Patent Application
20120234198
The disclosures made herein relate generally to ammunition for firearms and, more particularly, to firearm ammunition having a plurality of stacked projectiles.
The .38 Special +P/HP (i.e., enhanced pressure hollow point) cartridge is known to be one of the most popular self-defense rounds of ammunition. However, this round of ammunition is also known to not be well suited for handguns with relatively short barrels (e.g., 2″-3″ barrels). This is a result of the relatively short barrel length typically not generating sufficient velocity to ensure reliable bullet expansion (i.e., obturation). In addition, the high recoil force associated with this round can hinder accurate shooting and/or cause discomfort in the hand of some shooter's. This presents a problem for some shooters with limited hand strength or manual dexterity issues who have a desire to employ an effective self-defense cartridge using a controllable and comfortable firearm platform.
Furthermore, there are limited offerings of self-defense cartridges for short-barreled handguns. More specifically, there currently are no commercially produced non-frangible cartridges designed specifically for point blank or close range engagement. This void in commercially available non-frangible cartridges includes non-frangible cartridges that offer rapid and complete bullet expansion at the low velocities inherent in standard pressure loads when fired from short-barreled handguns.
Therefore, a cartridge (i.e., a round of ammunition) that that overcomes the abovementioned shortcomings of conventional cartridges and unmet commercial cartridge offerings would be advantageous, desirable and useful.
Embodiments of the present invention overcome certain shortcomings of conventional cartridges and fulfill previously unmet commercial cartridge offerings. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a cartridge including a plurality of stacked projectiles. Advantageously, this cartridge is configured in a manner whereby the projectiles reliably separate and tumble upon entering a target (e.g., tissue of a person). The underlying benefit is that, for a short-barreled handgun, a cartridge configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention provides similar energy transfer and physiological effect to a fully expanded HP bullet but at a lower velocity and felt recoil.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a round of ammunition comprises a casing, a plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing, and a plurality of indention structures formed within the casing. The casing has a projectile receiving end portion and a primer receiving end portion. The plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing at the projectile receiving end portion thereof. The projectiles are arranged in a stacked configuration, and wherein a propellant receiving space is defined within the casing between an innermost one of the projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing. A first one of the indention structures is positioned between the innermost one of the projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing for defining a protrusion for limiting displacement of the innermost one of the protrusions toward the primer receiving end portion of the casing. A second one of the indention structures is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion of the casing for forming a protrusion that engages an outermost one of the projectiles.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a round of ammunition comprises a casing, a plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing, and a plurality of cannulures formed within the casing. The casing has a projectile receiving end portion and a primer receiving end portion. The plurality of projectiles is positioned within the casing at the projectile receiving end portion thereof. The projectiles are arranged in a stacked configuration. A propellant receiving space is defined within the casing between an innermost one of the projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing. The innermost one of the projectiles has a gas check body attached thereto at an end face thereof exposed to the propellant receiving space of the casing. A first one of the cannulures is positioned between the gas check body and the primer receiving end portion of the casing for defining a protrusion for limiting displacement of the gas check body toward the primer receiving end portion of the casing. A second one of the cannulures is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion of the casing for forming a protrusion that engages an outermost one of the projectiles.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a round of ammunition comprises a casing, a plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing, plurality of cannulures formed within the casing, and a force exerting device disposed between two adjacent ones of the projectiles. The casing has a projectile receiving end portion and a primer receiving end portion. The plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing at the projectile receiving end portion thereof. The projectiles are arranged in a stacked configuration. A propellant receiving space is defined within the casing between an innermost one of the projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing. The innermost one of the projectiles has a gas check body attached thereto at an end face thereof exposed to the propellant receiving space of the casing. A first one of the cannulures is positioned between the gas check body and the primer receiving end portion of the casing for defining a protrusion for limiting displacement of the gas check body toward the primer receiving end portion of the casing. A second one of the cannulures is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion of the casing for forming a protrusion that engages an outermost one of the projectile. The two adjacent ones of the projectiles are in abutted engagement with the force exerting device for maintaining the force exerting device in a deflected configuration such that a reactant force is exerted on the two adjacent ones of the projectiles by the force exerting device.
These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.
The casing 102 has a substantially round cross sectional shape. The projectile receiving end portion 104 defines an open end portion of the casing 102. The primer receiving end portion 106 defines a closed end portion of the casing 102 (i.e., when the primer 112 is within the primer bore 110. A casing cavity 114 is defined between the projectile receiving end portion 104 and the primer receiving end portion 106. The casing 102 is cylindrical along a length of the casing cavity 114. The primer bore 110 intersects with the casing cavity 114 at the primer receiving end portion 106 via a reduced diameter passage 115 of the primer bore 110.
