Portable weapon assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable weapon assembly comprising a casing made of a single polymer body without any internal metal structural elements; the assembly has an inner cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable weapon assembly.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to portable weapons such as long guns or long barreled guns, and more particularly to smoothbore guns such as shotguns. Background Art

[0003] Shotguns typically include a frame, often called a receiver, which is made of steel or a light alloy such as Ergal.

[0004] The materials used to make receivers of conventional weapons offer excellent performance from a technical point of view, but also have the disadvantage of being more expensive.

[0005] Furthermore, the conventionally manufactured receiver has a high production cost due to the relatively more processes required to obtain it.

[0006] Traditional weapons such as shotguns have a stock, such as a folding stock, typically made of wood or possibly plastic or metal.

[0007] The main disadvantage of this conventional construction is the need to assemble the various parts that make up the stock and assemble the stock to the weapon.

[0008] Several alternative gun configurations are known in the art.

[0009] DE19512178 discloses a repeating shotgun, in particular an automatic shotgun, the barrel of which is rigidly attached to a plastic housing by means of metal fasteners.

[0010] US5513461 discloses a lightweight automatic rifle having a hollow plastic case with a metal sleeve.

[0011] US4674216 discloses a plastic rifle stock with a panel insert.

[0012] US6301817B1 discloses a long gun stock, including a rigid insert molded from a reinforced thermoplastic material and a foaming agent. The insert is overmolded with a thermoplastic material that provides the desired surface properties for the stock. The insert is sized smaller than the finished stock relative to its overmolded surface and is designed to give the stock strength. The shape of the insert is set to promote the flow of the overmolded material and minimize shrinkage, expansion or deformation of the insert.

[0013] US2020 / 191521A1 discloses a firearm stock having a front end portion and a pistol grip portion. The front end portion has a front end portion cavity and a front end insert. The front end insert has a front end insert reinforcement structure disposed in the front end portion cavity. The pistol grip portion has a pistol grip portion cavity and a pistol grip insert. The pistol grip insert has a pistol grip insert reinforcement structure disposed in the pistol grip portion cavity.

[0014] US2018 / 356183A1 discloses a base plate for a buttstock, the base plate having a retaining component and a damping component attached to the retaining component. The installation and removal of the base plate is achieved by means of the front surface of the retaining component facing the buttstock and two arched retaining members protruding forward and spaced apart, and the arched retaining members are used for snap-on retention on two oppositely positioned side walls of the buttstock.

[0015] US8387297B2 discloses a quick connect / disconnect recoil pad for the butt end of a shoulder-fired firearm. The recoil pad can be installed and removed without tools or utensils to replace another recoil pad.

[0016] WO2017 / 109268A1 discloses a rifle comprising a buttstock and a grip, which are configured to be interchangeably used by a user. The grip is releasably attached to the buttstock of the rifle by a fastening device and by a form-fitting attachment arrangement.

[0017] The above-mentioned firearms require a large number of production steps to manufacture the stocks and receivers.

[0018] EP0903556A1 discloses a portable weapon having an integral receiver and buttstock, made of plastic and provided with metal inserts to strengthen the structure. EP0903556A1 cleverly solves the problems of the known prior art, but over time the need to improve some essential features became apparent. Summary of the invention

[0019] The object of the present invention is to provide a portable weapon assembly which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known art.

[0020] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a further improved portable weapon, in particular a long gun such as a shotgun.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable weapon assembly having improved functionality.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable weapon assembly having an increased lifespan.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable weapon assembly that is lightweight.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable weapon assembly that can be produced at a relatively low cost.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable weapon assembly having superior modular characteristics.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable weapon assembly that can be more easily produced.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable weapon assembly having superior impact resistance.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable weapon assembly having superior aesthetic qualities.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable weapon assembly having enhanced corrosion resistance.

[0030] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly which, due to its particular construction characteristics, ensures maximum reliability and safety in use.

