U.S. patent application number 10/483301 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-09 for barrel insert and rear barrel section for weapons.
Invention is credited to Bambach, Ramon John, O'Dwyer, James Michael.
Application Number | 20040244258 10/483301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25646747 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040244258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Dwyer, James Michael ; et
al. |
December 9, 2004 |
Barrel insert and rear barrel section for weapons
Abstract
A barrel assembly (14) for insertion into a parent barrel (13)
of a gun (10) wherein said barrel assembly has a plurality of
projectiles (16) axially disposed within at least one barrel (15a)
of said barrel assembly and associated with discrete selectively
ignitable propellant charges for propelling the projectiles from
said at least one barrel wherein said barrel assembly (14) includes
a parent barrel engaging means. The barrel is suitably provided in
a removable rear barrel section (15a) having engagement means (17,
18) for operatively aligning the rear barrel section with a forward
barrel extension. Spare rear barrel sections (15b, 15c) may be
stored in a stock (11) of the gun (10) and automatically fed into
alignment upon exhaustion of the projectiles (16) in the
barrel.
Inventors: |
O'Dwyer, James Michael;
(Queensland, AU) ; Bambach, Ramon John; (Victoria
Point, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER
LLP
1300 I STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
25646747 |
Appl. No.: |
10/483301 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
June 19, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU02/00799 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/77 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 9/35 20130101; F41A
11/02 20130101; F41A 9/72 20130101; F42C 7/06 20130101; F41C 7/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/077 |
International
Class: |
F41A 021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 11, 2001 |
AU |
PR 6292 |
Jul 11, 2001 |
AU |
PR 6293 |
Claims
1. A barrel assembly for insertion into a parent barrel of a gun
wherein said barrel assembly has a plurality of projectiles axially
disposed within at least one barrel of said barrel assembly and
associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges
for propelling the projectiles from said at least one barrel
wherein said barrel assembly includes a parent barrel engaging
means.
2. The barrel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the barrel
assembly comprises a single barrel.
3. The barrel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the barrel
assembly includes a cluster of barrels aligned whereby the cluster
of barrels may be retained in a close packed array for insertion in
the parent barrel.
4. The barrel assembly according to claim 3 wherein the barrel
assembly includes a housing in which the barrels are retained.
5. The barrel assembly according to claim 4 wherein the housing is
formed integrally with the barrels.
6. The barrel assembly according to claim 4 wherein the housing is
formed separately to the barrels and the barrels inserted into the
housing prior to the housing being inserted into the parent
barrel.
7. The barrel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the housing is
formed from a material of sufficient structural strength to
effectively retain the barrels in alignment during firing but is
not so hard and stiff that the parent barrel is damaged by the
repeated insertion and withdrawal of the housing into and from the
parent barrel.
8. The barrel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the insertion
of the barrel assembly provides the gun with an electronic firing
system.
9. The barrel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the barrel
assembly may be inserted into the parent barrel from the muzzle and
retained therein.
10. The barrel assembly according to claim 9 wherein the barrel
assembly includes means for engaging with the bore of the parent
barrel.
11. The barrel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the barrel
assembly is arranged for insertion in two sections, including a
forward barrel extension and a rear barrel section.
12. The barrel assembly according to claim 11 wherein the forward
barrel section does not contain projectiles and may be inserted
within the parent barrel towards the muzzle end of the parent
barrel.
13. The barrel assembly according to claim 11 wherein a rear barrel
section contains the projectiles and may be inserted into a rear
section of the barrel and be engaged with the forward barrel
section to form a complete barrel assembly with projectiles and
firing means.
14. The barrel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the barrel
assembly may be engaged with the bore of the parent barrel by a
plurality of stand off sections or tabs that extend from the barrel
assembly to form an interference fit within the bore of the parent
barrel.
15. The barrel assembly according to claim 14 wherein the stand off
sections have substantially the same diameter as the bore diameter
of the parent barrel.
16. The barrel assembly according to claim 14 wherein the stand off
sections may be constructed of either metal or an insulating
material.
17. The barrel assembly of claim 1 wherein the orientation of the
barrel assembly is affixed by a key system located at the muzzle,
breach or both of the parent barrel.
18. The barrel assembly according to claim 1 further incorporating
an electronic firing system that is hard wired to a firing
mechanism outside of the parent barrel.
19. The barrel assembly according to claim 18 wherein the firing
mechanism fires the projectiles by way of signal wires entering a
rear section of the parent barrel.
20. A method for converting a gun having a barrel of a
predetermined calibre to a gun of a smaller calibre, said method
comprising the step of inserting a barrel assembly having a
plurality of projectiles axially disposed within at least one
barrel of said barrel assembly and associated with discrete
selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling the
projectiles from said at least one barrel wherein said barrel
assembly includes a parent barrel engaging means.
21. A barrel assembly for loading a gun, said barrel assembly
forming a rear barrel section for engagement with a barrel
extension, wherein said barrel assembly has a plurality of
projectiles axially disposed within a barrel of said barrel
assembly and associated with discrete selectively ignitable
propellant charges for propelling the projectiles from the barrel
wherein said barrel assembly includes a barrel extension engaging
means.
22. The barrel assembly according to claim 21 wherein the barrel
extension engaging means is a chamfered leading section of the
barrel assembly that engages a complementary surface on the barrel
extension.
23. The barrel assembly according to either claim 21 or claim 22
wherein the barrel assembly is urged forward to sealably engage the
barrel extension.
24. The barrel assembly according to claim 21 wherein the barrel
extension engaging means includes a stepped section that engages a
corresponding stepped section in the barrel extension.
25. The barrel assembly according to claim 21 wherein the barrel
assembly abuts the barrel extension.
26. The barrel assembly according to any one of claims 21 to 25
wherein a sleeve is provided over the interface between the barrel
assembly and the barrel extension to assist in retaining the barrel
assembly in alignment with the barrel extension.
27. The barrel assembly according to any one of claims 21 to 26
wherein the barrel assembly and barrel extension are suitably
associated a locking system for releasably locking the barrel
assembly to the barrel extension.
28. The barrel assembly according to claim 27 wherein the barrel
assembly containing the projectiles has a lever attached to aid
locating and locking the rear section of barrel with the barrel
extension.
29. The barrel assembly according to claim 28 wherein the lever may
be either folded to form a low profile along the barrel section to
facilitate transport and storage of the barrel section, or the
lever may be raised for locating and locking the rear section of
barrel.
30. The barrel assembly according to claim 29 wherein a keyring
arrangement is provided on the barrel assembly for orientating and
locking the barrel section.
31. The barrel assembly according to claim 27 wherein the barrel
assembly is arranged to be pushed into the barrel extension
obliquely and then pushed down to be locked from behind by a spring
loaded mechanical lock system.
32. The barrel assembly according to claim 31 wherein the
mechanical lock system also acts as an ejection system for the
spent barrel assembly.
33. A gun having a forward barrel extension and a barrel assembly
for loading the gun, said barrel assembly forming a rear barrel
section for engagement with the barrel extension, wherein said
barrel assembly has a plurality of projectiles axially disposed
within a barrel and associated with discrete selectively ignitable
propellant charges for propelling the projectiles from the barrel
wherein said barrel assembly includes a barrel extension engaging
means.
34. A gun according to claim 33 wherein one or more spare barrel
assemblies containing projectiles may be housed on the gun.
35. A gun according to claim 34 configured such that, subsequent to
the last projectile being fired from an operative engaged barrel
assembly, the spent barrel assembly may be automatically ejected
and a spare barrel assembly automatically pushed and locked into
position ready for a new fire command.
36. A method for loading a gun having a forward barrel extension,
said method including the steps of engaging a barrel assembly
including a plurality of projectiles with a barrel extension
wherein said plurality of projectiles are axially disposed within a
barrel of said barrel assembly and associated with discrete
selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling the
projectiles from the barrel wherein said barrel assembly includes a
barrel extension engaging means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to weapons for firing
projectiles. In one particular aspect, although not exclusively,
the present invention relates to the conversion of barrel in guns
such as firearms and larger calibre weapons to a smaller calibre
barrel using a barrel insert.
[0003] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to loading
projectiles into guns such as firearms and larger calibre weapons.
The second aspect of the invention has particular application to
guns incorporating barrels each having a plurality of projectiles
stacked axially within the barrel together with discrete
selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling the
projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel. Such
barrels will be referred to hereinafter as of the type
described.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Background Art
[0005] Prior attempts to reduce the calibre of a conventional
weapon have been significantly hampered by complexity, particularly
in relation to the breech due to the mechanical requirement for
feeding rounds and secure fitment to an existing barrel.
