Joint arrangement for a self-stabilizing handheld weapon and handheld weapon with joint arrangement

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a joint arrangement (3) for a self-stabilizing handheld weapon, wherein the joint is configured to be arranged between a front part (1), comprising a barrel (1'), and a rear part (2), comprising a buttstock (2') of the weapon, wherein the joint is configured to allow angular mutual movability between the front part (1) and the rear part (2) in directions along two mutually perpendicular planes, wherein the joint is further configured to allow sliding movement in a main direction of extension of the front part (1) in relation to the rear part (2). The joint arrangement (3) furthermore prevents rotation around the main direction of the rear part (2) in relation to the front part (1). The disclosure further relates to a handheld weapon (100).

Description

[0001] Joint arrangement for a self-stabilizing handheld weapon and handheld weapon with joint arrangement

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to self-stabilizing weapons. More specifically, the present invention relates to a joint arrangement for a self-stabilizing handheld weapon and a handheld weapon as defined in the introductory parts of the independent claims.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Self-stabilizing weapons also referred to as inertia lly stabilized weapon, i.e., weapons or weapon systems that are capable of stabilizing an aimpoint direction (e.g., an orientation of a gun barrel) so as to compensate for unintended weapon movements are known in the art. Depending on type of weapon, unintended weapon movements may for example result from movements of a weapon support platform (e.g., weapon with support platform mounted on a vehicle that travels through terrain) or from an operator of the weapon (e.g., shooter or marksman) having difficulties to steadily / firmly maintain an orientation of the weapon along a sight line to a target. Traditional self-stabilizing weapon systems are primarily devised for improving hit accuracy. Examples of such traditional self-stabilizing weapons include selfstabilizing weapons that typically operate by retrieving sensor data from which unintended weapon movements can be determined and thereby compensated for by the use of a compensation mechanism (e.g., a gyro or servo mechanism).

[0006] However, while traditional self-stabilizing weapon system including traditional handheld self-stabilizing weapons (i.e., handheld weapons that include self-stabilization mechanism) are capable of improving hit accuracy as compared to weapon system without stabilization mechanism traditional stabilization mechanisms and in particular such mechanisms for handheld weapons tend to adversely affect weapon characteristics (e.g., weight and / or balance of the weapon). Furthermore, traditional self-stabilization mechanisms for handheld weapons tend to be easily affected by mechanical and / or environmental stress that may result in malfunctioning of the self-stabilization mechanism.

[0007] There is thus a need to present improvements for self-stabilizing weapons and in particular for handheld self-stabilizing weapons. It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and solve at least the above- mentioned problem.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to achieve a joint arrangement that can withstand high g-forces, up to 300 g, and a handheld weapon comprising such a joint arrangement. Such a joint arrangement would extend the technical life span of the selfstabilization mechanism in the handheld weapon, as well as reduce warranty and repair costs.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a joint arrangement for a self-stabilizing handheld weapon, wherein the joint is configured to be arranged between a front part, comprising a barrel, and a rear part, comprising a buttstock of the weapon, wherein the joint is configured to allow controlled angular mutual movability between the front part and the rear part in directions along two mutually perpendicular planes, wherein the joint is further configured to allow sliding movement in a main direction of extension of the front part in relation to the rear part, wherein the joint comprises a frame configured to be connected to the rear part and that at least one engagement element is arranged in at least one cavity in the frame, wherein the cavity is located on an inward facing surface of the frame so that at least a part of the at least one engagement element is located in the cavity, the joint further comprises an intermediate bar configured to be connected to the front part and located so that the intermediate bar abuts the at least one engagement element and the intermediate bar extends into the rear part.

[0010] It is advantageous to arrange the joint arrangement between the front part and the rear part, since the placement of the joint arrangement makes the weapon more compact and protect the self-stabilization mechanism (e.g. electronics and mechanical parts thereof) in the handheld weapon when firing the weapon.

[0011] The front part and the rear part are movable in relation to each other in a common point whereat they are connected by the joint arrangement. The joint arrangement is located where the rear part connects to the front part. The joint arrangement makes it possible to tilt the buttstock around the joint in relation to the barrel in two mutually perpendicular planes, vertically and horizontally. In other words, the joint arrangement makes it possible to regulate or control the angle between the buttstock and the barrel in two mutually perpendicular planes wherein the planes are a vertical plane and a horizontal plane. Further, the joint arrangement allows the self-stabilizing mechanism to control the angular mutual movability between the front part and the rear part in two mutually perpendicular planes. The joint arrangement further makes it possible to allow sliding movement of the front part in a main direction of extension in relation to the rear part.

[0012] The joint arrangement comprises a frame configured to be connected to the rear part and at least one engagement element, attached to the inside of the frame. In this context, the frame is a structural element having an outer facing surface and an inward facing surface. In other words, the frame is a rigid structure that provides support to the engagement elements. The frame can be made in one continuous piece, or several pieces attached together to form the frame. The frame may be removably connected to the rear part by fastening means. The frame may have an essentially rectangular or square inner and / or outer shape. The frame is configured to house the at least one engagement element. The at least one engagement element is attached on the inward facing surface of the frame and has essentially the same shape as the frame.

[0013] The rectangular or square shape of the frame only allow angular movability between the front part and the rear part in directions along two mutually perpendicular planes, and a sliding movement in a main direction of extension of the front part in relation to the rear part and preventing a rotational movement in the main direction of extension of the front part in relation to the rear part.

[0014] The at least one engagement element is arranged in at least one cavity in the frame. The cavity may be a through bore or a recess within the frame's structure. The cavity is located on the inward facing surface of the frame so that at least a part of the at least one engagement element is located in the cavity. The cavity has essentially the same size and shape as the at least one engagement element so that a tight connection between the frame, the engagement element and the intermediate bar is achieved. In other words, the engagement elements may be attached to the frame with a press-fit connection.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the movement in the perpendicular planes is a tilting motion, wherein the joint is configured to allow a tilting motion lower than plus / minus 5 degrees, i.e. within a range of -5 degrees to +5 degrees and the sliding movement is lower than 20 mm, preferably lower than 10 mm, i.e. within a range of 1-20 mm. By allowing a sliding movement of the front part in relation to the rear part, the self-stabilization mechanism in the handheld weapon is protected from excessive recoil acceleration when fired. For example, when a handheld weapon weighing 4 kg is firing a bullet with a kinetic energy of 3,500 J, the weapon accelerates backwards to a speed of 2-3 m / s in about 1 ms giving it a momentary acceleration of 200 - 300 g.

[0016] The electronics and some mechanical parts located in the buttstock can be sensitive to high accelerations. By allowing a sliding movement of the front part in relation to the rear part, the acceleration of the rear part can be lowered. For example, a shock absorber can be mounted in the rear part, wherein the shock absorber may be connected to the front part, via the joint arrangement.

[0017] An advantage of lowering the acceleration of the rear part when firing the weapon is that the recoil as it is felt by a shooter is reduced. The recoil anticipated by the shooter when pulling the trigger can be detrimental to shooting accuracy as a result from flinching reaction. Flinching is an unintended mental and physical response to the recoil that results in a displacement of the shot from its intended point of impact. By reducing the recoil felt by the shooter, the flinching effect is reduced, and the shooting accuracy is increased.

[0018] The angle between the orientation of the buttstock and the barrel is regulated by a control system, preferably a servo system controlling the angle between the buttstock and the barrel so that fast changes in the barrel orientation are attenuated, which makes it easier to aim and to fire shots in a desired direction.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the joint further comprises an intermediate bar configured to be connected to the front part and located so that the intermediate bar abuts the at least one engagement element. The cross section of the intermediate bar may have an essentially rectangular or square shape that corresponds to the shape of the at least one engagement element. The intermediate bar is connected to the self-stabilization mechanism located in the rear part of the weapon, allowing angular movability between the front part and the rear part in directions along two mutually perpendicular planes, and a sliding movement in a main direction of extension of the front part in relation to the rear part. The intermediate bar is preferably made of steel having a polished surface, further facilitating the sliding movement.

[0020] According to some embodiments the at least one engagement element is made of a material having elastic properties. The engagement elements may have a cubical or cuboid shape. The engagement elements may be formed by a continuous piece of material. Suitably, the elastic material is plastics, such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or composite material. The elastic properties allow the engagement element to be deformed and thereby allow angular movability between the front part and the rear part in directions along two mutually perpendicular planes. A further advantage of using a plastic material with elastic properties such as PTFE is that PTFE further has low friction characteristics whereby the friction between the engagement element and the intermediate bar is low enough so the sliding movement in a main direction of extension of the front part in relation to the rear part is facilitated and the abrasion of the engagement element and the intermediate bar is almost eliminated.

[0021] According to a second aspect, there is provided a handheld weapon, comprising the joint according to the first aspect claims. Such a handheld weapon may be a rifle or a handgun.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the weapon further comprises means for absorbing recoil. The means for absorbing recoil may be a recoil dampener, which is a mechanism designed to reduce the backward force experienced by the shooter when a firearm is fired. This can improve accuracy, control, and comfort. In other words, the absorbing means may be a recoil dampener and may be arranged in the rear part of the weapon, for example in the buttstock. By arranging means for absorbing recoil in the rear part of the weapon, it lowers the acceleration of the rear part of the weapon, and thereby lowers the constraints on the self-stabilization mechanism. The recoil means may be connected to the intermediate bar. The recoil absorbing means may be a damper, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic shock absorber, or a spring located in the buttstock of the weapon.

[0023] Effects and features of the second aspect are to a large extent analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect are largely compatible with the second aspect.

[0024] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure. Brief of the

[0025] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a side view of an example of a handheld self-stabilizing weapon including a front part and a rear part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2A shows an exploded perspective view of the rear part of the weapon including a joint arrangement of the weapon shown in figure 1.

[0028] Figure 2B shows an exploded perspective view of the rear part of the weapon together with movements of the front part and the rear part enabled by the joint arrangement shown in figure 2A.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a frame associated to the joint arrangement shown in figures 2A-2B.

[0030] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of portions of the joint arrangement including a configuration of a bar associated to the joint arrangement that extends through the frame shown in fig. 3.

[0031] Detailed

[0032] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a handheld weapon or gun 100 (e.g., rifle such as a single-shot or semiautomatic rifle) that includes a self-stabilizing mechanism 5 for enabling stabilization of an orientation (e.g., orientation of barrel) of the weapon along an aiming direction AD. The weapon is configured split or separated into two parts in the form of a front part 1 and a rear part 2. For example, the weapon can be configured split or separated along a plane 80 that extends perpendicular to a main direction of extension of a barrel 1' of the weapon. The front part 1 comprises a portion of the weapon that includes a barrel 1' of the weapon and the rear part 2 comprises a portion of the weapon that includes a buttstock 2' of the weapon. The front part 1 may further comprise a portion of the weapon that includes one or more of a forestock, a magazine, a sight and a trigger and the portion of the weapon that corresponds to the rear part may further include a buttstock. The two parts of the weapon are further configured interconnected to enable the two parts to be mutually movable. For this purpose and as shown in figure 1 a joint arrangement 3 is provided between the two mutually movable parts, the front part 1 and the rear part 2, which gives the two parts angular movability horizontally, and vertically.

[0034] In more detail, the joint arrangement 3 is configured to be arranged between the front part 1 of the weapon including the barrel 1', and the rear part 2, including the buttstock 2'. The joint arrangement 3 is configured to allow angular mutual movability between the front part 1 and the rear part 2 in directions along two mutually perpendicular planes, vertically and horizontally. Furthermore, the joint arrangement 3 is configured to protect the self-stabilizing system or components thereof of the weapon from being subjected to excessive forces, generated when the weapon is fired which causes the front part 1 to accelerate backwards. The joint arrangement is further configured to allow sliding movement in a main direction of extension of the front part 1 in relation to the rear part 2 (i.e., so as to enable to axially displace the front part and the rear part relative to each other).

[0035] Figure 2A shows an exploded perspective view of the rear part of the weapon including the joint arrangement 3. The joint arrangement comprises a frame 20 that is configured to be connected to the rear part 2 (e.g., fixedly connected to the rear part such as integrated into the rear part). The frame 20 is connected to a side of the rear part that faces the front part of the weapon. The frame 20 may have an outwardly rectangular or square shape. As further shown in Figure 2A, the joint arrangement further comprises an intermediate bar 15 that is configured to extend through the frame (i.e., extend through a rectangular or square shaped opening or aperture, enclosed and formed by the frame 20, with dimensioning adapted to the bar 15 to allow the bar 15 to move relative to the frame). In other words, the bar 15 is configured to be movably attached to the frame 20 that is configured for being connected to the rear part 2 of the weapon. In more detail, the bar 15 is configured to extend through the frame 20 and into the rear part 2, such as into a space 22 (i.e., an interior space) formed within the rear part 2. The space 22 can for example be formed by and configured to be at least partially enclosed by a structural element 21, arranged within the rear part 2, onto which structural element the frame 20 may be mounted or of which the frame 20 can constitute an integrated part. Furthermore, and as exemplified and discussed in more detail with reference to figure 4 the bar 15 can be configured (e.g. by means of a bar positioning arrangement and / or by means of suitable dimensioning of a portion of the bar 15 or by arrangement of one or more structural elements onto one or more portions of the bar 15 such onto one or more portions of the bar 15 that extend into the rear part 2 of the weapon) so that the bar 15 always extends through the frame 20 irrespective of movements of the bar 15 relative to the frame. In other words, the bar 15 of the joint arrangement is configured to remain movably attached to the frame of the joint arrangement irrespective of movements of the bar 15 relative to the frame.

[0036] Also as shown in figure 2A a front end 16 of the bar 15, configured to face the front part 1 of the weapon, is arranged to be connected to the front part 1 by means of being fixedly mounted to the front part 1. For example, a portion of the bar 15 at the front end 16 of the bar 15 may be configured to protrude outwardly so as to form a mounting bracket (e.g., a mounting bracket with through holes for suitable fastening elements such as screws or bolts) or a separate mounting bracket may be fixedly mounted at the front end of the bar 15 for enabling the front end of the bar 15 to be fixedly connected to the front part 1 of the weapon.

[0037] As discussed above with reference to figures 1 and 2A, the joint arrangement 3 is configured for interconnecting a front part 1 and a rear part 2 of a weapon to allow mutual movability of said rear part and said front part relative to each other so as to enable operation of the self-stabilization mechanism 5 of the weapon that is operable to stabilize the orientation of the barrel of the weapon. This is achieved, as discussed above in more detail, by means of that the bar 15 of the joint arrangement 3 is configured for being attached (i.e., fixedly attached) to the front part 1 of the weapon and that the bar 15 of the joint arrangement further is configured to be movably attached to the frame 20 of the joint arrangement and by means of that the frame 20 is configured for being attached (i.e., fixedly attached) to the rear part 2 of the weapon.

[0038] With further reference to figure 2A the joint arrangement is further configured to enable a gap G, to be formed between the frame 20 and the front end 16 of the bar 15 (i.e., a gap along an axial direction of the bar 15 wherein said axial direction corresponds to Z direction as indicated in figure 2B). Thereby, contact between the front end 16 of the bar 15 and the frame 20 can be prevented that otherwise could hinder the sliding movement. To assist in this purpose and as discussed in more detail below and with reference to fig. 4, the joint arrangement may further comprise the above discussed bar positioning arrangement (not shown) further being configured to enable forming of the gap G. The joint arrangement may further comprise means for absorbing recoil 17 (e.g., compressible means such as one or more spring members or shock absorber as discussed with reference to fig. 4) configured to enable dampening recoil force (e.g. via compressible means of the means for absorbing recoil transitioning from an expanded default state to a compressed state). The means for absorbing recoil can be configured arranged at or in connection to on one or more suitable locations of the bar 15 (such as attached at or arranged in connection to one or more location of the bar 15 of the joint arrangement that are configured to extend into the rear part 2, for example in connection to a rear end 18 of the bar 15). Apart from being arranged at the one or more suitable locations of the bar 15 such compressible means and / or shock absorber could further be arranged attached to a structure within the rear part 2 or a structure embedded therein (e.g., a side of the structure 21, illustrated in fig. 2A, that faces the rear end 18 of the bar 15).

[0039] The bar 15 is further configured to have a cross section that has a rectangular or a square shape. Alternatively, the bar 15 may be configured to have a cross section that has a substantially rectangular or a substantially square shape.

[0040] In some examples, the front end 16 of the bar 15 may be configured to be attached to the front part 1 of the weapon via an attachment plate 25 that also can provide an enclosure for said gap.

[0041] Figure 2B shows an exploded perspective view of the rear part of the weapon together with movements of the front part and the rear part enabled by the joint arrangement. As shown in figure 2B the movements in perpendicular planes, enabled by the joint arrangement, are tilting motions. The tilting motion is a rotation around the X and Y axis, as shown in figure 2B. To allow the front part 1 to move in a main direction of extension in relation to the rear part 2, the joint arrangement 3 is configured to allow a sliding movement. The sliding movement is in the Z direction, as shown in figure 2B. Thereby, the front part 1 and the rear part 2 are enabled to be axially displaced relative to each other. The joint arrangement is preferably configured so that the sliding movement in the Z direction is less than, but not limited to 20 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, i.e. within a range of 1-10 mm, but can be any suitable distance, i.e. within a range of 0-20 mm. To allow the sliding movement, the joint arrangement is configured to cause said gap G to be formed between the front end 16 of the bar 15 and the frame 20. With the joint arrangement mounted to the weapon, i.e., mounted to the front part 1 and the rear part 2, a corresponding gap will be formed between the front part and the rear part. The gap G, between the front part and the rear part has, for illustration purposes, been made bigger than what is needed.

[0042] To allow the self-stabilization mechanism 5 to adjust the angle between the front part and the rear part in order to stabilize the front part, the joint arrangement is configured to allow a tilting motion. The joint arrangement is preferably configured to enable the tilting motion so that the tilting motion is lower than, but not limited to, plus / minus 5 degrees, i.e. within a range of -5 degrees to +5 degrees, around the X and Y axis.

[0043] The self-stabilizing mechanism 5 can be configured in such a way that one or more sensors (for example a gyroscope or an angular velocity sensor, such as a gyroscope or sensor is arranged at the front end of the weapon or the bar) register information corresponding to rotational speed of the barrel in two planes, horizontally and vertically. Based on the information from the one or more sensor, one or more actuator devices (e.g., electromechanical actuators, servo motors, electric motors, or other suitable actuator devices) can then move the rear end of the bar 15 in relation to the buttstock. For example, the actuator devices may be configured to generate and impart a controlled force to one or more respective sides of the rear end of the bar, such as sides of the bar 15 at a portion of the bar 15 that extends into the rear part of the weapon. Thereby, the actuator devices are able to change the angle between the buttstock and the barrel horizontally and vertically so that fast changes (e.g., high frequency changes associated with un-intended weapon reorientations caused by a marksman or shooter of the weapon having difficulties to maintain a steady aim) of the barrel orientation are attenuated, which makes it easier to aim and to fire shots in a desired direction.

[0044] The joint arrangement 3, discussed herein, enables the self-stabilizing mechanism 5 or at least key components thereof, to be located in the rear part 2, with reduced risk of being damaged with resulting malfunction, despite that the weapon when fired is subjected to accelerations higher than about 100 g. In a typical scenario for a standard handheld rifle, when the weapon is fired, the front part of the weapon is pushed backwards by a recoil force resulting in an acceleration in the order of 200-300 g. By fitting the weapon with means for absorbing recoil 17, the strain on the electronics and mechanical parts that are located in the rear part 2 of the weapon is reduced. As discussed above, the means for absorbing recoil 17 may be located in the rear part of the weapon. The means for absorbing recoil 17 has the function of gradually slowing down the front part and gradually speeding up the rear part. For example, in a scenario involving a standard handheld weapon including use of the means for absorbing recoil 17, during the first millisecond, after firing, a bullet is accelerated, may cause an acceleration of the front part 1 of about 265 g.

[0045] As an example, with a shock absorber applied to the joint configuration having a suitable setting for shock absorber stiffness, the means for absorbing recoil 17 can be adapted in such a way that from 1 ms after the firing to about 4 ms after the firing the rear part including the buttstock accelerates with a fraction of the acceleration of the front part 1, e.g. about 60 g, to the same speed as the front part including the barrel. In this example, after about 4 ms both parts have the same speed. At that time the front part including the barrel has moved backwards relative to the rear part including the buttstock about 5,5 mm.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the frame 20. The frame 20 has an opening 30 (i.e. opening or aperture as discussed with reference to fig. 2A), configured to receive the intermediate bar 15. On an inner periphery of the frame, at least one engagement element 12 is attached. In an example, the frame 20 is adapted with four engagement elements 12. In other examples, any number of engagement elements 12 that extend along the periphery of the inner side of the frame can be suitably applied.

[0047] In another example, the frame is configured to include at least one cavity 13, located on the inner periphery of the frame 20. In each of the at least one cavity 13, at least one engagement element 12 is inserted. In an example, the frame 20 is adapted with four cavities 13, in each of the cavities 13, one engagement element 12 is inserted. In other examples, any number of cavities 13 arranged with engagement elements 12 that extend along the inner periphery of the frame can be suitably applied. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one engagement element 12 can be releasably inserted with any suitable means.

[0048] As shown in figure 2A the bar 15 extends through the frame 20 so that the bar 15 abuts the at least one engagement element 12. Thereby, since the cross section of the bar 15 has a rectangular or square shape and that the bar 15 abuts the at least one engagement element 12 that has similar shape, rotation of the bar 15 around the Z axis, illustrated in figure 2B, axis is prevented. The at least one engagement element 12 is made of a material having elastic properties such as plastics, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), allowing the bar 15 to tilt in two mutually perpendicular planes, vertically and horizontally.

[0049] The bar 15 is configured in such a way so that the friction between the bar 15 and the at least one engagement element 12 is low enough to allow a sliding motion of the bar 15 on the at least one engagement element 12. Or in other words, the friction is low enough to allow the front part 1 to move in a main direction of extension in relation to the rear part 2 when the weapon is fired. For example, the bar 15 may be machined or polished.

[0050] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of portions of the joint arrangement 3 including the frame 20 and a configuration of the bar 15. For i 11 ust ratio na I purposes, the joint arrangement illustrated in figure 4 is shown without some of the portions that are illustrated in figures 2A- 2B and 3. For example, an upper portion of the frame and the front end portion of the bar 15 are not shown in figure 4.

[0051] As illustrated in figure 4, the bar 15 may be connected to the means for absorbing recoil 17. For example, the means for absorbing recoil 17 (e.g., shock absorber) can be arranged at or in connection to the rear end 18 of the bar 15. Thereby, when the weapon is fired, the bar 15, that is connected to the front part 1, travels backwards inside the rear part 2 and through the frame 20 of the joint arrangement 3. The means for absorbing recoil 17 at the rear end 18 of the bar 15 then slows down the bar 15. When the means for absorbing recoil 17 then has stopped the rearward movement of the bar 15, the bar 15 can be brought back to its previous / original position (before the recoil action) that results in that the gap G is re-formed between the front end 16 of the bar 15 and the frame 20.

[0052] In some examples, as also discussed with reference to fig. 2A, the bar 15 may further be configured with said bar positioning arrangement (not shown) configured to enable forming the gap G and that further prevents a portion of the bar 15 inwardly of the frame and within the rear part 2 to pass through the frame 20. Thereby, the bar positioning arrangement also stops the bar 15 from being disconnected from the rear part 2. As an example, the bar positioning arrangement may be configured by means of a wire, having a first end fixed to the bar 15 (e.g., at a suitable location of the bar 15 inwardly of the frame 20) and a second end configured to be fixed to the structure of the rear end 2 so as to prevent a portion of the bar 15, inwardly of the frame 20 and within the rear part 2, to pass through the frame 20 whilst enabling movement in the rearward direction (i.e. displacement of the bar 15 resulting from recoil). In this example, the bar positioning arrangement may further be configured with a spring, fixed in a first end to the structure of the rear end 2 and in a second end fixed to the bar 15, wherein the spring is configured to push the bar 15 to its original position so that the gap G is re-formed between the front end 16 of the bar 15 and the frame 20. In other words, by suitable dimensioning and positioning of the wire and the spring of the bar positioning arrangement the bar may brought and held in position so as to form the gap G whilst enabling the means for absorbing recoil 17 to cause dampening of recoil actions. As also illustrated in figure 4, engagement element 12, as discussed in more detail with reference to figure 3, can be seen engaging the bar 15.

[0053] It should be noted that, the joint arrangement illustrated in figure 4 essentially corresponds to the joint arrangement illustrated in figures 2A-2B and 3 apart from that the joint arrangement shown in figure 4 is illustrated together with means for absorbing recoil 17.

[0054] It should be noted that while the above illustrated examples have exemplified a handheld weapon in the form of a rifle as applicable for use with the joint arrangement that the joint arrangement also with only minor modifications also could be applicable for other types of handheld weapons. Accordingly, in some examples, the handheld weapon (for which the joint arrangement is applicable) is a rifle and in other examples, the handheld weapon (for which the joint arrangement is applicable) is a handgun (e.g., a revolver).

[0055] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present disclosure is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. The person skilled in the art further realizes that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A joint arrangement (3) for a self-stabilizing handheld weapon, wherein the joint is configured to be arranged between a front part (1), comprising a barrel (1'), and a rear part (2), comprising a buttstock (2') of the weapon, wherein the joint (3) is configured to allow controlled angular mutual movability between the front part (1) and the rear part (2) in directions along two mutually perpendicular planes, characterized in that the joint (3) is further configured to allow sliding movement in a main direction of extension of the front part(1) in relation to the rear part (2) wherein the joint (3) comprises a frame (20) configured to be connected to the rear part (2) and that at least one engagement element (12) is arranged in at least one cavity (13) in the frame (20), wherein the cavity (13) is located on an inward facing surface of the frame (20) so that at least a part of the at least one engagement element (12) is located in the cavity (13), the joint (3) further comprises an intermediate bar (15) configured to be connected to the front part (1) and located so that the intermediate bar (15) abuts the at least one engagement element (12) and the intermediate bar (15) extends into the rear part(2).

2. The joint arrangement (3) according to claim 1, wherein the movement in the perpendicular planes is a tilting motion, and wherein the joint arrangement (3) is configured to allow a tilting motion is within a range of plus / minus 5 degrees and further configured to allow sliding movement that is within a range of 0-20 mm.

3. The joint arrangement (3) according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least one engagement element (12) is made of material having elastic properties.

4. A handheld weapon (100), comprising the joint arrangement (3) according to any one of the preceding claims.

5. The handheld weapon (100) according to claim 4, wherein the handheld weapon (100) is a rifle or a handgun.

6. The handheld weapon (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the weapon (100) further comprises a shock absorber (17) for reducing the recoil in the rear part (2), wherein the shock absorber (17) is arranged at the intermediate bar (15) and mounted in the rear part (2).

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