U.S. patent application number 10/645532 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-22 for cartridge and chamber for firearm.
Invention is credited to Kightlinger, Paul E..
Application Number | 20040074412 10/645532 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32096305 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040074412 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kightlinger, Paul E. |
April 22, 2004 |
Cartridge and chamber for firearm
Abstract
A cartridge and a chamber for a firearm adapted to fire a bullet
with an outside diameter of about 0.223" (also known as a 223
round). The cartridge has an axis, a neck, a shoulder, a body, and
an extraction groove. The chamber of the present invention is
provided for the cartridge, described above. The chamber has an
axis, a neck bore, a shoulder bore, and a body bore. The shoulder
and the shoulder bore may be formed at an angle where the angle is
about 28.degree., .+-.3.degree. with respect to the axis of the
cartridge or chamber. Upon firing a firearm equipped with the
cartridge and chamber of the present invention, the bullet is
capable of reaching a velocity of greater than about 2,500 fps.
Inventors: |
Kightlinger, Paul E.;
(Tucson, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
32096305 |
Appl. No.: |
10/645532 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60419537 |
Oct 21, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
102/430 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 5/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
102/430 |
International
Class: |
F42B 005/02; F42B
007/02 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A cartridge for a bullet with an outside diameter of about
0.223", the cartridge comprising: an axis; a body, said body
comprising: a first body outside diameter, wherein said first body
outside diameter is about 0.375"; a second body outside diameter
which is less than or equal to the first body outside diameter; a
total length, wherein said total length is between 0.870 and
1.000"; and an extraction groove; a neck with a neck outside
diameter, wherein said neck outside diameter is about 0.260", and
wherein said neck is adapted to fit the bullet; and a shoulder
between said body and said neck, wherein said shoulder is formed at
an angle between said body and said neck, wherein said angle is
about 28.degree. with respect to said axis.
2. A cartridge for a bullet with an outside diameter of about
0.223", the cartridge comprising: an axis; a body, said body
comprising: a first body outside diameter, wherein said first body
outside diameter is about 0.375"; a second body outside diameter
which is less than or equal to the first body outside diameter; a
total length, wherein said total length is between 0.870 and
1.000"; and an extraction groove; a neck with a neck outside
diameter, wherein said neck outside diameter is about 0.260", and
wherein said neck is adapted to fit the bullet; and a shoulder
between said body and said neck, wherein said shoulder is formed at
a predetermined angle relative to said axis between said body and
said neck such that upon firing, the bullet is capable of reaching
a velocity of greater than about 2,500 fps.
3. A chamber for a cartridge with a total length between 0.870 and
1.000" for a bullet with an outside diameter of about 0.223", the
chamber comprising: an axis; a body bore, said body comprising: a
first body bore inside diameter, wherein said first body bore
inside diameter is about 0.376"; a second body bore inside diameter
which is less than or equal to the first body bore inside diameter;
and a body bore length adapted to receive the cartridge; a neck
bore with a neck bore inside diameter, wherein said neck bore
inside diameter is about 0.261"; a shoulder bore between said body
bore and said neck bore, wherein said shoulder bore is formed at an
angle between said body bore and said neck bore, wherein said angle
is about 28.degree. with respect to said axis.
4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge is
adapted for use with a handgun.
5. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge is
adapted for use with a rifle.
6. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, upon firing, the
bullet is capable of reaching a velocity of greater than about
2,500 fps.
7. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, upon firing, the
bullet is capable of reaching a velocity of greater than about
3,000 fps.
8. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said total length is
about 0.875".
9. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said body length is
about 0.935".
10. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said body length is
about 0.995".
11. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said second body
outside diameter is about 0.367".
12. The chamber according to claim 3, wherein said chamber is
adapted for use with a handgun.
13. The chamber according to claim 3, wherein said chamber is
adapted for use with a rifle.
14. The chamber according to claim 3, wherein, upon firing, the
bullet is capable of reaching a velocity of greater than about
2,500 fps.
15. The chamber according to claim 3, wherein, upon firing, the
bullet is capable of reaching a velocity of greater than about
3,000 fps.
16. The chamber according to claim 3, wherein said body bore length
is adapted to receive the cartridge wherein the total length is
about 0.875".
