U.S. patent application number 11/497957 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-29 for enclosure for gun cleaning tools and materials.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAC Technologies Group International, Inc.. Invention is credited to James H. II Buie.
Application Number | 20070068835 11/497957 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37892541 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070068835 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buie; James H. II |
March 29, 2007 |
Enclosure for gun cleaning tools and materials
Abstract
An enclosure for gun cleaning tools, accessories and parts is
formed from a lower box that supports a hinged lid that can be
opened to expose the box interior. A removable storage tray with
separate compartments is disposed at the top, beneath the lid. The
interior of the box has a lower floor upon which a pair of rifle
cradles can be stored. When deployed, the cradles are removably
coupled to receptacles disposed on opposite ends of the floor. Each
cradle has a pair of spaced-apart ears separated by a V-shaped
notch into which a rifle (or other long gun) may be pressed. A
rifle to be serviced is temporarily mounted by the cradles above
the box in a secure, easy-to-reach position. Gun cleaning items may
be accessed conveniently from the removed tray, or from an optional
drawer slidably mounted in a compartment at the box bottom.
Inventors: |
Buie; James H. II; (Little
Rock, AR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen D. Carver
Suite 800
2024 Arkansas Valley Drive
Little Rock
AR
72212-4147
US
|
Assignee: |
DAC Technologies Group
International, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37892541 |
Appl. No.: |
11/497957 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60721391 |
Sep 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/373 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 35/00 20130101;
F41A 23/18 20130101; F41C 27/00 20130101; F41A 29/00 20130101; F41C
33/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/373 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/28 20060101
B65D085/28 |
Claims
1. An enclosure for containing diverse items including gun cleaning
materials and tools, the enclosure comprising: a box having a top,
a pair of spaced apart ends, and an interior; a selectively
deployable lid that can be opened to expose the box interior; a
pair of selectively deployable rifle cradles for holding a long gun
to facilitate servicing, each cradle comprising a notch for
receiving at least part of said gun; a pair of spaced apart
receptacles disposed within the box interior at opposite box ends
for selectively receiving and captivating the cradles; and, wherein
the cradles comprise a generally rectangular base adapted to slide
into a receptacle.
2. The enclosure as defined in claim 1 wherein: each cradle
comprises a cradle top that is integral with the cradle base and
thicker than the cradle base; a ledge is formed between the cradle
base and the cradle top; the receptacles comprise tops; and, the
cradle ledge contacts the receptacle tops when the cradles are
deployed.
3. The enclosure as defined in claim 2 wherein the receptacles
comprise jaws and notches for captivating the cradle bases.
4. The enclosure as defined in claim 3 further comprising a
generally rectangular storage tray removably disposed at the top of
the box within the box interior, the tray comprising a divider
defining a plurality of spaced-apart compartments.
5. The enclosure as defined in claim 3 further comprising a storage
drawer slidably associated with the box for containing diverse gun
cleaning parts, supplies, or materials, and wherein the enclosure
has a drawer volume section in which the drawer slides.
6. The enclosure as defined in claim 5 further comprising a magnet
for urging the drawer to a closed position.
7. The enclosure as defined in claim 3 further comprising cloth
gloves attached to the cradles for preventing marring or scratching
of the long gun being serviced.
8. The enclosure as defined in claim 3 further comprising a
separate cradle storage volume for storing the cradles when the lid
is closed
9. An enclosure for containing diverse items including gun cleaning
materials and tools, the enclosure comprising: a box in the general
form of a parallelepiped, the box having a top, a pair of spaced
apart ends, and an interior; a selectively deployable lid that can
be opened to expose the box interior; a generally rectangular
storage tray removably disposed at the top of the box within the
box interior, the tray comprising a removable divider defining a
plurality of spaced-apart compartments; a pair of selectively
deployable rifle cradles for holding a long gun to facilitate
servicing, each cradle comprising a notch for receiving at least
part of said gun; and, a pair of spaced apart receptacles disposed
within the box interior at opposite box ends for selectively
receiving and captivating the cradles, the receptacles comprising
tops that support the tray.
