Patent Application
20230041671
The present invention relates generally to the field of firearm propellants. More specifically, the present invention relates to a granulated block propellant device for firearms that is comprised of a generally rectangular body that has a flat top surface and a flat bottom surface, in addition to a first of generally parallel side surfaces, and a front surface and a rear surface. The body is further comprised of at least one perforation that can be arranged in a plurality of configurations. The body may also be comprised of at least one partial cut on a surface of the body that does not have the plurality of configurations. In one embodiment, the device can be placed in the casing of a projectile and used as a propellant. Further, the device may also have a plurality of stacked radial discs that enclose the body. Multiple devices or bodies may also be stacked atop one another within a projectile casing. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
A projectile such as a bullet is typically fired from the chamber of a gun, firearm or other piece of artillery using one of two methods. The first of said methods, typically used in large, military artillery-style firearms involving placing a projectile into the firearm and then adding a propellant into the chamber of the firearm. The second method involves attaching a casing to the projectile, wherein the casing has a primer which can be used to ignite the propellant within the casing. The propellant then burns and produces pressure which allows the projectile to travel down the barrel of the firearm and then exit the firearm. The burning rate of the propellant is typically a function of pressure, such that as pressure continues to build until the speed of the projectile is such that the gas produces by the propellant does not fill the volume opened up by the motion of the projectile. Therefore, pressure begins to drop. The projectile experiences this continuous pressure drop until it exits the gun at a specific velocity, which is commonly referred to as muzzle velocity.
Propellant granulations are typically engineered to achieve maximum velocity wherein the granulation is designed such that the burning of the propellant achieves the maximum amount of muzzle velocity. To accomplish this, the granulation design ensures all propellant is burned before the projectile has left the barrel of the firearm. Propellant granulations come in a number of different, perforated shapes that each have a unique maximum loading density (e.g. how much propellant can be placed into the casing and fired safely). However, propellant granulations are typically constrained by the volume of the propellant. To overcome this limitation, propellants in the form of axial slabs, radial disks and concentric wraps (which have higher loading densities than granular grain propellants) may be used. However, said propellants cannot achieve a higher velocity due to maximum pressure constraints, which could ultimately cause “extra” propellant to remain unburned and exit out of the barrel of the firearm. This is undesirable, as this propellant is then effectively wasted and is not used to increase the muzzle velocity of the projectile.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a propellant that is more geometrically-progressive than existing propellant shapes and forms known in the art. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a granulated block propellant device for firearms that allows extra propellant to be used in the same volume-constrained space of a projectile casing. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a granulated block propellant device for firearms that allows extra propellant to be fully utilized (e.g. burned) in the same volume-constrained space of a projectile case that achieves a higher muzzle velocity for the projectile without requiring the volume of the projectile casing (e.g. the casing commonly used with existing propellants) to be increased. Further, there also exists a long-felt need in the art for a granulated block propellant device for firearms that can be used to achieve the same muzzle velocity for a projectile as existing propellants, at a lower pressure than existing propellants. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a granulated block propellant device for firearms that can be used to achieve a greater muzzle velocity for a projectile as existing propellants, at the same pressure as said existing propellants.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a granulated block propellant device for firearms. The device is comprised of a generally rectangular body that has a flat top surface and a flat bottom surface, in addition to a set of generally parallel side surfaces and a front surface and a rear surface. The body is further comprised of at least one perforation that can be arranged in a plurality of configurations. The body may also be comprised of at least one partial cut on a surface of the body that does not have the plurality of configurations. In one embodiment, the device can be placed in the casing of the projectile and used as a propellant. Further, the device may also have a plurality of stacked radial discs that enclose the body. Multiple devices may also be stacked atop one another within a projectile casing.
In this manner, the granulated block propellant device for firearms of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides an improved granulated block propellant device for firearms. The device can be used as a propellant within a casing for a projectile, wherein the device allows a projectile to achieve existing muzzle velocity (that can be achieved by existing propellants) at a pressure lower than existing propellants and while occupying the same volume as existing propellants within a casing. Further, the device can be used as a propellant within a casing for a projectile, wherein the device allows a projectile to a greater muzzle velocity than existing muzzle velocity (that can be achieved by existing propellants) at the same pressure as existing propellants and while occupying the same volume as existing propellants within a casing. As a result, the granulated block propellant device for firearms of the present invention provides a propellant that is more geometrically-progressive and efficient than existing propellants known in the art.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a granulated block propellant device for firearms. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of a generally rectangular body in the form/shape of an axial slab that has a flat top surface and a generally parallel flat bottom surface, as well as a pair of generally parallel side surfaces in addition to a front surface and a rear surface. In various embodiments of the device, the device can be manufactured from a common material used for propellants such as, but not limited to, nitrocellulose and/or nitrocellulose with nitroglycerin. Further, in differing embodiments the device can be used as a propellant in a casing of ammunitions for small firearms (of smaller calibers) such as, but not limited to, rifles, pistols, shotguns, etc. in addition to larger firearms (of larger calibers such as, but not limited to: 25 mm, 120 mm, 155 mm) such as, but not limited to, artillery guns, anti-aircraft guns, etc.
