Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
MUZZLELOADER SYSTEMS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a system for muzzleloaders for improving
safety,
reliability, and performance. A muzzle loader has a breech that allows a
breech plug and/or a
propellant and pre-packaged propellant cartridges to be loaded therein and has
features
preventing the breach loading of bullets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Muzzleloaders are a class of firearms in which the propellant charge and
bullet are
separately loaded into the barrel immediately prior to firing. Unlike modern
breech loaded
firearms where the bullet, propellant charge and primer are loaded as
prepackaged cartridges,
muzzleloaders are loaded by feeding a propellant charge through the muzzle of
the barrel before
ramming a bullet down the barrel with a ramrod until the bullet is seated
against the propellant
charge at the breech end of the barrel. A primer is inserted at the breech to
be in communication
with the propellant. The primer is then struck by an inline firing pin or an
external hammer to
ignite the propellant charge to create propellant gases for propelling the
bullet.
The loading process of muzzleloaders creates issues unique to muzzleloaders.
Specifically, the muzzleloader loading process requires that, unlike
conventional breech loaded
firearms, the bullet travel through the barrel twice, once during loading and
once during firing.
The tight fit of the bullet to the barrel can create substantial friction as
the bullet travels through
the barrel and is etched by the barrel rifling. During firing, the expanding
propellant gases can
overcome the frictional forces to propel the bullet through the barrel.
However, during loading,
the user must overcome the frictional force by applying an axial force to the
bullet with the
ramrod until the bullet is seated against the propellant charge. The friction
between the bullet
and the barrel can complicate the determination as to whether the bullet has
been pushed far
enough down the barrel during loading and is properly seated against the
propellant charge. The
relative position of the bullet to the propellant charge changes the
pressurization of the barrel
behind the bullet from the ignited propellant gases impacting the ballistic
performance and
potentially creating a substantial safety risk.
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A concern with muzzleloaders is that the slower burning propellant required by
muzzleloaders often foul the barrel with unconsumed residue requiring frequent
cleaning of the
barrel. The fouling can be severe enough that the barrel must be cleaned after
every shot. The
fouling can also interfere with the operation of the bullet and/or bullet with
cup or sabot, causing
damage to the cup and affect performance. In addition to contributing the
fouling of the barrel,
the deformation or damage to the sabot can impart wobble into the bullet or
otherwise impact
the ballistic performance of the bullet.
A variability in muzzleloaders not present in cartridge based firearms is the
quantity and
type of the propellant charge. Unlike cartridge firearms where a cartridge is
preloaded with a
bullet and premeasured quantity of propellant is loaded into the firearm for
firing, the bullet and
propellant charge are combined within the firearm for firing. Accordingly, the
muzzleloader
operator can select the optimal bullet, propellant type and quantity
combination for each shot,
which is particularly advantageous given the long reloading time for
muzzleloaders. While the
variability of the bullet ¨ propellant charge combination allows for an
optimized shot, varying
the bullet and in particular the propellant and quantity of propellant can
significantly change the
appropriate seating depth of the bullet. With loose or powdered propellant
such as black powder,
the amount of propellant is often varied between 80 and 120 volumetric grains.
Similarly,
propellants are often formed into cylindrical pellets that are stacked end-to-
end within the barrel
to form the propellant charges. The pellets are typically each about 1 cm in
length and loaded
in 1 to 3 pellet groups causing an even greater variation in the seating
depth. Variability in the
powder and bullet of course causes variability in performance including
accuracy.
A common approach to determining whether a bullet has been properly seated
involves
marking the ramrod with a visual indicator that aligns with the muzzle of the
barrel when the
end of the ramrod is at the appropriate depth with the barrel. The visual
indicator is typically
marked by loading the propellant charge and ramming a test bullet through the
barrel. Once the
user is certain that the bullet is properly seated against the propellant
charge, the corresponding
portion of the ramrod at the muzzle is marked. Although this approach is
relatively easy to
implement and widely used, the visual indicator approach detracts from the
primary advantages
of muzzleloaders. As the visual indicator approach is set based on a
particular propellant charge
and bullet combination, a variation in the propellant charge that changes the
dimensions of the
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propellant charge can render the visual indicator at best useless or at worse
a safety risk giving
a false appearance of a properly seated bullet.
In addition to the hazards posed by an improperly loaded propellant, the
process for
unloading an unfired muzzleloader can also pose a significant safety
challenge. Typically, a
ramrod with a bullet extractor tip is inserted into the muzzle and engaged to
the bullet to pull
the bullet out of the barrel. The propellant charge is then pulled or poured
from the now open
barrel. The bullet extraction and propellant charge removal process is highly
dangerous as the
user's hands and head are near the muzzle of the barrel and could be struck if
the muzzleloader
accidentally discharged. Moreover, the muzzleloader is typically not aimed at
a particular target
during unloading and can cause further injury if not aimed in a safe
direction. The inherent risks
associated with the conventional method of unloading muzzleloaders are such
that the
conventional wisdom for safely unloading a muzzleloader is to fire the
muzzleloader into the
ground or in a safe direction rather than attempt a risky extraction of the
bullet and removal of
the propellant charge.
A similar consideration specific to hunting applications is that state and
local laws
typically require that the muzzleloader be unloaded while being transported in
a motor vehicle
from site to site. With certain types of game, hunters often check multiple
sites in search of the
targeted game. However, unloading the muzzleloader by firing the muzzleloader
prior to leaving
a site can spook the target game and other wildlife at that site and spoil the
site for a period of
time. Although certain laws are tailored to permit hunters to transport an
otherwise loaded
muzzleloader during hunting provided the primer is removed from the hole, the
propellant
charge and bullet are still seated within the barrel during transport posing a
lessoned, but still
substantial safety risk. As discussed above, the fouling can interfere with
the safe operation of
the muzzleloader as well as the ballistic performance of the bullet. While
firing the muzzleloader
can be comparatively safer method of unloading the bullet, the muzzleloader
must often be
cleaned after each firing. In a hunting situation where the muzzleloader may
be fired several
times to unload the muzzleloader for transport, the barrel may require
cleaning, which can be
difficult in the field.
One approach to addressing the reloading problem is replacing the closed
breech end of
the muzzleloader barrel with a screw-in, removable breech plug. The breech
plug is removable
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from the breech end of the muzzle to remove the propellant charge from behind
the bullet rather
than attempting the remove the bullet from the muzzle end of the barrel. While
the approach is
effective in safely separating the propellant charge from the bullet, a common
problem with
removable breech plugs is seizing of the breech plug within the barrel. The
rapid temperature
changes during firing as well as the corrosive nature of many of the
propellants can result in
seizing of the corresponding threads of the breech plug and the barrel. If not
carefully
maintained, the breech plug will become difficult to remove to efficiently
unload of the
muzzleloader.
A related concern is that the performance of the hygroscopic propellant itself
can be
easily and often detrimentally impacted by the environmental conditions in
which the propellant
is stored. The sensitivity of the propellant can often result in "hang fires"
where the ignition of
the propellant charge is delayed or the propellant charge fails to ignite
altogether. Hang fires are
frequent occurrences and create a substantial risk for the user. The
conventional approach to
dealing with a hang fire is to point the muzzleloader in a safe direction
until the muzzleloader
fires or until sufficient time has passed to reasonably assume that the
propellant charge failed to
ignite altogether. The unloading process through the muzzle of the
muzzleloader is particularly
dangerous in hang fire situations as the propellant charge may ignite during
the actual unloading
process. Similarly, unloading through a breech plug can similarly be dangerous
as the propellant
charge may ignite as the breech plug is removed.
Another safety concern unique to muzzleloaders is an undersized or oversized
propellant
charge. Unlike cartridge firearms where the amount of propellant loaded for
each shot is limited
by the internal volume of the cartridge, theoretically, the amount of
propellant loaded for each
shot in muzzleloaders is only limited by the length of the barrel. While
measures are often used
to provide a constant quantity of propellant for each propellant charge, the
measures can be
difficult to use in the field or in low light situation when hunting often
occurs. Similarly,
propellant can be formed into the pre-sized pellets that can be loaded one at
a time until the
appropriate amount of propellant is loaded. As with measuring the quantity of
powder, errors
can occur in loading the appropriate number of pellets. Embodiments of the
invention address
the above issues.
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=
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A muzzle-loader bullet system includes a pre-packaged breech loaded propellant
charge
and primer for providing efficient loading and unloading of the muzzleloader.
In embodiments,
the muzzleloader has a breech portion, a projectile bore portion with a muzzle
end, and a
separator therebetween. The separator may be configured as a constrictor
portion with a reduced
diameter portion. The propellant containment vessel abuts against or is
proximate the
constriction portion with a reduced diameter portion. The propellant
containment vessel may
have an end portion with a tapered surface that conforms to the constriction
portion surface. A
projectile is inserted in the muzzle end and seats at the opposite side of the
constriction portion
from the propellant. A cup portion of the projectile may be injection molded,
filled with
propellant and then have a head portion that receives a primer fitted and
adhered thereto. The
ullage between the projectile and breech loaded propellant may be minimized
with the
configuration of the projectile and/or constriction portion. In other
embodiments, propellant
pellets or powder may be installed in the breech end. The projectile may have
a cup portion that
conforms to the ullage and is slidingly engaged with a bullet body. The
projectile can be
configured such that axially concentric sliding of the bullet body and cup
portion shortening the
axial length of the projectile radially and circumferentially expands the
projectile, Ram rod
means are provided for seating the projectile without axially compressing and
shortening the
projectile, whereby the projectile is readily loaded and upon firing is
compressed and
circumferentially expanded to provide enhanced sealing characteristics. In
other embodiments,
seating of the projectile may allow the axial reduction and radial expansion
there by securing
the bullet in position at its seat. This arrangement can facilitate loading
powder in the breech
end.
A feature and advantage of the muzzleloader and bullet system is providing
enhanced
performance and safety. The muzzle loading system comprises an energetic
system with a pre-
packaged propellant charge that is breech loaded, providing efficient loading
and unloading of
the muzzleloader and with means that preclude loading of the bullet in the
breech.
A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is that the breech
loading or
unloading of the propellant charge allows for safe separation of the
propellant charge from the
bullet loaded within the barrel. When it is desired to unload the
muzzleloader, the propellent
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containment vessel is removed, unfired, and the bullet can then be safely
pulled or pushed down
the barrel and removed from the muzzleloader without risk that the inadvertent
or delayed
ignition of the propellant charge will fire the projectile.
A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the breech portion
comprises
a nozzle or constriction portion between the propellant containment vessel and
the projectile.
The nozzle or constriction portion focuses and accelerates the propellant
gases generated from
the ignited propellant charge to improve the acceleration of the bullet within
the barrel.
A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is that the
containment vessel
can comprise the integrated primer and be factory loaded or preloaded with a
premeasured
propellant charge. The primer and loaded containment vessel simplifies the
loading process by
combining the propellant measuring and loading steps with the primer
positioning steps. The
containment vessel can also serve to protect the propellant charge from
environmental factors
that could impact the ignition of the propellant charge.
A muzzleloader, according to a present invention, comprises a barrel, a breech
plug, an
external hammer. The breech plug is insertable into the breech end of the
barrel and defines an
axial chamber extending through the breech plug and aligning with the internal
bore of the
barrel. A containment vessel comprising an integrated primer and a cup with a
propellant charge
is insertable into the axial chamber of the breech plug to define the breech
end of the barrel,
wherein the integrated primer is positioned to be struck with the external
hammer to fire the
muzzleloader. Similarly, the containment vessel can be removed from the axial
chamber to
unload the muzzleloader.
A method of loading a muzzleloader, according an embodiment of the present
invention,
comprises providing a breech plug defining an axial chamber extending through
the breech plug.
The method thrther comprises inserting the breech plug into a breech end of a
barrel, wherein
the axial chamber aligns with the internal bore of the barrel when the breech
plug is inserted
into barrel. The method also comprises preloading a containment vessel having
an integrated
primer with a propellant charge. The method further comprises inserting the
containment vessel
with the loaded propellant charge into the axial chamber of the breech plug to
load the
muzzleloader. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the
method can also
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comprise removing the containment vessel from the axial chamber of the breech
plug to unload
the muzzleloader.
A method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, of modifying a
muzzleloading firearm to receive a breech loaded propellant charge, comprises:
providing a muzzleloading firearm having a barrel having a bore running
therethrough
from a proximal end of the barrel to a distal end of the barrel, the bore
including a proximal bore
portion and a distal bore portion, with an axial channel defined in the
proximal bore portion,
sizing the axial channel in the proximal bore portion to define a chamber,
wherein the
chamber is sized to fittingly receive a containment vessel, the containment
vessel being
configured to receive a propellant charge, and
modifying the barrel to provide a constriction portion at a position between
the chamber
and the distal bore portion, wherein the constriction portion prevents a
muzzle loaded bore-
diameter projectile from entering the chamber from the distal end of the bore.
A method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, of modifying a
muzzleloading firearm to receive a removable breech plug, comprises:
providing a muzzleloading firearm having a barrel having a bore running
therethrough
from a proximal end of the barrel to a distal end of the barrel, the bore
including a proximal bore
portion and a distal bore portion, with an axial channel defined in the
proximal bore portion,
sizing the axial channel in the proximal bore portion to define a chamber,
wherein the
chamber is sized to fittingly receive a removable breech plug, and
modifying the barrel to provide a constriction portion at a position between
the chamber
and the distal bore portion, wherein the constriction portion prevents a
muzzle loaded bore-
diameter projectile from entering the chamber from the distal end of the bore.
A method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, of modifying a
firearm
to receive an adapter breech plug, comprises the steps of:
providing a firearm having a barrel having a bore running thcrethrough from a
proximal
end of the barrel to a distal end of the barrel, the bore including a proximal
bore portion and a
distal bore portion, with an axial channel defined in the proximal bore
portion,
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sizing the axial channel in the proximal bore portion to define a chamber,
wherein the
chamber is sized to fittingly receive an adapter breech plug, the adapter
breech plug being
configured to receive a propellant charge, and
modifying the barrel to provide a constriction portion at a position between
the chamber
and the distal bore portion, wherein the constriction portion prevents a
muzzle loaded bore-
diameter projectile from entering the chamber from the distal end of the bore.
A method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, of modifying an
adapter breech plug to be breech received by a muzzleloading firearm,
comprises the steps of:
providing a muzzleloading firearm having a barrel having a bore running
therethrough
from a proximal end of the barrel to a distal end of the barrel, the bore
including a proximal bore
portion and a distal bore portion, with an axial channel defined in the
proximal bore portion, the
axial channel in the proximal bore portion defining a chamber,
preparing an adapter breech plug having a diameter and outer surface, the
adapter breech
plug being configured to receive a propellant charge,
sizing and shaping the diameter and outer surface of the adapter breech plug
to conform
to the chamber, wherein the adapter breech plug is sized to be fittingly
received in the chamber,
and
modifying the barrel to provide a constriction portion at a position between
the chamber
and the distal bore portion, wherein the constriction portion prevents a
muzzle loaded bore-
.. diameter projectile from entering the chamber from the distal end of the
bore.
In embodiments of the invention, moisture concerns normally associated with
the very
hygroscopic black powder (and black powder substitute) propellants are
minimized due to the
sealed vessel design. Embodiment provide enhanced case of use in unloading all
energetics
from system at any time compared to most conventional muzzleloaders that
require the removal
of the breech plug in order to remove propellant, and precise loading
compaction of the black
powder propellant.
In an embodiment of the invention, propellant containment vessel comprises an
integral
cylindrical wall and conical tapering portion and a disk portion all unitary
and formed of a
polymer. Such may be advantageously injection molded and filled with
propellant and then
have a head portion secured thereto. The head portion having or receiving a
primer.
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Advantageously, the head portion may be formed of brass or a polymer and may
be adhered by
adhesives or welding.
Embodiments herein are specifically addressed to muzzleloading projectiles
from 45
caliber to 50 caliber. Also the propellant packages may be sized from 20 gauge
to 12 gauge and
may be an intermediate, non standardized size.
A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is minimal ullage
between the
propellant charge and the projectile in a breech loaded propellant
configuration that precludes
breech loading of the projectiles Such is conducive to enhanced firing
performance. The
minimal ullage may be provided by an angled constriction portion that
correlates to the
propellant vessel.
A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is a projectile with a
metal
projectile body and a separate axially slidable component, the body and
component having a
common axis, and respective annular sliding engagement surfaces. The sliding
from one defined
position to another position having a hard stop defined by respective surfaces
of the components.
In embodiments as described immediately above certain embodiments will affect
a
radial expansion at the another position. In embodiments the expansion is
caused by cam
surfaces, in embodiments, the expansion is caused by axial compression of a
member causing
is to bulge radially outward.
The above summary of the various representative embodiments of the invention
is not
intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of
the invention.
Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the
art can appreciate
and understand the principles and practices of the invention. The Figures in
the detailed
description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention can be completely understood in consideration of the following
detailed
description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the
accompanying
drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a muzzleloader barrel for use with
the present
invention.
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Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a muzzleloader barrel with a
propellant charge
positioned at a breech end of the barrel and a conventional bullet positioned
at a muzzle end of
the barrel.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the muzzleloader barrel depicted in
Figure 2,
with the conventional bullet pushed partially through the barrel with a
ramrod.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the muzzleloader barrel depicted in
Figure 2
with the conventional bullet seated against the propellant charge in the
breech end of the barrel.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader
according to
an embodiment of the present invention in the pre-fired condition.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader
according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a containment vessel according to
an
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a containment vessel according to
an
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader
according to
an embodiment of the present invention in the pre-fired condition.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader
according to
an embodiment of the present invention in the pre-fired condition.
Figure 11 is an end view of a constriction portion according to an embodiment
of the
invention.
Figure 12 is an end view of a constriction portion according to an embodiment
of the
invention.
Figure 13 is an end view of a constriction portion according to an embodiment
of the
invention.
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader in
the pre-fired
condition.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader
according to
an embodiment of the present invention in the pre-fired condition.
CA 2828683 2018-10-25
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader in
the pre-fired
condition.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader
according to
an embodiment of the present invention in the pre-fired condition.
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader in
the pre-fired
condition.
Figure 19 is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader
according to
an embodiment of the present invention wherein the breech plug secures a
constriction portion
and a propellant cartridge is in place in a bore sized to the constriction
portion.
Figure 20 is a perspective view of a propellant package configured as a
cartridge with a
primer.
Figure 21 is a perspective view with a partial cut-away cross section of the
propellant
cartridge of Figure 20.
Figure 22 is a cross section of the propellant cartridge of Figure 20.
Figure 23 is an end view of the propellant cartridge of Figure 20.
Figure 24 is a cross section of the propellant cartridge of Figure 20.
Figure 25 is a cross section of the propellant cartridge of Figure 20.
Figure 26 is a side elevational view of a projectile according to embodiments
of the
invention.
Figure 27 is a cross sectional view of a projectile according to embodiments
of the
invention.
Figure 28A is a front perspective view of a projectile according to
embodiments of the
invention in an axial elongated state.
Figure 28B is a front perspective view of the projectile of Figure 28A in an
axial
shortened state and illustrating grooves engraved on the cup by rifling.
Figure 28C is a rear perspective view of the projectile of Figure 28A in an
axial
shortened state.
Figure 29 is a front perspective view of the projectile of Figure 28A.
Figure 30 is a rear perspective view of the projectile of Figure 28A Figure 30
is a rear
end view of a projectile according to embodiments of the invention.
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Figure 30A is a front elevational view of a projectile according to
embodiments of the
invention in an axially elongated state.
Figure 30B is a front elevational view of a projectile according to
embodiments of the
invention in an axially shortened state.
Figure 30C is a front elevational view of a projectile according to
embodiments of the
invention in an axially shortened state with grooves engraved thereon from
rifling in a barrel.
Figure 30D is a side elevational view of a projectile body according to
embodiments of
the invention utilizing raised and recessed surfaces for radially expanding
the cup.
Figure 30E is a side elevational view of a projectile body according to
embodiments of
the invention utilizing nodules as the radial expansion means for the cup.
Figure 30F is a side elevational view of a projectile body according to
embodiments of
the invention utilizing ribs extending around the tail portion.
Figure 30G is a side elevational view with the tail portion and cup in cross
section should
the projectile body of Figure 30F with a cup in place in an axially elongated
position.
Figure 30H is a partial side elevational view of the projectile body and cup
of Figure
30G in the axially shortened configuration.
Figure 31 is a side elevational view of a projectile body with a cup engaged
thereon in
an axially elongated position, the cup having an aperture therein.
Figure 32 is a cross sectional view of a breech end of a muzzleloader barrel
with a
propellant package and a projectile abutting up to a constriction portion.
Figure 33 is an elevational view of the constrictor of Figure 32.
Figure 34 is a cross sectional view of a constrictor similar to that of Figure
33.
Figure 34A is an alternative constriction portion that conforms to the
propellant cartridge
of Figure 35A.
Figure 34B is another constriction portion in place in a barrel.
Figure 35 is an alternative view of a muzzleloader propellant cartridge.
Figure 35A is an alternative view of a muzzleloader propellant cartridge.
Figure 35B is a cross sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 35A.
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Figure 36 is a cross sectional view of a breech end of a muzzle loader with
the propellant
cartridge of Figure 35 therein and with minimal or no ullage between the
projectile and the
propellant cartridge.
Figure 37 is a ramrod according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 38A is a cross sectional view of a projectile being inserted in a
muzzleloader.
Figure 38B is a cross sectional view of a projectile being inserted in a
muzzleloader in
an axially elongated state by a ramrod the maintains the elongated state..
Figure 38C is a cross sectional view of a projectile being seated in a
muzzleloader in an
axially elongated state by a ramrod the maintains the elongated state..
Figure 39A is a saboted projectile according to embodiments of the invention
in an
axially elongated state.
Figure 39B is the saboted projectile of Figure 39A in an axially shortened
state affecting
bulges.
Figure 40A is the projectile of Figure 39A confronting a ramrod with
capability of
seating the projectile without shifting it to the axial shortened position.
Figure 40B is a side elevational view of a ramrod.
Figure 40C is another embodiment of a ramrod according to an invention.
Figure 41 illustrates components of the barrel assembly of Figure 42 including
propellant package and a primer retainer piece
Figure 42A is a cross section of a barrel assembly with a projectile in place.
Figure 42B is a cross section of a barrel assembly with a projectile seated
and in its axial
shortened position thereby better securing the bullet in place, and a
propellant powder in the
breech cavity, retained by the primer retainer. The securement of the
projectile provides a secure
containment for the powder propellant.
Figure 42C is a cross section of a barrel assembly with a projectile in place
and without
a constrictor portion that narrows the breech, rather relying on the larger
diameter of the barrel
compared to the breech to prevent breech loading of the projectile.
Figures 43A-43C illustrate an axially shiftable components with respect to one
another
of a projectile that affects a radial expansion.
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Figures 44A-44C illustrate an axially shiftable components with respect to one
another
of a projectile that affects a radial expansion
Figure 45 is a FLOW CHART of the methodologies illustrated in Figure 46.
Figure 46 is a diagrammatic view of a method of assembling a propellant
cartridge for
a muzzleloader.
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative
forms,
specifics thereof have been depicted by way of example in the drawings and
will be described
in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to
limit the invention to the
particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover
all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by
the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As depicted in Figures 1-4, a muzzleloader 20, for use with the present
invention,
generally comprises a barrel 22 having a breech 23 (or breech cavity), a
breech end 26, and a
muzzle end 24. The barrel 22 can comprise a smooth bore (not shown) or a
rifled bore 31 as
depicted in FIGS 2-4. Referring to Figure 2, the muzzleloader 20 is
conventionally loaded with
a projectile 25 at the muzzle end by pushing the projectile down the bore
towards the breech
end 26 until the projectile is seated. The breech is accessed for loading of
the propellant as
shown in Figure 3 and a propellant containment vessel 32 or cartridge is
inserted into the breech.
The breech is closed as shown in Figure 4 and is ready for firing.
As depicted in Figures 4 and 5, the muzzleloader 20, according to an
embodiment of the
present invention, can comprise the barrel 22 having an open breech end 26, a
breech portion
27, and a projectile bore portion 29, and a projectile bore 31. In this
configuration, the
muzzleloader 20 can further comprise a breech plug 30 and a propellant
containment vessel 32.
The breech plug 30 defines an axial channel 34 extending through the breech
plug 30. The axial
channel 34 extends the effective length of the bore of the barrel 22 when the
breech plug 30 is
placed in the breech end 26 of the barrel 22. The containment vessel 32
further defines an axial
cavity 36 having an open end 38 and a closed end 40. In some aspects of the
invention, the open
end 38 may be closed so as to wholly contain and seal the propellant charge
for easier handling
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CA 2828683 2018-10-25
of the containment vessel 32 as more fully described below. Figure 7 shows a
containment
vessel 32 having and open end 38. Figure 8 shows an aspect of the invention,
wherein the
containment vessel 32 comprises containment mechanism 62. In the embodiment
shown, the
containment mechanism is crimping.
In operation, a propellant charge 28 can be loaded into the axial cavity 36 of
the
containment vessel 32. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention
the open end
38 of the containment vessel 32 can comprises a containment mechanism, such as
inward
crimping 62 (shown in Figure 8), can be crimped inwards after the propellant
charge 28, as
depicted in Figure 5, to maintain the propellant charge 28 with the
containment vessel 32
following loading of the propellant charge 28. The loaded containment vessel
32 can then be
positioned within the axial channel 34 with the open end 38 oriented toward
the projectile bore
portion 29 of the barrel 22. Wherein the closed end 40 of the containment
vessel 32 operates as
effective breech end 26 of the barrel 22. A feature and advantage of
embodiments of the
invention the containment vessel 32 can comprise an integrated primer 42 in
the closed end 40
of the containment vessel 32 that can be struck with an external hammer to
ignite the propellant
charge 28 and fire the muzzleloader 20. In this configuration, the primer 42
and propellant
charge 28 can be loaded as a single energetic system for firing the
muzzleloader 20. After firing
or during unloading, the containment vessel 32 can be removed from the breech
23 and replaced
with a new containment vessel 32 or remain unloaded. A feature and advantage
of embodiments
of the invention the containment vessel 32 further comprises a rim 56 for
gripping the
containment vessel 32 for removal of the containment vessel 32.
As depicted in Figure 6, a muzzleloader 20, according to an embodiment of the
present
invention, can comprise a barrel 44 having an axial channel 46 or breech 23
through the breech
end 48 of the barrel 44, wherein the axial channel 46 is adapted to receive a
containment vessel
32. In this embodiment, the constriction portion 54 is unitary with the barrel
defining a reduced
diameter channel portion 55 that leads to a projectile bore portion 58. In
this configuration, the
barrel 44 can further comprise an engagement mechanism 50 for securing the
barrel 44 to the
mount assembly for a conventional firearm or muzzleloader such that the barrel
44 can be
interchanged with a conventional muzzleloader barrel 22.
CA 2828683 2018-10-25
As depicted in the Figures, the breech plug 30 or the barrel 44 can be
operated with a
break action muzzleloader or a reconfigured break action rifle or a bolt
action muzzleloader, not
shown. In this configuration, the hammer receiver portion 57 secures the
breech at the propellant
containment vessel 32 to prevent the containment vessel 32 from moving
rearward from the
breech end 26, during firing.
As depicted in Figures 5-8, the axial channel 34 may comprise a vessel chamber
52 for
receiving the containment vessel 32 and a nozzle or constriction portion 54.
The constriction
portion 54 is positioned between the propellant charge 28 and the bullet 25
when the
containment vessel 32 is loaded into the vessel chamber 52. The constriction
portion 54
.. accelerates the propellant gases generated from the ignition of the
propellant charge 28 to
improve the propulsion of the bullet from the barrel 44. In an aspect of the
invention, the vessel
chamber 52 which receives the containment vessel 32 is formed in the axial
chamber 46 of the
breech plug 30, as shown in Figure 5 and, in another aspect, the vessel
chamber 52 which
receives the containment vessel 32 is formed in the axial chamber 46 of the
breech end 48 of
.. the barrel 44, as shown in Figure 6.
As depicted in Figure 5, a muzzleloader 20, according to an embodiment of the
present
invention, can further comprise a barrel 22 having an open breech end 26. In
this configuration,
the muzzleloader 20 can further comprise a breech plug 30 and a containment
vessel 32. The
breech plug 30 defines an axial channel 34 extending through the breech plug
30. The axial
channel 34 extends the effective length of the bore of the barrel 22 when the
breech plug 30 is
placed in the breech end 26 of the barrel 22. The containment vessel 32
further defines an axial
cavity 36 having an open end 38 and a closed end 40.
In operation, a propellant charge 28 can be loaded into the axial cavity 36 of
the
containment vessel 32. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention
the open end
38 of the containment vessel 32 can be crimped inwards after the propellant
charge 28, as
depicted in Figure 5, to maintain the propellant charge 28 with the
containment vessel 32
following loading of the propellant charge 28. The loaded containment vessel
32 can then be
positioned within the axial channel 34 with the open end 38 distally oriented
toward the barrel
22, wherein the closed end 40 of the containment vessel 32 operates as the
effective breech end
26 of the barrel 22. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention
the containment
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CA 2828683 2018-10-25
vessel 32 can comprise an integrated primer 42 in the closed end 40 of the
containment vessel
32 that can be struck with an external hammer to ignite the propellant charge
28 and fire the
muzzleloader 20. In this configuration, the primer 42 and propellant charge 28
can be loaded as
a single energetic system for firing the muzzleloader 20. After firing or
during unloading, the
containment vessel 32 can be removed axial channel 46 and replaced with a new
containment
vessel 32 or remain unloaded. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the
invention the
containment vessel 32 further comprises a rim 56 for gripping the containment
vessel 32 for
removal of the containment vessel 32.
As depicted in Figure 6, a muzzleloader 20, according to an embodiment of the
present
invention, can comprise a barrel 44 having an axial channel 46 through the
breech end 48 of the
barrel 44, wherein the axial channel 46 is adapted to receive a containment
vessel 32. In this
configuration, the barrel 44 can further comprise an engagement mechanism 50
for securing the
barrel 44 to the mount assembly for a conventional firearm or muzzleloader
such that the barrel
44 can be interchanged with a conventional muzzleloader barrel 22.
As depicted in Figures 5-8, the breech plug 30 or the barrel 44 can be
operated with a
break action muzzleloader or a reconfigured break action rifle. In this
configuration, the hammer
block engages at least the rim 56 of the containment vessel 32 to prevent the
containment vessel
32 from moving rearward from the breech end 26, 48 of the barrel 22, 44 during
firing as a result
of the back blast from ignited propellant charge 28.
As depicted in both Figures 5-8, the axial channel 34 can further comprise a
vessel
chamber 52 for receiving the vessel 32 and a constriction portion 54. The
constriction portion
54 is positioned between the propellant charge 28 and the bullet when the
containment vessel
52 is loaded into the vessel chamber 52. The constriction portion 54 may
accelerate the
propellant gases generated from the ignition of the propellant charge 28 to
improve the
propulsion of the bullet from the barrel 22, 44.
As depicted in Figure 9, a containment vessel receiving muzzleloader 120,
according to
an embodiment of the present invention, is configured to receive a containment
vessel 132
within the breech region 101 of the muzzleloader instead of a breech plug. The
containment
vessel is a propellant cartridge, as illustrated with a unitary casing and
crimped end. The
muzzleloader 120 can further comprise a barrel 122 having a distal end 123 and
having an open
17
CA 2828683 2018-10-25
breech end 126 at a proximal end 127. In this configuration, the muzzleloader
120 can further
comprise an axial channel 134 or breech 23 in the proximal end 127 of the
barrel 122. The
breech 23 defines a vessel chamber 152 and as illustrated a containment vessel
132 is contained
within the vessel chamber 152. The containment vessel 132 further defines an
axial cavity 136
having a distal closed end 162 and a proximal closed end 140 configured to
receive the
propellant charge 128. The breech chamber 159 and vessel chamber 152 defined
therein are
separated from a distal bore portion 160 by a narrowing internal shoulder 162
at the distal end
of axial channel 134 and at the proximal end of the distal bore portion 160.
In operation, a propellant charge 128, 28 can be loaded into the axial cavity
136, 438 of
the containment vessel 132, 432. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the
invention the
containment vessel has an open end 438 and, in another aspect, has a closed
end 462 to contain
the propellant charge 128, 28 within the containment vessel 132, 432 following
loading of the
propellant charge 128, 28, as depicted in Figures 7-8. The loaded containment
vessel 132 can
then be positioned within the axial channel 134 with the end 162 (in the case
shown in Figure
9, closed end 162, 462) oriented distally toward the barrel 22, wherein the
closed end 162 of the
containment vessel 132 operates as effective breech end of the barrel 122. A
feature and
advantage of embodiments of the invention the containment vessel 132 can
comprise an
integrated primer 142 in the closed end 140 of the containment vessel 132 that
can be struck
with an external hammer 174 to ignite the propellant charge 128 and fire the
muzzleloader 120.
In this configuration, the primer 142 and propellant charge 128 can be loaded
as a single
energetic system for firing the muzzleloader 120. After firing or during
unloading, the
containment vessel 132 can be removed via the axial channel 134 and replaced
with a new
containment vessel 132 or remain unloaded. A feature and advantage of
embodiments of the
invention the containment vessel 132 further comprises a rim 156 for gripping
the containment
vessel 132 for removal of the containment vessel 132.
A method of manufacturing or retrofitting a containment vessel receiving
muzzleloader
120 which utilizes a containment vessel 132 comprises providing a muzzleloader
having a barrel
122 which has a bore running therethrough from a proximal end of the bore to a
distal end of
the bore. The bore includes a proximal bore portion 159 and a distal bore
portion 137, with an
axial channel 134 defined in the proximal bore portion 159, and a narrowing
internal shoulder
18
CA 2828683 2018-10-25
162 within the bore separating the proximal bore portion from the distal bore
portion. The
method also comprises sizing the axial channel 134 to define a vessel chamber
152, wherein the
vessel chamber is sized to fittingly receive a containment vessel 132. The
method further
comprises inserting or integrally forming within the bore a forcing cone 164
at a position within
.. the bore proximally adjacent the narrowing shoulder 162.
As depicted in Figure 10, the containment vessel receiving muzzleloader 120
shown in
Figure 9, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can comprise a
removable
breech plug 176 instead of a containment vessel 132. The removable breech plug
is sized to be
fittingly received within the vessel chamber 152 and allow the muzzlerloader
to be loaded in a
conventional manner. The removable breech plug 176 has a distal end 178 and a
proximal end
180, wherein, when fitted into the vessel chamber 152, the distal end 178
abuts against the
forcing cone 164. The removable breech plug 176 can include an integrated
primer 142 in its
proximal end 180, a flash passage 182 extending from the primer 142 to and
opening up at the
distal end 178, and an otherwise solid body 181. In an aspect of the invention
the removable
breech plug does not have any outer threads and is installed with a slidable
fit. The primer 142
can be struck with an external hammer 174 to ignite the propellant charge 128,
which is loaded
through the distal end 123 of the barrel 122 with the bullet and fire the
muzzleloader 120. In this
embodiment, the propellant charge 128 is loaded with the bullet and is
positioned distal to the
internal shoulder 162 and the forcing cone 164. After firing or during
unloading, the removable
breech plug 176 can remain and be used with a further load or can be removed
via the axial
channel 134 and replaced with a containment vessel 132 or remain unloaded. A
feature and
advantage of embodiments of the invention the removable breech plug 176
further comprises a
rim 157 for gripping the removable breech plug 176 and insertion of a
containment vessel 132.
Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the breech region of a representative
muzzleloader barrel
119 having a conventional breech plug 186 (Figure 14 illustrates a '209 primer
adapter') with a
securing plug 129, and a muzzleloader 120, according to an embodiment of the
present
invention, having a containment vessel 132 (Figure 15). The Figures illustrate
differences
between the two, including the construction or retrofit of the axial channel
134 in muzzleloader
120 and the inclusion of a conventional, threaded-in 187 breech plug 186 in
the commercial
muzzleloader 119, as opposed to the slidably received containment vessel 132
of inventive
19
CA 2828683 2018-10-25
muzzleloader 120. A further difference is the inclusion of the separator
configured as a forcing
cone 164 in the present invention, as shown in Figure 15. In the convention
muzzleloader 119,
the propellant 128 and bullet are loaded at the distal barrel end, resulting
in the propellant sitting
directly on the breech plug 186 and the bullet seated right on the propellant.
After firing, the
propellant residue remains in the barrel in the position where the next
propellant and bullet are
to be placed. Cleaning may need to be accomplished by removing the plug 186.
In contrast, in
the inventive muzzleloader 120, the propellant 128 in the containment vessel
132 is in the vessel
chamber 152 within the axial channel 134, which is spaced and separated from
the bullet by the
internal shoulder 162 and the forcing cone 164. Further, after firing the
propellant casing is
easily removable out the proximal end of the barrel, minimizing cleaning and
allowing for
quicker reload. The present invention provides ease of use, minimizes moisture
concerns with
the very hygroscopic black powder (and black powder substitute) propellants
with the sealed
vessel designs.
In a method, commercial barrels, such as the one shown in Figure 14, can be
altered and
retrofitted to receive a containment vessel 132 or removable plug 176
according to the invention
by resizing the axial channel of the breech end of the barrel so as to receive
a containment vessel
132 or removable plug 176 and include an internal shoulder 162, and fitting
the distal end of the
resized axial channel 134 with a forcing cone 164 and abutting said forcing
cone 164 proximally
against the internal shoulder within the axial channel 134. A further aspect
of the present
inventive method is inserting an adapter breech plug that is fittingly
receivable into the axial
channel of the commercial barrel, wherein the adapter breech plug includes an
axial channel
sized to receive a containment vessel 132 and wherein a forcing cone 164 is
positioned within
the distal end of the axial channel 134 of the commercial barrel 119 or within
the distal end of
the axial channel of the adapter breech plug. An embodiment of an adapter
breech plug is
illustrated in Figure 18.
As further depicted in Figure 15, the muzzleloader 120, according to an
embodiment of
the present invention, comprises a barrel 122 having an axial channel 134
through the breech
end 126 of the barrel 122, wherein the axial channel 134 is adapted to receive
a containment
vessel 132. In this configuration, the barrel 122 can further comprise an
engagement mechanism
150 for securing the barrel 122 to the mount assembly 151 (seen in Figure 17)
for a conventional
CA 2828683 2018-10-25
firearm or muzzleloader such that the barrel 444 can be interchanged with
another muzzleloader
barrel.
Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the barrels of Figures 14 and 15, respectively,
with the
barrels engaged and secured to mount assemblies 151 via the engagement
mechanisms 150 and
the break actions open.
As depicted in Figure 17, barrel 122 shown in Figure 15 can be operated with a
break
action muzzleloader or a reconfigured break action rifle utilizing either a
containment vessel
134, a removable plug 176 or an containment vessel containing adapter plug (as
shown in Figure
18). In this configuration, the hammer block 175 engages at least the rim 156
of the containment
vessel 132 to prevent the containment vessel 132 from moving rearward from the
breech end
126 of the barrel 122 during firing as a result of the back blast from ignited
propellant charge
128.
As depicted in Figure 18, in a further embodiment of the invention, the
containment
vessel 132 within the vessel chamber 152 can be replaced with an adapter
breech plug 190. As
.. shown in Figure 18, the adapter breech plug 190 is sized to be received
within the vessel
chamber 152 like the containment vessel 132. The adapter breech plug 190
further defines an
axial cavity 192 having a proximal closed end 194 and a distal open end 196
configured to
receive a propellant charge 128 of a smaller size. The distal end 196 of the
adapter breech plug
190 can be formed to be fittingly received into the conical portion of the
forcing cone through
the top end 168. The axial cavity 192 extends the effective length 135 of the
bore 137 of the
barrel 122 at a proximal bore portion 159 to the forcing cone 164. The wall
198 of the adapter
breech plug 190 can be varied to alter the diameter of the axial cavity 192
allowing for the snug
fit of propellant charges of different sizes. A feature and advantage of
embodiments of the
invention the adapter breech plug 190 can comprise an integrated primer 142 in
the closed end
140 of the adapter breech plug 190 that can be struck with an inline firing
pin 191 to ignite the
propellant charge 128 and fire the muzzleloader 120. In this configuration, in
use, the primer
142 and propellant charge 128 can be loaded as a single energetic system for
firing the
muzzleloader 120. After firing or during unloading, the adapter breech plug
190 can be removed
via the axial channel 134 and the propellant charge can be replaced with a
propellant charge or
remain unloaded. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the
adapter breech
21
CA 2828683 2018-10-25
plug 190 further comprises a rim 156 for gripping the adapter breech plug 190
for removal of
the adapter breech plug 190.
A further aspect of the invention and method of the present inventive is that
the adapter
breech plug 190 and forcing cone 164 can be sized with regard to their outer
diameters, lengths
and outer surfaces to accommodate axial channels of other commercially
available
muzzleloaders. By way example, as shown in Figure 16 (which shows the
commercial barrel
119 of Figure 19); the adapter breech plug 190 can be adjusted in a size and
configuration to
conform to the axial channel 134 of the barrel 119. In this case, the adapter
breech plug is
adapted by increase its diameter, which in this case results in a thicker wall
198, and conform
the outer surface 600 to the inner surface of the axial channel 134 of the
barrel 119. In this case,
the outer surface 600 is threaded. For the conversion of the energetic system
to conform to barrel
119, the forcing ring 164 can also be altered to conform to the distal end 602
of the axial channel
134 of the barrel 119. The distal end 196 of the adapter breech plug 190 can
be similarly adjusted
to form fit into the conical portion of the forcing cone through the top end
168. The axial cavity
.. 192 can also be increased in diameter to receive a larger containment
vessel 132.
In a method, providing a muzzleloader having an axial channel in its barrel at
its
proximal breech end and providing an adapter breech plug having or
constructing it to have an
outer surface that is fittingly receivable into the axial channel of the
barrel, wherein the adapter
breech plug includes an axial channel sized to receive a containment vessel
and wherein a
.. forcing cone is positioned within the distal end of the axial channel of
the barrel or within the
distal end of the axial channel of the adapter breech plug.
Referring to Figures 20-25 several views of propellant cartridges 200
comprising
containment vessels 232 and propellant 228 are illustrated, The cartridges
each have a cup
portion 257 comprising a tubular wall portion 232, a converging portion at a
closed end 236,
and an open end 238. A head portion 244 connects to the open end 238 of the
cup portion
tubular portion 242. A disk shaped portion 246 is unitary with the tubular
portion 242 and has
a recess 250 for receiving a primer 254 and a flange portion 256. The tubular
portion and closed
end are unitarily formed as the cup portion 257. Such may be injection molded
from polymers
such as polyethylenes or fabricated from metals. The head portion may also be
injection molded
.. or formed from convention materials such as brass. The head portion and cup
portion may be
22
CA 2828683 2018-10-25
press fit together and joined by way of crimping, welding, adhesives, or other
securement
means. As illustrated in Figures 24 and 25, the wall portion and head portion
may have different
configurations. Specifically, different wall thicknesses for the cup portion
allows for different
quantities of propellant and can provide structural enhancements. Also, the
head portions may
have different volumetric displacement portions 258 which, when attaching to a
propellant filled
cup portion, allows different levels of compaction. Although not shown, the
tubular portions
can have, in cross section, regular polygon shapes as well as the circular
shape shown.
Referring to Figures 26-31, projectiles 259, including projectile bodies 261
and cups
266. according to the inventions herein are illustrated. These particular
embodiments have a
head portion 260, a tail portion 263, a slidable component 266 configured as
the cup. The cup
may further have a cutting ring 268. A polymer nose insert 268 fits into a
recess 270 in the head
portion in particular embodiments. Referring to Figures 27, 30D, 30E-30H, and
31, the tail
portion and tubular portion of the cup have cooperating surfaces to affect a
radial expansion as
the cup moves axially on the tail. The surfaces can be a tapered portion 272
upon which the lip
274 of the cup rides increasing the radial expansion of the projectile. The
projectile body can
have circumferential recesses 273 and circumferential projections 275. As
illustrated in Figure
30E the circumferential projections do not need to be continuous
circumferentially, the can be,
for example circumferentially spaced bumps 278 or nodules. Also, the cup can
have thickened
portions 282 that extend radially inward. In an embodiment, the projectile
body is metal, such
as lead, copper, steel, or other alloys or other metals. The tail can have
circumferential ribs 283
and a cup 285 with recesses corresponding to the ribs as illustrated in
Figures 30F and 30G.
When compressed, as illustrated in Figure 30H, the ribs force portions of the
cup axially offset
from the recesses to bulge outwardly affecting the radial expansion. The cup
may be polymers
or metals in some embodiments.
Referring to Figures 32-34, a minimal ullage configuration is illustrated with
the
propellant package or cartridge 200 abutting a constriction portion 264 and
the projectile 259
also abutting up against the constriction portion. In this embodiment the
projectile tail portion
265 can have a conical surface 267 to conform to the muzzle facing surface 270
of the
constriction portion 264. This surface is conical in Figures 32 and 34 and may
have other shapes
that converge or have a face perpendicular to the axis. This facilitates the
minimal ullage
23
CA 2828683 2018-10-25
between the projectile 259 and the propellant which is believed to provide
enhanced propellant
and projectile performance.
Referring to Figures 34A, 35, 35A, 35B, and 36, other means of minimizing
ullage is
illustrated. In Figure 35, the propellant cartridge 201 has the conical
portion 279 that
corresponds to and engages the conical portion 281 of the constriction portion
264 that faces the
breech opening. The cartridge also has a neck portion 284 that has a
cylindrical shape and a
disk 286 perpendicular to the axis a of the cartridge. As illustrated in
Figure 36 the neck portion
can extend into and conform to the reduced diameter portion 287 of the
constriction portion 264,
also presenting minimal ullage. Figures 35A and 35B illustrate another
configuration of a
propellant cartridge according to embodiments of the invention with the
cartridge having a
rounded tip. The constriction portion 264 can have the surface that faces the
breech end have a
curvature that corresponds to the rounded tip. In embodiments the tip can
extend beyond the
converging portion, to confront or engage the projectile. In Figure 34B, the
constriction portion
264 can be rectilinear such as a conventional washer with two planar faces,
and cylindrical outer
surface and a cylindrical inner surface. In such an embodiment, the cup of the
cartridge may
have outer walls such that the inner surface of the outer wall is in alignment
with the inner
surface of the constriction portion or separator portion. A polymer cartridge
casing can have
weakening structure 255, such as scoring or grooves, in alignment with the
inner cylindrical
surface of the constriction portion to facilitate uniform separation of the
disk 257.
Referring to Figures 37-38C, a ramrod 288 has a pair of stop surfaces 289,
290, a shaft
291, and a handle 292. The projectile 300 has bullet body 310 and a cup
portion 312, the cup
portion slidably engaged on the bullet body. In order to maintain the gap G
between the cup
and bullet body, the ramrod engages both the cup portion 312 and the tip 314
of the bullet body
310 by respective engagement portions 318, 320 when the ramrod is pushing the
projectile in
the barrel, as illustrated by Figures 39 and 40. In Figure 40 the projectile
is seated at the seating
position 320 next to the propellant 324. The projectile is thus positioned to
be fired and moved
from the axially extended position to the axially shortened position that will
also expand the
radius of the projectile.
Referring to Figures 39, 40A, and 40B, a saboted projectile with aspects of
the invention
are illustrated. Specifically, the saboted projectile has an axially elongated
or extended position
24
CA 2828683 2018-10-25
as shown in Figures 39A and 40A and an axially shortened position as shown in
Figure 398.
A cup 360, termed a sabot in that it separates from the projectile upon
exiting the barrel, is
engaged with a projectile body 310. The sabot has a base portion 364 and a
plurality of forward
extending wings or fingers 366 that are unitary with the base portion.
Internally, the sabot has
an inwardly extending annular ridge 368 that seats within an circumferential
recess 370 on the
tail portion 372 of the projectile body. Additionally an outwardly extending
circumferential
projection 376 on the tail of the bullet body seats in a recess 378 in the
sabot. In this
configuration the thickened portions 380 of the fingers that initially seat in
recesses or a
projectile void 381 then ride up widened portions 383, 384 of the projectile
body providing
radially expanded portions 388 configured as bands on the sabot. The
projectile body and sabot
have confronting hard stops 391, 392 to definitively seat the projectile in
the second position,
the axially shortened position.
Referring to Figures 40A-40C, ramrod configurations suitable for saboted
projectiles
such as illustrated in Figures 39A-40A. The ramrod 393 of Figures 40A and 40B
has a cup
portion 394 with a bullet tip engagement portion 395. The ramrod 396 of Figure
40C has
cup/sabot engagement portions 397 on fingers 398. Similar to the ramrod of
Figures 37-38C,
the ramrods two engagement portions simultaneously engage and push down the
barrel the
projectile body and the cup. The dashed lines in Figure 40A indicate that a
central rod 399 may
be sildable in the shaft to engage the tip of the projectile body to axially
shorten the projectile
after it is seated. This facilitates pushing the projectile down the barrel at
the radially reduced
configuration and then radially expanding the projectile once it is seated
before it is fired.
Referring to Figures 4110 42B, two alternative embodiments are illustrated in
which the
propellant package is a discrete packet 326 in Figures 41 and 42. The
separator 330 is a
constriction portion with a conical surface 328 facing the breech chamber 329.
The primer 331
is secured in a primer retainer 334 that fits into the breech chamber. The fit
can be snug and it
may be held in place by the hammer receiver portion 58 of the gun when closed.
The packaging
for the packet can be, for example, polymer sheet material formed in a
cylindrical shape, or
materials also are suitable. As an alternative to the propellant powder,
propellant pellets may
also be used in the same manner, although the constriction portion can be
sized, or the pellets
sized to prevent their passage out of the breech chamber into the projectile
bore.
CA 2828683 2018-10-25
Figure 42B illustrates usage of the primer retainer 334 and the non-packaged
propellant
338 in the breech chamber. The chamber may be contained on the projectile bore
337 side,
opposite the constriction portion 330, by the projectile 342. The projectile
as illustrated is in the
axial shortened position causing the radial expansion thereby securing the
projectile in the
projectile seat 342 at the constriction portion 330. The projectile can be
shortened with a radius
increase by the user axially compressing the projectile with the ramrod.
Figure 42C illustrates an embodiment with the projectile bore portion of the
barrel
having a diameter dl greater than the diameter d2 of the breech chamber. This
precludes loading
of the projectiles sized for the projectile bore portion through the breech
chamber.
Figures 43A-43C illustrate another embodiment where a projectile 341 has an
axial
elongated position and an axially shortened position shown in Figure 43C. In
this embodiment,
an axially sliding component 342, shaped as a cup, slides on the tail 343 of
the projectile body
344 to affect the axial compression of a ring shaped polymer member 345 that
is essentially
incompressible from a volumetric perspective. The polymer member expands
radially when
compressed axially as it is constrained by the tail 343. The polymer member
may be elastomeric
or may be formed of more than one component, for example, that is an outer
skin and a different
inner material, for example a gel material constrained by an impervious
polymer material.
Figures 44A-44C illustrate another embodiment where a projectile 351 has an
axial
elongated position in Figure 44B and an axially shortened position shown in
Figures 44A and
44C. In this embodiment, an axially sliding component 352, having a T-shape in
cross section,
slides in a recess of the tail portion 353 of the projectile body 354 to
affect the axial compression
of a ring shaped polymer member 355 that is essentially incompressible from a
volumetric
perspective. The polymer member expands radially when compressed axially as it
is
constrained by the tail 353 and T-shaped member 252. The dashed lines in
Figure 44C indicate
that the T-shaped member may have structure to cooperate with the recess to
lock the projectile
in the axial shortened position. A circumferential rib that is slid into a
matching recess in the
tail recess would accomplish such a locking. The polymer member may be
elastomeric or may
be formed of more than one component, for example, an outer skin and a
different inner material,
for example a gel material constrained by an impervious polymer material.
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Figures 45 and 46 illustrate embodiments of a manufacturing system conducive
to use
with the muzzleloading propellant cartridges described herein, particularly
those cartridges
shown in Figures 20-25, and 35-35B. First, a size of a cartridge cup is
selected from a plurality
of stockpiles 400 of various sizes of the cartridge cups that corresponds to a
specific volumetric
quantity of propellant. As shown in Figure 46, the "J" size reflecting the
minimal side wall
thickness of the illustrated options that corresponds to the maximal
volumetric capacity of the
three sizes illustrated and identified as J, K, and L. A specific propellant
having desired
characteristics is then selected and the cartridge is then filled from the
specific one of the
plurality of reservoirs 408 corresponding to the selected propellant. Then, a
specific compaction
level is selected and the head with the specific sized volumetric displacement
portion
corresponding to the compaction level is selected from the stockpiles 410 of
the cartridge heads.
The selected head is then assembled on to the cartridge cup with corresponding
selected
compaction of the propellant and the head is secured thereon providing the
cartridge. The
methodology as illustrated is particularly suitable for muzzleloading
propellant cartridges where
compaction of the propellant can provide enhanced burn characteristics, which
is generally
contrary to traditional loading of propellants in firearm cartridges. Of
course, different
methodologies of assembling the propellant cartridges do not require all of
the above steps. For
example, the step of selecting the particular cartridge cup size could
eliminated from a particular
method. Similarly, selecting the head compaction size could be eliminated in a
particular
methodology. The above methodologies are suitable for instituting in a factory
setting to
provide a variety of propellant cartridges with different performance
characteristics.
As used herein, propellant and propellant charges can be any propellant
suitable for
muzzleloader firing, including, propellant powder, flakes, and propellant
pellets. The cartridge
cups are illustrated as having a cylindrical exterior and interior walls but
it is recognized that
other shapes, in a cross section perpendicular to the cartridge cup axis, such
as regular polygons,
are also suitable and the inventions herein are not limited to circular
tubular cartridge
configurations unless specifically claimed.
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative
forms,
specifics thereof have been depicted by way of example in the drawings and
described in detail.
It is understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to
the particular
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embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the appended
claims.
All of the features disclosed in this specification, and/or all of the steps
of any method
or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except
combinations where at
least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative
features
serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated
otherwise. Thus, unless
expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of
equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s).
The
invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features
disclosed in this
specification, or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of
any method or
process so disclosed.
Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will
be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement
calculated to achieve the
same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This
application is intended
to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore,
it is intended that the
invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as
well as the following
illustrative aspects. The above described aspects embodiments of the invention
are merely
descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. Further
modifications of the
invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts
and all such
modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.
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