10. The enclosure as defined in claim 9 wherein the cradles
comprise a top that is integral with the base and thicker than the
base, and wherein a ledge is formed between the cradle base and the
cradle top, the cradle ledge contacting the receptacle tops when
the cradles are deployed.
11. The enclosure as defined in claim 10 wherein the receptacles
comprise jaws and notches for captivating the cradle base.
12. The enclosure as defined in claim 11 further comprising cloth
gloves attached to the cradles for preventing marring or scratching
of the long gun being serviced.
13. The enclosure as defined in claim 11 wherein the enclosure
comprises: a storage drawer slidably associated with the box; a
front; an internal divider wall; a floor; a shelf; and, a drawer
volume section in which the drawer slides, the drawer volume
section defined between the front of the box, the floor, the shelf
and the internal dividing wall.
14. The enclosure as defined in claim 13 further comprising a
separate cradle storage volume for storing the cradles when the lid
is closed, the cradle storage volume defined between the rear of
the box, the floor, and the internal dividing wall.
15. The enclosure as defined in claim 14 including a magnet for
urging the drawer to a closed position.
16. An enclosure for containing diverse items including gun
cleaning materials and tools, the enclosure comprising: a box
having a top, a pair of spaced apart ends, and an interior; a lid
hinged to the box that can be opened to expose the box interior; a
pair of selectively deployable rifle cradles for holding a long gun
to facilitate servicing, each cradle comprising a notch for
receiving at least part of said gun; a pair of spaced apart
receptacles disposed within the box interior at opposite box ends
for selectively receiving and captivating the cradles; wherein the
cradles are adapted to slide into the receptacles and the
receptacles comprise jaws and notches for captivating the cradles;
a storage tray removably disposed at the top of the box upon the
receptacles, the tray comprising a plurality of spaced-apart
compartments; a storage drawer slidably associated with the box;
and, wherein the enclosure has a drawer volume section in which the
drawer slides.
17. The enclosure as defined in claim 16 further comprising a
magnet for urging the drawer to a closed position.
18. The enclosure as defined in claim 16 further comprising cloth
gloves attached to the cradles for preventing marring or scratching
of the long gun being serviced.
19. The enclosure as defined in claim 16 further comprising a
separate cradle storage volume for storing the cradles when the lid
is closed
20. The enclosure as defined in claim 16 wherein the enclosure
comprises: a front and a rear; an internal divider wall; a floor; a
shelf; a storage volume for storing the cradles when the lid is
closed, the cradle storage volume defined between the rear of the
box, the floor, and the internal dividing wall; and, wherein the
drawer volume section is defined between the front of the box, the
floor, the shelf and the internal dividing wall.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of the
filing date of previously filed, co-pending United States
Provisional Patent Application, entitled Enclosure For Gun Cleaning
Tools And Materials, Ser. No. 60/721,391, Filed Sep. 28, 2005, by
inventor James H. Buie II.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] I. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to receptacles or
enclosures for neatly and protectively housing diverse items
including gun-cleaning supplies. More particularly, this invention
relates to a compact enclosure for storing gun cleaning materials
and tools, which can be transformed into a rifle-cleaning
stand.
[0004] II. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] It has long been recognized by those skilled in the art that
periodic firearm cleaning and maintence is vital. As firearms are
used, various substances such as gunpowder residue, copper, and
lead accumulate within the gun, particularly on the barrel
interior. Shooting accuracy is encouraged by regular, proper
cleaning of the gun barrel. Periodic cleaning not only insures
reliable action, but also preserves the aesthetic appearance of the
firearm. Frequent cleaning is thus recognized as a desirable
attribute.
[0006] A typical firearm cleaning kit usually has an elongated
cleaning rod, one or more brushes that are rammed through the
barrel, one or more pre-cut patches, various jag attachments that
drag the patches through the barrel, and a supply of a cleaning
solvent that is spread over metal surfaces by the cloth patches.