[0031] These objects and aims and others as will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a portable weapon assembly as claimed in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further features and advantages will become more apparent with the aid of the description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the invention shown for indicative and non-limiting purposes in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a long version of a portable weapon assembly according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a short version of a portable weapon assembly according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 is a side view of the long version of the assembly;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the long version of the assembly;

[0037] Figure 5 is based on Figure 4 A side view of a VV section cut;

[0038] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional picture of the recoil cushion with the link attached;

[0039] Figure 7 It is a stereoscopic view of the buttstock's plug;

[0040] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing details of the cage;

[0041] Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing details of the plug;

[0042] Fig.10 is a side view showing the installation of the grip to the receiver;

[0043] Fig.11 is a side view showing the grip mounted to the receiver;

[0044] Fig.12 It is a partial cutaway and exploded side view of the receiver in rib configuration;

[0045] Fig.13 It is a partial cutaway side view of the receiver in rib configuration;

[0046] Fig.14 is a partially cutaway and exploded side elevation view of the receiver in a configuration with a threaded insert;

[0047] Fig.15 is a partial cutaway side view of the housing in a configuration with a threaded insert;

[0048] Fig.16 is a perspective view of the front portion of the casing showing the configuration of the needle rollers and ribs;

[0049] Fig.17 is a view similar to the previous one, in which the breech is seen fitted;

[0050] Fig.18 is a perspective view of the front of the housing showing an exploded view of the rollers;

[0051] Fig.19 It is a partially exploded perspective view of the front part of the receiver, with the rollers mounted therein;

[0052] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the front portion of the receiver in the configuration with the rollers and breech mounted;

[0053] Fig.21 is a front view of the front portion of the receiver in the configuration with the needle roller and breech installed;

[0054] Fig. 22 It is a perspective view of the front part of the receiver in the base plate construction;

[0055] Fig.23 is a perspective view of the front portion of the receiver in the configuration with the floor plate and breech installed;

[0056] Fig.24is a perspective view showing the front portion of the receiver in a floor plate configuration;

[0057] Fig.25 It is a front view of the front portion of the receiver in the configuration with the floor plate and breech installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] With reference to the drawings, a portable weapon assembly according to the present invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, is advantageously embodied in a shotgun comprising a receiver portion 3, which is located, for example, in a Figure 2 The assembly is shown in a short construction.

[0059] According to another embodiment, in Figure 1 In the long configuration shown, the portable weapon assembly according to the invention comprises a receiver portion 3 and a butt portion 5 .

[0060] According to the invention, the component 1 is formed as a single polymer body without any internal metallic structural elements and is provided with an internal cavity that allows the use of a sliding core mould during the moulding phase of the component.

[0061] The frame's internal cavity provides the advantage of various grip configurations, thus improving the ergonomics of the weapon.

[0062] The modular nature of the assembly is constructed to minimize the number of variations in the mold and allow the production of stocks of various shapes.

[0063] exist Figure 1 and Figure 3-7 In the long version shown, the assembly has a handle 51 with a base 52 .

[0064] The grip 51 is hollow and allows the mold slide core to move.

[0065] The bottom 52 can be closed by a plug 53 equipped with a hook element 54 that allows the plug 53 to be snapped into the handle.

[0066] Advantageously, the buttstock 5 has a recoil pad attachment system, which is not shown in the figures. The fastening system comprises a cage 55 , also made of polymer, which interlocks internally with the blade portion of the buttstock 5 .

[0067] According to another aspect of the present invention, for example, Figure 10-11 As shown, the long version of the assembly has an interchangeable grip 56 .

[0068] The interchangeable grip 56 allows for a variety of grip configurations, thereby improving the ergonomics of the weapon.

[0069] Figure 12-15An embodiment is shown in which the receiver 3 has a coupling system for mounting a scope / sighting system.

[0070] according to Figure 12-13 In the embodiment shown, the assembly comprises a rib 31 inserted into a longitudinal seat 32 formed in the receiver part 3 .

[0071] The rib 31 has threaded holes 33 corresponding to holes 34 in the receiver.

[0072] This makes it possible to cold-install the ribs 31 .

