Muzzle loading firearm and adaptor

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6385887
  • Patent Number
    6,385,887
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, June 7, 2000
    25 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, May 14, 2002
    23 years ago
  • Inventors
  • Examiners
    • Jordan; Charles T.
    • Thomson; M.
    Agents
    • McLeod; Ian C.
    • Moyne; Mary M.
Abstract
An adaptor (10) which allows a standard cartridge firing action to be used with a muzzle loading firearm (100) is described. The adaptor includes a breech plug (12) and a nipple (16) and is configured to be inserted into the barrel (108) of the firearm adjacent the receiver (104). The breech end (16A) of the nipple (16) has a conical shape. In use, a standard ignition cartridge (150) with a casing (150A) and a head (150B) with a primer (154) mounted in the flash hole (152) in the head is loaded into the receiver of the firearm. Next, the ignition cartridge is moved into the breech end (108A) of the barrel such that the casing extends into the center bore (14) of the breech plug and the breech end of the nipple extends into the end (152B of the flash hole in the head of the cartridge and is adjacent the primer. When the firearm is fired, the firing pin (114A) contacts the primer which ignites the primer. The spark from the primer travels directly through the center bore of the nipple through the center openings of the propellant pellets (118) which ignites the propellant pellets which expels the projectile from the firearm.
Description




CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS




Not Applicable




STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT




Not Applicable




REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”




Not Applicable




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




(1) Field of the Invention




The present invention relates to a muzzle loading firearm and in particular, an adaptor for mounting in the barrel of a firearm for allowing a cartridge firing action to be used with a muzzle loading firearm. The adaptor has a nipple with a conical shaped end which extends into the flash hole of the ignition cartridge and forms a sealing connection between the center bore of the nipple and the flash hole of the ignition cartridge which prevent fire and residue from escaping the flash hole and center bore.




(2) Description of the Related Art




My U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,598 describes a muzzle loading firearm having an insert (breech plug) and adaptor for use with a cartridge casing having a primer. The insert is threadably mounted in the center bore of the barrel adjacent the receiver. The nipple is threadably mounted in the center bore of the insert. However in my previous invention, the end of the nipple over which the cartridge casing is mounted is flat. Thus, the end of the nipple does not extend into the flash hole in the cartridge casing. Further, the flash hole of the cartridge casing opposite the primer is not sized to accommodate the end of the nipple. Thus, with my previous invention, the cartridge casing is not held in sealing contact with the nipple when the firearm is fired.




Other related art has shown various different inserts, adaptors and convertors which are used to convert a cartridge firing firearm into a black powder muzzle loading firearm. Illustrative are U.S. Pat. No. 4,437,249 to Brown et al and U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,191 to Lee et al. In Brown et al, the primer is mounted in the rear portion of the convertor. In Lee et al the powder is ignited by means of a percussion cap located on a nipple. Also of interest is U.S. Pat. No. 3,780,464 to Anderson which shows a firing mechanism for percussion lock firearms which allows the use of metallic cartridge primers.




Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,776 to Mahn et al describes an improved ignition means for a muzzle loading firearm. In this invention, the ignition means is adapted to use a standard shotgun shell primer as the ignition source. However, the primer is mounted in a primer receiving well at one (1) end of the breech plug.




In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,779 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,863 both to Rainey, III describe a muzzle loading firearm utilizing an ignition device carrier. The ignition device carrier has a cylindrical housing with a centrally located opening recess in its aft end to receive the percussion excited ignition device such as a primer or percussion cap. The ignition device carrier has a counter bore to allow the carrier to be mounted on the aft end of the breech plug. However, the end of the breech plug does not have a conical shape. In addition, the end of the breech plug does not extend into the flash hole of the ignition device carrier.




Also, of interest are U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,139 to Rodney, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,677 to Verney Carron and U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,551 to Kruse which show breech plug assemblies for muzzle loading firearms. Also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,700,499 and 5,133,143 both to Knight describe breech plugs for muzzle loading firearms. However, the nipples are adapted to receive a firing cap and percussion cap, respectively.




Only of minimal interest is Knight 1996 Catalog, page 11 showing the Posi-Fire Ignition System.




There remains the need for an adaptor which enables a cartridge firing action to be easily used for a muzzle loading firearm while providing sealed communication between the flash hole and the center bore of the nipple in the adaptor.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates to an adaptor having a breech plug and a nipple which enables a cartridge firing action to be used in the muzzle loading firearm. The breech plug is mounted in the center bore of the barrel adjacent the breech end of the barrel. The nipple is mounted in the center bore of the breech plug. The breech end of the nipple has a conical shape. The ignition cartridge having the primer is mounted over the nipple. The ignition cartridge is preferably similar to a standard rifle ignition cartridge without the bullet or powder. The breech end of the nipple extends into the flash hole of the ignition cartridge adjacent the primer. When the bolt or other blocking mechanism is moved into firing position, the ignition cartridge is moved securely onto the nipple. In the instant the firearm is fired, contact of the firing pin with the primer moves the ignition cartridge into sealed contact with the nipple which prevents the ignition fire and ignition gases from escaping between the flash hole and the center bore of the nipple. In addition, since the center bore of the nipple is in sealed communication with the flash hole of the ignition cartridge, the ignition flash of the primer immediately travels through the center bore of the nipple and the center bore of the breech plug to the propellant pellets or black powder located in the center bore of the barrel.




Further, in accordance with the invention, the flash hole of the ignition cartridge opposite the primer can be chamfered by a chamfering tool such that the breech end of the nipple can extend into the flash hole to be located adjacent the primer.




The substance and advantages of the present invention will become increasingly apparent by reference to the following drawings and the description.




The present invention relates to an adaptor for use in a muzzle loading firearm, having a receiver mounting a barrel and a blocking means movably mounted on the receiver for supporting a head of a cartridge during firing of the firearm, the blocking means mounting a firing pin mechanism, the adaptor comprising: a plug having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the plug, the plug being configured to be inserted into the barrel in a sealed relationship to the barrel with the first end adjacent the blocking means; and a nipple mounted in the center bore of the plug and having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough in communication with the center bore of the plug, the sidewall at the first end having an angled outer surface wherein the sidewall of the nipple is spaced apart from the sidewall of the plug such that a casing of the cartridge with a primer on a head of the casing can be mounted on the nipple, the head of the casing having an opening adjacent the primer on a side adjacent the nipple, wherein the casing extends into the center bore of the plug adjacent the sidewall of the plug such that the first end of the nipple extends into the opening of the casing adjacent the primer and such that when the blocking means engages the head of the casing of the cartridge with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer and moves the first end of the nipple into the opening of the casing such that the center bore of the nipple is in direct communication with the primer wherein during firing of the muzzle loading firearm, the firing pin mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of propellant material in the barrel through the center bore of the plug and the center bore of the nipple.




Further, the present invention relates to an ignition system for use in a muzzle loading firearm having a receiver and a barrel with a blocking means slidably mounted on the receiver and mounting a firing pin mechanism, the ignition system comprising: a plug having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the plug, the plug being configured to be inserted into the barrel in a sealed relationship to the barrel with the first end adjacent the blocking means; a nipple mounted in the center bore of the plug and having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough in communication with the center bore of the plug, the sidewall at the first end having an angled outer surface wherein the sidewall of the nipple is spaced apart from the sidewall of the plug; and a cartridge configured to be mounted over the first end of the nipple and into the center bore of the plug, the cartridge having a head with a casing extending outward from the head, the head having a primer on one side and an opening adjacent the primer wherein an end of the opening opposite the primer is configured to accommodate the first end of the nipple such that when the blocking means engages the head of the casing of the cartridge with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer and moves the cartridge over the nipple, the first end of the nipple moves into the opening of the casing such that the center bore of the nipple is in fluid communication with the primer, wherein during firing of the muzzle loading firearm, the firing pin mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of propellant material in the barrel through the center bore of the plug and the center bore of the nipple.




Further still, the present invention relates to a muzzle loading firearm having a receiver mounting a barrel and having a blocking means for holding a cartridge during firing of the firearm and mounting a firing pin mechanism, the improvement which comprises as part of the barrel: a center bore provided by an inside wall in the barrel having a first section adjacent the receiver and an opposed third section with a second section therebetween extending along a longitudinal axis of the barrel, a diameter of the first section being less than a diameter of the third section and the second section having a frusto-conical shape with a first end adjacent the first section and a second end adjacent the third section wherein a diameter of the first end is less than a diameter of the second end; and a nipple having a first end and a second end and mounted in the first and second sections of the center bore and having a first section adjacent the first end and a second section adjacent the second end with a bore extending therethrough in communication with the third section of the center bore the first section having an outside wall in spaced relationship to the inside wall of the barrel, the second section of the nipple having a frusto-conical shape and configured to be mounted in the second section of the center bore, the nipple configured to mount a casing of the cartridge with a primer in a head of the casing and an opening in the head of the casing adjacent the primer so that the casing extends into a first section of the center bore adjacent the inside wall of the barrel and the nipple extends into the opening of the casing adjacent the primer and so that the blocking means engages the head of the casing of the cartridge with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer and moves the first end of the nipple into the opening in the head of the casing, wherein during firing of the muzzle loading firearm, the firing pin engages the primer and produces ignition of powder in the third section of the center bore through the bore of the nipple.




Still further, the present invention relates to a method for providing a muzzle loading firearm, with a receiver mounting a barrel and a blocking means which supports a head of a cartridge during firing of the firearm, the blocking means mounting a firing pin mechanism, the method which comprises the steps of: mounting a plug in the barrel, the plug having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the plug, the plug being configured to be inserted into the barrel in a sealed relationship to the barrel with the first end adjacent the blocking means; and mounting a nipple in the center bore of the plug, the nipple having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough in communication with the center bore of the plug, the sidewall at the first end having an angled outer surface wherein the sidewall of the nipple is spaced apart from the sidewall of the plug such that a casing of the cartridge with a primer on a head of the casing can be mounted on the nipple, the head of the casing having an opening adjacent the primer on a side adjacent the nipple wherein the casing extends into the center bore of the plug adjacent the sidewall of the plug such that the first end of the nipple extends into the opening of the casing adjacent the primer and such that the blocking means engages the head of the casing of the cartridge with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer and moves the first end of the nipple into the opening of the casing such that the center bore of the nipple is in fluid communication with the primer, wherein during firing of the muzzle loading firearm the firing pin mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of powder in the barrel through the center bore of the plug and through the center bore of the nipple.




Further, the present invention relates to a method for firing a muzzle loading firearm, the firearm having a receiver mounting a barrel and having a blocking means for holding a head of a cartridge during firing of the firearm and mounting a firing pin mechanism, the muzzle loading firearm having as part of the barrel, a center bore provided by an inside wall in the barrel, the center bore having a first section adjacent the receiver and an opposed third section with a second section therebetween extending along a longitudinal axis of the barrel, a diameter of the first section being less than a diameter of the third section and the second section having a frusto-conical shape with a first end adjacent the first section and a second end adjacent the third section wherein a diameter of the first end is less than a diameter of the second end; and a nipple having a first end and a second end and mounted in the first and second sections of the center bore and having a first section adjacent the first end and a second section adjacent the second end and a bore extending therethrough in communication with the third section of the center bore, the first section having an outside wall in spaced relationship to the inside wall of the barrel, the second section of the nipple having a frusto-conical shape and configured to be mounted in the second section of the center bore, the nipple configured to mount a casing of the cartridge with a primer in a head of the casing and an opening in the head of the casing adjacent the primer so that the casing extends into a first section of the center bore adjacent the inside wall of the barrel and the nipple extends into the opening of the casing adjacent to the primer and so that the blocking means of the receiver engages the head of the casing of the cartridge with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer and moves the first end of the nipple into the opening in the head of the casing, wherein during firing of the muzzle loading firearm, the firing pin engages the primer and produces ignition of powder in the third section of the center bore through the bore of the nipple, the method which comprises the steps of: inserting firearm powder into a third section of the center bore opposite the receiver; inserting a projectile into the third section of the center bore adjacent the powder; inserting the casing of the cartridge with the primer on the head of the casing in a breech opening of the firearm adjacent the blocking means; moving the blocking means toward the barrel of the firearm wherein the blocking means engages the head of the cartridge with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer and the casing is mounted on the first end of the nipple and extends into the first section of the center bore so that the nipple extends into the opening in the head of the cartridge adjacent the primer; and pulling a trigger of the firearm such that the firing pin mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of the powder through the bore in the nipple and causes an explosion which expels the projectile from the third section of the center bore of the barrel wherein during the explosion, the casing of the cartridge expands such as to provide a sealed relationship with the first section of the center bore.




Still further, the present invention relates to a method for firing a muzzle loading firearm, with a receiver for mounting the barrel and a blocking means for supporting a head of a cartridge in the barrel during firing of the firearm, the blocking means mounting a firing pin mechanism, the method which comprises the steps of: providing in the barrel and adjacent the receiver, a plug having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the plug, the plug being configured to be inserted into the barrel in a sealed relationship to the barrel with the first end adjacent the blocking means; and a nipple mounted in the center bore of the plug and having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough in fluid communication with the center bore of the plug, the sidewall at the first end having an angled outer surface wherein the sidewall of the nipple is spaced apart from the sidewall of the plug such that a casing of the cartridge with a primer on a head of the casing can be mounted on the nipple, the casing having an opening adjacent the primer on a side adjacent the nipple; inserting firearm powder into an end of the barrel of the firearm opposite the receiver so that the powder is adjacent the second end of the plug; inserting a projectile into the end of the barrel of the firearm opposite the receiver adjacent the powder; inserting the casing of the cartridge with the primer on the head of the casing in the receiver of the firearm adjacent the blocking means; moving the blocking means toward the barrel of the firearm wherein the blocking means engages the head of the cartridge with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer and the casing is mounted on the nipple and extends into the center bore of the plug adjacent the sidewall of the plug and wherein the first end of the nipple extends into the opening in the head of the cartridge adjacent the primer and is in direct fluid communication with the primer; and pulling a trigger of the firearm such that the firing pin mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of the powder through the center bore of the plug and the center bore of the nipple and causes an explosion which expels the projectile from the end of the barrel of the firearm opposite the receiver, wherein during the explosion, the casing of the cartridge expands such as to provide a sealed relationship with the sidewall of the center bore of the plug.




Further still, the present invention relates to a cartridge for use with a muzzle loading firearm having a receiver and a barrel with a blocking means slidably mounted on the receiver and mounting a firing pin mechanism, the barrel having a center bore with a nipple, the nipple having a frusto-conical shape at one end adjacent the receiver, the nipple having a bore in fluid communication with the center bore of the barrel, the cartridge which comprises: a head with opposed ends with a flash hole in one end, the flash hole having an opening in a bottom wall which extends through to the other end of the head, the opening being configured to accommodate the end of the nipple having the frusto-conical shape such that the bore of the nipple is in fluid communication with the flash hole; a casing integral with the head on the end of the head opposite the flash hole and extending outward from the head in a direction opposite the flash hole and having a chamber and an open end opposite the head, the casing being configured to be mounted over the end of the nipple such that the end of the nipple extends into the open end of the casing and into the chamber and into the opening in the flash hole in the head; and a primer mounted in the flash hole in the head wherein when the blocking means engages the head with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer and moves the cartridge over the nipple, the end of the nipple moves into the opening in the flash hole in the head such that the bore of the nipple is in fluid communication with the primer, wherein during firing of the muzzle loading firearm, the firing pin mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of powder in the barrel through the center bore and the bore of the nipple.




Finally, the present invention relates to a method of producing a cartridge for use with a muzzle loading firearm having a receiver and a barrel with a blocking means slidably mounted on the receiver and mounting a firing pin mechanism, the barrel having a center bore with a nipple, the nipple having a frusto-conical shape at one end adjacent the receiver, the nipple having a bore in fluid communication with the center bore of the barrel, the method comprising the steps of: providing a standard cartridge having a head with opposed ends with a flash hole in one end with a primer mounted in the flash hole, the flash hole having an opening in a bottom wall which extends through to the other end of the head; a casing integral with the head on the end of the head opposite the flash hole and extending outward from the head in a direction opposite the flash hole and having a chamber and an open end opposite the head, the casing being configured to be mounted over the end of the nipple such that the nipple extends into the end of the casing and into the chamber and into the opening in the flash hole in the head; providing a tool having a handle and a chamfering bit; extending the chamfering bit of the tool into the open end of the casing through the chamber and into the opening in the flash hole in the head of the cartridge; and grasping the handle of the tool and rotating the tool so that the chamfering bit rotates in the opening in the head of the cartridge and chamfers an end of the opening opposite the primer so that when the blocking means engages the head with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer and moves the cartridge over the nipple, the end of the nipple moves into the opening in the flash hole in the head such that the bore of the nipple is in fluid communication with the primer wherein during firing of the muzzle loading firearm, the firing pin mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of powder in the barrel through the center bore and the bore of the nipple.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a side cross-sectional view of a muzzle loading firearm


100


with the bolt


106


in the retracted position showing the adaptor


10


of the present invention mounted in the breech end


108


A of the barrel


108


.





FIG. 2

is a side cross-sectional view of a muzzle loading firearm


100


with the bolt


106


in the firing position showing the adaptor


10


mounted in the breech end


108


A of the barrel


108


.





FIG. 3

is a cross-sectional view of the nipple


16


showing the center bore


14


.





FIG. 4

is an exploded view of the adaptor


10


and ignition cartridge


150


.





FIG. 5

is an end cross-sectional view through the breech end


108


A of the barrel


108


showing the breech plug


12


and nipple


16


.





FIG. 6

is a perspective view of the ignition cartridge


150


and the chamfering tool


160


.





FIG. 7

is a cross-sectional view showing the chamfering tool


160


in use in the ignition cartridge


150


.





FIG. 8

is a partial cross-sectional view of the breech end


108


A of the barrel


108


with the bolt


106


in the firing position showing the breech plug


12


, nipple


16


and ignition cartridge


150


.





FIG. 9

is a partial cross-sectional view of the barrel


108


adjacent the forward end


12


B of the breech plug


12


showing the propellent pellets


118


, the sabot


122


and the bullet


120


.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS




The term “action” as used herein includes the receiver with the bolt and firing pin assembly and the trigger of the firearm. The action of the firearm may or may not include the barrel and does not include the stock of the firearm.




As used herein, the term “ignition cartridge” refers to a standard cartridge having the head, casing and primer without the bullet. The ignition cartridge also does not include loose powder. The term includes metallic ignition cartridges as well as shotgun shell casings.




The adaptor


10


of the present embodiment is preferably mounted in a muzzle loading firearm


100


. The adaptor


10


is configured to be used with a standard cartridge firing rifle action and a standard muzzle loading barrel


108


to allow the action to be used as part of a muzzle loading firearm


100


. It is understood that the adaptor


10


can be used in any type of firearm


100


which uses a standard cartridge including pistols, rifles and shotguns. For instance, the adaptor


10


can be mounted in the chamber of a revolver.




In the preferred embodiment, the muzzle loading barrel


108


is used with a modern action. The bolt action is preferably similar to a standard bolt action used in modern rifles. The action includes a securer or receiver


104


, a trigger


102


and a bolt


106


. The muzzle loading firearm


100


preferably includes a barrel


108


having a rearward or breech end


108


A and a forward end


108


B with a center bore


110


extending therethrough. The barrel


108


of the firearm


100


is mounted at the breech end


108


A to the breech opening


104


A of the receiver


104


. In the preferred embodiment, the barrel


108


is sealably threaded into the breech opening


104


A of the receiver


104


. The receiver


104


could also be a frame such as with a pistol or some other means for securing the barrel


108


to the action in the firearm


100


. The receiver


104


includes a breech opening


104


A in which the bolt


106


is mounted which serves to block or hold the ignition cartridge


150


in position in the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


. The bolt action is preferably a sliding or inline bolt action. The bolt


106


is preferably similar to that used in standard, modern bolt action firearms. In this embodiment, the bolt


106


is axially aligned with the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


adjacent the breech end


108


A of the barrel


108


. The bolt


106


has an extractor (not shown) with a hook (not shown) at the breech end


106


A for grasping the head


150


B of the ignition cartridge


150


and moving the ignition cartridge


150


into position for firing and ejecting the ignition cartridge


150


after firing when the bolt


106


is moved away from the barrel


108


of the firearm


100


. Preferably, the extractor and face of the bolt


106


are modified from a conventional magazine feed so that the ignition cartridge


150


can be inserted onto the face of the bolt


106


and held in place on the face of the bolt


106


by the extractor. The bolt


106


includes a firing pin assembly having a firing pin


112


. The bolt


106


is also provided with camming locks (not shown) adjacent the breech end


106


A which lock the bolt


106


and the ignition cartridge


150


in place to enable the firing pin


112


to contact the primer


154


during firing. Although the adaptor


10


is preferably used with a firearm


100


having a sliding bolt action, the adaptor


10


can also be used in firearms


100


having a rolling block action (not shown) or a falling block action (not shown).




In the preferred embodiment, when using the sliding bolt action with a muzzle loading firearm


100


, a standard cartridge is used to form the ignition cartridge


150


. In the preferred embodiment, the ignition cartridge


150


is similar to a 45 ACP casing. The ignition cartridge


150


includes a casing


150


A with a head


150


B having a flash hole


152


in the head


150


B with a primer


154


. The primer


154


is mounted in a well


152


A at the end


152


B of the flash hole


152


, opposite the casing


150


A. The end


152


B of the flash hole


152


opposite the well


152


A and primer


154


is preferably chamfered to enable the breech end


16


A of the nipple


16


to extend into the end


152


B of the flash hole


152


. In the preferred embodiments, the ignition cartridge


150


is formed using a standard cartridge. In some embodiments when a standard cartridge is used to form the ignition cartridge


150


, the end of a flash hole


152


opposite the well


152


A has a diameter which allows the breech


16


A of the nipple


16


to extend into the end


152


B of the flash hole


152


. In other embodiments where a standard ignition cartridge is used, the end


152


B of the flash hole


152


must be chamfered to increase the diameter of the flash hole


152


. A chamfering tool


160


is preferably used to chamfer the flash hole


152


(FIGS.


6


and


7


). The chamfering tool


160


includes a handle


162


and a bit


164


. To chamfer the flash hole


152


, the bit


164


of the chamfering tool


160


is inserted into the cartridge casing


150


A of the ignition cartridge


150


through the end opposite the head


150


B. The tool


160


is extended until the handle


162


contacts the end of the cartridge casing


150


A. As the tool


160


is moved into the cartridge casing


150


A, the tool


160


is rotated. As the tool


160


moves into the cartridge casing


150


A, the end of the bit


164


enters the end


152


B of the flash hole


152


. Rotation of the tool


160


allows the bit


164


to cut or grind the inside of the flash hole


152


to increase the diameter of the flash hole


152


. In the preferred embodiment, the handle


162


of the chamfering tool


160


has a guide flange


162


A on a side adjacent the bit


164


. The guide flange


162


A has a diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the cartridge casing


150


A. The guide flange


162


A acts to center the tool


160


in the cartridge casing


150


A such that the bit


164


enters the center of the flash hole


152


to allow for symmetrical chamfering of the flash hole


152


. The ignition cartridge


150


is used to provide the primer


154


for firing the muzzle loading firearm


100


.





FIGS. 1 and 2

show the adaptor


10


of the present invention mounted in the breech end


108


A of the barrel


108


adjacent the receiver


104


of a firearm


100


. The adaptor


10


includes a breech plug


12


and a nipple


16


. The breech plug


12


is preferably cylindrical in shape having an open rearward or breech end


12


A and an open forward end


12


B with a sidewall


12


C extending therebetween forming a center bore


14


therethrough along the longitudinal axis A—A of the breech plug


12


. The center bore


14


extends completely through the breech plug


12


. The outer diameter of the breech plug


12


is preferably slightly less than the diameter of the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


of the firearm


100


such that the breech plug


12


is easily inserted and secured in the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


of the firearm


100


. In the preferred embodiment, the sidewall


12


C of the breech plug


12


has threads on the outer surface adjacent the forward end


12


B of the breech plug


12


. However, it is understood that any portion of the outer surface of the insert can be provided with threads as needed to securely mount the adaptor


10


in the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


. The center bore


110


of the barrel


108


is preferably provided with threads adjacent the breech end


108


A. The threads of the breech plug


12


engage the threads of the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


such that the adaptor


10


is sealably mounted in the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


(FIG.


8


). However, it is understood that the breech plug


12


can be removably mounted in the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


by any well known means. The breech plug


12


can also be permanently mounted in the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


by any well known means. In the preferred embodiment, the adaptor


10


is removably mounted in the muzzle loading barrel


108


of the firearm


100


. However, it will be appreciated that the firearm


100


can be manufactured with the adaptor


10


as an integral part of the barrel


108


. However, in the preferred embodiment, the adaptor


10


is mounted within the barrel


108


after the firearm


100


has been manufactured. Preferably, the outer surface of the breech plug


12


adjacent the breech end


12


A is smooth with an outer diameter slightly less than the diameter of the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


. In the preferred embodiment, the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


adjacent the breech end


108


A of the barrel


108


has a diameter of 0.625 inch (1.59 cm) and preferably, the outer diameter of the breech plug


12


is slightly less than 0.625 inch (1.59 cm) unthreaded. The center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


preferably has a first section


14


A and a second section


14


B. The first section


14


A is adjacent the rearward or breech end


12


A of the breech plug


12


and extends through a majority of the breech plug


12


. The first section


14


A of the center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


provides a chamber in the barrel


108


for mounting the ignition cartridge


150


. The inner sidewall of the first section


14


A is preferably smooth and chamfered adjacent the breech end


12


A of the plug


12


to allow for easier insertion of the ignition cartridge


150


. The inner diameter of the first section


14


A of the center bore


14


is preferably slightly larger than the outer diameter of the casing


150


A of the ignition cartridge


150


such that the ignition cartridge


150


is easily inserted into the first section


14


A of the center bore


14


(FIG.


8


). In the preferred embodiment, the first section


14


A has a diameter of 0.458 inch (1.16 cm) to fit a 45 ACP ignition cartridge. The length of the first section


14


A of the center bore


14


is preferably longer than the length of the casing


150


A of the ignition cartridge


150


such that when the ignition cartridge


150


is inserted into the center bore


14


, the head


150


B of the ignition cartridge


150


is adjacent the breech end


12


A of the breech plug


12


(FIG.


1


). The second section


14


B of the center bore


14


preferably has a conical frusto-shape with the apex adjacent the first section


14


A of the center bore


14


(FIG.


8


). The breech plug


12


preferably has a length 1.5 inches (2.3 cm) and is constructed of stainless steel.




The nipple


16


is configured to be permanently mounted in the center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


. The nipple


16


can also be constructed as an integral part of the breech plug


12


. The nipple


16


has a rearward or breech end


16


A and a forward end


16


B with a center bore or flash hole


18


extending completely through the nipple


16


. The sidewall of the nipple


16


preferably has a first section


16


C adjacent the breech end


16


A and a second section


16


D adjacent the forward end


16


B with a third section


16


E extending therebetween. The first section


16


C of the nipple


16


is essentially cylindrical having a conical shape with a truncated apex at the breech end


16


A with the truncated apex of the cone forming the breech end


16


A of the nipple


16


. The diameter of the nipple


16


at the breech end


16


A as formed by the apex of the conical shaped outer surface is essentially equal to the diameter of the center bore


18


of the nipple


16


at the breech end


16


A. In the preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the sidewall of the nipple


16


at the breech end


16


A has a 60° angle from the longitudinal axis A—A of the nipple


16


. Preferably, the diameter of the first section


16


C is smaller than the inner diameter of the casing


150


A of the ignition cartridge


150


such that the ignition cartridge


150


is easily mounted over the nipple


16


. The second section


16


D of the nipple


16


has a flared or frusto-conical shape with the truncated apex of the cone adjacent the third section


16


E of the nipple


16


. The shape of the second section


16


D of the nipple


16


is similar to the shape of the second section


14


B of the center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


. The third section


18


C of the nipple


16


preferably has a hexagonal shape to accommodate a wrench (not shown) which allows for removal of the adaptor


10


from the barrel


108


. The center bore


18


of the nipple


16


preferably has a first section


18


A and a second section


18


B along its length. The first section


18


A adjacent the breech end


16


A of the nipple


16


preferably has a greater diameter than the second section


18


B adjacent the forward end


16


B of the nipple


16


. In an alternative embodiment, the first section


18


A gradually tapers into the second section


18


B to allow for smoother flow of the ignition gases. In the preferred embodiment, the first section


18


A of the center bore


18


of the nipple


16


has a diameter of 0.065 inches (0.165 cm) and the second section


18


B has a diameter of 0.050 inch (0.127 cm). The nipple


16


preferably has a length of about 1.625 inch (4.128 cm) and is constructed of stainless steel.




In Use




To use the adaptor


10


to convert a standard cartridge firing firearm into a muzzle loading firearm


100


, the adaptor


10


is first mounted into the breech end


108


A of the barrel


108


of the firearm


100


adjacent the receiver


104


. Before mounting the adaptor


10


, the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


adjacent the receiver


104


is threaded to allow for threadably mounting the adaptor


10


in the barrel


108


. In the preferred embodiment, before mounting the breech plug


12


in the barrel


108


, the nipple


16


is mounted in the breech plug


12


. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the nipple


16


is constructed as an integral part of the breech plug


12


. To mount the nipple


16


in the breech plug


12


, the breech end


16


A of the nipple


16


is inserted into the forward end


12


B of the breech plug


12


. The nipple


16


is inserted until the second section


16


D of the nipple


16


is fully within the second section


14


B of the center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


. The frusto-conical shaped second section


16


D of the nipple


16


and the frusto-conical shaped second section


14


B of the center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


act to correctly center the nipple


16


in the breech plug


12


such that the longitudinal axis A—A of the breech plug


12


is coaxial with the longitudinal axis B—B of the nipple


16


. In the preferred embodiment, the nipple


16


is inserted into the center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


until the diameter of the second section


16


D is greater than the diameter of the second section


14


B of the center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


. When correctly mounted, the forward end


16


B of the nipple


16


is flush with the forward end


12


B of the breech plug


12


such that the forward end of the adaptor


10


has a flat surface. In the preferred embodiment, the nipple


16


is permanently mounted in the center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


using any well known fastening means such as welding. When correctly mounted in the center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


, the breech end


16


A of the nipple


16


extends slightly beyond the breech end


12


A of the breech plug


12


toward the receiver


104


.




Once the nipple


16


is in place, the adaptor


10


is then mounted in the barrel


108


of the firearm


100


. To mount the adaptor


10


, the forward end


12


B of the breech plug


12


is inserted into the breech end


108


A of the barrel


108


. The breech plug


12


is easily inserted until the forward end


12


B of the breech plug


12


encounters the threads in the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


. The breech plug


12


is then rotated such that the threads on the sidewall


12


C of the breech plug


12


engage the threads in the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


(FIG.


2


). In the preferred embodiment, to rotate the adaptor


10


, the user uses a socket wrench which fits over the third section


16


E of the nipple


16


and allows for rotation of the nipple


16


and breech plug


12


. The breech plug


12


is preferably rotated into the barrel


108


until all the threads of the breech plug


12


are engaged by the threads in the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


. In the preferred embodiment, when the adaptor


10


is fully mounted in the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


, the breech end


108


A of the barrel


108


extends beyond the breech end of the adaptor


10


. Thus, the adaptor


10


is countersunk in the center bore


110


of the barrel


108


. When correctly mounted, the breech plug


12


and the barrel


108


are preferably sealingly engaged. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the breech plug


12


is constructed as an integral part of the barrel


108


to form an improved muzzle loading firearm


100


.




Once the adaptor


10


is mounted in the barrel


108


of the firearm


100


, the firearm


100


is ready to be used as a muzzle loading firearm


100


. To load the firearm


100


, propellant pellets


118


are first inserted into the forward end


108


B of the barrel


108


such that the propellant pellets


118


are in contact with the forward ends


12


B and


16


B of the breech plug


12


and nipple


16


. The propellant pellets


118


are preferably preformed pyrodex changes. The flat surface created by the nipple


16


and breech plug


12


allow the propellant pellet


118


to sit directly on the adaptor


10


over the center bore


18


of the nipple


16


. In the preferred embodiment, three (3) to five (5) 50 gram propellant pellets


118


are used for an ignition cartridge


150


similar to a 45 ACP ignition cartridge. The propellant pellets


118


preferably have a center opening and are mounted in the barrel


108


such that the center openings of the propellant pellets


118


are coaxial with the center bore


18


of the nipple


16


. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), black powder is used in place of the propellant pellets


118


. In that embodiment, preferably 75 to 100 grains of black powder are used for an ignition cartridge


150


similar to a 45 ACP ignition cartridge. Next, the conical bullet


120


is slid into the forward end


108


B of the barrel


108


. The projectile is preferably either a conical bullet


120


, a ball (not shown) or miniballs (not shown). In the preferred embodiment, the projectile is a conical bullet


120


mounted in a sabot


122


. The end of the sabot


122


adjacent the propellant pellets


118


is preferably concave such as to provide maximum propellant force on the conical bullet


120


. When the projectile is a ball, a greased patch (not shown) is optionally (not preferred) inserted into the barrel


108


with the projectile such that the patch is on top of the propellant pellets


118


or black powder and the projectile is on top of the patch. The greased patch assists in the insertion of the ball and also acts to ensure that the full force of the exploding propellant pellets


118


or black powder is transferred to the projectile when the firearm


100


is fired. The patch is particularly useful with rifle barrels.




Once the propellant pellets


118


and the conical bullet or other projectile


120


are positioned in the barrel


108


, the bolt


106


is moved back to allow for loading of an ignition cartridge


150


. The ignition cartridge


150


is loaded into the receiver


104


such that the hook of the extractor at the end of the bolt


106


grasps the head


150


B of the ignition cartridge


150


. Usually, the ignition cartridge


150


is loaded through a slot (not shown) in the top of the bolt


106


. Next, the bolt


106


is moved forward toward the breech end


108


A of the barrel


108


which moves the ignition cartridge


150


forward onto the nipple


16


. The bolt


106


is then rotated to lock the bolt


106


in place. When the bolt


106


is locked in place, the ignition cartridge


150


is located in the adaptor


10


such that the cartridge casing


150


A extends into the adaptor


10


between the nipple


16


and the first section


14


A of the center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


(FIG.


8


). Preferably, the cartridge casing


150


A has a diameter such that when the ignition cartridge


150


is mounted in the adaptor


10


, an outer surface of the cartridge casing


150


A is adjacent an inner surface of the sidewall


12


C of the breech plug


12


and an inner surface of the cartridge casing


150


A is spaced apart from an outer surface of the nipple


16


. In the preferred embodiment, the breech end


16


A of the nipple


16


extends into the end


152


B of the flash hole


152


in the head


150


B of the ignition cartridge


150


such that the breech end


16


A of the nipple


16


is adjacent the primer


154


and the primer


154


is positioned over the center bore


18


of the nipple


16


. In an alternative embodiment, the breech end


16


A of the nipple


16


contacts the primer


154


. The conical shape of the breech end


16


A of the nipple


16


and the size of the end


152


B of the flash hole


152


of the ignition cartridge


150


enables the breech


16


A of the nipple


16


to extend into the flash hole


152


of the ignition cartridge


150


.




The firearm


100


is fired similarly to an ordinary firearm; by pulling the trigger


102


. When the trigger


102


is pulled, the firing pin mechanism in the bolt


106


moves the firing pin


112


forward and into contact with the primer


154


. Contact of the firing pin


112


with the primer


154


moves the ignition cartridge


150


forward such that in the instant of firing, the ignition cartridge


150


is tightly and sealingly mounted on the nipple


16


such that the flash hole


18


of the nipple


16


is in direct and sealed communication with the flash hole


152


of the ignition cartridge


150


and the primer


154


. The bolt


106


acts to hold the ignition cartridge


150


still on the nipple


16


in a compression fit during firing. The spark of the primer


154


and ignition gases travel through the flash hole


152


in the head


150


B of the ignition cartridge


150


and immediately down the center bore


18


of the nipple


16


. The reduction in the diameter of the center bore


18


of the nipple


16


from the breech end


16


A to the forward end


16


B acts as a nozzle and increases the rate of movement of the gases as they pass through the nipple


16


and focuses the spark and ignition gases as they pass through the nipple


16


. The seal formed between the flash hole


152


of the ignition cartridge


150


and the flash hole or center bore


18


of the nipple


16


forces the ignition gases into the center bore


18


of the nipple


16


and prevents the gases and propellant pellets


118


and residue or black powder residue from escaping from the center bore


18


of the nipple


16


. This allows for better ignition and less blow back in the receiver


104


and firing mechanism which reduces the need to clean the receiver


104


and firing mechanism


112


. If any gas does escape from the center bore


18


of the nipple


16


, the gases preferably expand the cartridge casing


150


A against the sidewall


12


C of the breech plug


12


to prevent blow back on the bolt


106


or firing mechanism


112


. Consequently, as a result of escaping gases, the cartridge casing


150


A of the ignition cartridge


150


becomes friction fitted within the center bore


14


of the breech plug


12


. The resulting close fit of the cartridge casing


150


A prevents blow back of exploding gases and residue such as powder outside the ignition cartridge


150


which travels up through the center bore


18


of the nipple


16


to the ignition cartridge


150


. Thus, when black powder is used, no black powder enters the receiver


104


which prevents the receiver


104


from becoming dirty. In the preferred embodiment where propellant pellets


118


are used, the spark travels through the center openings of the propellant pellets


118


and ignites all the propellant pellets


118


simultaneously. In the alternative embodiment where black powder is used, the spark ignites the black powder. The explosion of the propellant pellets


118


or black powder expels the projectile


120


from the barrel


108


of the firearm


100


. Once the firearm


100


has been fired, the bolt


106


is moved backwards which causes the ignition cartridge


150


to be extracted from the adaptor


10


and ejected from the firearm


100


. In the preferred embodiment, the adaptor


10


is removed to allow for cleaning of the firearm


100


and to allow the firearm


100


to be used as a standard rifle.




It is intended that the foregoing description be only illustrative of the present invention and that the present invention be limited only by the hereinafter appended claims.



Claims
  • 1. An adaptor for use in a muzzle loading firearm, having a receiver mounting a barrel and a blocking means movably mounted on the receiver for supporting a head of a cartridge during firing of the firearm, the head of the cartridge having a well with a primer held in the well with an opening in the head into the well from an inside of a casing of the cartridge the blocking means mounting a firing pin mechanism, the adaptor comprising:(a) a plug having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the plug, the plug being configured to be inserted into the barrel in a sealed relationship to the barrel with the first end adjacent the blocking means; and (b) a nipple mounted in the center bore of the plug and having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough in communication with the center bore of the plug, the sidewall at the first end having an angled outer surface wherein the sidewall of the nipple is spaced apart from the sidewall of the plug such that the casing of the cartridge can be mounted on the nipple, such that the casing extends into the center bore of the plug adjacent the sidewall of the plug and the first end of the nipple extends into the opening of the head adjacent the primer such that the center bore of the nipple is in direct communication with the primer and wherein during firing of the muzzle loading firearm, the firing pin mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of propellant material in the barrel through the center bore of the plug and the center bore of the nipple.
  • 2. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of the sidewall of the plug has threads between the ends and wherein the barrel of the muzzle loading firearm has threads adjacent the receiver of the firearm which engage the threads of the plug and act to hold the plug in the sealed relationship in the barrel of the firearm.
  • 3. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein the plug is inserted into the barrel such that a first end of the plug is adjacent and spaced inward from a first end of the barrel toward a second end of the barrel.
  • 4. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein the nipple and plug are secured together and wherein a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall of the nipple between the ends is configured to accommodate a wrench to allow for removal of the nipple and plug from the barrel.
  • 5. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein a diameter of the center bore of the nipple is substantially the same as a diameter of the opening in the head of the cartridge adjacent the primer.
  • 6. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein the center bore of the plug is coaxial with the center bore of the nipple.
  • 7. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein a diameter of the center bore of the nipple adjacent the second end of the nipple is less than a diameter of the center bore of the nipple adjacent the first end of the nipple such that a rate of movement at which gases exit the center bore at the second end is greater than a rate of movement at which the gases enter the center bore at the first end.
  • 8. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein the center bore of the plug has a first portion adjacent the first end of the plug and a second portion adjacent the second end of the plug and wherein the second portion has a frusto-conical shape.
  • 9. The adaptor of claim 8 wherein the nipple has a portion adjacent the second end of the nipple which has a frusto-conical shape and is configured to fit within the second portion of the center bore of the plug.
  • 10. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein the outer surface of the nipple at the first end has a conical shape with a truncated apex, and wherein the truncated apex forms the first end of the nipple.
  • 11. The adaptor of claim 10 wherein the outer surface of the sidewall of the nipple adjacent the first end has a 60° angle toward the first end.
  • 12. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein a diameter of the nipple at the first end is substantially equal to a diameter of the center bore of the nipple at the first end.
  • 13. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein when the adaptor is mounted in the barrel of the firearm, the first end of the plug is spaced inward from a first end of the barrel away from the receiver and the first end of the nipple extends beyond the first end of the plug toward the receiver wherein when the cartridge is mounted on the nipple, the head of the cartridge extends beyond the barrel into the receiver.
  • 14. An ignition system for use in a muzzle loading firearm having a receiver and a barrel with a blocking means slidably mounted on the receiver and mounting a firing pin mechanism, the ignition system comprising:(a) a plug having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the plug, the plug being configured to be inserted into the barrel in a sealed relationship to the barrel with the first end adjacent the blocking means; (b) a nipple mounted in the center bore of the plug and having a first end and a second end with a sidewall extending therebetween and with a center bore extending therethrough in communication with the center bore of the plug, the sidewall at the first end having an angled outer surface wherein the sidewall of the nipple is spaced apart from the sidewall of the plug; and (c) a cartridge configured to be mounted over the first end of the nipple and into the center bore of the plug, the cartridge having a head with a casing extending outward from the head, the head having a well on one side with a primer held in the well and an opening into the well adjacent the primer wherein an end of the opening opposite the primer is configured to accommodate the first end of the nipple such that when the blocking means engages the head of the cartridge with the firing pin mechanism adjacent the primer and moves the cartridge over the nipple, the first end of the nipple moves into the opening of the head such that the center bore of the nipple is in fluid communication with the primer, wherein during firing of the muzzle loading firearm, the firing pin mechanism engages the primer and produces ignition of propellant material in the barrel through the center bore of the plug and the center bore of the nipple.
  • 15. The system of claim 14 wherein the nipple has a first section, a second section and a third section with the first section adjacent the first end of the nipple and wherein the casing of the cartridge extends over only a portion of the first section of the nipple.
  • 16. The system of claim 14 wherein the cartridge extends into the center bore of the plug such that an outer surface of the casing is adjacent an inner surface of the sidewall of the plug and an inner surface of the casing is spaced apart from the outer surface of the nipple.
  • 17. The system of claim 14 wherein the opening in the head of the cartridge is of a size so that the first end of the nipple extends into the opening and contacts the primer when the firing pin engages the primer and moves the cartridge toward the nipple.
  • 18. The system of claim 14 wherein when the system is mounted in the barrel of the firearm, the first end of the plug is spaced inward from a first end of the barrel away from the receiver and the first end of the nipple extends beyond the first end of the plug toward the receiver wherein when the cartridge is mounted on the nipple, the head of the cartridge extends beyond the barrel into the receiver.
  • 19. The system of claim 14 wherein a first end of the nipple extends beyond a first end of the plug in a direction opposite the second end of the plug.
  • 20. The system of claim 14 wherein a tool is provided for chamfering the opening in the head of the cartridge to enable the first end of the nipple to extend into the opening and adjacent the primer.
  • 21. The system of claim 14 wherein the outer surface of the nipple at the first end has a conical shape with a truncated apex, and wherein the truncated apex forms the first end of the nipple.
  • 22. The system of claim 21 wherein the outer surface of the sidewall of the nipple adjacent the first end has a 60° angle toward the first end.
  • 23. The system of claim 14 wherein a diameter of the nipple at the first end is substantially equal to a diameter of the center bore of the nipple at the first end.
  • 24. The system of claim 14 wherein a diameter of the center bore of the nipple adjacent the second end of the nipple is less than a diameter of the center bore of the nipple adjacent the first end of the nipple such that a rate of movement at which gases exit the center bore at the second end is greater than a rate of movement at which the gases enter the center bore at the first end.
  • 25. In a muzzle loading firearm having a receiver mounting a barrel and having a blocking means for holding a cartridge during firing of the firearm and mounting a firing pin mechanism, a head of the cartridge having a well with a primer held in the well with an opening in the head into the well from an inside of a casing of the cartridge the improvement which comprises as part of the barrel:(a) a center bore provided by an inside wall in the barrel having a first section adjacent the receiver and an opposed third section with a second section therebetween extending along a longitudinal axis of the barrel, a diameter of the first section being less than a diameter of the third section and the second section having a frusto-conical shape with a first end adjacent the first section and a second end adjacent the third section wherein a diameter of the first end is less than a diameter of the second end; and (b) a nipple having a first end and a second end and mounted in the first and second sections of the center bore and having a first section adjacent the first end and a second section adjacent the second end with a bore extending therethrough in communication with the third section of the center bore, the first section having an outside wall in spaced relationship to the inside wall of the barrel, the second section of the nipple having a frusto-conical shape and configured to be mounted in the second section of the center bore, the nipple configured to mount the casing of the cartridge so that the casing extends into a first section of the center bore adjacent the inside wall of the barrel and the nipple extends into the opening of the head adjacent the primer wherein during firing of the muzzle loading firearm, the firing pin engages the primer and produces ignition of powder in the third section of the center bore through the bore of the nipple.
  • 26. The firearm of claim 25 wherein the outer surface of the nipple at the first end has a conical shape with a truncated apex, wherein the truncated apex forms the first end of the nipple.
  • 27. The firearm of claim 26 wherein the outer surface of the sidewall of the nipple adjacent the first end has a 60° angle toward the first end.
  • 28. The firearm of claim 25 wherein a diameter of the nipple at the first end is substantially equal to a diameter of the center bore of the nipple at the first end.
US Referenced Citations (19)
Number Name Date Kind
2708878 Eckstein May 1955 A
3446146 Stadler et al. May 1969 A
3780464 Anderson Dec 1973 A
3818834 Baumgartener Jun 1974 A
4222191 Lee et al. Sep 1980 A
4232468 Chapin Nov 1980 A
4391199 Morin Jul 1983 A
4437249 Brown et al. Mar 1984 A
4700499 Knight Oct 1987 A
4715139 Rodney, Jr. Dec 1987 A
5010677 Carron Apr 1991 A
5133143 Knight Jul 1992 A
5408776 Mahn et al. Apr 1995 A
5467551 Kruse Nov 1995 A
5623779 Rainey, III Apr 1997 A
5657569 Jernigan et al. Aug 1997 A
5706598 Johnston Jan 1998 A
5737863 Rainey, III Apr 1998 A
5860240 Ball et al. Jan 1999 A
Non-Patent Literature Citations (1)
Entry
Knight 1996 Catalog, p. 11, “Posi-Fire Ignition System”.