17. The chamber according to claim 3, wherein said body length is
adapted to receive the cartridge wherein the total length is about
0.935".
18. The chamber according to claim 3, wherein said body length is
adapted to receive the cartridge wherein the total length is about
0.995".
19. The chamber according to claim 3, wherein said second body bore
inside diameter is about 0.368".
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/419,537, filed Oct. 21, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a cartridge and a chamber
for a firearm, in particular a cartridge and chamber for a handgun
or rifle adapted to fire a bullet with an outside diameter of about
0.223 inches (").
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Prior art firearms which fire bullets with an outside
diameter of about 0.223" often require the use of a relatively
large firearm with a relatively large cartridge and chamber.
Specifically, the diameter of the cartridge and chamber is often
greater than 0.400" and/or the length of the cartridge is often
greater than 1.000". Also, the neck and shoulder of prior art
cartridges and chambers are typically provided at such an angle
that the cartridge does not feed properly from the magazine into
the barrel. These problems result in a slow round. In other words,
it takes a comparatively long time for the round to advance from
the magazine to the barrel upon pulling the trigger. Further, the
dimensions of the cartridge and chamber result in wear and tear on
the firearm. For instance, upon firing, some prior art cartridges
are found to peen or damage the metal on the locking lugs. In
addition, the prior art chambers and cartridge are typically
capable of achieving a limited bullet velocity.
[0006] A variety of cartridges and chambers for 0.223" bullets have
been proposed, all of which have one or more of the problems
identified above. U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,386, issued Jul. 23, 1991 to
Vatsvog, describes a composite cartridge for a 0.223 caliber high
velocity rifle. The outside diameter of the Vatsvog cartridge at
its widest point is 0.398". The length and shoulder angle of the
Vatsvog cartridge are not discussed.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,879 issued Oct. 26, 1999 and U.S. Pat.
No. 6,354,221 B1 issued Mar. 12, 2002, both to Jamison, describe
high-power firearm cartridges. Both Jamison patents are directed to
a cartridge in a first embodiment with an overall length L of about
2.2", a shoulder angle of approximately 35.degree., and a diameter
D of between about 0.53 and 0.54", and a cartridge in a second
embodiment with an overall length L of about 1.7", a shoulder angle
of at least 30.degree. but less than 40.degree., and most
preferably approximately 35.degree., and a diameter D of at least
about 0.45", and preferably 0.533". Independent claims 1 and 3 of
the '879 patent are specifically limited to a cartridge with a
diameter of at least 0.53" and 0.45", respectively.
[0008] Independent claim 2 of the '879 patent discloses a cartridge
longer than 1.25", since the claim requires a first portion having
an outside diameter at a location 1.25" from the first end. The
independent claims of the '221 patent disclose similar limitations.
Cartridges with a shorter length, a smaller shoulder angle, or a
smaller diameter are not taught or suggested by the Jamison
patents.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,203 By, issued Sep. 25, 2001, to
Alexander et al., describes a cartridge for a 5.56 millimeter (mm)
(0.224") projectile. Although the independent claims of the
Alexander patent recite a limit velocity not less than 518 meters
per second (m/s), or 1,700 feet per second (fps), FIG. 5 of the
Alexander patent shows a maximum limit velocity of about 2,000 fps.
The angle y of the Alexander patent is not claimed, but is
disclosed to be 32.degree. in the preferred embodiment. The
preferred embodiment of Alexander has a cartridge with an outside
diameter A of 10.80 mm (0.425"). There is no teaching or suggestion
in Alexander for a limit velocity of greater than 2,000 fps, an
angle of less than 32.degree., or an outside diameter of less than
10.80 mm (0.425").
[0010] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed.
SUMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is directed to a cartridge and a
chamber for a firearm. The firearm may be a handgun or a rifle.
Specifically, the cartridge and chamber are adapted for use with a
firearm adapted to fire a bullet with an outside diameter of about
0.223" (also known as a 223 round). The cartridge comprises an
axis, a neck, a shoulder, a body, and an extraction groove. The
cartridge has a total length between 0.870 and 1.000". The first
body outside diameter, which is the diameter of the body at its
widest point, is about 0.375", .+-.0.005". The shoulder may be
formed at an angle between the body and the neck where the angle is
about 28.degree., .+-.3.degree., with respect to the axis of the
cartridge. The total length, the first body outside diameter and
the shoulder angle of the cartridge of the present invention are
each smaller than many prior art cartridges. Upon firing a firearm
equipped with the cartridge and chamber of the present invention,
the bullet is capable of reaching a velocity of greater than about
2,500 fps.
[0012] The chamber of the present invention is provided for the
cartridge, described above, where the cartridge has a total length
between 0.870 and 1.000". The chamber is adapted for use with a
handgun or rifle with a barrel bore adapted to fit the bullet with
an outside diameter of 0.223". The barrel bore may be provided with
a region adapted to fit the ogive of the bullet. The chamber
comprises an axis, a neck bore, a shoulder bore, and a body bore.
The first body bore inside diameter, which is the diameter of the
body bore at its widest point, is about 0.376", .+-.0.005". The
shoulder bore may be formed at an angle between the body bore and
the neck bore where the angle is about 28.degree., .+-.3.degree.
with respect to the axis of the chamber. The total length, first
body bore outside diameter and shoulder bore angle of the chamber
of the present invention are each smaller than many prior art
cartridges. Upon firing a firearm equipped with the cartridge and
chamber of the present invention, the bullet is capable of reaching
a velocity of greater than about 2,500 fps.
[0013] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a cartridge for a bullet with an outside diameter of
[0014] It is another object of the invention to provide a chamber
for a cartridge for a bullet with an outside diameter of about
0.223".
[0015] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes
described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in
accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0016] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The sole FIGURE is a side view of a cartridge and a chamber
for a firearm according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] As shown in the sole FIGURE, the present invention is
directed to a cartridge 10 and a chamber 100 for a firearm. The
firearm may be a handgun or a rifle, as described in detail below.
Specifically, the cartridge 10 and chamber 100 are adapted for use
with a firearm adapted to fire a bullet 200 with an outside
diameter D.sub.1 of about 0.223" (also known as a 223 round).
[0019] The cartridge 10 comprises an axis 20, a neck 30, a shoulder
40, a body 50, and an extraction groove 60. The cartridge 10 has a
total length L.sub.3 that may be between 0.870 and 1.000". The
cartridge 10 is typically made of brass, but may also be made of
iron, plastic, or other suitable types of metal. One advantage to
using a brass cartridge is that, after firing, the cartridge may be
resized and reused.
[0020] The body 50 is hollow and generally cylindrical with a
closed end opposite the bullet 200. The body 50 comprises a first
body outside diameter D.sub.4, a second body outside diameter
D.sub.3, a body length L.sub.1, and the extraction groove 60. The
first body outside diameter D.sub.4, which is the diameter of the
body 50 at its widest point, is about 0.375", .+-.0.005". The
second body outside diameter D.sub.3 is less than or equal to the
first body outside diameter D.sub.4. In other words, the body 50
may be cylindrical with ends that are of the same diameter, or the
body 50 may be tapered. If the body 50 is to be tapered, the second
body outside diameter D.sub.3 may be about 0.367", .+-.0.005". The
ratio of the first body outside diameter D.sub.4 to the outside
diameter D.sub.1 of the bullet 200 is between 1.66 to 1 and 1.70 to
1. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio is 1.67 to
1.
[0021] The cartridge 10 is formed using a customized sizing die
(not shown) provided in a corresponding size and shape which is
adapted to form the cartridge 10 as described herein.
[0022] The body length L.sub.1 is measured from the terminal end of
the body 50 on the end opposite the bullet 200 (left side of the
FIGURE) to the intersection of the body 50 with the shoulder 40.