Cleaning solvents loosen residue, help remove deposits, and speed
up cleaning. Treated patches and brushes can be drawn through the
bore to vigorously spread the solvent upon the exposed, internal
rifling. The various cleaning parts in the kit must fit the size of
the barrel to be cleaned. Since there are so many different
calibers of firearms, a relatively large number of cleaning parts
must be inventoried to be able to clean many different types of
guns. Where a gun owner, for example, already has a cleaning kit
for one or more typical firearms, the parts and tools included
therewith are likely to be adequate for proper cleaning of that
gun, but most cleaning kits lack enough parts to properly clean
less common guns. For example, 17 and 20 caliber varmint rifles are
increasing in popularity relatively recently, but older gun
cleaning kits typically lack parts for these bores. While it is
popular to force 22 caliber brushes through such guns when
attempting to clean them, a better approach is to use the properly
sized parts.
[0007] As a result of the foregoing, a typical gun owner may
acquire a relatively large number of differently sized cleaning
tools, garnered from one or more or several older cleaning kits
that he or she may have accumulated and used over the years. Except
for my recent gun cleaning kit, there have been few if any truly
"universal" cleaning kits that can handle rifles, muzzle-loaders,
pistols or shotguns, especially where calibers such as 17 and 20
are concerned.
[0008] Recently I have proposed a universal gun cleaning kit that
can handle the foregoing. The kit is the subject of U. S. Pat. No.
7,020,994, issued Apr. 4, 2006, and entitled "Gun Cleaning Kit,"
which is owned by the same assignee as in this case.
[0009] It is important that an appropriate protective case be used
to store firearm tools and cleaning equipment. It is also important
that the case be transformable to function as a cleaning rest or
support, easing the job of working on large rifles or shotguns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This invention provides a case for safely storing
firearm-cleaning parts, tools and accessories. It stores a variety
of components and doubles as a rifle support.
[0011] An enclosure is formed from a lower box that supports a
hinged lid that can be opened to expose the box interior. A
removable storage tray with several separate compartments is
normally disposed at the top of the box, beneath the lid. The
interior of the box has a lower interior region housing a slidable
tray that stored various tools and parts. Preferably a pair of
rifle cradles are stored within the interior adjacent the tray.
[0012] When deployed, the cradles are removably coupled to cradle
receptacles formed on opposite ends of the floor. Each cradle has a
pair of spaced-apart ears separated by a generally V-shaped notch
into which a rifle (or other long gun) may be pressed. One cradle
is configured to receive the barrel of the long gun being serviced,
and the companion cradle is configured to receive the stock. A
rifle or other long gun to be cleaned, for example, is temporarily
mounted by the cradles above the box in a secure, easy-to-reach
orientation. Gun cleaning tools or parts or supplies may be
accessed conveniently from the removed tray, or from the slidable
drawer mounted in the bottom of the box.
[0013] Thus a basic object is to provide a safe and reliable
container for storing firearm tools, cleaning accessories, and the
like.
[0014] A related object is to provide a storage receptacle of the
character described that doubles as a support for long-gun
maintenance.
[0015] Another important object is to provide a cleaning kit that
is universal.
[0016] A basic object is to simplify the process of firearm
cleaning.
[0017] A still further object is to provide a storage receptacle
for gun cleaning parts.
[0018] Another object is to provide a configurable and
transformable storage receptacle that is ideal for gun maintenance
and cleaning.
[0019] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will
appear or become apparent in the course of the following
descriptive sections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] In the following drawings, which form a part of the
specification and which are to be construed in conjunction
therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed
throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various
views:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a frontal isometric view of the preferred
enclosure, illustrating it closed;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view thereof;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a left end elevational view thereof, taken from a
position generally to the left of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an isometric view illustrating enclosure with the
hinged top opened, showing the upper accessory tray, with portions
broken away for brevity;
[0025] FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the enclosure with
the optional, slidable drawer removed, and with portions thereof
broken away for clarity;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, isometric view of the opened
enclosure with the tray removed, showing portions of the drawer and
stored and deployed cradles, with portions thereof broken away for
clarity;
[0027] FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of the preferred
tray;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of the preferred tray
divider;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a partially exploded isometric view illustrating
cradle deployment;
[0030] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the enclosure showing both
cradles deployed, with portions thereof broken away for
clarity;
[0031] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the enclosure showing a
rifle supported between deployed cradles, with the opened drawer
containing a gun cleaning kit;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a partially exploded, isometric and diagrammatic
view showing the preferred gun cradle construction;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded, isometric and diagrammatic
view similar to FIG. 12 that shows an alternative gun cradle
construction;
[0034] FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view taken
generally along line 14-14 in FIG. 6; and,
[0035] FIG. 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view taken
generally along line 15-15 in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] With initial reference directed now to FIGS. 1-5 of the
drawings, my new enclosure for gun cleaning materials and tools has
been generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The
enclosure 10 comprises a lower box 12 that supports a deployable
lid 14, both of which are preferably made of wood. Box 12 is
generally in the form of a parallelepiped, and it forms a
convenient container for holding and securing miscellaneous items
as will hereinafter be described. Lid 14 disposed at the top 11 of
the box 12 can be opened to expose the box interior 15 (FIG. 5).
Box 12 has a front 9 (FIG. 5), a pair of opposite ends 8 (FIGS. 5,
6), and a rear 7 (FIG. 14).
[0037] The flat, generally rectangular lid 14 includes a foldable
handle 16 that nests within an upper recess 18 defined between lid
end panels 19. The front of the lid 14 is selectively secured by a
conventional clasp 20, and the lid rear is operatively attached to
box 12 by a pair of conventional, spaced apart hinges 22. The flat,
recessed underside 17 (FIG. 10) of lid 14 defined between lid ends
21 and lid sides 23 is preferably covered by decorative, felt liner
13 (FIG. 4).
[0038] As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the best mode there is a
generally rectangular storage tray 24 removably disposed at the top
of box 12 within the box interior. Tray 24 fits neatly beneath lid
14 when the lid is in the closed position seen, for example, in
FIGS. 1 or 3. Tray 24 lifts upwardly out of the box, as discerned
from FIG. 5. The elongated handle 25 extending between tray ends 32
may be conveniently grasped for lifting. With additional reference
directed to FIGS. 7 and 8, tray 24 has a generally rectangular
bottom 26 beneath handle 25 that seats a removable divider 27. The
divider 27 forms a plurality of regularly arranged and spaced-apart
storage compartments 28 (FIG. 5) between its partitions 29, 30,
tray sidewalls 31, and tray ends 32. In assembly, the divider major
partition 29 runs the length of the tray, and mounts spaced-apart
minor partitions 30. The slots 33 in partitions 30 mate with the
slots 34 in partition 29 during assembly. Numerous gun-cleaning
parts can be stored in the numerous spaced-apart compartments
28.
[0039] Referencing FIGS. 6, 14, and 15, rifle cradles 46, 48 can be
stored on floor 45 rearwardly of vertical divider wall 50 within a
small storage volume 49 (FIG. 14). Cradles 46 and 48 can be
deployed to support a variety of long guns, such as rifle 52 (FIG.
11). To facilitate firearm servicing, involving such tasks as
cleaning, repairs, or maintenance, the gun is simply pressed into
the cradles where it is securely held above the box for easy
access. There are a pair of cradle receptacles 51 disposed within
box 12 at opposite internal ends. The interior 15 of box 12 has a
lower floor 45 over which each cradle receptacle 51 is secured. In
the best mode the cradle receptacles 51 are spaced above the wall
50. As best seen in FIG. 15, each cradle receptacle 51 has a
generally C-shaped configuration. There is a flat receptive storage
volume 56 defined between the center-facing jaws 54 and cradle
surface 57. The top surface 60 of the receptacles 51 support the
underside of the removable storage tray 24. There are captivating
notches 53 (FIG. 15) formed between the ends of the receptacle jaws
54 and the surface 57.
