The present invention relates to ammunition loading devices. More specifically, the present invention provides a shotgun shell loading and holding device for quick direct insertion of shotgun shells into a double barrel shotgun by using a combination of material components and operational functionality.
The term ‘shotgun’ refers to a long-barreled firearm generally used for short distances and offers a variety of shells/cartridge/ammunition measured by gauge. Double barrel shotguns are configured with the two barrels either set side-by-side (SxS) or stacked with one barrel over and one barrel under (O/U) models. Regardless of configuration, double barrel shotguns are actively used for hunting, safety, security, and competitive shooting—most notably at the Olympics. Historically, double barrel shotguns have been used by civilians, military, and law enforcement servicemembers since the 19th century. “Coach Gun” terminology has long since been associated with the use of a short double barrel shotgun on stagecoaches and considered both a defensive tool and deterrent to robbers at close range. To date, double barrels have a simple operational platform with limited moving parts and high reliability. And while newer shotgun technologies are also considered reliable, they have been unable to replace the double barrel due to its simplicity, safety, and performance.
Double barrels have a simplicity not shared with the pump, lever action and semi-automatic shotguns as they do not rely on a mechanical reloading action for the second shot. Double barrels have fewer moving parts than other types of multiple-shell shotguns, thus lessening the chance of breaking. Furthermore, loading at the break with two shots significantly reduces the potential mechanical actions that cause jamming and/or feeding failures. Double barrel shotguns with two independently functioning triggers-one per barrel-provide the fastest follow-up shot and can also be done simultaneously. Because of these features, the double barrel's simple design has fundamentally proven to be reliable across its lifetime and will presumably continue to do so. For many, safety is the most significant advantage of the double barrel shotgun. The break-action design is widely considered the safest shotgun design and allows the shooter to simply open the breech to make it harmless. This also signals to others the barrels are in a safe position.
In contrast to the many advantages the double barrel shotgun provides, its primary disadvantage is the time it takes to reload. Reloading is done manually and sequentially for both barrels. Loading and reloading a double barrel both quickly and effectively, however, takes a considerable amount of practice and technique-all of which can easily become an obstacle should situational conditions change. For example, inclement weather (increased or severe heat, cold, snow, rain), conditions that may affect or limit use due to dirt, sweat, or injury; and restricted or blocked access to the shells if they are in the shooters pocket, vest or a belt and other designed holsters/holders for the shells can present obstacles for well-practiced double barrel shotgun users. Therefore, there is a need for a device that allows users to load and reload double barrel shotguns quicker and more conveniently.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for a shotgun shell loading and holding device. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of shotgun shell loading and holding devices now present in the known art. The present invention provides a new shotgun shell loading and holding device wherein the same can be utilized for receiving, retaining, and releasing a pair of shells into the barrel of a shotgun.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide shotgun shell loading and holding device comprising an elastomeric pad configured to flex having a front side, a rear side and a sidewall extending therebetween. A pair of openings are disposed on the front side of the pad, wherein each opening is configured to receive, retain, and release a shotgun shell into a barrel of a shotgun.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the shotgun shell loading and holding device comprising a laterally projecting tab portion is formed with an aperture therethrough at an upper end of the pad.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the shotgun shell loading and holding device comprising a plurality expansion joints disposed equidistance from one another around a circumference of an upper rim of each opening and a laterally extending annular groove formed within a base of each opening for resiliently and frictionally retaining the rim of a shell therein.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the shotgun shell loading and holding device configured to facilitate the organization, storage/holding, staging and fluidity of reloading top break, breechloading shotguns. The device is configured to provide a quick and safe reloading option by decreasing load time, thereby improving follow-on shots for a myriad of hunting, security, and sporting use.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the shotgun shell loading and holding device comprising a 360 degree, fully-circumferentially extending recess that covers and protects the firing primer to prevent accidental discharges—thus saving life, limb and property; vertically extending walls that allow for safe carry—an improvement to the current “saddle side mount and butt stock carrying” sleeves and mounts; expansion joints to aid with shell placement into the device and release of both shells into the barrels; laterally extending annular basal grooves; a gripping handle; and resilient elastomeric material.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved shotgun shell loading and holding device, that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the shotgun shell loading and holding device. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the embodiment discussed will be used for receiving, retaining, and releasing a pair of shells into the barrel of a shotgun. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments.
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment(s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
Referring now to
The device comprises a pair of openings 1300 disposed on the front side 1120 for receiving, retaining, and releasing a pair of shells into the barrel of a shotgun. In the illustrated embodiment, each opening is disposed along a same lateral axis extending between lateral sides 1170 of the pad 1100. In alternate embodiments, the openings are disposed along a same longitudinal axis extending between the first and second sides of the pad 1100. A space between each opening is configured to align with and be substantially the same size as a space between the barrels of the shotgun such that the shells are aligned with each opening of the barrel when disposed within the openings. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 1300 are circular and sized to receive a shotgun shell therein, wherein each opening 1300 comprises a floor 1320 and vertical wall 1310 recessed within the pad 1100. The floor 1320 prevents the shell from passing through the pad 1100. However, in alternate embodiments, the opening does not comprise a floor. In some embodiments, the floor is positioned at a distance between the front side and the rear side, such that the receiving, retention, and ejection of the shells therefrom is specific to the particular shotgun and/or shell. In another embodiment, the floor is removable and adapted to be adjusted in position such that the floor engages with the (interior wall) via a series of annular channels.
In the illustrated embodiment, each opening 1300 includes a plurality of expansion joints 1400 disposed around an upper rim 1330 of the opening 1300. In the shown embodiment, the device 1000 comprises three expansion joints 1400 that are not equidistance from one another. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the first opening comprises three expansion joints having a different spacing and position than the three expansion joints disposed within the second opening. In alternate embodiments, the expansion joints are equidistance and separated by 120 degrees along the circumference of the upper rim. In other embodiments, the device comprises a single expansion joint, whereas in some embodiments, the device comprises more than three expansion joints. In alternate embodiments, each opening comprises the same number of expansion joints having the same spacing between one another.
The expansion joints 1400 are configured to assist with the flexibility of the pad 1100 to release a shell from an opening 1300. In the illustrated embodiment, each expansion joint 1400 comprises an open ring 1410 having a slot 1420 that extends along the vertical wall 1310. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 1420 extends an entire length of the vertical wall 1310. The opening of the ring 1410 and slot 1420 is faced towards a center of the opening 1300. In this way, when the shells are forced out from the openings 1300, the open spaces of the ring 1410 and the slot 1420 become widened, thereby widening the circumference of each opening and allowing the shell to be removed therefrom.
In some embodiments, the pad 1100 comprises a substantially rectangular shape, wherein other embodiments, the pad comprises any suitable shape configured to support a pair of shotgun shells therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the pad 1100 is composed of an elastomer or other suitable elastic material. In this way, the pad 1100 is configured to flex and comprise resiliency when receiving and releasing the shells from the openings 1300.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, the upper rim of each opening 1300 terminates at the surface of the front side of the pad 1100. However, in alternate embodiments, it is contemplated that the rim extends outward from the surface of the front side to lengthen the vertical wall of the opening and provide more surface area for frictionally engaging with the shell of a shotgun.
Referring now to
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
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