[0073] This ensures that the rib 31 is clamped without causing deformation of the receiver 3 by creating a slight interference between the rib 31 and the seat 32 , taking advantage of the overhang required by the seat during the molding process.

[0074] The presence of the breech block ensures that the rib 31 cannot slide out of its longitudinal seat 32 during normal use of the shotgun.

[0075] Alignment of the holes 33 and 34 is ensured by making the diameter of the hole 34 in the receiver larger than the diameter of the hole 33 in the rib 31 .

[0076] according to Figure 14-15 In another embodiment shown, the upper part of the casing 3 of the assembly has a series of holes 35 designed to receive metal inserts 36 .

[0077] The hole 35 is made directly in the polymer structure of the receiving area 3 and the insert 36 is installed without further processing.

[0078] In order to comply with legal regulations requiring the serial number of a weapon to be fixed to a metal part, the assembly 1 advantageously has a metal element in the form of an insert or plate, designated by reference numeral 37, to which the prescribed legal marking is fixed.

[0079] The assembly according to the present invention also provides means for better transferring the impact force of the projectile from the breech to the polymer receiver by distributing the load and to improve shock resistance.

[0080] In fact, during firing, the base of the cartridge exerts pressure on the bolt head and releases the pressure onto the breech with the help of the supporting plane.

[0081] The polymer front surface of the receiver is therefore subject to considerable material stresses due to the small surface area of ​​the receiver and breech.

[0082] The assembly according to the invention is suitably and advantageously equipped with additional components designed to distribute the pressure more appropriately during firing.

[0083] The assembly according to the invention comprises a breech support system with metal pins.

[0084] like Figure 16-21 As shown, the system comprises metal pins 61 arranged on a surface 60 of the receiver 3 and integral therewith, abutting against a breech 62 .

[0085] Figure 22-25 The system shown shows a molded floor plate 71 placed between the side of the receiver 3 and the breech 72, designed to reduce contact pressure.

[0086] The base plate 71 is mounted on the breech 72 with an interference fit, which prevents the base plate 71 from falling off when the barrel assembly is disassembled.

[0087] Fig.23 It is shown how the breech block 72 rests on the molded base plate 71 .

[0088] A weapon assembly according to the present invention may be advantageously used to construct a modular, all-polymer stock / receiver for a firearm such as a shotgun.

[0089] By way of example, but not limitation, the assembly may be used with 3 inch and 3.5 inch chambers and a variety of sizes.

[0090] Eliminating internal metal structures brings many advantages in terms of functionality and longevity of the weapon.

[0091] The internal metal insert 37 is present only to comply with current regulations which require the serial number to be written on a metal part that is integral to the receiver.

[0092] An important advantage of the assembly according to the invention is that it reduces the weight of the components and thus the overall mass of the weapon.

[0093] Furthermore, the reduction in weight not only improves the handling of the firearm, but also reduces the fatigue associated with using a shotgun. The absence of an internal metal frame reduces the weight by almost 400 grams compared to a weapon of the type described in EP0903556A1.

[0094] Removing the metal frame also reduces the overall cost of assembly because it simplifies the injection molding process.

[0095] In addition, the costs associated with the raw materials of the steel frame, the manufacturing process and surface treatment (welding and phosphating) of the frame structure, and its dimensional inspection / forming are eliminated.

[0096] Another advantage is the modularity of the grip in the buttstock-receiver combination.

[0097] In the absence of internal metal structures, polymer stocks and receivers are free to be molded using removable cores to obtain interchangeable grips. This makes it possible to provide the weapon with a variety of grip configurations, thus improving the ergonomics of the weapon.

[0098] This modularity provides the important advantage of minimizing the number of variants in a mold.

[0099] The assembly according to the invention has a grip bottom with a cavity that allows the mold slide core to move. This enables the production of a hollow handle, which has advantages both in terms of weight and the environment, thereby using less raw material.

[0100] The system of fastening the recoil pad to the buttstock by means of a cage also made of polymer inserted inside the blade portion of the buttstock is particularly advantageous compared to conventional systems in which the grip cavity is covered by a plug secured with adhesive and the recoil pad attachment ring is ultrasonically welded instead.

