OPERATING SYSTEM UTILIZING AN ARTICULATED BOLT TRAIN TO MANAGE RECOIL FORCE
An Operational System for Firearms founded on the use of the synchronic controlled motion and cooperative interaction of elements of a Pivotally Articulated Bolt Train displacing reciprocatingly within a compliant receiver, along guiding means, disposed according to a purposely engineered Path, capable of generating anticipated adjustable dynamic reactions, and to execute mechanical actions, due to pre-calculated movements of interconnecting mechanisms within said Train members, when they pivot one relative to the other. The alternate divergent and converging motion of the Train Bolt and A Firing Mechanism Carriage subassembly, along a horizontal path, and a transverse path, modifies and splits the linear bearing of the recoil force, and generates a Gyroscopic Effect or Angular Moment, decreasing the Barrel Torque magnitude, conveying a unique tailored dynamic behavior, while performing different functions and achieving the eleven different purposes of this invention. Numerous motion parameters are adjustable to attain the distinctive recoil Dynamic reaction.
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/385,262, filed on Feb. 2, 2012, which claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/463,034 filed on Feb. 11, 2011, now expired. The entirety of both the co-pending non-provisional and expired provisional applications are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis application relates generally to a firearm operational system improvement, describing an Articulated Bolt Train mechanism in which The Head Bolt moves linearly aligned with the axis of the barrel and the second train member, the Firing Mechanism Subassembly, may have a movement component perpendicular to the barrel axis in certain sectors of the Motion path when it changes the bearing, from horizontally aligned with the axis of the barrel, to a transverse, through the handle direction. This redirection of the path causes significant reaction forces over the guiding tracks inserted in the receiver, which induces a dynamic behavior, unique, predictable and manageable to the firearms utilizing this Operating System. The Physical Mechanic and Dynamic Forces resulting from the operation of firearms of this category are comprehended and manageable under the concepts of Newtonian Mechanics and Dynamics The identification of the parameters involved in the operation of the Articulated Bolt Train Operating System Makes it possible to select the proper values of such parameters to attain, to a certain extent, the desired recoil resultant.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe enormous majority of auto loading firearms made in prior art are based on the pattern of reciprocating bolts (masses) displacing linearly using the inertia mass and a spring to absorb the energy of the reaction force produced in response to the firing of a cartridge. Some mechanisms have used toggle articulated links to create enough space, for the bolt, to travel enough to reach the rear part of a new cartridge, in a magazine, in the backwards motion, and reciprocate forward reloading a new cartridge in the chamber. The toggle mechanism articulates at least two pivoted links sideways, which produce a motion vector having a component perpendicular to the axis of the barrel while producing a different dynamic reaction. The Last link of the toggle array is pivotally grounded to the receiver, condition which limits the total travel of the bolt and delivers at the very beginning of the recoil motion, a considerable portion of the energy to the receiver.
Previously, in firearms, the use of articulated or toggled bolts and connecting masses to control recoil is very old. When recoiling, these types of mechanisms displace in a different direction of the barrel axis creating force vectors partially diverting the initial recoil force, away from the bore axis. In toggle mechanisms the last member of the articulated linkage is pivotally grounded to the receiver limiting the range of the head bolt to move in the horizontal direction towards the breech. The use of this principle is present in the first known auto loading pistol invented by Hugo Borchardt in the C-93 pistol (1893), and the same principle for displacing the bolt rearwards and the heavy connecting bars transversally to reduce the axial recoil is used by Georg Luger in (1898) in the well known P-08 model. Both, Borchardt and Luger, were following the even earlier design of Hiram Maxim incorporating the toggle lock or knee principle. Borchardt and Luger had an exterior articulating bolt fixedly hinged at the rear, but never before a completely movable Interior Articulated Bolt Train.
Several firearms recoil absorbing systems have been patented recently using similar principles that cause an inertia mass to move downwards or transversally by using the original recoil force, transforming it into two force vectors; Like patent U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,094 of Jan Henrik Jebsen. However, none of the previous patents uses the active firing mechanisms as part of the moving recoiling mass displacing transversally. Nor it uses an active recoil damper mechanism. It only moves inertia dead mass downwards.
In previous inventions like patent U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,094 the firearm head bolt is attached to an independent body or mass that contains no mechanisms inside. It is just dead mass. The two bodies are connected by series of linked interconnected parts, some of them requiring sufficient margin of play, like a slotted guide, placed at an inclined angle at the end of one of the bodies. A rod, belonging to the bolt, travels horizontally through a slotted guide. A rod placed transversally becomes the contact point between the bolt and the mass. As the bolt travels horizontally it pushes the rod through the inclined slotted guide causing the effect of a wedge by pushing the mass in a transverse direction. The oblique displacement of the dead inertia mass is forced by a transverse fixed guide bar passing through the mass. However the different means used to achieve the recoil absorption are significantly inefficient in terms of the volume and total weight required. None of the design solutions involve the use of firing mechanisms displacement or the use of the firing mechanisms mass as a part of the recoiling inertial mass. U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,094 of Jan Henrik Jebsen uses a complete conventional separate stationary fixed firing mechanism assembly, placed conveniently that necessitates significant volume and weight to operate. The latter mentioned patent does not have any sort of internal recoil abatement mechanisms inside the inertia mass as this invention has. It is notorious for being voluminous and unwieldy. It is voluminous with a very little barrel length. And furthermore, the array of mechanisms condemns the operation, in practical reality, to small pistol cartridges. With respect to the Delay Blowback breech opening function that this invention has, the U.S. Pat. No. 3,283,345 of Theodor Koch is important to mention because it has been extensively divulged and promoted by its use in the Heckler and Koch G3 rifles and especially in the very well known MP 5 sub machineguns. It causes a delay in the breech opening by means of a complicated mechanism inside the bolt whereby a set of sprig loaded rollers are forced to move along a pair of closing arc circle surfaces generating a retention of the force produced by the increasing gas pressure inside the barrel until the point where it overcomes the force of the rollers mechanism, generating a delay. The use of such mechanism has been successful, but has several disadvantages: it is sensitive to dirt, it requires lubrication, rollers break, springs fatigue, and does not lend to trimming.
Advantages of the InventionThe Operating System presented in this Patent application is notoriously different than any other known art. The present invention has at least one the following advantages.
For the first time, an Operating System utilizing a floating Articulated Bolt Train, including a Firing Mechanism subassembly is used to take advantage of the reaction forces that a Path bearing change causes, in benefit of engineering a desired effect in the final recoil behavior. The Articulated Bolt Train having a planar motion, and capable of continuously changing path of some train members, towards a transverse curved direction which generates important manageable reaction forces over the receiver.
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- This invention integrates an Active Firing Mechanisms as a part of the recoiling Bolt Train and places it for all time in the immediate proximity to the firing pin.
- This invention is improved because the firing mechanisms are contained in a compact, volume-efficient, carriage that moves transversally along a by design predetermined path.
- This invention is superior because, when shooting, the firing mechanisms contained in a compact, volume-efficient, carriage moves downwards, through the handle or grip, producing a unique reaction movement of the receiver resulting in a balanced dynamic behavior.
- Conventionally, the Controlling Firing Mechanisms or Trigger Group and its frame are placed in a fixed dedicated location. This invention makes the Active Firing Mechanism movable and uses its mass as part of the Bolt Train 90 mass needed to absorb the recoil, saving volume, weight and lowering the center of gravity.
- The active firing mechanisms operate linearly without rotating parts inside a movable Carriage, which make it simple to manufacture and volume effective.
- The Controlling Firing Mechanisms subassembly 74
FIG. 5D is modular, easy to change if needed. - A part, the Mechanisms Carriage Housing, has multiple functions. It frames the Active firing mechanisms; it guides the recoil travel; and it displaces transversally with the contained independent mechanisms in place. At the rear it may have a protruding cam that slides over the inclined plane face of the spring loaded, movable recoil compensator forcing it back, adding additional restrain to the opening of the breech. All that in a very dense compact package, making it efficient in terms of minimal volume.
- The Mechanisms Carriage Housing optionally has a rear protruding cam (40C) that works in conjunction with the Recoil Damper sub assembly to produce additional restriction to the rearwards motion, adding more delay to the breech opening.
- When the firing mechanisms sub assembly works in conjunction with the protruding delay cam of the Front Bolt 20, it creates a delay on the blowback opening motion without requiring any additional moving parts.
- The mechanisms carriage housing and mechanism can slide roll down through the firearm handgrip, making it very compact and volume efficient.
- The proximity of the compact Bolt Train to the top of the shooter′ grabbing first lowers the center of gravity of the weapon creating an improved handling.
- When the mechanisms carriage housing and mechanism slide roll down through the firearm handgrip, the effect of the downwards displacement is felt directly on the grip, eliminating any moments about the grabbing point.
- This novel mechanism can be used in many types of firearms; pistols; rifles, shotguns; machineguns; sub-machineguns; heavy machineguns; sniper rifles, grenade launchers, heavy weapons all the above semi automatic and full automatic, gas operated, long or short stroke, blowback, delayed blowback recoil, with rotary bolts and bolt carrier, electrical or mechanical firing.
- These mechanisms can be used in bullpup configuration.
- The front bolt can be used as a bolt carrier, enabling the use of rotary locking bolts.
- The bolt carrier can be used in conjunction with direct drive rods with gas operated bolts.
- Firearms using this type of bolt lend to be manufactured with polymer injected materials, which translates into low production costs.
- The progressive displacement downwards of the mechanisms carriage housing and mechanism provides a smooth transition of the reaction force.
- Rollers can be added to the guide rods to smooth the operation.
- Rollers can be adder to the hammer to smooth the operation.
- The design of this Operating System is outstanding because:to induce Dynamic reaction forces on the receiver, and Mechanically, it uses the train members interaction, occurring during train articulation to perform three functions 1) To cock the firing mechanisms, 2) To create a delay in the breech opening, and 3) To actuate a recoil damper mechanism.
- The incorporation of a delay blowback breech opening mechanism in the rearwards recoil motion, enhances the delivered energy of the projectile, and reduces the pressure at the breech when opening.
- The delay blowback breech opening system of this invention achieves the same results of H&K delay opening mechanism with a very simple interaction of two parts and lends to be trimmed by producing a desired controlling surface in the front face of the slider striking hammer.
