Patent GB-494330-A (GB)
Title: Method of and means for destroying tanks, armoured cars and the like
IPC: F42C14/08
Filed: 1937-01-20
Abstract: 494,330. Military land mines or torpedoes. WASASTJERNA, H., and HAMPF, E. Jan. 20, 1937, Nos. 1752 and 1753. Void. Convention dates, Jan. 21, 1936 and Feb. 13, 1936. [Class 9 (ii)] An arrangement for destroying vehicles, such as tanks and armoured cars, comprises an explosive mine a, Fig. 1, fixed to one end of a wire b which passes through a ring c and over a pulley d on a pole or tree e and back through the ring c and through the mine to a point on another pole or tree f. With such an arrangement, when a vehicle x encounters and strains the wire, the mine is drawn into contact with the vehicle and exploded. According to modifications, the wire passes around the tree e and may either pass through external rings on the mine, Fig. 2 (not shown), or the mine may be dragged along the ground, Fig. 3 (not shown). Fig. 4 shows a further modification in which one end of the wire b is fixed to the tree e from whence it runs over a forked support h to the mine a which rests on the ground. According to a still further modification, Fig. 7 (not shown), the wire is fixed at each end tothetrees e, f and the mine is arranged to slide along the wire. It is stated that with this modification, the mine may be combined with a rocket or throwing device. Fig. 8 shows one construction of mine comprising an explosive container 1 having a tube 2 running therethrough and fitted with a closure member 3 containing the firing mechanism. This mechanism which comprises a striking pin 8 and detonating cap 9 also includes a shorter tube 4 adapted to slide on the tube 2 and surrounded by a spring 6 which bears at one end on a flange 5 and at the other end against an adjustable member 7. The line b passes through the tube 2 and has its free end 11 secured at 10 to the tube 4. In operation, when the mine is drawn against a vehicle the spring 6 is at first compressed and then the line b or its connection with the tube 4 breaks whereupon the tube 4 is actuated by the spring 6 to cause its flange 5 to strike the pin 8 which fires the detonator 9. According to a modification, Fig. 10 (not shown), the closure member 3 together with the firing mechanism is arranged at the other end of the container 1. Fig. 11 shows a further modification in which the tube 4 is replaced by a double-armed pivoted lever 15, 16, the line 11 being fixed to the shorter arm 15 whilst the longer arm 16 carries the striking pin 8 and is controlled by a metal thread 19 of less tensile strength than the line 11. With this arrangement, when the pull on the arm 15 exceeds a certain value, the thread 19 breaks so that the lever is free to move and ignite the detonator 9. Fig. 12 shows still a further modification in which the tube 2 is arranged eccentrically within the container 1 and the free end of the line b is connected by a thin thread 20 to the spring actuated striker 8. A further thin metal thread 24 has one end secured to the free end of line b whilst its other end is fastened to the fixing point of the other end of the line b. In operation, when a vehicle strikes against the line b, the thread 24 breaks and the mine is free to move against the vehicle. On contact with the vehicle, the spring 21 is at first compressed after which the thread 20 breaks and the striker 8 is driven by its spring 21 against the detonator 9.