Ultra-light barrel with guided tightening torque

Abstract

The invention relates to a tightening mechanism and method designed to enhance the strength, rigidity, and accuracy of a firearm barrel without requiring dynamometric keys. The barrel is enclosed with a tensioning tube and a washer comprising a reference mark. By tightening the tensioning nut on the thread at the distal end of the barrel, the tensioning tube is compressed, and the barrel is placed under tension. The optimal required tightening torque of the tensioning nut, determined by the type of ammunition, caliber, and firearm accessories, is achieved when one of the marks of the marking on the tensioning nut aligns with the reference mark on the washer. This optimal torque application increases the barrel's rigidity and reduces vibration, thereby improving the firearm's accuracy without the need for a dynamometric key.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of firearms and, more particularly, to barrels enclosed with an outer tensioning tube fastened together to enhance the accuracy and performance of firearms.Background of the invention

[0002] Accuracy in firearms has always been considered a primary criterion in firearm selection. One of the key factors influencing accuracy is the vibration of the barrel when a bullet travels through it. This vibration can affect the trajectory and consistency of the bullet's flight path, thereby impacting overall shooting precision.

[0003] Many firearm manufacturers have aimed to mitigate these vibrations. Proposed solutions include crafting extremely heavy and rigid barrels, which exceed the strength needed to withstand the powerful forces generated by burning powder gases. However, the excessive weight of these heavy rifles often limits their practical use primarily to target ranges.

[0004] Another attempt to alter barrel vibration without significant weight increase involved encasing either the entire barrel or a section of it with a tensioning sleeve or tube. This sleeve enhances stiffness, thereby mitigating barrel vibration by inducing compression in the sleeve and tension in the barrel. This configuration effectively simulates the characteristics of a heavier barrel without the accompanying weight of a larger-diameter barrel. However, optimizing this system for ideal compression and / or tension remains challenging, especially when considering factors such as changes in ammunition, the addition or removal of accessories like sound moderators, or specific configurations requiring enhanced accuracy.

[0005] Achieving the ideal compression in the sleeve and tension in the barrel typically necessitates the use of specialized tools like dynamometric keys, often followed sometimes by iterative adjustments through trial and error to determine the optimal settings.

[0006] It is the object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for barrels that mitigates the drawbacks outlined earlier, effectively minimizing vibration across a broad spectrum of barrel types and sizes. This enhancement aims to maximize accuracy regardless of the type of ammunition, caliber, accessories, or other conditions used.Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a firearm featuring a lightweight barrel maintained under tension through the compression of a tensioning tube encompassing the barrel. The invention includes guided markings on the tensioning nut, which, when aligned with reference marks on the washer during tightening, deliver specific torque levels for compressing the tensioning tube and tensioning the barrel to ensure optimal accuracy. The adjustment process, designed to accommodate various types of ammunition, calibers, attached accessories, or other conditions, requires only a basic tool for adjusting (tightening or loosening) the tensioning nut, thereby eliminating the need for specialized tools such as a dynamometric key.

[0008] The present invention is related to a firearm comprising: a frame defined with a longitudinal axis; a barrel comprising a proximal end attached to the frame and a distal end from where a bullet exits the firearm when fired, the distal end comprising a thread. a tensioning tube encasing fully or partially the barrel between the proximal end and the distal end; a tensioning nut threaded onto the thread of the distal end of the barrel so that when tightened, the tensioning tube is compressed and the barrel is placed under tension; markings and a reference mark to be aligned to indicate a specific tightening torque for optimal compression on the tensioning nut and optimal tension on the barrel.

[0009] Preferably, the tensioning tube is abutted by a washer at the side of the distal end.

[0010] Preferably, the tensioning nut comprises the markings.

[0011] Preferably, the washer comprises the reference mark being able to align with one of the markings of the tensioning nut.

[0012] Preferably, the washer is locked in rotation relative to the barrel and / or the tensioning tube when tightening the tensioning nut.

[0013] Preferably, the washer is located between the tensioning nut and the tensioning tube distributing the load of the tensioning nut over the tensioning tube.

[0014] Preferably, the requested tightening torque of the tensioning nut is obtained by aligning one of the markings of the tensioning nut with the reference mark of the washer.

[0015] Preferably, each marking of the markings when aligned with the reference mark defines an optimal compression of the tensioning tube and tension of the barrel for optimal accuracy depending on the chosen settings, wherein the chosen settings include at least one caliber, projectile weight, or ammunition type.

[0016] Preferably, the tightening torque of the tensioning nut is adjustable based on the caliber, projectile weight, ammunition type, or accessories attached to the said firearm.