- The delay opening mechanism slows the rate of fire when used in full automatic mode.
- This invention is far simpler and advantageous than the one of Jebsen because it only uses only one displaced articulation or hinge as the means of linkage between the front bolt and the mechanisms carriage housing. The movement required at the articulation is only rotational.
- No margin of play is required between the front bolt and the mechanisms carriage housing.
- This invention does not require any mobile breech to interlock the front bolt and the mechanisms carriage housing.
- This invention requires a smaller number of components in comparison to any other gun.
- This invention has a moving cylindrical extruded sear 58 housed inside the hammer and integrated to the movable Firing Mechanism sub assembly.
- Alternatively, this invention comprises a self sprigged sear-hammer
FIG. 3B . - When required, internal sears can be used to protrude laterally to outside of the Mechanism Carrier Housing 40 and 40B, and engage against it, to become operational with side mounted column spring or pushing bar 78A
FIG. 5D of the controlling firing mechanisms. - The Bolt Train 90 can be used in conjunction of Gas piston systems
- The bolt train 90 can be used in conjunction with rotary bolts.
- Optionally, when additional kinetic energy absorption is desired, a third component to the Bolt Train 90 can be attached: the Recoil Damper Subassembly of
FIG. 4B andFIG. 4C . - A transient Gyroscopic Effect or Angular Moment is generated in every shoot recoil motion by the angular motion of some of the train components, while transitioning from the bore axial path to the transverse path, in the curved zone of the path. This angular motion of the Firing Mechanism Carriage Subassembly is capable of compensating to some extent, the rotation reaction (Barrel Torque) effect of the barrel and Firearm.
Train is a series of pivotally linked carriages that move along a track in a reciprocating manner.
The terms Pivotally Articulated Bolt Train, Articulated Bolt, Bolt Train, Bolt Train sub assembly, Bolt Train Assembly, Bolt Train Mechanism, are used indistinctively.
The terms Front Bolt, Head Bolt, and Bolt refer to the first member of the Bolt Train. These terms may be used alternatively.
The terms Axial Force or axial recoil force refer to that one occurring in the direction of the axis of the barrel of the firearm or bore axis when the firearm is discharged.
The terms Carrier, Carriage, Carrier Housing, Mechanism Carriage Housing, refer to hollow, track mounted box, capable of containing and controlling mechanisms placed within, are used indistinctively.
The term forward direction is referred as the one having the direction of the projectile when fired.
The term rearward direction is the one opposite to forward or muzzle wards.
The term transverse is used to define a course oblique to the bore axis of the barrel.
The term Hammer is used to designate a moving part propelled linearly at the impulse of a spring. This can be also referred as a Striker, or slide striker hammer.
The terms Slot tracks guides, and Slot channel guides are used indistinctively.
The terms Charging handle and Cocking handle are used indistinctively.
The term Protruding Guides is used to refer to the protruding elements that run and slide into the Slot tracks guides.
The term Parameter a numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation.
The term Jaws means two opposed hinged movable parts in a mechanical device.
The term System: is a set of interacting or interdependent component parts forming a complex/intricate whole.
The term “Operating System” is used to indicate in the field of the specific art, the entirety of mechanisms enabling, once a cartridge has been fired, the expulsion of the case of the fired cartridge and the loading of a new cartridge while generating innovative Dynamic reactions over the entire firearm.
SUMMARYIn accordance with one embodiment, this Operating System generally relates to a firearm having a collection of mechanisms and arrays, conceived to manage recoil by changing the dynamic behavior of the weapon when firing, in a manner that redirects forces, creates delays, decelerates motion, absorbs energy and lowers significantly the center of gravity, resulting in an improvement of the handling of the gun. All of the above is attained by the motion of a Track mounted Pivotally Articulated Bolt Train moving reciprocatingly along a pre calculated Path, engineered to change bearings, to induce premeditated Dynamic reactions, conceived to favor the recoil control.
Said firearm comprises several modular subassemblies, a Barrel, a receiver, an Articulated Bolt Train that alternates between a forward and backward position, an active firing mechanism, a delay blowback method, a controlling firing mechanism, a set of main recovery springs(38), a set off modular multifunctional supports, a buffer mechanism, a Modular Cocking Handle mechanism, a direct drive gas system. The alternate transversal displacement of the Articulated Bolt Train, and the intrinsic delay designs, conveys to the firearm a unique dynamic behavior resulting in smooth recoil. Many variable Parameters in the Operational System of the Articulated Bolt Train constitute a formidable opportunity for engineers to trim the design for each specific case of application.
My co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/385,262 generally relates to a firearm having a collection of mechanisms and arrays, conceived to manage recoil by changing the dynamic behavior of the weapon when firing, in a manner that redirects forces, creates delays, decelerates motion, and lowers significantly the center of gravity, resulting in an improvement of the handling of the gun. Specially in one embodiment, this Operating System pertains to a firearm having an Articulated Bolt Train 90
The Articulated Bolt Train 90 consists of a Front Bolt of either Types 20, 20A or 20B, as shown in
The Active Firing Mechanisms subassembly 39 compact mechanism array integrates its mass and its volume to the Bolt Train 90 and significantly reduces the number of parts, volume, weight, and lowers the center of gravity, resulting in an effective recoil management absorbing system for automatic or semiautomatic firearms.
Name of the Components and Reference Numerals DRAWING REFERENCE NUMBER Part Number Part Name
- 20 BOLT
- 21 HORIZONTAL PROTRUDING GUIDE (2)
- 22 REAR RECTANGULAR PROTRUSION
- 22A EDGE LINE
- 22B PROTRUDING DELAY OPENING CAM
- 23 CYLINDRICAL CAVITY FOR THE FIRING PIN
- 24 TOP HINGE
- 25 HOLE FOR PIN
- 26 RECTANGULAR SLOT FOR EXTRACTOR
- 27 FRONTAL FACE
- 28 CYLINDRICAL DEPRESION FOR CARTRIDGE REAR FACE
- 29 FRONTAL HOLE FOR FIRING PIN
- 30 HAMMER
- 31 CYLINDRICAL CAVITY FOR SPRING
- 32 PUSH ROD FOR FIRING PIN
- 33 HAMMER SPRING
- 34 FRONT FACE OF HAMMER
- 35 DELAY OPENING SLOPED FACE
- 36 SEAR ANGULAR FACE
- 37 SEAR FLAT SPRING
- 38 SET OF DUAL REOVERY SPRINGS/38A SPRING INTERLOCK TO BOLT
- 39 FIRING MECHANISM SUBASSEMBLY
- 40 MECHANISMS CARRIER HOUSING
- 40A RECTANGULAR CAVITY/40 B SPACE/40C CAM
- 41 ROD GUIDE (2)
- 42 CYLINDRICAL HOLE FOR SEAR SPRING
- 43 HINGES FOR SEAR LEVER
- 44 HOLES FOR PIN
- 45 SQUARE HOLE FOR SEAR TIP
- 46 PIN FOR SEAR LEVER
- 47 PIN FOR BOLT/MECHANISMS CARRIER HOUSING HINGE
- 48 MECHANISMS CARRIER HOUSING HINGE
- 49 HOLE FOR MECHANISMS CARRIER HOUSING PIN
- 50 SEAR LEVER
- 51 SEAR LEVER HINGE
- 52 HOLE FOR SEAR LEVER HINGE PIN
- 53 SEAR LEVER SPRING
- 54 ANGULAR FACE TIP
- 55 TOGGLE INTERNAL SEAR SPRING
- 56 TOGGLE INTERNAL SEAR
- 57 SEAR CAVITY
- 58 EXTRUDED SEAR
- 59 WINDOW HOLE
- 60 EXTRACTOR
- 61 EXTRACTOR PIN
- 62 EXTRACTOR SPRING
- 63 EXTRACTOR HOLE
- 64 RECOIL DAMPER SUBASSEMBLY
- 65 RECOIL DAMPER MECHANISM CARRIAGE/65A TWO SIDE HINGES
- 66 RECEIVER 66A AXIS OF JAWS PIVOTING 66U UPPER 66L LOWER
- 67 MOBILE COMPENSATOR
- 68 FRONT ANGULAR FACE OF MOVABLE COMPENSATOR
- 69 CAVITY FOR COMPENSATOR 69A COMPENSATOR SPRING
- 70 FIRING PIN
- 71 FIRING PIN REAR
- 72 FIRING PIN SPRING
- 73 FRONT END OF FIRING PIN
- 74 CONTROLING FIRING MECHANISM SUBASSEMBLY
- 75 TRIGGER
- 76 LEVER
- 77 SAFETY CAM
- 78/78A COLUMN SPRING OR PUSHING BAR/78 A LATERAL PUSHING BAR
- 79 FIRING MECHANISM FRAME
- 80 SLOT CHANNEL GUIDE/81 CURVED PORTION OF CHANNEL GUIDE
- 90 BOLT TRAIN
- 100 BARREL
- 101 CONTROLING FIRING MECHANISM SUBASSEMBLY HOUSING
- 102 BARREL HOUSING
- 103 GAS PISTON SYSTEM
The drawings presented herein are intended to provide descriptions of the possible embodiments of the inventive firearm and accessories thereof. No scope limitations are intended nor should be construed in relation to such representations. Most of the drawings are self-explanatory; however for a better understanding of the advantages, capabilities and innovation of this invention, some of the drawings are explained in more detail. All drawings are shown in one of the preferred embodiments.
This invention uses a Bolt Train 90 consisting of two or more track mounted members, pivotally articulately, and connected between the adjacent members. The first member of the Bolt Train 90 is a Front Bolt 20, or alternatively a Bolt Carrier 20B containing a Rotary Bolt 20C, which initially travels axially only, The Second member is an Mechanism Carriage Housing 40 or alternatively 40B containing, and including, the Active Firing Mechanisms and progressively diverts its path to a downwards or transverse motion as the front bolt 20 displaces rearwards. When needed, a third optional member is incorporated to the Bolt Train 90. It is a Recoil Damper Subassembly 64, that travels linearly or transversally, comprised of a Recoil damper mechanism carrier 65 containing a movable compensator 67 and a spring 69A. The Bolt Train 90 is track guided slidably mounted by means of protruding guides 21 or by roller guides 41 or 41A that slide in lateral slot Channel guides 80 embedded or attached to the receiver 66 frame.
The slot Channel guides 80 have a planar path that uniquely directs the displacement of the Bolt Train 90. Because the Firing Mechanism Sub Assembly 39
The Articulated Bolt Train 90 is also a kinetic energy multi absorption device. It accomplishes it in several independent ways:
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- 1. By compressing the main recoil spring.
- 2. By diverting the path of the Mechanism Carriage Housing 40 and parts contained within. The reaction force of the change of direction is perceived in the receiver as a vertical and rearwards movement.
- 3. By amplifying the force required to compress the Hammer spring 33 via the principle of mechanism explained in the fourth purpose.
- 4. By compressing the Hammer spring 33 while cocking as explained in the third purpose.
- 5. By compressing the Spring 69A, and pushing the Movable Compensator 67 of the optional Recoil Damper Mechanism
- 6. By utilizing the mass of all the above mentioned mechanisms as working mass to compensate the recoil, saving mass and volume that otherwise would be required to perform the same results in independent mechanisms.
This invention has at least twelve different purposes. The order in which the Purposes are presented does not represent a major importance of one relative to the others. These include:
1: To provide a Bolt Train mechanism to partially redirect the initial bore axial recoil force into a transversally directed recoil force and to perform several other functions;
2: To provide a firing mechanism subassembly incorporated to the Bolt Train that would displace altogether as part of the recoiling mass;
3: To provide a Firing Mechanism Subassembly incorporated to the Bolt Train 90, that cocks in response to the recoil displacement, and to the angular rotation of the components of the bolt train while displacing rearwards following a transverse path;
4: To provide a manageable cam delay blowback mechanism to retard the opening of the breech operating only on rearward motion;
5: To significantly reduce the total weight, and volume of the firearm utilizing the Bolt Train mechanism;
6: To lower the center of gravity of the firearm utilizing the Bolt Train mechanism;
7: To provide an independent Recoil Damper Mechanism attachable to the Bolt Train sub assembly
8: to provide a quick Jaws opening and closing system of the Upper and Lower receivers pivoting about a hinge joint, like jaws, to facilitate the access to internal components of bolt train mechanisms for assemble and disassemble components;
9: To Generate an Angular Moment, which reduces the Barrel Torque rotation effect:
10: To minimize the moment effect of recoil about the hands and wrist of the firer.
11: To identify and engineer the different parameters involved in the functioning of the Articulated Bolt Train Operational System, and to set the desired values for the preferred objective embodiment for a certain task.
12: To perform the following independent mechanical actions, occurring in mechanisms housed within separated train members: 1) To cock the firing mechanisms, 2) To create a delay in the breech opening, and 3) To actuate an optional recoil damper mechanism.
In relation to the first purpose, above, to provide a Bolt Train mechanism to partially reroute the initial bore axial recoil force into a transversally directed recoil force and perform several other functions. In one embodiment the Bolt Train 90 can have a plurality of members interconnected by hinges, or any other proper interlinking means, one after the other that move guided along slot channel guides 80, internal to the receiver, inducing a planar motion of the bolt train along a planar path to which the barrel belongs. None of the members is a dead mass. Each has a specific function and a mechanism inside the corresponding carrier housing. In order to function properly, the Bolt Train 90 has to be placed inside a by design Receiver 66 that controls and urges its path, and holds all the sub assemblies in the convenient location, allowing the synchronic movements of all the components to take place in time and space. The Receiver 66 is conceived in a manner that it has an Upper receiver and a Lower receiver, so that when both are put together, it will completely define and constrain a plurality of cavities and tracks to enable the unique travel of the Bolt Train 90, and the housing of the modular subassemblies and components of the firearm.
When a firearm is discharged there is a reaction force in the opposite direction of the projectile. That causes the Bolt to displace rearwards over a straight path. In the case of this invention, the Bolt Train is comprised by several articulately linked members that form a Bolt Train 90. The bolt train 90 consists of two or more different bodies. See
In relation to the second purpose, above, to provide a firing mechanism subassembly incorporated to the Bolt Train 90 that displaces altogether as part of the recoiling mass. In one embodiment the firing mechanisms have two different separate types of sub assemblies: The controlling firing mechanisms subassembly 74,
Alternatively, an angular sear lever 50 is attached at the top side of the mechanisms carrier housing 40 by means of a pin for sear lever which passes through holes for pin 44 and the hole for sear lever pin 52 of the hinges for sear pin 43 and hole for sear lever hinge pin 52 respectively. The angular sear lever 50 has a small angular face tip 54 that passes through a rectangular hole for the sear tip 45.
A sear lever spring 53 accommodates into the cylindrical hole for sear spring 42 and pushes the angular sear lever 50 so that the angular sear lever 50 is permanently pushed into the rectangular hole for the sear tip 45. The angular face tip 54 is long enough to cause a temporary interference with the frontal face of the hammer 30 retaining it in a cocked loaded position when the hammer 30 is moved enough to the rear inside the rectangular cavity 40A of the mechanisms carrier housing 40 causing the compression of the hammer spring 33.
The rear of the mechanisms carrier housing 40 has two laterally protruding rod guides 41 or Roller guides 41 A on to the right, another to the left. They slide along the zone B see
In relation to the third purpose, above, to provide a firing mechanism subassembly incorporated to the Bolt Train that cocks in response to the recoil displacement, and to the angular dislocation or misalignment of components of the bolt train while displacing rearwards following a transverse path. In one embodiment the increasing displacement of the Articulated Bolt Train 90 in the rearward motion causes an increasingly divergent rotation of the Mechanism Carrier Housing 40 about pin 47, increasing the Angle of Articulation
The non parallel paths of zone A and zone B of the slot Channel guides 80
It is clear that the recoil force causes the displacement of bolt train 90 rearwards inducing an angular displacement of mechanisms carrier housing 40 and the front bolt 20 about the center of the top hinge 24, which produces the cocking of the active parts of the movable firing mechanism.
In relation to the fourth purpose, above, to provide a cam delay blowback opening mechanism to retard the opening of the breech. In one embodiment, this Invention achieves the purpose of creating a delay in the opening of the breech on the rearward motion by generating a restriction to the rearwards motion only, As the recoil force starts to build up it urges the bolt train 90 to move backwards as explained previously. The force opposing to that displacement is that of the main recovery spring of the firearm. An additional force opposing the displacement of the bolt train 90 is crated in the following manner: As the protruding rod guide (2) 41 slidably moves to zone B it starts to rotate about pin 47, as well as the mechanisms carrier housing 40 and the firing mechanisms contained within, causing the protruding delay opening cam 22B of
In relation to the fifth purpose, above, to significantly reduce the total weight, and volume of the firearm utilizing the Bolt Train mechanism. In one embodiment, this Invention achieves the purpose by substituting the conventional fixed placed firing mechanisms by movable firing mechanisms, and placing them and its frame inside the Mechanisms Carrier Housing 40, behind the Front bolt 20 converting then into a part of the Bolt train 90. The Articulated front Bolt 20 and mechanism carrier housing 40 with firing mechanism incorporated within substitutes the fixed conventional firing mechanisms eliminating the volume and weight that is normally dedicated to it, thus reducing substantially the volume and weight. The controlling firing mechanisms sub assembly 74
In relation to the sixth purpose, above, to lower the center of gravity of the firearm utilizing the Bolt Train 90 assembly. In one embodiment, the very dense nature and slim profile of the Bolt Train 90 containing the Firing Mechanism enables the substitution and elimination of the conventional voluminous firing mechanisms as explained above and placing it in a predetermined location where it will align to interact with the miniature compact controlling firing mechanism subassembly 74,
In relation to the seventh purpose, above, to provide an independent Recoil Damper mechanism linkedly attachable to the Bolt Train sub assembly to additionally restrain the rearwards motion increasing the total delay. In one embodiment, when an optional third member, the Recoil Damper sub assembly 64
In relation to the eighth purpose, above, to provide an quick Jaws Opening and Closing System of the upper (66U) and lower (66U) receivers, pivoting about a hinge Axis (66A), like jaws, to facilitate the access to internal components of Bolt Train mechanisms and sub-assemblies, for assemble and disassemble operation. The array of train elements, paths in the internal array of guide tracks, the mechanisms subassemblies receptacles, the means of fixation, the means of coupling of independent interacting components, the Articulated Bolt Train within the receiver, become totally unconstrained when the upper and lower receivers are rotated, in a plane, one relative to the other like jaws to allow the fast opening, the quick access and removal of All internal subassemblies of the floating articulated Bolt Train Operating System.
In relation to the ninth purpose, above, to Generate an Angular Moment, which reduces the Barrel Torque rotation effect, the angular motion of the Articulated Bolt Train 90 in the curved path, while shifting from the horizontal path to the transverse path, generates a Gyroscopic effect and a Gyroscopic Moment or Angular Moment which induces a force vector perpendicular to the plane of motion of the articulated Bolt Train. As a result, the Articulated Bolt Train is capable of compensating to an extent, the barrel rotation reaction, commonly known as Barrel Torque, which occurs as a reaction, when rotation is impaired to the projectile whilst being propelled through the rifled barrel. Such temporary Gyroscopic Effect is transient and occurs again, in the reciprocating motion of the Train, while returning forward to close the breech. The magnitude of the Moment is a function of The Mass of the parts subject to angular motion; to the Radius of rotation; the Angle of Articulation, Which determines the Arc Length and to the Velocity of rotation. All the latter mentioned are measurable parameters and subject of being calculated for design efficiency.
In relation to the tenth purpose, above, to minimize the moment effect value of recoil about the support hand and wrist of the firer. By definition, the magnitude of a Moment is the product of a force, multiplied by the distance (arm) to the line or point of application. Therefore by locating a portion of the path of some elements of the Articulated Bolt Train directly through the hand, and by locating the curved portion of the path in the closest ergonomical proximity to the hand or wrist, the Distance factor of the Moment value is minimized. Such perspective is of important when determining the path of the firearm.
