U.S. patent application number 10/795661 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-08 for combustion chamber for a muzzleloading firearm.
Invention is credited to Hengstenberg, Eric.
Application Number | 20050193615 10/795661 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34912496 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050193615 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hengstenberg, Eric |
September 8, 2005 |
Combustion chamber for a muzzleloading firearm
Abstract
An improved muzzleloading firearm provided with a combustion
chamber of a diameter greater than its bore. The larger diameter of
the combustion chamber provides for more efficient burning of the
powder. The improved combustion chamber is used in association with
an improved breech plug and ignition stem which simultaneously
prevents a projectile from entering the combustion chamber, and
ignites the powder in the combustion chamber from the muzzle end of
the powder charge, producing a more efficient burn.
Inventors: |
Hengstenberg, Eric;
(Cincinnati, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brett J. Trout, P.C.
Suite 222
300 S.W. 5th
Des Moines
IA
50309
US
|
Family ID: |
34912496 |
Appl. No.: |
10/795661 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/12 20130101;
F41C 9/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/051 |
International
Class: |
F41C 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An improved muzzleloading firearm comprising: (a) a bore having
an interior of a first diameter; (b) a combustion chamber in fluid
communication with said bore, wherein said combustion chamber is
provided with an interior of a second diameter, wherein said second
diameter is greater than said first diameter; (c) a trigger; and
(d) means coupled to said trigger for providing ignition to said
combustion chamber upon actuation of said trigger.
2. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 1, further
comprising a breech plug operably secured relative to said
combustion chamber.
3. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 2, further
comprising a shaft secured to said breech plug and extending
axially into said combustion chamber.
4. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 3, wherein said
shaft is at least partially hollow.
5. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 1, wherein means are
provided within said combustion chamber for preventing a projectile
from entering said combustion chamber.
6. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 5, wherein said
preventing means is a shaft extending at least partially along a
center axis defined by said combustion chamber.
7. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 1, wherein said
second diameter is at least one percent greater than said first
diameter.
8. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 1, wherein said
combustion chamber is no more than four inches long.
9. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 1, wherein said
second diameter tapers to said first diameter within ______ mm.
10. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 1, wherein said
second diameter tapers to said first diameter at an angle greater
than ______ degrees.
11. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 1, wherein at least
seven inches of said bore is provided with an interior of said
first diameter.
12. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 1, wherein at least
a portion of said bore is rifled.
13. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 12, wherein at
least a portion of said combustion chamber is not rifled.
14. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 1, wherein at least
a portion of said combustion chamber is not rifled.
15. An improved muzzleloading firearm comprising: (a) a bore having
an interior of a first diameter for at least five inches; (b) a
combustion chamber in fluid communication with said bore, said
combustion chamber being improved with an interior of a second
diameter for no more than four inches; (c) a breech face, wherein
said combustion chamber is located between said breech face and
said bore; (d) a trigger; (e) means coupled to said trigger for
providing ignition to said combustion chamber upon actuation of
said trigger; and (f) means provided within said combustion chamber
for preventing a projectile from exiting said bore into said
combustion chamber.
16. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 15, wherein said
breech face is provided on a breech plug.
17. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 16, wherein said
preventing means is a shaft secured to said breech plug.
18. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 15, wherein said
second diameter is at least one percent greater than said first
diameter.
19. An improved muzzleloading firearm comprising: (a) a bore having
an interior of a first diameter; (b) a combustion chamber in fluid
communication with said bore, wherein said combustion chamber is
provided with an interior of a second diameter, wherein said second
diameter is greater than said first diameter; (c) a trigger; (d) a
shaft extending at least partially into said combustion chamber;
and (e) means coupled to said trigger for providing ignition
through said shaft and into said combustion chamber.
20. The improved muzzleloading firearm of claim 19, further
comprising: (a) a propellant provided within said combustion
chamber; and (b) a projectile in contact with said shaft.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates in general to an improved
combustion chamber for muzzleloading firearms and, more
particularly, to a combustion chamber of increased diameter and
means for preventing a projectile from entering the combustion
chamber.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] It is known in the art to provide centerfire rifle
cartridges with short, fat cases. Concentrating the propellant in
this manner produces a more efficient burn and transfers more power
to the bullet. One drawback associated with such systems is that
they ignite the propellant from the breech end of the propellant
charge. By igniting the breech end of the propellant charge, the
gases initially expanding near the breech end must dissipate some
of their power in an effort to move unburned propellant toward the
muzzle. Although it would be more efficient to ignite the
propellant charge from the muzzle end of the charge, present
technology has not provided a mechanism for such an ignition
system.