The body length L.sub.1 is between 0.670 and 0.800". In a first
preferred embodiment of the invention, identified by the inventor
as the PK224 cartridge, the body length L.sub.1 is about 0.675",
.+-.0.005", the axial length L.sub.2 of the body 50 and the
shoulder 40 is about 0.775", .+-.0.005", and total length L.sub.3
is about 0.875". In a second preferred embodiment of the invention,
identified by the inventor as the PK2224 cartridge, the body length
L.sub.1 is about 0.735", .+-.0.005", the axial length L.sub.2 of
the body 50 and the shoulder 40 is about 0.835", .+-.0.005", and
total length L.sub.3 is about 0.935", .+-.0.005". In a third
preferred embodiment of the invention, identified by the inventor
as the PK224S or PK224 Super cartridge, the body length L.sub.1 is
about 0.795", .+-.0.005", the axial length L.sub.2 of the body 50
and the shoulder 40 is about 0.895", .+-.0.005", and total length
L.sub.3 is about 0.995", .+-.0.005".
[0023] The neck 30 is hollow and generally cylindrical provided on
the terminal end of the cartridge 10 adjacent to the bullet 200
right side of the FIGURE). The neck 30 has a neck outside diameter
D.sub.2 of about 0.260", .+-.0.005". The neck 30 is adapted to fit
the bullet 200.
[0024] The shoulder 40 is hollow and conical provided between the
body 50 and the neck 30. The shoulder 40 may be formed at an angle
.alpha. x between the body 50 and the neck 30 where the angle
.alpha. x is about 28.degree., .+-.3.degree., with respect to the
axis 20 of the cartridge 10. The angle .alpha. x of the shoulder 40
is shallower than many prior art cartridges. The shallower angle of
the present invention is desirable in that it promotes proper
feeding of the cartridge 10 from the magazine of the firearm and
reduces damage to the metal on the locking lugs of the firearm.
[0025] For the sake of comparison, a standard 9 mm handgun is
capable of firing a bullet at about 1,000 fps. Upon firing a
handgun provided with the cartridge 10 of the present invention as
described above, the bullet 200, for example, a 35 grain 0.223"
bullet, is capable of reaching a velocity of greater than about
2,500 fps. When used with a rifle, the bullet 200 is capable of
reaching a velocity of greater than about 3,000 fps.
[0026] The present invention is also directed to a chamber 100 for
the cartridge 10 (described above) with a total length L.sub.3
between 0.870 and 1.000" for a bullet 200 with an outside diameter
of about 0.223". The chamber 100 is adapted for use with a handgun
or rifle with a barrel bore 120 adapted to fit the bullet 200. The
barrel bore 120 has an inside diameter D.sub.5 of about 0.224".
[0027] The barrel bore 120 may be provided with a region 130
adapted to fit the ogive of the bullet 200. The chamber 100
comprises an axis 110, a neck bore 140, a shoulder bore 150, and a
body bore 160.
[0028] The chamber 100 is formed using a customized chamber reamer
(not shown) provided in a corresponding size and shape that is
adapted to form the chamber 100 as described herein. The chamber
reamer may be provided with five or six flukes. The flukes of the
chamber reamer may be straight.
[0029] The body bore 160 is generally cylindrical with open ends.
The body bore 160 comprises a first body bore inside diameter
D.sub.8, a second body bore inside diameter D.sub.7, and a body
bore length L.sub.4 adapted to receive the cartridge 10. The first
body bore inside diameter D.sub.8, which is the diameter of the
body bore 160 at its widest point, is about 0.376", .+-.0.005". The
second body bore inside diameter D.sub.7 is less than or equal to
the first body bore inside diameter D.sub.8. In other words, the
body bore 160 may be cylindrical with ends that are of the same
diameter, or the body bore 160 may be tapered. If the body bore 160
is to be tapered, the second body bore inside diameter D.sub.7 may
be about 0.368", 0.005". The ratio of the first body bore inside
diameter D.sub.8 to the outside diameter D1 of the bullet 200 is
between 1.65 to 1 and 1.70 to 1. In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the ratio is 1.68 to 1.
[0030] The body bore length L.sub.4 is measured from the terminal
end of the body bore 160 on the end opposite the bullet 200 (left
side of the FIGURE) to the intersection of the body bore 160 with
the shoulder bore 150. The body bore length L.sub.4 is sufficient
in length to receive the cartridge 10, which as noted above, has a
cartridge body length L.sub.1 between 0.670 and 0.800". In a first
preferred embodiment of the invention, the chamber 100 is adapted
to receive the PK224 cartridge, and the body bore length L.sub.4 is
adapted to receive the cartridge 10 where the cartridge body length
L.sub.1 is about 0.675", .+-.0.005", the axial length L.sub.2 of
the body 50 and the shoulder 40 is about 0.775", .+-.0.005", and
total length L.sub.3 is about 0.875". In a second preferred
embodiment of the invention, the chamber 100 is adapted to receive
the PK2224 cartridge, and the body bore length L.sub.4 is adapted
to receive the cartridge 10 where the cartridge body length L.sub.1
is about 0.735", .+-.0.005", the axial length L.sub.2 of the body
50 and the shoulder 40 is about 0.835", +0.005", and total length
L.sub.3 is about 0.935", .+-.0.005". In a third preferred
embodiment of the invention, the chamber 100 is adapted to receive
the PK224S cartridge, and the body bore length L.sub.4 is adapted
to receive the cartridge 10 where the cartridge body length L1 is
about 0.795", .+-.0.005", the axial length L.sub.2 of the body 50
and the shoulder 40 is about 0.895", .+-.0.005", and total length
L.sub.3 is about 0.995", .+-.0.005".
[0031] The neck bore 140 is generally cylindrical provided on the
end of the chamber 100 adjacent to the bullet 200 (right side of
the FIGURE). The neck bore 140 has a neck bore inside diameter
D.sub.6 of about 0.261", .+-.0.005".
[0032] The shoulder bore 150 is conical and provided between the
body bore 160 and the neck bore 140. The shoulder bore 150 may be
formed at an angle .alpha. between the body bore 160 and the neck
bore 140 where the angle .alpha. is about 28.degree., .+-.3.degree.
with respect to the axis 110 of the chamber 100. The angle .alpha.
of the shoulder bore 150 is shallower than many prior art chambers.
The shallower angle of the present invention is desirable in that
it promotes proper feeding of the cartridge 10 from the magazine
into the chamber 100 of the firearm and reduces damage to the metal
on the locking lugs of the firearm.
[0033] As noted above, the chamber 100 is adapted for use with the
cartridge 10. Likewise, as described in detail above, the chamber
100 is adapted for use with a variety of handguns and rifles. A
standard 9 mm handgun is capable of firing a bullet at about 1,000
fps. When using a firearm equipped with the chamber 100 and
cartridge 10 of the present invention, the bullet 200 is capable of
reaching a velocity of greater than about 2,500 fps. When using a
rifle equipped with the chamber 100 and cartridge 10 of the present
invention, the bullet 200 is capable of reaching a velocity of
greater than about 3,000 fps.
[0034] The cartridge 10 and chamber 100 of the present invention
may be adapted for use with any handgun. For example, the cartridge
10 is adapted for use with the following handguns: Colt 2000, Ruger
P85, Ruger P95, military Beretta 92, Glock 17, and a 45 caliber
handgun chambered to fire a 223 round. A standard double stack
magazine for a 9 mm handgun accepts the cartridge 10 of the present
invention without modification to the magazine. The cartridge 10
and chamber 100 of the present invention result in a significantly
faster round when compared to the prior art. In other words, it
takes a comparatively short time for the round of the present
invention to advance from the magazine to the barrel upon pulling
the trigger. In using the cartridge 10 and chamber 100 of the
present invention with a 9 mm handgun, there is less recoil, less
muzzle jump, better control, the user is back on target quicker,
and the handgun is generally much faster as compared to a
conventional 9 mm handgun.
[0035] The cartridge 10 and chamber 100 of the present invention
may also be adapted for use with any rifle that accepts a 223
round. For example, the cartridge 10 and chamber 100 of the present
invention have been used with a Colt civilian model AR15 rifle that
was converted to a pump type rifle. The AR15 is LITMAN LAW similar
to a military M16 rifle. A standard AR15 is chambered for the
Remington 223. When used with a rifle, the cartridge 10 and chamber
100 of the present invention are capable of firing a bullet at
about 3,000 fps. Accuracy is also improved by using the cartridge
10 and chamber 100 of the present invention. For example, at 300
feet, the inventor was able to place 7 rounds into a 3/8" shot
pattern.
[0036] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the sole embodiments described above, but encompasses
any and all embodiments within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *