Description:CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[0001] The present application claims no priority from any of the patent application(s).
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates in general for firing safety. More specifically, the present specification relates to a safety lock mechanism for firearms.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure that are described or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements in this background section are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
[0004] The deficiencies inherent in conventional artillery systems create substantial safety risks for soldiers operating these weapons in battlefield scenarios. Current designs often lack specialized safety features in both the breech assembly and barrel, leaving operators vulnerable to potential dangers, particularly in the event of a misfire. The pressing necessity for a safety lock system in artillery becomes evident when considering the significant harm that can be inflicted upon operators if a misfire occurs. Beyond preventing unauthorized use, such a system should specifically address and mitigate the risks associated with premature firing of munitions.
[0005] In response to these identified shortcomings, there exists a critical need for a safety lock mechanism to overcome, but not limited to, the discussed disadvantages. By prioritizing the mitigation of misfires, the implementation of the safety lock mechanism on an artillery system holds the potential to significantly enhance both operator safety and the operational reliability of these weapons in the dynamic and challenging environments of the battlefield.
SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to the field of apparatus configured for ensuring firing safety and preventing misfire in firearms. More specifically, the present specification relates to a safety lock mechanism. This summary is not intended to identify the essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0007] In a non-limiting embodiment, the present disclosure provides a safety lock mechanism for a firearm. The safety lock mechanism includes a firing pin, a pivot lever, a safety lever, a cocking block, a locking mechanism, a handle, and a sear lever. In addition, the pivot lever unit is engaged with the firing pin. Also, the safety lever is rotationally mounted in a structure. Further, the safety lever is spring assisted. Furthermore, one end of the safety lever is configured for engaging with the pivot lever unit and another end of the safety lever involves a nut. Additionally, the cocking block is coupled to another end of the safety lever. Further, the locking mechanism secures the cocking block. Furthermore, the handle is pivoted on the structure. Also, the sear lever is engaged with the handle, and the sear lever is adapted to reciprocate in the structure.
[0008] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism is a plunger locking mechanism. In addition, the locking mechanism includes a knob.
[0009] In another embodiment, a firing condition for the firearm is achieved by unlocking the sear lever and the locking mechanism.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, a method for unlocking the sear lever includes the step of actuating the handle for disengaging the sear lever from the pivot lever unit.
[0011] In one embodiment, a method for unlocking the locking mechanism includes the step of unlocking the locking mechanism by pulling the knob. In addition, the pulling of the knob facilitates disengagement of the cocking block from the locking mechanism. Further, the disengagement facilitates counter rotation of the cocking block against the spring force. Furthermore, the counter rotation of the cocking block facilitates counter rotation of the pivot lever unit. Additionally, the counter rotation of the pivot lever unit facilitates disengagement of the firing pin from the pivot lever unit.
[0012] In another embodiment, a method for transitioning to a post firing condition from the firing condition of the firearm includes the step of rotating the safety lever against spring force, by manual rotation of the nut |using a spanner. Additionally, the rotation of the safety lever facilitates rotation of the pivot lever unit. Also, the rotation of the pivot lever facilitates obstructing the firing pin by the pivot lever unit. The method for transitioning to a post firing condition from the firing condition of the firearm further includes the step of pushing the knob for obstructing the cocking block against the locking mechanism. The method for transitioning to a post firing condition from the firing condition of the firearm further includes the step of actuating the handle for engaging the sear lever with the pivot lever unit.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the pivot lever unit is spring assisted. The pivot lever unit includes a first lever and a second lever.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the first lever and the second lever are mounted on a shaft. In addition, the shaft is pivotally mounted on a frame. Further, the first lever is in engagement with the firing pin, and the second lever is in engagement with the safety lever.
[0015] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0017] Figure 1 illustrates locked state of a safety lock mechanism (100), in accordance with various embodiments/ instances/ implementations of the present subject matter;
[0018] Figure 2 illustrates an unlock state of a safety lock mechanism (100), in accordance with various embodiments/ instances/ implementations of the present subject matter;
[0019] Figure 3 illustrates a side view for the locked state of the safety lock mechanism (100), in accordance with various embodiments/ instances/ implementations of the present subject matter;
[0020] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of a firing pin (102) in the locked state, in accordance with various embodiments/ instances/ implementations of the present subject matter;
[0021] Figure 5 illustrates a post firing condition of the safety lock mechanism (100), in accordance with various embodiments/ instances/ implementations of the present subject matter; and
[0022] Figure 6 illustrates an artillery (600) comprising the safety lock mechanism (100), in accordance with various embodiments/ instances/ implementations of the present subject matter.
[0023] It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” or “some embodiments,” or “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment,” or “another embodiment” or “yet another embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” or “in one implementation” or “in an implementation” or “in another implementation” or “in yet another implementation” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0025] The words "comprising", "having", "containing", and "including", and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “an article” may include a plurality of articles unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any methods similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary methods are described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0026] Various modifications to the embodiment may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art may readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. The detailed description of the invention will be described hereinafter referring to accompanied drawings.
[0027] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
[0028] Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention. There may be additional components described in the foregoing application that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a component is described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification.
[0029] In the accompanying drawings components have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
[0030] In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, referring to figure 1, a safety lock mechanism (100) is described herein. In general, safety lock mechanisms represent devices/apparatuses specifically designed for misfire prevention in firearms.
[0031] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the safety lock mechanism (100) includes a firing pin (102), a pivot lever unit (104), a safety lever (106), a cocking block (112), a locking mechanism (114), a handle (116) and a sear lever (118). Further, the pivot lever unit (104) is engaged (or in contact) with the firing pin (102). Furthermore, the safety lever (106) is rotationally mounted in a structure (108). The safety lever (106) is spring assisted. Also, one end of the safety lever (106) is configured for engaging with the pivot lever unit (104), and another end of the safety lever (106) includes a nut (110). In addition, the cocking block (112) is coupled to another end of the safety lever (106). Further, the locking mechanism (114) secures the cocking block (112). Furthermore, the handle (116) is pivoted on the structure (108). Additionally, the sear lever (118) is engaged with the handle (116), and the sear lever (118) is adapted to reciprocate in the structure (108). Figure 1 illustrates the safety lock mechanism (100). In addition, figure 6 illustrates safety lock mechanism (100) installation in a breech mechanism of an artillery gun system.
[0032] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism (114) is a plunger locking mechanism. In addition, the locking mechanism (114) includes a knob (114a). In one implementation the locking mechanism (114) may be a latch mechanism, a magnetic lock, a toggle clamp, a cam lock, a twist-lock mechanism, a screw mechanism, a spring-loaded detent, an electronic or RFID lock, and the like. In another implementation, the locking mechanism (114) may be a spring loaded plunger lock. In yet another embodiment, the locking mechanism (114) may be any locking mechanism, device or arrangement that can securely hold the cocking block (112).
[0033] In one embodiment, the safety lock mechanism (100) includes a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the firing pin (102) is obstructed thus disabling the firearm for initiating firing. Figure 1 illustrates the locked state of the safety lock mechanism (100).
[0034] In the unlocked state, the firing pin (102) is set-free thus enabling the firearm for initiating firing. Figure 2 illustrates the unlocked state of the safety lock mechanism (100). The safety lock mechanism (100) serves a critical role in preventing accidental discharge and ensuring the safe handling of the firearm/weapon. This safety lock mechanism (100) is designed to block the firing pin (102), from engaging with a primer, thus preventing the firearm from being discharged unintentionally. In general, a primer refers to the small device or component that ignites the propellant in an artillery shell, initiating the firing sequence. It is a crucial element in the functioning of artillery systems, ensuring that the propellant ignites and propels the projectile out of the artillery piece. The primer typically contains a sensitive explosive compound that is activated by the firing pin or striker mechanism, initiating the ignition process. The successful ignition of the primer sets in motion the entire firing process, leading to the expulsion of the projectile from the artillery gun.
[0035] The safety lock mechanism (100) acts as a safeguard, particularly in situations where the weapon is being transported, stored, or handled. By engaging the safety lock mechanism (100), users can significantly reduce the risk of accidental shootings, protecting themselves and others from harm. Whether it's during storage, cleaning, or carrying the firearm, the safety lock mechanism (100) provides an extra layer of protection and promotes responsible gun ownership.
[0036] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the safety lock mechanism (100) in the unlocked state. In addition, it also illustrates the locking (or securing/obstructing) of the coking block (112) by the locking mechanism (114).
[0037] In another embodiment, a firing condition for the firearm is achieved by unlocking the sear lever (118) followed by unlocking the locking mechanism (114). The achievement of the firing condition implies that the firearm is in a ready to fire state (or condition). Implying that the unlocking of the locking mechanism (114) alone will not enable the firearm to initiate firing, and vice-versa. In addition, the initiation of the firing will happen only when the sear lever (118) is unlocked, provided that the locking mechanism (114) is already unlocked in the same order.
[0038] In yet another embodiment, a method for unlocking the sear lever (118) includes the step(s) of actuating the handle (116) for disengaging the sear lever (118) from the pivot lever unit (104).
[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for unlocking the locking mechanism comprises the steps of unlocking the locking mechanism (114) by pulling the knob (114a). The pulling of the knob (114a) facilitates disengagement of the cocking block (112) from the locking mechanism (114). In addition, the disengagement facilitates counter rotation of the cocking block (112) against the spring force. Further, the counter rotation of the cocking block (112) facilitates counter rotation of the pivot lever unit (104). Also, the counter rotation of the pivot lever unit (104) facilitates disengagement of the firing pin (102) from the pivot lever unit (104). Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of a firing pin (102) in the locked state, where the firing pin (102) is obstructed by the pivot lever unit (104).
[0040] In another embodiment, a post firing condition of the firearm implies a state/condition of the firearm, where it is idle (or temporarily at rest). The post firing condition will be followed by firing condition. Therefore, in order to prevent misfire, the safety lock mechanism (100) is reconfigured to its locked state in the post firing condition. Figure 5 illustrates the post firing condition of the safety lock mechanism (100).
[0041] In yet another embodiment, a method for transitioning to a post firing condition from the firing condition of the firearm include the step of rotating the safety lever (106) against spring force, by manual rotation of the nut (110) using a spanner. In an example, manual rotation of the nut (110) may be done by any suitable means. In addition, the rotation of the safety lever (106) facilitates rotation of the pivot lever unit (104). Also, the rotation of the pivot lever unit (104) facilitates obstructing the firing pin (102) by the pivot lever unit (104). The method for transitioning to a post firing condition from the firing condition of the firearm further includes the step of pushing the knob (114a) for obstructing the cocking block (112) against the locking mechanism (114).
[0042] The method for transitioning to a post firing condition from the firing condition of the firearm further includes the step of actuating the handle (116) for engaging the sear lever (118) with the pivot lever unit (104). The method for transitioning from the post firing condition from the firing condition of the safety lock mechanism (100) is simply attaining the locked state of the safety lock mechanism (100), from its unlocked state. Figure 2 illustrates the unlocked state of the safety lock mechanism (100), and Figure 1 illustrates the locked state of the safety lock mechanism (100).
[0043] In an aspect, the pivot lever unit (104) may be spring assisted. In another aspect, the pivot lever unit (104) may be motor assisted. Also, the pivot lever unit (104) includes a first lever (104a) and a second lever (104b).
[0044] In yet another embodiment, the first lever (104a) and the second lever are mounted on a shaft (104c). In addition, the shaft (104c) is pivotally mounted on a frame (120). Also, the first lever (104a) is engaged with the firing pin (102), and the second lever (104b) is engaged with the safety lever (106). Figure 4 illustrates the sectional view of the firing pin (102). In addition, figure 4 also illustrates the obstruction (or locking) of the firing pin (102) by the first lever (104a). Also, the firing pin (102) is encased in a casing (402).
[0045] Figure 6 illustrates an artillery (600) comprising the safety lock mechanism (100), to prevent misfire. The artillery includes a breechblock carrier (602) pivoted on a barrel (604). Also, a breech screw (606) is rotationally mounted on the breechblock carrier (602). In addition, a sector gear and a linear pinion are configured to rotate the breech screw (606). The rotation of the breech screw (606) in the barrel (604) may seal the barrel (604) from one end. The opening and closing of the breechblock carrier (602) translates the linear pinion which in-turn rotates the breech screw (606). Further, the structure (108) may be mounted on the breechblock carrier (602), and the frame (120) may be mounted on the linear rack.
[0046] The invention is further defined by at least the examples provided in the following items:
Item 1 A safety lock mechanism (100) for a firearm, comprising:
a firing pin (102);
a pivot lever unit (104) in engagement with the firing pin (102);
a safety lever (106) rotationally mounted in a structure (108), wherein the safety lever (106) is spring assisted, wherein one end of the safety lever (106) is configured for engaging with the pivot lever unit (104), wherein another end of the safety lever (106) comprises a nut (110);
a cocking block (112) coupled to another end of the safety lever (106);
a locking mechanism (114) for securing the cocking block (112);
a handle (116) pivoted on the structure (108); and
a sear lever (118) in engagement with the handle (116), wherein the sear lever (118) is adapted to reciprocate in the structure (108).
Item 2. The safety lock mechanism (100) of item 1, wherein the locking mechanism (114) is a plunger locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism (114) comprises a knob (114a).
Item 3. The safety lock mechanism (100) of items 1 and 2, wherein a firing condition for the firearm is achieved by unlocking the sear lever (118) and unlocking the locking mechanism (114).
Item 4. The safety lock mechanism (100) of items 1 and 3, wherein a method for unlocking the sear lever (118) comprises the steps of actuating the handle (116) for disengaging the sear lever (118) from the pivot lever unit (104).
Item 5. The safety lock mechanism (100) of items 1 and 3, wherein a method for unlocking the locking mechanism (114) comprises the steps of unlocking the locking mechanism (114) by pulling the knob (114a), wherein the pulling of the knob (114a) facilitates disengagement of the cocking block (112) from the locking mechanism (114), wherein the disengagement facilitates counter rotation of the cocking block (112) against the spring force, wherein the counter rotation of the cocking block (112) facilitates counter rotation of the pivot lever unit (104), wherein the counter rotation of the pivot lever unit (104) facilitates disengagement of the firing pin (102) from the pivot lever unit (104).
Item 6. The safety lock mechanism (100) of items 1 to 5, wherein a method for transitioning to a post firing condition from the firing condition of the firearm, comprising the steps of:
rotating the safety lever (106) against spring force, by manual rotation of the nut (110) using a spanner, wherein the rotation of the safety lever (106) facilitates rotation of the pivot lever unit (104), wherein the rotation of the pivot lever unit (104) facilitates obstructing the firing pin (102) by the pivot lever unit (104);
pushing the knob (114a) for obstructing the cocking block (112) against the locking mechanism (114); and
actuating the handle (116) for engaging the sear lever (118) with the pivot lever unit (104).
Item 7. The safety lock mechanism (100) of items 1 to 6, wherein the pivot lever unit (104) is spring assisted, wherein the pivot lever unit (104) comprises a first lever (104a) and a second lever (104b).
Item 8. The safety lock mechanism (100) of item 7, wherein the first lever (104a) and the second lever are mounted on a shaft (104c), wherein the shaft (104c) is pivotally mounted on a frame (120), wherein the first lever (104a) is in engagement with the firing pin (102), wherein the second lever (104b) is in engagement with the safety lever (106).
[0047] The presently disclosed the safety lock mechanism (100) may have the following advantages:
• enhanced safety, from operational point of view.
• light weight mechanism.
• simplified design.
• ease for maintenance, due to minimum maintenance requirements.
• cost-effective solution.
[0048] The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure.
[0049] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description, including any of their various aspects or respective individual feature(s), may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A safety lock mechanism (100) for a firearm, comprising:
a firing pin (102);
a pivot lever unit (104) in engagement with the firing pin (102);
a safety lever (106) rotationally mounted in a structure (108), wherein the safety lever (106) is spring assisted, wherein one end of the safety lever (106) is configured for engaging with the pivot lever unit (104), wherein another end of the safety lever (106) comprises a nut (110);
a cocking block (112) coupled to another end of the safety lever (106);
a locking mechanism (114) for securing the cocking block (112);
a handle (116) pivoted on the structure (108); and
a sear lever (118) in engagement with the handle (116), wherein the sear lever (118) is adapted to reciprocate in the structure (108).
2. The safety lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (114) is a plunger locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism (114) comprises a knob (114a).
3. The safety lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein a firing condition for the firearm is achieved by unlocking the sear lever (118) and unlocking the locking mechanism (114).
4. The safety lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein a method for unlocking the sear lever (118) comprises the steps of actuating the handle (116) for disengaging the sear lever (118) from the pivot lever unit (104).
5. The safety lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein a method for unlocking the locking mechanism (114) comprising the steps of unlocking the locking mechanism (114) by pulling the knob (114a), wherein the pulling of the knob (114a) facilitates disengagement of the cocking block (112) from the locking mechanism (114), wherein the disengagement facilitates counter rotation of the cocking block (112) against the spring force, wherein the counter rotation of the cocking block (112) facilitates counter rotation of the pivot lever unit (104), wherein the counter rotation of the pivot lever unit (104) facilitates disengagement of the firing pin (102) from the pivot lever unit (104).
6. The safety lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claims 1-5, wherein a method for transitioning to a post firing condition from the firing condition of the firearm, comprising the steps of:
rotating the safety lever (106) against spring force, by manual rotation of the nut (110), wherein the rotation of the safety lever (106) facilitates rotation of the pivot lever unit (104), wherein the rotation of the pivot lever unit (104) facilitates obstructing the firing pin (102) by the pivot lever unit (104);
pushing the knob (114a) for obstructing the cocking block (112) against the locking mechanism (114); and
actuating the handle (116) for engaging the sear lever (118) with the pivot lever unit (104).
7. The safety lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claims 1-6, wherein the pivot lever unit (104) is spring assisted, wherein the pivot lever unit (104) comprises a first lever (104a) and a second lever (104b).
8. The safety lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first lever (104a) and the second lever are mounted on a shaft (104c), wherein the shaft (104c) is pivotally mounted on a frame (120), wherein the first lever (104a) is in engagement with the firing pin (102), wherein the second lever (104b) is in engagement with the safety lever (106).