Recoil dampening assembly

Abstract

A recoil dampening assembly includes a sleeve and an elastomeric member received within the sleeve. A piston and rod retain the elastomeric member within the sleeve, and the elastomeric member includes a plurality of cone-like wall portions that form inner and outer annular ring surfaces. When the elastomeric member is compressed, the outer annular surfaces frictionally engage the sleeve, and the inner annular surfaces frictionally engage the rod to thereby dampen a force generated during discharge of a firearm.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/515,858, filed on Oct. 30, 2003, entitled RECOILED DAMPENING ASSEMBLY, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a recoil dampening device, and in particular to a recoil dampening device for reducing the forces exerted onto a weapon system during the operation of the firearm.

Recoil absorbing devices are used in a variety of applications within firearms to reduce the forces as exerted on various portions of the firearm as well as the operator. These recoil dampening devices typically include at least two or more parts movable with respect to one another and a recoil dampening device positioned so as to absorb the forces generated during operation of the firearm.

Heretofore, recoil dampening devices have included multiple components that are difficult to assemble and/or require special tools for assembly and/or adjustment, thereby making assembly and adjustment of the recoil dampening devices difficult in high pressure situations. Also, such devices may lose their effectiveness in the harsh environments typically associated with military operations. Further, previous recoil dampening devices do not sufficiently reduce the recoil associated with heavy caliber firearms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a recoil absorbing device for firearms including an outer housing defining a cavity and a stop. A sleeve is disposed in the cavity of the housing, and the sleeve defines an interior surface and a stop at a first end of the sleeve. A rod has a first end connected to the sleeve, and the rod is disposed within the sleeve. A piston member is slidably connected to the rod adjacent a first end of the rod. A connector retains the piston member on the rod. The recoil absorbing device also includes an elastomeric member disposed within the sleeve with a first end adjacent the stop at the first end of the sleeve. The elastomeric member has a second end disposed adjacent the piston member. The elastomeric member defines at least one annular outer surface disposed adjacent the interior surface of the sleeve, and an annular inner surface disposed about the rod. The elastomeric member includes a generally conical sidewall extending from the annular outer surface to the annular inner surface, such that the elastomeric member deforms and frictionally engages the sleeve and the rod when a force is applied to the sleeve.

Another aspect of the present invention is a recoil absorbing device for firearms including a sleeve defining an interior surface, and a rod movably interconnected to the sleeve for movement between extended and retracted positions relative to the sleeve. The recoil absorbing device also includes a resilient member having a first end operably connected to the sleeve and a second end operably connected to the rod. The resilient member has a tapered wall portion extending between an outer surface adjacent the interior surface of the sleeve, and an inner surface adjacent the rod. The outer surface shifts into contact with the interior surface of the sleeve, and the inner surface shifts into contact with the rod as the rod is moved from the extended position to the retracted position to thereby frictionally engage the sleeve and the rod and provide a force tending to act against movement to the retracted position.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a firearm including a fixed member and a bolt that shifts rearwardly along an axis relative to the fixed member upon firing of the firearm. A first member is attached to a selected one of the fixed member and the bolt, and a second member is fixed to the other of the fixed membrane and the bolt such that the first and second members shift relative to one another upon firing of the firearm. The firearm also includes a resilient member having a first surface adjacent the first member, and a second surface adjacent the second member. The resilient member has an angled portion extending between the first and second surfaces at a non-zero angle relative to the axis, such that the first surface frictionally engages the first member, and the second surface frictionally engages a second member when the first member shifts relative to the second member upon firing of the firearm.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic view of a firearm according to one aspect of the present invention, including a recoil dampening assembly;

FIG. 2 is a partially fragmentary view of the recoil dampening assembly of the firearm of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the recoil dampening assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the recoil dampening assembly; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the resilient member of the recoil dampening assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A firearm 1 (FIG. 1) includes a barrel 2, stock 3, and a bolt mechanism 4. The recoil dampening assembly 10 is in contact with the bolt 5 of the mechanism 4 and to the stock 3, such that forces are transmitted from the bolt 5 through the recoil dampening assembly 10, and into stock 3 upon firing of the firearm 1.

Bolt mechanism 4 is biased forwardly by main spring 6. Upon firing of the firearm 1, bolt 5 is shifted rearwardly, compressing main spring 6. The recoil dampening assembly 10 is positioned within a housing 11, as is the bolt 5 and main spring 6. The recoil dampening assembly 10 includes a control sleeve 12 made of a carbon fiber material, and a titanium end cap 13 is secured to a first end 14 of control sleeve 12 (see also FIG. 4). The cap 13 and sleeve 12 may include threads 15 and 16, respectively, to secure the end cap 13 to the sleeve 12. Other suitable connecting arrangements may also be utilized to secure the end cap 13 to the sleeve 12. A piston 17 is made of a lightweight structural plastic material, and is secured to a rod 18 by a hard stop 19 and threaded retaining screw 20. Hard stop 19 may be made of a hard elastomeric material having a durometer of at least 90, and retaining screw 20 may be made of an aluminum material. Rod 18 may be made of a titanium material, and includes a threaded first end 21 that is received in a threaded opening 22 in an end cap 13. The screw 20 extends through clearance opening 23 in hard stop 19, and is received in threaded opening 24 of rod 18.

