Firearm laser training system and method employing modified blank cartridges for simulating operation of a firearm

• US 6,935,864 B2
• Filed: 03/17/2003
• Issued: 08/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Eotech, LLC
• Original Assignee: Beamhit, LLC (L3Harris Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Rosa, Stephen P., Shechter, Motti
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KIEN T
• Application Number:
  US10/388,521
• Publication Number:
  US 20030175661A1
• Time in Patent Office: 897 Days
• Field of Search: 434/16, 434 19- 22, 42114-116
• US Class Current: 434/19
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 21/26 specially adapted for recoil reinforcement, e.g. for training purposes
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 33/00 Adaptations for training adaptations of barrels for recoil reinforcement F41A21/26; Gun simulators teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying F41G3/26 ; shooting games A63F9/02; military simulation G09B9/003
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 33/02 Light- or radiation-emitting guns ; Light- or radiation-sensitive guns; Cartridges carrying light emitting sources, e.g. laser
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 1/35 for illuminating the target , e.g. flash lights
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 3/2655 in which the light beam is sent from the weapon to the target

Abstract

A firearm laser training system according to the present invention includes a laser transmitter assembly and a cartridge adapter assembly, while employing modified blank cartridges to simulate firearm operation. The modified blank cartridges each have a quantity of explosive substance sufficient only to cycle the firearm. The laser assembly is configured for attachment to a firearm barrel and front sight and emits a beam of laser light toward a training system target in response to actuation of the firearm trigger. The laser beam is generally in the form of a pulse having a duration sufficient for the system target to detect a beam impact location. The cartridge assembly is disposed within the firearm barrel to adapt the firearm for compatibility with the modified blank cartridges for simulating firearm operation.

Claims

1. In a firearm training system including a laser transmitter assembly secured to a firearm to emit a laser beam in response to actuation of said firearm to simulate firearm operation, wherein said firearm includes a barrel and a sight disposed along said barrel to facilitate user aim of said firearm, a mounting unit to secure said laser transmitter assembly to said firearm comprising:

a barrel securing member to receive said laser transmitter assembly and engage said barrel to secure said laser transmitter assembly to said barrel, wherein said barrel securing member includes;

a first block having a first recess defined therein and configured to receive a first portion of said barrel;

a second block having a second recess defined therein and configured to receive a second portion of said barrel; and

at least one securing member extending through said first and second blocks to secure said first and second blocks to each other, wherein said laser transmitter assembly is attached to said first block and said first and second blocks are positioned coincident each other about said barrel and receive said barrel within said first and second recesses in response to said at least one securing member securing said first and second blocks to each other; and

a sight securing member attached to said laser transmitter assembly to engage a portion of said firearm sight;

wherein said mounting unit secures said laser transmitter assembly to said barrel and said sight to prevent rotation of said laser transmitter assembly about said barrel during simulation of firearm operation.

2. In a firearm training system including a laser transmitter assembly secured to a firearm to emit a laser beam in response to actuation of said firearm to simulate firearm operation, wherein said firearm includes a barrel and a sight disposed along said barrel to facilitate user aim of said firearm, a mounting unit to secure said laser transmitter assembly to said firearm comprising:

a barrel securing member to receive said laser transmitter assembly and engage said barrel to secure said laser transmitter assembly to said barrel; and

a sight securing member attached to said laser transmitter assembly to engage a portion of said firearm sight, wherein said sight securing member includes;

an assembly sight member to engage said laser transmitter assembly; and

a hook member attached to said assembly sight member to engage a portion of and secure said laser transmitter assembly to said sight, wherein said hook member includes;

an intermediate portion;

a base extending transversely from a first end of said intermediate portion and having said assembly sight member attached thereto; and

a projection extending from a second end of said intermediate section and spaced apart from said base, wherein said hook member engages said sight portion between said base and said projection;

wherein said mounting unit secures said laser transmitter assembly to said barrel and said sight to prevent rotation of said laser transmitter assembly about said barrel during simulation of firearm operation.

3. In a firearm training system including a laser transmitter assembly secured to a firearm to emit a laser beam in response to actuation of said firearm to simulate firearm operation, wherein said firearm includes a barrel and a sight disposed along said barrel to facilitate user aim of said firearm, a mounting unit to secure said laser transmitter assembly to said firearm comprising:

barrel securing means for receiving said laser transmitter assembly and engaging said barrel to secure said laser transmitter assembly to said barrel, wherein said barrel securing means includes;

a first block having a first recess defined therein and configured to receive a first portion of said barrel;

a second block having a second recess defined therein and configured to receive a second portion of said barrel; and

block securing means extending through said first and second blocks to secure said first and second blocks to each other, wherein said laser transmitter assembly is attached to said first block and said first and second blocks are positioned coincident each other about said barrel and receive said barrel within said first and second recesses in response to said block securing means securing said first and second blocks to each other; and

sight securing means attached to said laser transmitter assembly for engaging a portion of said firearm sight;

wherein said mounting unit secures said laser transmitter assembly to said barrel and said sight to prevent rotation of said laser transmitter assembly about said barrel during simulation of firearm operation.

4. In a firearm training system including a laser transmitter assembly secured to a firearm to emit a laser beam in response to actuation of said firearm to simulate firearm operation, wherein said firearm includes a barrel and a sight disposed along said barrel to facilitate user aim of said firearm, a mounting unit to secure said laser transmitter assembly to said firearm comprising:

barrel securing means for receiving said laser transmitter assembly and engaging said barrel to secure said laser transmitter assembly to said barrel; and

sight securing means attached to said laser transmitter assembly for engaging a portion of said firearm sight, wherein said sight securing means includes;

assembly sight means for engaging said laser transmitter assembly; and

hook means attached to said assembly sight means for engaging a portion of and securing said laser transmitter assembly to said sight, wherein said hook means includes;

an intermediate portion;

a base extending transversely from a first end of said intermediate portion and having said assembly sight means attached thereto; and

a projection extending from a second end of said intermediate section and spaced apart from said base, wherein said hook means engages said sight portion between said base and said projection;

wherein said mounting unit secures said laser transmitter assembly to said barrel and said sight to prevent rotation of said laser transmitter assembly about said barrel during simulation of firearm operation.