U.S. patent application number 14/518202 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-22 for double-barrel pump shotguns.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jerry Carson. Invention is credited to Jerry Carson.
Application Number | 20150300772 14/518202 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54321754 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150300772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carson; Jerry |
October 22, 2015 |
DOUBLE-BARREL PUMP SHOTGUNS
Abstract
An improved shotgun design that includes at least two barrels, a
trigger assembly that allows for individual simultaneous firing of
each barrel, a single magazine with parallel ammunition wells that
each feed one barrel, and a single slide mechanism that actuates
the loading/unloading mechanism and resets the firing mechanism for
discharge of subsequent rounds.
Inventors: |
Carson; Jerry; (Beaverton,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Carson; Jerry |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54321754 |
Appl. No.: |
14/518202 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61893012 |
Oct 18, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/06 20130101;
F41C 7/02 20130101; F41C 23/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41C 7/02 20060101
F41C007/02; F41C 23/14 20060101 F41C023/14; F41A 19/09 20060101
F41A019/09 |
Claims
1. A shotgun, comprising: a plurality of barrels; a plurality of
bolts, where each one of said bolts is associated with one of said
plurality of barrels; and each one of said bolts possesses a firing
mechanism; a slide that is operably connected to said plurality of
bolts so as to enable cycling of all of said plurality of bolts
simultaneously; a magazine comprising a plurality of ammunition
wells, where each one of said plurality of ammunition wells is
associated with one of said plurality of barrels; and each one of
said plurality of ammunition wells is positioned so as to allow
feeding of ammunition inserted therein into its associated barrel
by the bolt associated with the associated barrel; and a plurality
of triggers configured so that each one of said triggers is
associated with one of said plurality of bolts; and each one of
said triggers can be independently actuated so as to release the
firing pin of its associated bolt.
2. The shotgun of claim 1, further comprising a receiver wherein
said receiver houses the plurality of bolts, and into which the
plurality of barrels and plurality of magazines are inserted.
3. The shotgun of claim 2, wherein each of said barrels possesses a
breach end capable of receiving a round of ammunition that is
inserted into said receiver; each of said plurality of bolts
possesses a face that contacts the base of said round of ammunition
to be chambered, said face having two protrusions disposed on
opposite sides of the face so as to align said shell with said
breach end of said barrel; and said receiver further comprises an
upper receiver portion and a lower receiver portion, where said
upper and lower receiver portions have tapered inner surfaces
proximate to the end of said plurality of barrels that is inserted
into said receiver.
4. The shotgun of claim 1, wherein said plurality of triggers are
physically arranged so that all of said triggers can be actuated
simultaneously.
5. The shotgun of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of
triggers is operably connected to its associated bolt through a
chain drive.
6. The shotgun of claim 1, wherein said magazine ammunition wells
store inserted rounds of ammunition in a stacked configuration.
7. The shotgun of claim 6, wherein said magazine ammunition wells
further store inserted rounds of ammunition in a staggered
configuration.
8. The shotgun of claim of claim 1, further comprising a grip
attached to said slide to facilitate operating said slide.
9. A shotgun, comprising: a shoulder stock; two barrels, each
capable of receiving a round of ammunition; two bolts, each one of
said two bolts paired to one of said two barrels and positioned so
as to hold said round of ammunition into the end of said barrel,
and possessing a firing mechanism for discharging said round of
ammunition; a magazine capable of holding a plurality of rounds of
ammunition; a foregrip disposed below said two barrels so as to
slide axially relative to said barrels; one or more pushrods
connected to said foregrip and said bolts, and positioned so as to
move said bolts in response to sliding said foregrip, said movement
allowing said bolt to insert and remove said round of ammunition
into said barrel; and a housing wherein said shoulder stock is
attached; said two bolts are enclosed and positioned so as to
facilitate loading and unloading of said plurality of rounds of
ammunition into the ends of said two barrels in response to sliding
said foregrip; said barrels are inserted so as to allow said two
bolts to load and unload said rounds of ammunition into the ends of
said two barrels; and said magazine is inserted so as to hold said
rounds of ammunition held therein between said two bolts and two
barrels in a position that allows said bolts to transfer said
rounds of ammunition into the ends of said two barrels.
10. The shotgun of claim 9, further comprising a trigger
mechanically linked to each of said two bolts so as to cause said
firing mechanism in each of said two bolts to discharge said rounds
of ammunition simultaneously.
11. The shotgun of claim 10, wherein said mechanical link is
comprised of a chain and at least two sprockets.
12. The shotgun of claim 9, further comprising two triggers, each
of said two triggers mechanically linked to one each of said two
bolts so as to cause said firing mechanism in said linked bolt to
discharge its associated round of ammunition.
13. The shotgun of claim 12, wherein said two triggers are arranged
so as to facilitate actuating both triggers simultaneously.
14. The shotgun of claim 13, wherein said mechanical linkages are
comprised of a plurality of chains and sprockets.
15. The shotgun of claim 9, wherein each of said two bolts
possesses an extractor positioned opposite to said pushrod, said
extractor and pushrod arranged so as to center a round of
ammunition to be loaded into the barrel associated with said bolt
along the center axis of said barrel; and said housing further
comprises an upper receiver and a lower receiver, with each of said
upper receiver and lower receiver having a tapered inner surface
proximate to the end of said barrels that are inserted into said
housing, said tapered inner surfaces positioned so as to guide a
round of ammunition to be loaded into either of said barrels along
the center axis of said barrel.
16. The shotgun of claim 9, wherein said magazine possesses a
partition that divides said magazine into two ammunition wells,
with each of said ammunition wells associated with one of said two
barrels.
17. The shotgun of claim 16, wherein each of said ammunition wells
holds said rounds of ammunition in a stacked configuration.
18. The shotgun of claim 17, wherein each of said ammunition wells
holds said rounds of ammunition in a staggered stacked
configuration.
19. The shotgun of claim 9, further comprising a trigger
mechanically linked to each of said two bolts so as to cause said
firing mechanism in each of said two bolts to discharge said rounds
of ammunition sequentially, with one round discharged for each
actuation of said trigger.
20. A shotgun, comprising: an adjustable shoulder stock; two
barrels, each capable of receiving a round of ammunition; two
bolts, each one of said two bolts paired to one of said two barrels
and positioned so as to hold said round of ammunition into the end
of said barrel, possessing a firing mechanism for discharging said
round of ammunition, and two oppositely disposed protrusions
arranged so as to align said round of ammunition with the center
axis of said barrel; a magazine with two independent wells, each
associated with one of the said two barrels and capable of holding
a plurality of rounds of ammunition; a foregrip disposed below said
two barrels so as to slide axially relative to said barrels; one or
more pushrods connected to said foregrip and said bolts, and
positioned so as to move said bolts in response to sliding said
foregrip, said movement allowing said bolt to insert and remove
said round of ammunition into said barrel; and a housing comprised
of an upper and lower receiver, wherein said shoulder stock is
attached; said two bolts are enclosed and positioned so as to
facilitate loading and unloading of said plurality of rounds of
ammunition into the ends of said two barrels in response to sliding
said foregrip; said barrels are inserted so as to allow said two
bolts to load and unload said rounds of ammunition into the ends of
said two barrels; said upper and lower receiver have inner surfaces
that are tapered towards the portion of said two barrels that is
inserted into said housing so as to align a round of ammunition
inserted into either of said two barrels with the center axis of
said barrel; and said magazine is inserted so as to hold said
rounds of ammunition held therein between said two bolts and two
barrels in a position that allows said bolts to transfer said
rounds of ammunition into the ends of said two barrels; and two
latch levers disposed to enable disassembly of the shotgun.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional U.S.
Application, Ser. No. 61/893,012, filed on Oct. 18, 2013, which is
hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to shotguns. In
particular, double-barrel pump shotguns are described.
[0003] The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution
guarantees American Citizens the right to bear arms. Firearms are a
ubiquitous component of American culture and are used for many
purposes, including hunting, recreational target shooting, home
defense, and personal defense. Common types of firearms include
handguns, rifles, assault rifles, and shotguns. Shotguns serve
particularly vital peace keeping and defensive roles in law
enforcement and military applications.
[0004] Known shotguns are not entirely satisfactory for the range
of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing
shotguns offer limited ammunition capacity. Conventional shotguns
are often limited to single round or double round capacities.
Further, spent shell casings must be removed from a shotgun barrel
prior to loading and firing subsequent rounds.
[0005] In addition, although some conventional shotguns allow
multi-round capacities, conventional shotguns are limited by
maximum round capacity. Conventional multi-round capacities range
from 2 rounds in a breach-load double-barrel shotgun to 32 rounds
in a drum magazine shotgun. Drum magazines are often undesirable
because the drum configuration is large and bulky.
[0006] Typically, rounds in a handgun magazine or high-powered
rifle magazine are stacked in a staggered configuration. In other
words, two columns of rounds are stacked side-by-side inside the
magazine. Staggering the rounds in a staggered magazine essentially
doubles the capacity of a linear stack magazine of identical
dimension. Handgun and rifle rounds incorporate pointed or rounded
tips that allow the round to exit the staggered magazine at an
angle and to self-guide into the gun barrel.
[0007] Unlike handgun and rifle rounds that incorporate round or
pointed tips, shotgun rounds are flat on the tip. Existing shotgun
magazines have failed to incorporate a staggered configuration for
existing shotgun rounds, primarily because the flat-tipped shotgun
rounds cannot self-guide into the gun barrel. Thus, when
flat-tipped shotgun rounds are pushed out of a staggered magazine,
the flat-tipped rounds jam in the firing port causing the shotgun
to malfunction.
[0008] Therefore, maximum round capacities of existing shotguns are
limited by existing magazine configurations. Further, total
capacities of existing magazine configurations are limited due to
weight distribution and dimension limitations. Existing shotgun
magazine configurations include under-barrel tubes, single-stack
magazines, and drum magazines.
[0009] Conventional under-barrel tubes cannot extend past the
shotgun barrel to which they are mated. Under-barrel tubes must not
protrude past the exit port of the shotgun barrel because a
protruding under-barrel tube would interfere with the trajectory of
a round fired from the barrel. A longer under-barrel tube capable
of holding more rounds would be awkward to maneuver and would
inhibit the accuracy of the shotgun. Currently, a maximum round
capacity of 4-16 rounds is feasible with conventional under-barrel
tubes.
[0010] Additionally, existing single-stack magazines capacities are
limited by length. Existing single-stack magazines mount beneath or
above the shotgun barrel and are linear. In other words, rounds of
ammunition are stacked directly above or below additional rounds
and fed into the firing chamber in a linear fashion. The length of
existing single-stack magazines must be limited to maintain balance
and maneuverability with existing shotguns. A maximum round
capacity of 10 rounds is feasible with existing single-stack
magazines.
[0011] Moreover, conventional drum magazines are large, awkward,
and fragile. Live rounds are configured in a coil inside
conventional drum magazines. A traditional coil of live rounds
feeds into the shotgun barrel through a firing chamber port. The
coiled rounds require a large drum size to accommodate multiple
rounds. Drum magazines are fragile and malfunction-prone. A maximum
round capacity of 32 rounds is feasible with existing drum
magazines. Although conventional drum magazines offer larger
capacities, drum magazines are flawed due to the large size and
unwieldy nature of the awkward drum.
[0012] Thus, there exists a need for shotguns that improve upon and
advance the design of known shotguns. Particularly, there exists a
need for double-barrel pump shotguns that incorporate side-by-side,
staggered-stack magazines with large multi-round capacities.
Examples of new and useful double-barrel pump shotguns relevant to
the needs existing in the field are discussed below.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present disclosure is directed to an improved shotgun
design. The improved shotgun includes at least two barrels, a
trigger assembly that allows for individual or simultaneous firing
of each barrel, a single magazine with parallel ammunition wells
that each feed one barrel, and a single slide mechanism that
actuates the loading/unloading mechanism and resets the firing
mechanism for discharge of subsequent rounds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a
double-barrel pump shotgun.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top overall view of the double-barrel pump
shotgun shown in FIG. 1 depicting the shotgun disassembled.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a side cutaway view of the double-barrel pump
shotgun shown in FIG. 1 depicting a chain drive trigger mechanism
inside a lower receiver.
[0017] FIG. 3B is a top view of the double-barrel pump shotgun
shown in FIG. 1 depicting the chain drive trigger mechanism shown
in FIG. 3A in its paired configuration, with one trigger mechanism
for each barrel.
[0018] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of one of the bolts
from the double-barrel pump shotgun shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the magazine from the
double-barrel pump shotgun shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The disclosed double-barrel pump shotguns will become better
understood through review of the following detailed description in
conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures
provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein.
Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed
examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing
from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations
are contemplated for different applications and design
considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every
contemplated variation is not individually described in the
following detailed description.
[0021] Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of
double-barrel pump shotgun examples are provided. Related features
in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in
different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will
not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of
related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a
related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an
example explained previously. Features specific to a given example
will be described in that particular example. The reader should
understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to
the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or
example.
[0022] With reference to FIG. 1 a first example of a double-barrel
pump shotgun, double-barrel pump shotgun 100, will now be
described. Double-barrel pump shotgun 100 functions to dramatically
increase the round capacity and effective firepower of existing
shotguns. Additionally or alternatively, the 50-round magazine of
double-barrel pump shotgun 100 can be loaded with #1 buckshot to
facilitate or allow firing 800 thirty caliber projectiles down
range in just over 20 seconds. Thus, the effective firepower of
double-barrel pump shotgun 100 is greater than five M-60 machine
guns firing concurrently in the same period of time.
[0023] Double-barrel pump shotgun 100 addresses many of the
shortcomings existing with conventional shotguns. For example,
double-barrel pump shotgun 100 incorporates a staggered-stack,
side-by-side magazine with a 50-round capacity. Moreover, shotgun
100 facilitates or allows feeding flat-tipped shotgun rounds from a
staggered magazine and eliminates the shortcomings of conventional
shotguns.
[0024] By incorporating the staggered-stack, side-by-side magazine,
shotgun 100 eliminates the magazine shortcomings of existing
shotguns. The magazine of shotgun 100 mounts directly under the
center of the receiver and eliminates any protrusion risk presented
by conventional linear tube magazines. It offers significantly
better capacity than a tubular magazine mounted underneath the
barrel, which cannot exceed the barrel length, and cannot be
removed to allow for quick swapping with a second, preloaded
magazine. It offers a shorter length (in exchange for a slightly
wider profile) compared with existing non-staggered linear
magazines. Finally, compared to existing drum magazine designs, it
offers greater mechanical robustness, resistance to adverse
handling conditions, and a substantially slimmer profile.
[0025] Moreover, the stack configuration of the new magazine
ensures shotgun 100 is balanced and stable. Placing the magazine in
the center of the receiver just in front of the trigger and grip
facilitates or allows carrying and maneuvering shotgun 100
conveniently and easily. Additionally, centering the magazine
between the grip and fore-grip distributes the weight of
double-barrel pump shotgun 100 and eliminates trigger arm
fatigue.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, double-barrel pump shotgun 100
includes an upper receiver 110, a lower receiver 112, an ejection
port 114, a trigger 120, a first gear 121, a second gear 122, a
first sprocket 123, a second sprocket 124, a grip 125, a first
chain 127, a second chain 128, a magazine 130, a fore-grip 135,
operating rods 140, a first bolt 143, a second bolt 144, a first
rear sprocket 147, a second rear sprocket 146, a first rear gear
149, a second rear gear 148, a first barrel 150, a second barrel
155, a shroud 160, an end cap 162, a rear sight mount 170, a plate
175, a bolt stop 176, and a butt stock 180.
[0027] As can be seen in FIG. 1, upper receiver 110 comprises the
upper half of shotgun 100. Upper receiver 110 is complimentarily
configured with lower receiver 112 and cooperatively houses the
internal mechanics of shotgun 100. Ideally, upper receiver 110 is
constructed from hardened 4140 tool steel. However, the upper
receiver may be comprised of any now known or later developed
material suitable for housing internal mechanics of firearms,
including, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, glass-filled
Nylon 66, Zytel.RTM.), carbon fiber, or composites. Upper receiver
110 includes ejection ports 114.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, ejection ports 114 facilitate or
allow bilaterally ejecting spent or fired shotgun shells from
double-barrel pump shotgun 100. In the FIG. 1 example, ejection
ports 114 are configured laterally. In other examples, the ejection
ports may be arranged in any configuration that facilitates or
allows safely and effectively ejecting spent shells. Acceptable
ejection port configurations include, but are not limited to,
vertical, acute angled, and obtuse angled.
[0029] Lower receiver 112 comprises the lower half of shotgun 100.
Lower receiver 112 is complimentarily configured with upper
receiver 110 and cooperatively houses the internal mechanics of
double-barrel pump shotgun 100. In the FIG. 1 example, lower
receiver 112 is comprised of 30-percent glass-filled Nylon 66, or
Zytel.RTM. brand material. In other examples the lower receiver may
be comprised of any now known or later developed material suitable
for housing internal mechanics of firearms. Suitable lower receiver
materials include, but are not limited to, wood, metal, plastic,
carbon fiber, or composites.
[0030] Upper receiver 110 and lower receiver 112 together combine
to form the primary housing of shotgun 100. Into this combined
primary housing are inserted the first barrel 150, second barrel
155, magazine 130, a trigger assembly comprised of trigger 120,
first gear 121, second gear 122, first sprocket 123, second
sprocket 124, grip 125, first chain 127, and second chain 128,
first bolt 143, and second bolt 144, and bolt stop 176. Butt stock
180 is attached to the outside of the combined primary housing,
along with rear sight mount 170 and plate 175. Operating rods 140
protrude into the combined primary housing and attach to the first
bolt 143 and second bolt 144 to enable actuation of the bolts,
comprising the action of the shotgun 100. The workings of the
action will be described further below.
[0031] Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, grip 125 facilitates or allows
controlling and manipulating shotgun 100. Grip 125 is anatomically
shaped to facilitate or allow gripping by a human hand.
Additionally or alternatively, the grip may include grip elements
to increase or improve user comfort. Examples of acceptable grip
elements include, but are not limited to, rough or textured
surfaces, rubberized surfaces, finger ridges, and palm indentions.
Grip 125 is preferably constructed from either molded plastic,
shaped or carved wood mounted to a metal or plastic frame, or
plastic or metal coated with a cushioning rubber grip surface. Grip
125 may, however, be constructed from any material suitably strong
to withstand the forces generated by the recoil of the shotgun 100
during firing and during actuation of the action by sliding the
fore-grip 135 fore and aft. Such materials include wood, metal,
plastic, composites, or any suitably strong material now known or
later developed.
[0032] Further considering FIG. 2, shotgun 100 can be rapidly
disassembled into its component parts without tools in under 30
seconds by pressing two levers. Disassembly begins by removing the
butt stock 180 by removing the stock lock pin 210, which is used to
adjust the butt stock 180, and sliding the butt stock 180 off. This
exposes disassembly lever 220 on the back of the upper receiver
110. By pressing down on the disassembly lever 220, the top of the
upper receiver 110, plate 175 with the handle and rear sight mount
170, along with the bolt guide rails, will slide to the rear and
off. Bolt stop 176 is removed by lifting it out vertically. Next,
the vertical fore-grip 135 under the barrel is unlocked with the
thumb actuated lever on the side of the grip shown in FIG. 2 and
pulled to the rear. Both bolts 143 and 144 will drop free into the
rear of the upper receiver 110, and may be removed. Front
disassembly lever 230, located at the front of the barrels is then
moved to the left, enabling removal of the block between the
barrels, the slide action vertical fore-grip 135, the vertical grip
mount, the slide action rods 140, and the barrel shroud 160.
[0033] Shotgun 100 can be reassembled by reversing the foregoing
steps. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-3B, trigger 120 is
configured in two identical halves as a side-by-side double
trigger. Pulling one side of trigger 120 in turn fires a live round
from its associated barrel of the double-barrel pump shotgun 100.
By placing the two halves adjacent to each other, both sides of
trigger 120 may be pulled simultaneously to fire a live round from
both barrels simultaneously. The trigger 120 may alternatively be
configured as a single trigger which fires one round from one
barrel of the shotgun on a first pull, and one round from the
second barrel of the shotgun on the second pull. In yet a further
variation, the trigger 120 may be configured as a single trigger
which fires both barrels of the double-barrel pump shotgun
simultaneously.
[0034] FIG. 3A depicts the trigger and tire control mechanism for a
single barrel and bolt. As shown most clearly in FIG. 3A, pulling
trigger 120 moves a slide bar 310 that makes contact with first
rear gear 149, which converts the sliding motion of the slide bar
310 into rotational motion. First rear gear 149 imparts rotational
motion a first rear sprocket 147 via rear shaft 320, to which both
first rear gear 149 and first rear sprocket 147 are affixed. This
rotational motion is concurrently imparted to a first sprocket 123
by way of a first chain 127. First sprocket 123 imparts its
rotational motion to first gear 121 via front shaft 330, to which
first sprocket 123 and first gear 121 are affixed. Finally, first
gear 121 is in physical contact with the firing mechanism in first
bolt 143, actuating the mechanism and thereby firing a round of
ammunition as trigger 120 is pulled.
[0035] For triggers 120 implemented as two adjacent halves capable
of firing each barrel independently, the foregoing trigger and tire
control mechanism is duplicated in mirrored fashion for a second
bolt 144 and barrel. In particular slide bar 310, rear shaft 320,
and front shaft 330 (shown in FIG. 3A as second front shaft 340)
all independently move as their corresponding trigger 120 is
pulled.
[0036] Turning to FIG. 3B, an overhead view is provided of the two
mirrored trigger and fire control mechanisms, showing the identical
first rear gear 149 and second rear gear 148, first rear sprocket
147 and second rear sprocket 146, first chain 127 and second chain
128, first sprocket 123 and second sprocket 124, and first gear 121
and second gear 122. Where trigger 120 is configured as a single
trigger that fires both barrels simultaneously, the trigger and
tire control mechanism will possess a single slide bar 310 that
actuates a single rear gear 149, which in turn is affixed to a
single rear shaft 320, to which are affixed first rear sprocket 147
and second rear sprocket 146. The single bar 310, rear gear 149,
and rear shaft 320 thus impart motion from the pulled trigger 120
simultaneously to both mirrored fire control mechanisms.
[0037] FIGS. 4A and 4B show the components of a bolt 400, an
example embodiment of first bolt 143 and second bolt 144. Bolt 400
includes an extractor plate 410, a control rod 420, a locking pin
430, firing pin 440, and firing pin sear 450. Extractor plate 410
catches upon a rim or groove built into the base of the case of a
round of the appropriate ammunition, enabling the case to be
extracted from the breech of the barrel associated with the bolt
upon cycling the shotgun 100's action. Control rod 420, ideally
located on the opposing side of the bolt 400 from the extractor
plate 410, engages with an internal cam within the bolt 400 for
raising or lowering the locking pin 430. Locking pin 430, when
raised, fixes the bolt 400 in position at the breach of its
associated barrel when a round of ammunition is chambered in the
barrel so as to ensure a secure firing of the round. The control
rod 420 also extends from the bolt 400, passes through the receiver
housing the bolt 400 and attaches to the slide or fore-grip to
enable cycling of the shotgun 100's action. Bolt 400 is preferably
comprised of 4140 steel or "tool steel." Alternatively, bolt 400
may be comprised of any now known or later developed material that
is suitable for containing the breech pressures and recoil forces
experienced during the firing of a round of ammunition. Examples of
suitable bolt materials may include, but are not limited to,
aluminum, titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, wood, plastic,
ceramic, carbon fiber, and composites.
[0038] As described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3B, first
gear 121 and second gear 122 contact and activate the firing
mechanism in first bolt 143 and second bolt 144, respectively.
Firing mechanism in example bolt 400 is comprised of the firing pin
sear 450, which pressure applied thereupon via the fire control
mechanism gear trips the spring-loaded firing pin 440, causing it
to rapidly emerge from inside of bolt 400 and strike the primer of
a round of ammunition, resulting in discharge of the shotgun 100.
The internal firing pin mechanism and ejector mechanism in bolt 400
are well known in the art, and thus will not be discussed in
detail. Any now known or later developed firing mechanism and
ejector mechanism may be incorporated in the bolts. An example
firing cycle of double-barrel pump shotgun 100 will be discussed in
detail below.
[0039] In FIG. 5, the components of a magazine 500 are shown.
Magazine 500 possesses a body 510 which is shaped to securely
couple with lower receiver 112, which is in turn equipped with a
latching mechanism to retain an inserted magazine 500 until
unlatched. Such latching mechanisms are well-known in the art.
Magazine 500 is configured as a staggered-stack, side-by-side
magazine. Two ammunition wells 520 are created by the insertion of
a partition 530, which splits the body 510 into the two ammunition
wells 520. Into each ammunition well 520 is inserted an ammunition
follower 540 and spring 550. The spring 550 contacts the follower
540 at one end, and the magazine bottom plate 560 at its opposite
end. As ammunition is inserted into an ammunition well 520 it rests
atop follower 540, which is depressed down into the ammunition well
520 and simultaneously compresses spring 550. Spring 550 thus
imparts an increasing force against follower 540 and pushes the
inserted ammunition to the mouth of the well 520, in position for
loading by the shotgun 100's action. As discussed above, the
staggered-stack magazine configuration is common in handguns and
rifles. However, magazine 500 pairs two single staggered-stack
magazines in a side-by-side configuration; each half of magazine
500 functions independently. Thus, magazine 500 facilitates or
allows first barrel 150 and second barrel 155 to function
independently.
[0040] In the example embodiment, magazine 500 ideally has a
maximum capacity of 50 rounds. Alternatively, the magazine may be
configured to hold fewer or more rounds. Essentially, the overall
length and total weight of the fully loaded magazine will be
limiting factors when determining the maximum capacity of the
magazine. The components of magazine 510 are ideally made of a
material that is lightweight yet strong, such as aluminum, plastic,
Nylon 66, Zytel.RTM., a composite, or any other suitable material
capable of securely and rigidly holding the weight of ammunition
contained therein.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1-4B, first barrel 150 and second barrel
155 are inserted into upper receiver 110 and lower receiver 112.
The inner surface of upper receiver 110 and lower receiver 112 are
tapered proximate first barrel 150 and second barrel 155 to
facilitate or allow guiding rounds of ammunition exiting magazine
130 into first barrel 150 and into second barrel 155. As a round of
ammunition exits magazine 130 due to motion of the bolt towards the
breech of its associated barrel, the combination of the extractor
plate 410 and control rod 420 on each bolt act in concert to center
a round of ammunition as it feeds from the magazine 130 on the bolt
face, which in turn aligns the round of ammunition with the axis of
the bolt's associated barrel. As the round of ammunition is further
pushed forward by the bolt, it meets the aforementioned tapered
inner surfaces of upper receiver 110 and lower receiver 112. The
combined effect of the extractor plate 410, control rod 420, and
tapered inner surfaces acts as a funnel to guide the blunt front
end of the round of ammunition into the breach end of the barrel,
enabling smooth, consistent, and jam-free feeding.
[0042] In the FIGS. 1 and 2 example, first barrel 150 and second
barrel 155 are comprised of steel. Specifically, the first and
second barrels are comprised of 4140 steel or "tool steel."
Alternatively, the first barrel and the second barrel may be
comprised of any now known or later developed material. Examples of
suitable barrel materials include, but are not limited to,
aluminum, titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, wood, plastic,
ceramic, rubber, carbon fiber, composites, alone or in suitable
combinations as appropriate to the materials employed.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, operating rods 140 pass through
lower receiver 112, connecting first bolt 143 and second bolt 144
with fore-grip 135. Operating rods 140 facilitate or allow shotgun
100's action to cycle between loaded and unloaded configurations.
In other words, operating rods 140 cycle first bolt 143 and second
bolt 144. Fore-grip 135 facilitates or allows a user to control and
manipulate shotgun 100. Fore-grip 135 allows users to steady or aim
the firing end of first barrel 150 and second barrel 155 and to
pump or rack operating rods 140 to cycle first bolt 143 and second
bolt 144.
[0044] In the FIG. 1 example, fore-grip 135 is a below-barrel
vertical fore-grip. Alternatively, the fore-grip may be configured
in any shape or form that facilitates or allows aiming and cycling
the double-barrel pump shotgun. Acceptable fore-grip configurations
include, but are not limited to, in-line, side-barrel horizontal,
and above-barrel vertical. The fore-grip may also include elements
to increase or improve user comfort. Examples of acceptable
fore-grip elements include but are not limited to rough or textured
surfaces, rubberized surfaces, finger ridges, and palm
indentions.
[0045] In the FIG. 1 example, fore-grip 135 is comprised of
30-percent glass-filled Nylon 66, or Zytel.RTM.. In other examples,
the fore-grip may be comprised of any now known or later developed
material suitable for facilitating aiming and cycling the
double-barrel pump shotgun. Suitable fore-grip materials include,
but are not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic,
carbon fiber, and composites.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a shroud 160 surrounds or
protects first barrel 150 and second barrel 155. In the FIG. 1
example, shroud 160 is comprised of 30-percent glass-filled Nylon
66, or Zytel.RTM.. In other examples the shroud may be comprised of
any now known or later developed material suitable for protecting
the barrels. Suitable shroud materials include, but are not limited
to, wood, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, carbon fiber, and
composites. Additionally, the shroud serves an aesthetic purpose
and may be configured in any aesthetically pleasing shape or
form.
[0047] As shown most clearly in FIG. 2, end cap 162 is configured
to cooperatively couple with shroud 160, first barrel 150, and
second barrel 155. In fact, end cap 162 locks or maintains shroud
160 around first barrel 150 and second barrel 155. Moreover, end
cap 162 acts as a stop to maintain fore-grip 135 and operating rods
140 in proper operating position ("racked") when cycling
double-barrel pump shotgun 100.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, rear sight mount 170 mounts to
upper receiver 110. In the FIG. 1 example, rear sight mount 170 is
configured to facilitate or allow gripping by a human hand and
allows mounting optical sighting elements. Alternatively, the sight
mount may be configured with a peep sight or to accommodate any now
known or later developed sighting element.
[0049] As can be seen in FIG. 2, plate 175 is configured to mount
rear sight mount 170 to upper receiver 110. In the FIG. 2 example,
plate 175 is comprised of 30-percent glass-filled Nylon 66 or
Zytel.RTM.. In other examples, the plate may be comprised of any
now known or later developed material suitable for mounting the
rear sight mount to the upper receiver. Suitable plate materials
include, but are not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, rubber,
ceramic, carbon fiber, and composites.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, butt stock 180 is cooperatively
coupled with lower receiver 112. Butt stock 180 is anatomically
configured to accommodate a human shoulder. Moreover, butt stock
180 is adjustable to make shotgun 100 more comfortable for a user
to use and easier to control. Butt stock 180 is comprised of
30-percent glass-filled Nylon 66, or Zytel.RTM.. In other examples
the butt stock may be comprised of any now known or later developed
material suitable for facilitating user comfort and control of the
shotgun. Suitable butt stock materials include, but are not limited
to, wood, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, carbon fiber, and
composites.
[0051] Many of the above components of double-barrel pump shotgun
100 are identical on opposite sides. In other words, many
components on one-half of double-barrel pump shotgun 100 are a
mirror image of the same components on the other one-half. It is
also contemplated that single components of the double-barrel pump
shotgun may be utilized to comprise a single-barrel pump shotgun.
Indeed, a single staggered-stack magazine with 25-round capacity
may be combined with other components listed above to comprise a
robust, single-barrel pump shotgun with firepower and balance
superior to existing pump shotguns.
[0052] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the tiring cycle of
double-barrel pump shotgun 100 will now be described. First, with
live rounds loaded in magazine 130, magazine 130 is inserted in
lower receiver 112. Racking fore-grip 135 from a first position
distal lower receiver 112 to a stop position proximate lower
receiver 112 also moves the attached operating rods 140.
Concurrently, operating rods 140 cycle the attached first bolt 143
and second bolt 144. As the fore-grip 135 is moved rearward towards
the lower receiver 112, the operating rods 140 first extend into
their associated bolts, actuating their internal cams which in turn
lowers the associated locking pins. This frees the bolts to be
moved rearward by the operating rods 140, as they continue to
travel rearward with the fore-grip 135. When fore-grip 135 reaches
its rear-most stop position, first bolt 143 and second bolt 144
simultaneously eject any spent shell casings from the firing
chamber out of ejection ports 114.
[0053] Next, the fore-grip 135 is moved back away from lower
receiver 112 towards its forward stop. This in turn causes the
operating rods 140 to pull first bolt 143 and second bolt 144 back
towards the breach of each associated barrel. First bolt 143 and
second bolt 144 simultaneously strip new, live rounds out of
magazine 130 into first barrel 150 and second barrel 155,
respectively. As the new rounds slide forward, they are pushed up
by a combination of the magazine followers 540 and associated
springs 550, and the tapered shape of the lower receiver 112. The
rounds come into contact with their respective bolts' extractor
plate 410 and the control rod opposing the extractor plate 410,
which in combination serve to center the new rounds in line with
the axis of each bolt's respective barrel, thereby ensuring smooth
and accurate feeding of the new round. As fore-grip 135 is returned
to the first position, first bolt 143 and second bolt 144
simultaneously complete loading the live rounds into first barrel
150 and second barrel 155, and cock the firing mechanism in each
bolt. Following making contact with breaches of their respective
barrels, final forward travel of the fore-grip 135 actuates the cam
inside each bolt, which causes each bolt's respective locking pin
to raise, thereby securing the bolts from rearward movement and
making the shotgun 100 ready to fire.
[0054] A user may discharge the shotgun 100 by electing to pull one
half of trigger 120 initially then the other half of trigger 120
subsequently, or both halves of trigger 120 simultaneously. Pulling
trigger 120 fires rounds from first barrel 150 and second barrel
155. Following firing, cycling of fore-grip 135 as described in the
foregoing repeats the above extraction, ejection, and loading
cycle, rendering double-barrel pump shotgun 100 again capable of
firing two new live rounds. This cycle may be repeated sequentially
until all rounds in the magazine have been fired.
[0055] The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct
inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions
has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments
disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a
limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject
matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious
combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features,
functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those
skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the
disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite "a" element, "a
first" element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or
claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such
elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such
elements.
[0056] Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to
combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that
are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in
other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions,
elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of
those claims or presentation of new claims in the present
application or in a related application. Such amended or new
claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a
different invention and whether they are different, broader,
narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be
considered within the subject matter of the inventions described
herein.
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