AN APPARATUS FOR ENCLOSING, IN A BOX-LIKE UNIT, ELONGATE OBJECTS PRIMARILY IN THE FORM OF SHELLS

Abstract: A number of elongate objects (4, 4′, 5), tapering from their bases, are enclosed in a box-like unit. A first number of such objects (4, 4′) are disposed with their bases (4a, 4a′) at the first end wall (1a) of the unit, and a second number of objects (5) are disposed with their bases (5a) at the second end wall (1b) of the unit. The objects are disposed in parallel relationship and the first objects have their noses disposed at the bases of the second objects, and vice versa. The first objects (4, 4′) are disposed in cases (6, 7) which each display, at their first end (6a, 7a) a cylindrical configuration, and at their other end (6b, 7b) display a four-pointed stellar con­ figuration, and a smooth transition adhering to the tapering of the objects between cylindrical and stellar configuration. Each respective object is disposed in its associated case with its base at the cylindrical, first end and its nose at the four-pointed, stellar end. The second number of objects (5) extends between the cases and supports against their out­ sides.

Description: The present invention relates to a device for enclosing in a box-like unit a number of elongate objects which have a base and taper along their length to a nose, a first number of objects being positioned within the unit with their bases against a first end wall of the unit and a second number of objects being positioned within the unit with their bases against an opposite end wall of the unit. BACKGROUND ART A device of the above-mentioned type is disclosed in DE-C-329 885. Also FR-A-2 463 070 discloses a number of tapered objects stacked in alternating directions with at least some of the objects being disposed in its own case within a box-like unit. Also, boxes, lockers, limbers or cassettes for enclosing ammunition units, such as shells, are previously known in the art. In various contexts, but specifically in the field of ammunition units, it is of a major interest that the elongate objects are in a fixed position within the box-like unit in question so that lateral and longitudinal movements of the objects are prevented. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM In various contexts it is also vitally important that a maximum number of objects or shells can be housed within the box or cassette in question. Problems may here arise if, for example, lateral displacements also must be avoided. In those cases where also the objects have to be fixed in their longitudinal directions the problem is even more accentuated with a large packing density of the objects in the cassette or box. SOLUTION The object of the present invention is to provide a device which obviates the problem of a large packing density of tapering elongate objects, which, this notwithstanding, are reliably positionally fixed in the lateral as well as the longitudinal displacement directions. The device should be particularly suitable for storage of ammunition units. The invention is characterized in that the objects in question are rounds of ammunition; in that said device comprises a case which displays a cylindrical configuration at a respective first end and a four-pointed stellar configuration at an opposite end, the transition from said first end to said opposite end being smooth and following the tapering of the objects; each object of the first number of objects is placed in its associated case with the base of the object at the cylindrical first end of the case and with the nose of the object at the four-pointed stellar opposite end of the case; and each object of the second number of objects is placed between cases containing objects of the first number of objects and abuts against the outsides of said cases. According to further developments of the inventive concept as herein disclosed it is proposed that the cases coooperate by means of end edges at their four-pointed stellar opposite ends, with projecting flanges on the bases of objects of the second number of objects; the second number of objects being positionally fixed in their longitudinal displacement directions. As a result, the second number of elongate objects will be positionally fixed in their longitudinal displacement directions. In the presently considered further developments of the invention each one of the first number of elongate objects also has projecting flanges which abut with the end edges of the first ends of the cases. By such means the first objects will also be positionally fixed in their longitudinal displacement directions in the unit. Each respective one of the above-mentioned cases carries at its cylindrical first end, an externally disposed flange, and at its four-pointed stellar end, an internally disposed flange. When ammunition units are used in the device according to the present invention, these flanges constitute supports for driving bands at the forward regions of the ammunition units. The externally disposed flanges cooperate with the driving bands on the second number of objects - or ammunition units - and the internally disposed flanges cooperate with the driving bands on the ammunition units disposed in the cases. The cases have substantially the same outer diameter at their first and second end and are preferably of substantially the same outer diameter throughout their entire longitudinal extent. The first and second end walls are on their insides provided with depressions or recesses for the noses and depressions or recesses for the projecting flanges of the objects. By being disposed in these depressions or recesses the flanges of each object will provide a fixed position of the objects with respect to lateral displacement movements. Units of the above-mentioned type are preferably used in, for example, armoured vehicles and tanks in which the space available for ammunition storage is much restricted but in which it is nevertheless desirable to carry as many ammunition units as possible. A number of box-like units of the above-mentioned type may, in such instance, be disposed in the armoured vehicle in question. These units are then disposed beneath a fan-shaped magazine for the ammunition units (shells), and the units are also disposed in such a way that they allow for manual transfer from the box-like units to the fan-shaped magazine. A number of units are disposed on a carrier device in which they are fixed by guides and grooves in the device and the units, and also by independent locking means. ADVANTAGES As a result of the present invention it has now become possible to realise compact portable units for, for instance ammunition. Thanks to their design, the units may be manufactured of economical and light-weight material, for example a plastic material. The outer dimensions of each respective unit may be kept to a minimum despite the relatively large number of objects disposed therein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The nature of the present invention and its aspects will be more readily understood from the following brief description of the accompanying Drawings, and discussion of one currently proposed embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention recounting the significant characterising features thereof, in relation to the discussion. In the accompanying Drawings: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a box-like unit intended to enclose 21 tightly-packed shells; Fig. 2 is a horizontal view of the unit of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an end elevation and cross-section through the unit illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, showing the accomodation placements for the shells; Fig. 4 illustrates the mutual placement between four shells, of which three shells are disposed in cases of special design and a fourth shell is placed so as to abut against the outsides of the above-mentioned three cases; Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section of the shells and cases taken along the line A-A in Fig. 4; and Fig. 6 illustrates the disposition of a number of units according to Figs. 1-3 in an armoured vehicle or tank with a fan-shaped section. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the Drawings, the box-like cassette 1 according to Figs. 1-3 is of small outside dimensions. Its length is approx. 0.5 m, height approx. 0.4 m and width approx. 0.18 m. Despite these small dimensions, the cassette accomodates 21 rounds of the type which tapers from a cylindrical base towards its nose. At the base, each round is provided, in a per se known manner, with projecting flanges. The rounds are fixed in the box or cassette in both the longitudinal and lateral displacement directions. On its upper side, the cassette is provided with two handles 2, 3 which, from a collapsed position as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, may be raised for manual accessibility. A first number of rounds 4, 4' are placed with their bases 4a, 4a' at the first end wall 1a of the unit. A second number of rounds 5 are placed with their bases 5a at the second end wall 1b of the unit. The first and second rounds 4, 4' and 5, respectively extend in substantially parallel relationship beside one another, i.e. the longitudinal axes 4b, 4b' and 5b, respectively of the rounds are substantially parallel. The noses 4c, 4c' of the first rounds are placed at the bases 5a of the second rounds. Correspondingly, the noses 5c of the second rounds are placed at the bases 4a, 4a' of the first rounds. The first end wall 1a is provided with internal recesses 1a for rear flanges 4d, 4d' on the first rounds. The first end wall also displays internal recesses 1a'' for the noses 5c on the second rounds. Correspondingly, the second end wall 1b is provided with internal recesses 1b' for the case flanges 5d of the second rounds, and with internal recesses 1b'' for the noses 4c, 4c' of the first rounds. All first rounds 4, 4' are disposed in cases of plastic material or corresponding light-weight material. The cases are of a particular design which is most readily apparent from Fig. 4 which illustrates 3 cases 6, 7 and 8. As will also be apparent from Fig. 5, each respective case is, at its first end 6a and 7a, respectively, of cylindrical design. At its other end 6b and 7b, respectively, each respective case displays a four-pointed stellar configuration, as is apparent from the end elevation according to Fig. 4. The transition between the cylindrical and stellar ends is uniform and continuous, and adheres to the tapering of the rounds to be stored in the box. The second number of rounds are not indivudally disposed in cases, but instead abut against the outsides of the cases of the first rounds, these cases forming spaces between themselves which correspond to the outer configuration of the second rounds. The inner surfaces of the longitudinal sides of the unit are of a configuration which, together with the outer cases 6, 7, 8 etc. currently under discussion, form spaces which correspond to the outer configuration of the second rounds which are located adjacent the inner walls of the units. The configuration of these inner walls is apparent from Fig. 3. The inner sides of the units now under discussion are designated 1d, 1g, 1e and 1f, respectively. The wall 1d is provided with the inner wall design 1d' which fills out the space between the outer cases and the outer, second rounds. The remaining walls 1e, 1f and 1g possess corresponding inner wall designs. In one embodiment, the above-mentioned inner wall designs 1d' may conceivably be dispensed with. Each respective first round, 4, 4' is disposed in its respective case 6, 7, such that at the end 6a and 7a, respectively of the case, the projecting flange 4d, 4d' projects beyond the end edge 6c and 7c, respectively of the case. The depressions or recesses 1a' are of a depth which corresponds substantially to the thickness of the flange 4d, 4d'. At the other end 6b and 7b, respectively, on each respective case, the case end edge 6d and 7d, respectively is designed to cooperate with the inner surface of the second end wall 1b. By such means, the first rounds 4, 4' will be positionally fixed in their longitudinal displacement directions within the unit. The above-mentioned end edge surfaces 6d and 7d, respectively may also cooperate with upper edges on the projecting flanges 5d of the second rounds 5. The recesses 1b' for the projecting flanges 5d of the second round 5 are of a depth which substantially corresponds to the thickness of the flange 5d. Thus, the second rounds 5 are positionally fixed in the longitudinal displacement position by means of the end edges 6d and 7d, respectively of the cases 6 and 7. The noses 4c, 4c' and 5c, respectively project into the recesses 1b'' and 1a'', respectively. The depressions or recesses 1a' and 1b' also positionally fix the rounds against lateral displacement. The cases 6 and 7 are also provided with inner flanges 6e and 7e, respectively. These inner flanges are designed to cooperate with a part, for example a driving band 4e, 4e' on the first rounds, at their forward regions. At their rear regions, the cases are also provided with projecting flanges or bosses 6f and 7f, respectively, which are designed to cooperate correspondingly with forward portions, for example driving bands 5e, on the second rounds. The skilled reader of this specification will readily perceive that the rounds are positionally fixed in the lateral displacement direction within the unit. The unit can be emptied by, for example, removing one end wall of the unit, whereafter the rounds can be removed from this one end. Possibly, an upper side may also be rendered removable such that the crew may readily remove cases and rounds from the unit. The removable end wall anchorage, like the removable wall section, may be designed in a per se known manner which does not form part of the invention proper. The units with tightly packed rounds may be disposed on an armoured vehicle or tank where, as a rule, there is a shortage of available space for the ammunition complement. Fig. 6 shows an example of a tank 9 in which space has been provided for a number of the above-described units. The units are placed beneath a fan-shaped magazine. The units are disposed such that they are provided with opening end walls, by the intermediary of which the rounds within the units may be withdrawn with or without their accompanying cases. Such withdrawal is intended to be effected manually and the rounds are transferred manually to the fan-shaped magazine once the cases, where present, have been removed.

Claims: A device for enclosing in a box-like unit (1) a number of elongate objects (4,4',5) which have a base and taper along their length to a nose, a first number of objects (4,4') being positioned within the unit with their bases (4a,4a') against a first end wall (1a) of the unit and a second number of objects (5) being positioned within the unit with their bases (5a) against an opposite end wall (1b) of the unit characterized in that the objects (4,4',5) are rounds of ammunition; in that the device comprises a number of cases (6,7,8) which display a cylindrical configuration at a respective first end (6a,7a) and a four-pointed stellar configuration at an opposite end (6b, 7b), the transition from said first end to said opposite end being smooth and following the tapering of the objects; in that each object of the first number of objects (4,4') is placed in its associated case with the base of the object at the cylindrical first end of the case and with the nose of the object at the four-pointed stellar opposite end of the case; and in that each object of the second number of objects (5) is placed between cases containing objects of the first number of objects and abuts against the outsides of said cases (6,7,8). A device according to claim 1 characterized in that the cases (6,7,8) cooperate by means of end edges (6d,7d) at their four-pointed stellar opposite ends, with projecting flanges (5d) on the bases of objects of the second number of objects (5), said second number objects (5) being positionally fixed in their longitudinal displacement directions. A device according to claim 2 characterized in that each one of the first number of objects (4,4') disposed in a case abuts with a projecting flange (4d,4d') on the base of said object against an end edge (6c, 7c) at the first end of each respective case, and that each respective case abuts with its four-pointed stellar opposite ends against said second end wall (1b), said first objects (4,4') being positionally fixed in their longitudinal displacement directions within the cases (6,7,8). A device according to claim 3 characterized in that each respective case carries at its cylindrical first end an externally disposed flange (6f,7f) by means of said cases cooperate with said second number of objects (5) at the tapering regions (5c) thereof. A device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that each respective case (6,7) carries at its four-pointed stellar opposite end (6b, 7b, respectively) an internally disposed flange (6e, 7e) by means of which the case cooperates with the tapering region of the elongate object (4,4') disposed in the case. A device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that each respective case displays substantially the same outer diameter at its first and second ends (6a,7a; 6b,7b, respectively). A device according to any of claims 2-6 characterized in that the first and second end walls (1a,1b) are on their insides provided with depressions or recesses (1a'' and 1b'', respectively) for the noses (5c and 4c/4c', respectively) and depressions or recesses (1a' and 1b', respectively) for projecting flanges (4d, 4d' and 5d, respectively) of said objects. A device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that a number of box-like units (1) are disposed in an armoured vehicle or tank (9) for carrying a maximum number of objects in the form of rounds of ammunition. A device according to claim 8 characterized in that said units are disposed beneath a fan-shaped magazine (10) for said rounds. A device according to claim 9 characterized in that said units (1) are disposed for manual transfer from the box-like units to the fan-shaped magazine.

Inventors: DAHLLOEF, BENGT, ROEJARE, TORGY, Dahllöf, Bengt, Röjare, Torgy
Applicants: AKTIEBOLAGET BOFORS
Application year: 1987
Main classification: F42B39
IPC codes: F42B39