[0005] While such short, fat propellant charges, namely charges
with a diameter greater than the bullet or projectile are
desirable, it has not heretofore been known to utilize this
efficiency in muzzleloading firearms. Because muzzleloading
firearms do not utilize a case, the bullet or projectile cannot be
"crimped" or otherwise locked against undesired movement into the
larger combustion chamber which holds the propellant. If the bullet
were not so secured, in a muzzleloading situation the bullet may
inadvertently move into the combustion chamber. If the combustion
chamber were of a greater diameter than the bore, the bullet may
become inadvertently wedged against the transition between the
combustion chamber and the bore of the firearm. If the propellant
charge were to ignite and the bullet were to become wedged against
movement down the bore, a potentially hazardous situation could
result in a bulge and destruction of the barrel, or, more
seriously, to a rupture of the barrel, causing serious injury and
possibly death.
[0006] Accordingly, while it would be desirable to provide a
muzzleloading firearm with the efficiencies associated with a
shorter, fatter charge, it has not heretofore been known in the art
to provide a mechanism for utilizing such an efficient charge in
muzzleloading firearms, while avoiding the dangers associated with
potential barrel failure. Additionally, it would be desirable to
provide a mechanism for igniting a propellant charge from the
muzzle end of the charge as opposed to the breech end of the
charge, to obtain added efficiencies associated with not having to
propel unburned propellant toward the muzzle.
[0007] The difficulties encountered in the prior art discussed
hereinabove are substantially eliminated by the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In an advantage provided by this invention, a firearm with
an improved combustion chamber is provided, which is of a low cost
manufacture.
[0009] Advantageously, this invention provides a firearm with an
improved combustion chamber which provides more efficient burning
of a propellant charge.
[0010] Advantageously, this invention provides a firearm with an
improved combustion chamber which provides greater projectile
velocity.
[0011] Advantageously, this invention provides a firearm with an
improved combustion chamber which prevents inadvertent movement of
a projectile into the combustion chamber.
[0012] Advantageously, this invention provides a firearm with an
improved combustion chamber for a muzzleloading firearm which may
be adapted to existing muzzleloading firearm technologies;
[0013] Advantageously, in a preferred example of this invention, an
improved muzzleloading firearm is provided. The firearm is provided
with a barrel having an interior of a first diameter coupled in
fluid communication with a combustion chamber having a second
diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first
diameter. The firearm is also provided with a trigger and an
ignition system which provides ignition to the combustion chamber
upon actuation of the trigger. In the preferred embodiment, the
firearm is provided with an ignition stem which extends into the
combustion chamber to ignite the muzzle end of the powder and
prevent a projectile from entering into the combustion chamber a
sufficient distance to become lodged therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention will now be described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of the improved
firearm of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation in cross-section of the
improved barrel of the firearm of FIG. 1, shown with the breech
plug removed;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation in cross-section of the
improved barrel and combustion chamber of the present invention,
shown with the breech plug inserted, the combustion chamber filled
with powder, and a patched bullet inserted into the bore;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation in cross-section of an
alternative embodiment of the barrel and combustion chamber of the
present invention, shown with a frustoconical combustion chamber
and a cylindrical bullet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] A muzzleloading firearm according to the present invention
is shown generally as (10) in FIG. 1. The firearm includes a stock
(12) coupled to a receiver (14), which houses a trigger assembly
(16). The firearm (10) is also provided with a barrel (20) having
an ignition system (18). The stock (12), receiver and trigger
assembly may be of any type known in the art.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the barrel (20) is provided with a
breech end (22), and a breech plug retainer (24) provided with
threads (26). In fluid communication with the breech plug retainer
(24) is a combustion chamber (28). Although the combustion chamber
(28) may be constructed of any suitable dimensions, in the
preferred embodiment, the combustion chamber (28) is sized to
receive an ignition stem (30) of a breech plug (32) as described
below, and a propellant, such as a charge of black powder (34).
Although the charge may be any suitable propellant known in the
art, in the preferred embodiment the charge is 70 to 150 grains of
black powder (34), or equivalent propellant, more preferably 90 to
130 grains of black powder (34), and most preferably, between 115
and 125 grains of black powder (34). FIG. 3.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the combustion chamber (28) transitions
into the bore (36) of the barrel (20) by means of a step (38).
While the bore (36) is sized with a diameter designed to
accommodate a projectile (44) of a predetermined caliber, the
combustion chamber (28) is preferably sized with a diameter at
least 0.5% larger than the caliber of said projectile, more
preferably at least 1.0% larger than the caliber of said
projectile, and, most preferably at least ______% larger than the
caliber of said projectile. The transition between the combustion
chamber (28) and the bore (36) preferably takes place over a
distance of ______ mm or less and at an angle of ______ degrees or
steeper.
[0022] As shown in the drawings, the bore (36) is provided with
lands (40) and grooves (42) which make up the rifling of the bore
(36), and which stabilize the projectile (44), which may be a
patched lead bullet, a sabot jacketed round or any other projectile
known in the art. The bore (36) may be of any diameter known in the
art, but is preferably greater than 32 caliber, more preferably
greater than 44 caliber, and most preferably of a caliber ranging
between 45 caliber and 54 caliber.
