The application relates generally to an apparatus for treating firearms by applying fluids to firearms.
Firearms frequently require the removal of residues to ensure their continued operational reliability. Current techniques used to remove residue from firearms include the disassembly of the firearm, removal of residue from target regions on the firearm using mechanical and/or chemical treatments, followed by reassembly of the firearm. The disassembly of firearms allows for the removal of residues from select target regions on the firearms while avoiding treatment of the non-target regions of the firearms. However, the disassembly/reassembly process can be time consuming and can lead to damaged or misplaced firearm parts. Also, when the above techniques are applied to assembled firearms any non-target regions on the firearms may be unintentionally mechanically and/or chemically contacted. An apparatus is needed that allows fluid to be applied to only target regions on firearms for removing residue without having to disassemble the firearms.
An apparatus for applying fluid to a target region of an assembled firearm. The apparatus comprises a chamber having a housing; a first fluid disposed within the housing; and a firearm securing clamp inside the chamber. The clamp comprises a seal disposed between the target region of the firearm and a non-target region of the firearm.
The present application relates to an apparatus for treating firearms by applying various fluids to firearms. In one embodiment, the present application relates to an apparatus for applying various fluids to the target region of an assembled firearm. More specifically, the present application relates to an apparatus and method of applying various fluids to an assembled firearm while sealing both a target region of a firearm and at least one fluid inside the apparatus to allow for mobility or transport of the apparatus while simultaneously applying the fluid to the firearm sealed inside the apparatus.
In a first embodiment, the apparatus includes at least (1) a chamber having a housing for holding at least a first fluid and (2) a firearm securing clamp. In addition, the apparatus may further include means for creating fluid flow within the chamber and means for introducing and removing fluid from the chamber. The apparatus according to the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. The drawings are illustrative only, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention, which is defined in the claims.
In a first embodiment, as shown in
The apparatus 10 may further include a lid 18 positioned to fit securely on the opening or opened rim 5 of chamber 12. Suitably, lid 18 mates with chamber 12, in like manner as clamp 32, to seal the contents of chamber 12 from the outside environment. In addition, the apparatus may include at least one drain 24 configured to allow release of fluids and sediments from chamber 12, and at least one fill line 22 for measuring a suitable amount of fluid to be added to chamber 12. The apparatus 10, as shown in
Referring to
Suitably, chamber 12 is configured to allow at least a portion of firearm 40 to fit within chamber 12. As shown in
Herein, firearm refers to any device capable of discharging a projective, usually by detonation of an explosive, including but not necessarily limited to black powder rifles, handguns, rifles, assault weapons, and shotguns, wherein handguns further includes but is not necessarily limited to semi-automatic and fully automatic pistols, revolvers, bolt-action and single shot handguns; wherein rifles further includes but is not necessarily limited to bolt-action rifles, single-shot rifles, semi-automatic rifles, fully-automatic rifles, pump action rifles, lever action rifles, and double barrel rifles; wherein assault weapons further includes but is not necessarily limited to any military weapon that fires multiple rounds upon a single compression of the trigger mechanism of the weapon; and wherein shotguns further includes but is not necessarily limited to automatic shotguns, semi-automatic shotguns, pump action shotguns, over and under shotguns, double barrel shotguns, bolt action shotguns, and single shot shotguns.
Herein fluid refers to any flowable liquid, gas or supercritical fluid effective to contact the target region of a firearm and/or effective to penetrate firearm residue on contact, soften, lift, remove or otherwise affect residue on firearm 40 while secured inside chamber 12. Preferred fluids include but are not necessarily limited to inert gases, supercritical CO2, water, water-based cleaners, biodegradable cleaners, d-limonene, detergent mixtures, water soluble mixtures including rust inhibitors, mild alkaline based cleaners, mild alkaline based cleaners with rust inhibitors, general purpose cleaners, and solvent based cleaners, including but not necessarily limited to bore cleaners, copper solvents, lead removing solutions, nitro solvent, rust removers, mineral spirits and combinations thereof. Representative fluids may be obtained from the following commercial sources: West Penetone, Ecolink, Florida Chemical Company, Inc., and Worldwide Chemicals Inc.
In one non-limiting example of the present disclosure, the length of inner rim 16 extends outward from inner wall 13 at about ¼ inch to about ½ inch, preferably ½ inch. Lid 18 and clamp 32 are adapted to rest inside chamber 12 in a corklike manner. Suitably, lid 18 and clamp 32 are configured to rest inside chamber 12 to form a seal between inner wall 13 and outer wall 19 or outer wall 21 to inhibit fluid flow from chamber 12. A seal can be created with or without the addition of inner rim 16.
In an embodiment comprising inner rim 16, a seal is created as either lid 18 or clamp 32 is placed within chamber 12 to a point where the bottom side of lid 18 or clamp 32 contacts the topside of inner rim 16. Contact of lid 18 or clamp 32 against inner rim 16 seals chamber 12 by creating a flush alignment at a point where the bottom and side of lid 18 or clamp 32 meets the corner of inner wall 13 and topside of inner rim 16. Suitably, lid 18 and clamp 32 comprise an outer shape that corresponds to the shape of inner wall 13. In at least a first embodiment, outer wall 19 or 21 further comprises a tapered configuration that corresponds to the tapered configuration of inner wall 13 to further assist in sealing chamber 12.
As shown in
Clamp 32 may be fixed to chamber 12 in like manner as lid 18, or in the alternative, clamp 32 may be a separate piece from chamber 12. Suitably, clamp 32 comprises a solid piece of material defined by an opening 34 there through and slit ends 37 running radially from a point adjacent to opening 34 to the outer wall 21. Clamp 32 is configured to secure firearm 40 within opening 34 while also being configured to form a seal about firearm 40. As shown in
A suitable opened position of clamp 32 comprises slit ends 37 being separated from a mated position at a distance greater than the width of a neutral point on firearm 40, thus allowing firearm 40 to be secured within opening 34. The neutral point is herein defined as the region of firearm 40 adjacent but not including the target area of firearm 40 that is enveloped by clamp 32. Examples of clamp 32 securing firearm 40 are shown in
Slit ends 37 may comprise any pathway from opening 34 to outer wall 21 effective to allow firearm 40 to be secured within opening 34. In an alternative embodiment, clamp 32 may comprise a continuous or slitless construction wherein clamp 32 is adapted to be stretched open to allow firearm 40 to be run through either side of opening 34 and to be secured therein.
Suitably, clamp 32 comprises an outer wall 21 configuration adapted to sealably mate with the inner wall 13 of chamber 12. In addition, clamp 32 is made of any material effective to secure and suspend firearm 40 while also sealing chamber 12 as described above. A preferred material includes but is not necessarily limited to plastic, rubber, polyurethane, metal, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE) and other synthetic materials or combinations thereof. Preferred rubbers include but are not necessarily limited to EPDM rubber and silicone rubber. The inner wall of opening 34 may comprise a machine fit design for a particular model firearm, or in the alternative, the inner wall of opening 34 may comprise a corrugated region or other non-uniform surface effective to increase the seal between clamp 32 and firearm 40.
As shown in
As shown in
Preferred liner materials include but are not necessarily limited to plastic, rubber, and polyurethane foam. Liner 35 may be securely attached to clamp 32 forming a single piece of construction, or liner 35 may be comprised of a separate piece that is placed between inner wall of clamp 32 and firearm 40 prior to treatment of the firearm. Herein, treatment refers to the application of fluid to the target region or regions of firearms.
Fill line 22 is effective to indicate a suitable volume of fluid to be added to chamber 12 prior to treatment of the firearm 40. Herein, the treatment of firearm 40 refers to the direct contact of a fluid upon firearm 40 within chamber 12. Fill line 22 may be etched into the wall of chamber 12, or in the alternative fill line 22 may be applied to chamber 12 by any suitable means including but not necessarily limited to paint, a silk screening technique or any other ink based application. In operation, a preferred fluid is added to chamber 12 until the fluid reaches fill line 22. Preferably, fill line 22 is positioned on chamber 12 at a point to avoid overfilling of the fluid as the target region of firearm 40 is placed inside chamber 12.
At least one embodiment of apparatus 10 includes at least one drain 24 positioned on chamber 12 effective to allow release of fluid and sediments from chamber 12. As shown in
Chamber 12 may be constructed of any material durable enough to withstand various treatment conditions including but not necessarily limited to chemical environments of varying pH and corrosivity, varying temperatures, varying pressures, and other loads placed upon chamber 12. Suitable materials include but are not necessarily limited to plastics, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, ceramic materials, rubber, PVC, PTFE, plexiglass and combinations thereof. Optionally, chamber 12 can be comprised of a transparent material. A transparent chamber 12 allows for visual observation of the fluid within chamber 12 during operation. Depending on the material used, a preferred wall thickness of chamber 12 is thin enough to maintain transparency while also maintaining the above described durability properties.
In one embodiment, as shown in
A suitable support member 11 comprises at least a ring 7 for securing closed end 6 of chamber 12. Support member 11 may further comprise a plurality of legs 8 fastened to ring 7 and extending from ring 7 to the ground, floor or other base to further support ring 7. In addition, the apparatus 10 of the present application may comprise any other base suitable to support chamber 12 in a non-horizontal position.
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in
Preferably, the outside wall of chamber 12 comprises a channel 54 corresponding to brace 52 and adapted to allow brace 52 to mate lengthwise with channel 54. Preferably, channel 54 ranges from about ⅛ inches to about ¼ inches deep and from about 1 inch to about 2 inches wide, depending on the brace 52 to be used. Suitably, channel 54 runs about the periphery of the outer wall of chamber 12 and parallel to opened rim 5. Brace 52 may include a loop that fits over and wraps around chamber 12 engaging the corresponding channel 54 along the length of channel 54. Or, in the alternative, brace 52 may comprise at least two arms 58 as shown in
As shown in
A preferred pump 26 allows for circulation of fluid within chamber 12 wherein fluid is pumped into chamber 12 via flow line 28 and fluid is removed from chamber 12 via return line 30. Preferably, pump 26 creates a fluid flow violent enough to produce a desired force of fluid upon at least one target region of the firearm 40 being treated within chamber 12. Suitable pumps include but are not necessarily limited to electrical high pressure pumps and low pressure pumps, wherein the high pressure and low pressure pumps further include but are not necessarily limited to dispensing pumps, centrifugal pumps, submersible pumps, piston pumps, screw pumps and vacuum pumps. Preferred pumps may be obtained from the following commercial sources: Fybroc Divison, Met-Pro Corp., Telford, Pa.; March Mfg. Inc., Glenview, Ill.; Complete Dewatering Pumps & Wellpoints, Inc., Edgewater, Fla.; OEC Fluid Handling, Inc., Spartanburg, S.C.; and SCC Pumps, Inc., Arlington Heights, Ill. Suitable pumps may operate using a wall outlet, or in the alternative, a vehicle cigarette lighter may be used to run the pump.
Suitably, the fluid flow provides sufficient pertubation to remove residue located on the target regions of firearm 40. Typical target regions include but are not necessarily limited to the working mechanisms of the firearm 40 including but not necessarily limited to the barrel and the action, wherein the elements making up the action may vary depending on the type of firearm 40 being treated. Typical elements making up the action include but are not necessarily limited to recoil springs, recoil spring guides, slides, shell extractors, trigger mechanisms, bolts, guides, magazines, sights, stocks, forestocks, slides inside the action, slides outside of action, and safeties.
Flow line 28 may further comprise at least one hose 42 and at least one flow jet 38 in fluid communication with flow line 28 and attaching to chamber 12 at variable points on the wall of chamber 12. As shown in
In at least one embodiment, the wall of chamber 12 includes a plurality of threaded holes 46 for connecting at least one flow jet 38 to allow a concentrated flow of fluid upon a target region of firearm 40 within chamber 12. Suitably, threaded holes 46 comprise a diameter effective to direct a preferred flow of fluid into chamber 12. A preferred threaded hole 46 diameter is from about ½ inch to about ¾ inches, more preferably from about ⅜ inches to about ½ inches, most preferably about ½ inches. Preferably, flow jet 38 is adapted to mate with threaded hole 46 while also (1) allowing a desired fluid flow into chamber 12, and (2) effectively sealing the threaded hole 46 from fluid loss. A preferred flow jet 38 includes but is not necessarily limited to a nipple or other adapter effective to connect threaded hole 46 to hose 42 wherein flow line 28 is in fluid communication with chamber 12. Each unused threaded hole 46 during operation comprises a threaded cap 48 effective to seal chamber 12 from fluid loss through the corresponding threaded hole 46. Threaded caps 48 are adapted to mate with threaded holes 46 in a similar fashion as flow jet 38. Preferred threaded caps 48 comprise a threaded screw including slots on top that allow for easy twisting on or off of the threaded cap 48. Preferably, threaded caps 48 are comprised of any material effective to maintain a seal including but not necessarily limited to plastics, PTFE, rubbers, steel, stainless steel and other metals.
In operation, it is desirable that the present apparatus be (1) sealable and easily transportable or otherwise mobile, (2) effective to apply fluid to a target region of an assembled firearm inside chamber 12 (3) without applying fluid to the non-target region of the firearm, and (4) without leaking, spilling or other fluid loss from chamber 12 during treatment of the target region whether apparatus 10 is stationary or in transport. In at least one embodiment, fluid is applied to a target region of an assembled firearm to remove residue from the target region. In at least a second embodiment, fluid is applied to a target region of an assembled firearm for bluing or chroming of the target region. Herein, an assembled firearm refers to a firearm that includes all working parts, or in the alternative, an assembled firearm refers a firearm including all working parts less the forestock and/or bolt depending on the make of the firearm.
In operation, chamber 12 is filled with a preferred fluid to fill line 22. The fluid may be delivered to chamber 12 by any suitable means including but not necessarily limited to manually pouring the fluid into chamber 12, and pumping the fluid into chamber 12. A preferred fluid for use herein includes any fluid that comprises preferred treatment properties for a particular firearm 40. Preferred treatment properties of a fluid are herein defined as nondestructive properties upon direct contact of the fluid with firearm 40, while simultaneously being effective to treat residue located on firearm 40, as described above.
Depending on the make and model of the firearm, various residues can build up on the firearm over time or after use or firing, including residue buildup on the working mechanisms of the firearm. A suitable fluid used herein removes common residues that build up on firearms after firing. Common residues include but are not necessarily limited to carbonaceous deposits, polymers, resins, greases, heavy tars, oils, products of combustion black powder, copper, dirt, crud, light rust, loose lead, plastic and lead fouling. These residues may accumulate over time and cause malfunctions of the firearm if not removed from the firearm periodically.
In the case of liquid treatment, chamber 12 may be filled with a liquid either prior to placement of the clamp secured firearm into chamber 12, or after the clamp secured firearm has been sealably placed inside chamber 12. When liquid is added to chamber 12 prior to sealing the clamp secured firearm inside chamber 12, a desired amount of fluid is added up to fill line 22. In an embodiment where fluid is added to chamber 12 via a feed line, the clamp 32 and firearm 40 may be placed into the treatment position prior to adding fluid to chamber 12.
Preferably, fill line 22 is at a point on chamber 12 to account for the displacement of fluid created by the treatment region of firearm 40 being added to chamber 12. In addition, the apparatus 10 may comprise multiple flow lines 22, each flow line 22 effective for fluid measurement corresponding to the treatment of varying types of firearms.
In at least one embodiment, the firearm 40 is secured within clamp 32 at a neutral point along the length of firearm 40. Once secured within clamp 32, the clamp 32 and firearm 40 are placed inside chamber 12 at a depth where clamp 32 creates a seal with inner wall 13 of chamber 12, as described above. As shown in
In one embodiment, the sealed apparatus 10 is positioned vertically or upright during treatment of firearm 40. In an alternative embodiment, sealed apparatus 10 is positioned in any non-upright orientation including placing apparatus 10 in an inverted position wherein closed end 6 is the further most point on apparatus 10 from the ground, floor or other base. An advantage of the sealed apparatus 10 in one embodiment is that the sealed apparatus 10 can be laid on its side as fluid is applied to a target region of firearm 40. For instance, sealed apparatus 10 can be laid on its side in the bed of a pickup truck or the back seat of a vehicle during treatment of firearm 40 as the truck or vehicle is being driven.
Once firearm 40 is treated, clamp 32 and firearm 40 are removed from chamber 12 and allowed to dry. Or in the alternative, further mechanical and/or chemical cleaning of the firearm may be performed.
Treatments using the present apparatus may be performed both indoors and outdoors. When liquids are used, treatments are performed at temperatures ranging from about just above the freezing point to about just below the boiling point of the particular liquid or combination of liquids. Preferably, liquid treatments are performed at temperatures corresponding to the ambient environment of apparatus 10.
In another embodiment as shown in
The invention will be better understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples, which are illustrative only and not intended to limit the present invention to a particular embodiment.
In one non-limiting example of the apparatus disclosed herein, the apparatus is used to apply a liquid to an assembled pump action shotgun.
The shotgun has the following dimensions:
Length=49.5 inches
Barrel+choke length=32.5 inches
Barrel Width=1⅜ inches
Barrel thickness=1 inch
With of shotgun from bottom of the trigger guard to the top of the action=4 inches
The apparatus has the following dimensions:
Total height=49 inches
Broad side inner dimensions:
Width of apparatus at opened rim=10½ inches
Width of apparatus at point 30 inches from the opened rim=5 inches
Width of apparatus at point 33 inches from the opened rim=3 inches
Width of apparatus at closed end=2½ inches
Narrow side inner dimensions:
Width of apparatus at opened rim=4 inches
Width of apparatus at point 30 inches from the opened rim=4 inches
Width of apparatus at point 33 inches from the opened rim=3 inches
Width of apparatus at closed end=2½ inches
The clamp is comprised of rubber and is 2 inches in height and 8 inches in length. The deepest part of the clamp rests inside the chamber 8 inches from the opened rim. The chamber wall is made of plastic and is ⅜ inches thick.
In operation, the chamber is filled with d-limonene to the fill line. The clamp is opened to allow the barrel and working mechanisms of the shotgun to rest securely inside the clamp opening. Once secure, the clamp and shotgun are placed inside the chamber, sealing the fluid within the chamber and securely suspending the barrel and working mechanisms of the shotgun inside the chamber within the d-limonene fluid. As the shotgun is placed into the d-limonene, the d-limonene rises up to a point where the d-limonene contacts the bottom side of the clamp. The stock of the shotgun is suspended out from both the clamp and the apparatus. The barrel and working mechanisms remain inside the sealed chamber for approximately one hour. After the one hour has elapsed, the shotgun and clamp are removed from the chamber and allowed to dry.
The apparatus, shotgun, clamp and fluid as described in Example 1 further comprising a piston pump, a flow line, a return line, and flow jets. The shotgun is placed into the d-limonene causing the d-limonene to rise up within the chamber above the point of attachment of the return line to the chamber.
A 110/220 volt, ¾ hp piston pump is turned on allowing the d-limonene within the chamber to circulate through the return line, into the pump, through the flow line and back into the chamber via flow jets placed at strategic points on the chamber wall. The flow jets are oriented to allow flow of the d-limonene onto the working mechanisms of the shotgun. The flow jets create turbulence in the chamber area to assist in removing residue from the shotgun. The barrel and working mechanisms remain inside the sealed chamber for approximately one hour while the pump is running. After the one hour has elapsed, the pump is turned off and the shotgun and clamp are removed from the chamber and allowed to dry.
The apparatus may also be used to apply fluids to items other than firearms. For example, a clamp may be configured to secure items including but not necessarily limited to one or more golf clubs, various hand held tools and other items including at least one target region to which to apply fluids.
Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. The embodiment(s) described herein are meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the invention, which is defined in the claims.