Shell Extractor Tool and Kit Containing Same

Abstract

A shell extractor tool for removing a jammed ammunition shell from a firearm comprises a handle portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion is adapted to be inserted through a firearm port and terminates at a proximal end and wherein the proximal end is angled relative to a remainder of the shaft portion to permit engagement of the jammed ammunition shell in a chamber of a firearm. The handle portion is adapted to be grasped by a user and to apply leverage to the jammed ammunition shell, to allow removal of the ammunition shell from the firearm with the shell extractor tool. The shell extractor tool may be provided with a sheath to provide a shell extractor tool kit. The sheath comprises a first structural portion and a second structural portion. The first structural portion and second structural portion are secured together to form a pocket to receive and reversibly secure the extractor tool. The sheath may optionally comprise a third structural portion. The first, second and optional third structural portions may each include one or more top securing apertures, wherein the top securing apertures are adapted to align each other to facilitate assembly of the portions.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an ammunition extraction tool, more commonly referred to as a “shell extractor.” During use, spent ammunition casings may become stuck or “jammed’ in a firearm. This can occur for a number of reasons. After firing, a portion or all of the cartridge remains in the chamber of the firearm, preventing a new cartridge from being loaded. Removal of the spent casing is therefore necessary for the continued function of the firearm. While this is desirable even when the firearm is used for sporting purposes, quick removal of the spent casing and return of the firearm to operating conditions can be particularly important for law enforcement personnel and armed forces in conflict situations.

Previously, service members have been known to utilize a standard paint can opener tied to a cord that is then tied to their vest as an improvised tool for this purpose. In the event that a spent shell casing fails to eject, the service member would pull the paint can opener from their vest, use the paint can opener to pull out the casing and drop the paint can opener and continue fighting. When they are able, they then re-secure the paint can opener to their vest.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is, therefore, an aspect of the present invention to provide a shell extractor with an alternate design from previous designs. The present invention may also include additional adaptations to function as a multi-function tool. Such additional functions may include a cutting function, such as a seat belt cutter for example. In addition or in the alternative, the tool may also include an aperture adapted to receive a standard ¼ inch bit or a bolt. Furthermore, the handle of the tool may include a pry bar or flathead screwdriver configuration. This provides the user such as a service member with the ability to pry parts of a firearm, adjust optics and the like, which may all be needed in combat. In this way, the tool may combine several functional aspects in a single tool. Because the tool is also approximately the size and weight of the improvised paint can opener, it does not add any significant weight to the gear carried by the service member. Optionally, the tool may also be provided with a sheath to form a kit.

In general, the present invention provides a shell extractor tool for removing a jammed ammunition shell from a firearm. The shell extractor tool comprises a handle portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion is adapted to be inserted through a firearm port and terminates at a proximal end and wherein the proximal end is angled relative to a remainder of the shaft portion to permit engagement of the jammed ammunition shell in a chamber of a firearm. The handle portion is adapted to be grasped by a user and to apply leverage to the jammed ammunition shell, to allow removal of the ammunition shell from the firearm with the shell extractor tool. The shell extractor tool may be provided with a sheath to provide a shell extractor tool kit. The sheath comprises a first structural portion and a second structural portion. The first structural portion and second structural portion are secured together to form a pocket to receive and reversibly secure the extractor tool. The sheath may optionally comprise a third structural portion. The first, second and optional third structural portions may each include one or more top securing apertures, wherein the top securing apertures are adapted to align each other to facilitate assembly of the portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of a first embodiment of the shell extractor of the claimed invention.

FIG. 1B is a rear view of the first embodiment of the shell extractor of the claimed invention.

FIG. 1C is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of the shell extractor of the claimed invention.

FIG. 2A is a top partial cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the claimed shell extractor in use in a firearm upper receiver, dislodging a jammed cartridge from the chamber of the firearm.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of the shaft portion of the first embodiment of the claimed shell extractor in isolation with a cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a firearm as shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the optional cutting component in use for cutting a cord.

FIG. 5A is an elevation view of the first embodiment of the claimed shell extractor with a hexagonal head inserted into an aperture.

FIG. 5B is an elevation view of the first embodiment of the claimed shell extractor with a hexagonal head as in FIG. 5A, with the hexagonal head removed from the aperture.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a second embodiment of the claimed shell extractor of the claimed invention.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B as inserted into a handle as a multi-tool or a portion thereof.

FIG. 6D is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the shell extractor sheath of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a front elevation view of the shell extractor sheath of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a rear elevation view of the shell extractor sheath of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a front view of the shell extractor sheath of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a side view of the shell extractor sheath of the present invention.

FIG. 9C is a rear view of the shell extractor sheath of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged partial view of an embodiment of the shell extractor sheath of the present invention in an unassembled configuration.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged partial view of an embodiment of the shell extractor sheath of the present invention in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the claimed shell extractor and shell extractor sheath forming a shell extractor kit in an unassembled configuration.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the claimed shell extractor and shell extractor sheath forming a shell extractor kit in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the claimed shell extractor in use in a firearm upper receiver, dislodging a jammed cartridge from the chamber of the firearm.

FIG. 11D is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the shell extractor of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a shell extractor tool. Optionally, a sheath for the tool may also be provided with the tools to form a kit. The following examples should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention. The claims will serve to define the inventions.

In one embodiment, the tool comprises a light-weight shell extraction configuration and optionally one or more additional tool adaptations. In another embodiment, the tool comprises a shell extraction component and a cutting element. The tool may additionally comprise a pry bar or screwdriver element, a bit or bolt attachment element, or both.

In addition or in the alternative, the tool may additionally comprise a sheath to form a shell extractor tool kit. The sheath may be constructed of a thermoplastic material such as nylon or Kydex. Although Kydex, strictly speaking, refers to an acrylic-polyvinyl chloride thermoplastic material, more commonly it is used to describe any thermoplastic material that has similar properties to acrylic-polyvinyl chloride, such as ease of thermoforming, impact resistance, strength and stiffness. Other properties of the material used to form the sheath may similarly be chosen according to a user's preference, such as thickness and grain. In one particular embodiment, the material used to form the sheath is nylon.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following examples which are included for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, there is shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, an extractor tool generally designated by reference numeral 10. The figures depict a particular embodiment or tool 10. However, it is to be understood that tool 10 may vary in size and/or shape depending upon the particular firearm it is designed for or preferences of the user. Likewise, differently configured extractor tools fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, certain of the below discussed elements of extractor tool 10 may vary according to the ultimate use of the tool according to particular caliber of firearm being used or user preference.

Tool 10 comprises a first or handle portion 12 and a second or shaft portion 14. Shaft portion 14 terminates at a proximal end 16. Proximal end 16 may be angled relative to a remainder of shaft portion 14 and may also be undercut to assist with cartridge extraction. The angulation of proximal end 16 and the length of the angled portion may vary according to the specifications of the firearm with which it is intended to be used. Shaft portion 14 may also include a cutting element 18, such as a belt cutter adapted to cut seat belts in the event of a passenger in an automobile or similar vehicle being trapped in the vehicle.

Handle portion 12 is shown in FIGS. 1-5 as being approximately “T-shaped” but other configurations are possible. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, handle portion 12′ is adapted to engage a post of a multi tool 19. In FIGS. 1-5, the handle portion configuration allows for ease of grasp of handle portion 12 in use, as described in more detail below. In this first embodiment, the underside of handle portion 12 comprises one or more grooves 20 to assist in gripping handle 12. Handle 12 may also include a pry bar or screwdriver portion 22. In addition or in the alternative, handle 12 may also include an aperture 24. Aperture 24 may be configured to engage a bit or a bolt, such as a ¼ inch bit commonly used for drivers of various configurations such as hexagonal drivers or star-shaped drivers and the like.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 illustrate the use of tool 10. When a cartridge 11 fails to eject from the firearm, tool 10 is inserted into the upper receiver assembly 13 through an ejection port 15. Proximal end 16 is configured to engage the rim or end of cartridge 11. In one example, the configuration of proximal end 16 may include one or more edge protrusions 21 which are adapted to engage a rim 23 of cartridge 11 to reversibly secure tool 10 to cartridge 11. In another embodiment (as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6D), a plurality of edge protrusions 21, are present. Leverage applied to tool 10 may then be used to loosen cartridge 11 within the chamber of the firearm. The user may grasp handle 12 to pull tool 10 and cartridge 11 out of the firearm chamber and withdrawing them through port 15, clearing the cartridge from the firearm and allowing further operation of the firearm.

FIG. 4 shows cutting element 18 being used to cut a cord. Cutting element 18 is shown as being angled such that handle 12 assists in providing force against the object to be cut, but other configurations are possible.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show aperture 24 as being adapted to engage a hexagonal bit, but the use of other similar tools and configurations is also envisioned.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6A-6D. In this embodiment, the extractor tool 10′ comprises a first portion 12′ and a second or shaft portion 14′. Shaft portion 14′ terminates at a proximal end 16′ . Proximal end 16′ may be angled relative to a remainder of shaft portion 14′ and may also be undercut or configured as described above with two or more edge protrusions 21′ to assist with cartridge extraction. The angulation of proximal end 16′ and the length of the angled portion may vary according to the specifications of the firearm with which it is intended to be used. Tool 10′ also comprises an aperture 24′ which is adapted to rotationally engage a post for assembly into a multi-tool 19. First portion 12′ may additionally comprise a projection 17 forming a stop when the extractor tool 10′ is in an open position in multi-tool 19.

A sheath 50, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A and 10B, which is adapted to carry the shell extractor tool 10/10′, may be provided. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, extractor tool 10″ and sheath 50 together form an extractor tool kit 52. As mentioned above, sheath 50 may be made of a thermoplastic material such as nylon or Kydex (acrylic-polyvinyl chloride). In one embodiment, the material may be selected based on one or more properties selected from ease of thermoforming, impact resistance, strength, stiffness and low flammability. In one particular embodiment, the first, second and third structural portions of sheath 50 (provided below) comprise nylon.

Sheath 50 comprises a first structural portion 52, a second structural portion 58 and an optional third structural portion 56. First structural portion 52 and second structural portion 58 are configured to be secured together to form a pocket to receive and secure an extractor tool 10/10′. Optionally third structural portion 56 may be secured to first and second structural portions 52, 58, as described more fully below.

First structural portion 52 comprises one or more top securing apertures 60 and one or more bottom securing apertures 62. First structural portion 52 comprises a pocket portion 72 which is raised from the remainder of first structural portion 52 and is adapted to receive an extractor tool when first structural portion 54 and second structural portion 58 are assembled. Pocket portion 72 may have a beveled edge 73 to minimize rough edges of sheath 50 and in turn to minimizes the tendency of sheath 50 to snag or otherwise inadvertently engage clothing or other materials. First structural portion 52 may additionally comprise a first hook securing aperture 63, which is configured to engage a hook 80 as described below with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.

Second structural portion 58 is substantially flat. Similar to first structural portion 52 has one or more top securing apertures 64 and one or more bottom securing apertures 66. Second structural portion 58 additionally has a handle portion 74, which may include a handle aperture 76. Aperture 76 may be configured to accept a rope or strap (such as paracord) to secure sheath 50 to a tactical or duty belt or other tactical equipment such as a vest, backpack or rucksack. Second structural portion 58 may additionally comprise a second hook securing aperture 78, adapted to engage and secure hook 80 of third structural portion 56 as described below with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.

Third structural portion 56 is also substantially flat and may comprise one or more top securing apertures 68. Third structural portion 56 further comprises a hook 80 at the bottom of third structural portion 56. Hook 80 is configured to engage second hook securing aperture 78 of second structural portion 58 as also described below. As shown in FIG. 7, third structural portion 56 may additionally comprises one or more secondary securing apertures 67, which may be adapted, for example, to secure sheath 50 to a Molle system (not shown) via one or more straps, as known in the art.

Sheath 50 may be assembled as follows. Top securing apertures 60, 64 and 68 (when aperture 68 is present) are adapted to align such that a rivet 70 or other securing means may be inserted through each of apertures 60, 64 and 68 to secure first structural portion 54, second structural portion 58 and optionally, third structural portion 56 together. Alternatively, rivet 70 may be inserted through apertures 60 and 64 only, to secure first structural portion 54 and second structural portion 58 together. In such an embodiment, first structural portion 54 and second structural portion 58 still form a pocket which is configured to accept and securely engage extraction tool 10/10′/10″.

In either of the configurations above, third structural portion 56 may be attached to first and second structural portions 54, 58 by hook 80 as shown in FIG. 10A and 10B. As mentioned above first hook securing aperture 63 of first structural portion 54 and second securing aperture 78 of second structural portion 58 are configured to accept hook 80. Second securing aperture 78 is configured so that a hook edge 82 engages an edge of aperture 78. Aperture 63 is configured to be larger than aperture 67 so that when hook 80 engages an edge of aperture 67, at least half of hook 80 lies within aperture 63. In other embodiments, ⅔, ¾ or even substantially all of hook 80 is positioned within aperture 63. In this manner, protruding edges of sheath 50 are again minimized to avoid inadvertent snagging of sheath 50 on surrounding fabrics or other materials.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C illustrate the engagement of a further embodiment of shell extractor tool 10″ and sheath 50 to form shell extractor tool kit 52. Tool 10″ reversibly engages sheath 50 in a pocket formed between first structural portion 54 and second structural portion 58. In this embodiment, handle portion 12″ of extractor tool 10″ is essentially annular in configuration, having an aperture 24″ that is configured to accept a finger of the user, in place of the T-shaped handle of the first embodiment above. As described above, in use, tool 10″ may be inserted into the upper receiver assembly 13 of a firearm through an ejection port 15 to engage a rim 23 of a cartridge 11 which has failed to eject from the firearm chamber. Leverage may be applied to tool 10″ to loosen the cartridge within the chamber of the firearm. The user may insert a finger into aperture 24″ to grasp handle 12″ and pull tool 10″ and an engaged cartridge 11 out of the firearm chamber through ejection port 15 and withdraw them from the firearm.

FIG. 11D shows the embodiment of FIGS. 11A-11C with an optional replaceable cutting element 18″, although a replaceable cutting element is not exclusive to this embodiment and may optionally be present in other embodiments also. Shaft portion 14″ may be reversibly attached to handle portion 12″ with one or more screws 25 or other reversible fixing means, with cutting element 18″ positioned between shaft portion 14″ and handle portion 12″. In the embodiment shown, shaft portion 14″, handle portion 12″ and cutting element 18″ each have one or more apertures (26, 27 and 28, respectively) which are configured to align with each other and permit one or more screws 25 to be inserted through apertures 27 and 28 and into aperture 26 and fixed by friction. Alternatively, one or more apertures 26, 27 and 28 may configured to align with each other and permit one or more screws 25 to be inserted through apertures 26 and 28 and into aperture 27, again to be fixed by friction.

Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it should now be apparent that the shell extractor tool will carry out the objects set forth hereinabove. It is, therefore, to be understood that any variations evident fall within the scope of the claimed invention and thus, the selection of specific component elements can be determined without departing from the spirit of the invention herein disclosed and described.

Claims

1. A shell extractor tool for removing a jammed ammunition shell from a firearm, the shell extractor tool comprising: a handle portion and a shaft portion,

2. The shell extractor tool of claim 1, wherein the angled proximal end of the shaft portion is undercut to engage the spent cartridge in the chamber of the firearm.

3. The shell extractor tool of claim 2, wherein the handle portion is T-shaped.

4. The shell extractor tool of claim 3, wherein the handle portion additionally comprises a pry bar or screwdriver portion.

5. The shell extractor tool of claim 4, wherein the handle portion additionally comprises an aperture.

6. The shell extractor tool of claim 5, wherein the aperture is adapted to engage a hexagonal bit or bolt.

7. The shell extractor tool of claim 2, wherein the shaft portion additionally comprises a cutting element.

8. The shell extractor tool of claim 2, wherein the handle portion has an annular configuration.

9. The shell extractor tool of claim 2, wherein the handle portion comprises an aperture adapted to rotationally engage a post for assembly into a multi-tool.

10. The shell extractor tool of claim 9, wherein the handle portion additionally comprises a projection forming a stop when the shell extractor tool is inserted into a multi-tool handle and the shell extractor tool is in an open position in the multi-tool.

11. A shell extractor tool kit comprising: a shell extractor tool and a sheath adapted to reversibly engage the shell extractor tool, wherein the shell extractor tool comprises a handle portion and a shaft portion,wherein the shaft portion is adapted to be inserted through a firearm port and terminates at a proximal end and wherein the proximal end is angled relative to a remainder of the shaft portion to permit engagement of the jammed ammunition shell in a chamber of a firearm,and wherein the handle portion is adapted to be grasped by a user and to apply leverage to the jammed ammunition shell, to allow removal of the ammunition shell from the firearm with the shell extractor tool,and further wherein the sheath comprises a first structural portion and a second structural portion, the first structural portion and second structural portion being secured together to form a pocket to receive and reversibly secure the extractor tool.

12. The shell extractor tool kit according to claim 11, wherein the first structural portion and the second structural portion each comprise one or more top securing apertures and one or more bottom securing apertures, and wherein the top securing apertures of the first and second structural portions are adapted to align such that a rivet or bolt may be inserted through the one or more top securing apertures, and further wherein the bottom securing apertures of the first and second structural portions are adapted to align such that a rivet or bolt may be inserted through the one or more bottom securing apertures.

13. The shell extractor tool kit according to claim 12, wherein the second structural portion additionally comprises a handle aperture.

14. The shell extractor tool kit according to claim 13, wherein a rivet or bolt is inserted through the one or more top securing apertures of the first and second structural portions to secure the first and second structural portions together.

15. The shell extractor tool kit according to claim 12, additionally comprising a third structural portion comprising one or more top securing apertures, wherein the top securing apertures are adapted to align with the top securing apertures of the first and second structural portions.

16. The shell extractor tool kit according to claim 13, wherein a rivet or bolt is inserted through the one or more top securing apertures of the first, second and third structural portions to secure the first, second and third structural portions together.

17. The shell extractor tool kit according to claim 15, wherein the third structural portion additionally comprises a hook, and wherein the second structural portion comprises an aperture adapted to engage the hook.

18. The shell extractor tool kit according to claim 17, wherein the third structural portion additionally comprises one or more secondary securing apertures.

19. The shell extractor tool kit according to claim 18, wherein the one or more secondary securing apertures are adapted to receive one or more straps for attachment to a Molle system.

20. The shell extractor tool kit according to claim 15, wherein the one or more secondary securing apertures are adapted to receive one or more straps for attachment to a Molle system.