[0023] The length of the combustion chamber (28) is sized to
accommodate the ignition stem (30) and the desired amount of power
(34) for the desired diameter. Preferably, the dimensions are
provided so that the length of the combustion chamber (28) and
ignition stem (30) co-act to prevent the center line of the bullet
(44) from extending rearward past the step (38) into the combustion
chamber (28). If the bullet (44) is provided of a cylindrical
configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 4, the length of the
ignition stem (30) and combustion chamber (28) are sized to prevent
any part of the bullet (44) from extending past the step (38) into
the combustion chamber (28).
[0024] If the combustion chamber (28) is too long in relationship
to the ignition stem (20), the bullet (44) may accidentally be
pushed into the combustion chamber (28) where, upon ignition of the
powder (34), the bullet (44) may become wedged in the combustion
chamber (28), causing a malfunction and possible bulging or even
rupture of the barrel (20). Although the combustion chamber (28) is
preferably cylindrical, it may, as shown in FIG. 4, frustoconical.
Alternatively, the combustion chamber may be of an inverse
frustoconical, or dual frusta conical "hourglass"
configuration.
[0025] When it is desired to utilize the present invention, the
breech plug (32) is inserted into the breech plug retainer (24). As
shown in FIG. 3, the breech plug (32) is provided with a plurality
of threads (46) which fit into mating engagement with the threads
(26) of the breech plug retainer (24). As shown, the breech plug
(32) is provided with a nipple (48). A bore (50), extends from the
nipple (48), through the breech plug (32) and through the ignition
stem (30) to an outlet (52). As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet (52) is
preferably of a diameter smaller than the bore (50) to allow
sufficient ignition of the powder (34), while preventing
backpressure from moving rearwardly through the bore (50). While
the ignition stem (30) may be of any desired dimensions, in the
preferred embodiment, the ignition stem (30) and bore (50) are
cylindrical, having a diameter of ______ mm. The bore (50) is also
preferably cylindrical, having a diameter of ______ mm. The breech
plug (32) and ignition stem (30) are preferably formed into an
integral piece of stainless steel, or other material known in the
art.
[0026] Once the breech plug (32) has been installed, to load the
firearm (10), a predetermined amount of powder (34), 120 grains in
the preferred embodiment, is measured and dropped into the
combustion chamber (28), through the muzzle (58).
[0027] A patch (56) is then placed over the muzzle (58) and the
bullet (44) is placed over the patch (56). The bullet (44) is
thereafter thrust into the bore (36) of the barrel (20) by
utilizing a bullet starter (not shown), or any other method known
in the art. Thereafter, the bullet (44) and patch (56) are forced
through the bore (36) by the ramrod (60) until the patch (56)
sufficiently compacts the powder (34). FIGS. 1-3 The ramrod (60) is
removed and a percussion cap (54) is provided over the nipple (48).
Although a percussion cap (54) is utilized in the preferred
embodiment, a musket cap, 209 shotgun primer or any suitable
ignition means known in the art may be utilized.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when it is desired to fire the
firearm, a hammer (74), such as any type of hammer known in the
art, is cocked, and a trigger (76) of the firearm (10) is actuated
to drop the hammer (74) on the percussion cap (54), thereby
igniting the percussion cap (54) and sending an ignition charge
(78) through the bore (50) and outlet (52) of the breech plug (32)
and ignition stem (30). The ignition charge (78) ignites the powder
(34), which burns back toward the breech plug (32). This ignition
causes the expansion of gasses within the combustion chamber (28),
thereby propelling the bullet (34) down the bore (36) and out the
muzzle (58).
[0029] If an insufficient amount of powder (34) is provided to
prevent the bullet (44) from entering the combustion chamber (28),
the ignition stem (30) contacts the bullet (44), thereby preventing
the bullet (44) from becoming inadvertently lodged in the
combustion chamber (28) during ignition and causing a malfunction.
As shown in FIG. 2, the ignition stem (30) ignites the muzzle end
of the powder (34). Accordingly, as the powder (34) ignites from
the muzzle end of the combustion chamber (28) and burns toward the
breech end of the powder (34), the expanding gases propel little,
if any of the unburned powder (34) through the bore (50). This
results in efficient ignition as the power of the combustion is not
wasted in transporting the powder (34), but is substantially wholly
directed toward transporting the bullet (44) through the bore (50)
and out the muzzle (58) of the firearm (10).
[0030] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown
generally as (62) in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the combustion
chamber (64) is provided of a substantially frustoconical design,
tapering from the breech plug (66) toward the bore (68). As shown
in FIG. 4, a cylindrical bullet (70) may be utilized with an
ignition stem (72) sized to prevent entry of the bullet (70) into
the combustion chamber (64).
[0031] Although the invention has been described with respect to a
preferred embodiment thereof it to be also understood that is not
to be so limited, since changes and modifications can be made
therein which are within the full, intended scope of this invention
as defined by the appended claims. Of course, it should be noted
that the present invention may be utilized in association with any
desired muzzleloading trigger assemblies, hammers, ignition
systems, breech plugs, propellants, bullets and or bores known in
the art.
* * * * *