[0006] Supplementary barrels provided for diversifying available
fire power on weapons, such as for launching grenades from rifles,
have limited operational capacity in view of the complex and/or
costly arrangements presently available for rapid re-loading whilst
the weapon is in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Object of the Invention
[0008] It is an object of certain embodiments of the invention to
provide an apparatus for and method of easily and conveniently
converting a weapon or gun to a smaller calibre.
[0009] It is an object of certain embodiments of the invention to
provide a barrel assembly incorporating projectiles that can be
used to facilitate rapid reloading of a gun having a barrel of the
type described
[0010] Disclosure of the Invention
[0011] The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a barrel
assembly for insertion into a parent barrel of a gun wherein said
barrel assembly has a plurality of projectiles axially disposed
within at least one barrel and associated with discrete selectively
ignitable propellant charges for propelling the projectiles from
said at least one barrel wherein said barrel assembly includes a
parent barrel engaging means. In a related aspect, the present
invention provides a method for converting the calibre of a gun to
a smaller calibre comprising the step of inserting a barrel
assembly having a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within
at least one barrel and associated with discrete selectively
ignitable propellant charges for propelling the projectiles from
the at least one barrel wherein said barrel assembly includes a
parent barrel engaging means.
[0012] In one embodiment of the first aspect the barrel assembly
may comprise a single barrel. In other embodiments the barrel
assembly may include a cluster of barrels aligned whereby the
cluster of barrels may be retained in a close packed array for
insertion in the parent barrel. Where a cluster of barrels are used
in the barrel assembly, the barrel assembly preferably includes a
housing in which the barrels are retained. The housing may be
formed integrally with the barrels. In this form the housing and
barrels may be disposable once the projectiles have been exhausted.
Alternatively the barrel assembly may be reloaded with projectiles
and used again.
[0013] The housing may be formed separately to the barrels and the
barrels inserted into the housing prior to the housing being
inserted into the parent barrel. In this form the barrels may be
inserted into the housing whilst the housing is retained within the
parent barrel or when the housing has been extracted from the
parent barrel.
[0014] The housing may be formed out of any convenient material. It
is preferred that the housing is formed from a material of
sufficient structural strength to effectively retain the barrels in
alignment during firing but is not so hard and stiff that the
parent barrel is damaged by the repeated insertion and withdrawal
of the housing into the parent barrel.
[0015] The parent barrel may be of any convenient type. For example
the parent barrel may be of a conventional mechanically operated
gun and the insertion of the barrel assembly provides the gun with
a fully electronic firing system. The parent barrel may be of an
electronically operated gun, operated in a manner similar to that
of the barrel assembly.
[0016] One embodiment of the first aspect of the invention provides
for a full length barrel assembly to be inserted into the parent
barrel from the muzzle. This embodiment is particularly applicable
to guns of the conventional type whereby ready access through the
breach of the barrel is not available. In this embodiment the
barrel assembly may be inserted through the muzzle of the parent
barrel and be retained therein. The barrel assembly includes means
for engaging with the bore of the parent barrel and may also
include means for retaining said barrel assembly with the parent
barrel. However, an alternative embodiment provides a gun wherein
the parent barrel is formed in two sections and hence access
through the breach section barrel is readily available. In this
embodiment, the barrel assembly may be inserted in two parts. A
primary or forward barrel section may be inserted within the parent
barrel towards the muzzle end of the parent barrel. This forward
barrel section is, in effect, a barrel extension and does not
contain any projectiles. A second or rear barrel section contains
the projectiles and may be inserted into a rear portion of the
parent barrel and be engaged with the forward barrel section to
form a complete barrel assembly with projectiles and firing
means.
[0017] The barrel assemblies may be inserted from the front or rear
of the parent barrel depending on the configuration of the gun. The
barrel assembly may be engaged with the bore of the parent barrel
by a plurality of stand off sections or tabs that extend from the
barrel assembly to form an interference fit within the bore of the
parent barrel. These stand off sections may have the same diameter
as the bore diameter of the parent barrel. Such stand off sections
may be constructed of metal or insulating material and may
facilitate operation of the firing system. The orientation of the
barrel assembly may be affixed by a key system that may be located
at the muzzle, breach or both of the parent barrel. Where a cluster
of barrels are incorporated into the barrel assembly, the housing
preferably includes a plurality of stand off sections for
engagement with the bore of the parent barrel.
