U.S. patent application number 12/037108 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for blank firing barrels for semiautomatic pistols and method of repetitive blank fire.
Invention is credited to Joseph A DeCunzo, Edward J Leiter.
Application Number | 20100275491 12/037108 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43029318 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100275491 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leiter; Edward J ; et
al. |
November 4, 2010 |
Blank firing barrels for semiautomatic pistols and method of
repetitive blank fire
Abstract
The present invention embodiments provide a barrel component
with the forward under-portion of the barrel configured in various
manners. For example, the configurations may include an upward
displacement, or angular or radial contouring, of barrel material
at the forward underside of a barrel component understation or
projection. These configurations provide clearance to allow the
barrel to bypass frame-mounted impediments to blank-fire, and
permit proper timing and coordination of rearward barrel motion
under impact of the recoiling slide and the resultant barrel drop
into recoil position without interference with, or re-capture by,
the reciprocating slide component. In addition, the blank-fire
barrel may be configured to incorporate a laser device for
marksmanship training and conducting realistic tactical training
exercises.
Inventors: |
Leiter; Edward J; (Tuxedo,
NY) ; DeCunzo; Joseph A; (Massapequa, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDELL, SHAPIRO & FINNAN, LLC
1901 RESEARCH BOULEVARD, SUITE 400
ROCKVILLE
MD
20850
US
|
Family ID: |
43029318 |
Appl. No.: |
12/037108 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60905033 |
Mar 6, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/76.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/26 20130101;
F41A 33/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/76.01 |
International
Class: |
F41A 21/00 20060101
F41A021/00 |
Claims
1. A barrel unit for a firearm to enable repetitive blank fire
comprising: a barrel portion; and a chamber portion disposed
proximally of said barrel portion to receive a blank cartridge,
wherein said chamber portion includes: a first projection disposed
on a chamber portion bottom surface toward a barrel unit proximal
end; and a second projection disposed on said chamber portion
bottom surface toward said barrel portion, wherein said first and
second projections are separated on said chamber portion bottom
surface by a gap, and said chamber portion bottom surface extending
from said barrel portion to said first projection is substantially
planar with said barrel portion bottom surface.
2. The barrel unit of claim 1, wherein said firearm includes a
slide with a slide abutment surface, and said chamber portion
further includes: a barrel abutment surface disposed on said
chamber portion top surface toward said barrel portion, wherein
said barrel abutment surface is angled to delay engagement by said
slide abutment surface during recoil of said firearm.
3. The barrel unit of claim 2, wherein said gap displaces said
first projection from said second projection sufficiently to enable
proper drop of said barrel unit in said firearm.
4. The barrel unit of claim 1, wherein said barrel unit is
configured for a Heckler and Koch type pistol.
5. The barrel unit of claim 1, wherein said barrel portion includes
an occlusion to prevent passage of combustion gases generated from
discharge of said blank cartridge.
6. The barrel unit of claim 1, wherein said barrel portion includes
threading at a barrel portion distal end.
7. The barrel unit of claim 1, further including a laser device at
least partially disposed within said barrel portion to emit a laser
beam in response to actuation of said firearm.
8. The barrel unit of claim 7, wherein said barrel portion includes
threading at a barrel portion distal end, and said laser device
includes complementary threading to engage said barrel portion
threading and secure said laser device to said barrel portion.
9. A firearm for repetitive blank fire comprising: a frame; a slide
mounted on said frame; and a barrel unit including: a barrel
portion; and a chamber portion disposed proximally of said barrel
portion to receive a blank cartridge, wherein said chamber portion
includes: a first projection disposed on a chamber portion bottom
surface toward a barrel unit proximal end; and a second projection
disposed on said chamber portion bottom surface toward said barrel
portion, wherein said first and second projections are separated on
said chamber portion bottom surface by a gap, and said chamber
portion bottom surface extending from said barrel portion to said
first projection is substantially planar with said barrel portion
bottom surface.
10. A method of enabling repetitive blank fire within a firearm,
wherein said firearm includes a barrel unit comprising a barrel
portion and a chamber portion disposed proximally of said barrel
portion to receive a blank cartridge, and wherein said chamber
portion includes a first projection disposed on a chamber portion
bottom surface toward a barrel unit proximal end and a second
projection disposed on said chamber portion bottom surface toward
said barrel portion and separated from said first projection by a
gap, said method comprising: (a) configuring said chamber portion
bottom surface extending from said barrel portion to said first
projection to be substantially planar with said barrel portion
bottom surface.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said firearm includes a slide
with a slide abutment surface and said chamber portion further
includes a barrel abutment surface disposed on said chamber portion
top surface toward said barrel portion, said method further
comprising: (b) configuring said barrel abutment surface to be
angled to delay engagement by said slide abutment surface during
recoil of said firearm.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: (c) configuring
said gap to displace said first projection from said second
projection sufficiently to enable proper drop of said barrel unit
in said firearm.
13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: (b) preventing
passage of combustion gases generated from discharge of said blank
cartridge within said barrel portion via an occlusion.
14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: (b) configuring
said barrel portion to include threading at a barrel portion distal
end.
15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: (b) receiving a
laser device at least partially within said barrel portion to emit
a laser beam in response to actuation of said firearm.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said barrel portion includes
threading at a barrel portion distal end and said laser device
includes complementary threading, and step (b) further includes:
(b.1) engaging said barrel portion threading with said laser device
threading to secure said laser device to said barrel portion.
17. A barrel unit for a firearm to enable repetitive blank fire
comprising: a barrel portion; and a chamber portion disposed
proximally of said barrel portion to receive a blank cartridge,
wherein said chamber portion includes: a first projection disposed
on a chamber portion bottom surface toward a barrel unit proximal
end; and a second projection disposed on said chamber portion
bottom surface toward said barrel portion, wherein said first and
second projections are separated on said chamber portion bottom
surface by a gap, and wherein said second projection includes a
lower projection with a bottom surface projecting toward said
chamber portion and forming a distal portion of a bottom surface of
said second projection.
