Abstract:
An impact protection device ( 1 ) for a weapon which is disposed, in use, to surround the barrel of the weapon at least in its muzzle region. The device has material portions which resist in mechanical forces applied against the weapon in these portions so that the portions are deformed. In order to improve the impact absorption and also for purposes of saving material, the impact absorbing part ( 1   a ) is provided with grooves and flanges ( 5 ). The form of the impact-absorbing part is adapted to the form of each respective weapon. Three variations are provided, one for surrounding the barrel of the weapon, another for surrounding a flashguard ( 14 ), and a third for surrounding equipment for firing blank ammunition.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a device which reduces the risk of injury or damage occurring when a weapon impacts against a human being or an object. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In both military and civilian handling of firearms a large number of accidents occur every year in which injury is caused to people or damage to objects. In the handling of handguns it also happens that, for example, personal injury occurs when teeth are damaged or knocked out, because someone strikes the barrel of the weapon. Such accidents occur on many different occasions, for example in troop transport. In such transport, it is common that the soldiers sit with the weapon in front of them and support the butt of the weapon against the floor. In such instance, the barrel of the weapon is at face height. When the vehicle bumps and shakes while moving, there is a risk that the barrel of the weapon strike some part of the body. On such occasions, facial injuries and injuries to other parts of the body are unfortunately not uncommon. 
     Also on other occasions, for example on manoeuvres, on embarking or disembarking from means of transport etc., a soldier may be injured by his own weapon or his comrade&#39;s weapon. Material, which, for example, accompanies such transport may be damaged when the barrel of a weapon strikes the material. 
     It is obvious that there is a need for a device which reduces the risk of damage and injury of the above-type. 
     As regards military weapons, there is a need that the device can be employed regardless of whether the weapon is used for shooting with live or blank ammunition. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the invention is to provide a device which satisfies the above needs. Hereafter the designation impact protection device will generally be employed for the device according to the invention. 
     The impact protection device according to the present invention is of a design and includes parts which consist of material which is deformed when the weapon strikes against something. As a rule, the impact protection device is designed such that the portions which are deformed consist of a material which reassumes its original form once the deforming forces aimed at the impact protection device have ceased. 
     As a result of the capability of the impact protection device to absorb impact and jolts, the risk is reduced that a person be injured or an object be damaged when a weapon with a mounted impact protection device strikes with its muzzle against the person or the object. Naturally, the risk that the weapon itself be damaged is also reduced. 
     Further objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will now be described further with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawing: 
     FIG. 1 is a cross-section through an impact protection device according to the present invention mounted on the flashguard of a weapon; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-section through the impact protection device according to FIG. 1 in another configuration; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bracket which is included in the impact protection device according to FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 shows an impact protector which forms part of an impact protection device according to FIG. 1 seen from the rear; 
     FIG. 5 shows a brace which is included in the impact protection device according to FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a longitudinal section through one embodiment of the impact protection device and a blank fire arrangement on which the impact protection device is placed; 
     FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section corresponding to that of FIG. 6 turned through 90° in relation to the longitudinal section in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is an end elevation of a part which is included in the impact protection device according to FIGS. 6 and 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative version of a bracket according to the present invention; and 
     FIG. 10 is a side elevation, partly in section, of an alternative version of a combination of impact protector and brace included in the device. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS. 1-5 show one embodiment of an impact protection device  1 . In the illustrated embodiment, the device includes an impact protector  1   a  which is manufactured from an elastic material, for example a thermoplastic, a rubber material etc. By the intermediary of a brace  3  of elastic material, for example, rubber, the impact protector is connected to a bracket  2 . In FIGS. 1-5, the impact protection device is shown as applied on a flash protector  14 , hereinafter generally designated flashguard  14 . The flashguard is shown in the Figs. in one embodiment intended to be employed together with a weapon designated Ak  5  (automatic carbine). In use, the flashguard, which is designed to surround the barrel of the weapon when firing, is placed on the front region of the barrel (not shown) of the weapon. The embodiment of the impact protection device shown in the figures is intended to be employed on weapons which are made ready for firing with live ammunition. 
     A person skilled in the art will realize that the exact configuration of the impact protection device is adapted to the shape of the weapon in question or the flashguard in question, at the same time as the basic features of the impact protection device remain the same. 
     The impact protect  1  has, in the illustrated embodiment, an outer surface provided with grooves  5   a  surrounded by flanges  5   b  in order to improve the capability of the device to absorb impact, i.e. as a rule to be temporarily deformed in order to absorb impacts and jolts. In other embodiments, the outer surface is smooth, in which event the material is elastic and its thickness is sufficient to absorb impact. Designing the impact protector  1   a  with grooves is a materials saving measure compared with an impact protector with a smooth surface. A distance from the one end region of the impact protector, hereafter referred to as the bottom end portion  15  of the impact protector, a stop member  4  is disposed, which entails that the bottom  150  of the impact protector will, on application of the impact protector, be located a distance from the muzzle of the flashguard  14 . As a result, the bottom end portion forms a “deformation zone” ahead of the muzzle, the deformation zone absorbing impact from the weapon from the front. 
     It will be apparent from FIG. 4 that the impact protector  1   a  has two recesses  13  on the inside of the impact protector, which form projections  9  on the outside of the impact protector and which are disposed in register with one another. The tension with the recesses  13  is to be able to facilitate application and removal of the impact protector  1   a  by pressing on the projections  9 . When the projections are depressed, the cross-section of the impact protector changes its configuration so that the impact protector will be easier to mount on or dismount from the flashguard  14 . Learning a reliable technique of applying or dismounting the impact protector is facilitated by the placing of the projection on the outside of the impact protector and by the fact that the simplest way of mounting and dismounting the impact protector is to use the above-described technique. What is to be avoided above all is that anyone places a hand on the bottom of the impact protector and attempts to force it in place on the flashguard. This is a dangerous operation since a shot fired inadvertently will pass through the hand. 
     On its inside, the impact protector  1  is provided with a number of rigidifying lands  17 . In the end portion of the impact protector which is opposed to the bottom end portion  15 , the lands  17  are bevelled at the muzzle of the impact protector in order to facilitate mounting in place of the impact protector. As a rule, the lands are located substantially at right angles to the bottom  150 . When the impact protector is applied on the flashguard, the lands are oriented substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the barrel of the weapon. While the lands  17  shown in FIG. 4 are disposed in the longitudinal direction of the impact protector, in other embodiments they make an angle with the longitudinal direction of the barrel. In yet further embodiments, there are no lands at all. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the impact protector  1   a  moreover serves the function of a muzzle guard. Each year, a number of accidents occur with hand firearms depending upon the fact that the bore is not completely clean when a shot is fired. What is blocking the bore is often material, snow, etc which has entered from outside into the bore as a result of careless handling on, for example, transport of the weapon. If a shot is fired, the blockage in the barrel of the gun will cause increase of pressure in the barrel which, in the worst case scenario, will burst. The pressure increase may also result in a fire plume striking the marksman&#39;s face. 
     The function of the muzzle guard is partly to prevent foreign matter from entering the barrel, and partly to prevent injurious pressure from building up. For this function, the bottom  150  of the impact protector  1   a  is generally formed as a membrane. The membrane is of lesser thickness than the remaining material of the impact protector. The thickness of the membrane is selected such that the membrane ruptures before harmful pressure has built up in the barrel if a shot is fired by mistake with the muzzle guard mounted in place. The intention is, naturally, to remove the impact protector before the gun is fired, in which event the impact protector can be hung on the bracket  2  as shown in FIG.  2 . In certain embodiments, indications of fracture are provided in the form of grooves, and in others the membrane is of a thickness which decreases towards its centre. 
     The bracket  2  which is included in the embodiment of the impact protection device  1  shown in the figures has an arcuate portion  8  which is intended to be secured around the flashguard  14  by being clamped in place as a snap coupling. The bracket  2  is manufactured from a heat-resistant material, which withstands the temperature which the flashguard may reach in the event of automatic fire. The bracket  2  is moreover provided with a hook  7  which displays a through-going, keyhole-shaped aperture  16  in that part of the bracket which faces away from the flashguard. Furthest out on the hook  7  there is, on certain embodiments, a ridge  10  which improves the retention of the impact protector  1   a.    
     The brace  3  of elastic material, for example rubber, is press/fit connected in its one end in the aperture  16  in the bracket  2 , while the other end of the brace  3  is secured in an aperture  6  disposed on a projecting portion of the impact protector  1   a . By stretching the brace in order to reduce its diameter and pressing its one end portion  32  into the narrower part of the keyhole-shaped aperture  16 , the brace  3  is secured to the bracket  2 . Prior to this, the brace  3  has been passed in through the aperture  6  in the impact protector  1   a . The head  31  of the brace  3  is overdimensioned which prevents it passing through the aperture  6 . The projecting portion of the impact protector  1   a  will be clamped between the head  31  and the suitably provided flange  33  in the brace. 
     When firing with live ammunition, the impact protector  1   a  is removed by pressing on the projections  9  and sliding off the impact protector. The impact protector  1   a  is then suspended on the hook  7  as shown in FIG. 2, the weapon being ready for action. By the form and placing of the brackets  2  and the impact protector  1   a  it will be a natural and simple movement to remove the protector  1   a  and suspend it in the bracket  2 , and vice versa. Thanks to the brace  3 , the impact protector  1   a  will not be dropped even if it comes loose from the hook  7 . The protector  1   a  is simple to mount in place and dismount even in darkness, thanks to the projections  9 . A person skilled in the art will perceive that the brace  3  and its securing in the various parts may be put into effect in other ways in other embodiments and that the figures show but one example of how this may be done. Even when the impact protector  1   a  is suspended in the bracket  2 , impact damping is afforded in one direction. 
     In one alternative embodiment of the impact protection device  1  use is made of the impact protector  1   a  alone, i.e. without the bracket  2 . The impact protector  1   a  is, in this instance, stored in another manner than that described above when it is not mounted on the barrel of the firearm. 
     When firing with blank ammunition, the impact protection device  1  intended for firing with live ammunition is removed by snapping off the bracket  2  from the flashguard  14 . As a result of the design and construction of the impact protection device, the device is still held together as a unit. 
     FIGS. 9 and 10 show an alternative embodiment of the impact protection device. In FIG. 9, the bracket  30  is shown in one embodiment which differs from the bracket  2  described above in three respects. First, the corners  44  of the arcuate portion  8  are rounded and/or the edge between the corners is rounded (not shown in the figure), secondly, the inside of the arcuate portion  8  has been provided with a rib  39 , and thirdly the keyhole-shaped aperture has been replaced by elongate aperture or elongate gap  38 . 
     The intention with the rounded corners is that the bracket  30  be easier to mount on and dismount from the flashguard  14 . In order to counteract the risk that the bracket  30  is less secure in place because of the rounded corners, the inner side of the arcuate portion  8  is provided with a longitudinal rib  39 . The rib  39  intimated in FIG. 9, results in the arcuate portion  8  of the bracket  30  being clamped harder against the flashguard  14 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the brace  41  constitutes an integrated part of the impact protector  1   a  made of elastic material, for example rubber. Normally, the. brace  41  is thus formed simultaneously with the impact protector  1   a . In other embodiments, the brace  41  is formed as a separate part which, with the aid of welding, gluing, etc, is secured to the impact protector  1   a  in the normal manner. 
     In the formation of the brace  41 , it is provided at its free end with an upwardly curved and relatively configurationly stable portion  43  which terminates with a head  42 . The performing of the brace  41  with its upwardly curved portion  43  entails that the brace  41  runs freely in the longitudinal gap  38  of the bracket  30 . Normally, the length of the brace  41  is adapted such that the impact protector  1   a  does not come loose from the flashguard  14  until the impact protector  1   a  is pulled by hand forwards and thereby stretches out the elastic brace  41 . 
     In yet a further alternative detailed design (not shown) the flanges  40  of the impact protector  1   a  which are located furthest back (the flange is located on the end opposite to the bottom of the impact protector) are provided with a recess which fits around the curved portion of the hook  7 . As a result, it is possible to move the impact protector  1   a  further in on the hook  7 , which in turn entails that the impact protector is better fixed on the hook. 
     A person skilled in the art will perceive that the detailed minor forms which vary between the embodiments may be combined in a number of different ways. 
     When firing with blank ammunition and using the weapon Automatic Carbine No. 5, a blank firing device  25  (FIGS. 6-8) is fixedly screwed on the weapon ahead of the flashguard  14 . 
     One problem is that the blank firing device  25  rapidly becomes relatively hot, for which reason the impact protection device must withstand high temperatures. In the choice of material and design and construction, the inventors have them taken as their point of departure that the impact protection device must withstand a temperature of at least 300° C. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, an impact protector  1   b  which comprises two parts is included in the impact protection device. The first part constitutes a mechanically rigid inner part  18 , hereinafter generally referred to as inner part  18 . The other part is an elastic outer part  19 , hereinafter generally referred to as outer part  19 . Both the inner and outer parts consist of heat-resistant material. 
     The inner part  18  is, in the illustrated example, of plastic, for example a thermoplastic, and comprises two identical halves which are placed over a blank firing device  25  disposed on the weapon in order to surround it at least in a region most proximal the muzzle of the blank firing device. The outer part  19  of plastic material is then passed on the inner, harder part  18 . The outer part  19  here forms a sleeve which holds the inner part  18  in place. In design, construction and choice of material, it has thus been insured that the outer part  19  is sufficiently elastic to be able to be passed on the inner part  18 . Once the outer sleeve has arrived in place, the outer and inner parts form the impact protector  1   b  whose function corresponds to that previously described with reference to FIGS. 1-7. 
     The two halves which form the inner part  18  have been provided with pins  34   a  and holes  34   b  in which the pins enter when the halves are laid together. The form of the inner part  18  is adapted so that it adheres to the form of the blank firing device  25 . The inner part  18  has a number of heels  22 ,  23  which are turned to face towards the blank firing device  25  when the inner part is placed on the blank firing device. It is only these heels  22 ,  23  which are in direct contact with the possibly hot blank firing device  25 , otherwise there is an air gap between the inner part  18  and the blank firing device  25 . In the illustrated example, the inner part  18  is in contact with the blank firing device  25  in twelve restricted regions, i.e. there are twelve heels  22 ,  23 . 
     In order to lead off heat, the inner part  18  has, in the illustrated embodiment, a mesh or grid-like design, but is mechanically rigid. Each half which forms the inner part  18  has a number of rib-like elements which are oriented in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the device, and a number of rib-like elements which are oriented transversely of the longitudinal direction (cross-wise). There may be, for example, three elements in the transverse direction and five elements in the longitudinal direction. In alternative embodiments, the inner part is more in the form of a shell with a large number of airholes for leading off heat. 
     The outer part  19  is made of the same material as the impact protector  1   a  and has the same fundamental construction as the impact protector  1   a  for firing with live ammunition in accordance with the foregoing. The only major difference, apart from the rigid lower part  18  is that the impact-absorbing part  19  normally has no bottom corresponding to that described for the impact protector  1   a . When firing with blank ammunition, no muzzle guard is needed. 
     The outer part  19  has been provided with grooves  24   a  and flanges  24   b  in order to provide better impact absorption and in order to save material. In a number of embodiments, the outer part  19  has a smooth surface. In all embodiments, the thickness and elasticity of the material are selected analogous with that previously disclosed for the impact protector  1   a  so that impact is absorbed in a satisfactory manner. The outer part  19  is designed such that the edge of its front portion  29  lies a distance ahead of the front edge of the blank firing device  25 , in order to absorb impacts which comes straight from in front. 
     The outer part  19  has two recesses  27  (FIG. 7) in register with each other and which form projections  26  on the outside. In a plane which, in cross-section, has been turned through 90° in relation to a plane which passes centrally through the recesses  27 , the outer part  19  has recesses  21  for receiving pins  20  provided on the outer surface of the inner part  19 . The pins  20  have been designed so that their upper surface inclines somewhat forwardly in order to facilitate application of the outer part  19 . When the projections  26  are pressed, the outer part  19  is deformed, the recesses  21  disengaging from the pins  20  and the outer part  19  may be taken off. Also when the outer part  19  is to be placed on the inner part  18 , the projections  26  are depressed. In such instance, it must be ensured that the recesses  21  and the pins  20  are in register with each other. The inner part  18  has guides  36  which project out from its outer surface and are intended to enter into grooves  35  in the inner surface of the outer part  19 . This ensures correct orientation between the inner part  18  and the outer part  19 . 
     For dissipating heat, the outer part  19  is also provided with holes  28  in certain embodiments. In the front portion, the outer part  19  is in contact with material in the inner part only at one or a few regions  37 , whereby good ventilation will be obtained. 
     In the blank firing alternative, the impact protection device is normally in place the whole time and is only removed for weapon care. 
     When the impact protection device is to be mounted in place for firing with blank ammunition, the two identical halves which form the inner part  18  are laid around the blank firing device  25 . In such instance, the pins  34   a  on the one half  18  will enter into holes  34   b  in the other half. Thereafter, the outer part  19  is passed on the inner, united part  18  by pressing the projections  26 , ensuring that the guides of the inner part  18  enter into the grooves  35  of the outer part  19 . The outer part is passed on so far that the pins  20  on the inner part  19  enter into the recesses  21  in the rear portion of the outer part  19 . On removal of the impact protection device, the projections  26  are pressed for lifting the recesses  21  of the outer part from the pins  20  of the inner part. It is then possible to remove the outer part  19  and thereafter separate the inner part  18 . 
     The above detailed description has referred to but a limited number of embodiments of the present invention, but a person skilled in the art will readily perceive that the present invention encompasses a large number of embodiments within the scope of the appended Claims.