Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6308451
-
Patent Number
6,308,451
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Date Filed
Monday, January 24, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 30, 200122 years ago
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Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Carone; Michael J.
- Semunegus; Lolit
Agents
- Emerson & Skeriotis
- Skeriotis; John M.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
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International Classifications
-
Abstract
An improved cartridge loader for releasable securement of cartridges to be simultaneously loaded into the cylinder of a revolver. A pintle rotates between a cartridge engaging position and a cartridge releasing position and is held in positive engagement with the loader body by the action of a spring-loaded pin assembly along a pin-engaging surface. The pin-engaging surface may be formed in the pintle and the pin assembly is substantially located within the loader body.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to improvements in cartridge holders and is particularly directed to cartridge holders adapted to releasably secure a round of cartridges for fast and simultaneously loading of the round into the chambers and the cylinders of revolvers.
II. Description of the Related Art
It is well known in the art to utilize a cartridge loader in loading cartridges into a revolver or other weapon. U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,125 to Switzer discloses a holder that releasably secures a round of cartridges within cartridge bores in a cylindrical housing. A manually rotated member selectively secures or releases the cartridges into the cylinder of the revolver. A positioning mechanism is provided to maintain the holder in either a release position or an engaged position. This locking mechanism is formed of several members and extends externally of the housing.
An improved cartridge loader by the same inventor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,124. The cartridge loader has a star-shaped latch that selectively engages/releases the cartridges. A semi-automatic rotation device may be utilized to rotate the latch. The rotation device is also manually operable to set the latch from the releasing position to the capturing position by rotating a knob. Again, the mechanism that locks the loader into either a engaging position or a releasing position includes many members and extends outwardly from the loader body.
Another known type of cartridge loader is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,299 to Switzer et al. This patent is primarily directed at providing a cartridge loader for more than the standard five- or six-chambered revolver. However, a portion of the locking system for selectively positioning the holder into engaging or releasing positions is still located externally from the holder's casing.
Each of the aforementioned prior art cartridge loaders have externally extending members that reduce the efficiency of cylinder loading by creating a gap between the cartridge holder and the revolver's cylinders. One problem addressed by the present invention is that the cartridges may fall sideways instead of within the appointed cylinder due to the gap. Another problem addressed in the present invention is that damage or breakage could occur to exposed parts if the loader is dropped or otherwise subjected to force.
The present invention has no external parts to be broken off, and also efficiently loads the cartridges into the revolver.
The present invention contemplates a new and improved loader for a revolver, which is simple in design, effective in use, and overcomes the foregoing difficulties and others while providing better and more advantageous overall results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved cartridge loader for a revolver is provided. The cartridge loader includes a cylindrical loader body having spaced first and second surfaces, a cylindrical central cavity extending from the first surface into the loader body and a plurality of circumferentially located cartridge bores extending from the second surface into the loader body. A selectively rotatable pintle is received within the central cavity and operates between a closed position, at which cartridges may be temporarily stored, and an open position at which the cartridges may be released. Latching means are carried on the pintle and operable therewith. The latching means include a plurality of cartridge-engaging protrusions, each of which intersect a different one of the cartridge bores when the pintle is in the closed position and do not intersect the cartridge bores when the pintle is in the open position. The cartridge loader includes détente means positioned between the spaced surfaces of the loader body which selectively locate the pintle at the closed or open positions.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the détente means comprises a pin assembly including a lock pin and a spring wherein the lock pin is adapted for reciprocal movement in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pintle; a pin-engaging surface including a first pin groove and a second pin groove wherein the lock pin is resiliently engaged in the first pin groove to locate the closed position of the pintle and resiliently engaged in the second pin groove to locate the open position of the pintle; and, reciprocating means for reciprocating the lock pin, the reciprocal means being positioned intermediate said first and second pin grooves.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the pin-engaging surface is formed in the pintle and the reciprocating means is a ball bearing held in a bearing groove formed in the pintle.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the pin-engaging surface is formed in the pintle and the reciprocating means is a rise formed in the pintle.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the central cavity extends a length less than a distance between the first and second surfaces of the loader body.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, each of the cartridge bores extends a length less than a distance between the first and second surfaces of the loader body.
One advantage of the present invention is that the revolver can be quickly loaded.
Another advantage of the present invention is the simplicity of design as compared to other prior art loaders.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the détente means is contained within the loader body and is protected from contaminants and debris.
Another advantage of the present invention is the permanent assembly of the associated parts.