During assembly, the elongated cylindrical portion 27 of rod 18 is slidably inserted through opening 28 in the base wall 30 of piston 17, until the side surface 25 of head 26 of rod 18 contacts the inner surface 29 of base wall 30 of piston 17. Thus, the head 26 of rod 18, hard stop 19, and screw 20 are slidably positioned within the cylindrical cavity 31 of piston 17 when assembled. The elongated cylindrical portion 27 of rod 18 extends through elastomeric member 35, and the first end 21 of rod 18 is threadably received in the threaded opening 22 of end cap 13. Thus, when assembled, forces “F” (FIG. 3) that are applied to the piston 17 and end cap 13 will tend to compress the elastomeric member 35. However, piston 17 cannot travel outwardly beyond the position illustrated in FIG. 3 because it is retained within sleeve 12 by rod 18.

With further reference to FIG. 5, elastomeric member 35 includes a first end 36 having an end wall 37 with an opening 38 therethrough that receives the end 32 of rod 18 when assembled. Second end 39 of elastomeric member 35 includes an end wall 40 with an opening 41 therethrough that receives the elongated cylindrical portion 27 of rod 18 when assembled. When assembled, the first end 36 of elastomeric member 35 abuts the inner surface 33 of end cap 13, and the second end 39 of elastomeric member 35 abuts the end surface 34 of wall 30 of piston 17, such that forces applied to end cap 13 and piston 17 tend to compress elastomeric member 35. Elastomeric member 35 includes a plurality of sidewalls 42 that extend between annular outer ring surfaces 43 and annular inner ring surfaces 44. The sidewalls 42 thus have a generally truncated conical shape with adjacent sidewalls 42 being oriented in opposite directions. The sidewalls 42 as shown have a uniform thickness. However, the wall shape and thickness may vary depending upon the requirements for a particular application.

When assembled, the outer surfaces 43 are positioned adjacent the cylindrical inner surface of sleeve 12, and annular inner ring surfaces 44 are positioned adjacent the elongated cylindrical portion 27 of rod 18. If a compressive force F is applied to the elastomeric member 35, the outer annular surface 43 tends to shift outwardly as indicated by the arrow “A,” and the inner annular surfaces 44 tend to deflect inwardly as indicated by the arrows “B.” In use, the outer surfaces 43 contact the inner surface 46 of sleeve 12, and inner surfaces 44 contact the elongated cylindrical portion 27 of rod 18 upon application of a force F. As the elastomeric member 35 is further compressed, the sliding contact between the outer surfaces 43 in sleeve 12 and between the inner surfaces 44 and rod 18 create a frictional engagement that resists further compression of elastomeric member 35 as piston 17 slides relative to sleeve 12 and rod 18. If the elastomeric member 35 is further compressed, the walls 42 tend to collapse and the outer surfaces 47 of adjacent walls 42 may contact one another, and the inner surfaces 48 of adjacent sidewall portions 42 may also contact each other.

With reference again to FIG. 2, when assembled, the recoil dampening assembly 10 is held in contact with the bolt by the operating spring such that the recoil dampening assembly 10 translates with the bolt 5 during operation of the firearm. As illustrated in FIG. 2, prior to firing of the firearm, the end surface 49 of piston 17 is spaced apart from a stop surface 50 in the stock 3. When the firearm is discharged, the force generated shifts the bolt 5 and recoil dampening assembly 10 rearwardly. After traveling the distance “X,” the surface 49 of piston 17 contacts the stop surface 50 of stock 3. As the bolt 5 continues to travel rearwardly, the piston 17 compresses the elastomeric member 35, thereby transferring force through the recoil dampening assembly 10. As discussed above, the elastomeric member 35 frictionally engages sleeve 12 and rod 18 as it is compressed, thereby generating a force tending to act against further compression of elastomeric member 35. If the bolt 5 continues to travel rearwardly, the hard stop 19 will eventually contact the surface 50 of stock 3, thereby preventing further movement of bolt 5 relative to the stock 3.

In the illustrated example, the recoil dampening assembly 10 is in contact with the bolt 5 of firearm 1, such that the assembly 10 travels with the bolt 5. The recoil dampening assembly 10 may also be fixed to the stock, such that the recoil dampening assembly 10 remains stationary relative to bolt 5. For example, with reference to FIG. 2, the recoil dampening assembly 10 could be oriented 180 degrees in an opposite direction, and the end cap 13 could then be secured to the stock 3. In this example, the bolt 5 would travel rearwardly until it contacted the end 49 of piston 17.

As discussed above, the end cap 13 may be made of a titanium material, and the control sleeve 12 may be made of a carbon fiber material. Also, piston 17 may be made of a lightweight structural polymer material, and the stop rod 18 may be made of a titanium material. Also, hard stop 19 may be made of a hard elastomeric material, and the screw 20 may be made of aluminum material. The elastomeric member 35 is preferably made of an elastomeric material having resilient and frictional properties providing the desired degree of dampening. However, other materials may be utilized for the various components based upon the impact, wear, friction, weight, and other properties required for a particular application.

The recoil dampening assembly of the present invention provides a durable, yet effective, device that absorbs forces generated by discharge of a firearm. The components can be readily disassembled.

In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A recoil absorbing device for firearms, comprising:

an outer housing defining a cavity and a stop;

a sleeve disposed in the cavity of the housing, the sleeve defining an interior surface and a stop at a first end of the sleeve;

a rod disposed within the sleeve and having a first end connected to the sleeve;

a piston member slidably connected to the rod adjacent a first end of the rod;

a connector retaining the piston member on the rod;

an elastomeric member disposed within the sleeve with a first end adjacent the stop at the first end of the sleeve, the elastomeric member having a second end disposed adjacent the piston member, the elastomeric member defining at least one annular outer surface disposed adjacent the interior surface of the sleeve, and an annular inner surface disposed about the rod, and including a generally conical sidewall extending from the annular outer surface to the annular inner surface such that the elastomeric member deforms and frictionally engages the sleeve and the rod when a force is applied to the sleeve.

2. The recoil absorbing device of claim 1, wherein:

the interior surface of the sleeve is generally cylindrical, the sleeve having a cover at the first end defining the stop.

3. The recoil absorbing device of claim 1, wherein:

the piston member has a generally cylindrical outer surface and an end wall having an aperture therethrough;

the rod having an elongated portion adjacent the first end of the rod configured to be slidably received through the aperture, and an enlarged portion at a second end of the rod forming a stop that does not fit through the aperture.

4. The recoil absorbing device of claim 3, wherein:

said elastomeric member includes a plurality of conical sidewall portions forming a plurality of annular outer surfaces and a plurality of annular inner surfaces.

5. The recoil absorbing device of claim 4, wherein:

the elastomeric member has a circular first end wall at the first end of the elastomeric member abutting the cover of the sleeve.

6. The recoil absorbing device of claim 5, wherein:

the first end wall has an opening therethrough, the first end of said rod extending through the opening.

7. The recoil absorbing device of claim 6, wherein:

the elastomeric member has a circular second end wall at the second end of the elastomeric member, the second end wall abutting the end wall of the piston member.

8. The recoil absorbing device of claim 1, wherein:

the connector comprises a stop member and a threaded fastener retaining the stop member to the first end of the rod.

9. The recoil absorbing device of claim 8, wherein:

the stop member and piston are made of a hard elastomeric material having a durometer of at least 90.

10. A recoil absorbing device for firearms, comprising:

a sleeve defining an interior surface;

a rod movably interconnected to the sleeve for movement between extended and retracted positions relative to the sleeve;

a resilient member having a first end operably connected to the sleeve and a second end operably connected to the rod, the resilient member having a tapered wall portion extending between an outer surface adjacent the interior surface of the sleeve and an inner surface adjacent the rod, such that said outer surface shifts into contact with the interior surface of the sleeve and the inner surface shifts into contact with the rod as the rod is moved from the extended position to the retracted position to thereby frictionally engage the sleeve and the rod and provide a force tending to act against movement to the retracted position.

11. The recoil absorbing device of claim 10, wherein:

the tapered wall portion has generally conical inner and outer surfaces.

12. The recoil absorbing device of claim 11, wherein:

the interior surface of the sleeve is cylindrical;

the rod has an outer cylindrical surface; and

the inner and outer surfaces of the resilient member are annular rings.

13. The recoil absorbing device of claim 12, wherein:

the resilient member includes a plurality of tapered wall portions having generally conical inner and outer surfaces that interconnect to define a plurality of annular rings defining inner and outer surfaces.

14. A firearm, comprising:

a fixed member;

a bolt that shifts rearwardly along an axis relative to the fixed member upon firing of the firearm;

a first member attached to a selected one of the fixed member and the bolt;

a second member attached to the other of the fixed member and the bolt such that the first and second members shift relative to one another upon firing of the firearm;

a resilient member having a first surface adjacent the first member, and a second surface adjacent the second member, the resilient member having an angled portion extending between the first and second surfaces at a non-zero angle relative to the axis such that the first surface frictionally engages the first member and the second surface frictionally engages the second member when the first member shifts relative to the second member upon firing of the firearm.

15. The firearm of claim 14, wherein:

the first member comprises a sleeve; and

the second member comprises a rod disposed in the sleeve.

16. The firearm of claim 15, wherein:

the angled portion of the resilient member has generally conical inner and outer surfaces.

17. The firearm of claim 16, wherein:

the first and second surfaces are annular rings.

18. The firearm of claim 17, wherein:

the resilient member includes a plurality of conical inner and outer surfaces.

19. The firearm of claim 15, wherein:

the sleeve is made of a carbon fiber composite and the rod is made of a titanium material.

20. The firearm of claim 16, wherein:

the conical inner and outer surfaces form a wall having a uniform thickness.