DESC:4. DESCRIPTION

Technical Field of Invention

The invention relates to safety components/modifications for a firearm used in training programmes. Specifically, the invention relates to insertinga modification to the barrel in the form of a sleeve and the adapterof a firearm which is used while training withblank fire cartridge.

Background of the Invention

There are currently a variety of different safety systems that are directed to reduce the risk of unintentional discharge of live ammunition, particularly in training situations. Some firearms are manufactured solely for the purpose of firing non-standard blank cartridges, such that they are not live-fire capable. However, such “training-only” firearms take away the trainees from realistic training. Some systems include blank-firing adapters (BFA’s) positioned at the end of a barrel,which allows blank cartridges to cycle with most automatic firearms.

Presently, the modification is only to the cartridge which is used in live firearms.

Hence, it is desired to have a barrel for use with custom made blank, the adaptor capable of releasing fire through its ports and the sleeve is ported to allow escape of gases to give real feel to the trainees using the firearm.

A sleeve is to be inserted which reduces barrel fouling and positively disallows the use of live ammunition. This sleeve should be designed with safety as the paramount feature. The design should be such that it cannot chamber a live round once the Blank Fire Attachment (BFA) is attached.

To assemble or disassemble the attachment, the firearm has to be field stripped, making it intrinsically safe. Unlike other such rounds which can be fired from firearms without safety or minimal safety modification; there is a chance of firing a live round, thus compromising safety and endangering life. This modification in the firearmshould give a real feel to the trainees who are in training programme. The sleeve is also ported, so as to cycle the firearm as in the original.

Brief Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a firearm safety device to be used for training the armed personnel and also to increase the life of the firearm.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a blank case:
a) which is not in conformity with other regular cartridges both in design and loading;
b) that does not conform to any of the existing – obsolete and current (over 1,500) – case sizes worldwide;
c) which is multi piece design that makes it very foolproof;
d) which is failsafe even once assembled;
e) which can easily be fed from an AK – 47 magazine and feeds normally into the designed blank fire adapter sleeve kit;
f) which is so designed that any other cartridge, even of similar size will not be fed into the firearm;
g) having a tip made of frangible material that will make the firearm safe to less than 2 meters, as against the current minimum of six meters.

It is another object of the present invention to provide safety features:
a) which cannot be loaded/fitted/retrofitted with any form of projectile: metal or otherwise;
b) which is non-specific in calibre;
c) and the head spacing (CHA) is not maintained if the cartridge is in any way tampered with.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a blank fire adapter:
a) so made that it will not damage the barrel of a live firearm;
b) wherein, the firearm has to be field stripped to insert a sleeve;
c) wherein, the sleeve is ported to allow escape of gases to operate the gas-operated-ejection system of the firearm;
d) wherein, the end of the sleeve is so prepared, so that it aligns with the gas port of the rifle;
e) wherein, the sleeve is fit into a Blank fire adapter and held in place with a fastener screw that will not allow for twisting of the sleeve;
f) wherein, the muzzle end of the BFA is multi ported off centre to allow for flash and recoil, but has inherently built into itself with a trap for blocking any fragments being expelled;
g) wherein, the adapter is secured by a two-piece clamp that wraps around the post foresight of the rifle, giving stability and positive locking.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a modified blank round firing system is disclosed. The modified blank round firing systemcomprises a sleeve member placed inside a barrel and positioned coaxially within a bore of the barrel to prevent insertion or loading of a live round of ammunition. The sleeve member comprises a first end, a second end, and a central portion defined there between, and the first end of the sleeve member is placed at the portion of the ammunition loading

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the modified blank round firing system comprises of a blank cartridge adapter (BFA) secured by a two-piece clamp that wraps around the post foresight of the rifle, giving stability and positive locking.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the modified blank round firing system comprises a muzzle end of the BFA is multi ported off centre to allow for flash and recoil, and inherently built into itself with a trap for blocking any fragments being expelled.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the modified blank round firing system comprises a blank round ammunition of firing system comprises a shell, a propellant filing chamber, a primer for ignition and a cone for ease of feeding the case into a chamber from the magazine.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member of the modified blank round firing system is designed using a stainless steel tube with a semi chamber on to it.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member of the modified blank round firing system have to be inserted from the breech end of the firearm, this mandatorily needed the firearm to be semi field stripped.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, whenever the sleeve member of the modified blank round firing system is once fixed, it will not allow the chambering of any live round in existence today and this safety feature is not in existence so far.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member of the modified blank round firing systemextends slightly out of the barrel length and it comprises of an aperture to allow the gasses in to the bridge block chamber to generate a bolt action.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member of the modified blank round firing systemis used to prevent from loading and discharge of live ammunition and also to increase the life of the barrel.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member of the modified blank round firing system is ported to allow escape of gases to operate the gas-operated-ejection system of the firearm.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the end of the sleeve of the modified blank round firing system is so prepared, so that it aligns with the gas port of the rifle.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member of the modified blank round firing system fits into the blank fire adapter (BFA) and held in place with a fastener screw that will not allow for twisting of the sleeve.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the BFA of the modified blank round firing system will not damage the barrel of a live firearm, and the firearm has to be field stripped to insert the modified sleeve.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, wherein the BFA of the modified blank round firing system comprise both a visual and a tactile feels and is illustrated that the firing system is safe.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention,wherein the modified blank round firing system allows to positively recycle a gas ram and it can be used in single, semi auto, or full auto modes.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention,wherein the installation of modified blank round firing system automatically blocks the insertion or loading of live round ammunition.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other objects will be more readily understood by reference to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In which, Fig 1A depicts an isomeric view of a modified blank fire sleeve assembly according to the present invention;

Fig 1B depicts a top view of the modified blank fire sleeve assembly according to the present invention;

Fig 1C depicts the front view of the modified blank fire sleeve assembly according to the present invention;

Fig 1D depicts the cross section view of the modified blank fire sleeve assembly according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Various modifications to the present invention will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, and can be made to the present invention with in the spirit and scope of the invention.

Inventors felt a need for the requirement of a blank fire round mimicking the real life situations for training. The mandate suggested that the weight of the firearm should not go up manifold, while keeping all parameters for safety in check. The demand was also that the barrel should not foul.

In keeping with these specific demands, the inventors worked around the cartridge. A sleeve was the first to be designed and tested.

To this end a brass tube of outer diameter of 8m/m and an inner diameter of 7m/m was first flared and chambered for a 9x57 rifle and its cartridge made by machining with neck and projectile down to 6 m/m. This was successfully fired in the rifle and it extracted well, showing no signs of damage, either to the case or to the tube, and there was no leak of gas from the breech end and thus no fouling of the barrel.

The next challenge was to make blanks that would fit into the fireamrs chamber, fit and feed well from the magazine when used in conjugation with the barrel sleeve.

Design of the Sleeve:
The sleeve was designed using a stainless steel tube with a semi chamber screwed on to it. The sleeve has to be inserted from the breech end of the firearm, this mandatorily needed the firearm to be semi field stripped (remove the banana box magazine, remove the firing mechanism and gas ram and pushing back the hammer and locking it with the safety catch of the firearm).

Once this is in place it will not allow the chambering of any live round in existence today. This safety feature is not in existence so far.

It is designed with safety as the paramount feature. The design is such that it cannot chamber a live round once the Blank Fire Attachment (BFA) is attached. To assemble or disassemble the attachment the firearmhas to be field stripped, making it intrinsically safe. Unlike other such rounds which can be fired from firearms without safety or minimal safety modifications; there is a chance of firing a live round, thus compromising safety and endangering life.

This kit is developed, such that, there can never be a live round being chambered. It also shows that the firearm is modified in a manner that will make it safe. The visual/tactile feel (when the firearms are used in very dark surroundings and when there is no light what-so-ever, the instructors can, by feel of the firearm ascertain whether it is safe for training or not) helps to identify the firearm as safe during training and exercises, where the firearm needs to be handled in a manner when used in live operations.

The cartridge:
The cartridge itself is so designed to fulfil all parameters of the firearm it is designed for. It feeds from the original magazine, chambers without any jamming or other issues, fires and operates the gas ram and emits enough flash at the muzzle end, while providing positive recoil, mimicking live round firing.

The barrel insert:
A concern raised was that of fouling of the barrels when blank rounds are used as of present. The barrels foul more because of lack of pressure which is otherwise built up by the bullet which causes most of the powder to burn; causing fouling and also leaving a significant amount of un-burnt powder that can lead to fire and flammable mishaps if not disposed in a right manner. The barrel insert is designed so as to fit into the throat of the rifle’s chamber. The neck of the cartridge is fully inserted into the insert, thus leaving no margin for error. It is positively locked at the breach end and firmly locked into place at the muzzle end by the BFA.

The Blank Fire Attachment (BFA):
The Blank Fire Attachment (BFA) is uniquely designed with positive locking to provide for flash and recoil while arresting any fragments from being expelled. This is in keeping with safety guidelines laid down for the benefit of the participant troops in training. It is so designed, that by both visual and tactile feel, can be ascertained whether a firearm is safe for training. The exit holes are so designed that it will allow for flash and sound, but arrest any fragments from flying out and causing injury or even death. It is so designed that it is now safe to 3 metres (10 feet) as against the standard 6 metres (20 feet).

The present blank fire kit is designed with the following salient points:
a) Barrel protected by a sleeve that reduces or even eliminates fouling of the barrel.
b) The end of the sleeve clamped to the barrel unobtrusively so as not to distract the trainee.
c) Breach end is designed as the throat of the firearm.
d) Once installed, the firearm needs to be field stripped to dismantle the blank fire kit.
e) Once installed, no live round can be fired even by mistake or oversight.
f) It will not permit the chambering of any other round except that of this design.
g) Blanks are designed to fit and cycle positively from the magazine.
h) Blanks designed for positive feeding.
i) Blanks designed to positively recycle the gas ram thus can be used in single, semi auto or fully auto modes.
j) Blanks designed to produce flash and recoil as when firing live rounds.

Referring to the figures Fig. 1A-1D, a modified blank round firing system is disclosed. The modified blank round firing system comprises a sleeve member (2) placed inside a barrel (4) and positioned coaxially within a bore of the barrel (4) to prevent insertion or loading of a live round of ammunition. The sleeve member (2) comprises a first end, a second end, and a central portion defined there between, and the first end of the sleeve member (2) is placed at the portion of the ammunition loading

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, the modified blank round firing system comprises of a blank cartridge adapter (BFA) (3) secured by a two-piece clamp (5) that wraps around the post foresight of the rifle, giving stability and positive locking.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, the modified blank round firing system comprises a muzzle end of the BFA (3) is multi ported off centre to allow for flash and recoil which is inherently built into itself and a trap for blocking any fragments being expelled.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, the modified blank round firing system comprises a blank round ammunition (6) of firing system comprises a shell, a propellant filing chamber, a primer for ignition and a cone for ease of feeding the case into a chamber from the magazine.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member (2) of the modified blank round firing systemis designed using a stainless steel tube with a semi chamber on to it.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member (2) of the modified blank round firing system have to be inserted from the breech end of the firearm, this mandatorily needed the firearm to be semi field stripped.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, whenever the sleeve member (2) of the modified blank round firing system is once fixed, it will not allow the chambering of any live round in existence today and this safety feature is not in existence so far.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member (2) of the modified blank round firing systemextends slightly out of the barrel (4) length and it comprises of an aperture to allow the gasses in to the bridge block chamber to generate a bolt action.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member (2) of the modified blank round firing systemis used to prevent from loading and discharge of live ammunition and also to increase the life of the barrel (4).

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member (2) of the modified blank round firing system is ported to allow escape of gases to operate the gas-operated-ejection system of the firearm.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the end of the sleeve (2) of the modified blank round firing system is so prepared, so that it aligns with the gas port of the rifle.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member(2) of the modified blank round firing system fits into the blank fire adapter (BFA) (3) and held in place with a fastener screw that will not allow for twisting of the sleeve (2).

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the BFA (3) of the modified blank round firing system will not damage the barrel (4) of a live firearm, and the firearm has to be field stripped to insert the modified sleeve (2).

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the BFA (3) of the modified blank round firing system comprise both a visual and a tactile feels and is illustrated that the firing system is safe.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the modified blank round firing system allows to positively recycle a gas ram and it can be used in single, semi auto, or full auto modes.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the installation of modified blank round firing system automatically blocks the insertion or loading of live round ammunition. ,CLAIMS:5. Claims
I/We Claim:
1. A modified blank round firing system (Fig. 1A-1D), comprising:
a sleeve member (2) placed inside a barrel (4) and positioned coaxially within a bore of the barrel (4) to prevent insertion or loading of a live round of ammunition;
the sleeve member (2) comprise a first end, a second end, and a central portion defined there between, and the first end of the sleeve member (2) is placed at the portion of the ammunition loading;
a blank cartridge adapter (BFA) (3) secured by a two-piece clamp (5) that wraps around the post foresight of the rifle, giving stability and positive locking;
a muzzle end of the BFA (3) is multi ported off centre to allow for flash and recoil inherently built into itself;
a trap for blocking any fragments being expelled; and
a blank round ammunition (6) of firing system, comprising a shell, a propellant filing chamber, a primer for ignition and a cone for ease of feeding the case into a chamber from the magazine.

2. The system clamed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve member (2) extends slightly out of the barrel (4) length and it comprises of an aperture to allow the gasses in to the bridge block chamber to generate a bolt action.

3. The system clamed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve member (2) is used to prevent from loading and discharge of live ammunition and also to increase the life of the barrel (4).

4. The system clamed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve member (2) is design using a stainless steel tube with a semi chamber screwed on it.

5. The system clamed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve member (2) have to be inserted from the breech end of the firearm, this mandatorily needed the firearm to be semi field stripped.

6. The system clamed in claim 1, whenever the sleeve member (2) is once fixed, it will not allow the chambering of any live round in existence today and this safety feature is not existence so far.

7. The system clamed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve member (2) is ported to allow escape of gases to operate the gas-operated-ejection system of the firearm.

8. The system clamed in claim 1, wherein the end of the sleeve (2) is so prepared, so that it aligns with the gas port of the rifle.

9. The system clamed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve member (2) fits into the blank fire adapter (BFA) (3) and held in place with a fastener screw that will not allow for twisting of the sleeve (2).

10. The system clamed in claim 1, wherein the BFA (3) will not damage the barrel (4) of a live firearm, and the firearm has to be field stripped to insert the modified sleeve (2).

11. The system clamed in claim 1, wherein the BFA (3) comprise both a visual and a tactile feels and is illustrated that the firing system is safe.

12. The system clamed in claim 1, wherein the modified blank round firing system allows to positively recycle a gas ram and it can be used in single, semi-auto, or full auto modes.

13. The system clamed in claim 1, wherein the installation of modified blank round firing system automatically blocks the insertion or loading of live round ammunition.

6. Signature

Dated this 17th April 2019
Applicant Signature

Authorized Signatory
For., Zen Technologies Ltd