Still another advantage of the present invention is that the locking mechanism is internally located to prevent damage to exposed parts.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the absence of external projections on the side placed next to the revolver chamber permits more efficient loading of the cartridges.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts. A preferred embodiment of these parts will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and wherein:
FIG. 1
is a top plan view of one embodiment of a cartridge loader according to the present invention showing the location of a plurality of cartridge bores in dotted lines;
FIG. 2
is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1
showing the location of the central cavity in dotted lines;
FIG. 3
is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1
cut along the line
3
—
3
when the pintle is in the closed position;
FIG. 4
is a sectional view similar to
FIG. 3
cut along the line
4
—
4
of
FIG. 1
when the pintle is in the open position;
FIG. 5
is a partial sectional view taken directly above the pin assembly of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 4
;
FIG. 6
is a partial sectional view taken directly above the pin assembly of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3
;
FIG. 7
is an enlarged view of a portion of the view shown in
FIG. 6
, and,
FIG. 7A
is a view similar to
FIG. 7
of an alternate embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,
FIG. 1
shows a top view of a new and improved cartridge loader
10
, including a loader body
12
with a series of circumferentially positioned cartridge bores
14
. In the preferred embodiment, the cartridge bores
14
do not extend entirely through the loader body
12
. However, simple modifications could be made to the preferred embodiment to include cartridge bores that extend entirely through the loader body
12
. Such modifications are within the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 2
shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1. A
central cavity
16
holds a rotatable pintle
30
, not shown in this view. In the preferred embodiment the central cavity
16
does not extend entirely through the loader body
12
in order to limit entry points for debris or contaminants. However, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a central cavity that extends entirely through the loader body
12
.
With reference to
FIG. 3
, the cartridge loader
10
is shown in the “closed” position as will be explained in further detail below. The loader
10
includes latching means
20
for selectively engaging an associated cartridge
18
when the loader
10
is in the closed position. The latching means
20
includes cartridge-engaging protrusions
22
which intersect the cartridge bores
14
when the loader
10
is in the closed position. For illustrative purposes only, an associated cartridge
18
is shown positioned within a cartridge bore
14
. As shown, the cartridge bore
14
is dimensioned to accommodate the larger diameter flanged end of the associated cartridge
18
. The cartridge-engaging protrusion
22
extends into the cartridge bore
14
to engage the flange
19
and thereby selectively secure the cartridge
18
. In the preferred embodiment, the latching means
20
are located at the end
32
of the pintle
30
that is contained entirely within the loader body
12
. Other embodiments anticipated by the inventor include a pintle
30
that extends all the way through the loader body
12
.
In
FIG. 4
, the cartridge loader
10
is shown in the “open” position where the latching means
20
is positioned such that the protrusions
22
do not intersect the cartridge bores
14
. In the “open” position, the cartridge
18
is released from the cartridge bore
14
and is therefore not shown in this view. The loader
10
is manipulated into the open position in order for associated cartridges
18
to be positioned therein. Thereafter, the loader
10
is manipulated into the closed position to selectively retain the associated cartridges
18
. Manipulation of the loader
18
again into the open position allows the retained cartridges
18
to disengage, as for example into a revolver chamber.
For ease of manufacture and operation, in the preferred embodiment, the latching means
20
is integral with the pintle
30
. However, it is within the scope of the invention to have a non-integral latching means
20
carried on the pintle
30
and rotatable therewith.
With reference to
FIGS. 3-7
, the salient features of one of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be disclosed. The cartridge loader
10
includes a pintle
30
being rotatable about an axis
36
. Latching means
20
is operably associated with the pintle
30
. The pintle
30
is disposed in central cavity
16
. The pintle
30
may be rotated by manipulation of a knob
34
as is well known in the art. Knob
34
may be integral with pintle
30
, as in the preferred embodiment, or may be a separate attachment. The pintle
30
rotates between the “closed” position shown in
FIGS. 3 and 5
and the “open” position shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6
. The extent of rotation is determined by détente means
37
which in the preferred embodiment include a pin assembly
38
, a pin-engaging surface
40
, and reciprocating means such as ball bearing
41
.
With particular reference to
FIG. 7
, the preferred pin assembly
38
includes a lock pin
42
and a resilient member such as spring
46
. The spring
46
and at least a portion of the lock pin
42
may be enclosed in a casing (not shown). The pin assembly
38
is disposed so that the lock pin
42
reciprocates is a direction generally perpendicular to the axis
36
of the central cavity
16
. During rotation of the pintle
30
, the ball bearing
41
retains its relative position in the loader body
12
and the lock pin
42
reciprocates due to compression and expansion of spring
46
. In the preferred embodiment, the loader body
12
may be formed of aluminum or other lightweight material while the ball bearing
41
and the lock pin
42
may be formed of steel or other durable material.
As best shown in
FIG. 7
, lock pin
42
may be selectively engaged within first pin groove
58
or second pin groove
60
to fix the limits of rotation of pintle
30
. Reciprocating means such as ball bearing
41
is located intermediate the pin grooves
58
,
60
. An alternate reciprocating means could be employed within the scope of the present invention. Although not preferred because of wear characteristics, it is possible to form a rise
64
between the first and second pin grooves
58
,
60
by extension of the pintle material as shown in FIG.
7
A.
As is apparent from
FIG. 7
, the détente means
37
also functions to prevent pintle
30
from becoming disengaged from the loader body
12
after the loader
10
has been assembled. At all times, lock pin
42
extends past the wall of the central cavity
16
.
Although one embodiment of latching means
20
has been disclosed above, the latching means
20
may differ therefrom without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, a cartridge loader
10
incorporating other features known in the art or chosen with sound engineering principles, such as rim stops, bore closures, lighting devices and the like are within the scope of the present invention.
The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended by applicant to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Claims
- 1. An improved cartridge loader for a revolver adapted for use with a plurality of associated cartridges comprising:a cylindrical loader body having spaced first and second surfaces, said loader body defining a generally cylindrical central cavity extending from said first surface into said loader body and a plurality of circumferentially located cartridge bores extending from said second surface into said loader body; a pintle received within said central cavity, said pintle being selectively rotatable about an axis between a closed position at which associated cartridges are held in temporarily stored relation with said loader and an open position at which temporarily stored cartridges are released therefrom; latching means for selectively latching said associated cartridges in said temporarily stored relation, said latching means being carried on said pintle and being operably associated therewith, said latching means including a plurality of cartridge-engaging protrusions each of which intersect a different one of said plurality of cartridge bores when said pintle is in said closed position and do not intersect said cartridge bores when said pintle is in said open position; and, détente means positioned between said first and second surfaces of said loader body, said détente means being adapted to selectively locate said pintle at said closed position and said open position.
- 2. An improved cartridge loader for a revolver adapted for use with a plurality of associated cartridges comprising:a cylindrical loader body having spaced first and second surfaces, said loader body defining a generally cylindrical central cavity extending from said first surface into said loader body and a plurality of circumferentially located cartridge bores extending from said second surface into said loader body; a pintle received within said central cavity, said pintle being selectively rotatable about an axis between a closed position at which associated cartridges are held in temporarily stored relation with said loader and an open position at which temporarily stored cartridges are released therefrom; latching means for selectively latching said associated cartridges in said temporarily stored relation, said latching means being carried on said pintle and being operably associated therewith, said latching means including a plurality of cartridge-engaging protrusions each of which intersect a different one of said plurality of cartridge bores when said pintle is in said closed position and do not intersect said cartridge bores when said pintle is in said open position; and, détente means positioned between said first and second surfaces of said loader body, said détente means being adapted to selectively locate said pintle at said closed position and said open position wherein said détente means comprises: a pin assembly including a lock pin and a spring, said lock pin being adapted for reciprocal movement in a plane generally perpendicular to said axis; a pin-engaging surface including a first pin groove and a second pin groove wherein said lock pin is resiliently engaged in said first pin groove to locate said closed position of said pintle and resiliently engaged in said second pin groove to locate said open position of said pintle; and, reciprocating means for reciprocating said lock pin, said reciprocal means being positioned intermediate said first and second pin grooves.
- 3. The improved cartridge loader of claim 2 wherein said pin-engaging surface is formed in said pintle and said reciprocating means is a ball bearing held in a bearing groove formed in said pintle.
- 4. The improved cartridge loader of claim 2 wherein said pin-engaging surface is formed in said pintle and said reciprocating means is a rise formed in said pintle.
- 5. The improved cartridge loader of claim 1 wherein said central cavity extends a length less than a distance between said first and second surfaces of said loader body.
- 6. The improved cartridge loader of claim 1 wherein each of said cartridge bores extends a length less than a distance between said first and second surfaces of said loader body.
- 7. The improved cartridge loader of claim 2 wherein said central cavity extends a length less than a distance between said first and second surfaces of said loader body.
- 8. The improved cartridge loader of claim 2 wherein each of said cartridge bores extends a length less than a distance between said first and second surfaces of said loader body.
US Referenced Citations (12)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
566757 |
Jan 1945 |
GB |