U.S. patent application number 14/699230 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-18 for material based impact reactive projectiles.
The applicant listed for this patent is OATH Corporation. Invention is credited to David Martin Golloher, Leonard William Terkeurst.
Application Number | 20160047638 14/699230 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55301945 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160047638 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Golloher; David Martin ; et
al. |
February 18, 2016 |
MATERIAL BASED IMPACT REACTIVE PROJECTILES
Abstract
Various embodiments of projectiles and materials based impact
reactive projectiles are described. In one embodiment, a projectile
includes a projectile core and a tip. The projectile core may
include a core base and a central recess that extends from a
leading circumferential rim of the projectile core to the core
base. The projectile core may further include projectile fingers
each separated by a kerf, extending longitudinally from the core
base to the leading circumferential rim, and extending radially
apart between an outer periphery of the central recess to an outer
periphery surface of the core. Depending at least in part upon the
type of materials which the projectile is formed from, upon impact,
the projectile fingers and core base of the projectile may fracture
apart without a slug remaining. Alternatively, the projectile
fingers may bloom out, expanding the cross sectional area of the
projectile, and slowing the projectile.
Inventors: |
Golloher; David Martin;
(Merritt Island, FL) ; Terkeurst; Leonard William;
(Cocoa, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OATH Corporation |
Merritt Island |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55301945 |
Appl. No.: |
14/699230 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14625097 |
Feb 18, 2015 |
|
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14699230 |
|
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|
62037267 |
Aug 14, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
102/501 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 12/34 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F42B 12/02 20060101
F42B012/02 |
Claims
1. A projectile, comprising: a projectile core having a central
recess formed therein, the central recess including a conical
recess portion and a cylindrical recess portion, the projectile
core comprising: a core base, wherein the central recess extends
from a circumferential meplat rim of the projectile core to the
core base along an axis of symmetry of the projectile core; and a
plurality of projectile fingers each separated by a kerf, the
plurality of projectile fingers extending longitudinally from the
core base to the circumferential meplat rim and extending radially
away from the axis of symmetry between the central recess and an
outer periphery surface of the projectile core; and a tip including
a nose, a conical taper portion, and a cylindrical anchor pin.
2. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core
is formed from a solid stock material which absorbs sufficient
energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward
from the axis of symmetry without breaking away from the core in
response to compression of the conical taper portion of the tip
into the cylindrical recess portion of the projectile core.
3. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core
is formed from copper or an alloy formed substantially of copper
which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of
projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry in
response to compression of the conical taper portion of the tip
into the cylindrical recess portion of the projectile core.
4. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core
is formed from a solid stock material which fractures apart in
response to compression of the conical taper portion of the tip
into the cylindrical recess portion of the projectile core.
5. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core
is entirely formed from solid brass.
6. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the projectile core
is formed from a first material and the tip is formed from a second
material.
7. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical
anchor pin of the tip is lodged inside the cylindrical recess
portion of the central recess; and the conical taper portion of the
tip occupies the conical recess portion of the central recess.
8. The projectile according to claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of projectile fingers includes a plurality of surfaces;
and at least one of the plurality of surfaces of each of the
plurality of projectile fingers includes a partial conical
surface.
9. The projectile according to claim 8, wherein at least two of the
plurality of surfaces of each of the plurality of projectile
fingers are substantially flat surfaces.
10. The projectile according to claim 8, wherein at least two of
the plurality of surfaces of each of the plurality of projectile
fingers include cylindrical surface segments.
11. A projectile, comprising: a projectile core having a central
recess formed therein, the projectile core comprising: a core base,
wherein the central recess extends from a circumferential meplat
rim of the projectile core to the core base along an axis of
symmetry of the projectile core; and a plurality of projectile
fingers separated from each other, the plurality of projectile
fingers extending longitudinally from the core base to the
circumferential meplat rim; and a tip including a nose.
12. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile
core is formed from a solid stock material which absorbs sufficient
energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward
from the axis of symmetry without breaking away from the core in
response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the
projectile core.
13. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile
core is formed from copper or an alloy formed substantially of
copper which absorbs sufficient energy such that the plurality of
projectile fingers expand outward from the axis of symmetry in
response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the
projectile core.
14. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile
core is formed from a solid stock material which fractures apart in
response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the
projectile core.
15. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the projectile
core is formed from a first material and the tip is formed from a
second material.
16. The projectile according to claim 11, wherein the central
recess includes a conical recess portion and a cylindrical recess
portion; and the tip includes a conical taper portion and a
cylindrical anchor pin.
17. A projectile, comprising: a projectile core having a central
recess formed therein, the projectile core comprising: a core base,
wherein the central recess extends from a circumferential meplat
rim of the projectile core to the core base along an axis of
symmetry of the projectile core; and a plurality of projectile
fingers separated from each other, the plurality of projectile
fingers extending longitudinally from the core base to the
circumferential meplat rim; and a tip including a nose, wherein
along the axis of symmetry, the core base extends less than thirty
percent of a length of the projectile core.
18. The projectile according to claim 17, wherein the projectile
core is formed from a solid stock material which absorbs sufficient
energy such that the plurality of projectile fingers expand outward
from the axis of symmetry without breaking away from the core in
response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the
projectile core.
19. The projectile according to claim 17, wherein the projectile
core is formed from a solid stock material which fractures apart in
response to compression of the tip into the central recess of the
projectile core.
20. The projectile according to claim 17, wherein the projectile
core is formed from a first material and the tip is formed from a
second material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S.
Non-Provisional application ser. No. 14/625,097, filed Feb. 18,
2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/037,267, filed Aug. 14, 2014, the entire contents of both of
which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Firearms generally launch projectiles propelled by explosive
force. Such firearms may be equipped with a barrel having an
internal diameter defined by a common projectile caliber. A
projectile used in conjunction with a firearm will have an external
diameter that substantially matches the caliber of the barrel of
the firearm. A person using a firearm may desire specific results
when firing the weapon. To this end, a projectile may be designed
to affect its ballistic or impact characteristics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] For a more complete understanding of the embodiments
described herein and the advantages thereof, reference is now made
to the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings briefly described as follows:
[0004] FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a projectile
according to one example embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of the
projectile in FIG. 1A.
[0006] FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of the projectile in FIG.
1A.
[0007] FIG. 1D illustrates a front view of the projectile core of
the projectile in FIG. 1A.
[0008] FIG. 1E illustrates a front perspective exploded view of the
projectile in FIG. 1A.
[0009] FIG. 1F illustrates a central recess of the projectile in
the cross section A-A identified in FIG. 1C.
[0010] FIG. 1G illustrates another view of the cross section A-A of
the projectile identified in FIG. 1C.
[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and back perspective views
of a projectile, respectively, according to another example
embodiment.
[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front and back perspective views
of a projectile, respectively, according to another example
embodiment.
[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front and back perspective views
of a projectile, respectively, according to another example
embodiment.
[0014] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate front and back perspective views
of a projectile, respectively, according to another example
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 6A illustrates a representative fractured perspective
view of the projectile in FIGS. 3A and 3B according to aspects of
the embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 6B illustrates a representative view of the fractured
projectile in FIG. 6A according to aspects of the embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 7A illustrates a representative bloomed front view of
the projectile core in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0018] FIG. 7B illustrates a representative bloomed back view of
the projectile core in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0019] FIG. 7C illustrates a representative view of the bloomed
projectile core in FIGS. 7A and 7B according to aspects of the
embodiments.