In the embodiment of the device wherein the body is in the form of a rectangular axial slab, the body has at least one perforation (but preferably a plurality of perforations) preferably located on at least the front surface and rear surface, which are extruded in a manner parallel to the top surface and bottom surface such that the perforations run continuously through the body from the front surface to the rear surface. The body may further have at least one (but preferably two) partial cuts at the halfway point of the body on a surface perpendicular to the surface that contains the perforations (wherein said surface may be the at least one side surface, top surface, and/or bottom surface). The cut serves to vent the perforations such that the device does not explode. In an embodiment with two partial cuts, the cuts are preferably offset from one another. In any embodiment, the diameter, depth, spacing, arrangement and number of perforations may vary based on the ballistic requirements and related performance criteria of the device. Likewise, the dimensions of the body may also vary in the same manner based on the same requirements and performance criteria.
In another embodiment, the device body is in the form of a radial disc body that is punched from a perforated axial slab body as described above. The disc body has a flat top surface and a generally parallel flat bottom surface, and a continuous opening that runs through both the top surface and bottom surface. The side surface of the disc body is further comprised of at least one perforation that runs completely through the disc and is parallel to the top surface and bottom surface of the body. In one embodiment, multiple devices with radial disc bodies can then be stacked/arranged together in a sequential fashion within an interior cavity of a casing of a projectile such that the top surface of one disc body contacts the bottom surface of another disc body.
In a third embodiment, the body is in the form of at least one concentric wrap that is punched from a perforated axial slab body as described above, wherein the body preferably has multiple layers of numerous concentric-wrapped bodies that are wrapped around one another in a series of layers which form a generally circular and layered shape with a central continuous opening. The front surface and rear surface of each concentric-wrapped body is further comprised of at least one perforation that runs completely through the concentric-wrapped body and is parallel to the top surface and bottom surface of the body. Furthermore, in any embodiment, any surface of the body may be covered in a chemical -deterrent coating that decreases the burning rate of the device such that more of the device can burn up before exiting the firearm and therefore velocity is increased. The coating is further preferably comprised of a slow burning outer layer and a fast-burning inner layer. The device can further be placed within an interior cavity of a casing in the location wherein a traditional propellant known in the art would be located.
Accordingly, the granulated block propellant device for firearms of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved granulated block propellant device for firearms. The device can be used as a propellant within a casing for a projectile, wherein the device allows a projectile to achieve existing muzzle velocity (that can be achieved by existing propellants) at a pressure lower than existing propellants and while occupying the same volume as existing propellants within a casing. Further, the device can be used as a propellant within a casing for a projectile, wherein the device allows a projectile to a greater muzzle velocity than existing. In this manner, the granulated block propellant device for firearms overcomes the limitations of existing propellants known in the art by providing a propellant that is more geometrically-progressive and efficient than existing propellants known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a propellant that is more geometrically-progressive than existing propellant shapes and forms known in the art and that allows extra propellant to be used in the same volume-constrained space of a projectile casing. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a granulated block propellant device for firearms that allows extra propellant to be fully utilized (e.g. burned) in the same volume-constrained space of a projectile case that achieves a higher muzzle velocity for the projectile without requiring the volume of the projectile casing (e.g. the casing commonly used with existing propellants) to be increased. Further, there also exists a long-felt need in the art for a granulated block propellant device for firearms that can be used to achieve the same muzzle velocity for a projectile as existing propellants, at a lower pressure than existing propellants. Additionally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a granulated block propellant device for firearms that can be used to achieve a greater muzzle velocity for a projectile as existing propellants, at the same pressure as said existing propellants.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a granulated block propellant device for firearms comprised of a generally rectangular body that has a flat top surface and a flat bottom surface, in addition to a set of generally parallel side surfaces and a front surface and rear surface. The body is further comprised of at least one perforation that can be arranged in a plurality of configurations. The body may also be comprised of at least one partial cut on a surface of the body that does not have the plurality of configurations. In one embodiment, the device can be placed in the casing of projectile and used as a propellant. Further, the device may also have a plurality of stacked radial discs that enclose the body. Multiple devices may also be stacked atop one another within a projectile casing.
Referring initially to the drawings,
As will be discussed more fully below, the shape of the body 110 may differ in various embodiments of the device 100. However, it is appreciated that the device 100 can be created using a method of manufacture 600, as seen in
In an embodiment of the device with an axial slab body 110, the body 110 has at least one perforation 150 (but preferably a plurality of perforations 150) preferably located on at least the front surface 112 and rear surface 114 (but in one embodiment, may be located on both side surfaces 140 alternatively or in addition to the front surface 112 and rear surface 114) and are extruded in a manner parallel to top surface 120 and bottom surface 130 such that the perforations 150 run continuously through the body 110 from the front surface 112 to the rear surface 114, as best seen in
As shown in
In any embodiment, any surface 112, 114, 120, 130, 140 of the body 110 may be covered in a chemical-deterrent coating 400 (seen in
As seen in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “granulated block propellant device for firearms” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the granulated block propellant device for firearms 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the granulated block propellant device for firearms 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the granulated block propellant device for firearms 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the granulated block propellant device for firearms 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the granulated block propellant device for firearms 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the granulated block propellant device for firearms 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/230,380 which was filed on Aug. 6, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63230380 | Aug 2021 | US |
