LESS-LETHAL PROJECTILE LAUNCHER DEVICE
A compact, multi-shot launcher for blank weapons addresses the size and cost issues of existing launchers by using a frame and magazine system to fire multiple less-lethal projectiles efficiently, enhancing self-defense capabilities.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2024000021
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-01-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing less-lethal projectile launchers are large in size, limited to single-shot operation, and expensive, making them impractical for self-defense applications.
A compact, multi-shot projectile launcher device for blank weapons, featuring a longitudinal frame with a barrel and magazine system that allows for multiple projectiles to be fired without reloading, utilizing the propulsion gases from blank cartridges to expel projectiles through a magazine with a compression spring mechanism.
The device provides a compact, cost-effective solution for self-defense, enabling multiple less-lethal shots without the need for reloading, while minimizing the risk of irreversible injuries.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: LESS-LETHAL PROJECTILE LAUNCHER DEVICE Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for converting a weapon capable of firing only blank ammunition into a less-lethal projectile launcher.
[0002] This device also makes it possible to propel sub-lethal or reduced lethality or even incapacitating projectiles, i.e. the target must not be killed or seriously injured.
[0003] Defense ball launchers are known for maintaining order in riot dispersal and self-defense. According to the official definition given by the United States Department of Defense, less-lethal weapons are weapon systems explicitly designed and primarily used to incapacitate people or equipment, while minimizing fatal accidents or permanent injuries to these same people as well as unwanted damage to its integrity and its environment.
[0004] The present invention aims to offer individuals, in the context of self-defense, a means of protecting themselves while reducing the risks of irreversible injuries likely to be caused by a lethal projectile fired, for example, from a hunting rifle and to propose a device making it possible to project several less-lethal projectiles of reduced dimensions compared to the less-lethal projectiles of 38, 40 or 44mm according to the state of the art, in order to increase the number of less-lethal projectiles available, in particular in a magazine. State of the art
[0005] Projectiles or munitions described as "less lethal" are used by law enforcement to put an end to disturbances on public roads, particularly during violent demonstrations or riots and also in the context of self-defense for individuals.
[0006] A type of projectile is known which is intended for law enforcement operations or for controlling individuals: these so-called neutralization projectiles can be of various shapes, such as spherical or in the form of a stick, and are generally made of elastomer or equivalent materials. These projectiles are intended to be fired at demonstrators in order to neutralize them by the shock effect produced by the projectile due to the transformation of its kinetic energy upon contact with the target.
[0007] The propellant charge of a munition which initially incorporates such a projectile is theoretically adapted so that the impact of the projectile on the target only creates bruises without danger to the life of the latter.
[0008] The projectiles have large initial dimensions, larger than the usual calibers of lethal weapons, which implies the production of a weapon or launcher also of large dimensions and which can fire only one or at best two projectiles before having to be reloaded. We can cite here the defense ball launcher with a diameter equal to 44 mm marketed under the name "Flash-bail".
[0009] There are already tips of different lengths capable of being screwed onto blank weapons but which can only fire one projectile at a time and must be reloaded from the muzzle.
[0010] There is therefore a need for individuals to have a device that is small in size, multi-shot and less expensive than 44mm caliber defense bullet launchers and their ammunition for self-defense.
[0011] The general aim of the invention is to partially meet this need. Statement of the invention
[0012] To do this and with reference to these drawings, the invention relates to a projectile launching device for blank weapons dedicated to temporary neutralization, comprising [Fig.l] a carcass of longitudinal shape along a central axis (X) which materializes the direction of the trajectory of the projectile fixed on the picatinny rail of the blank weapon by bolts and which serves as a support for the different parts constituting the device.
[0013] In this configuration, a barrel [Fig.2] [Fig.3] is fixed coaxially on the screw thread of the blank weapon centered on said axis (X), which comprises a cavity arranged along two axes, said axis (X) and axis (Y), having the function of housing the upper part of the magazine. This cavity having a breech function which thus makes it possible to contain the propulsion gases resulting from the firing of the blank cartridge. The barrel is held in place by the frame which serves as its support. A screw thread is used to finalize the blocking of the barrel in the frame by screwing on a flash suppressor.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, a magazine capable of containing a number of projectiles ranging from 1 to 20 shots for example and whose upper part of the male type fits into the female part, or cavity of the barrel, has two coaxial orifices on the said axis (X), the first allows the propulsion gases of the blank cartridge of the weapon to come into contact with the projectile and a second orifice substantially smaller than the diameter of the projectile so that the latter does not fall and thus allows the compression to be increased when the shot is fired, serves initially to loading of the projectiles and also has the function of expelling the projectile using the propulsion gases of the blank cartridge.
[0015] In this configuration, the internal dimensions of the barrel cavity are substantially equal to the external dimensions of the upper part of the magazine and of the same shape, having the function of perfectly housing the latter, thus making it possible to contain the propulsion gases like the breech of a lethal weapon.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the magazine has a (U)-shaped through groove, in which slides a through pin having the function of gripping the shooter's fingers when loading the projectiles by a downward pulling movement thus compressing the spring and substantially of the same diameter as the groove and fixed through a support guide which allows the guidance of the projectile, the latter being fixed to a compression spring. The support guide and the compression spring have the function of maintaining the pressure of the projectiles in the magazine in order to keep a projectile coaxial with the orifice for its perfect expulsion.
[0017] In an optimal configuration, the magazine and the frame have a fixing system in order to temporarily secure them during firing.
[0018] To perfect this assembly, the support guide is cylindrical in shape, optimizing its sliding in the cylindrical housing of the projectiles in the case where the projectiles are cylindrical in shape, the latter has an orifice which allows the pin to pass through and allows the loading of the projectiles by compression of the spring.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the carcass has on its top and bottom a picatinny type rail for attaching sights and / or a handle. Picatinny rails may also be present on the right and left part of the carcass.
[0020] In order to complete the maintenance of the frame and the barrel, a flash suppressor is screwed onto said barrel.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the carcass is made in two parts, joined together by male-female type bolts and guides.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the charger is made in two parts, secured together by bolts and guides of the male-female type.
[0023] In different configurations, the part containing the projectiles in the magazine can be located perpendicular to the barrel or located parallel to the latter and the magazine can be rectangular, cylindrical or any other shape and dimensions depending on the shape, dimensions of the projectiles and their number.
Claims
1.
2. Claims Projectile launching device for blank weapons (A) dedicated to temporary neutralization, comprising a carcass (10) of longitudinal shape along a central axis (X) which materializes the direction of the trajectory of the projectile, fixed on a picatinny rail of the blank weapon by bolts (11), and which serves as support for the different parts constituting the device supporting: - a barrel (12) fixed coaxially on a screw thread (13) of the blank weapon (A) centered on said axis (X), comprising a cavity (14) arranged along two axes, said axis (X) and axis (Y), having the function of housing the upper part (16) of the magazine (15) by a male-female type connection. This cavity (14) having a breech function thus making it possible to contain the propulsion gases resulting from the firing of the blank cartridge. The barrel (12) is held in place by the frame (10) which serves as its support. A screw thread (17) is used to finalize the locking of the barrel in the frame (10) by screwing on a flash suppressor (18). - a magazine (15) capable of containing a number of projectiles (B) ranging from 1 to 20 shots for example and whose upper male part (16) fits into the female part, or cavity (14) of the barrel (12) has two coaxial orifices on the said axis (X), the first (18) allowing the propulsion gases of the blank cartridge of the weapon to come into contact with the projectile (B) and a second orifice (19) substantially smaller than the diameter of the projectile so that the latter does not fall and allowing the compression to be increased when the shot is fired, initially serving to load the projectiles and also having the function of expelling the projectile using the propulsion gases of the blank cartridge. Projectile launcher device for blank weapons (A) dedicated to temporary neutralization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal dimensions of the barrel cavity (14) are substantially equal to the external dimensions of the upper part of the magazine and of the same shapes (16), having the function of housing the latter, making it possible to contain the propulsion gases like the breech of a lethal weapon.
3. Projectile launching device for blank weapons (A) dedicated to temporary neutralization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the magazine (15) has a through groove (20) in the shape of a (U), in which slides a through pin (21) having the function of gripping the shooter's fingers when loading the projectiles (B) by a downward pulling movement compressing a spring (23), substantially of the same diameter as the groove and fixed through a support guide (22) which allows the guidance of the projectile, the latter being fixed to a compression spring (23), the support guide (22) and the compression spring (23), having the function of maintaining the pressure of the projectiles in the magazine in order to maintain a projectile coaxial with the orifice (19) for its expulsion.
4. Projectile launching device for blank weapons (A) dedicated to temporary neutralization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the magazine (13) and the frame (10) have a fixing system in order to temporarily secure them during firing.
5. Projectile launching device for blank weapons (A) dedicated to temporary neutralization, according to claim 3, characterized in that the support guide (22) is of cylindrical shape optimizing its sliding in the cylindrical housing of the projectiles (B) in the case where the projectiles are of cylindrical shape, the latter having an orifice allowing the pin (21) to pass through and allowing the loading of the projectiles by compression of the spring (23).
6. Projectile launcher device for blank weapons (A) dedicated to temporary neutralization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the carcass (10) has on its top and bottom a picatinny type rail for fixing a sighting device and / or a handle. Picatinny rails may also be present on the right and left parts of the carcass (10).
7. Projectile launcher device for blank weapons (A) dedicated to temporary neutralization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the carcass (10) is made in two parts, secured together by bolts and guides of the male-female type.
8. Projectile launcher device for blank weapons (A) dedicated to temporary neutralization, according to claim 1, characterized in that that the charger (15) is made in two parts, joined together by male-female type bolts and guides.
9. Projectile launching device for blank weapons (A) dedicated to temporary neutralization, according to claim 1, characterized in that the part containing the projectiles in the magazine (15) can be located perpendicular to the barrel and along the axis (X) or located parallel to the axis (Y) and the magazine can be rectangular, cylindrical or any other shape and dimensions depending on the shape, dimensions of the projectiles and their number.