[0040] With primary reference now directed to FIGS. 12 and 13, each
cradle 46, 48 preferably comprises a generally rectangular base 62
that is integral with a thicker top 64. The cradle base 62 slidably
fits into the receptacle 51, being constrained by receptacle jaws
54 and being captivated by notches 53, while abutting surface 57
(FIG. 12). The ledge 59 (i.e., FIGS. 12, 13) formed at the junction
of base 62 and cradle top 64 abuts the receptacle top surface 60
(FIG. 15) when the cradles 46 or 48 are installed (i.e., FIGS. 9,
10). The different cradles 46, 48 can be installed in the positions
illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, or they can be reversed as
desired.
[0041] Each cradle top 64 has a suitable notch for receiving part
of a long gun for cleaning. For example, the top 64 of cradle 46
(FIG. 12) has a generally V-shaped notch 65 between a pair of
spaced-apart ears 66 which is adapted to receive a portion of a
long gun, such as the stock of a rifle. The notch 68 defined in the
top of cradle 48 (FIG. 9) is shaped differently. Notch 68 has a
pair of gentle slopes 67 that create a supporting surface for a
relatively large firearm structure, such as the barrel of a double
barrel shotgun. Slopes 67 begin at ears 63 and slope downwardly,
converging at the center of notch 68 in a reduced width slot 69
that is configured to constrain a narrow structure, such as the
barrel of a .410 shotgun.
[0042] Preferably each cradle is covered with a smooth, protective
covering made of felt or similar cloth. For example, a cloth glove
61 (FIG. 12) is normally affixed atop cradle 46 by being drawn down
over it. An alternative glove 55 (FIG. 13) may be formed from a
pair of molded shells 55A that are glued over the cradle top. The
gloves protect against marring or scratching of the firearm.
Further, their mass aids in forming a wedging action that helps
retain the gun with the cradles during service.
[0043] A rifle to be serviced is illustrated in FIG. 11. First, the
cradles 46, 48 are deployed by inserting the cradle bases within
the cradle receptacles 51. The firearm is supported and received
within the cradle notches 65 or 68. Surfaces of the firearm remain
unmarred because of the protection afforded by the gloves 55 and 61
discussed earlier.
[0044] A compact drawer 70 is preferably associated with the box 12
to store various additional gun cleaning parts, supplies, or
materials. The flat, slidable drawer 70 (FIGS. 5, 6, 11) fits
within a suitable, generally cubicle volume section 71 of the
enclosure's interior volume (FIG. 5) defined within the lower
recesses of box 12. Drawer 70 has a knob 72 in its front panel 73,
which is spaced apart from parallel rear panel 76 (FIG. 5) by ends
74. As illustrated in FIG. 11, a gun cleaning kit 80 is disposed
within drawer 70 on surface 75 (FIG. 5). Kit 80 is the subject of
U.S. Pat. No. 7,020,994, issued Apr. 4, 2006, and entitled "Gun
Cleaning Kit," which, for purposes of disclosure, is hereby
incorporated by reference. A variety of gun cleaning accessories
and tools are included in the kit. However, various tools and
supplies can be stored within different parts of the enclosure
where desired.
[0045] Referring primarily to FIG. 14, the drawer volume 71 is
formed between floor 45 and shelf 83 at the front of inner wall 50
(FIG. 14). As mentioned earlier, the separate, adjacent storage
volume 49 can store a variety of items as well, but it is primarily
intended for storing the cradles 46, 48 (i.e., FIG. 6). Volume 49
is defined between floor 45, wall 50 and enclosure rear 7 behind
the drawer volume 71. Preferably there is a magnet 89 attached at
the rear of the tray rear panel 76 (FIG. 14). A cooperating metal
insert 88 is attached to inner wall 50 facing the rear of drawer
70. When the drawer is closed, i.e., it is pushed fully into the
drawer volume 71, magnet 89 urges the drawer 70 towards stationary
wall 50, to secure the drawer. At this time drawer front 73 is
flush with the front outer surface of the enclosure 10, as
illustrated, for example, in FIG. 6.
[0046] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set
forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the
structure.
[0047] It will be understood that certain features and
subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without
reference to other features and subcombinations.
[0048] As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood
that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying
drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense.
* * * * *