U.S. patent application number 13/944528 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for ammunition carrying device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Illinois Tool Works Inc.. Invention is credited to SEAN P. FORREST, CHRISTOPHER A.J. IANNELLO, MARTIN J. NILSEN.
Application Number | 20140124387 13/944528 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50621369 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140124387 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
IANNELLO; CHRISTOPHER A.J. ;
et al. |
May 8, 2014 |
AMMUNITION CARRYING DEVICE
Abstract
A molded ammunition carrying device including a plurality of
independently expandable "C" profile cradles. The cradles are
adapted to wrap compressively in partial circumferential relation
about a shell body or other large diameter ammunition to provide
support despite variations in individual ammunition dimensions. The
carrying device may be adapted for attachment to other structures
including belts, webbing, quick reload devices, or other structures
used by a shooter in the field.
Inventors: |
IANNELLO; CHRISTOPHER A.J.;
(ROLLING MEADOWS, IL) ; NILSEN; MARTIN J.;
(HAMPSHIRE, IL) ; FORREST; SEAN P.; (PARK RIDGE,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Illinois Tool Works Inc. |
Glenview |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50621369 |
Appl. No.: |
13/944528 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61696596 |
Sep 4, 2012 |
|
|
|
61736960 |
Dec 13, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/04 20130101;
F42B 39/02 20130101; F42B 39/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/3 |
International
Class: |
F42B 39/26 20060101
F42B039/26 |
Claims
1. An ammunition carrying device adapted to support a plurality of
shells for large bore firearms, the carrying device comprising: a
plurality of expansible cradle elements disposed in molded-in
integral relation to a backing wall to define a unitary molded
construction, wherein the cradle elements each comprise a pair of
complimentary, opposing resilient sidewalls oriented longitudinally
on the carrying device and projecting away from the backing wall,
the sidewalls having free edges curved radially inwardly such that
each of the cradle elements has a substantially "C" shaped cross
section with a longitudinal slot between the free edges of the
opposing resilient sidewalls, and wherein the sidewalls of each
cradle element are independently flexible relative to sidewalls of
adjacent cradle elements, the cradle elements being adapted to
receive a shell by axial insertion of the shell between the
opposing resilient sidewalls such that the complimentary, opposing
resilient sidewalls wrap in circumferential compressible relation
partially around a body portion of the shell.
2. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 1, wherein at
least one of the cradle elements comprises a curved depression in
the backing wall defining a base of the cradle element.
3. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 2, wherein at
least one raised rib is disposed on the curved depression.
4. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 1, wherein at
least one of the cradle elements extends circumferentially around
an angle of about 270 degrees or greater along at least a portion
of its length.
5. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 4, wherein
said at least one of the cradle elements comprises a curved
depression in the backing wall defining a base of the cradle
element, the base being of substantially fixed geometery.
6. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 5, wherein at
least one raised rib is disposed on the curved depression.
7. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 6, wherein
said at least one of the cradle elements extends circumferentially
around an angle of about 270 degrees or greater along at least a
portion of its length.
8. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 1, wherein at
least one of the cradle elements comprises a chamfered lower
end.
9. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 8, wherein
said at least one of the cradle elements extends circumferentially
around an angle of about 270 degrees or greater at a position above
the chamfered lower end.
10. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 9, wherein
said at least one of the cradle elements comprises a curved
depression in the backing wall defining a base of the cradle
element, the base being of substantially fixed geometery.
11. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 10, wherein
at least one raised rib is disposed on the curved depression.
12. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 1, wherein
the carrying device further comprising a first ledge projecting
away from the backing wall in a direction facing away from the
cradle elements, the first ledge including an eyelet opening, and
wherein a box protrusion is disposed at an elevation below the
first ledge in aligned relation to the eyelet opening in the first
ledge to define a second ledge,
13. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 12, wherein
the box protrusion is hollow such that the eyelet opening and box
protrusion are adapted to receive a connection strap in threaded
relation.
14. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 1, wherein
the carrying device further comprises at least one internal channel
adapted to slidingly receive a lock strap insert in snap-in
relation.
15. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 14, wherein
the carrying device further comprising a first ledge projecting
away from the backing wall in a direction facing away from the
cradle elements, the first ledge including an eyelet opening, and
wherein a box protrusion is disposed at an elevation below the
first ledge in aligned relation to the eyelet opening in the first
ledge to define a second ledge, and wherein a leg extends
downwardly away from the ledge.
16. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 1, further
comprising a rotatable cover adapted for disposition in covering
relation head portions of shells held within the cradle
elements.
17. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 17, wherein
the cover has an open mesh grid construction.
18. An ammunition carrying device adapted to support a plurality of
shells for large bore firearms, the carrying device comprising: a
plurality of expansible cradle elements disposed in molded-in
integral relation to a backing wall to define a unitary molded
construction, wherein the cradle elements each comprise a pair of
complimentary, opposing resilient sidewalls oriented longitudinally
on the carrying device and projecting away from the backing wall,
the sidewalls of each cradle element having free edges curved
radially inwardly such that each of the cradle elements has a
substantially "C" shaped cross section with a longitudinal slot
between the free edges of the opposing resilient sidewalls of the
cradle element, and wherein the sidewalls of each cradle element
are independently flexible relative to sidewalls of adjacent cradle
elements, the cradle elements each being adapted to receive a shell
by axial insertion of the shell between the opposing resilient
sidewalls such that the complimentary, opposing resilient sidewalls
wrap in circumferential compressible relation partially around a
body portion of the shell, wherein each of the cradle elements
extends circumferentially around an angle of about 270 degrees or
greater along at least a portion of its length, and wherein each of
the cradle elements comprises a chamfered lower end.
19. An ammunition carrying device as recited in claim 18, wherein
the carrying device further comprises a first ledge projecting away
from the backing wall in a direction facing away from the cradle
elements, the first ledge including an eyelet opening, and wherein
a box protrusion is disposed at an elevation below the first ledge
in aligned relation to the eyelet opening in the first ledge to
define a second ledge, the box protrusion being hollow such that
the eyelet opening and box protrusion are adapted to receive a
connection strap in threaded relation.
20. An ammunition carrying device adapted to support a plurality of
shells for large bore firearms, the carrying device comprising: a
plurality of expansible cradle elements disposed in molded-in
integral relation to a backing wall to define a unitary molded
construction, wherein one or more of the cradle elements comprise a
curved depression in the backing wall defining a base of the cradle
element, at least one raised rib being disposed on the curved
depression and a pair of complimentary, opposing resilient
sidewalls oriented longitudinally on the carrying device and
projecting away from the backing wall at opposing sides of the
curved depression, the sidewalls of each cradle element having free
edges curved radially inwardly such that each of the cradle
elements has a substantially "C" shaped cross section with a
longitudinal slot between the free edges of the opposing resilient
sidewalls of the cradle element, and wherein the sidewalls of each
cradle element are independently flexible relative to sidewalls of
adjacent cradle elements, the cradle elements each being adapted to
receive a shell by axial insertion of the shell between the
opposing resilient sidewalls such that the complimentary, opposing
resilient sidewalls wrap in circumferential compressible relation
partially around a body portion of the shell; the carrying device
further comprising a first ledge projecting away from the backing
wall in a direction facing away from the cradle elements, the first
ledge including an eyelet opening, a box protrusion being disposed
at an elevation below the first ledge in aligned relation to the
eyelet opening in the first ledge to define a second ledge, the box
protrusion being hollow such that the eyelet opening and box
protrusion are adapted to receive a connection strap in threaded
relation; the carrying device further comprising at least one
internal channel adapted to slidingly receive a lock strap insert
in snap-in relation.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority from,
U.S. provisional application 61/696,596 having a filing date of
Sep. 4, 2012 and U.S. provisional application 61/736,960 having a
filing date of Dec. 13, 2012. The contents of such applications and
all documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by
reference as if set forth herein in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to ammunition carrying devices, and
more particularly to a holding device for carrying shells for use
in shotguns or other large bore firearms. The carrying device is
readily adapted for attachment to other structures including belts,
webbing or modular reload devices used by a shooter in the
field.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Large bore firearms are widely used by sportsmen, law
enforcement officers and military personnel. As will be well
understood by those of skill in the art, shotgun shells and other
large bore ammunition may incorporate a metal head with a generally
tubular body projecting away from the head. A primer is located
within the head which ignites powder to force one or more
projectiles outwardly from the body when the weapon is fired. Due
to the construction characteristics of such ammunition, there may
be some variability in the perimeter shape of the body from shell
to shell. This variability between shells may be particularly
pronounced in shotgun shells having plastic bodies which are
reloaded multiple times. Although this variability between shells
may not impact performance of the ammunition, any storage or
carrying structure must take such variability into account.
[0004] In the past, one common technique for carrying shells for
large bore firearms in the field has been to insert the shells
through individual sewn loops of elastomeric webbing material sewn
to structures worn by users. However, over time, the elasticity of
the sewn loops may diminish. Thus, the shells may not be held
sufficiently tightly to avoid loss. Moreover, the use of elastic
loops may make it difficult to extract the shells rapidly for
loading into the firearm when they are to be used.
[0005] It has also been known to use molded plastic carrying
devices with interconnected cradle structures for receipt of
individual shells. However, prior known structures did not provide
individual adjustment relative to the shell being held. Thus, some
shells may be relatively loose within the cradle structures while
others may be unduly tight. Loose shells may rattle within the
carrying device, thereby causing undesired noise. Conversely,
shells that are held too tightly may be difficult to extract for
use in the field.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a modular device
used to carry large bore ammunition in the field which holds each
individual shell securely but without undue constriction despite
variations between individual ammunition units.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] The present disclosure provides advantages and alternatives
over the prior art by providing a molded ammunition carrying device
including a plurality of independently expandable "C" profile
cradles. The cradles are adapted to wrap compressively in partial
circumferential relation about a shell body or other large diameter
ammunition to provide support despite variations in individual
ammunition dimensions. The carrying device may be adapted for
attachment to other structures including belts, webbing, quick
reload devices, or other structures used by a shooter in the
field.
[0008] In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the present
disclosure provides an ammunition carrying device adapted to
support a plurality of shells for large bore firearms. The carrying
device includes a plurality of expansible cradle elements disposed
in molded-in integral relation to a backing wall to define a
unitary molded construction. The cradle elements each comprise a
pair of complimentary, opposing resilient sidewalls oriented
longitudinally on the carrying device and projecting away from the
backing wall. The sidewalls have free edges curved radially
inwardly such that each of the cradle elements has a substantially
"C" shaped cross section with a longitudinal slot between the free
edges of the opposing resilient sidewalls of the cradle element.
Each sidewall may be independently flexible relative to the
opposing and adjacent sidewalls. The cradle elements are adapted to
receive a shell by axial insertion of the shell between the
opposing resilient sidewalls such that the complimentary, opposing
resilient sidewalls wrap in circumferential compressible relation
partially around a body portion of the shell.
[0009] Other objects and advantages of the carrying device will
become apparent from a description of certain preferred embodiments
thereof which are described and shown in the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an upper elevation schematic perspective view
illustrating an upper portion of an exemplary carrying device
consistent with the present disclosure in empty condition;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a lower elevation schematic perspective view
illustrating a lower portion of the exemplary carrying device of
FIG. 1 in empty condition;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic front perspective view illustrating
the exemplary carrying device of FIG. 1 in filled condition;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic rear perspective view illustrating the
exemplary carrying device of FIG. 1 in filled condition;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic rear elevation view illustrating the
use of straps to attach an exemplary carrying device as shown in
FIG. 1 to a belt;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic front elevation view illustrating the
use of straps to attach an exemplary carrying device as shown in
FIG. 1 to a section of MOLLE/P.A.L.S. webbing as may be used in law
enforcement or military garments;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cut-away side view illustrating an exemplary
carrying device as shown in FIG. 1 engaging a modular quick reload
device in meshed relation;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the use
of straps to attach an exemplary carrying device as shown in FIG. 1
to a modular quick reload device as shown in FIG. 7;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a partial cut-away view of another embodiment for
an exemplary ammunition carrying device with an inserted locking
clip for engagement with a belt or section of MOLLE/P.A.L.S.
webbing;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an exemplary locking clip for
insertion into the ammunition carrying device of FIG. 9
[0020] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an assembled ammunition
carrying device and locking clip of FIG. 9 engaging a belt;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a sectional side view illustrating the clip of
FIG. 9 inserted in an exemplary carrying device consistent with the
present disclosure and engaging the modular quick reload device;
and
[0022] FIG. 13 is a schematic front perspective view illustrating
another embodiment of the exemplary ammunition carrying device
adapted to cover the primers of large diameter ammunition.
[0023] Before the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are
explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is
in no way limited in its application or construction to the details
and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the disclosure
is capable of other embodiments and being practiced or being
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of
description only and should not be regarded as limiting. The use
herein of terms such as "including" and "comprising" and variations
thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and
equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents
thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Reference will now be made to the various drawings, wherein
to the extent possible, like reference numerals are used to
designate like elements in the various views. Referring now jointly
to FIGS. 1-4, a carrying device 10 is illustrated for the storage
and transportation of one or more shells 12 (FIG. 3) such as
shotgun shells or the like for use in large bore firearms. In this
regard, it is to be understood that while the illustrated exemplary
embodiment is adapted to hold three shells, it is contemplated that
the carrying device likewise may be constructed to hold any greater
or lesser number as may be desired. According to one exemplary
practice, the carrying device 10 may be formed as a unitary
structure by injection molding or other molding practices using
materials such as high impact plastics and the like. However, other
materials and formatin techniques may likewise be used if
desired.
[0025] As will be readily understood by those of skill in the art,
shells 12 for shotguns typically incorporate a metal head 14 of
brass or other suitable material with an enhanced diameter rim
extending radially outwardly from a primer 16. A reduced diameter
body 18 of generally cylindrical construction extends away from the
head 14 in substantially coaxial relation to the head 14. The body
18 is used to contain pellets or other projectile elements to be
expelled by the shell 12 when it is fired. In a shotgun shell, the
body 18 may be formed from a relatively soft plastic or other
deformable material and may be somewhat irregular in
circumferential and/or linear dimensions after the projectile
elements are packed and sealed therein.
[0026] As illustrated, the carrying device 10 may have a generally
box-shape configuration with a contoured backing wall 20 defining a
base and with a plurality of integral, independently expansible
concave cradle elements 22 extending away from the backing wall 20.
In the illustrated exemplary arrangement, each of the cradle
elements 22 has a generally "C" shaped cross-sectional profile with
a pair of inwardly curved, independently flexible sidewalls 23
extending away from one side of the backing wall 20. The backing
wall 20 may have a curved indented surface of substantially fixed
dimensions between the sidewalls 23 to define a concave base of the
cradle element 22. The base of the cradle elements between the
sidewalls 23 also may be substantially flat if desired.
[0027] The sidewalls 23, and the flat or indented base surface of
the backing wall 20 between the sidewalls cooperatively form the
concave cradle elements 22 with a longitudinal spacing between the
sidewalls 23 projecting away from the backing wall 20. This
arrangement permits the shells 12 to slide axially into the cradle
elements with the sidewalls 23 of the cradle elements 22 wrapped
circumferentially in compressive relation partially about the
reduced diameter bodies 18. In this regard, the effective diameter
defined by the cradle elements 22 may be slightly smaller than the
effective diameter of the bodies 18 of the shells 12 such that the
opposing sidewalls 23 are caused to flex radially outwardly when
the shells 12 are inserted.
[0028] As best seen through joint reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6,
in the illustrated exemplary construction, each of the cradle
elements 22 incorporates independent resilient sidewalls 23 which
are spaced apart from the sidewalls of the adjacent cradle
elements. Moreover, any indentation at the base of the cradle
elements 22 between the complimentary sidewalls may be molded into
the face of the backing wall 20. Accordingly, each sidewall 23 may
flex radially outwardly in a spring-like manner independently from
its complementary or adjacent sidewalls as a shell 12 is inserted.
Thus, each cradle element 22 may provide a secure wrap-around
support without involvement of the adjacent cradle element and with
each cradle element substantially conforming in shape as required
based on the individual shell which is inserted. Moreover, in the
radially outward flexed condition, the sidewalls 23 will provide a
biasing force against the inserted shell such that a secure support
is provided so as to prevent rattling.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, in the illustrated exemplary
construction, one or more molded-in raised ribs 24 may be disposed
at the base of one or more of the cradle elements 22 to urge the
inserted shells 12 forward towards the longitudinal opening between
the edges of the sidewalls 23. The presence of such raised ribs 24
may enhance the retention force between the sidewalls 23 and the
shells 12, while accounting for dimensional differences between
each shell.
[0030] According to one exemplary practice, the cradle elements 22
may extend about a circumference of about 270 degrees or greater.
In this regard, the cradle elements 22 will preferably extend about
a circumference such that the free edges 25 of the sidewalls 23
will apply a rearward clamping force against the shell in the
direction of the backing wall 20 and the raised rib 24. That is,
the free edges 25 will press the shell towards the base of the
cradle element 22. As will be appreciated, while the raised ribs 24
are illustrated as having a generally diamond shape, it is
contemplated that virtually any other suitable shape may likewise
be used.
[0031] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sidewalls 23 of the
cradle elements 22 may include chamfered lower edges 26. As shown
in FIG. 3, this arrangement results in reduced circumferential
coverage by the sidewalls 23 at a distal end of the shell. In the
illustrated exemplary construction, this chamfer may result in the
sidewalls 23 extending about 180 degrees or less around the distal
end of the shell such that rearward biasing force by the sidewalls
23 may be substantially eliminated at the distal ends of the
shells. Such a chamfered arrangement also provides easy finger
access to the distal ends of the shells such that the shells may be
pushed axially upwardly for retrieval when desired.
[0032] As best seen through joint reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, an
upper ledge 28 may project away from the backing wall 20 at the top
of the carrying device 10 to define a rearward platform surface of
defined thickness. As shown, the upper ledge 28 may be
substantially continuous along the entire width of the carrying
device 10. Alternatively, the upper ledge 28 may be segmented if
desired. In the illustrated exemplary construction, slots defining
eyelets 30 may extend through the upper ledge 28 for pass-through
receipt of a strap or other attachment device as will be described
further hereinafter.
[0033] One or more box protrusions 32 may project away from the
backing wall 20 at an elevation below the upper ledge 28 to define
a lower ledge 34 in spaced-apart relation from the upper ledge 28.
As shown, the box protrusions 32 may be segmented along the width
of the carrying device 10. Alternatively, a single continuous box
protrusion may be used if desired. The box protrusions 32 may be
hollow to define pass-through slots for threading a strap or other
attachment device through the box protrusions for attachment to
other devices.
[0034] As best seen in FIG. 5, in one exemplary environment of use,
a carrying device 10 in accordance with the present disclosure may
be mounted to a belt 36 using commercially available attachment
straps 40 made of plastic, fabric, or other suitable material.
According to one exemplary practice, such attachment may be carried
out by inserting the straps 40 through the eyelets 30 in the upper
ledge 28 as well as through aligned pass through openings in the
box protrusions 32 and then wrapping the straps 40 around the belt
36 and securing the straps 40 in a cinched relation to the belt
using a locking tab or other device integral with the straps. By
way of example only, and not limitation, exemplary locking straps
40 which may be used are disclosed in commonly owned international
application WO2013/016489 (incorporated by reference). Of course,
other strap constructions may likewise be used if desired. As
shown, upon being attached to the belt 36, the cradle elements 22
will project outwardly away from the belt for easy access by the
user.
[0035] As best seen in FIG. 6, the carrying device 10 may likewise
be mounted to a webbing connection 42 on a vest, bag, sheet or
other structure as may be used by law enforcement or military
personnel using commercially available attachment straps 40 made of
plastic, fabric, or other suitable material such as the locking
straps described in WO2013/016489 or the like. In practice, such
attachment may be carried out by inserting the straps 40 through
eyelets 30 in the upper ledge 28 as well as through aligned
openings in the box protrusions 32 and then weaving the ends
through the loops of the webbing connection 42 and securing the
straps 40 in a cinched relation to the webbing connection using a
locking tab or other device integral with the straps. As shown,
upon being attached to the webbing connection 42, the cradle
elements 22 will project outwardly away from the webbing connection
for easy access by the user.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the carrying device 10 also
may be mounted to a modular rapid reloading device 50 such as a
FASTMAG.TM. device produced by Illinois Tool Works or the like.
Such attachment may be carried out by nesting the contoured backing
wall 20 of the carrying device with a complementary opposing face
52 of the reloading device having a contoured profile adapted to
matedly receive portions of the contoured backing wall 20. As
shown, ridges and recesses across the backing wall 20 may mate with
complementary ridges and recesses on the face 52 of the reloading
device 50 to facilitate a secure connection.
[0037] In accordance with one exemplary construction shown in FIG.
7, the face 52 of the reloading device 50 may include a depressed
zone 54 adapted to matedly receive the box protrusions 32 on the
carrying device in nested relation. Likewise, the opposing face 52
may include an upper detent zone 56 adapted to fit in nested
relation between the upper ledge 28 and the lower ledge 34 of the
carrying device backing wall 20. As shown, the upper detent zone 56
may include a multiplicity of individual detent structures 58,
although a single raised detent structure may be used if desired.
The opposing face 52 may also include a lower detent structure 60
adapted to fit in nested relation below the box protrusions 32 of
the backing wall 20. As shown, the lower detent structure 60 may be
formed from a single detent, although multiple stacked detents may
be used if desired.
[0038] With the carrying device 10 in place relative to the
reloading device 50, a secure attachment can be made by inserting
one or more straps 40 as previously described through eyelets 30 in
the upper ledge 28 as well as through one or more aligned openings
in the detent structures 58, 60 and the box protrusions 32. The
straps 40 may then be secured to themselves in a cinched relation
using a locking tab or other device integral with the strap. Of
course, it is also contemplated that the carrying device 10 may be
mounted to virtually any other support structure as may be
desired.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, an alternative embodiment of a
carrying device 110 consistent with the present disclosure is
illustrated wherein elements corresponding to those described
previously are designated by like reference numerals increased by
100. As shown, in the illustrated exemplary construction, the
backing wall 120 of the carrying device 110 includes one or more
internal channels 170 oriented between the cradle elements (not
shown) and the upper ledge 128. In this regard, the channels 170
are oriented to define tangents to the rear surfaces of the cradle
elements. As will be appreciated, while two channels 170 are
illustrated, it is likewise contemplated that a greater or lesser
number of channels may be incorporated as desired.
[0040] As best seen through joint reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a
lock strap insert 174 of unitary molded plastic construction or the
like may be provided for sliding insertion into the channels 170.
In the illustrated exemplary construction, the exemplary lock strap
insert 174 includes a pair of spring arms 176 adapted to lock in
place upon insertion. In this regard, in the exemplary construction
the spring arms 176 may each include an enhanced diameter distal
head 178 with a shoulder undercut 180. Upon insertion of the lock
strap insert 174 from the bottom of the channel 170, the spring
arms 176 may deflect inwardly and then spring outwardly such that
the shoulder undercuts 180 engage ledge structures 182 at the
interior of the carrying device. The lock strap insert is thereby
blocked from withdrawal unless the spring arms 176 are manually
pressed towards one another. Of course, while only a single lock
strap insert 174 is shown, it is contemplated that such an insert
may be used in each channel 170 if desired.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 10, the exemplary lock strap insert 174 may
have a generally "U" shaped or hairpin profile with one leg of the
"U" defining an insertion pillar 186 supporting the spring arms
176. The other leg of the "U" defines a biasing leg 188 disposed in
substantially parallel opposing relation to the insertion pillar.
As shown, the insertion pillar 186 and the biasing leg 188 are
joined at a base 190 to define a generally "U" shaped connection.
As shown, the biasing leg 188 may have a generally hour-glass shape
construction with a relatively broad proximal segment 192 at the
base and a relatively broad distal segment 194 connected by an
intermediate neck 196 of reduced width (shown in phantom). As will
be appreciated, in such a construction the biasing leg may flex
away from the insertion pillar 186 by flexing at the base such that
the lock strap insert 174 may act in the manner of a leaf spring
upon insertion into the channel 170.
[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the carrying device 110 with lock
strap inserts 174 in place may be secured to a belt 136 or other
support structure such as webbing or the like by inserting the lock
strap insert 174 behind the belt or other support structure such
that the belt or other support structure is captured between the
backing wall 120 and the distal segment 194 of the biasing leg 188.
In this arrangement, a secure connection is maintained even during
rigorous use.
[0043] FIG. 12 illustrates yet another embodiment for a carrying
device 210 consistent with the present disclosure, adapted for
attachment to a reloading device 250 wherein elements corresponding
to those described previously are designated by like reference
numerals within a 200 series. In the illustrated exemplary
construction, the carrying device 210 includes internal channels as
previously described in relation to FIG. 9 for receipt of one or
more lock strap inserts 274. However, in the illustrated assembly,
the lock strap inserts 274 have a hooked proximal end 275 with no
upwardly extending biasing leg. The upper ledge 228 of the carrying
device likewise has a downwardly extending leg 277.
[0044] As shown, by using the embodiment of FIG. 12, the downwardly
extending leg 277 of the upper ledge may be inserted into a
molded-in slot behind detent structures 258 at the upper face of
the reloading device 250. Once the downwardly extending leg 277 is
in place, the lock strap insert 274 may then be inserted in the
manner as previously described such that spring arms 276 lock in
place in the same manner as shown in FIG. 9. As illustrated,
insertion of the lock strap insert 274 also causes the hooked
proximal end 275 to enter a molded-in slot behind a lower detent
260 at the face of the reloading device 250. As will be
appreciated, in this assembled condition, the carrying device 210
is secured to the reloading device 250. Of course, this attachment
may be reversed by pressing the spring arms 276 towards one another
such that the locking relation is released and the lock strap
insert can be withdrawn.
[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment for a carrying
device 210 consistent with the present disclosure, adapted for
safely transporting extremely large diameter projectiles 312
wherein elements corresponding to those described previously are
designated by like reference numerals within a 300 series. In the
illustrated exemplary construction, the carrying device 310
includes a hinge-mounted rotatable cover 385 attached adjacent the
upper ledge 328. The rotatable cover 385 is preferably free to
pivot about its hinge, such that it covers the head and primer of
the projectile 312 without the application of substantial pressure.
In this regard, a relatively lightweight open mesh grid
construction such as the illustrated open honeycomb construction or
the like may be useful to provide protection without applying
substantial weight. Of course, other constructions may likewise be
used.
[0046] In the illustrated exemplary construction of FIG. 13, the
carrying device 310 may also include one or more outwardly
projecting barbs 389. In practice, the barb 389 may engage a cord
or other tie down element (not shown) which may be threaded through
an eyelet in the cover 385 and then looped around the barb 389 to
prevent the cover from opening unintentionally. As shown, the barb
389 may include an enhanced diameter distal head at its free end to
block against unintended disengagement.
[0047] Of course, variations and modifications of the foregoing are
within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it is to be
understood that the disclosure disclosed and defined herein extends
to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual
features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of
these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects
of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain
the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable
others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are
to be construed to include alternative embodiments and equivalents
to the extent permitted by the prior art.
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