Barrel-locking device for firearms

Abstract

The invention relates to a barrel locking device designed to secure the barrel within the frame of the firearm. This is achieved by accommodating both the barrel's rear end and the barrel lump of the barrel within the chamber of the frame, and positioning the first extended longitudinal plane surface of the barrel lump within a gap formed by an opening in the section of the frame. The gap is non-destructively deformable, allowing for the clamping of the barrel lump by means of a screw. Furthermore, two screws positioned atop the frame further reinforce the barrel locking mechanism by applying pressure to the barrel's rear end.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of firearms and, more particularly, to barrel locking devices designed to effectively and repeatably clamp the barrel within the frame, eliminating the requirement for tight tolerances of both diameters and minimizing the reliance on numerous screws.Background of the invention

[0002] In many long firearms featuring a barrel clamped within a frame, the barrel end inserted into the frame typically exhibits a cylindrical shape. The effectiveness of barrel clamping largely depends on deforming either the chamber or the frame housing through the use of multiple screws. This approach demands additional space and materials to accommodate the necessary screw placements for adequate clamping.

[0003] Achieving the most optimal clamping with minimum backlash is very important and critical, necessitating exceedingly tight tolerances for both the diameters of the barrel and the frame chamber. This precision ensures effective and consistent clamping, particularly in mass production scenarios. However, maintaining such tight tolerances presents significant manufacturing challenges and elevated costs for both the barrel and frame production processes.

[0004] In numerous firearms, the rotational locking of the barrel is typically ensured by a semi-circular bushing-type mechanism within the rear barrel end. Similar principles apply to the clamping of the barrel itself, necessitating tight tolerances for effective clamping or locking. In these current designs, the elimination of the play necessary to assemble the semi-circular bushing-type mechanism is achieved by tightening the outer diameter of the rear end of the barrel in the frame. In other words, these systems rely on friction to eliminate the remaining rotational play.

[0005] Apart from the requirement of tight tolerances, considerable torque is necessary to secure multiple screws, minimizing the risk of backlash. However, achieving this level of torque can be challenging and may potentially damage components of the firearm, such as the barrel's rear end or the screws. Consequently, disassembling and assembling the barrel from the frame has become not only challenging but also not recommended.

[0006] Ensuring a firearm maintains precise alignment without even a slight loosening of the barrel from the frame is crucial to preserving accuracy, energy efficiency, and safety. Therefore, having a barrel locking mechanism that guarantees optimal barrel-to-frame locking with minimal screws is essential. This not only reduces spatial requirements but also allows for larger tolerances, facilitating easier and more cost-effective mass production. Moreover, it requires less torque for assembly and disassembly, enhancing convenience without compromising precision or safety.Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a barrel locking device for firearms that can be produced with large diameter tolerances of the barrel and frame utilizing a minimum number of screws and torque. This invention ensures optimal, effective, and consistent clamping.

[0008] The present invention is related to a barrel locking device for a firearm comprising; a longitudinally oriented frame comprising an adjusting longitudinal opening with a longitudinal gap, a first fastening element, preferably a screw, to clamp the longitudinal gap in order to adjust said longitudinal opening, a longitudinally oriented barrel comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said proximal end comprises a barrel's rear end being able to be mounted into the adjusting longitudinal opening of the longitudinally oriented frame; wherein the longitudinally oriented frame comprises at least a second fastening element, preferably a screw, being able to exert pressure on the barrel's rear end when mounted into the adjusting longitudinal opening, and wherein the barrel comprises a barrel lump near the proximal end being able to be engaged at least partially with the longitudinal gap and to be clamped with the adjusting longitudinal opening by the first fastening element.

[0009] Preferably, the barrel lump is positioned between the barrel's rear end and the rest of the barrel.

[0010] Preferably, the barrel lump is screwed into the barrel.

[0011] Preferably, the barrel lump comprises an extended longitudinal plane surface protruding from the barrel.

[0012] Preferably, the extended longitudinal plane surface comprises a transversal first hole.

[0013] Preferably, the extended longitudinal plane surface is configured to engage at least partially with the longitudinal gap.

[0014] Preferably, the extended longitudinal plane surface protrudes downward from the barrel.

[0015] Preferably, the longitudinal gap of the longitudinally oriented frame comprises a transversal second hole being able to hold the first fastening element.

[0016] Preferably, the transversal first hole of the extended longitudinal plane surface of the barrel lump is positioned to align with the transversal second hole of the longitudinally oriented frame for accommodating the first fastening element.

[0017] Preferably, at least part of the barrel lump and the barrel's rear end are inserted into the adjusting longitudinal opening of the longitudinally oriented frame.

[0018] Preferably, the barrel's rear end and the barrel lump are clamped into the adjusting longitudinal opening of the longitudinally oriented frame by tightening the first fastening element.Brief description of the drawings

[0019] Figure 1 is a general view of the frame and a partial general view of the firearm comprising said frame. Figure 2 is a partial general view of the barrel detailing its proximal end. Figure 3 is a partial general view of the barrel inserted and locked into the frame. Figure 4 is a cross-section view of the barrel locking device clamping the barrel into the frame. Detailed description of the invention

[0020] 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.

[0021] In the present invention, when referencing the "adjusting longitudinal opening", it indicates a chamber or a type of void in the frame where the barrel may be partially inserted and where the bolt may be housed. For terminology simplification and to avoid redundancy, the "adjusting longitudinal opening" may be referred to as simply the "opening". The term "adjusting" implies that the opening may be modified or deformed non-destructively. Essentially, manipulation of its edges allows for enlargement or reduction of the opening. Additionally, terms like "longitudinal" or "transversal" and their derivatives are used to describe the geometric orientation of various components of the present invention, such as the frame, opening, gap, plane surface, and screw, to better illustrate their interconnection. However, the terms "longitudinal" or "transversal" or any of their derivatives are not restrictive and should not limit the implementation or execution of the invention to other orientations or alternatives. For simplicity, components can be referred to without adjectives like "longitudinal" or "transversal".

[0022] Figure 1 depicts an overall view of the breech or frame 1 of the firearm 50, with a defined longitudinal axis denoted as A. The frame 1 comprises a longitudinally oriented chamber or opening 7, featuring a longitudinal gap 10. While the longitudinal gap 10 is preferably oriented downward, other orientations, including upward or sideways, are feasible. However, for aesthetic and functional purposes, a downward orientation of the longitudinal gap 10 is often preferred. Specifically, positioning the longitudinal gap 10 downward instead of upward allows for more space for additional components, such as but not limited to an objective, to be accommodated on top of the frame without spatial constraints.

[0023] The opening 7 may preferably be characterized by a cylindrical section, although alternative shapes are also feasible. Furthermore, both the opening 7 and the frame 1 may comprise multiple components that may be assembled together to construct the frame 1 and / or create an opening 7 capable of partially accommodating the barrel 4 of the firearm 50.

[0024] The longitudinal gap 10 may preferably create a space, a clearance, or an opening within one section of the frame 1, interrupting the cylindrical section on one side, preferably the downward side, and extending outside the cylindrical section. Additionally, the length of the gap 10 may preferably be confined to an area where the barrel 4 is housed or inserted inside the frame 1.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the frame 1 may comprise more than one gap 10, providing additional potential for enlarging the diameter of the frame 1. Consequently, this configuration enhances the capacity of the frame 1 to accommodate a barrel 4 with a larger diameter.

[0026] Figure 1 further depicts two flat extruded sides 15 extending from the edges of the gap 10, featuring a hole referred to as a transversal second hole 14, designed to accommodate a screw or similar fastening element. The screw may also be substituted with alternative clamping mechanisms, including but not limited to a clamping lever, also referred to as a fastening element hereafter. The presence of two flat extruded sides 15 along the edges of the gap 10 may enable the adjustment of the opening 7. Consequently, when inserting the barrel 4 into the opening 7 and compressing the flat extruded sides 15, radial forces may lead to securing the barrel 4 within the frame 1.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the two flat extruded sides 15 extending from the edges of the gap 10 may comprise more than one hole 14, accommodating more than one screw.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates the proximal end 8 of the barrel 4, which is inserted into the opening 7 of the frame 1. The opposite end is the distal end 9 of the barrel 4, where the cartridge exits the firearm 50. Preferably, the barrel 4 includes a barrel's rear end 2 connected to it via screwing, welding, or other means of connection. The barrel's rear end 2 may be preferably designed to process stronger mechanical properties compared to the rest of the barrel 4, enabling it to better withstand radial forces from the frame 1 or pressure exerted by fastening elements such as the screws 6 visible in figure 3. Moreover, the barrel's rear end 2 may feature enhanced wear and corrosion resistance, as there is a higher risk of fretting movements between the barrel's rear end 2 and the frame 1. Surface coatings, as well as thermal, physical, and / or chemical treatments, may be applied to the barrel's rear end 2 to enhance its durability.

[0029] Figure 2 further depicts a barrel lump 3 situated between the barrel's rear end 2 and the rest of the barrel 4, designed to be at least partially inserted into the opening 7 of the frame 1. The barrel lump 3 may be screwed into the barrel 4 and / or the barrel's rear end 2, although alternative methods such as welding or other mechanical or physical fastening solutions may also securely join the barrel lump 3 with the barrel 4.

[0030] The barrel lump 3 may preferably feature a first extended longitudinal plane surface 13 extending downward from the barrel 4, intended to engage at least partially with the longitudinal gap 10 and to be clamped between the two flat extruded sides 15 located at the edges of the said longitudinal gap 10. Furthermore, the plane surface 13 may include a transversal first hole 12, aligning with the transversal second hole 14 of the two flat extruded sides 15 at the edges of the longitudinal gap 10 of the frame 1 when the barrel 4 is inserted into the frame 1 and prepared to be securely locked.

[0031] In the present invention enhances the overall safety of the firearm by incorporating the plane surface 13, the transverse hole 12, and the screw 5, which together prevent any risk of ammunition explosion outside the chamber of the firearm 50. Specifically, when the screws 6 are not properly tightened, there is a potential risk of the barrel 4 moving forward slightly due to the bolt's closure movement. However, in this invention, the combination of the plane surface 13, the transverse hole 12, and the screw 5 ensures that the barrel 4 cannot move forward. The transversal screw 5 engages with the transversal hole 12 and the second transversal hole 14, effectively blocking any forward movement of the barrel 4.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the barrel lump 3 may comprise more than one extended longitudinal plane surface 13, extending or protruding from barrel 4 in longitudinal or / and transversal orientations, extending downward or in other directions. These surfaces are designed to interface with the frame 1 or other components of the firearm 50, employing screws or alternative fixation mechanisms. This arrangement aims to eliminate one or more degrees of freedom, ensuring precise and optimal locking of the barrel 4 within the frame 1.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the barrel's rear end 2 and / or the barrel lump 3 may consist of multiple components. Conversely, the barrel's rear end 2 and / or the barrel lump 3 may be integrated into the barrel 4, resulting in the barrel 4 being manufactured as a single or two-piece part.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the barrel 4 securely inserted and locked within the frame 1 via the barrel locking device. Specifically, both the barrel's rear end 2 and the barrel lump 3 of the barrel 4 are inserted into the opening 7 and secured in place by the transversal or horizontal screw 5 and the two vertical transversal screws 6. It is preferred for the entire barrel's rear end 2 as well as the barrel lump 3 to be fully inserted within the opening 7 of the frame 1.

[0035] Figure 3 further illustrates that the first extended longitudinal plane surface 13 is securely enclosed within the longitudinal gap 10 of the frame 1 and firmly clamped between the two flat extruded sides 15 by the screw 5.

[0036] The transversal screw 5, even before being tightened, ensures the longitudinal positioning of the barrel 4. While there may be some play or clearance which is minimal, the system remains robust due to the obstacle created by the screw 5, rather than relying solely on tightening friction.

[0037] The vertical two flat extruded sides 15 prevent the rotation of the barrel 4. While there may be some play, the system remains robust due to the obstacle created by the plane surface 13 extending from the barrel lump 3.

[0038] It is important to mention that the specific sequence or arrangement order of the barrel's rear end 2 and the barrel lump 3 within the proximal end 8 of the barrel 4 is not confined to the configuration outlined in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is possible for the skilled person in the art to come up with other alternative arrangements and sequences of these components, and even introduce additional components, to achieve the same outcome facilitated by the disclosed barrel locking mechanism or device.

[0039] The alignment of the first hole 12 of the barrel lump 3 with the second hole 14 of the frame 1 provides a location for the engagement of the screw 5 to secure the two flat extruded sides 15 and thereby fasten the barrel 4.

[0040] The barrel 4, or more precisely, the entire barrel assembly, may be disassembled to change the caliber, barrel length, to fit a heavy or light barrel, or for other purposes. In the present invention, to remove the barrel assembly, it is necessary to loosen the two screws 6 and remove the transverse screw 5 to effortlessly remove the barrel assembly. This design offers a significant advantage over other firearms, where barrel assembly removal typically requires a workshop setting, including clamping the barrel assembly in a vise with jaws adapted to its profile to disengage it from the frame 1.

[0041] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the barrel locking device securing the barrel 4 within the frame 1. The at least one screw 6, preferably two screws, may preferably be of a headless screw type, allowing them to be embedded into the frame 1 without occupying excessive space. It is preferable that the end of the screws 6 pressing against the barrel's rear end 2 is concave or flat, ensuring that pressure is distributed over a larger area, thus guaranteeing effective locking without the risk of indenting the surface of contact of the barrel's rear end 2.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, either the barrel's rear end 2 or the proximal end 8 of the barrel 4 may comprise one or multiple recessed areas or grooves where one or more screws 6 may be employed to exert pressure on the barrel 4, securely immobilizing it within the frame 1.

[0043] The screws 6 permit wide tolerances in the diameters of the frame 1 and barrel 4, as they compensate for the play existing between these two parts when fitted together. These screws 6 ensure that the barrel 4 is securely accommodated within the frame 1 of the firearm 50.

[0044] Tightening the transverse screw 5 eliminates the remaining degrees of freedom: the rational backlash is completely removed, and the longitudinal backlash is eliminated through friction. Relying solely on friction to eliminate longitudinal play is less critical, as during the first shot, the recoil causes the barrel 4 to settle into its rear stop against the frame 1. The only forces that may push the barrel 4 forward are those involved in loading and locking, which are weaker compared to recoil, ensuring the barrel 4 remains rearward. In the event of a clamping failure, the obstacles (e.g., the screw 5) with backlash are robust enough to prevent longitudinal barrel mounting issues.

[0045] The barrel locking device for the firearm 50 secures the barrel 4 within the frame 1 by restricting its degrees of freedom of movement. This is achieved through several components: the opening 7 in the frame 1 accommodating the barrel's rear end 2 and the barrel lump 3, the gap 10 housing the first extended longitudinal plane surface 13 of the barrel lump 3 attached to the proximal end 8 of the barrel 4, the screw 5 which enables clamping the barrel lump 3 by deforming the gap 10 of the frame 1, and the two screws 6 which enable clamping of the barrel's rear end 2 at the top of the opening 7 diameter of the frame 1.

[0046] In the present invention, the barrel locking device allows for broader tolerances in the diameters of the barrel's rear end 2 of the barrel 4 and the opening 7 of the frame 1. In more detail, by incorporating an adjustable or deformable gap 10 within the opening 7 of the frame 1, the tolerances of the barrel's rear end 2 and opening 7 diameters become less critical and can be manufactured with wider tolerances. As a result, serial production becomes less complex and more cost-effective.

[0047] Additionally, the barrel locking device in the present invention provides exceptional and superior clamping efficiency with just one single transverse screw 5, offering significant advantages in terms of space utilization, component reduction, and superior rotational locking, ensuring a backlash-free guarantee.

[0048] When the barrel lump 3 is secured or clamped between the two flat extruded sides 15 of the frame 1, it substantially diminishes or eliminates the rotational movement. Consequently, the torque needed to fasten the screw 5 and secure the barrel lump 3 in the frame 1 is minimized.

[0049] The longitudinal locking or fixation of the barrel 4 may also be notably enhanced by the synergy between the radial forces produced through the clamping and deformation of the gap 10, along with the pressure applied by the screws 6.

Claims

1. A barrel locking device for a firearm (50) comprising; - a longitudinally oriented frame (1) comprising an adjusting longitudinal opening (7) with a longitudinal gap (10), - a first fastening element, preferably a screw (5), to clamp the longitudinal gap (10) in order to adjust said longitudinal opening (7), - a longitudinally oriented barrel (4) comprising a distal end (9) and a proximal end (8), wherein said proximal end (8) comprises a barrel's rear end (2) being able to be mounted into the adjusting longitudinal opening (7) of the longitudinally oriented frame (1); wherein the longitudinally oriented frame (1) comprises at least a second fastening element, preferably a screw (6), being able to exert pressure on the barrel's rear end (2) when mounted into the adjusting longitudinal opening (7), and wherein the barrel (4) comprises a barrel lump (3) near the proximal end (8) being able to be engaged at least partially with the longitudinal gap (10) and to be clamped with the adjusting longitudinal opening (7) by the first fastening element.

2. The barrel locking device for the firearm (50) according to claim 1 wherein the barrel lump (3) is positioned between the barrel's rear end (2) and the rest of the barrel (4).

3. The barrel locking device for the firearm (50) according to claims 1 and 2 wherein the barrel lump (3) is screwed into the barrel (4).

4. The barrel locking device for the firearm (50) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the barrel lump (3) comprises an extended longitudinal plane surface (13) protruding from the barrel (4).

5. The barrel locking device for the firearm (50) according to claim 4 wherein the extended longitudinal plane surface (13) comprises a transversal first hole (12).

6. The barrel locking device for the firearm (50) according to claims 4 and 5 wherein the extended longitudinal plane surface (13) is configured to engage at least partially with the longitudinal gap (10).

7. The barrel locking device for the firearm (50) according to claims 4, 5, and 6 wherein the extended longitudinal plane surface (13) protrudes downward from the barrel (4).

8. The barrel locking device for the firearm (50) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the longitudinal gap (10) of the longitudinally oriented frame (1) comprises a transversal second hole (14) being able to hold the first fastening element.

9. The barrel locking device for the firearm (50) according to claims 5 to 8 wherein the transversal first hole (12) of the extended longitudinal plane surface (13) of the barrel lump (3) is positioned to align with the transversal second hole (14) of the longitudinally oriented frame (1) for accommodating the first fastening element.

10. The barrel locking device for the firearm (50) according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least part of the barrel lump (3) and the barrel's rear end (2) are inserted into the adjusting longitudinal opening (7) of the longitudinally oriented frame (1).

11. The barrel locking device for the firearm (50) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the barrel's rear end (2) and the barrel lump (3) are clamped into the adjusting longitudinal opening (7) of the longitudinally oriented frame (1) by tightening the first fastening element.

12. A firearm (50) comprising the barrel locking device according to any of the preceding claims.

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