18. The barrel unit of claim 17, wherein said lower projection
bottom surface is oriented at an angle relative to a longitudinal
axis of said barrel unit.
19. The barrel unit of claim 17, wherein said lower projection
bottom surface includes a curved configuration.
20. The barrel unit of claim 17, wherein said firearm includes a
slide with a slide abutment surface, and said chamber portion
further includes: a barrel abutment surface disposed on said
chamber portion top surface toward said barrel portion, wherein
said barrel abutment surface is angled to delay engagement by said
slide abutment surface during recoil of said firearm.
21. The barrel unit of claim 20, wherein said gap displaces said
first projection from said second projection sufficiently to enable
proper drop of said barrel unit in said firearm.
22. The barrel unit of claim 17, wherein said barrel unit is
configured for a GLOCK type pistol.
23. The barrel unit of claim 17, wherein said barrel portion
includes an occlusion to prevent passage of combustion gases
generated from discharge of said blank cartridge.
24. The barrel unit of claim 17, wherein said barrel portion
includes threading at a barrel portion distal end.
25. The barrel unit of claim 17, further including a laser device
at least partially disposed within said barrel portion to emit a
laser beam in response to actuation of said firearm.
26. The barrel unit of claim 25, wherein said barrel portion
includes threading at a barrel portion distal end, and said laser
device includes complementary threading to engage said barrel
portion threading and secure said laser device to said barrel
portion.
27. A firearm for repetitive blank fire comprising: a frame; a
slide mounted on said frame; and a barrel unit including: a barrel
portion; and a chamber portion disposed proximally of said barrel
portion to receive a blank cartridge, wherein said chamber portion
includes: a first projection disposed on a chamber portion bottom
surface toward a barrel unit proximal end; and a second projection
disposed on said chamber portion bottom surface toward said barrel
portion, wherein said first and second projections are separated on
said chamber portion bottom surface by a gap, and wherein said
second projection includes a lower projection with a bottom surface
projecting distally toward said chamber portion and forming a
distal portion of a bottom surface of said second projection.
28. A method of enabling repetitive blank fire within a firearm,
wherein said firearm includes a barrel unit comprising a barrel
portion and a chamber portion disposed proximally of said barrel
portion to receive a blank cartridge, and wherein said chamber
portion includes a first projection disposed on a chamber portion
bottom surface toward a barrel unit proximal end and a second
projection disposed on said chamber portion bottom surface toward
said barrel portion and separated from said first projection by a
gap, said method comprising: (a) configuring said second projection
to include a lower projection with a bottom surface projecting
distally toward said chamber portion and forming a distal portion
of a bottom surface of said second projection.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein step (a) further includes:
(a.1) configuring said lower projection bottom surface to be
oriented at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of said barrel
unit.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein step (a) further includes:
(a.1) configuring said lower projection bottom surface to include a
curved configuration.
31. The method of claim 28, wherein said firearm includes a slide
with a slide abutment surface and said chamber portion further
includes a barrel abutment surface disposed on said chamber portion
top surface toward said barrel portion, said method further
comprising: (b) configuring said barrel abutment surface to be
angled to delay engagement by said slide abutment surface during
recoil of said firearm.
32. The method of claim 31, further comprising: (c) configuring
said gap to displace said first projection from said second
projection sufficiently to enable proper drop of said barrel unit
in said firearm.
33. The method of claim 28, further comprising: (b) preventing
passage of combustion gases generated from discharge of said blank
cartridge within said barrel portion via an occlusion.
34. The method of claim 28, further comprising: (b) configuring
said barrel portion to include threading at a barrel portion distal
end.
35. The method of claim 28, further comprising: (b) receiving a
laser device at least partially within said barrel portion to emit
a laser beam in response to actuation of said firearm.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein said barrel portion includes
threading at a barrel portion distal end and said laser device
includes complementary threading, and step (b) further includes:
(b.1) engaging said barrel portion threading with said laser device
threading to secure said laser device to said barrel portion.
37. The barrel unit of claim 18, wherein said angle relative to
said longitudinal axis of said barrel unit is in the range of one
to fifteen degrees.
38. The method of claim 29, wherein said angle relative to said
longitudinal axis of said barrel unit is in the range of one to
fifteen degrees.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/905,033, entitled "Blank-Firing
Conversions for Semiautomatic Pistols and Method of Repetitive
Blank Fire" and filed Mar. 6, 2007, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention embodiments generally pertain to
firearms. In particular, the present invention embodiments pertain
to semiautomatic breech-locked, recoil-operated pistols configured
to produce reliable and repetitive blank-fire operation.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0005] Conventional semiautomatic pistols designed to discharge
high-pressure cartridges (e.g., 9 mm Parabellum, 0.357 SIG, 0.40
S&W, 10 mm, and 0.45ACP cartridges) typically employ a
breech-locked, recoil-activated mechanism that is derived from the
BROWNING and COLT/BROWNING family of firearms. In this mechanism,
the pistol barrel and slide are locked together and collectively
travel rearward for a predetermined distance in response to firing
of a projectile or bullet to initiate a firing cycle. The firing
cycle is automatically performed from the recoil energy and
typically includes: opening of the pistol breech after firing the
shot; extraction and ejection of an empty cartridge shell; cocking
of the pistol hammer; presentation and introduction of a loaded
cartridge into the pistol barrel; and closing of the pistol breech.
The design of the recoil-activated mechanism has evolved and is
employed by various pistols (e.g., those produced by BERETTA,
GLOCK, HECKLER & KOCH, SIG-SAUER, and SMITH & WESSON).
[0006] In accordance with this design (and variants thereof), safe
discharge of the cartridges is accomplished by delaying opening of
the pistol breech mechanism (and subsequent extraction of a fired
cartridge case from the barrel chamber) until the fired projectile
or bullet has exited the muzzle. This relieves the high-pressure
gases contained within the barrel bore that would otherwise cause
catastrophic rupture of a partially extracted case lacking support
of a surrounding chamber enclosure. In order to provide the
breech-opening delay, the pistol barrel and slide are locked
together by a mechanical mechanism, and recoil in unison for a
predetermined distance until a safe level of pressure is achieved
subsequent the bullet's exiting the barrel. At this point, the
barrel and slide are separated through the interaction of a
supporting frame abutment that engages a provision at an underside
of a barrel element, thereby drawing the barrel from a locked
battery position and allowing rearward travel of the slide. The
slide rearward motion effects extraction and ejection of the fired
cartridge case, and maintains the barrel in a proper recoiled
position to receive a fresh cartridge from a pistol magazine. These
operations occur as a result of the moment of inertia generated by
the mass of the moving projectile or bullet, rather than by the
mere gas pressure generated. Examples of these effects are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,433,134 (Leiter), 5,585,589 (Leiter)
and 5,675,106 (Leiter).
[0007] In order to provide reliable and repetitive blank-fire in
these types of firearms, modifications to the barrel may be
provided beyond the presence of a bore-restricting or occluding
element that generates back pressure within the bore to produce
recoil. These modifications to the barrel remove or modify
interference by the breech-lock provision, and compensate for
consequent ungoverned and un-timed barrel motion imparted by the
slide as the barrel is forced rearward under recoil. An example
device for overcoming the breech-lock obstacle that ordinarily
hampers blank-fire operation is disclosed in aforementioned U.S.
Pat. No. 5,433,134 (Leiter). In addition, rearward displacement of
a portion of the rearward underside of the barrel element may be
provided to permit free barrel drop into recoil position absent the
presence of a timed breech-lock feature, while still allowing
engagement of the barrel element by the appropriate frame-abutting
element of a pistol receiver. An example of this type of
displacement is disclosed in aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,589
(Leiter). The Leiter patents discussed above (U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,433,134; 5,585,589; and 5,675,106) are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
[0008] However, certain other obstacles may persist within these
types of breech-locked firearms that hinder or prevent repetitive
blank-fire. These obstacles may arise within pistol designs
containing a particular disposition of the battery-indexing element
of the frame. An example of this type of obstacle may be present
within the H&K USP-series and the H&K P2000-series pistols.
The obstacles may further arise within pistols incorporating
improvements, altered geometries or dimensional changes in frame
design affecting the battery-indexing element, where the
alterations often occur for the purpose of strengthening the area
surrounding or abutting the battery-indexing provision. An example
of this type of obstacle may be present within the Third Generation
of GLOCK pistols.
[0009] In the case of each of these obstacles, the design factors
impose additional surfaces or material within the frame at the
forward portion of the barrel underside critical for blank-fire
operation. Further, the frame-mounted projections described above
serve to establish a stop point for the barrel and slide when
assembled on the frame, and define their locked, in-battery
position on the frame. Consequently, a barrel drop into the recoil
position is impeded by the presence of forwardly extended frame
material (or by a counterpart in another frame-mounted component),
and blank-fire cannot be effectively achieved since the barrel
cannot clear the impediment that blocks the barrel drop and the
continued rearward motion of the slide. Thus, even though the slide
no longer contacts the corresponding locking element of the barrel
upon discharge (e.g., as disclosed in the aforementioned Leiter
patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,134)), it cannot draw the barrel
immediately or sufficiently to the rear to bypass the forward areas
of the frame that support and hold the barrel in battery
position.
[0010] Moreover, regardless of the force the slide imparts to a
barrel with breech-lock modification under blank-fire (e.g., refer
to the aforementioned Leiter patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,134)), the
barrel cannot achieve sufficient velocity to clear the forward
frame or frame-mounted element and is re-captured by the
reciprocating slide, thereby preventing downward barrel motion
through interaction with the rearward frame abutment/support
element. This prevents proper timing of barrel motion, drop, and
clearance from the reciprocating slide. Since the modified barrel
begins motion from a state of rest while the slide has already
accelerated under recoil, the barrel cannot gain sufficient
velocity to exceed that of the recoiling slide and clear the
forward frame abutments beneath the barrel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention embodiments provide a
barrel component with the forward under-portion of the barrel
configured in various manners. For example, the configurations may
include an upward displacement, or angular or radial contouring, of
barrel material at the forward underside of a barrel component
understation or projection. These configurations provide clearance
to allow the barrel to bypass frame-mounted impediments to
blank-fire, and permit proper timing and coordination of rearward
barrel motion under impact of the recoiling slide and the resultant
barrel drop into recoil position without interference with, or
re-capture by, the reciprocating slide component.
[0012] In addition, blank-fire operation may be enhanced to include
laser targeting or laser signature capability. In particular, the
blank-fire barrel may be configured to incorporate a threaded laser
device. This capability is of particular value in law enforcement
and military training usages, and commercial applications, where
realistic firearm operation is afforded by blank-fire when
laser-marking capability is available to replicate bullet point of
impact. This affords both marksmanship training and the ability to
conduct realistic tactical training exercises absent the inherent
restrictions and dangers attendant with the use of live
ammunition.
[0013] The above and still further features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the
following detailed description of example embodiments thereof,
particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are
utilized to designate like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view in perspective of an internal
configuration of an example Heckler and Koch type pistol for use
with a present invention embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 2 is view in elevation of a conventional barrel unit
for the pistol of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view in perspective of the internal
configuration of the pistol of FIG. 1 including a blank-fire barrel
unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a view in elevation of the blank-fire barrel unit
of the pistol of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded view in partial section of the
blank-fire barrel unit of FIG. 4 configured to receive a laser
device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6A is a side view in perspective of an example third
generation GLOCK type pistol for use with a present invention
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 6B is a view in perspective of the frame of the example
third generation GLOCK type pistol of FIG. 6A
[0021] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of example second and third
generation GLOCK type pistols for use with a present invention
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a view in elevation of a conventional barrel unit
for the pistol of FIGS. 6A-6B.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a close-up view of a portion of the barrel unit of
FIG. 8.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a view in elevation of a blank-fire barrel unit
for the pistol of FIGS. 6A-6B according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a close-up view of a portion of the blank-fire
barrel unit of FIG. 10.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an exploded view in partial section of the
blank-fire barrel unit of FIG. 10 configured to receive a laser
device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] An example Heckler and Koch type pistol 20 for use with
present invention embodiments is illustrated in FIGS. 1-2.
Specifically, firearm or pistol 20 includes a frame 1, a slide 2
mounted on frame 1, a barrel unit 3A, and a recoil spring mechanism
5. Frame 1 includes a trigger mechanism 18 with a hammer 16, and a
handle or grip portion 19 housing a magazine 21 for storage of one
or more cartridges 28. Slide 2 is mounted on frame 1 and is adapted
for reciprocal longitudinal movement on the frame in response to
firing of pistol 20. Barrel unit 3A includes a chamber portion 41A
and a barrel portion 43A. The chamber portion underside or bottom
surface includes forward understations or projections 9, 25 and a
rear understation or projection 26. Projections 9 and 25 adjoin
each other with projection 25 basically forming a shoulder (e.g.,
or non-planar geometry) with the bottom surface of barrel portion
43A, while rear projection 26 is separated from front projection 9
by a suitably dimensioned gap or recess 45. The barrel unit is
slidable and tillable relative to slide 2, and is operatively
connected to frame 1. Spring recoil mechanism 5 is positioned below
barrel portion 43A, and returns slide 2 and barrel unit 3A to the
forward battery position after recoil as described below.
[0028] The barrel unit and slide are locked together toward
intermediate portions of those components. Pistol 20 typically
includes a breech-lock mechanism in the form of a vertical abutment
surface 29 of slide 2 engaging a vertical abutment surface 24
disposed on a top surface of chamber portion 41A. Abutment surface
24 basically forms a shoulder (e.g., or non-planar geometry) with
the barrel portion top surface to engage abutment surface 29. The
breech-lock mechanism collectively drives barrel unit 3A and slide
2 rearwardly to an appropriate position during recoil. Spring
recoil mechanism 5 is positioned below barrel portion 43A and
returns slide 2 and barrel unit 3A to the forward battery position
after recoil as described below.
[0029] Normal live-fire indexing and maintenance of slide 2 and
barrel unit 3A in a battery position is accomplished by a
combination of recoil spring mechanism 5 and a barrel support 13.
The barrel support includes lower and upper recesses 22, 23
respectively defined in barrel support top and bottom surfaces, and
is removably affixed to frame 1 by a slide-stop latch pin 17
disposed within barrel support lower recess 22 above trigger 18.
Forward understation or projection 9 of barrel unit 3A is disposed
within upper recess 22 and abutts barrel support 13 to maintain
barrel unit 3A in a locked in-battery position. Further, the
combination of barrel unit 3A and barrel support 13 are fixed in
their locked in-battery position by latch pin 17 contacting a
rearward portion of barrel support lower recess 22 to prevent
forward motion of the assembled elements (e.g., slide 2, barrel
unit 3A, barrel support 13, etc.). Rearward motion of the assembled
elements is precluded by contact of barrel support 13 with frame 1
adjacent spring recoil mechanism 5.
[0030] Upon discharge of pistol 20, barrel unit 3A and slide 2
(e.g., engaged by abutment surfaces 24 and 29 forming the
breech-lock mechanism) move rearward, and rear barrel understation
26 clears barrel support 13. The barrel unit is further drawn
downward by the engagement of projection 9 with barrel support 13
(e.g., projection 9 being disposed within barrel support lower
recess 22) to provide fired cartridge extraction and ejection, and
to be placed in position to receive a fresh cartridge housed within
magazine 21 of handle 19. This interaction of elements is
dimensionally timed to enable forward understation or projection 25
to clear barrel support 13 by the moment of barrel drop. Projection
25 basically bypasses a support surface 27 disposed between barrel
support upper recess 23 and spring recoil mechanism 5 through the
coordinated support of the bottom surface of rear projection 26,
thereby permitting correct and unimpeded separation of the barrel
unit from the reciprocating slide (e.g., disengagement of barrel
abutment surface 24 from slide abutment surface 29). This rearward
distance is traversed by barrel unit 3A to allow proper barrel
drop, and for this to occur, immediate barrel unit motion
accompanies initial slide motion.
[0031] Pistol 20 including a blank-fire barrel unit of a present
invention embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 3-4. Initially, pistol
20 is substantially similar to the pistol described above and
includes a blank-fire barrel unit 32A. The blank-fire barrel unit
is similar to barrel unit 3A described above and includes chamber
portion 41A and barrel portion 43A. The chamber portion underside
or bottom surface includes forward understation or projection 9,
rear understation or projection 26 separated from front projection
9 by suitably dimensioned gap or recess 45, and an area 30 adjacent
forward projection 9. The chamber portion top surface includes
abutment surface 24. The blank-fire barrel unit includes various
modifications to at least abutment surface 24, rear understation or
projection 26 and area 30 as described below to enable and enhance
repetitive blank fire.
[0032] Abutment surface 24 of barrel unit 32A is configured to
obviate immediate contact between slide 2 and barrel unit 32A. In
particular, abutment surface 24 includes a rearwardly inclined
surface 33 angled in an approximate range of eight to fifteen
degrees, and preferably ten to thirteen degrees, relative to a
barrel unit longitudinal axis. This diminishes the effect of
initial barrel unit/slide locking by enabling a predetermined
distance of free travel of slide 2 rearward during recoil, thereby
producing a delay between the slide rearward movement and contact
with barrel inclined surface 33. For an example of this type of
configuration, reference is made to the aforementioned Leiter
patents.
[0033] Rear understation or projection 26 of barrel unit 32A is
configured to allow for correct rear barrel drop. In particular,
rear understation or projection 26 is configured with a shorter
dimension by moving a forward most upwardly-angled surface 31 of
the projection to the rear at an oblique angle, preferably
approximating the angle configuration for projection 26 of barrel
unit 3A of FIG. 1. This effectively increases the dimensions of gap
45 and shortens the projection contact with the frame, thereby
reducing the time and distance necessary for barrel unit 32A to
drop downwardly into the rearward recoil/cartridge feeding
position. Consequently, the amount of recoil force required to
drive the slide and barrel unit rearwardly is reduced. Preferably,
understation or projection 26 is shortened (or gap 45 is
lengthened) by approximately 25% to 75% relative to barrel unit 3A
(e.g., includes a reduced length in the approximate range of 0.075
to 0.225 inches). For an example of this type of configuration,
reference is made to the aforementioned Leiter patents.
[0034] The combination of angled abutment surface 24 and shortened
understation or projection 26 (or lengthened gap 45) assists pistol
20 to operate in a repetitive automatic manner with the barrel unit
dropping to a cartridge feeding position at the appropriate time
sequence. Barrel unit 32A may further include a restrictor element
or occlusion 47 disposed at any suitable location (e.g., proximal
or distal end, intermediate portion, etc.) within barrel portion
43A to generate sufficient back pressure upon firing of a blank
cartridge to drive slide 2 and barrel unit 32A rearwardly, while
recoil spring mechanism 5 returns slide 2 and barrel unit 32A to
the battery position as described above.
[0035] Since the immediate contact between slide 2 and barrel unit
32A has been removed by inclined surface 33 of abutment surface 24
as described above, no manner exists to permit barrel forward
understation or projection 25 (FIG. 1) to clear support surface 27.
Accordingly, the removal (or modification) of forward understation
or projection 25 is embodied in area 30 (FIG. 4), where forward
barrel drop and separation from the reciprocating slide is timed to
bypass contact with support surface 27. By way of example only,
area 30 of barrel unit 32A represents a barrel unit configuration
with the removal of understation or projection 25. In this case,
area 30 of chamber portion 41A is substantially flush (or planar)
with the bottom surface of barrel portion 43A, and extends to a
forward or front surface of projection 9. However, barrel unit 32A
may alternatively include understation or projection 25 configured
in any fashion to bypass support surface 27 (e.g., adjustment of
any suitable projection dimensions).
[0036] Barrel unit 32A may further be configured to receive a laser
device emitting a laser beam upon firearm actuation. This provides
enhanced capabilities with respect to training and marksmanship
applications. Referring to FIG. 5, barrel unit 32A is substantially
similar to the barrel unit described above for FIGS. 3-4, and
includes chamber portion 41A and barrel portion 43A. The chamber
portion receives blank cartridge 28 (FIG. 3) and includes a bore
area 49 to provide for expansion of combustion gases. The chamber
portion underside or bottom surface includes forward understation
or projection 9, rear understation or projection 26 separated from
front projection 9 by suitably dimensioned gap or recess 45, and
area 30 adjacent forward projection 9, each as described above. The
chamber portion top surface includes abutment surface 24 as
described above. The barrel portion includes a muzzle 37 disposed
at a barrel portion distal end, and a receiving chamber 39 disposed
proximally of muzzle 37 to receive a laser device 75 therein. Laser
device 75 may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,365
(Shechter et al.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
[0037] Solid occluding element or occlusion 47 is disposed between
receiving chamber 39 and bore area 49. Occlusion 47 prevents
passage of a projectile through barrel unit 32A, and further
prevents combustion gases from reaching laser device 75 disposed
within muzzle 37. The combustion gases may damage the laser device
and/or propel the laser device from the barrel unit. The laser
device housing and internal mechanism are housed within receiving
chamber 39. The laser device housing includes threading 46 disposed
about the housing distal end external perimeter, while
corresponding threads 36 are disposed about the internal perimeter
of muzzle 37. Laser device 75 is removably affixed to the barrel
unit by inserting the laser device into receiving chamber 39 and
engaging muzzle threads 36 with laser device housing threads 46.
Receiving chamber 39 includes transverse cross-sectional dimensions
(e.g., diameter, etc.) in the approximate range of 0.312 to 0.375
inches, and a depth sufficient to provide occlusion 47 with
longitudinal dimensions of approximately 0.100 to 0.750 inches. The
particular dimensions of receiving chamber 39 depend upon the size
and design of the laser device. The longitudinal depth of muzzle
threads 36 is approximately 0.250 to 0.500 inches, and depends upon
the laser device geometries and the dimensional geometries of the
barrel unit, where the combination of elements allows for the
minimum occlusion dimension noted above. Further, muzzle threads 36
include a thread dimension and pitch matching that of laser device
housing threads 46, and are preferably configured to include a
thread dimension of approximately 7/16 of an inch with a pitch in
the approximate range of 24 to 48 threads per inch. The particular
specifications of thread dimensions and pitch are determined by the
specific geometry of the laser device and the muzzle dimensions. In
any case, muzzle threads 36 are configured to provide positive
thread engagement without weakening the surrounding barrel unit
material.
[0038] An example third generation GLOCK type pistol 40 for use
with present invention embodiments is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B
and 8-9. Specifically, firearm or pistol 40 includes frame 1, slide
2 mounted on frame 1, a barrel unit 3B, and a disassembly latch or
slide lock 4. Frame 1 includes trigger mechanism 18 with a hammer
(not shown), and handle or grip portion 19 housing a magazine to
store one or more cartridges (not shown). Slide 2 is mounted on
frame 1 and is adapted for reciprocal longitudinal movement on the
frame in response to firing of pistol 40. Barrel unit 3B (FIGS.
8-9) includes a chamber portion 41B and a barrel portion 43B. The
chamber portion underside or bottom surface includes a forward
understation or projection 52 with a bottom surface 12, and a rear
understation or projection 54. Rear projection 54 is separated from
front projection 52 by a suitably dimensioned gap or recess 55. A
front surface 60 of forward projection 52 includes an upper
shoulder 62 formed with and disposed below a bottom surface of
barrel portion 43A, a recess 64 defined in surface 60 below
shoulder 62 and a lower projection 66A disposed adjacent recess 64.
Lower projection 66A includes a front angled surface 14, and a
bottom surface 68 substantially parallel with a barrel unit
longitudinal axis. The lower projection bottom surface forms a
front portion of bottom surface 12 of front projection 52. The
barrel unit is slidable and tiltable relative to slide 2, and is
operatively connected to frame 1. A spring recoil mechanism (not
shown) returns slide 2 and barrel unit 3B to the forward battery
position after recoil as described below.
[0039] The barrel unit and slide are locked together toward
intermediate portions of those components. Pistol 40 typically
includes a breech-lock mechanism in the form of a vertical abutment
surface 56 of slide 2 (FIG. 6A) engaging a vertical abutment
surface 11 disposed on a top surface of chamber portion 41B (FIGS.
8-9). Abutment surface 11 basically forms a shoulder (e.g., or
non-planar geometry) with the barrel portion top surface to engage
slide abutment surface 56. The breech-lock mechanism drives slide 2
and barrel unit 3B rearwardly to an appropriate position during
recoil. The spring recoil mechanism (not shown) returns slide 2 and
barrel unit 3B to the forward battery position after recoil as
described below. Slide lock 4 further serves as the battery
indexing provision that locks the barrel unit and slide in
forwardmost firing position. Basically, the slide lock or
disassembly latch (FIGS. 6A and 7) engages forward projection 52
(FIGS. 8-9) to position and hold the barrel unit in battery
position within frame 1.
[0040] A comparative top view of second and third generation GLOCK
type pistols 35, 40 is illustrated in FIG. 7. Pistol 35 includes
corresponding frame 10, while pistol 40 includes frame 1 as
described above. Third generation pistol frame 1 includes a frame
buttress area 15A that is disposed at a higher location on the
surface of slide lock 4 relative to the location of corresponding
frame buttress 15 on slide lock 4 of second generation pistol 35.
In addition, frame buttress 15A of the third generation pistol
frame forms a different rearward angle, and contains additional
frame material that extends further rearward within the frame 1
relative to second generation frame 10.
[0041] Upon discharge of pistols 35, 40, barrel unit 3B and slide 2
(e.g., engaged by abutment surfaces 11 and 56 forming the
breech-lock mechanism) move rearward, where prior to barrel drop
into recoil position, bottom surface 68 of front projection 52
clears frame buttress 15 and 15A. However, the extended buttress
area of frame 15A interferes with correct rearward barrel motion,
timing, and drop into recoil position and, consequently, interferes
with slide travel.
[0042] An embodiment of the present invention provides for proper
timing, barrel separation, and barrel drop in blank-fire operation
by alteration of the barrel unit as illustrated in FIGS. 10-11.
Initially, pistol 40 may include a blank-fire barrel unit 32B (FIG.
6B). The blank-fire barrel unit is similar to barrel unit 3B of
pistol 40 described above and includes chamber portion 41B and
barrel portion 43B. The chamber portion underside or bottom surface
includes forward understation or projection 52 with bottom surface
12, and rear understation or projection 54 separated from front
projection 52 by suitably dimensioned gap or recess 55. Front
surface 60 of forward projection 52 includes upper shoulder 62
formed with and disposed below a bottom surface of barrel portion
43B, recess 64 defined in surface 60 below shoulder 62, and lower
projection 66B disposed adjacent recess 64. Lower projection 66B
includes front angled surface 14, and bottom surface 68 forming a
front portion of front projection bottom surface 12. The chamber
portion top surface includes abutment surface 11. The blank-fire
barrel unit includes various modifications to at least abutment
surface 11, front projection 52 and rear projection 54 as described
below to enable and enhance repetitive blank fire.
[0043] Abutment surface 11 of barrel unit 32B is configured to
obviate immediate contact between slide 2 and barrel unit 32B. In
particular, abutment surface 11 includes a rearwardly inclined
surface 57 angled in an approximate range of eight to forty-five
degrees relative to a barrel unit longitudinal axis. This
diminishes the effect of initial barrel unit/slide locking by
enabling a predetermined distance of free travel of slide 2
rearward during recoil, thereby producing a delay between the slide
rearward movement and contact with barrel inclined surface 57. For
an example of this type of configuration, reference is made to the
aforementioned Leiter patents.
[0044] Rear understation or projection 54 of barrel unit 32B is
configured to allow for correct rear barrel drop. In particular,
rear understation or projection 54 is configured with a shorter
dimension by moving a forward most upwardly-angled surface 53 of
the projection to the rear at an oblique angle, preferably
approximating the forward angle configuration for projection 54 of
barrel unit 3B. This effectively increases the dimensions of gap 55
and shortens the projection contact with the frame, thereby
reducing the time and distance necessary for barrel unit 32B to
drop downwardly into the rearward recoil/cartridge feeding
position. Consequently, the amount of recoil force required to
drive the slide and barrel unit rearwardly is reduced. Preferably,
understation or projection 54 is shortened (or gap 55 is
lengthened) by approximately 25% to 75% relative to barrel unit 3B
(e.g., includes a reduced length in the approximate range of 0.075
to 0.225 inches). For an example of this type of configuration,
reference is made to the aforementioned Leiter patents.
[0045] The combination of angled abutment surface 11 and shortened
understation or projection 54 (or lengthened gap 55) assists pistol
40 to operate in a repetitive automatic manner with the barrel unit
dropping to a cartridge feeding position at the appropriate time
sequence. Barrel unit 32B may further include a restrictor element
or occlusion 47 disposed at any suitable location (e.g., proximal
or distal end, intermediate portion, etc.) within barrel portion
43B to generate sufficient back pressure upon firing of a blank
cartridge to drive slide 2 and barrel unit 32B rearwardly, while
the recoil spring mechanism returns slide 2 and barrel unit 32B to
the battery position as described above.
[0046] In order to bypass frame buttress impediment 15A (FIG. 7) to
achieve correct timing of barrel drop and separation from the slide
for permitting repetitive blank-fire, front surface 14 and/or
bottom surface 68 of lower projection 66B are configured to
approximate the angular contour of frame buttress 15A (FIG. 7). The
configurations may include angular and/or radial alterations of
front and/or bottom surfaces 14, 68 relative to corresponding
surfaces of barrel unit 3B. The particular angular or radial
dimensions to be adopted by barrel unit 32B vary in accordance with
specific firearms or pistols employed by the present invention
embodiments, and is derived from the specific geometries of the
pistol frame. By way of example, the height dimension of front
surface 14 may be reduced to bypass frame buttress 15A (e.g.,
configure bottom surface 68 to project distally (or proximally)
toward (or away from) chamber portion 41B). For example, front
surface 14 of lower projection 66B may be configured (e.g., with a
reduced height or thickness) to provide bottom surface 68 of lower
projection 66B with an angled surface 70 disposed in an angular
relation of approximately nine degrees relative to a longitudinal
axis or centerline of the barrel unit. The angular relation may
further be in the approximate range of one to fifteen degrees. The
angle of angled surface 70 relative to the barrel unit longitudinal
axis depends upon the nature and power of the blank ammunition
employed, and the resultant velocity imparted to slide 2 of the
pistol, since the velocity dictates the rapidity with which the
barrel unit clears frame buttress impediment 15A (FIG. 7).
[0047] Alternatively, bottom surface 68 of lower projection 66B may
include a curved configuration (or radial disposition). In
particular, bottom surface 68 may include curved surface 72,
preferably arcing outward from (e.g., convex configuration) chamber
portion 41B and diminishing the thickness of surface 14. Curved
surface 72 extends from the lower portion of front surface 14
(e.g., with minimal or no protrusion relative to bottom surface 68
of FIGS. 8-9) for an approximate length of approximately 0.200 to
1.600 inches. However, the length may vary depending upon the
desired height or thickness of front surface 14. Curved surface 72
provides arcuate or curved relief to enable barrel unit 32B to
bypass frame buttress 15A (FIG. 7).
[0048] Barrel unit 32B may further be configured to receive a laser
device emitting a laser beam upon firearm actuation. This provides
enhanced capabilities with respect to training and marksmanship
applications. Referring to FIG. 12, barrel unit 32B is
substantially similar to the barrel unit described above for FIGS.
10-11, and includes chamber portion 41B and barrel portion 43B. The
chamber portion receives a blank cartridge and includes a bore area
58 to provide for expansion of combustion gases. The chamber
portion underside or bottom surface includes forward understation
or projection 52, and rear understation or projection 54 separated
from front projection 52 by suitably dimensioned gap or recess 55,
each as described above. The chamber portion top surface includes
abutment surface 11 as described above. Barrel portion 43B includes
muzzle 37 disposed at a barrel portion distal end, and a receiving
chamber 50 disposed proximally of muzzle 37 to receive laser device
75 therein. Laser device 75 may be of the type disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,322,365 (Shechter et al.) as described above.
[0049] Solid occluding element or occlusion 47 is disposed between
receiving chamber 50 and bore area 58. Occlusion 47 prevents
passage of a projectile through barrel unit 32B, and further
prevents combustion gases from reaching laser device 75 disposed
within muzzle 37. The combustion gases may damage the laser device
and/or propel the laser device from the barrel unit. The laser
device housing and internal mechanism are housed within receiving
chamber 50. The laser device housing includes threading 46 disposed
about the housing distal end external perimeter, while
corresponding threads 36 are disposed about the internal perimeter
of muzzle 37. Laser device 75 is removably affixed to the barrel
unit by inserting the laser device into receiving chamber 50 and
engaging muzzle threads 36 with laser device housing threads 46.
Receiving chamber 50 includes transverse cross-sectional dimensions
(e.g., diameter, etc.) in the approximate range of 0.312 to 0.375
inches, and a depth sufficient to provide occlusion 47 with
longitudinal dimensions of approximately 0.100 to 0.750 inches. The
particular dimensions of receiving chamber 50 depend upon the size
and design of the laser device. The longitudinal depth of muzzle
threads 36 is approximately 0.250 to 0.500 inches and depends upon
the laser device geometries and the dimensional geometries of the
barrel unit, where the combination of elements allows for the
minimum occlusion dimension noted above. Further, muzzle threads 36
include a thread dimension and pitch matching that of laser device
housing threads 46, and is preferably configured to include a
thread dimension of approximately 7/16 of an inch with a pitch in
the approximate range of 24 to 48 threads per inch. The particular
specifications of thread dimensions and pitch are determined by the
specific geometry of the laser device and the muzzle dimensions. In
any case, muzzle threads 36 are configured to provide positive
thread engagement without weakening the surrounding barrel unit
material.
[0050] The operative principle of the present invention embodiments
may be applied to any types or brands of firearms. The present
invention embodiments provide a manner to enable proper timing of
barrel/slide separation and barrel drop to permit reliable and
repetitive blank-fire operation in various types and designs of
breech-locked semiautomatic pistols.
[0051] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above
and illustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many
ways of implementing blank-firing barrels for semiautomatic pistols
and method of repetitive blank fire.
[0052] The barrel units may be of any shape or size, and may be
configured for any type or brand of firearm (e.g., semiautomatic
pistol, hand-gun, etc.). The chamber and barrel portions may be of
any size or shape, and occupy any desired portions of the barrel
units. The abutment surfaces of the barrel units may be of any
quantity, shape or size, and may be disposed at any suitable
locations to engage the slide. The occlusion may be of any
quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable
materials, and may be disposed at any suitable locations (e.g.,
proximal end, distal end, intermediate portions, etc.) within the
chamber and/or barrel portions of the barrel units.
[0053] The inclined surfaces of the barrel unit abutment surfaces
may be oriented at any desired angles or angle ranges (e.g.,
preferably acute angles in the approximate range of one to ninety
degrees, etc.) in any desired directions (e.g., rearward, etc.).
The forward and rear understations or projections of the chamber
portions may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be disposed
at any suitable locations and/or arranged in any desired fashion.
The gap between the forward and rear understations or projections
may be of any desired dimensions and/or the dimensions of the rear
understation or projection may be configured in any manner to
bypass frame obstacles for suitable barrel drop.
[0054] Forward projection 25 of barrel unit 32A may be modified in
any fashion to bypass support surface 27 or other obstacles of a
firearm or frame. For example, the forward projection may be
removed from the barrel unit. Further, projection 25 may include
reduced dimensions or a modified configuration (e.g., curved,
contoured, tapered, etc.) to bypass the support surface or other
obstacle.
[0055] Forward projection 52 may be of any shape or size. The upper
shoulder, recess and lower projection may be of any quantity, shape
or size and disposed at any suitable locations. Lower projection
66B of barrel unit 32B may be modified in any fashion to bypass the
frame buttress or other obstacles of a firearm or frame. For
example, the height or thickness dimensions of front surface 14 may
be adjusted in any fashion. Further, the surfaces of lower
projection 66B may include any configurations (e.g., curved or
arcuate toward any direction, contoured, tapered, tilted at any
desired angles (e.g., preferably acute angles in the range of one
to ninety degrees), scalloped or sinusoidal, substantially or
entirely removed, etc.) to bypass the frame buttress or other
obstacles. The various configurations may include any suitable
dimensions or dimension ranges.
[0056] Moreover, the upper shoulder and recess may be modified in
substantially the same manner as the lower projection. By way of
example, the dimensions of one or more of these elements may be
adjusted in any fashion. In addition, these elements may include
various configurations (e.g., curved, contoured, tapered, tilted at
any desired angles (e.g., preferably acute angles in the range of
one to ninety degrees), scalloped or sinusoidal, substantially or
entirely removed, etc.) to bypass obstacles for blank fire.
[0057] The threads of the barrel units may be of any quantity,
shape or size, may include any desired dimensions, spacing or
pitch, and may be disposed at any suitable locations (e.g.,
proximal end, distal end, intermediate portions, etc.) on or within
the chamber and/or barrel portions of the barrel units to engage
the laser device. The threads of the laser device may be of any
quantity, shape or size, may include any desired dimensions,
spacing or pitch, and may be disposed at any suitable locations on
or within the housing (e.g., proximal end, distal end, intermediate
portions, etc.). The laser device may be implemented by any
conventional or other laser device to project a laser beam or other
energy form (e.g., light, infrared, sound, etc.) from the barrel
units in response to any conditions (e.g., trigger or firearm
actuation, etc.). The laser device may be permanently or removably
affixed to the barrel unit interior or exterior by any conventional
or other securing techniques (e.g., fasteners, threaded engagement,
friction fit, etc.). The receiving chambers may be of any quantity,
shape or size to receive any portions of the laser device (e.g.,
the laser device may be partially or entirely disposed within the
barrel units).
[0058] The barrel units of the present invention embodiments may be
utilized in combination with any suitable type or brand of firearms
to produce a firearm with repetitive blank fire capability.
Further, the various configurations of the barrel unit elements
(e.g., abutment surface, forward and rear projections, etc.) may be
utilized by a barrel unit either individually, or in any desired
combinations, to enable repetitive blank fire.
[0059] It is to be understood that the terms "top", "bottom",
"front", "rear", "side", "height", "length", "width", "upper",
"lower", "forward" and the like are used herein merely to describe
points of reference and do not limit the present invention
embodiments to any particular orientation or configuration.
[0060] The barrel units are not limited to the applications or
firearms described above, but may be utilized to facilitate
repetitive blank-fire in any types or brands of firearms.
[0061] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that
the invention makes available novel blank-firing barrels for
semiautomatic pistols and method of repetitive blank fire, wherein
a forward under-portion of a barrel is configured in various
manners to provide clearance to allow the barrel to bypass
frame-mounted impediments to blank-fire.
[0062] Having described preferred embodiments of new and improved
blank-firing barrels for semiautomatic pistols and method of
repetitive blank fire, it is believed that other modifications,
variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the
art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to
be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes
are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *