U.S. patent application number 13/570443 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-21 for shotgun tracer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wendell Diller. The applicant listed for this patent is Wendell Diller. Invention is credited to Wendell Diller.
Application Number | 20130042783 13/570443 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47711709 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130042783 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Diller; Wendell |
February 21, 2013 |
Shotgun Tracer
Abstract
A shotgun shell tracer which includes a base wall, an obturator
extending from the base wall, an edge wall extending from the base
wall opposite to the obturator, where the edge wall defines an
internal space, and where a ballast chamber support is engaged to
the base wall extending from the base wall within the internal
space. The tracer also includes a tracer insert encircling a least
a portion of the ballast chamber support within said internal space
to form a plurality of sections. The edge wall may include one or
more slits to form petals to improve the flight accuracy for the
tracer following discharge from a shotgun shell.
Inventors: |
Diller; Wendell; (Oakdale,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Diller; Wendell |
Oakdale |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Diller; Wendell
Oakdale
MN
|
Family ID: |
47711709 |
Appl. No.: |
13/570443 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61524023 |
Aug 16, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
102/513 ;
86/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 10/14 20130101;
F42B 12/38 20130101; F42B 7/08 20130101; F42B 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
102/513 ;
86/54 |
International
Class: |
F42B 12/38 20060101
F42B012/38 |
Claims
1. A shotgun shell tracer comprising: a. at least one base wall, at
least one obturator extending from said base wall, at least one
edge wall extending from said at least one base wall opposite to
said obturator, said at least one edge wall defining an internal
space; and b. at least one ballast chamber support engaged to said
at least one base wall wherein said at least one ballast chamber
support extends from said at least one base wall within said
internal space.
2. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 1 further comprising
at least one tracer insert constructed and arranged to encircle a
least a portion of said at least one ballast chamber support within
said internal space.
3. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 2, said at least one
ballast chamber support comprising at least two divider
sections.
4. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 3, said at least one
edge wall comprising at least one slit.
5. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 4, said at least one
slit being constructed and arranged to form at least one petal.
6. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 5 wherein said at
least one tracer insert is engaged to a least a portion of said at
least one ballast chamber support within said internal space.
7. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 5 wherein said at
least one base wall, said at least one obturator and said at least
one edge wall are integral to each other.
8. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 7 wherein said at
least one ballast chamber support is integral to said at least one
base wall, said at least one obturator, and said at least one edge
wall.
9. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 5 wherein said at
least one tracer insert is spatially separated from said at least
one ballast chamber support.
10. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 5 wherein said at
least two divider sections are constructed and arranged to receive
a plurality of projectiles.
11. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 5 further
comprising a plurality of slits.
12. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 11 further
comprising a plurality of petals.
13. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 11 wherein said at
least one base wall, said at least one obturator and said at least
one edge wall define a longitudinal axis.
14. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 13 wherein said
plurality of slits are substantially parallel to said longitudinal
axis.
15. The shotgun shell tracer according to claim 13 wherein said
plurality of slits are arcuate relative to said longitudinal
axis.
16. A method of forming a shotgun shell tracer comprising: a.
molding at least one base wall, at least one obturator, at least
one edge wall, and at least one ballast chamber support, said at
least one edge wall defining an internal space, said at least one
ballast chamber support being positioned within said internal
space; b. slitting said at least one edge wall to form a plurality
of petals; c. extruding an elongate tubular member; d. cutting said
elongate tubular member to form a tracer insert; and e. placing
said tracer insert around said at least one ballast chamber support
within said internal space to form a plurality of sections.
17. The method according to claim 16 further comprising inserting
said tracer into an interior of a shotgun shell casing.
18. The method according to claim 17 further comprising placing a
plurality of projectiles within said plurality of sections.
19. The method according to claim 18 further comprising enclosing
said tracer within said shotgun shell casing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/524,023 entitled Shotgun Shell Tracer as
filed Aug. 16, 2012.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a shotgun shell having a flight
path indicator or tracer for use in the training of sportsman
and/or marksman to improve accuracy in striking moving targets.
[0003] During training marksmen will frequently miss a moving
target. Very few training or practice aids are available to assist
sportsmen to improve shooting accuracy. In activities such as trap
shooting, skeet shooting, sporting clays, and/or marksmanship
practice, a sportsman will find it extremely helpful to visualize
the flight path and/or trajectory of a shot relative to a moving
target, so that the sportsman may adjust his/her aim in order to
more consistently and accurately strike the moving target.
[0004] In the past, many shotgun shell tracer devices have utilized
combustible and/or other pyrotechnic materials to attempt to
visually approximate the path of shot expelled from a shotgun
shell. The use of combustible devices frequently results in
undesirable fires and/or fire hazards rendering use of a shotgun
shell tracer unsafe and impractical.
[0005] Also, in the past, the known shotgun shell tracer/flight
path indicator training devices were costly to manufacture and
incorporate into a standard shotgun shell casing. As a result, the
use of a shotgun shell tracer/flight path indicator was
uneconomical for many individuals.
[0006] In the past, many tracers completely filled a shotgun shell
casing replacing the standard shot. A problem with these tracers is
the inability to strike and break targets due to the low volume
and/or velocity of projectiles, and the inaccuracy of the flight
path simulating materials. A sportsman/marksman therefore did not
have access to a system or device for training and/or feedback
during shooting activities to assist in the observation of a
projectile path relative to a target. The usefulness of the
simulator devices was, therefore, extremely marginal.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment a shotgun shell tracer includes at least
one base wall, at least one obturator extending from the base wall,
at least one edge wall extending from the at least one base wall
opposite to the obturator, the at least one edge wall defining an
internal space, and at least one ballast chamber support engaged to
the at least one base wall extending from the at least one base
wall into the internal space. The tracer may also include at least
one tracer insert constructed and arranged to encircle a least a
portion of the at least one ballast chamber support within the
internal cavity.
[0008] In one embodiment, the at least one ballast chamber support
and tracer insert may define two or more divider sections within
the internal cavity. The edge wall may also include one or more
slits to create petals which improve the accuracy of the tracer
following discharge from a shotgun shell.
[0009] In at least one embodiment, the at least one tracer insert
may be engaged to a least a portion of the at least one ballast
chamber support within the internal cavity. In at least one
embodiment, the at least one base wall, the at least one obturator
and the at least one edge wall may be integral to each other.
[0010] In at least one embodiment, the at least one ballast chamber
support may be integral to the at least one base wall, the at least
one obturator and the at least one edge wall. In at least one
embodiment, the at least one tracer insert may have a larger
diameter dimension, and be in contact with or spatially separated
from, the at least one ballast chamber support.
[0011] In at least one embodiment, the two or more divider sections
hold a plurality of projectiles. In addition, in at least one
embodiment, the edge wall includes a plurality of slits defining a
plurality of petals. In some embodiments, the at least one base
wall, the at least one obturator and the at least one edge wall
define a longitudinal axis. In at least one embodiment, the
plurality of slits are substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis and in other embodiments the plurality of slits are offset or
disposed in a curve relative to the longitudinal axis.
[0012] The invention also includes a method for forming a shotgun
shell tracer including the steps where: a mold generates a tracer
including at least one base wall, at least one obturator, at least
one edge wall, and at least one ballast chamber support, the at
least one edge wall defines an internal space, where the at least
one ballast chamber support is positioned within the internal
space. Slits may then be placed onto the at least one edge wall to
form a plurality of petals. Next an elongate tube may be extruded
which is cut into a desired length to form the tracer insert. The
tracer insert is then disposed around a portion of the at least one
ballast chamber support within the internal space to form a
plurality of sections. Once the tracer is inserted into the
interior of a shotgun shell casing, a plurality of projectiles are
placed within the plurality of sections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional side view of one
embodiment of the shotgun shell tracer taken along the line 1-1 of
FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of
the shotgun shell tracer, taken along the line 1-1 of FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a detail partial cut away isometric view of one
embodiment of a shotgun shell including a tracer.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a detail end view of one embodiment of a ballast
chamber support and edge wall taken along the line 4-4 of FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a detail end view of one embodiment of a tracer
insert taken along the line 5-5 off FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a detail isometric view of one embodiment of an
edge wall including slits.
[0019] FIG. 7 is an isometric view showing consecutive portions of
one embodiment of a tracer following discharge of a shotgun
shell.
[0020] FIG. 8 is an alternative detail isometric view of one
embodiment of an edge wall including slits and notches.
[0021] FIG. 9 is an alternative isometric view showing consecutive
positions of one embodiment of a tracer following discharge from a
shot gun shell.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In the past, it has been difficult to use a tracer in
targeting fast moving crossing objects. A sportsman and/or marksman
in these instances has experienced difficulty determining whether a
shot and/or a tracer has passed ahead of, or behind, an object such
as a crossing clay. This problem generally involves an optical
illusion where the eye follows the fast moving crossing target as
opposed to a tracer. Therefore, the tracer appears to arc left or
right depending upon which direction the target is traveling. The
tracer does not have an arcuate trajectory with the exception of
loss of altitude due to gravity. Tracers used with fast moving
crossing targets appear to indicate that the shot/projectiles 44
were slightly ahead of a target when, in fact, the shot/projectiles
44 were slightly behind the target. As best understood this problem
results from the limitations of binocular vision which degrades in
effectiveness beyond approximately 20 feet from an individual.
[0023] During shooting activities a tracer 10 is predominately used
with a sky background, leaving little or no reference points.
Therefore, the tracer 10 appears to have traveled further and
faster than is actually the case. In many instances, the absence of
reference points causes the tracer 10 to appear to have passed
ahead of a fast moving target, when the tracer actually passed
slightly behind the object. During use, the tracer 10 is never
faster than the expelled shotgun projectiles 44 from a shotgun
shell 40.
[0024] In one embodiment, the non-combustible flight path indicator
may have an adjustable flight path which varies depending upon the
size of the indicator and/or the amount of ballast used within the
indicator. An optically improved representation of a flight path
may therefore be provided which more accurately reflects a true
flight path for projectiles 44 expelled from a shotgun shell 40
with respect to a fast moving crossing target.
[0025] Another problem with the tracers as known is the difficulty
in observation of the tracers within the first 20 feet following
discharge from a shotgun barrel.
[0026] This present application is related to shotgun shell tracers
and incorporates by reference herein U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,539,873;
7,171,904; 6,886,468; 6,694,887; 7,174,833 and U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 09/592,475 and 60/554,464 in their
entireties.
[0027] As may be seen in FIG. 1 the tracer is identified generally
by the numeral 10. The tracer 10 may include an obturator 1,
ballast chamber support 2, edge wall 18 which may include petals
48, tracer insert 4, and slits 5 defining stabilizers 6.
[0028] In at least one embodiment, the tracer 10 includes a lower
cavity 12 designed for placement adjacent to the propellant 50 of a
shotgun shell 40 (FIGS. 1,7, and 9). The lower cavity 12 may be
defined by the obturator 1 and may vary in size, depth, and
diameter as desired for a particular type of tracer 10 and/or
shotgun shell 40. The walls of the obturator 1 may vary in
thickness and may be of any desired size. Generally, the tracer 10
is formed of a plastic material which is formed through an
injection molding process. However, other types of molding or
manufacturing processes, as well as materials, may be used to form
the tracer 10 as desired based on economic and/or convenience
considerations.
[0029] In some embodiments, the tracer 10 includes a base wall 14
adjacent the obturator 1. In at least one embodiment, the obturator
1 is integral with the base wall 14. In another embodiment the
obturator 1 is engaged to the base wall 14. The diameter and the
thickness dimensions for the base wall 14 may vary in size as
desired, and it is anticipated to be the thickest portion of the
tracer 10. In at least one embodiment, the thickness dimensions of
obturator 1, base wall 14, and edge wall 18 may be modified as
desired to alter the flight characteristics for the tracer 10. For
example, the size/thickness dimensions for the obturator 1, base
wall 14 and/or edge wall 18 may be adjusted for use with relatively
closer targets, more distant targets, and/or crossing targets to
provide a desired flight path for representation of discharge
projectiles 44 from a shotgun shell 40.
[0030] In some embodiments, a ballast chamber support 2 extends
forwardly or outwardly from the base wall 14, where the ballast
chamber support 2 is centrally disposed within the interior space
defined by the edge wall 18. In at least one embodiment, the base
wall 14 is engaged to and/or integral with, the ballast chamber
support 2 opposite to the obturator 1, within the interior of the
shotgun shell 40.
[0031] In at least one embodiment, the ballast chamber support 2 is
formed of four divider sections 16. In alternative embodiments, the
ballast chamber support 2 may be formed of two, three, four, five,
six, seven or eight, or any number of divider sections 16 as
desired. For ease of manufacturing, it is anticipated that a
ballast chamber support 2 will include two, three, or four divider
sections 16.
[0032] In some embodiments, end 20 of each divider section 16 may
be at an angle relative to, or which may be parallel to the base
wall 14. The base wall 14 may be substantially perpendicular to the
edge wall 18. In at least one embodiment, end 20 of each divider
section 16 may include a tapered edge 36.
[0033] In some embodiments, the relative angle of the tapered edge
36, which terminates in the end 20, may vary at the discretion of
an individual. In some embodiments, the length dimension for the
tapered edge 36 may be increased or decreased to accommodate
performance considerations for the tracer 10.
[0034] In at least one embodiment as may be seen in FIG. 4, an end
view of the top of the tracer 10 is shown. As seen in FIG. 4 the
divider sections 16 are formed in the shape of a cross and are
centrally disposed within the edge wall 18. The divider sections 16
in general establish four quadrants within the tracer 10. If three
divider sections 16 are utilized, then three sections will be
established within the interior space defined by the edge wall 18.
Any number of quadrants/sections may be formed within edge wall 18
to obtain a desired performance configuration for the tracer
10.
[0035] In some embodiments, during manufacture or assembly of the
shotgun shell 40, the interior of the tracer 10 is filled with
projectiles 44 which are roughly divided into the
quadrants/sections. In general the quadrants/sections are the areas
defined by the space between the divider section 16 and the tracer
insert 4. In at least one embodiment projectiles 44 may fill the
interior of the tracer 10, up to a level approximately equal to the
end 20. In some embodiments, further filling of the tracer 10 with
projectiles 44 may occur to cover the ballast chamber support 2,
and to completely fill the interior of the shotgun shell 40. The
size and shape of the projectiles 44 as disposed within the
interior of the tracer 10 and shotgun shell 40, may vary depending
upon the type, size and/or gauge of shotgun shell 40 to be utilized
by an individual.
[0036] In some embodiments, the edge wall 18 is integral with and
extends outwardly from the base wall 14. In other embodiments, the
edge wall 18 may be engaged to the base wall 14. The thickness and
length dimensions for the edge wall 18 may vary depending upon the
type and/or size of shotgun shell 40 to be utilized by an
individual. It is anticipated that the tracer 10 may be sized for
use within a standard 2 .sup.3/4 or 3 inch type, or longer shotgun
shell 40. The thickness of the divider sections 16 of the ballast
chamber support 2 may also vary in dimension depending upon the
type and/or size of the shotgun shells 40 to be utilized by an
individual. The length dimension for the divider sections 16,
extending outwardly from the base wall 14, may vary depending upon
the type, gauge, and/or size of the shotgun shell 40 to be utilized
by an individual, which in turn may alter the type and/or size
dimensions selected for the tracer insert 4. In at least one
embodiment, the length dimension for the divider sections 16 is
less than, equal to, or more than the length dimension for the edge
wall 18. In at least one embodiment the length dimension for the
edge wall 18 is less than, equal to, or more than the length
dimension for the cylindrical wall 38 of the shotgun shell 40.
[0037] In least one embodiment, shotgun shells 40 of different
gauges may have multiple alternative configurations of a tracer 10,
including one of a multiple of variations for the size dimensions
selected for the ballast chamber support 2.
[0038] In at least one alternative embodiment, the edge wall 18 may
have a length dimension of sufficient size so that the edge wall 18
extends from the base wall 14 the entire length of the cylindrical
wall 38 of shotgun shell 40 towards the discharge end 42. In some
embodiments, the edge wall 18 may have a length dimension which
extends only portion of the length of the cylindrical wall 38
towards the discharge end 42.
[0039] In some embodiments is anticipated that the tracer 10 will
include a cylindrical or tubular shaped tracer insert 4. In some
embodiments, the tracer insert 4 will be formed of plastic
material, or other materials, which may be formed through an
extrusion manufacturing process, or which may be formed of another
type of manufacturing process as desired, based on economic and/or
convenience considerations. The tracer insert 4 is depicted in
FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5.
[0040] In some embodiments, the tracer insert 4 includes a top edge
24, a bottom edge 26, an inner wall 28, an outer wall 30, and a
centrally disposed opening 32. The tracer insert 4 is preferably
cylindrically tubular in shape. The thickness dimension between the
inner wall 28 and the outer wall 30 may vary depending on the
density and properties of the materials selected for the tracer
insert 4, and as based on desired performance considerations for
the tracer 10.
[0041] In some embodiments, a space 34 may exist between the outer
wall 30 and the edge wall 18 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the
space 34 between the outer wall 30 and the edge wall 18, may be of
insufficient size to receive projectiles 44. In other embodiments
the space 34 may be of sufficient size to receive one or more
projectiles 44. In at least one embodiment, the outer wall 30 is
adjacent to, or in contact with, the edge wall 18, were no space 34
is provided. In at least one embodiment, the outer wall 30 is
frictionally engaged with the interior of the edge wall 18 to
secure the location of the tracer insert 4 relative to the edge
wall 18.
[0042] In at least one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 is
positioned to encircle the ballast chamber support 2. In at least
one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 may have a length or height
dimension which is sufficient to completely encircle the ballast
chamber support 2. In other embodiments, the length or height
dimension for the tracer insert 4 may only encircle a portion of
the ballast chamber support 2. In alternative embodiments, the
length or height dimension for the tracer insert 4 may exceed the
length or height dimension for the ballast chamber support 2, where
the upper edge 24 extends beyond the end 20, towards the discharge
end 42 of the shotgun shell 40.
[0043] In at least one embodiment, the outer edge 22 of divider
sections 16 are in frictional contact with the inner wall 28 of the
tracer insert 4. In some embodiments, the friction fit engagement
between the outer edges 22 and the inner wall 28 retains the tracer
insert 4 in a desired position relative to the ballast chamber
support 2 and/or the edge wall 18 of the tracer 10.
[0044] In at least one embodiment, the thickness dimension for the
tracer insert 4 may be increased or decreased. In some embodiments,
the separation distance between the outer edge 22 of the ballast
chamber support 2 and the inner surface of the edge wall 18 may be
increased or decreased dependent upon the thickness dimension
selected for the tracer insert 4.
[0045] In at least one alternative embodiment, a tracer insert 4
may be included or omitted from the interior of a shot gun shell
40. In some embodiments, the separation distance between the outer
edge 22 of a divider section 16 and the edge wall 18 will be small,
limiting the available space for holding projectiles 44. In
alternative embodiments, the separation distance between the outer
edge 22 of a divider section 16 and the edge wall 18 will be
relatively large, establishing a relatively expansive space for
holding of a desired number of projectiles 44.
[0046] In some embodiments, where the tracer insert 4 is omitted,
the outer edges 22 of the divider sections 16 are adjacent to the
edge wall 18.
[0047] In some embodiments, the divider sections 16 upon exposure
to heat occurring as a result of discharge of a shotgun shell 40
are sufficiently pliable/malleable to capture, or to be impregnated
with projectiles 44, which in turn will function as ballast for the
tracer 10 upon discharge of a shotgun shell 40. In at least one
embodiment, projectiles 44 become entrapped/embedded within the
base wall 14, divider sections 16, and/or tracer insert 4 to
provide sufficient ballast for the tracer 10, upon discharge of a
shot gun shell 40, so that the tracer 10 may follow expelled
shot.
[0048] In at least one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 as well as
the divider sections 16, and/or base wall 14 are formed of a
material which upon exposure to heat occurring as a result of
discharge of a shot gun shell 40 is sufficiently pliable/malleable
to capture, or to be impregnated with, projectiles 44, which in
turn function as ballast for the tracer 10. In at least one
embodiment, projectiles 44 become entrapped/embedded within the
inner wall 28, divider sections 16, and/or base wall 14 to provide
sufficient ballast for the tracer 10, to follow expelled shot in
flight, following discharge of a shotgun shell 40.
[0049] In some embodiments, the tracer insert 4 is formed by an
extrusion process, where each individual tracer insert 4 is cut to
a desired length. In some embodiments the diameter dimension for
the centrally disposed opening 32 for the tracer insert 4 will be
larger, and in other embodiments the diameter for the centrally
disposed opening 32 will be smaller. In some embodiments, the
length dimension for the tracer insert 4 will be longer, and in
other embodiments the length dimension for the tracer insert 4 will
be smaller dependent upon performance considerations, such as
shotgun shell length, diameter, and gauge of projectiles 44.
[0050] In some embodiments, the edge wall 18 may include one or
more slits 5. The one or more slits 5 may separate upon discharge
of a shotgun shell 40 to form petals/protrusions 48 which function
in a manner similar to fletching as used on arrows (FIGS. 7 and 9).
The slits 5 in some embodiments assist to establish a spin (arrow
52) on the expelled the tracer 10 to improve flight in a straight
path, representing the trajectory of expelled shot/projectiles 44
from a shotgun shell 40 (FIGS. 7 & 9). In some embodiments, the
slits 5 will have a relatively shorter length dimension. In other
embodiments the slits 5 will have an increase length dimension. In
alternative embodiments, the slits 5 may be at a desired angle or
curve relative to a longitudinal axis 46 (FIG. 3). In other
embodiments the slits 5 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis
46. It should be noted that in certain embodiments, that the edge
wall 18 is not required to include any slits 5. In some
embodiments, the edge wall 18 may include one, two, three, four or
more slits 5.
[0051] In at least one embodiment, the slits 5 are angled or
arcuate relative to the longitudinal axis 46 (FIGS. 6 and 8). In at
least one embodiment, four sets of slits 5 are utilized in the edge
wall 18, where each slit 5 is equally spaced from an adjacent slit
5 around the circumference of edge wall 18. In other embodiments,
the slits 5 are not equally spaced from each other around the
circumference of the edge wall 18. In at least one embodiment,
slits 5 fold back upon exiting the shotgun barrel to provide
additional flight accuracy. In at least one embodiment, the slits 5
upon discharge from a shotgun barrel form helical shaped petals
48.
[0052] As may be seen in FIGS. 1, 6, and 8, in at least one
embodiment, edge wall 18 includes one or more slits 5 which are
arcuate in shape, and which may be helical or spiral curved in
shape relative to the longitudinal axis 46.
[0053] In some embodiments, each slit 5 may include an offset slit
portion 54 which intersects a slit 5 to form a point proximate to
the discharge end 42. In some embodiments, the section or portion
of the edge wall 18 between a slit 5 and an adjacent offset slit
portion 54 may be referred to as a stabilizer 6.
[0054] In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 7, the edge wall 18
following discharge of a shotgun shell 40 will separate along the
slits 5 and the offset slit portion 54, to form a slot adjacent to
the offset slit portion 54, which in turn may enhance the
performance characteristics of the tracer 10.
[0055] In at least one embodiment, slits 5 are substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis 46. In some embodiments, one or
more slits 5 include an arcuate component and simultaneously, one
or more slits 5 are substantially straight and do not include an
arcuate component. In some embodiments, the slits 5 are each of an
identical shape and configuration having a common length dimension.
In other embodiments, the slits 5 may have different shapes or
configurations and may be of the same or a different length
dimension.
[0056] In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9,
each petal 48 may include a notch 56 in the edge wall 18 opposite
to the base wall 14. In some embodiments, the notch 56 on each
petal 48 is placed in an identical location with respect to other
petals 48 and in other embodiments, each notch 56 may be disposed
in a petal 48, in a different location.
[0057] In some embodiments, the notch 56 functions to establish a
tab 58 at the top of a petal 48. In some embodiments, the tab 58
functions to enhance drag stabilization of the tracer 10 following
discharge from a shotgun shell 40. In some embodiments, drag
stabilization is the force at the back end of a projectile, with
respect to the center of gravity, which maintains the projectile on
the longitudinal axis 46. In some embodiments, air resistance on
the tab 58 may reduce or improve the efficiency of the tracer 10
which may be minimal as compared to the overall aerodynamic
efficiency of the tracer 10.
[0058] In some embodiments, the tab 58 increases the spin rate of
the tracer 10 in the direction of arrow 52. In other embodiments,
slits 5, offset slit portions 54, tabs 58 and notches 56 may be
configured to impart rotation on the tracer 10 in a direction
opposite to the direction of arrow 52.
[0059] In some embodiments, the asymmetrical aerodynamic forces on
tab 58 will increase the spin rate of the tracer 10 following
discharge from a shotgun shell 40, and in other embodiments the
asymmetrical aerodynamic forces on the tab 58 will reduce or slow
the spin rate of the tracer 10 following discharge from a shotgun
shell 40. In some embodiments, the petals 48 are not as efficient
in imparting spin to the tracer 10 as may be accomplished through
the use of fletching as used on arrows.
[0060] In some embodiments, the use of tabs 58 improves the
accuracy of the tracer 10 following discharge of a shotgun shell
40. In some embodiments, upon discharge of a shotgun shell 40 the
petals 48 will uniformly open as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 9. In
other embodiments, upon discharge of the shotgun shell 40, the
petals 48 do not uniformly open. In some embodiments, the petals 48
following exit from a shotgun barrel are exposed to a relatively
high degree of leverage as placed on the longitudinal axis of the
tracer 10. In some embodiments, the tabs 58 function to open more
quickly than the remainder of the petals 48 and function in a
manner similar to a pilot chute to lead in the opening of the
petals 48 outwardly or back into a shuttlecock shape.
[0061] In some embodiments, the tracer 10 provides some degree of
flexibility in the shot load or tracer ballast for inclusion in a
shot gun shell 40.
[0062] In some embodiments, the tracer 10 may have nearly straight
walls (as compared to rose bud shaped) which allows the tracer 10
to be formed through the use of standard feeder bowls during the
manufacturing process. In at least one embodiment, the tracer 10
may be installed in one of the extra turrets on a loader during
manufacture.
[0063] In some embodiments, the base wall 14, the obturator 1, edge
wall 18, and/or ballast chamber support 2 may be formed from an
injection molding process, where each of these elements are formed
into a single unit. In some embodiments, the tracer insert 4 is
formed by an extrusion process as a separate element. In some
embodiments, the tracer insert 4 is pressed over the ballast
chamber support 2, where the inner wall 28 is in frictional
engagement with the outer edge 22 of a respective divider section
16. Between each divider section 16 and the inner wall 28 a
plurality of quadrants/sections are created, as a result of the
space within the centrally disposed opening 32. In some
embodiments, the space between the divider sections 16 and the
inner wall 28, within each quadrant/section, will be filled with
projectiles 44.
[0064] In at least one embodiment, the discharge of propellant 50
used in a shotgun shell 40 will create approximately 10,000 psi of
pressure and heat within the interior of the tracer 10, which in
turn will cause the base wall 14, tracer insert 4 and ballast
chamber support 2 to fuse together and will further cause a
plurality of projectiles 44 to become embedded in the base wall 14,
divider sections 16, inner wall 28, and/or edge wall 18. The
embedding of projectiles 44 into the base wall 14, divider section
16, inner wall 28, and/or edge wall 18 establishes the ballast for
the tracer 10 proximate to the base wall 14. Following exit from a
shot gun barrel, the edge wall 18 will encounter air resistance and
the petals 48 will separate along slits 5. In some embodiments the
ballast proximate to the base wall 14 during discharge of a shotgun
shell 40 causes the tracer 10 to flip or rotate 180.degree. in
flight similar to a badminton shuttlecock (FIGS. 7 and 9). The
discharge of a shotgun shell 40 in some embodiments will cause the
tracer 10 to follow the flight of expelled shot/projectiles 44
(arrow 60), where the tracer 10 will be visible to the unassisted
eyes of individual, to permit observation of the vector/direction
of the tracer 10 relative to a target such as a clay pigeon,
thereby assisting in aiming during shooting activities.
[0065] In some embodiments, the discharge of the shotgun shell 40
also causes the edge wall 18 to open along the slits 5 to promote
the rotation of the tracer 10 around a longitudinal axis 46 during
flight to better represent discharged projectile paths from a
shotgun shell 40.
[0066] In some embodiments, the discharge of the shotgun shell 40
causes the top of the edge wall 18, along the slits 5 to fold over
to form a tab or end. In some embodiments, the discharge of the
shotgun shell 40 causes a sufficient temperature increase to
melt/fuse the base wall 14 and/or the divider sections 16 to the
tracer insert 4 into a single unit.
[0067] In some embodiments, the shape of the tracer 10 including
the obturator 1, ballast chamber support 2, base wall 14, divider
section 16, and edge wall 18 facilitates the inclusion of metal and
water cooling passages, within a mold, proximate to the portion of
the tracer 10 which has the largest thickness dimension, which is
anticipated to be proximate to the base wall 14 and obturator 1.
The inclusion of an increased thickness of metal within a mold,
along with water cooling passages, proximate to the thickest
portion of the tracer 10, enables the mold to be cooled more
rapidly during an injection molding process, improving cycle times
during manufacture of tracer 10.
[0068] In some embodiments, projectiles 44 are disposed within the
interior of the tracer 10 from a position proximate to the base
wall 14 upwardly to the top of the discharge end 42 of the shotgun
shell 40. In some embodiments, the elevation and/or relative
positioning of the base wall 14 may be raised or lowered to a
predetermined position during the molding process to provide for a
desired volume of projectiles 44 and size of tracer 10.
[0069] In some embodiments, the composition, properties and/or
density of the materials utilized in the injection molding process
may be adjusted to provide a particular type of tracer 10. In some
embodiments, the composition, properties and/or density of the
material used in the extrusion molding process for the tracer
insert 4 may be adjusted to provide for a particular type of tracer
insert 4. In some embodiments, one or both of the composition,
properties and/or density for either of the injection or extrusion
molding process may be adjusted to provide a desired type of tracer
10. In some embodiments the adjustment of the composition,
properties and/ or density of the materials utilized in injection
molding and/or extrusion process will alter the performance
characteristics of the tracer 10 to provide a desired size and
flight path of the tracer 10 following discharge of a shotgun shell
40.
[0070] In at least one embodiment, a method for formation of a
tracer 10 within a shotgun shell 40 is disclosed. In one
embodiment, the method initiates with the provision of a
standard/conventional shotgun shell casing, including a strike
plate, primer, and propellant 50 which may be fed into automated
manufacturing equipment such as turrent assemblies. In at least one
embodiment, a tracer 10 including the elements of the obturator 1,
base wall 14, edge wall 18, and ballast chamber support 2 may be
formed in a separate manufacturing process including formation by
an injection molding process or an extrusion molding process. The
tracer 10 following manufacture may be inserted into a turret
assembly for insertion into the shotgun shell casing.
[0071] In at least one embodiment in another separate manufacturing
process the cylindrically shaped tracer insert 4 may be formed by a
continuous extrusion process where the desired length of tracer
insert 4 is cut from a substantially continuous tube.
[0072] In one embodiment the manufacturing process for the tracer
10 may include a mold. The mold in turn may include water/cooling
passages proximate to the thickest cross-section for the tracer 10,
which in at least one embodiment is located proximate to the
obturator 1 and/or base wall 14. The provision of water cooling
passages in the mold expedite manufacturer cycle times. In some
embodiments, cycle times for formation of tracer 10 are
limited/restricted by the time required to cool the mold/materials
following injection. The cooling of the material for the tracer 10
may require that the mold include relatively thicker metal portions
adjacent to the obturator 1 and base wall 14. In addition, the
inclusion of water/cooling passages reduces the necessity for the
spreading and/or separation of the petals 48 formed by the slits 5
during the cooling process.
[0073] In at least one embodiment, the tracer 10 is disposed into
the casing of the shotgun shell 40, where the obturator 1 is
positioned proximate to the propellant 50, and the edge wall 18 is
disposed adjacent to the cylindrical wall 38 of the shotgun shell
40.
[0074] In at least one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 which has
been cut to a desired length is then inserted into the interior of
the centrally disposed opening 32 in surrounding engagement or
encircling the ballast chamber support 2, where the outer edges 22
of the divider section 16 are proximate to the inner wall 28 of the
tracer insert 4.
[0075] In at least one embodiment, projectiles 44 may then be
introduced into the interior of the tracer 10 and casing for the
shotgun shell 40. The discharge end 42 of the shotgun shell 40 may
then be closed/sealed by conventional manufacturing techniques.
[0076] At least one embodiment, the tracer 10 functions in a manner
similar to a conventional wad as a filler or spacer between the
propellant 50 and the projectiles 44 so that the available volume
of the shotgun shell cartridge is filled to a desired level with
projectiles 44.
[0077] In at least one embodiment, the tracer 10 includes the
obturator 1 and base wall 14 which establishes a low center of
gravity for the tracer 10, which in turn enables the tracer 10 to
be more easily fed into a conventional feeder assembly. The
obturator 1 and base wall 14 preferably function to minimize the
necessity for flaring, or for a rosebud shape, for the petals 48
during the manufacturing process, as may be required by
conventional feeder bowls. In at least one embodiment, the tracer
10 is manufactured by a more efficient extrusion or injection
molding process as compared to a conventional wad.
[0078] In at least one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 may be
manufactured through an extrusion process with less expensive,
recycled plastic resins, and cut to the desired length with an
automated knife The ability to vary the length of the tracer insert
4 enables use of the tracer 10 with shotshells of varied
capacities. In at least one embodiment, once the tracer insert 4
has been disposed over the ballast chamber support 2, and the
projectiles 44 have been introduced into the shot gun shell casing,
then ballast has been introduced for the shot gun shell 40. In at
least one embodiment, the tracer insert 4 may be automatically
installed on the ballast chamber support 2 as part of the
manufacturing process of the shot gun shell 40 by use of one extra
turret on a loading machine.
[0079] In the above description numerous specific details are set
forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of
embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to an
artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention may be
practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details
described herein. In other instances, specific features,
quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill
in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure
the invention. Readers should note that although examples of the
invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of
any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the
invention.
[0080] While the invention herein disclosed has been described by
means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous
modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled
in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set
forth in the claims.
* * * * *