In relation to the eleventh purpose, above, to identify the different Parameters involved in the operation of the Articulated Bolt Train Operational System, and to engineer the desired values to the parameters to obtain a preferred dynamic behavior embodiment for a certain operation. Parameters herein are numerical or other measurable factors, forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation. Thus the identification of the parameters, and the determination of the best possible values, and the interaction of the internal mechanisms is a very noble instrument in the process of improving recoil management in guns design. The identified parameters in the functioning of the Articulated Bolt Train Operation al System are at least:
a) in terms associated with the firearm, including i) the total mass of the firearm when ready to
fire, and ii) the location of the center of gravity of the firearm;
b) in terms associated with the path of the articulated Bolt Train, including i) the length of the horizontal zone parallel to the axis of the Barrel, ii) the shape of the curved zone (semicircular, elliptical, combined, with inflexion point, singular or multiple, Radius of the circle, coordinates of center point, Axis of ellipse, Length of arc of circle or ellipse, angle of articulation, as examples), and iii) the length, shape and direction of the of the downwards transversal zone (as above, including, again, the angle of articulation, as examples);
c) in terms associated with the articulated bolt train, including i) bolt mass, ii) firing mechanism subassembly (39) Mass, iii) Recoil Damper Sub-assembly mass, and iv) Spring force of the main springs (basically the mechanism design and physical interaction of mechanisms therein the bolt train);
d) in terms associated with the conditions of operation, including i) cartridge energy utilized in the firearm, and ii) Initial Bolt Train velocity (measurable);
e) in terms associated with the bolt train motion restriction;
f) in terms associated with the cam delay blowback opening, including i) the Cam (22B) shape, ii) the Angle Omega of the Front face of the striker hammer, iii) the Force of the spring for the Striker Hammer, and iv) the mass of the Striker Hammer;
g) in terms associated with the recoil damper mechanism, including i) shape of the cam (40C), ii) the shape and Angle Beta of the recoil compensator (67), iii) the Force of the spring for the recoil compensator, and iv) the mass of the recoil compensator; and
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- h) in terms associated with the firearm, including i) the Weight of the receiver, ii) the height of the receiver, iii) the weight of the Barrel, iv) the length of the barrel, v) the Center of mass of the complete firearm, vi) the total weight of the firearm, among others.
In relation to the twelfth purpose, above, to perform the following independent mechanical actions, occurring in mechanisms housed within separated train members: 1) To cock the firing mechanisms, 2) To create a delay in the breech opening, and 3) To actuate an optional recoil damper mechanism. The cocking action of the firing mechanism occurs when the edge line 22A of the bolt 20 contacts and pushes back sufficiently the Front face 34 of the hammer as a consequence of the pivotal rotation about pin 47 of the Bolt head 20 and Firing Mechanism Subassembly 39. The delay action in the breech opening occurs when the protruding delay opening cam 22B of the bolt 20 contacts and pushes back sufficiently the Delay opening sloped face 35 of the hammer 30 at the Omega Angle, as a consequence of the pivotal rotation about pin 47 of the Bolt head 20 and Firing Mechanism Subassembly 39. The action of actuating an optional Recoil Damper Mechanism 64 occurs when the protruding delay opening cam 40C of the 40 contacts and pushes back sufficiently the Front angular Face of compensator 68 of recoil Damper Subassembly 64 at the Beta Angle, as a consequence of the pivotal rotation about pin 41A of mechanisms carrier housing 40 and Recoil Damper Mechanism Carriage 65.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
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- a. This invention presents a linearly displacing hammer. Similar results in terms of recoil absorption can be obtained by placing a compact array of firing mechanisms with conventional rotary parts behind the front bolt as a part of another type of traveling mechanisms carriage, however it would require more volume, which defeats the purpose of accommodating the traveling mechanisms in a tight space such as the inside of the handgrip.
- b. Additional recoil absorption can be achieved by placing conventional shock absorbers, hydraulic or pneumatic, rubber pads at the end of the cavity that receives the mechanisms carrier housing 40. Elastomeric shock absorber can be placed to additionally abate the recoil by allowing the recoiling mechanisms carrier housing 40 stop against them.
- c. Neither the mechanisms carrier cavity 40A, the hammer 30, nor the mechanism carriers housing 30 are necessarily rectangular. They are of the convenient shape to accommodate a convenient shaped hammer.
- d.
FIG. 3B Shows a simpler design of the hammer that incorporates the sear and the sear spring as an integral part of the hammer 30. This locking action takes place internally when the sear angular face 36 moves into the rectangular hole 45B ofFIG. 4A at the force of the sear flat spring 37, enabling the elimination of parts numbers 42, 43, 44, 46 50,51, 52,53, 54. Such simpler design of the hammer also makes possible to use a mechanisms carrier housing 40 as shown inFIG. 4B . - e. Slot channel guides 80 are used in this description of the operation; however, other different methods to guide and control the path of the mechanisms may be used without affecting the novelty of this patent.
- f. To enhance compactness, the Slot Channel Guides 80 have been shown to be located inside the handle or grip, however, its placement in any other convenient location and with a suitable direction can be used to attain the desired result of recoil management or trimming.
- g.
