RIFLE PLATFORM WEAPON SYSTEM DRY FIRING DEVICE FOR TRAINING AND TRAINING METHODS UTILIZING THE SAME

Abstract

A rifle platform weapon system dry firing device which allows the user to dry fire a rifle platform weapon system and still experience the trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system without breaking the shooter's positioning and sight alignment. The dry firing device includes a bolt carrier group configured to replace the standard bolt carrier group of the rifle platform weapons system. The dry firing device includes a magazine with a reset finger configured to reset a hammer of the weapons system.

Claims

1. A dry fire device that will cycle the weapon system repeatedly, resetting the sear following each trigger pull thereby allowing the user to experience the actual trigger pull of the weapon system.

2. A dry fire device in claim 1 comprising a feature allowing the bolt to lock to the rear when the magazine is empty.

3. A rifle platform weapon system dry firing device comprising: a dry firing device bolt carrier group configured to replace the standard bolt carrier group of a rifle platform weapons system; and a magazine having a reset finger configured to reset a hammer of the weapons system configured to allows the user to dry fire the rifle platform weapon system and still experience the trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system without breaking the user's positioning and sight alignment.

4. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 3 wherein the dry firing device bolt carrier group includes a housing containing a reset spring.

5. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 4 wherein the dry firing device bolt carrier group includes an end cap engaging the reset spring.

6. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 3 wherein the dry firing device bolt carrier group includes a reciprocating bolt assembly with a hammer or impact face.

7. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 6 wherein the dry firing device bolt carrier group includes spring biasing against a locating pin, and a bolt pit.

8. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 3 wherein the magazine includes a pivoting release finger.

9. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 8 wherein the pivoting release finger is biased into a reset position by springs.

10. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 3 wherein the magazine includes a spur gear.

11. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 10 wherein the magazine includes a second spur gear meshed to the spur gear.

12. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 10 wherein the magazine includes a mechanically wound spring powering the spur gear.

13. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 10 wherein the spur gear includes elements selectively engaging the reset finger.

14. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 10 wherein the reset finger is pivoted and is biased into a reset position by springs.

15. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 10 wherein the spur gear includes release pins selectively engaging a release finger

16. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 15 wherein the reset finger includes pins selectively engaging the release finger.

17. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 3 wherein the magazine includes a mechanism allowing the bolt to lock to the rear when the magazine is empty.

18. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 17 wherein the mechanism allowing the bolt to lock to the rear when the magazine is empty includes timing rack carrying a stop.

19. The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device according to claim 18 wherein the timing rack engages with pinion-like feature incorporated into a spur gear.

20. A rifle platform weapon system dry firing method comprising the steps of: replacing the standard bolt carrier group of a rifle platform weapons system with a dry firing device bolt carrier group; providing a magazine having a reset finger; and resetting a hammer of the weapons system with the reset finger allowing the user to dry fire the rifle platform weapon system and still experience the trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system without breaking the user's positioning and sight alignment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a bolt carrier group of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device for training according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bolt carrier group of FIG. 1A;

[0028] FIG. 1C is a schematic perspective view of a bolt assembly removed from the bolt carrier group of FIG. 1A;

[0029] FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of a magazine of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device for training according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of a magazine of FIG. 2A where the first cover plate has been removed or hidden from view;

[0031] FIG. 2C is a schematic perspective, partially section view of the magazine of FIG. 2A and showing the reverse side of FIG. 2B, wherein the second cover plate on the corresponding side has been removed or hidden from view and one rotary spring is shown as a cross-section;

[0032] FIG. 2D and 2E are schematic perspective, partially section views of a modified magazine of FIG. 2A which incorporates a feature allowing the bolt to lock at the rear when the magazine is empty;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an AR-15 platform with the bolt carrier group of FIG. 1A and magazine of FIG. 2A of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device for training according to one embodiment of the present invention inserted therein; and

[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a prior art AR-15 rifle platform weapon system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 for training according to one embodiment of the present invention is a two-piece system that allows the user to dry fire a rifle platform weapon system 10 and still experience the trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system 10.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows an example of a live-fire AR-15 rifle platform weapon system 10. Rifle platform weapon system 10, or rifle 10, includes an upper receiver 12 and a lower receiver 14. Upper receiver 12 includes a barrel 16 and a chamber 18 with a bolt carrier group or assembly 20. Bolt carrier group 20 includes a bolt carrier, a bolt, and a firing pin. A charging handle 38 engages the bolt to move the bolt to an open position to chamber a round into chamber 18. Lower receiver 14 includes a magazine assembly 26, trigger mechanism 28, pistol grip 30, and a buttstock 32. To fire rifle 10, the user begins by inserting a loaded magazine 34 into the magazine well 36. The user then charges the rifle by pulling the charging handle 38 backwards. When charging handle 38 is in the open position (pulled back) it also draws bolt carrier group 20 backwards towards buttstock 32, allowing a round to enter chamber 18. When no round is in chamber 18, carrier assembly and charging handle 38 are locked in the open position until the user depresses a bolt release lever (not visible) on the left side of the rifle 10 to release bolt forward. With a round chambered, bolt carrier group 20 with charging handle 38 returns to the closed (forward) position and the rifle is ready to fire.

[0037] The user then positions rifle 10 and establishes a sight alignment and sight picture. Because the AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle, the user need only manipulate trigger mechanism 28 once for each shot. After firing each round, the shell is ejected from chamber 18 as bolt returns to the open position, the next round in magazine 34 enters chamber 18, and bolt then returns to the closed position with rifle 10 now charged and ready to fire again. As a result, the user is able to maintain position and sight alignment, and sight picture after each shot until all rounds in magazine 34 have been fired. After the last round from magazine 34 is fired, bolt will remain in the open position, causing trigger mechanism 28 to be locked and informing the user that no ammunition remains. The user then depresses a magazine release button to release magazine 34 so that rifle 10 can be reloaded with another loaded magazine 34. This live-fire sequence is repeated to develop muscle memory and establish proper firearm handling and protocol. An important part of this live-fire training sequence includes maintaining position and sight alignment, and sight picture from one shot to the next, such as when practicing follow up shots.

[0038] When the shooter dry fires a fully functioning live-fire rifle (i.e., without ammunition) with conventional systems to practice firearm handling and protocol, the shooter's positioning and sight alignment, and sight picture must be broken after each shot in most existing dry fire systems. Since no round is chambered, the trigger mechanism locks each time the trigger is pulled and charging handle 38 must be pulled back to unlock the trigger. As noted above, the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 according to the present invention allows the user to dry fire a rifle platform weapon system and still experience the trigger pull and cycling of the weapon system without breaking the shooters positioning and sight alignment.

[0039] The first piece of the two piece device 100 is the device's bolt carrier group 110 shown in FIGS. 1A-C. The bolt carrier group 110 replaces the standard BCG that is inherent to the AR-15 platform 10. The device's bolt carrier group 110 includes a housing 112 containing a reset spring 120 held in place with end cap 114.

[0040] The bolt carrier group 110 includes a reciprocating bolt assembly 130 with a hammer or impact face 140, spring 150 biasing against a locating pin 152, and a bolt pit 160.

[0041] The second component of the two piece device 100 is the magazine 170. The bolt carrier group 110 is inserted in to the rifle weapons platform system 110 to replace the standard BCG and the magazine 170 is inserted into the magazine assembly 26 of the weapon system 10. The magazine 170 includes a pivoting release finger 180 that can be biased into a reset position by springs 182. The magazine 170 includes a spur gear 190 and an optional second spur gear 192 meshed thereto which are powered by mechanically wound springs 214 that are coupled to the spur gears 190 and 192. The magazine 170 includes a pivoting reset finger 213 that can be biased into a reset position by springs 182. The spur gear 190 includes release pins 212 selectively engaging the release finger 180 and actuating pins 215 selectively engaging the reset finger 213. The reset finger includes pins 210 selectively engaging the release finger 180. The magazine includes spring mounting post 211, reloading button slide 220 and adjustable stop 220.

[0042] In order to dry fire using the device 100 first the user must ensure the hammer 46 of the weapon system 10 is in the cocked position, meaning it is ready to be released by the trigger 28 on the primary sear 48. As background, in a firearm, the sear is the part of the trigger mechanism that holds the hammer, striker, or bolt, back until the correct amount of pressure has been applied to the trigger, at which point the hammer, striker, or bolt is released to discharge or fire the weapon.

[0043] Next the user must wind the rotary spring(s) 214, typically via a manual winding mechanism on a hub member 194 of the spur gears 190 and 192 which mechanism is not shown in detail. When the rotary spring 214 is wound, the spring force is captured by the release pin 212 selective engagement with the release finger 180. This ratcheting arrangement is depicted as a pin/engaging finger for the present invention, however other embodiments similar to a cam/engaging finger can be used as the force capturing or ratcheting or loading feature analogous to the edge engagement of the reset finger 213 on gear 233 as shown in FIGS. 2D-2E.

[0044] The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 functions by using the rotary spring force of the spring 214 (or springs 214) to reset the hammer 46. When the user pulls the trigger 28 the hammer 46 falls impacting the face of the bolt 140, this forces the bolt assembly 130 forward to impact the release finger 180 causing it to rotate out of the way of the release pin 212. This motion causes the spur gear 190 to rotate under the now released force of the spring 214. While the spur gear 190 is rotating an actuating pin 215 contacts the reset finger 213 rotating it. As the reset finger 213 rotates it then pushes against the face of the bolt pin 160 and forces that back towards the hammer 46. This in turn rotates the hammer 46 allowing it to re-catch the primary sear 48. During this motion the bolt pin 160 also compresses the reset spring 120, the actuating pin 215 spins until it no longer makes contact with the reset finger 213. The return springs 182 pull the reset finger 213 and the release finger 180 to their original position.

[0045] The reset pin 210 ensures that the release finger 180 resets before the reset finger 213 finishes its motion. The reset spring 120 pushes the bolt assembly 130 back to its original position. The reset spring 120 only acts on the bolt assembly 130 until it travels past the hammer 46. This reduces the force the rotary spring 214 needs to over-come and prevents the reset spring 120 from pushing the bolt pin 160 into the release finger 180 (which would cause the weapon to dry fire again). The positioning rod 152 hits the front face of the receiver 19 to reposition the bolt assembly 130.

[0046] The rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention will cycle the weapon system repeatedly, resetting the sear allowing the user to experience the actual trigger pull of the weapon system. The user does not need to break positioning and sight alignment, and sight picture, for more realistic and effective training. The trigger pull of the rifle platform weapon system 10 with the dry firing device 100 implemented will be substantially identical to the trigger pull of the weapon system 10 in live fire, further enforcing effective training.

[0047] One modification of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention is to have a feature allowing the bolt to lock to the rear when the magazine 170 is empty, one embodiment of which is shown in FIGS. 2D-E. The magazine 170 is “empty” when the device has been dry fired the number of times equivalent to a conventional “full” magazine. The additional features of the device 100 prompts the user to change magazines 170 and manipulate the ‘bolt hold-open device’ incorporated into the receiver of the firearm when the dry-fire magazine 170 has been “completely discharged”. The operation of the device 100 with this feature provides tactile and visual indicators to the user that replicate the behavior of a firearm using live ammunition. This is accomplished by a timing rack 231 carrying a stop 235 incorporated into the magazine 170, working in conjunction with pinion-like feature incorporated into a spur gear 233 (replacing gear 190 discussed above) fixed to the spring 214 that powers the device 100. The cycle of operations that enable this function are as follows: When the device 100 functions, each iteration causes the spur gear 233 to rotate in designated increments. These increments are determined by the engagement points of the ‘release link’ and ‘reset link’ that transfer movement of the spur gear to the bolt carrier assembly. Every fourth increment of the spur gear 233 causes the timing rack 231 to engage with the pinion feature and move up by one position. The rack 231 is constructed (or timed) so that the last iteration of the device 100 simulating emptying the magazine 170 will shift the rack 231 up to its final position that allows a stop 235 to be positioned such that is impinges on the bolt hold-open device. When the bolt hold-open device is engaged by stop 235, it retains the bolt in the rear of the receiver. This results in a nonresponsive trigger and visual indicator to the user that the firearm is ‘unloaded’. Insertion of a new charged dry-fire magazine 170 into the firearm and sequential manipulation of the bolt hold-open device restore the firearm to an operational condition, replicating the same procedure as used with live ammunition. An alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2D is a separate movement or count mechanism in the magazine 170 operating off of the second spur gear 192 that will actuate to lock the bolt after a designated number of dry fire operations consistent with expending a full magazine.

[0048] FIGS. 2D and 2E illustrate alternative engagement between the gear 233 and the reset finger 213 than the engagement of the pins 215 and the reset finger 213 described above. Here the elements engaging the finger 213 (previously the pins 215) are formed as cams on the periphery of the gear 233 and illustrate alternative engagement configurations.

[0049] A further modification of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention is to incorporate a sound emission that mimics the sound of the live fire weapons signature. This would be through an electronic speaker within the magazine 170 together with battery power and controller that is actuated with each trigger pull. Adding sound mimicking the weapons signature can improve tactical training options and opportunities with the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention.

[0050] A further modification of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention is to incorporate a visible laser along the barrel that emits a visible laser light with each dry fire. This allows for tracking or monitoring of the shooters dry fire targets. Target substrates that automatically identify the location of such laser “hits” are also known and can be implemented, even in personnel clothing, for more advanced war game scenarios.

[0051] A further modification of the rifle platform weapon system dry firing device 100 of the present invention is to replace the spring 214 with linear actuators, namely a solenoid with appropriate power source.

[0052] U.S. Marine Corps Use Case Example

[0053] The advantages of the present invention can be highlighted in a specific use case. The United States Marine Corps has an urgent need to improve their capability to train Marines in marksmanship with the M4 service carbine in a dry-fire environment while simulating live-fire functionality. The Marine Corps currently attributes an entire week of dry-fire repetitions on the service rifle in preparation for the table 1 rifle range and countless hours on dry-runs in follow-on maneuvers and training events, with no training aids to simulate a live-fire weapons function. Currently, if a Marine wants to dry-fire their weapon they get one iteration before having to break position, rack the bolt, establish position, and fire. The device 100 improves this process by eliminating the interruption between trigger pull and the need to recharge the weapon by simulating the cycle of operations. The device 100 is a 100% dry-fire device that can be swapped out with any M4/M16/M27 platform bolt carrier group (BCG) and convert it to a repetitive dry-fire weapon. The device 100 as described herein is a mechanical device that when inserted allows the user to pull the trigger repeatedly without the need to recharge the weapon.

[0054] Additionally, device 100 may be provided to have additional capabilities to enhance the end users training. These improvements include those discussed above, but are not limited to: a Reloading function—Simulate the same battery of arms as when the magazine is expended of live ammunition; Audible signature—an audible crack after each trigger pull to simulate a weapon firing; Reactive targets—a laser contained within the device could interface with a target that reacts when positively engaged with the laser.

[0055] The device 100 may be built to accommodate multiple platforms across the military. This can include a 6.5 Grendel/6.5 Creedmoor M4 platform, and 7.62 HK417, all without changing the principle function of the device 100. There are minimal training requirements needed for a new trainee to begin using the device 100. Recommended training needed (in minutes): i) Insert the BCG—1-2 minutes ii) Charge magazine—2-5 minutes; and iii) Use and Care—5-10 minutes.

[0056] The device 100 as shown in the embodiments of these figures (exclusive of sound and/or laser additions) is completely mechanical and does not require a battery to operate. Additionally, because it is mechanical the device 100 is 100% waterproof. The device 100 functions and looks like a standard issued 556-30 round magazine making it easy for the user to identify and use. In contrast to the current methods used, the device 100: Requires no special license to use or transport; represents no safety hazard when used; Establishes no limits on training maneuvers do to safety concerns; Is cost-effective, durable, reliable, and long-lasting; Can be used anywhere; and Offers complete flexibility when planning training events due to the aforementioned benefits.

[0057] The Marine Corps success derives from the concept that “Every Marine a Rifleman.” The Marine Corps trains extensively on its capabilities and competency with the rifle. With the implementation of the device 100, Marines can drive home their fundamentals with the rifle during every training event and during white space training. All this training value is provided with the device 100 at minimal cost and virtually no learning curve to utilize the system 100. The device 100 is a force multiplier through enhancing the end users capabilities with the service rifle, saving valuable funding, and enhancing overall mission effectiveness.

[0058] Although the present invention has been described with particularity herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment disclosed. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The scope of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereto.