Patent Grant
11846485
This invention relates generally to firearms, and more particularly to rifles and muzzleloading rifles in bolt action configurations. The invention further relates to the bolts of rifles in bolt action configuration designed to accommodate an extended portion of a primer cap—propellant charge assembly that would otherwise extend beyond the barrel and prohibit proper loading of the bolt action configuration. The invention is further related to a muzzleloader action rifle.
Like most early firearms, the first rifles were muzzleloading firearms, in which the projectile and the propellant charge are loaded from the muzzle of the gun (i.e., from the forward, open end of the gun's barrel). This is distinct from the more popular modern designs of breech loading firearms. There are generally three types of muzzleloading firearms: inline 209 primers and percussion, caplock, and flintlock muzzleloaders. Inline 209 primers and percussion muzzleloaders tend to look like most modern firearms. The inline and caplock muzzleloaders differ on where the percussion cap holding nipple is attached. In an inline muzzleloader, the percussion cap is in line with the hammer and the barrel. The inline has the nipple attached to the barrel at the breech and accessed by a bolt or break action. Also, the inline model has a removable breech plug to facilitate cleaning. Caplock rifles have a side-mounted firing pin similar to the flintlock rifle, and operate and load in much the same way, but use a more modern pre-loaded firing cap to fire the rifle. A flintlock style of muzzleloader dates back to the 17th century and features a flintlock mechanism that produces sparks when a piece of flint strikes its steel frizzes.
Loading a traditional black powder muzzleloader firearm generally involves a certain amount of complexity (as compared to the loading of modern firearms). For loose, granular powder such general steps include: a) making sure the rifle is not primed; b) making sure the rifle bore is clean of fouling and oil; c) setting a powder measure for a desired powder charge; d) pouring the powder into the measure and then into the muzzle end of the rifle; and e) using a ramrod, pressing the bullet, such as a patched round ball, past the rifling and down the bore until it contacts the powder charge.
The ammunition components generally used in muzzle loaded rifles has evolved from a projectile that is a round ball compressed in the muzzle end with a surrounding patch, to projectiles that have incorporated features of modern bullets. Within the latter category, bullet shaped projectiles can be further subdivided into those that are fired with a sabot or gas check (which replaces the patch), and projectiles that are lubricated slugs. A sabot is an encasing plastic cup that ensures the correct positioning of a projectile or shell in the barrel of a gun, attached either to the projectile or inside the barrel and falling away as it leaves the muzzle. The sabot prevents the escape of gas ahead of the projectile, eliminates the need for a lubricating means, and assures that there is a good seal between the projectile and the bore of the barrel.
Current muzzle loading ammunition components include multiple parts that are combined together when loaded into a firearm. Because the various parts are separate, they are not sealed, and they use pyrotechnic materials such as black powder or black powder substitutes that tend to be hygroscopic (they tend to absorb moisture from their surroundings and in particular absorb water vapor from the atmosphere). As a result, their efficacy degrades over time, and the propellant and resultant combustion products tend to corrode the firearm barrel and chamber, and accuracy and reliability are compromised.
A complete round of ammunition consists of all the components necessary for one firing of the gun. In muzzleloading, these normally include a projectile, the propellant or busting charge, and a primer that ignites the propellant, and in breech loaded firearms, a case is required to house the powder, primer and projectile.
For muzzleloading firearms, multiple ammunition components are loaded from the open muzzle end of the barrel. These multiple components include at least a propellant charge and projectile. The propellant charges comprise a predetermined amount of black powder, black powder substitutes, or smokeless gunpowder. The projectile typically comprises a bullet and a sabot. In some instances, the projectile and the propellant charge are inserted into the barrel as a unitary structure. Alternatively, the propellant charge is loaded separately from the projectile. In such instances, the propellant charge is loaded first into the barrel, followed by the sabot and the bullet.
Ammunition has evolved over the years, but some general terminology has remained constant, and the terms are used herein in their accepted fashion:
Loading or charging propellants into muzzleloading guns has long presented problems. The propellant, either black powder or a substitute thereof, is normally handled in granular form (grains), with each charge being determined by measuring out a selected weight or volume of the propellant from a bulk supply, delivering it to the muzzle end bore of the gun, placing a projectile in the bore, and seating the charge by ramrod into the breech. The charging of this propellant thus requires special tools and implements which must be carried to the field of use and kept readily available for re-loading. In addition, there is always the risk of improper measurement and spillage of loose powder. Other problems exist. It is difficult to obtain uniform powder compaction from load to load. It is difficult to re-load with speed and accuracy, and the use of smokeless powder, if not properly measured, could pose an additional hazard.
Other prior art muzzleloaders may see the propellant loaded into breech end of the rifle's barrel, instead of through the muzzle with the projectile. Such breech loading designs require further machining of the barrel itself, which may result in a reduced integrity of the barrel, require additional manufacturing steps, and may also require additional steps needed to install the barrel onto the rifle.
Furthermore, the closing of a break-open action rifle requires that the propellant charge—primer cap assembly be flush with the breech end of the barrel in order for the barrel assembly to rotate properly to a closed position. Any portion extending beyond the breech end of the barrel would necessarily catch on the exposed rifle frame receiving side and prohibit clean closure. Or in the case of a bolt action rifle, the closing of the bolt may be prohibited by the extended primer cap beyond the rim of the propellant charge.
As an example of breech-end loading, bolt action muzzleloaders are commonly loaded in the following manner: a) open the bolt; b) apply pre-measured propellant charge (powder) to the muzzle end of the barrel; c) insert the projectile into the muzzle end of the barrel; d) once the projectile is started down the muzzle end of the barrel, force the projectile all the way down the barrel with a ramrod; e) insert the primer into the breech end receiver; and f) close the bolt. This load/reload procedure may not accommodate the extended primer cap of the propellant charge if the bolt head is not capable of accommodating the extended primer cap. Moreover, this loading procedure is inefficient if the rifle has no mechanical means to feed the propellant charge directly into the breach, such as a magazine.
Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a firearm, preferably but not exclusively, a muzzleloading firearm, that receives a propellant charge directly within a barrel chamber that allows for more efficient reloading of a propellant charge having an extended primer cap by way of interaction between the propellant charge and the bolt.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a rifle for receiving a propellant charge—primer cap assembly, wherein upon insertion into a barrel breech end a portion of the propellant charge—primer cap assembly extends beyond the breech end of the barrel, and the rifle is adapted to accommodate the extension of a bolt in a bolt action configuration.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a bolt action assembly for a bolt action rifle, comprising: a receiver; a bolt in slidable communication within the receiver, comprising an elongated body and a bolt head at a first end having an exposed bolt face including a primer recess cavity having a base with a forward-facing surface, the base having an aperture therein, the aperture circumscribed by the forward-facing surface; and a firing pin within the bolt and movable between a disengaged position wherein a firing pin head is receded within the aperture and an engaged position wherein the firing pin head extends beyond the forward-facing surface into the primer recess cavity.
The primer recess cavity has a pre-determined diameter adapted to receive the extended primer cap of a propellant charge.
The firing pin is disposed at least partially within the bolt head.
A bolt handle may be integral with the bolt, or attached to the bolt on an interlocking one-piece design, such that movement of the bolt handle actively moves the bolt.
The bolt may include a slot or aperture for housing an extractor mechanism proximate said bolt face. The extractor mechanism may include an extractor lever having a hook or protrusion on a first end, a second end opposite the first end in mechanical communication with a biasing resilient component, a protruding aperture situated between the first and second ends, and a pivot pin insertable within the bolt and the protruding aperture, the pivot pin allowing the extractor mechanism to pivot away from and towards the bolt.
The bolt may include an ejector mechanism for dislodging a propellant charge from the bolt head after firing, the ejector slidably extendable through the bolt head at the bolt face adjacent the primer recess cavity.
The bolt action assembly may include a trigger housing having an aperture for receiving a magazine for loading the propellant charge having an extended primer cap.
The bolt may comprise a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion with a second diameter, the second diameter less than the first diameter, wherein the first and second bolt portions form a step at a junction where the first and second bolt portions meet.
The bolt second portion may further comprise an attachment mechanism on an end opposite the bolt face.
The bolt action assembly may include a bolt lever attached to or integral with a bolt casing, wherein the bolt casing forms an annulus insertable around and coaxial with the bolt second portion such that the bolt casing and bolt lever may rotate about the bolt body and the bolt lever and bolt casing are in sliding communication with the bolt and the receiver.
In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a bolt action rifle comprising: a rifle frame receiver; a barrel centered about a longitudinal axis having a barrel breech end and a barrel muzzle end, the muzzle end for receiving a projectile, the barrel breech end having a chamber to receive a propellant charge, the chamber including a narrowing section at a forward end creating a physical barrier for a propellant charge when loaded therein; a bolt in slidable communication within the receiver, comprising an elongated body and a first end having a bolt head with an exposed bolt face, the bolt head including a primer recess with an aperture therein, the primer recess having a forward-facing surface circumscribing the aperture; and a firing pin within the bolt and movable between a disengaged position wherein a firing pin head is fully receded within the aperture and an engaged position wherein the firing pin head is pushed forward to extend beyond the primer recess forward-facing surface.
In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of loading a bolt action rifle with a cartridge having an extended primer, the method comprising: providing the bolt action rifle having a receiver, a bolt in slidable communication within the receiver, the bolt comprising a first portion having an elongated body with a bolt head at a first end, the bolt head having an exposed bolt face including a primer recess cavity having a base with a forward-facing surface, the bolt responsive to movement of a bolt handle, the base having an aperture therein, the aperture circumscribed by the forward-facing surface; exposing a chamber in the barrel by rotating the bolt handle and pulling the bolt rearwardly until it stops; if using a magazine: loading cartridges directly into the magazine by pressing one cartridge at a time into the magazine, wherein each cartridge includes a rim and a primer cap extending beyond the rim; inserting the magazine into the receiver; pushing the bolt handle forward, stripping one of the cartridges from the magazine and pushing the cartridge ahead of the bolt into the barrel chamber, while simultaneously having the bolt face primer recess cavity receive the extended primer cap of the cartridge; and closing the bolt by securing the bolt handle; if not using a magazine: loading the cartridge directly into the chamber; pushing the bolt handle forward, thereby pushing the cartridge ahead of the bolt into the barrel chamber, while simultaneously having the bolt face primer recess cavity receive the extended primer cap of the cartridge; and closing the bolt by securing the bolt handle.
In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of loading a muzzleloading bolt action rifle, comprising: providing at least one propellant charge having a rim, a cap, and a propellant disposed therein, and a projectile having a projectile diameter, such that the projectile is separate and distinct from the propellant charge; providing a barrel having a length, a longitudinal axis, a breech end, and a muzzle end, the muzzle end have a sufficient diameter size for receiving the projectile; providing a rifle supporting the barrel, and a receiver for supporting a bolt thereon; the barrel or a barrel extension attached thereto having a chamber therethrough for receiving the at least one propellant charge, the chamber having a narrowing zone with a diameter less than that of the projectile diameter; providing a bolt assembly having a bolt and a bolt handle, the bolt centered about the longitudinal axis, supported by the receiver, and adjacent the barrel, the bolt having a first end with the bolt handle and a second end terminating with a bolt head, such that the bolt may be pulled and pushed along the longitudinal axis via the handle; pushing the projectile into the barrel muzzle end and through the length of the barrel until stopped from further movement by the narrowing zone; rotating the handle and pulling back the bolt via the handle to expose the barrel breech end and create a gap between the bolt head and barrel sized for fitting the at least one propellant charge; and using the bolt, via the bolt handle, to push the propellant charge into the barrel chamber, such that the cap end of the propellant charge is inserted first, and the bolt head stops adjacent to the barrel first end to indicate full insertion of the propellant charge into the chamber.
The barrel extension is releasably attachable to the barrel on a barrel extension muzzle end, such that the barrel and the barrel extension are coaxial, sharing the longitudinal axis.
The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
In describing the embodiment(s) of the present invention, reference will be made herein to
The inside of the propellant charge case 41 holds the ignitable powder or charged propellant 43, which is sealed within the propellant charge case 41 via the rim 42 and a cap 47 disposed on the distal end of the propellant charge case 41 opposite the rim 42.
Ammunition components 40 further include a bullet or projectile 45, which may include a sabot or gas check 46, wherein the projectile 45 is axially disposed within the sabot 46 such that they are coaxial along a center longitudinal axis. Optionally, bullet or projectile 45 may be used with the muzzleloading rifles of the present invention without a conjoining sabot 46. Projectile 45 and sabot 46 are separate from the propellant charge—primer cap assembly 39 shown in
The unique design of this propellant charge—primer cap assembly 39 provides for greater shot consistency due to the pre-determined amount of propellant 43 provided within the propellant charge case 41, which also facilitates cleaning of the rifle. However, the extended portion of the primer cap, extending beyond the rim 42 of propellant charge case 41 must be accommodated by the rifle frame during rotation of the barrel into the closed position in a break-open action rifle.
Break Action Rifle
The barrel 20 is received by the barrel extension 21 via an attachment structure, such as complementary threads, protrusions, or apertures, and, for illustrative purposes, shown in the figures as a threaded connection between the barrel breech end and barrel extension muzzle end (shown as engaging threads 26 in
A sealing washer 25 is disposed between the barrel breech end 20a and barrel extension 21. As will be discussed in further detail below, sealing washer 25 sits on an annular base internal to the barrel extension proximate the breech-most extension of threads 26. The sealing washer ensures threaded connection 26 is not exposed to hot combustion gasses during firing, which could otherwise compromise the attachment structure between the barrel extension and the barrel.
This barrel/barrel extension combination is unique over the prior art muzzleloader designs in that the barrel extension 21 provides for a separate machined device, removes the barrel from additional manufacturing process steps, allows for the formation of a receiving chamber for a propellant charge, such that the receiving chamber is separate from the barrel, and receives barrel 20 in a sealing fashion that protects the attachment structure, here shown as a threaded connection. The barrel extension 21 of the present invention is adjacent the rifle frame, and connects with the barrel at the barrel breech end 20a, and serves as the accessible breech component in the break action rifle operation. Furthermore, in one embodiment, barrel extension 21 serves as an external component to this assembly, meaning the threaded end of extension 21 has a larger diameter for receiving the breech end 20a of the barrel 20 therein, with breech end 20a having a corresponding smaller diameter. Thus, the outside surface of barrel extension muzzle end 21b is exposed to the user after assembly. This is contrary to most designs, where barrel extensions generally act as an internal component, meaning the barrel has the larger diameter threaded end and receives internally the barrel extension (with a smaller diameter threaded end). The latter design, however, could not accommodate an internal chamber in the barrel extension with a constricted bore leading to the barrel.
The chamber structure for receiving a propellant charge of the present invention is unique over the prior art in that prior art rifles have their chamber located directly within the barrel instead of a barrel extension. The current design removes additional machining steps to the barrel, thus ensuring barrel integrity, and allows for attachment to the frame 12 without additional barrel modification; for example, the barrel lug may be attached to the barrel extension rather than the barrel itself. This advantage also provides for easier cleaning of the chamber. Chamber 22 receives the propellant charge case 41, which has a primer responsive to a striker or firing pin; thus, there is no need for a separate breech plug in the current muzzleloader design. Furthermore, the dimensional design prevents re-loading of a new propellant charge case 41 into chamber 22 when the chamber 22 has not been properly emptied between shots (for example, if cap end 47 separated from the propellant charge case 41 after firing and remained within the chamber after the expended propellant charge case was removed).
The barrel extension 21 and the chamber 22 internally formed therein are directly adjacent rifle frame 12 upon installation, and are coaxial with barrel 20 along longitudinal axis 60. Chamber 22 of barrel extension 21 has a narrowing or constriction section 23 proximate the portion of the chamber 22 nearest the barrel extension muzzle end 21b, where the barrel 20 seats within the barrel extension 21. This narrowing section 23 forms an annular collar that has a diameter smaller than the diameter of chamber 22, propellant charge case 41, and projectile 45 (and, if utilized with the projectile, sabot 46). Sealing washer 25 is disposed between the breech end 20a of barrel 20, and the annular collar formed by constriction section 23 on barrel extension 21, and is seated adjacent to this narrowing, constriction section 23, outside of the chamber 22, where barrel 20 seats within barrel extension 21. The sealing washer 25 provides the unique benefit of preventing combustion gasses from entering the complementary threads 26 of the barrel and barrel extension during firing.
To load the break action rifle 10, projectile 45, and sabot 46 if used, are inserted into the barrel 20 from muzzle end 20b, and pushed towards the barrel breech end 20a via a ramrod (not shown). The projectile and sabot will traverse down barrel 20 and stop at the breech end 20a adjacent the narrowing or constriction section 23, due in part to the smaller diameter of narrowing section 23. The bottom edge of projectile 45 or sabot 46 faces the narrowing constriction section 23, and projectile 45 is exposed towards the muzzle end 20b of barrel 20. Projectile 45 and sabot 46 are coaxial, and in longitudinal alignment with axis 60.
Once projectile 45 and sabot 46 are loaded into the barrel 20, the rifle frame 12 and barrel extension 21 are separated by break action (i.e., a rotational arcing separation about rotation axle or pivot 50, as demonstrated in
In order to accommodate this rotational motion, a portion of rifle frame 12 includes a carve out, slot, indentation, cavity, or recess 28, which receives a portion of the propellant charge—primer cap assembly extending beyond the rim of the propellant charge, such as, for example, a portion of the primer cap 44 extending from the breech end of the propellant charge case 41. A ramp section 24 of recess 28, adjacent to the first end of a barrel assembly (which for exemplary purposes may be end 21a of the barrel extension 21, or may be the breech end of a barrel without a barrel extension) is included to facilitate receiving the extension of primer 44 in a rotational fashion as the break open rifle is configured from the OPEN position to the CLOSED position. It should be noted that in this depicted embodiment, the propellant charge—primer cap assembly has a portion extending out beyond the breech end of the barrel extension; however, the same propellant charge—primer cap assembly could be inserted into a breech end of a barrel that does not have a barrel extension. In this manner, the extended portion could extend beyond the breech end of the barrel in the event a barrel extension is not used. The recess 28 and accompanying ramp section 24 are configured to receive that portion of the primer cap 44 which extends from the flush surface of rim 42 independent whether the configuration includes a barrel extension or not. The ramp 24 is situated to receive primer 44 as the loaded rifle is placed in the CLOSED position to prepare for firing.
Ramp 24 forms an indentation or cavity with respect to an exposed surface of the rifle frame, and extends from or proximate to the rifle frame top surface and approximately centered about a width of the rifle frame forward end. As depicted in
When the rifle is first broken open to expose the breech end of a barrel assembly, extractor 52 pushes slightly away in the breech end direction depicted by arrow 58b to an extended position, one depiction of which is shown in
After firing, the user may then break open the rifle to its OPEN position which moves the extractor 52 into an extended position in the direction of arrow 58b, which simultaneously pushes out propellant charge case 41 via the contact between the rim 42 and extractor protrusion 52a. Spent propellant charge 39 may then be replaced.
Other embodiments of the chamber may be used with the break action or bolt action rifle embodiments of the present invention described above.
Bolt Action Rifle
The bolt action rifle, as opposed to a break open action, is generally considered a more robust design insomuch as all the essential elements are in-line. When a bolt handle is operated (rotated), the bolt is unlocked from the receiver and pulled rearward to open the breech allowing a spent cartridge case to be extracted and ejected, the firing pin within the bolt is cocked (either on opening or closing of the bolt depending on the gun design) and engages the sear, then upon the bolt being pushed back, a new cartridge (if available) is loaded into the chamber, and finally the breech is closed tight by the bolt re-locking against the receiver. Most of the bolt-action designs use a rotating-bolt (or “turn-pull”) design, which involves the shooter doing an upward “rotating” movement of the bolt handle to unlock the bolt from the breech and cock the firing pin, followed by a rearward “pull” to open the breech, extract the spent cartridge case, then reverse the whole process to chamber the next cartridge and relock the breech.
In a straight bolt action design, the manipulation required from the user in order to chamber and extract a cartridge predominantly consists of a linear motion only, as opposed to a traditional rotating-bolt action where the user has to manually rotate the bolt for chambering and primary extraction. Therefore, in a straight-pull action, the bolt can be cycled back and forward without rotating the handle.
Unlike a break open design, a bolt action configuration lends itself to possible inclusion of a magazine capable of containing several propellant charges, which facilitates the changing or reloading process. One detriment to introducing a bolt action to interact with the propellant charge described above is that the dimensions of the propellant charge require a bolt with large bolt lugs at the bolt head. This complicates the bolt head design, and forces the use of larger diameter components, which in turn compels the receiver to increase in size. Thus, in different embodiments, the present invention considers a design in which the diameters of the bolt and bolt head are close to the diameter of the propellant charge. In such a design, the position of the bolt lugs is altered. As will be discussed in further detail herein, bolt lugs are moved to the back of the bolt assembly, preferably on the bolt handle.
A muzzleloading bolt action rifle 100 is presented in
A trigger 18 is disposed beneath the receiver 14. A magazine 16 for holding propellant charge 39 is optionally disposed beneath, connected to, and supported by, the receiver 14 and situated forward trigger 18 in a direction closer to the muzzle end. A bolt assembly having a bolt 30 is disposed within the receiver 14 in longitudinal alignment with the barrel 120 and barrel extension 121.
Barrel 120 has a first or breech end 120a, and a second or muzzle end 120b for receiving the projectile as described above. Barrel extension 121 has a first or breech end 121a, and a second or muzzle end 121b for receiving the breech end 120a of the barrel 120. Barrel 120 and barrel extension 121 are connected preferably via a threaded connection, although other attachment structures and schemes are not prohibited. The barrel 120 and barrel extension 121 may be connected by other means, such as compression fit, welding, adhesive, lugs and grooves, and the like. A sealing washer may be disposed between the barrel extension 121 and barrel 120.
Barrel extension 121 has a chamber 122 disposed therein and traversing from the barrel extension breech end 120a to the barrel extension muzzle end 120b. At the point where the breech end of barrel 120 is firmly seated in barrel extension 121, the diameter of the chamber 122 is constricted and is smaller than the diameter of the chamber at the breech end 121a of barrel extension 121. In this regard, chamber 122 has a predetermined narrowing portion 123. The diameter of narrowing portion 123 is sized to prevent the propellant charge 39 from being pushed past this point (entering from breech end 121a), and to prevent projectiles 45 with or without sabots 46 from being inserted past the breech end 120a of barrel 120 and into the chamber 122 (entering initially from the barrel muzzle end).
In an embodiment for a bolt action rifle, the bolt assembly includes a bolt 30 with a bolt handle 34 disposed on a first end 30a of bolt 30, and a bolt head 32 disposed on a second end 30b of bolt 30, adjacent to the barrel extension 121.
A firing pin 36 is disposed at least partially within the bolt head 32, aligned along the axial center of the bolt head 32 and in longitudinal alignment with axis 60. Bolt head 32 further presents a primer recess 38 disposed on its face opening to the barrel extension 121. The base of primer recess 38 includes an aperture for allowing the tip of the firing pin 36 to move from within bolt 30 to a position extending into primer recess 38.
Primer recess 38 secures the primer 44 of the propellant charge 39 once it is fully loaded into the barrel extension 121. Firing pin 36 engages the primer 44 once the trigger 18 is activated to initiate the firing sequence. Firing pin 36 moves between a normal/disengaged position as shown in
A feature of the bolt action rifle 100 of the present invention is the ability for a user to eject an expended propellant charge case 41 and chamber a new propellant charge 39 into the barrel extension chamber 122 using only the bolt assembly. Once a propellant charge 39 is expended and its corresponding bullet or projectile 45 has been fired, the user may pull back on the bolt 30 using the handle 34, which will effectuate an ejection of the expended propellant charge 39. At this point, a new projectile 45 and/or projectile/sabot 46 may be loaded into the barrel 120 through the barrel's muzzle end and via a ramrod (not shown). (As is typical of safety measures, it is anticipated that a user would load the bullet 45 into the barrel 120 first before loading a new propellant charge 39 into the chamber 122.) Once the expended propellant charge is fully discharged, if a magazine is utilized, a new propellant charge case 41 is pushed up through the magazine 16 into a chamber aligned with the longitudinal axis 60 bolt 30, which may then be pushed forward again via the handle 34 to load the chamber 122 with the new propellant charge 39. A fully inserted propellant charge 39 will fill the chamber 122, and the rim 42 will sit flush within the recess of the bolt head 32 (as shown in
Barrel extension 12F has a chamber 122′ disposed therein and expanding from its first end 120a′ to its second end 120b′. At the point where the barrel 120′ and barrel extension 121′ connect, the diameter of the chamber 122′ is reduced into a narrowing or constricted portion 123′. The diameter of narrowing portion 123′ is sized to prevent propellant charge 39 from being inserted past this portion (entering from the breech end 121a′) into the barrel breech end, and to prevent projectiles 45 with or without projectile/sabots 46 from being pushed past the barrel and into the chamber 122′ (entering from the barrel extension muzzle end 121b′).
The bolt assembly's bolt 30′ presents a handle at a first end and a bolt head 32′ at a muzzle end 30b′ of the bolt 30′ adjacent barrel extension 121′. A firing pin 36′ is disposed within the bolt head 32′ extending from the axial center of the bolt head 32′ and in longitudinal alignment with axis 60′. Bolt head 32′ is substantially flat on its face that is proximate to and contacts barrel extension 121′ when in firing configuration with the exception that an annular collar is formed by a primer recess 38′ indented within and disposed at the axial center of bolt head 32′. Primer recess 38′ has chamber 35′ for securing firing pin 36′. Chamber 35′ is formed with an aperture 37′ for securing the tip of the firing pin 36′, such that aperture 37′ extends to primer recess 38′, which secures primer 44 of the propellant charge 39 once fully loaded into the barrel extension 121′. Firing pin 36′ engages primer 44 when a trigger (not shown) is pulled to initiate the firing sequence. Firing pin 36′ moves between a normal/disengaged position where the head of the firing pin 36′ is fully receded back into chamber 35′ and aperture 37′ of bolt head 32′, and to a firing/engaged position where the head of firing pin 36′ is pushed forward towards propellant charge case 41, into recess 38′ (and thus contacts primer 44 disposed therein).
The chambering of propellant charge 39 in this bolt action rifle 100′ is substantially similar to that described above in the prior embodiment. In this bolt action assembly 100′, however, a propellant charge 39 inserts completely within the chamber 122′ such that the rim 42 of the propellant charge 39 sits flush with the rear edge of the breech end 121a′ of barrel extension 121′. In this manner, only primer 44 extends into the bolt head 32′ primer recess cavity 38′.
In either bolt-action embodiment discussed above, the extraction of the propellant charge is challenging and difficult. In one instance, the rim of the propellant charge is exposed, but sits flush against the breech end of the barrel extension (see
The propellant charge identified herein was initially designed for break open firearms. the larger rear tab (rim diameter) of the propellant charge necessarily enlarges the width of the rifle. In a bolt action design, this would require a rifle size unsuitable for sporting activities. Moreover, the flush design of the propellant charge against the barrel (or barrel extension) requires some form of extraction to remove.
As noted previously, the propellant charge is designed to fit within a chamber. The propellant charge is fully inserted in a chamber such that there are no areas of the propellant charge exposed outside the chamber which would make the propellant charge vulnerable to expanding gas pressure. For this reason, an extractor 52 facilitates removal. The extractor rests firmly on the propellant charge rim 42.
The clearance of gap 138 leaves an area of propellant charge 39 inadmissibly exposed to external pressure, which upon firing would damage the propellant charge, especially given that most propellant charges comprise plastic cases prone to break under high pressure.
As depicted in
Generally, a bolt action firearm has the bolt and the bolt handle formed as an interlocking or one-piece design, such that rotation of the bolt handle simultaneously rotates the bolt.
Arrows 136 and 139 depict the different rotational directions of the bolt handle 134 and bolt 130, respectively. In this design, the lugs 131 situated on bolt head 130a extend radially outwards demonstratively more than the bolt diameter. This allows for locking the bolt upon loading. Referring to
As shown, given the size of the present propellant charge and its flush-mounted positioning, the diameter of the bolt, “D”, must be at least as large as or larger than the diameter “d” of rim 42. Furthermore, designs of a bolt action firearm capable of accommodating the present propellant charge must include a gap that exposes at least a portion of the propellant charge casing, and as shown in
Furthermore, due to the lack of bolt rotation in the two-piece bolt design of
Bolt body 201 is configured of a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter.
At one end of bolt 201 is an extractor assembly that aids in removing a spent propellant charge after firing. Extractor 207 is located proximate the bolt head 201c of bolt 201.
Aperture 207b receives holding pin 208, which secures extractor 207 to the bolt head, and allows for a pivot axis for the extractor to revolve about pin 208 under a resilient force applied to extractor end 207c by a resilient mechanism 209, such as a spring, which may also be internal to the bolt head 201c, as is depicted in
As depicted in
It is noted that a plurality of bolt lugs may be spaced equidistant on the bolt casing, extending radially outward from the bolt casing. In one embodiment, a single bolt lug presented by the bolt lever attachment is used alone.
The firing pin 204 is constructed with a rounded tip 204a to provide a striking hammer for the primer of the propellant charge. Opposite the rounded tip 204a is a threaded portion 204b. The firing pin 204 traverses the bolt longitudinally and includes a cylindrical midportion 204c around which is secured a resilient mechanism, such as a spring 206. At the rear or breech end of firing pin 204 is a firing pin safety indicator 204d, which is generally a visual marker, such as a slot which may also be colored for visual indication, and which serves as an indicator to let a user know that the rounded tip striking hammer 204a is loaded and ready to fire.
A threaded plug 205 holds the aforementioned components in place under the resilient force of spring 206. Threaded section 205a secures plug 205 to bolt section 201b. Plug 205 preferably includes a shaped hole or aperture at the back or breech end, preferably a hexagonally shaped hole or aperture, which can be tightened or loosened with the aid of a wrench. It also allows for firing pin safety indicator 204d to move forward and aft, and to be viewed.
Under bolt assembly 200 is the trigger housing assembly 300. Trigger housing assembly 300 defined herein is not essential to the bolt assembly design of the present invention, but is described generally to detail the interaction of bolt assembly 200 with a trigger assembly.
Trigger assembly 300 is enclosed in housing 312 and has a sear 313 with pin 303. Sear 312 revolves about pin 321 and includes a hooking tooth or segment 313a. Sear spring 315 allows the sear up and down motion towards and away from the receiver. Safety 314 has two positions, a shot position and a safe position. When the trigger is compressed by the user, moving it backwards towards the rifle breech end, the axis of rotation causes sear 313 to drop under pressure of firing pin 204 and spring 206 causing triggering. Trigger spring 316 is adjustable by a pressure regulating screw 317. A hitch adjusting screw 318 is situated at the lower end of trigger housing 312.
Extractor 407 is located within slot 413 of bolt 401. Extractor 407 is designed with an extended protrusion or hook 407a at one end for interaction with the propellant charge (not shown). A protruding aperture 407b is provided approximately midway between extended protrusion 407a and the opposing extractor end. Aperture 407b receives holding pin 408, which secures extractor 407 to the bolt head, and allows for a pivot axis for the extractor to revolve about pin 408 under a resilient force applied to the extractor end by a resilient mechanism 409, such as a spring. This configuration allows extractor 407 to rotate about pin 408, which in turn compresses or extends resilient mechanism 409. Extractor 407 is biased against bolt 401 by resilient mechanism 409.
A recoil lug 614 is situated between the receiver 610 and the barrel extension 602. Recoil lug 614 rests on the stock to withstand the forces of recoil when shooting. One attachment scheme to affix the receiver to the stock includes threaded holes 616 to receive fixing screws 618. Other attachment means are possible, and are not excluded for the present invention.
At the back of receiver 610, a slot 620 is presented for receiving a key 630 of firing pin 632, and an aperture 622 for receiving the sear. Threaded holes 624a,b are presented as a means for fixing the trigger housing to the receiver.
While the present invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4232468 | Chapin | Nov 1980 | A |
| 5706598 | Johnston | Jan 1998 | A |
| 5822904 | Beal | Oct 1998 | A |
| 6360467 | Knight | Mar 2002 | B1 |
| 7726245 | Quesenberry | Jun 2010 | B2 |
| D625380 | Walter | Oct 2010 | S |
| 7877919 | Richards | Feb 2011 | B2 |
| 9046332 | Peterson | Jun 2015 | B2 |
| 9157713 | Peterson | Oct 2015 | B1 |
| 9329003 | Peterson | May 2016 | B2 |
| 9377277 | Worrell, Jr. | Jun 2016 | B1 |
| 9562754 | Peterson | Feb 2017 | B2 |
| 10030956 | Peterson | Jun 2018 | B2 |
| 10254092 | Worrell, Jr | Apr 2019 | B1 |
| 11137229 | Peterson | Oct 2021 | B1 |
| 20020129531 | Camp | Sep 2002 | A1 |
| 20050115129 | Lizarralde | Jun 2005 | A1 |
| 20050183318 | McGivern | Aug 2005 | A1 |
| 20050257711 | Husseini | Nov 2005 | A1 |
| 20100275487 | Quesenberry | Nov 2010 | A1 |
| 20140082981 | Johnston | Mar 2014 | A1 |
| 20160305729 | Martin | Oct 2016 | A1 |
| 20180321022 | Peterson | Nov 2018 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20230112727 A1 | Apr 2023 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62889769 | Aug 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16885601 | May 2020 | US |
| Child | 17158195 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17244326 | Apr 2021 | US |
| Child | 18053612 | US | |
| Parent | 17158195 | Jan 2021 | US |
| Child | 17244326 | US |
