that disables aiming apparatus 96, for example.
[0047] One possible operation of firearm assembly 60 in accordance
with the present invention is now described with reference to FIGS.
3 and 4. When it is desired to use the firearm assembly 60 when
breaking into a building or room in which an enemy may be waiting,
for example, a user (not shown) may stand beside a door of the
building or room with the firearm assembly 60 in the orientation of
FIG. 3. Pivotal connector 68 may be released, such as by releasing
locking device 75, and firearm 70 is pivoted to the desired angle
for viewing and firing. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates firearm 70
positioned at an angle of about 35.degree. with respect to support
stock 62. This angle may permit firing around a corner without
exposing the user to someone inside the room, and permits freedom
of movement without the firearm 70 becoming caught in the door or
wall.
[0048] The firearm 70, with attached viewing apparatus 90, may be
inserted though the door, and the user may view the interior of the
space or room on display 66. It is possible in this fashion to view
first the area on one side of the door, and then pivot the firearm
70 and viewing apparatus 90 to the other side and view the area on
the other side of the door. It is appreciated that it is possible
to shoot the firearm 70 in any of these positions. The aiming
selector button or buttons 98 may be pressed to select an aiming
device of aiming apparatus 96 to improve the aim of the user who
only sees the target on display 66.
[0049] Pivotal connector 68 may be spring-loaded. In such a case,
once the user goes into the room or space, locking device 75 may be
used to release pivotal connector 68, whereupon firearm 70 springs
back to the orientation of FIG. 3, and firearm 70 may operate as an
ordinary hand-held firearm.
[0050] It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to
what has been described hereinabove merely by way of example.
Rather, the invention is limited solely by the claims that
follow.
* * * * *