FIG. 3C shows a compact design of the hammer that incorporates an internal articulated toggle internal sear 56 and in a similar way to the latter explained mechanism, has the same benefits, with the advantage of being able to tune the trigger pull sensitivity by using different strength of the toggle internal sear spring 55. - h. A similar active firing mechanism to the one described in this application can be developed to be placed in the Front Bolt location, and operating under the same principles of dislocation of the two main components of the Bolt Train. In this way, the Front Bolt becomes a “Front Bolt and active Firing Mechanisms Carriage Housing”, with active firing mechanisms inside, and the mechanisms carrier housing 40, becomes just a mass with the convenient shape and size. The hammer can integrate with the firing pin, in one sole part.
- i. Similar results cad be obtained by substituting the transverse slot Channel tracks that urge the displacement, by articulated bar plates of proper length or plates in which one end of the bar is hinged about a fixed position on the receiver, and at the other end is articulated to a hinge placed at the back of Firing Mechanisms Carriage Housing 40, See
FIG. 20 . Forcing a semi-circular motion of the rear end of the Firing Mechanisms Carriage Housing 40. - j. The channel slotted guides can have a convenient form and direction as long as they force the articulation of the Bolt Train Assembly when displacing, can be embedded, stamped, machined slotted in the receiver or separately manufactured and properly attached to the receiver.
- k. The receiver 66 can be manufactured by several different processes; machined, stamped, injected, metal injection molding; in clam shells, upper and lower receivers, with the condition that when assembled, it will define some cavities and track slots, to accept the necessary parts and subassemblies for its proper functioning
- l. The cocking handle can be placed acting directly on the front bolt or as a part of a bar actuated bi a direct drive gas piston system.
- m. A direct drive gas piston system can be used to push back the articulated bolt train upon firing the firearm.
- n. When the articulated bolt train is used with large sized projectiles the gun can be fitted with an electric device to assist the drive.
- o. The sear can engage in many ways, as long as it locks against the firing mechanisms carriage housing 40, holding the hammer back inside the carriage spring loaded.
- p. It is possible to trim, both, the trigger pull, and the trigger travel by placing threaded holes inside the Hammer 30, at the upper side, and the lower side of the cavity that hosts the sear. By placing a spring against the upper part of the seat, exerting trim able force controlled by the displacement of a trimming screw at the opposite side of the threaded hole. The trigger travel is controllable by placing a trim able screw acting over the lower side of the sear, limiting the sear travel to engage, and consequently
It is evident that firearms described in one out of the several possible embodiments, represent improvements in numerous ways in terms of ergonomy, comfort, recoil control, ease of manufacture, ease to serve, size of the weapon, weight of the weapon, stability, appearance, cost, concealability, and safety due to the simplified technology herein described. But most importantly the Operating System herein described represent an outstanding tool for the process of gun design for the ability to engineer the value of the parameters involved the management of the recoil control within a range of attainable results. Today's technology enables the use of simulation software to thoroughly obtain data to predict the recoil changes in three dimensions and three axis rotations.
The utilization of composite polymers, carbon fibers and modern manufacturing processes is compatible with the weapons using the present invention.
The potential use of this invention is abundant in nearly all categories of semi and full automatic guns for civilian and military purposes crating a noble class of weapons. Implications in defense are immediate due to the advantages exposed. Most importantly, the ability to identify the Operating System Parameters and to engineer its values in order to attain improved recoil effects represents an extraordinary tool in firearms design.
Claims
1. An Operating System for a firearm to manage a recoil force effect utilizing a Pivotally Articulated Bolt Train of planar motion displacing along a cooperative receiver.
2. The Operating System of claim 1 having:
- A Pivotally Articulated Bolt Train Mechanism functioning within a cooperative receiver, displacing, track mounted, along a pre-determined Path to partially redirect the initial bore axial recoil force into a transversally directed recoil force and to perform several functions;
- A Firing Mechanism Subassembly incorporated to the Bolt Train that displaces altogether as part of the recoiling train;
- A Firing Mechanism Subassembly incorporated to the Bolt Train that cocks in response to the recoil displacement along a predetermined Path, and to the angular rotation motion of the components of said Train while displacing rearwards.
- A Cam Delay Blowback mechanism to retard the opening of a barrel breech after firing;
- An array, within the cooperative receiver, of mechanisms, paths, tracks subassemblies reducing the total weight, volume and lowers of the center of gravity of said firearm;
- An independent, optional Recoil Damper Mechanism attachable to the Bolt Train sub assembly:
- A quick Jaws opening and closing Array of the Upper and Lower receivers pivoting about a hinge joint, like jaws, to facilitate the access to internal components of the bolt train mechanisms for assemble and disassemble of the train components;
- A pre-calculated planar angular motion of certain train members to generate a gyroscopic effect and an Angular Moment which reduces a Barrel Torque rotation effect of the firearm after firing;
- A pre-calculated motion along a portion of said path and tracks, through a tunnel handle of the firearm;
- A number of identified and engineerable parameters involved in the functioning of the Articulated Bolt Train Operational System, to set the desired values for the preferred objective Dynamic reactions; and
- A number of interactive mechanisms to perform inter-dependent mechanical actions, occurring in mechanisms housed within separated train members, said actions being:
- 1) To cock a firing mechanisms,
- 2) To create a delay in a barrel breech opening, and
- 3) To actuate an optional recoil damper mechanism.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 22, 2015
Publication Date: Jun 30, 2016
Inventor: Jorge Pizano (Cordova, TN)
Application Number: 14/979,143