U.S. patent application number 10/645284 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-17 for projectile retrieval system.
Invention is credited to Bateman, Kyle, Parks, Jimmy A..
Application Number | 20050034594 10/645284 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34138374 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050034594 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parks, Jimmy A. ; et
al. |
February 17, 2005 |
Projectile retrieval system
Abstract
A projectile retrieval system includes a screw drive for moving
bullets and bullet fragments to move bullets from a bullet
deceleration area to a remote location without the need for a
person to handle the bullets. Preferably, the screw drive is
configured so that there is no need to stop use of the bullet
deceleration area while the screw drive is transporting the
bullets. In a preferred embodiment, a vacuum system is also
connected to a transport housing about the screw drive to move lead
dust away from the bullet deceleration area.
Inventors: |
Parks, Jimmy A.; (Lehi,
UT) ; Bateman, Kyle; (Provo, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Randall B. Bateman, P.C.
10 West 100 South, Suite 425
P. O. Box 1319
Salt Lake City
UT
84110
US
|
Family ID: |
34138374 |
Appl. No.: |
10/645284 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60411190 |
Sep 17, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/1.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
089/001.11 |
International
Class: |
F41F 005/00 |
Claims
1. A projectile retrieval system comprising: at least one
projectile deceleration area for decelerating projectiles; a
transport mechanism disposed in communication with the projectile
deceleration area, the transport mechanism having an elongate screw
configured for carrying projectiles from the deceleration area to a
remote location.
2. The projectile retrieval system of claim 1, further comprising a
container disposed in communication with the transport mechanism
for receiving projectiles from the transport mechanism.
3. The projectile retrieval system of claim 1, further comprising a
motor for rotating the elongate screw.
4. The projectile retrieval system of claim 1, further comprising a
manual crank for rotating the elongate screw.
5. The projectile retrieval system of claim 1, wherein the elongate
screw has a central axis and at least one fin extending helically
about the central axis in a first direction.
6. The projectile retrieval system of claim 5, further comprising
at least one fin extending helically about the central axis in a
second direction.
7. The projectile retrieval system of claim 1, further comprising
at least one valve disposed between the deceleration area and the
transport mechanism.
8. The projectile retrieval system of claim 7, wherein the at least
one valve includes a valve having a first, closed position and a
second, open position, and wherein the retrieval system further
comprises a valve actuator for selectively moving the valve from
the first, closed position to the second, open position.
9. The projectile retrieval system of claim 8, wherein the valve
actuator is disposed in communication with a remote control input
for selectively causing the valve actuator to move the valve
between the first, closed position, and the second, open
position.
10. The projectile retrieval system of claim 8, wherein the valve
actuator is disposed in communication with an automatic detection
sensor that senses the presence or absence of projectiles in the
deceleration area and that causes the valve actuator to move the
valve between the first, closed position, and the second, open
position.
11. The projectile retrieval system of claim 1, further comprising
a vacuum system for generating negative air pressure in the
transport mechanism independent of the elongate screw.
12. The projectile retrieval system of claim 1, wherein the
transport mechanism comprises a housing which is substantially
airtight independent of connection to the bullet deceleration
area.
13. A projectile retrieval system comprising: a plurality of bullet
deceleration areas disposed in a generally linear array; a
transport housing disposed in communication with the plurality of
bullet deceleration areas for receiving bullets therefrom; and a
screw drive disposed in the transport housing for moving bullets
through the housing.
14. The projectile retrieval system of claim 13, wherein the
transport housing is substantially airtight other than its
communication with the bullet deceleration area.
15. The projectile retrieval system of claim 13, further comprising
at least one control member disposed between one of the bullet
deceleration areas and the transport housing for selectively
preventing bullets from entering the transport housing.
16. The projectile retrieval system of claim 15, further comprising
a remote control for selectively opening the at least one control
member.
17. The projectile retrieval system of claim 14, further comprising
a vacuum system disposed in communication with the transport
housing for selectively moving lead dust through the transport
housing.
18. A method for retrieval of projectiles from a bullet containment
area, the method comprising; a) passing a bullet from a bullet
deceleration area into a transport housing; b) rotating an elongate
screw to move the bullet from adjacent the bullet deceleration area
to a remote location; and c) depositing the bullet in a
container.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the method comprises
selectively holding the bullet in the deceleration area.
20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the method comprises
developing a negative pressure in the transport housing to move
lead dust through the transport housing independent of the elongate
screw.
21. The method according to claim 18, wherein the method comprises
selectively applying a negative pressure to a bullet deceleration
area to draw lead dust out of the bullet deceleration area.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The Present Application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/411,190, filed Sep. 17,
2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a system for retrieval of
projectiles fired into a bullet stop and containment chamber. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a system which
removes bullets and bullet fragments from a series of containment
chambers or an elongate chamber more conveniently and with less
environmental exposure to the lead of the bullets.
[0004] 2. State of the Art
[0005] In order to maintain their proficiency with various types of
firearms, law enforcement officers and others routinely engage in
target practice. For many years, target practice was conducted in
environments in which there was little concern for recovering the
bullets. Firing ranges commonly used a large mound of earth to
decelerate the bullet after it had passed through the target. Such
a system was generally safe, in that the dirt was effective in
stopping the bullet and preventing injuries. (While the most common
projectile at a firing range is a bullet, other projectiles, such
as shot, can also be present. Thus, as used herein, projectiles
includes bullets and vice versa.)
[0006] More recently, considerable concern has been raised about
the lead contained in the bullet. Though the bullet fired in to the
mound of dirt was safely contained from the point of being a moving
projectile with a significant amount of inertial momentum, the lead
in the bullet was free to escape into the environment. For example,
when a mound containing a number of bullets became wet, lead could
leach into surrounding soil and even the groundwater. When a range
was used frequently, a considerable amount of lead could be
released into the environment, thereby potentially injuring
wildlife and contaminating groundwater supplies.
[0007] Partially due to these concerns, firing ranges increasingly
turned to the use of bullet containment chambers to capture fired
bullets and fragments thereof. The bullets may be recycled or
otherwise disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
Bullet containment chambers typically include an opening through
which the bullet enters, a deceleration mechanism for slowing the
bullet to a stop, and a container mechanism for holding the bullet
until it is retrieved from the containment chamber.
[0008] One early bullet containment chamber is shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 684,581 to Reichlin. The chamber had an opening over which a
target was placed. The chamber sloped downwardly and inwardly to
provide a rounded deceleration path. A container area was also
provided at the bottom of the unit to collect bullets.
[0009] An alternate design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,013,133 to
Caswell. Rather than directing the bullet in a vertically circular
path, the bullet stop of Caswell had the bullet travel initially in
a generally horizontal circle as it decelerated. As the bullet
slowed, it would drop to the bottom of the deceleration chamber
where it could be retrieved.
[0010] Still another configuration of a bullet containment system
is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,28,109 to Simonetti. The system uses a
granular impact material to decelerate the projectile. The impact
material is cycled to provide ongoing inflow of impact material,
and the bullets can be removed and recycled, etc.
[0011] Yet another configuration for containing bullets is shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,924 to Copius. Similar to the traditional mound
method, the patent teaches the use of a mound of sand to decelerate
the projectiles. A drainage system is disposed under the sand to
collect and process water which has come into contact with lead
bullets and fragments contained within the same.
[0012] Still yet another bullet containment system is contained in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,718 to Bateman. The containment system utilizes
angled impact plates to decelerate bullets. Once the bullets had
slowed sufficiently, they would fall into a canister mounted below
the containment chamber.
[0013] Recognizing the environmental concerns raised by the lead
dust which is created as the bullet is slowed to a stop, Bateman
utilized a negative air system to draw air containing lead dust out
of the containment chamber. The air could then be filtered to
remove the lead dust prior to release into the atmosphere. The
Bateman configuration is highly advantageous over most of the prior
art configurations because lead dust is significantly reduced
without the use of water or other carrying mediums. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate that once water becomes contaminated
with lead dust, disposal of the water can cause significant
challenges--both environmentally and financially.
[0014] One drawback which most of the prior configurations have had
is that someone must retrieve the bullets from the containment
chamber. This can be particularly time consuming on a large range
which may have over two hundred canisters for collecting bullets.
Even if the person removing the bullets works quickly, it could
take a couple of hours or more to empty each bullet containing
canister. Additionally, even a small canister filled with lead can
be relatively heavy.
[0015] Of even greater concern, however, is the careful handling
which must be used by those collecting the bullets. In order to
remove the bullets, the person retrieving the bullets must first
put on a hazardous materials suit to protect the person from the
lead dust associated with the bullets. The suit may be cumbersome
and uncomfortable and may be extremely hot. Additionally, if
collection is occurring while the range is in use, the range must
be configured so that the person retrieving the bullets cannot be
hit by ricochets, etc. Also, each impact of the bullet generates
lead dust which can be released into the atmosphere. Thus, with
many configurations it is unwise to attempt to retrieve bullets
while the particular containment chamber is being used.
[0016] One presently available system which resolves many of these
concerns is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,980 to Sovine et al.
The patent discloses a pneumatic bullet retrieval system which is
constructed to minimize the release of lead dust while transporting
the bullets to a central location.
[0017] While use of a pneumatic system is highly desirable, there
are times when the volume of projectiles or other concerns makes
using a purely pneumatic system difficult.
[0018] Others have used conveyers to transport bullets from
individual bullet deceleration areas to a common collection point.
Such systems, however, are disadvantageous for several reasons.
First, as the conveyer belt rotates, and dumps the collected
bullets, some bullet fragments will cling to the belt for a short
distance. If the underside of the belt is not enclosed, the lead
fragments and dust will fall to the ground and pollute the area
behind the trap. If the belt is enclosed, the enclosure must be
periodically opened to clean out the lead buildup. Due to the
construction of most bullet traps, this requires the range to be
shut down during cleaning.
[0019] Thus, there is a need for an improved method for
mechanically moving bullets and fragments from bullet deceleration
areas to a central collection location. Such a system should be
easy to use and should minimize contact between the lead bullets
and those charged with retrieval. Additionally, the system should
save time and decrease costs associated with bullet retrieval.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] It is an object of the present invention to provide a bullet
retrieval system which has one or more advantages over the prior
art.
[0021] The above and other objects of the invention are realized in
specific illustrated embodiments of a bullet retrieval system
including an elongate screw drive which is disposed in
communication with one or more bullet deceleration areas to receive
and transport bullets to a remote location. As the invention
includes several different embodiments, it will be appreciated that
each will have its own advantages and disadvantages with respect to
each other and the prior art. Thus, the description contained
herein is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope
of the appended claims.
[0022] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a plurality
of control members which are placed in communication with a
plurality of bullet containment chambers. The control members are
further disposed in communication with each other via a bullet
transport mechanism which carries the bullets from the control
members to a central processing location.
[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
elongate screw conveyer which moves the bullet is enclosed so as to
prevent lead fragments and lead dust from contaminating the area
behind the bullet deceleration area.
[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a vacuum
system is disposed in communication with the enclosure surrounding
the elongate screw conveyer so as to draw lead dust out of the
enclosure.
[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
vacuum is sufficiently strong to create a slight negative pressure
within the bullet deceleration area, to draw lead dust through the
bullet deceleration area and into the screw conveyer. The lead dust
is, in turn, drawn out of the screw conveyer and removed by a HEPA
filter or the like. Additionally, the negative pressure can be used
to ensure that lead dust does not escape through any openings in
the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will become apparent from a consideration of the
following detailed description presented in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a bullet stop
and containment chamber in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a bullet retrieval system
made in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of yet another embodiment of a
bullet retrieval system formed in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0030] FIG. 4 Shows a schematic view of still another embodiment of
a bullet retrieval system formed in accordance with the present
invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the
various elements of the present invention will be given numeral
designations and in which the invention will be discussed so as to
enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is
to be understood that the following description is only exemplary
of the principles of the present invention, and should not be
viewed as narrowing the pending claims. Furthermore, it should be
appreciated that the components of the individual embodiments
discussed may be selectively combined in accordance with the
teachings of the present disclosure.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a side cross-sectional
view of a bullet stop and containment chamber, generally indicated
at 10, in accordance with the principles of the prior art. The
bullet stop and containment chamber 10, includes a channel 12 which
is configured for directing projectiles into a deceleration area
formed by a chamber 16. The channel 12 is formed by an upper plate
20 and a lower plate 22 which are typically placed at complementary
acute angles to the generally horizontal plane of travel of a
projectile to direct the projectile into an opening 26 into the
chamber 16. (Of course, other plate configurations could be
used.)
[0033] After passing through the opening 26, the projectile impacts
a plurality of impact plates, such as impact plate 34, impact plate
34" and impact plate 36. The impact plates 34, 34" and 36
decelerate the projectile and lead to an egress 44 from the chamber
16. A check plate 46 is also provided to ensure that a projectile
does not leave the bullet containment chamber with a significant
amount of inertial momentum.
[0034] Disposed below the bullet containment chamber 16 is an
outlet 82 which leads into a housing 86 which forms a transport
tube for collecting projectiles which have been fired into the
bullet stop and containment chamber 10. Preferably, the housing 86
is configured so that it is substantially air tight, other then the
opening at the outlet 82 and an outlet to the housing. In such a
manner, the spilling of lead dust behind the bullet stop and
containment chamber 10 is virtually eliminated.
[0035] Disposed in the housing 86 is an elongate screw 90 which
forms a worm drive or screw conveyer for moving bullets and bullet
fragments to one end of the housing. The bullets and fragments can
then be collected in a container (not shown in FIG. 1) and
recycled.
[0036] One significant advantage of the configuration shown in FIG.
1, is that it does not require an individual to empty a receptacle
below the bullet stop. Not only does this reduce the risk of
exposure to lead dust, it also allows the bullet stop and
containment chamber to be used for target practice while the
bullets and bullet fragments are being removed. Thus, a bullet trap
can be used at full capacity over a prolonged period of time, with
the bullets being cleaned from the trap as needed without any
decrease in use.
[0037] The elongate screw 90 which forms the worm drive or screw
conveyer is preferably suspended by a mating flange and support 94
which wraps about the axis 98 of the elongate screw. The helical
flange 92 which wraps about the screw's axis continually moves the
lead downstream as long as the screw is rotating.
[0038] While the housing 86 can be open, it is preferred that the
housing be enclosed so that the only entry into the housing is
through the openings 82, and the only exit is at the end of the
housing. In this manner, any lead dust in the housing will not leak
out and contaminate the area behind the bullet stop and containment
chamber 10.
[0039] To keep the housing 86 substantially air tight (other than
the openings 82, the housing includes a flange 102 which is
attachable to a complementary flange 106 attached to the openings
82. Preferably, this attachment is made by screws or other
removable fasteners, so that the interior of the housing 86 can be
accessed if needed.
[0040] As the projectile decelerates, it falls through the opening
into the housing 86. Periodically, the elongate screw 90 is turned,
thereby causing any bullets and bullet fragments to be pushed to
one end of the housing, where they can be disposed of properly. The
frequency at which the screw is turned will depend on the volume of
fire the bullet stop and containment chamber 10 is taking, and the
number of such chambers which are disposed in communication with
the housing.
[0041] Thus, for example, if thirty bullet stop and containment
chambers were disposed in communication with the housing and all
were being used for a training seminar, the screw conveyor may
operate substantially continuously for a period of time. If, in
contrast, only a few bullet stop and containment chambers were
being used, the screw conveyer may only be actuated every ten or
fifteen minutes.
[0042] While belt conveyers have been tried for moving bullets from
bullet traps, they raise a host of problems. Bullet fragments can
stick to the belt and either fall to the ground or fall into a
containment structure causing build-up. The elongate screw 90, in
contrast, keeps the bullets and bullet fragments moving toward the
end of the housing 86. While a small amount of lead may collect on
the walls of the housing, the screw continually moves along the
walls and prevents any build-up from becoming too large. Thus, it
is preferred that the screw be formed of steel or some other hard
material which will scrape any lead build-up off the housing 86.
Because lead dust will have little ability to build up, it is
believed that the screw conveyer will be substantially more
reliable than the belt conveyers that have been used in the
past.
[0043] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the screw
drive may be formed from an integral unit, or may be formed in
segments, which have some sort of coupling between them. Likewise,
the housing 86 can be substantially one piece, or can be formed in
segments.
[0044] While the screw drive 90 is shown in FIG. 1 has being in the
housing, those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the
screw drive can be disposed inside the bullet stop and containment
chamber. Typically, in such a configuration, the screw drive would
be disposed behind some sort of a deflecting plate or otherwise
positioned to minimize the amount of wear caused by bullet
impacts.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown an alternate
embodiment of the invention. A plurality of bullet stop and
containment chambers 110 are disposed in an array. Each bullet stop
and containment chamber has an outlet 112 which leads into a
control member 116. The control member 116, in turn, leads into a
transport housing 120, which utilizes a screw conveyer 124 driven
by a motor 130 to move bullets and bullet fragments to a remote
container 128. Additionally, a manual crank arm 131 can also be
used for rotating the elongate screw. The manual crank arm 131 can
be used to clean the trap in the event the motor 130 fails. In
smaller bullet stops, the manual crank arm 131 could be used as the
sole source of power for the screw conveyer 124.
[0046] The control members 116 are preferably in communication with
a remote control 132 which allows a range operator to open one or
more of the control members 116 at a time. By allowing the
selective opening of the control members 116, a range operator is
able to select when bullets are passed into the transport housing
120. This prevents a large number of bullets and/or bullet
fragments from gathering at one end of the housing. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate that if a very long transport housing
was used to transport bullets from a large number of bullet stop
and containment chambers, a large number of bullets could be
present near the end of the screw drive. By controlling release of
the bullets, any potential for overload could be averted.
Additionally, the remote control 132 can be used to control the
motor 130, to thereby control movement of the screw conveyer
124.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown an alternate
embodiment of a bullet retrieval system, generally indicated at
140, made in accordance with the principles of the present
invention. The bullet retrieval system 140 includes substantially
all of the components of the system in FIG. 2 and is numbered
accordingly. It should be appreciated, however, that while this is
one preferred embodiment, various components may be omitted without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0048] The bullet retrieval system of FIG. 3 is different from that
of FIG. 2 in that it also includes a vacuum system, generally
indicated at 150. The vacuum system 150 preferably includes a tube
154 which is disposed in communication with the housing 124, and a
vacuum 158 for creating negative air pressure in the tube. The
vacuum also includes a filter 162, preferably a HEPA filter. When
the vacuum 158 is on, a negative air pressure is developed in the
tube 154 and in the housing 124 to which it is connected. This
negative air pressure draws air from the openings 112 in the bullet
stop and containment chambers 110, through the housing 124 and into
the vacuum system where the air can be cleaned via the HEPA filter
162 prior to discharge. The airflow also will carry lead dust from
out of the bullet stop and containment chambers 110 and the housing
124, thereby minimizing the risk that the lead dust will flow out
of the trap and come into contact with users or range
personnel.
[0049] The amount of negative air pressure which will be developed
in each of the bullet stop and containment chambers 110 depends
both on the amount of suction produced, and the number and size of
openings into bullet containment chambers. Thus, greater suction
can be generated in each of the bullet stop and containment
chambers by selectively opening and closing the control members
116.
[0050] Now turning to FIG. 4, there is shown a retrieval system
which is similar in many respects to that shown in FIG. 2. Instead
of the screw 124 being formed with a helical flange(s) extending in
one direction, a pair of flanges 126a and 126b are disposed in
opposite directions on opposing ends of the screw 124. When the
screw is rotated, the flanges channel the bullets to a central
collection location 128 along the housing. Likewise, the flanges
could be disposed in the opposite configuration to channel the
bullets into two collection containers at opposing ends of the
bullet trap.
[0051] The present invention is advantageous in that it
substantially reduces the risk of exposure of large amounts of lead
dust, while not requiring sufficient suction to move bullets and
bullet fragments. Additionally, the number of times that range
personnel are likely to be exposed to lead dust is substantially
reduced.
[0052] Thus there is disclosed an improved bullet retrieval system
which decreases environmental exposure to lead, increases the
efficiency of bullet recovery, and which does not interfere with
use of the range during bullet retrieval. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate numerous modifications which can be made without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The
appended claims are intended to cover such modifications.
* * * * *