Method for safely removing the spindle and the breechblock from the carrier of an M777 howitzer

This is a division of application Ser. No. 10/690,910 filed Oct. 23, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,150.

This invention relates in general to ordnance and more particularly, to breech loading guns.

In the past, removal of the spindle and the breechblock from the carrier of the M777 LW 155 lightweight howitzer, after the howitzer was fired, has been a cumbersome and potentially harmful procedure. Because of the inherent design requirements of the howitzer, the physical space available to maintenance personnel is limited to one technician. The weight of the spindle and the breechblock—in excess of 100 pounds—require additional personnel to assist the technician in the removal or installation of the spindle and the breechblock. Due to the limited workspace, there is a potential for bodily harm being inflicted on maintenance personnel in the process.

It is therefore an object of this invention to permit the spindle holding the breechblock in the carrier of a howitzer and the breechblock to be safely removed from the carrier by a single person without requiring assistance from additional personnel.

This and other objects of the invention are achieved by a method comprising the steps of lifting a stool-like device onto the recoil slide rails of the howitzer; sliding the device on the recoil slide rails of the howitzer until the device is centered under the breechblock of the howitzer; receiving and holding the breechblock on top of the device while permitting passage of the spindle through a hole in the device; and removing the spindle from the carrier without the breechblock dropping out of the carrier and causing bodily harm. After the spindle is removed, the breechblock can also be removed by raising the carrier and sliding the device out from under it.

Additional advantages and features will become more apparent as the subject invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for carrying out the method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the top plate.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the spacer plate.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the bottom plate.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device being positioned.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the breechblock, spindle and device.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts, FIGS. 1–6 show a stool-like device 11 for safely removing the spindle 13 holding the breechblock 15 in the carrier of a howitzer (not shown) to be safely removed from the carrier. The howitzer has a set of recoil slide rails (not shown) to permit the howitzer to kick back when the howitzer is fired. The device 11 includes a hollow frame 17 , a centering means for sliding the bottom of the frame on the recoil slide rails of the howitzer until the frame is centered under the breechblock 15 of the howitzer, and a receiving means connected to the frame 17 for receiving and holding the breechblock 15 while permitting passage of the spindle 13 through the receiving means so that the spindle can be safely removed without the breechblock dropping out of the carrier and causing bodily harm.

While the centering means may take a variety of forms, conveniently it may take the form of a set of rollers 19 connected to the hollow frame 17 , the upper parts of the rollers being disposed inside the frame, and a set of rail guides 21 disposed outside of the hollow frame and covering the lower parts of the rollers.

While the receiving means may take a variety of forms, conveniently it may take the form of a top plate 23 , a bottom plate 25 pivotably connected to the frame 17 , a spacer plate 29 inserted between and fastened to the bottom plate and the top plate by bolts 31 , a pair of stops 33 disposed in the frame, a locking pin 35 connected to the frame, and a safety net 37 attached to the frame beneath the bottom plate. The top plate 23 has a hole in it, the bottom plate 25 has a smaller hole in it aligned with the hole in the top plate, and the spacer plate 29 has a hole in it that matches the hole in the top plate and is aligned with the hole in the top plate and with the hole in the bottom plate. Four alignment lugs 39 are provided around the hole of the top plate 23 .

In operation, after the howitzer is fired, the frame 17 is lifted and the rollers 19 are placed on the recoil slide rails so that the rail guides 21 protect the lower parts of the rollers and guide the frame on the rails. The rollers are slid on the slide rails until the frame 17 is centered under the breechblock 15 of the howitzer. Next, the bottom plate 25 is pivoted against the stops 33 so that the top plate 23 is oriented to receive and hold the breechblock 15 while passing the spindle 13 through the bottom plate 25 and then is locked in position with the locking pin 35 . The spindle 13 may then be removed from the carrier of the howitzer for inspection and cleaning, without the possibility of the breechblock dropping out of the carrier and injuring the maintenance technician. If the spindle is dropped the safety net 37 will catch it. After the spindle 13 is removed, the breechblock can also be removed by raising the carrier and sliding the device 11 out from under it. When the spindle 13 is replaced in the carrier after inspection and cleaning, the lugs 39 ensure it is properly oriented.

It is obvious that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as described.