A first (i.e., innermost) projectile 116, a second (i.e., intermediate) projectile 118, and a third (i.e., outermost) projectile 120 define a plurality of projectiles that are positioned within the casing cavity 114 at the projectile receiving end portion 104 of the casing 102. The projectiles 116, 118, 120 are arranged in a stacked configuration. Preferably, but not necessarily, adjacent mating surfaces of the projectiles 116, 118, 120 are in a nested configuration. For example, as shown in
With the projectiles 116, 118, 120 positioned within the casing cavity 114, a propellant receiving space 122 is defined within the casing 102 between the first projectile 116 and the primer receiving end portion 106 of the casing 102. A volume of propellant 124 is contained within the propellant receiving space 122. Ignition of the propellant 124 is initiated by activation of the primer 112 and an ensuing propellant ignition source that travels from the primer 112 into the reduced diameter passage 115 of the primer bore 110.
The first projectile 116 has a gas check body 126 attached at an end face of the first projectile that is exposed to the propellant receiving space 122 of the casing 102. The gas check body 126 is engaged with a gas check body engagement surface 128 of the first projectile 116. The gas check body 126 is retained to the first projectile 116 by a gas check body retaining structure 130. In one embodiment (shown in
In
Preferably, but not necessarily, the gas check body 126 is made from a material that has a higher hardness and/or melting point than does a material from which the first projectile 116 is made. In this manner, the gas check body 126 protects the first projectile from excessive obturation and/or melting upon firing of the cartridge 100. In combination, the gas check body 126 and the solid base 132 reduce barrel bore leading (e.g., via reduced obturation and/or melting of the first projectile 116) and serves as a barrel bore cleaner/scraper. Although the gas check body 126 is a preferred element of the cartridge 100, it is disclosed herein that the gas check body 126 can be omitted in other embodiments of a cartridge configured in accordance with the present invention.
As discussed above, the casing 102 has a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional configuration along a length of the casing cavity 114. Correspondingly, the gas check body 126 has a substantially round cross sectional configuration (e.g., in the form of a flat washer). Preferably, but not necessarily, the gas check body 126 has an outside diameter approximately the same as an inside diameter of casing cavity 114 adjacent to the projectile receiving end portion 104. Preferably, but not necessarily, the gas check body engagement surface 128 and mating surface of the gas check body 126 are substantially flat.
A first cannulure 134 is positioned between the gas check body 126 and the primer receiving end portion 106 of the casing 102. The first cannulure 134 and the first projectile 116 are jointly positioned such that the gas check body 126 is seated against or is immediately adjacent to the first cannulure 134. In this manner, the first cannulure defines a protrusion for limiting displacement of the first projectile 116 toward the primer receiving end portion 106 of the casing 102. The first cannulure 134 is an embodiment of an indention structure formed in the casing for limiting displacement of the first projectile 116 toward the primer receiving end portion 106 of the casing 102. Other embodiments of such an indention structure include, but are not limited to, dimples, impressions, ridges, bumps, creases, and the like.
A second cannulure 136 is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion 104 of the casing 102. The second cannulure 136 defines a protrusion that engages the third projectile 120 for limiting unintentional movement of the third projectile 120. Thus, the first and second cannulures 134, 136 jointly secure the projectiles 116, 118, 120 in a substantially fixed position until discharge of the cartridge 100. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second cannulures 134, 136 are formed after loading projectiles 116, 118, 120. The second cannulure 136 is an embodiment of an indention structure formed in the casing for limiting unintentional movement of the third projectile 120. Other embodiments of such an indention structure include, but are not limited to, dimples, impressions, ridges, bumps, creases, and the like.
Referring now to
It is disclosed herein that one or more of the projectiles 116, 118, 120 and/or the casing 102 can be coated with a material composition for enhancing one or more characteristics of the cartridge 100. For example, in one embodiment, the third projectile 120 is coated with a material composition (e.g., nylon) for reduce bore leading and to provide a water-resistant seal at the case mouth and/or at a line of contact with the second cannulure 136. In this manner, the second cannulure 136 and, optionally, a coating applied to the third projectile 120 can provide for a water-resistant interface suitable for conforming to certain known standards. Similarly, the casing 102 can be coated with a composition (e.g., nickel) for enhancing such water-resistant seal and limiting corrosion of the casing 102. A benefit of such water-resistant interface is that it promotes reliability of the cartridge 100 for extended storage periods under variable temperature, atmospheric pressure and humidity.
Although the invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in all its aspects. Although the invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent technologies, structures, methods and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.