[0101] In contrast, according to the present invention, the two components interlock on the buttstock housing, thereby allowing for a streamlined assembly process and improved performance.

[0102] Another advantage of the present invention is the coupling system for achieving mounting of the scope / pointing system by means of insert strips or threaded inserts.

[0103] The threaded insert system allows for advantageous mounting of rails and optical accessories.

[0104] In fact, in order to install rails or accessories on prior art weapons, it is necessary to drill and tap metal inserts inside the frame, which not only eliminates the surface treatment of the parts, which may cause rust, but also increases assembly time, since the coolant required for drilling the holes needs to be cleaned.

[0105] In contrast, according to the present invention, the absence of such a frame allows drilling of the polymer and direct insertion of the metal insert without further processing.

[0106] While the internal metal structure of a conventional shotgun adds rigidity to the system, it also results in stress points concentrated in the transition area between polymer and metal, particularly in the grip area.

[0107] In contrast, according to the present invention, the absence of metal structures allows for a more uniform rigidity of the assembly, thereby reducing the likelihood of breakage during a sudden drop.

[0108] Impact resistance was also further improved by using software simulations to optimize the geometry of the component, allowing it to be better integrated with the new polymer composite material.

[0109] This load should be distributed in order to transmit the firing pulse from the breech to the polymer receiver.

[0110] This is because during firing, the base of the cartridge applies pressure to the bolt head and releases the pressure onto the breech with the aid of the support plane.

[0111] Due to the small surface area of ​​the receiver and breech, the polymer front surface of the receiver is therefore subject to considerable stress for the materials involved.

[0112] The invention provides additional components which allow a more rational distribution of pressure during firing: the breech rests on a metal pin or the breech rests on a molded base plate.

[0113] The assembly according to the invention also offers advantages in terms of the aesthetic qualities of the weapon.

[0114] The absence of an internal metal frame makes it possible to eliminate all aesthetic defects caused by it.

[0115] Specifically, all areas where the frame is visible are subject to polymer leakage, which adversely affects both aesthetics and sometimes performance, and requires manual deburring.

[0116] The new receiver assembly without an internal frame according to the invention eliminates all these problems, thus ensuring unprecedented aesthetic qualities.

[0117] The assembly according to the invention also offers advantages in terms of corrosion resistance.

[0118] Indeed, while conventional metal core frames already have a surface treatment to reduce the potential for rust in areas of the frame that are exposed to the elements, such treatments applied to high-wear surfaces may result in rust.

[0119] Not only does rust degrade the mechanical properties of the material over time, but it also increases friction between components, leading to a poor shooting experience.

[0120] The assembly according to the invention eliminates this risk by retaining only the front metal insert engraved with the serial number required by law.

[0121] In practice, it has been found that the invention achieves the aim and objects.

[0122] This application claims the benefit of Italian Patent Application No. 102023000017088, filed on August 10, 2023, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A portable weapon assembly, comprising a receiver, characterized in that: The receiver is made of a single polymer body without any internal metallic structural elements; the assembly has an internal cavity.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The assembly includes a buttstock integrally formed with the receiver.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that The assembly includes a hollow handle.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that The hollow handle is closed by a plug.

5. The assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that The plug includes a hook member for snap-fitting the plug into the handle.

6. The assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that The stock includes a fastening system for a recoil pad, the fastening system comprising a polymer cage that snaps into the stock.

7. The assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that The assembly includes interchangeable grips.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The assembly comprises a rib inserted into a longitudinal seat made in the receiver; the rib has a threaded hole corresponding to a hole formed in the receiver.

9. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The assembly includes a set of holes formed in the top of the receiver and configured to receive a metal insert.

10. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The assembly includes a breech rest system with a metal pin disposed on the front of the receiver and secured to the receiver and in contact with the breech.

11. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The assembly includes a shaped plate disposed between a side of the receiver and a side of the breech and configured to reduce contact pressure; the shaped plate is mounted on the breech with an interference fit.

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