Patent Application
20240280353
The present invention relates generally to holding cylindrical objects and more particularly for use in precision firearm ammunition reloading to securely hold casings or tools during the reloading process.
Reloading ammunition by hand requires repetitive grasping of casings and tools during the process. Small diameter casings and tools are particularly difficult to grasp. This issue is compounded by lubricants used in reloading which causes diminished skin friction requiring addition grip force. Add arthritis to the equation and the results are hands down a pain in the ammo.
Several operations are problematic for reloaders. The most troublesome is machining the primer pocket region which requires the most brass removal and proportional grasping force. The second operation is neck turning of casings which is like a mini-lathe to uniform the wall thickness of the casing. Finally, a third operation is flash hole uniforming which requires the least effort-drilling and chamfering the flash hole on the inside of the casing.
There are many other applicable operations such as: trimming to length, brushing case necks, neck reaming, bullet removal, and neck brushing amongst others.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an ergonomic case and tool holder generally for reloading ammunition. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
The collet/chuck 103 is used to apply uniform radial clamping force to prevent the casing or tool from rotating. To decrease the hand applied clamping force when using a commercially available double angle collet, only the upper angle 107 is engaged, omitting the lower angle 109. The locking head 111 is used to apply axial force on the collect/chuck 103 at contact point(s) 105 to generate radial force. The backstop 113 and caseweb-stop 117 are used to set the protrusion of the casing/tool and prevent axial movement during use. The hardened backstop tip 119 is a feature to reduce wear and deformation of the tool.
The method of using the ECTH begins where a tool or brass firearm casing must be held for reloading or general use. As described above, the ECTH is a radial grasping tool used to provide hand-grasping relief to people. As described herein, the ECTH is used by following the steps of a) installing appropriate collet/chuck and backstop; b) inserting casing or tool into ECTH; c) adjusting the backstop for the desired protrusion; d) engaging the collet/chuck to hold the casing/tool during operation; and e) disengaging the collet/chuck to remove the casing/tool once the intended operation is complete.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63485351 | Feb 2023 | US |