[0018] The barrel assembly that includes one or more barrels may
incorporate an electronic firing system that is hard wired to a
firing mechanism outside of the parent barrel. In one embodiment
the trigger mechanism of the parent gun may be adapted to fire the
projectiles from the barrel assembly. Where stand off sections are
used to engage the bore of the parent barrel the wires required to
operate the barrel assembly may be retained in the space defined
thereby and may be exited the parent barrel either through the
muzzle or rear section thereof. Preferably the firing mechanism may
be by signal wires entering by the rear section of the parent
barrel.
[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a barrel
assembly for loading a gun having a barrel extension wherein said
barrel assembly has a plurality of projectiles axially disposed
within a barrel and associated with discrete selectively ignitable
propellant charges for propelling the projectiles from the barrel
wherein said barrel assembly includes a barrel extension engaging
means. In a related aspect the present invention provides a method
for loading a gun having a barrel extension including the steps of
engaging a barrel assembly including a plurality of projectiles
with a barrel extension wherein said plurality of projectiles are
axially disposed within a barrel and associated with discrete
selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling the
projectiles from the barrel wherein said barrel assembly includes a
barrel extension engaging means.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the barrel extension engaging
means is a chamfered leading section of the barrel assembly that
engages an associated surface on the barrel extension. The use of a
chamfered barrel extension engaging means permits the barrel
assembly to be inserted obliquely into the barrel extension and
subsequently brought into alignment with said barrel extension and
clamped or retained in place. Preferably the barrel assembly is
urged forward to sealably engage the barrel extension. The barrel
assembly and barrel extension are suitably associated a locking
system for releasably locking the barrel assembly to the
extension.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment the barrel extension engaging
means may include a stepped section that engages a corresponding
stepped section in the barrel extension. Another alternative is to
simply abut the barrel assembly with the barrel extension. A sleeve
may be provided over the interface between the barrel assembly and
the barrel extension to assist in retaining the barrel assembly in
alignment with the barrel extension.
[0022] In one embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the
barrel assembly containing the projectiles may have a lever
attached to aid locating and locking this section of barrel with
the main section of barrel on the weapon system. During transport
and storage of the barrel section, the lever may be folded to form
a low profile along the barrel section. When the projectile section
of barrel is being attached to the weapon system, the lever may be
raised to aid in locating and locking the section of barrel, much
like a conventional bolt-action rifle. To aid in orientating and
locking the barrel section a keyring arrangement on the barrel
assembly may also be used. In a preferred configuration when the
lever is rotated to the lock position the key mechanism is also
locked into position.
[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the barrel assembly
is pushed into the barrel extension obliquely and then pushed down
to be locked from behind by a spring loaded mechanical lock system.
This same mechanical lock system may act as the ejection system for
the spent barrel assembly.
[0024] In yet another embodiment of the second aspect of the
invention, one or more spare barrel assemblies containing
projectiles may be housed on the weapon, usually underneath the
weapon. When the last projectile is fired in the operative barrel
assembly this spent barrel assembly may be automatically ejected
and a spare barrel assembly automatically pushed and locked into
position ready for a new fire command.
[0025] The present invention has particular application to barrel
assemblies of the type described in the earlier International
Patent Application Nos. PCT/AU94/00124 and PCT/AU96/00459 by the
present inventor. Such barrel assemblies include a barrel, a
plurality of projectiles axially disposed within the barrel for
operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, and
discrete propellant charges for propelling respective projectiles
sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel.
[0026] The projectiles may be round, conventionally shaped or
dart-like and the fins thereof may be offset to generate a
stabilising spin as the dart is propelled from a barrel that may be
a smooth-bored barrel.
[0027] The propellant charge may be in the form of a solid block
and assist in operatively spacing the projectiles in the barrel.
Alternatively, the propellant charge may be encased in metal or
other rigid case which may include an embedded primer having
external contact means adapted for contacting a pre-positioned
electrical contact associated with the barrel. For example the
primer could be provided with a sprung contact which may be
retracted to enable insertion of the cased charge into the barrel
and to spring out into a barrel aperture upon alignment with that
aperture for operative contact with its mating barrel contact. If
desired the outer case may be consumable or may chemically assist
the propellant burn. Furthermore an assembly of stacked and bonded
or separate cased charges and projectiles may be provided for
reloading a barrel.
[0028] Each projectile may include a projectile head and extension
means for at least partly defining a propellant space. The
extension means may include a spacer assembly that extends
rearwardly from the projectile head and abuts an adjacent
projectile assembly. Such an extension means may assist the detent
in the barrel in supporting the projectiles in position within the
barrel when a leading charge is fired.
[0029] A spacer assembly may extend through the propellant space
and the projectile head whereby compressive loads are transmitted
directly through abutting adjacent spacer assemblies. In such
configurations, the spacer assembly may add support to the detent
and extension means. The extension means may be a thin cylindrical
rear portion of the projectile head. Furthermore the extension
means may form an operative sealing contact with the bore of the
barrel to prevent burn leakage past the projectile head.
[0030] The spacer assembly may include a rigid collar that extends
outwardly to engage a thin cylindrical rear portion of a malleable
projectile head in operative sealing contact with the bore of the
barrel. Thus axially compressive loads are transmitted directly
between spacer assemblies thereby avoiding deformation of the
malleable projectile head.
[0031] Complementary wedging surfaces may be disposed on the spacer
assembly and projectile head respectively whereby the projectile
head is urged into engagement with the bore of the barrel in
response to relative axial compression between the spacer means and
the projectile head. In such arrangement the projectile head and
spacer assembly may be loaded into the barrel and there after an
axial displacement is caused to ensure good sealing between the
projectile head and barrel. Suitably the extension means may be
urged into engagement with the bore of the barrel.
[0032] The projectile head may define a tapered aperture at its
trailing end into which is received a complementary tapered spigot
disposed on the leading end of the spacer assembly. Relative axial
movement between the projectile head and the complementary tapered
spigot causes a radially expanding force to be applied to the
projectile head.
[0033] The barrel may be non-metallic and the bore of the barrel
may include recesses that may fully or partly accommodate the
ignition means. In this configuration the barrel houses electrical
conductors which facilitate electrical communication between the
control means and ignition means. This configuration may be
utilised for disposable barrel assemblies that have a limited
firing life. The ignition means and control wire or wires therefor
can be integrally manufactured with the barrel.
[0034] A barrel assembly may alternatively include ignition
apertures in the barrel and the ignition means are disposed outside
the barrel and adjacent the apertures. A non-metallic outer barrel
may surround the barrel. The non-metallic outer barrel may include
recesses adapted to accommodate the ignition means. The outer
barrel may also house electrical conductors that facilitate
electrical communication between the control means and ignition
means. The outer barrel may be formed as a laminated plastic barrel
that may include a printed circuit laminate for the ignition
means.
[0035] The rear end of the projectile may include a skirt about an
inwardly reducing recess such as a conical recess or a
part-spherical recess or the like into which the propellant charge
portion extends and about which rearward movement of the projectile
will result in radial expansion of the projectile skirt. This
rearward movement may occur by way of compression resulting from a
rearward wedging movement of the projectile along the leading
portion of the propellant charge it may occur as a result of metal
flow from the relatively massive leading part of the projectile to
its less massive skirt portion.
[0036] Alternatively the projectile may be provided with a
rearwardly divergent peripheral, sealing flange or collar which is
deflected outwardly into sealing engagement with the bore upon
rearward movement of the projectile. Furthermore the sealing may be
effected by inserting the projectiles into a heated barrel which
shrinks onto respective sealing portions of the projectiles. The
projectile may comprise a relatively hard mandrel portion that
cooperates with a deformable annular portion. The deformable
annular portion may be moulded about the mandrel to form a unitary
projectile which relies on metal flow between the nose of the
projectile and its tail for outward expansion about the mandrel
portion into sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel.
[0037] The projectile assembly may include a rearwardly expanding
anvil surface supporting a sealing collar thereabout and adapted to
be radially expanded into sealing engagement with the barrel bore
upon forward movement of the projectile through the barrel. In such
a configuration it is preferred that the propellant charge have a
cylindrical leading portion which abuts the flat end face of the
projectile.
[0038] The projectiles may be adapted for seating and/or location
within circumferential grooves or by annular ribs in the bore or in
rifling grooves in the bore and may include a metal jacket encasing
at least the outer end portion of the projectile. The projectile
may be provided with contractible peripheral locating rings that
extend outwardly into annular grooves in the barrel and which
retract into the projectile upon firing to permit its free passage
through the barrel.
[0039] The electrical ignition for sequentially igniting the
propellant charges of a barrel assembly may preferably include the
steps of igniting the leading propellant charge by sending an
ignition signal through the stacked projectiles. The ignition of
the leading propellant charge may arm the next propellant charge
for actuation by the next ignition signal. Suitably all propellant
charges inwardly from the end of a loaded barrel are disarmed by
the insertion of respective insulating fuses disposed between
normally closed electrical contacts. The fuses being set to burn to
enable the contacts to close upon transmission of a suitable
triggering signal and each insulating fuse being open to a
respective leading propellant charge for ignition thereby.
[0040] Ignition of the propellant may be achieved electrically or
ignition may utilise conventional firing pin type methods such as
by using a centre-fire primer igniting the outermost projectile and
controlled consequent ignition causing sequential ignition of the
propellant charge of subsequent rounds. This may be achieved by
controlled rearward leakage of combustion gases or controlled
burning of fuse columns extending through the projectiles.
[0041] In another form the ignition is electronically controlled
with respective propellant charges being associated with primers
which are triggered by distinctive ignition signals. For example
the primers in the stacked propellant charges may be sequenced for
increasing pulse width ignition requirements whereby electronic
controls may selectively send ignition pulses of increasing pulse
widths to ignite the propellant charges sequentially in a selected
time order. Preferably however the propellant charges are ignited
by a set pulse width signal and burning of the leading propellant
charge arms the next propellant charge for actuation by the next
emitted pulse.
[0042] A number of projectiles can be fired simultaneously, or in
quick succession, or in response to repetitive manual actuation of
a trigger, for example. In such arrangements the electrical signal
may be carried externally of the barrel or it may be carried
through the superimposed projectiles which may clip on to one
another to continue the electrical circuit through the barrel, or
abut in electrical contact with one another. The projectiles may
carry the control circuit or they may form a circuit with the
barrel.
[0043] The barrel assembly may be incorporated in a variety of
ordnance. In one embodiment the barrel assembly of the present
invention may be incorporated into firearm such as a pistol, rifle
or other small arm. In another embodiment the barrel assembly of
the present invention may be incorporated in a large calibre fixed
mounted gun. The present invention also includes guns incorporating
the barrel assembly described above. The guns of the present
invention may also include other features and components associated
with guns of the prior art, including butts, handles, sights, fixed
mounts, and the like.
BRIEF DETAILS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] In order that this invention may be more readily understood
and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the
accompanying drawings which illustrate a typical embodiment of the
invention and wherein:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of FN-FNC rifle modified
to incorporate an overhead barrel assembly;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a cut-away cross sectional view of the rifle of
FIG. 1;
[0047] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the rifle of FIGS.
1 and 2;
[0048] FIG. 4 is a representation of a Steyr rifle having a 20 mm
barrel inserted within a 40 mm parent barrel;
[0049] FIG. 5 is a cut away cross section of the Steyr rifle of
FIG. 4;
[0050] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the Steyr rifle of FIGS. 4 and
5;
[0051] FIG. 7 is side elevational view of a Steyr rifle having an
overhead barrel in accordance with a second aspect of the
invention;
[0052] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view the Steyr rifle of
Figure;
[0053] FIG. 9 is a cut-away cross sectional view of the Steyr rifle
of FIGS. 7 and 8;
[0054] FIG. 10 shows an FN-FNC barrel with a 40 mm overhead
barrel;
[0055] FIG. 11 shows a cut away cross section of the rifle of FIG.
10; and
[0056] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the rifle shown in FIGS. 10
and 11.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0057] FIG. 1 shows a rifle 10 incorporating a stock 11, a primary
barrel 12 and an overhead barrel 13.
[0058] In FIG. 2 it can be seen that inside the overhead barrel 13
there is a forward barrel extension insert 14 together with a rear
barrel section, in the form of a barrel assembly 15a, housing
axially stacked projectiles 16. Additional or spare barrel
assemblies 15b and 15c are stored within the stock 11 of the rifle
10. The spare barrel assemblies are arranged to be fed into
alignment with the barrel insert 14 once the first barrel assembly
15a is exhausted after firing all projectiles 16. If required, the
fed for the spare assemblies may occur automatically after the
ejection of a spent barrel assembly 15.
[0059] The exploded view in FIG. 3 shows the forward barrel insert
14 withdrawn from the overhead barrel 13. The barrel assembly 15a
is retained in place by a shroud 19 so as to keep the barrel
assembly 15a in alignment with the barrel insert 14. The barrel
assembly also includes a chamfered leading end 17 for ready
engagement with a complementary trailing end 18 of the barrel
insert 14, as shown in FIG. 2. A spring may be provided in the
stock for urging the barrel assembly 15a forward to sealably engage
with the barrel insert 14.
[0060] FIG. 4 shows a Steyr rifle 20 having a 40 mm overhead barrel
21 into which a 20 mm barrel insert 22 has been fitted. The barrel
insert 22 has a forward barrel extension 23 incorporating a muzzle
24.
[0061] Turning to the sectional view of the rifle 20 in FIG. 5, the
barrel extension 23 includes stand-offs, in the form of flanges 25
spaced at intervals along the extension, for engaging the bore of
the parent barrel 21. A barrel assembly 26 containing axially
stacked projectiles 27 is inserted into the rear of the barrel 21
below a shroud 28, thereby forming a rear barrel section. The
barrel assembly 26 also incorporates flanges 25 for supporting the
barrel assembly together with electronic firing means (not
shown).
[0062] The electronic firing means may suitably be similar to any
of the electronic firing arrangements, such as recesses provided in
the barrel assembly 26 to accommodate ignition means or integrally
manufactured with the barrel, as described in the present
inventor's earlier International Patent Applications. In such a
configuration a 40 mm barrel 21 may be converted into an
electronically controlled 20 mm weapon.
[0063] The Steyr rifle 30 shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 includes a
front overhead barrel section 31 and a rear barrel section 32. A
rear barrel assembly 33 of the rear section houses a plurality of
projectiles 35 and is provided with a chamfered leading end 34 for
ready engagement with a rear end of the barrel extension 31. The 40
mm overhead barrel is retained in place by a shroud 37 that
conforms to the barrel of the barrel assembly 33 containing the
projectiles 35.
[0064] FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 show an FM-FMC rifle 40 with a 40 mm
overhead barrel 41. The 40 mm overhead barrel is in two parts, the
muzzle 42 and/or its barrel extension 43, and retained within a
housing 44 as is seen in FIG. 12. The rear barrel section
comprising a barrel assembly 45 containing the projectiles 46 is
provided with a chamfered leading end 47 to allow ready engagement
with a complementary trailing end 48 of the barrel extension 43. A
shroud 49 engages the barrel assembly to retain it in position on
the rifle 40.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION
[0065] The use of a barrel assembly for insertion into a parent
barrel in accordance with the first aspect of the invention
provides an means of increasing the flexibility of the gun to fire
a variety of type and calibre of projectiles, thereby enabling a
single gun to be more useful in a variety of situations.
[0066] The relatively simple retrofitted barrel assembly that is
inserted into an existing parent barrel provides significant
advantages in terms of reliability, availability and cost,
especially during manufacture, for expanding the operational
capability of a gun or other weapon.
[0067] The second aspect of the invention allows a barrel assembly
preloaded with projectiles to be readily attached to the barrel
section of the weapon. Once all the projectiles have been fired,
the barrel assembly may then be discarded and a fresh barrel
assembly containing projectiles may be attached to the weapon
system.
[0068] By having the projectile carrying rear section also act as
part of the barrel, empty weapon weight may be reduced at the
expense of weight in the projectile section. By preloading
projectiles in a section of barrel, quality control may be
enhanced. Transport and storage of projectiles and propellant may
also be made easier.
[0069] In one particular application, a single use grenade launcher
on an infantry weapon, which is typically underhung in relation to
a primary barrel, substitutes an electronically fired barrel
containing 5 or 6 projectiles having a higher muzzle velocity. A
conventional grenade launcher requires a re-load action after each
use, calling for reacquisition of the target and re-aiming,
including adjustment for any aiming error in the previous shot. The
invention reduces the amount of re-loading, provides improved
accuracy and better ballistics solution in use--wherein only an
immediate adjustment for aiming error is required with the weapon
still aimed at the target. Most importantly, the weapon can more
quickly an accurately deliver firepower in the critical first 10
seconds of an engagement with enemy forces.
[0070] It will of course be realised that the above has been given
only by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all
such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to
persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad
scope and ambit of the invention as is herein set forth in the
following claims.
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