[0017] Preferably, the tightening torque of the tensioning nut is adjustable without the use of dynamometric keys.

[0018] Preferably, the tensioning tube is encasing the barrel coaxially.

[0019] Preferably, the tensioning tube is positioned horizontally along the longitudinal axis freely between the proximal end and the distal end of the barrel.

[0020] Preferably, the tensioning tube is abutted by the proximal end from one side and by the washer on another side such that threading the tensioning nut places the tensioning tube under compression and the barrel under tension.

[0021] The present invention is related to a method for optimizing the accuracy of the firearm, the method comprising the steps of: connecting the proximal end of the barrel to the frame of the firearm; encasing the barrel with the tensioning tube and the washer, positioned coaxially between the proximal end and the distal end with the barrel; threading the tensioning nut onto the thread at the distal end of the barrel and applying a tightening torque, thereby compressing the tensioning tube against the proximal end of the barrel and placing the barrel under tension; continuing to apply the tightening torque until a predefined mark on the markings of the tensioning nut aligns with the reference mark on the washer, indicating that the required tightening torque has been achieved. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the firearm, a 3D and cross-sectional view presenting the barrel with the tensioning tube attached to the frame. Figure 2 is an exploded 3D and cross-sectional view representing the tensioning tube enclosing the barrel. Figure 3 is a 3D and cross-sectional view of the barrel enclosed by the tensioning tube ready to be mounted on the firearm frame. Figure 4 is a 3D view of the tightening mechanism to compress the tensioning tube and tension the barrel. Detailed description of the invention

[0023] The present invention will be described in greater detail in one or more preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the appended figures and for which elements or details can be combined. The same principle applies when combining elements from the figures that illustrate the principal component of the current invention.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the firearm 50 in the upper-left corner, showcasing the frame 51 to which the barrel 4 is attached. Figure 1 also includes 3D and cross-sectional views depicting the barrel 4 connected to the frame 51 by screws 60 and 60'. The barrel 4 is enclosed partially by an aesthetic cover 5 which may abut either the frame 51 or the proximal end 20 of the barrel 4. Additionally, the barrel 4 can be changed to adapt the firearm 50 to the desired caliber, ammunition, or application.

[0025] The invention pertains to improvements in firearms and, more particularly, to an improved barrel designed to increase accuracy across various calibers, ammunition types, or attached accessories, including but not limited to silencers. This is achieved by applying the appropriate or optimal compression on the tensioning tube 3, along with optimal tension on the barrel 4. The accuracy of a firearm is influenced by several factors, one of which is the vibration of the barrel during bullet transit. Dampening or controlling these vibrations may enhance the barrel's response performance during firing, thereby improving the bullet's precision in reaching the target.

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded 3D view of all the components of the barrel 4, with the sleeve parts represented by the tensioning tube 3 and the aesthetic cover 5. It also depicts the tightening mechanism, which comprises the tensioning nut 1 and the washer 2. The tensioning tube 3 and the aesthetic cover 5 are designed to encase the barrel 4 coaxially. The thickness and diameter of said tensioning tube 3 and aesthetic cover 5 may vary along the entire length of the barrel 4. Again, the sleeve, comprising the tensioning tube 3 and the aesthetic cover 5 may fully or partially encase the barrel 4, either in a single section or in multiple sections, continuously or discontinuously. Additionally, holes or voids may be incorporated into the tensioning tube 3 and / or the aesthetic cover 5.

[0027] The barrel spacer 6 and the barrel extension 7 do not directly influence the present invention and may be optionally used for other purposes.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a 3D view and a cross-section of the encased barrel 4. The barrel 4 comprises a proximal end 20 designed to attach to the frame 51 and a distal end 10 from which the bullet exits the firearm 50 when fired. The proximal end 20 may abut the tensioning tube 3 or the aesthetic cover 5, so that when the tensioning tube 3 is compressed by the tightening mechanism (e.g., tensioning nut 1 and washer 2), the proximal end 20 prevents the tensioning tube 3 from sliding back toward the frame 51. In another embodiment, the frame 51 may abut the tensioning tube 3 either alone or in conjunction with the proximal end 20. The tensioning tube 3 and / or the aesthetic cover 5 is positioned horizontally between the proximal end 20 and the distal end 10 of the barrel 4. Thus, when the tensioning nut 1 is tightened, the tensioning tube 3 compresses. The aesthetic cover 5 is designed to be non-intrusive with respect to the tensioning mechanism. It is strategically mounted above the tensioning tube 3 in such a manner that it remains completely separate and does not make contact with the said tensioning tube 3.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the distal end 10 of the barrel 4 comprises a thread 9 designed to engage with the tensioning nut 1. When the tensioning nut 1 is tightened, it compresses the tensioning tube 3, thereby tensioning the barrel 4. This tensioning reduces the barrel's sensitivity to vibrations caused by shooting and the bullet's passage through the barrel 4 by increasing the overall stiffness and / or rigidity of the barrel 4. Consequently, accuracy is improved without necessitating an increase in the barrel's weight, rigidity, or strength.

[0030] The barrel 4, tensioning tube 3, and aesthetic cover 5 can be fully or partially replaced to meet specific application requirements. More specifically, the firearm 50 may be adapted for different calibers, ammunition types, or projectile weights by altering one or more of these components. Regardless of these changes, the tightening mechanism, which includes the tensioning nut 1, washer 2, and thread 9, ensures the precise application of tightening torque to achieve optimal compression on the tensioning tube 3 and optimal tension on the barrel 4.

[0031] Each combination of the barrel 4, tensioning tube 3, and aesthetic cover 5, along with the required munition, caliber, or other accessories, may necessitate a specific tightening torque to achieve the desired compression of the aesthetic cover 5 and / or tensioning tube 3 and the tension of the barrel 4. However, delivering this specific tightening torque typically requires specialized tools, such as dynamometric keys, which may not always be available or preferred. To address these constraints, markings 8 can be added to the barrel 4, tensioning nut 1, washer 2, and / or tensioning tube 3. Each mark in the markings 8, when aligned with a reference marking 11 on any component of the firearm 50, may indicate the specific tightening torque required for optimal compression and tension on the tensioning nut 1 and barrel 4, respectively, thereby ensuring the best accuracy for each chosen firearm setting.

[0032] Figure 4 provides a comprehensive 3D depiction of the tightening mechanism, highlighting the markings 8 on the tensioning nut 1 and washer 2. Each mark of the markings 8 specifies the optimal compression of the tensioning tube 3 and the optimal tension of the barrel 4, based on the specific barrel 4, tensioning tube 3, and aesthetic cover 5 in use. Typically, a manual accompanies the firearm 50, providing guidance on the recommended marking for each condition or setting. This ensures optimal accuracy by allowing for adjustable tightening torque without the need for dynamometric keys.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the markings 8 are positioned on the tensioning nut 1 to align with a reference line or mark 11 on the washer 2, ensuring the specific intended tightening torque. In this configuration, the washer 2 must be locked in rotation relative to the barrel 4 and / or the tensioning tube 3. The washer 2 may include a small longitudinal or transversal extension that fits into a corresponding groove on the tensioning tube 3 or barrel 4 to secure it against rotation. Alternatively, the washer 2 may feature a small longitudinal or transversal groove that fits into a corresponding extension on the tensioning tube 3 or barrel 4 to prevent rotation. Other solutions may be employed by the skilled person in the art to lock the washer 2 in place when the tensioning nut 1 is rotated and engaged with the thread 9 to apply the required tightening torque.

[0034] The washer 2 is primarily used to distribute the tightening torque of the tensioning nut 1 over a larger surface area. This distribution may help prevent damage to the tensioning tube 3 that is compressed, particularly in softer materials or in tensioning tubes with thin walls. By spreading the load, the washer 2 may minimize the risk of deforming, cracking, or creating dents or impressions on the tensioning tube 3. Additionally, the washer 2 may help to protect the tensioning tube 3 from direct friction with the tensioning nut 1. In the present invention, the washer 2 also serves as a reference marker. The reference line or mark 11 on the washer 2 may be aligned with the markings 8 on the tensioning nut 1 to achieve the required tightening torque accurately, eliminating the need for a dynamometric key.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the washer 2 may be dispensed, and the reference mark 11 may be directly implemented in the tensioning tube 3. This embodiment may apply the same principle of locking the tensioning tube 3 in rotation relative to the tube 4, ensuring that the reference mark 11 remains stationary when the tensioning nut 1 applies the tightening torque to compress the tensioning tube 3 and tension the tube 4.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, the markings 8 may be positioned on the barrel 4. This allows the user to monitor the position of the tensioning nut 1 relative to the barrel 4 during tightening or loosening. In more detail, as the tensioning nut 1 advances during tightening or retracts during loosening, the markings 8 align with the external edge of the tensioning nut 1.

[0037] The markings 8 may take various forms, such as marks, symbols, colors, lines, or other shapes, each representing a specific torque. These markings 8 may guide the user in adjusting the tensioning nut 2 to a precise position, thereby ensuring the application of the exact tightening torque needed for optimal shooting accuracy.

[0038] The present invention provides a method for optimizing the accuracy of the firearm 50 by providing optimal compression on the tensioning tube 3 and / or aesthetic cover 5, and optimal tension on the tensioning tube 3. After connecting the barrel 4 to the frame 51, the aesthetic cover 5 and the tensioning tube 3 may be coaxially installed on the firearm 50 to encase the barrel 4. The tensioning nut 1 is then engaged with the thread 9 at the distal end 10 of the barrel 4, with the washer 2 placed in a locked position. To apply the required tightening torque, the tensioning nut 1 is tightened until one of the required markings 8 on the tensioning nut 1 aligns with the reference marking 11 on the washer 2. When the required markings 8 align with the reference marking 11 on the washer 2, it indicates that the required tightening torque has been achieved. This ensures the tensioning tube 3 reaches its optimal compression and the barrel 4 reaches its optimal tension, delivering the best accuracy for the chosen settings. This method does not require specialized tools such as dynamometric keys; any simple tightening key that fits the tensioning nut 1 can achieve the required tightening torque with high accuracy.

Claims

1. A firearm (50) comprising: - a frame (51) defined with a longitudinal axis; - a barrel (4) comprising a proximal end (20) attached to the frame (51) and a distal end (10) from where a bullet exits the firearm (50) when fired, the distal end (10) comprising a thread (9); - a tensioning tube (3) encasing fully or partially the barrel (4) between the proximal end (20) and the distal end (10); - a tensioning nut (1) threaded onto the thread (9) of the distal end (10) of the barrel (4) so that when tightened, the tensioning tube (3) is compressed and the barrel (4) is placed under tension; - markings (8) and a reference mark (11) to be aligned to indicate a specific tightening torque for optimal compression on the tensioning nut (1) and optimal tension on the barrel (4).

2. The firearm (50) according to claim 1, wherein it further comprises a washer (2), the tensioning tube (3) being abutted by said washer (2) at the side of the distal end (10).

3. The firearm (50) according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the tensioning nut (1) comprises the markings (8).

4. The firearm (50) according to claim 3, wherein the washer (2) comprises the reference mark (11) being able to align with one of the markings (8) of the tensioning nut (1).

5. The firearm (50) according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the washer (2) is locked in rotation relative to the barrel (4) and / or the tensioning tube (3) when tightening the tensioning nut (1).

6. The firearm (50) according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the washer (2) is located between the tensioning nut (1) and the tensioning tube (3) distributing the load of the tensioning nut (1) over the tensioning tube (3).

7. The firearm (50) according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the requested tightening torque of the tensioning nut (1) is obtained by aligning one of the markings (8) of the tensioning nut (1) with the reference mark (11) of the washer (2).

8. The firearm (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each marking of the markings (8) when aligned with the reference mark (11) defines an optimal compression of the tensioning tube (3) and tension of the barrel (4) for optimal accuracy depending on the chosen settings, wherein the chosen settings include at least one of caliber, projectile weight, or ammunition type.

9. The firearm (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tightening torque of the tensioning nut (1) is adjustable based on the caliber, projectile weight, ammunition type, or accessories attached to the said firearm (50).

10. The firearm (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tightening torque of the tensioning nut (1) is adjustable without the use of dynamometric keys.

11. The firearm (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tensioning tube (3) is encasing the barrel (4) coaxially.

12. The firearm (50) according to claim 11, wherein the tensioning tube (3) is positioned horizontally along the longitudinal axis freely between the proximal end (20) and the distal end (10) of the barrel (4).

13. The firearm (50) according to claims 11 and 12, wherein the tensioning tube (3) is abutted by the proximal end (20) from one side and by the washer (2) on another side such that threading the tensioning nut (1) places the tensioning tube (3) under compression and the barrel (4) under tension.

14. A method for optimizing the accuracy of the firearm (50) according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - connecting the proximal end (20) of the barrel (4) to the frame (51) of the firearm (50); - encasing the barrel (4) with the tensioning tube (3) and the washer (2), positioned coaxially between the proximal end (20) and the distal end (10) with the barrel (4); - threading the tensioning nut (1) onto the thread (9) at the distal end (10) of the barrel (4) and applying a tightening torque, thereby compressing the tensioning tube (3) against the proximal end (20) of the barrel (4) and placing the barrel (4) under tension; - continuing to apply the tightening torque until a predefined mark on the markings (8) of the tensioning nut (1) aligns with the reference mark (11) on the washer (2), indicating that the required tightening torque has been achieved.

Images