[0020] The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are not
to be considered limiting of the scope of the embodiments described
herein, as other equivalents are within the scope and spirit of the
disclosure. In the drawings, similar reference numerals between
figures designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily the
same, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a projectile
10 according to one example embodiment. As illustrated, the
projectile 10 includes a tip 102 and a projectile core 112. The
projectile 10 in FIG. 1A may be similar in size to the
commercially-recognized .450 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) caliber
projectile. However, among embodiments, the projectile 10 may be
embodied as a projectile of another commercially-recognized
caliber, including but not limited to 9 millimeter, .40 Smith &
Wesson, .380 ACP, or .357 Magnum, among other
commercially-recognized or custom calibers. It should be
appreciated that the shape, size, dimensions, and proportions of
the projectile 10 in FIGS. 1A-G are not necessarily drawn precisely
to scale and should not be considered to limit or define the scope
of the embodiments described herein. Further, no casing is
illustrated in FIG. 1A, but it should be appreciated that the
projectile 10 (and the other projectile embodiments described
herein) may be relied upon as one part of a full cartridge
including a projectile, a case or shell, powder, a primer, etc. The
projectile core 112 may be formed from any material or materials
suitable for the application, including but not limited to those
described in further detail below. The tip 102 may also be formed
from any material suitable for the application.
[0022] The projectile core 112 includes a core base 122 (see also
FIGS. 1F and 1G), undercuts 126, and projectile fingers 132
separated from each other by kerfs 152. The undercuts 126 may be
included to facilitate splintering, fracturing, blooming, or
expanding of the projectile fingers 132 apart from each other after
impact of the projectile 10, although one or both of the undercuts
126 may be omitted. As further described below, the tip 102 may act
as a type of lever to expand the projectile fingers 132 of the
projectile core 112 apart upon impact of the projectile 10 with a
surface or body. Additionally, because hollow point bullets may jam
on the barrel ramp to the barrel and have problems being chambered
into a gun, the tip 102 may help to insure a smooth feed into the
barrel of a gun. In some embodiments, however, the tip 102 may be
omitted and the projectile core 112 used without the tip 102.
[0023] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the projectile 10
includes six projectile fingers 132, although other numbers of
projectile fingers are within the scope of the embodiments. The
number of projectile fingers 132 may depend upon the caliber of the
projectile 10, for example, among other factors. As described in
greater detail below with reference to FIG. 1D, the projectile
fingers 132 extend (e.g., occupy the space) radially apart from an
axis of symmetry of the projectile core 112 between an outer
periphery of a central recess of the projectile core 112 to an
outer periphery of the projectile core 112. Further, the projectile
fingers 132 extend longitudinally from the leading circumferential
rim 124 of the projectile core 112 to the core base 122. The
leading circumferential rim 124 may be considered the meplat of the
projectile core 112 but is not necessarily the most forward
reaching point of the projectile 10. Rather, in the embodiments
which include it, the tip 102 is the most forward reaching point of
the projectile 10.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, each kerf 152 extends the
distance "A" from the leading circumferential rim 124 to the core
base 122 (or near the core base 122) of the projectile core 112.
The distance "A" that the kerfs 152 extend may vary among
embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, based on the distance "A"
that the kerfs 152 extend, the core base 122 may extend less than
between thirty to ten percent of the total length of the projectile
core 112. In the embodiments which include one or more undercuts
126, the kerfs 152 may extend from the leading circumferential rim
124, to or toward the core base 122, and entirely or partially
across one or more of the undercuts 126. In other embodiments, the
distance "A" may be shorter and the core base 122 may extend
between thirty and sixty percent of the total length of the
projectile core 112. In still other embodiments, the distance "A"
may be even shorter and the core base 122 may extend between sixty
and eighty percent of the total length of the projectile core 112.
Further, one or more of the kerfs 152 may extend a first distance
while one or more others extend other distances.
[0025] FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of the
projectile 10 in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B, it can be seen that the back
side of the projectile 10 is substantially flat. In other
embodiments, the back side of the projectile 10 may be formed into
a concave semispherical-shaped recess to permit the projectile core
112 to more easily splinter or fracture upon impact of the
projectile 10, to adjust the ballistics of the projectile 10, to
adjust the overall weight of the projectile 10, or for other
reasons.
[0026] FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of the projectile 10 in
FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1C, along with the tip 102, each of the six
projectile fingers 132 can be seen with the kerfs 152 separating
the projectile fingers 132. Turning to FIG. 1D, a front view of the
projectile core 112 is illustrated. As compared to FIG. 1C, the tip
102 of the projectile 10 is omitted from view in FIG. 1D. Thus, in
FIG. 1D, it can be seen that the projectile fingers 132 include
several surfaces. Surfaces 141-144 of one of the projectile fingers
132 are referenced in FIG. 1D. The surfaces 141 and 142, which are
formed along the kerfs 152, are substantially flat, and the
surfaces 143 and 144 are curved. More specifically, the surfaces
143 and 144 each include partial cylindrical surface segments.
Further, it is clear that the projectile fingers 132 extend the
distance "G" radially away from the axis of symmetry "S" (see also
FIG. 1G) from the inner curved surface 143 to the outer curved
surface 144. In other words, the projectile fingers 132 extend
radially away from the axis of symmetry "S" between the central
recess of the projectile core 112 to an outer periphery of the
projectile core 112.
[0027] Turning to FIG. 1E, a front perspective exploded view of the
projectile 10 in FIG. 1A is illustrated. In FIG. 1E, the tip 102 is
removed from the projectile core 112 and the features of the tip
102 are illustrated in further detail. The tip 102 includes a
semispherical-shaped nose 104, a conical taper portion 106, and a
cylindrical anchor pin 108. Generally, the shape of the tip 102
corresponds to or mates with the central recess within the
projectile core 112, as further described below with reference to
FIG. 1F. The length "B" of the cylindrical anchor pin 108 may vary
among embodiments. In one embodiment, the cylindrical anchor pin
108 may be formed to have sufficient length "B" so as to have
enough surface area to fit snugly into the central recess within
the projectile core 112 and be retained therein by way of friction,
but other considerations may be accounted for. The length "C" and
the width "D" of the conical taper portion 106 may also vary among
embodiments.
[0028] It should be appreciated that, the angle .alpha..sub.1
between the surfaces of the cylindrical anchor pin 108 and the
conical taper portion 106 may be selected based in part on the
ductility, malleability, and/or tensile strength of the material
from which the projectile core 112 is formed, for example, as
factors which result in the projectile fingers 132 splintering,
fracturing, or blooming after impact of the projectile 10. The
conical taper portion 106 may meet the cylindrical anchor pin 108
at an angle .alpha..sub.1 of about 115 to 165 degrees, for example,
between a surface of the conical taper portion 106 and a surface of
the cylindrical anchor pin 108.
[0029] It is noted that one primary purpose and function of the tip
102 is to facilitate the suitable splintering, fracturing, or
blooming of the projectile fingers 132 after impact of the
projectile 10. Upon impact of the tip 102 of the projectile 10 with
any surface or body, the tip 102 will be pressed further into the
central recess within the projectile core 112 in the direction "E".
At the same time, the conical taper portion 106 of the tip 102 will
apply upon the projectile fingers 132 a component of force (at
least in part) perpendicular to the axis of symmetry "S" (see FIG.
1G) of the projectile 10. In turn, the projectile fingers 132 will
bear a force tending to splinter, fracture, or bloom the projectile
fingers 132 apart from each other. Additional details on how the
projectile 10 may fracture or bloom apart is provided below.
[0030] FIG. 1F illustrates the cross section A-A identified in FIG.
1C. In FIG. 1F, the central recess of the projectile 10 is
outlined. The central recess includes a cylindrical recess portion
162 and a conical recess portion 164. The size of the cylindrical
recess portion 162 may vary among embodiments. For example, the
cylindrical recess portion 162 may be larger or smaller in width
(i.e., diameter) or length than that depicted. When assembled, the
cylindrical anchor pin 108 of the tip 102 (FIG. 1E) is inserted
into and occupies at least part of the cylindrical recess portion
162, and the conical taper portion 106 of the tip 102 fits within
and occupies at least part of the conical recess portion 164.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1F, the inside surfaces of the projectile
fingers 132 track the axis of symmetry "S" of the projectile 10
along the cylindrical recess portion 162 but make a corner at the
transition point 170 between the cylindrical recess portion 162 and
the conical recess portion 164. At the transition point 170, the
inside surfaces of the projectile fingers 132 turn at the angle
.beta..sub.1 with respect to the axis of symmetry "S" and continue
for a second distance to the leading circumferential rim 124. As
illustrated, the sharpness of the cornered transition point 170 is
determined by the angle .beta..sub.1. The angle .beta..sub.1
between the cylindrical recess portion 162 and the conical recess
portion 164 (and the corresponding angle .alpha..sub.1 in the tip
102) may be selected based in part on the ductility, malleability,
and/or tensile strength of the material from which the projectile
core 112 is formed, for example, as factors which result in the
projectile fingers 132 splintering, fracturing, or blooming after
impact of the projectile 10.
[0032] FIG. 1G illustrates another view of the cross section A-A of
the projectile 10 identified in FIG. 1C. In FIG. 1G, the axis of
symmetry "S" of the projectile 10 and the profile of the projectile
fingers 132 are shown. The length "H" of the bearing surface and
the length "I" of the ogive surface of the projectile core 112 are
also shown.
[0033] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and back perspective views
of a projectile 20, respectively, according to another example
embodiment. As shown, the projectile 20 includes a tip 202 and a
projectile core 212. The projectile 20 may be similar in size to
the commercially-recognized 9 millimeter caliber projectile.
However, among embodiments, the projectile 20 may be embodied as a
projectile of another commercially-recognized caliber, including
but not limited to .450 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP), .40 Smith
& Wesson, .380 ACP, or .357 Magnum, among other
commercially-recognized or custom calibers. It should be
appreciated that the shape, size, dimensions, and proportions of
the projectile 20 are not necessarily drawn precisely to scale and
should not be considered to limit or define the scope of the
embodiments described herein. The projectile core 212 may be formed
from any material or materials suitable for the application,
including but not limited to those described in further detail
below. The tip 202 may also be formed from any material suitable
for the application.
[0034] The projectile core 212 includes a core base 222, an
undercut 226, and projectile fingers 232 separated from each other
by kerfs 252. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 20
includes four projectile fingers 232 rather than six. The undercut
226 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing,
or blooming of the projectile fingers 232 apart from each other
after impact of the projectile 20, although it may be omitted. Each
kerf 252 extends from the leading circumferential rim 224
substantially to the core base 222 (or near the core base 222) of
the projectile core 212. The distance that the kerfs 252 extend may
vary, but the kerfs 252 generally extend deep enough into the
projectile core 212 so that the projectile core 212 will suitably
fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 20.
[0035] Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in FIG. 1E, the tip 202
may act as a type of lever to expand the projectile fingers 232 of
the projectile core 212 apart upon impact of the projectile 20 with
a surface or body. According to the concepts described herein, the
projectile fingers 232 of the projectile 20 may splinter, fracture,
or bloom apart after impact of the projectile 20.
[0036] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front and back perspective views
of a projectile 30, respectively, according to another example
embodiment. As shown, the projectile 20 includes a tip 202 and a
projectile core 212. The projectile 30 may be similar in size to
the commercially-recognized .380 ACP caliber projectile. However,
among embodiments, the projectile 30 may be embodied as a
projectile of another commercially-recognized caliber, including
but not limited to .450 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP), 9 millimeter,
.40 Smith & Wesson, or .357 Magnum, among other
commercially-recognized or custom calibers. It should be
appreciated that the shape, size, dimensions, and proportions of
the projectile 30 are not necessarily drawn precisely to scale and
should not be considered to limit or define the scope of the
embodiments described herein. The projectile core 312 may be formed
from any material or materials suitable for the application,
including but not limited to those described in further detail
below. The tip 302 may also be formed from any material suitable
for the application.
[0037] The projectile core 312 includes a core base 322, an
undercuts 326, and projectile fingers 332 separated from each other
by kerfs 352. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 30
includes four projectile fingers 332 rather than six. The undercuts
326 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing,
or blooming of the projectile fingers 332 apart from each other
after impact of the projectile 30, although they may be omitted.
Each kerf 352 extends from the leading circumferential rim 324
substantially to the core base 322 (or near the core base 322) of
the projectile core 312. The distance that the kerfs 352 extend may
vary, but the kerfs 352 generally extend deep enough into the
projectile core 312 so that the projectile core 312 will suitably
fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 30.
[0038] Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in FIG. 1E, the tip 302
may act as a type of lever to expand the projectile fingers 332 of
the projectile core 312 apart upon impact of the projectile 30 with
a surface or body. According to the concepts described herein, the
projectile fingers 332 of the projectile 30 may splinter, fracture,
or bloom apart after impact of the projectile 30.
[0039] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front and back perspective views
of a projectile 40, respectively, according to another example
embodiment. As shown, the projectile 40 includes a tip 402 and a
projectile core 412. The projectile 40 may be similar in size to
the commercially-recognized .40 Smith & Wesson caliber
projectile. However, among embodiments, the projectile 40 may be
embodied as a projectile of another commercially-recognized
caliber, including but not limited to .450 Automatic Colt Pistol
(ACP), 9 millimeter, .380 ACP, or .357 Magnum, among other
commercially-recognized or custom calibers. It should be
appreciated that the shape, size, dimensions, and proportions of
the projectile 40 are not necessarily drawn precisely to scale and
should not be considered to limit or define the scope of the
embodiments described herein. The projectile core 412 may be formed
from any material or materials suitable for the application,
including but not limited to those described in further detail
below. The tip 402 may also be formed from any material suitable
for the application.
[0040] The projectile core 412 includes a core base 422, an
undercuts 426, and projectile fingers 432 separated from each other
by kerfs 452. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 40
includes four projectile fingers 432 rather than six. The undercuts
426 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing,
or blooming of the projectile fingers 432 apart from each other
after impact of the projectile 40, although they may be omitted.
Each kerf 452 extends from the leading circumferential rim 424
substantially to the core base 422 (or near the core base 422) of
the projectile core 412. The distance that the kerfs 452 extend may
vary, but the kerfs 452 generally extend deep enough into the
projectile core 412 so that the projectile core 412 will suitably
fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 40.
[0041] Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in FIG. 1E (although
having a flat rather than semispherical-shaped nose), the tip 402
may act as a type of lever to expand the projectile fingers 432 of
the projectile core 412 apart upon impact of the projectile 40 with
a surface or body. According to the concepts described herein, the
projectile fingers 432 of the projectile 40 may splinter, fracture,
or bloom apart after impact of the projectile 40.
[0042] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate front and back perspective views
of a projectile 40, respectively, according to another example
embodiment. As shown, the projectile 40 includes a tip 402 and a
projectile core 412. The projectile 50 may be similar in size to
the commercially-recognized .357 Magnum caliber projectile.
However, among embodiments, the projectile 50 may be embodied as a
projectile of another commercially-recognized caliber, including
but not limited to .450 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP), 9 millimeter,
.380 ACP, or .40 Smith & Wesson, among other
commercially-recognized or custom calibers. It should be
appreciated that the shape, size, dimensions, and proportions of
the projectile 50 are not necessarily drawn precisely to scale and
should not be considered to limit or define the scope of the
embodiments described herein. The projectile core 512 may be formed
from any material or materials suitable for the application,
including but not limited to those described in further detail
below. The tip 502 may also be formed from any material suitable
for the application.
[0043] The projectile core 512 includes a core base 522, an
undercuts 526, and projectile fingers 532 separated from each other
by kerfs 552. As compared to the projectile 10, the projectile 50
includes four projectile fingers 532 rather than six. The undercuts
526 may be included to facilitate suitable splintering, fracturing,
or blooming of the projectile fingers 532 apart from each other
after impact of the projectile 50, although they may be omitted.
Each kerf 552 extends from the leading circumferential rim 524
substantially to the core base 522 (or near the core base 522) of
the projectile core 512. The distance that the kerfs 552 extend may
vary, but the kerfs 552 generally extend deep enough into the
projectile core 512 so that the projectile core 512 will suitably
fracture or bloom apart upon impact of the projectile 50.
[0044] Similar to the tip 102 illustrated in FIG. 1E (although
having a flat rather than semispherical-shaped nose), the tip 502
may act as a type of lever to expand the projectile fingers 532 of
the projectile core 512 apart upon impact of the projectile 50 with
a surface or body. According to the concepts described herein, the
projectile fingers 532 of the projectile 50 may splinter, fracture,
or bloom apart after impact of the projectile 50.
[0045] Turning to a discussion of the use of various types of
materials in projectiles, it is generally noted that the use of
relatively malleable or ductile materials in conventional
projectiles may result in a relatively shallow, uncontrolled,
and/or unpredictable penetration. On the other hand, the use of
relatively hard materials in conventional projectiles may result in
relatively deep penetration and, in some cases, passing through a
target. If a projectile passes through a target, less energy is
transferred from the projectile to the target. Also, the projectile
may pass through and hit other individuals or objects.
[0046] With regard to the materials-related aspects of the
embodiments, it is noted that the material composition of the
projectiles described herein (i.e., the projectile cores 112, 212,
312, 412, and 512 and the tips 102, 202, 302, 402, and 502 of the
projectiles 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, respectively) may affect the
flight, impact, and post-impact performance of the projectiles.
According to aspects of the embodiments, the materials of the
projectile cores and the tips described herein may be selected for
a balance between the performance factors of overall weight,
ultimate tensile strength, deformation, expansion, rate of
expansion, likelihood of fracturing or fragmenting, control in
fracturing or fragmenting, penetrating distance, etc. In various
embodiments, the projectile fingers and core base of the
projectiles described herein may, upon impact with a body, fracture
apart without remaining slug. Alternatively, the projectile fingers
may bloom out, greatly expanding the cross sectional area of the
projectile and slowing it down rapidly.
[0047] The projectile cores of the projectiles described herein
(i.e., the projectile cores 112, 212, 312, 412, and 512 of the
projectiles 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, respectively) may be formed
from a base of solid copper or solid copper alloy, such as a high
copper, brass, bronze, copper-nickel, copper-nickel-zinc,
copper-aluminum, copper-zinc, copper-tin, copper-nickel, other
copper alloys, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the
projectile cores may be formed from a base of copper-beryllium,
copper-chromium, copper-vanadium, copper-zirconium,
copper-nickel-silicon, or copper-nickel-phosphorus alloys.
Alternatively, the projectile cores may be formed from a base of
iron, steel, or other metals. In still other embodiments, the
projectile cores may be formed, at least in part, from materials
other than metals or metallic alloys, such as glass, ceramics,
plastics (e.g., polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon or other
polymers), rubber, or wood. Similarly, the tips of the projectiles
described herein (i.e., the tips 102, 202, 302, 402, and 502 of the
projectiles 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, respectively) may be formed
from any of the materials described above for the projectile cores.
It is noted that, for any given projectile, the projectile core and
the tip of the projectile may be formed from the same or different
materials. That is, the projectile core can be formed from a first
material and the tip can be formed from a second material.
[0048] In some cases, being made from an alloy of substantially
copper, the projectile cores may be considered "green" projectiles
in that they lacks lead and/or other elements which may be known to
cause health or environmental concerns. However, the projectile
cores may be formed from a base of one or more materials including
lead and other elements. In at least the embodiments where a
projectile core is formed from a base of solid material such as
copper or brass, the projectile core would be formed without the
need for a metal jacket.
[0049] Based upon the design of the projectiles described herein
and the material or materials from which the projectile cores of
those projectiles are formed (among other factors), the projectiles
may expand apart and splinter, fracture, and/or bloom after impact
in a consistent, expected fashion. The post-impact performance of
the projectiles may be attributed to factors including the
materials from which the projectiles are formed, the length of the
kerfs, the relatively small size of the projectile core base, and
the lever action provided by the tip after impact.
[0050] In some embodiments, a projectile having the design
described herein may be substantially non-deforming after impact.
In other words, rather than deforming, blooming, or mushrooming
after impact, the projectile fingers of the projectile may fracture
apart at the projectile core but otherwise avoid deforming or
changing shape. The non-deforming nature may be attributed to the
material from which the projectile core is formed, among other
factors discussed herein. For example, especially when using a
relatively hard but brittle material, such as solid brass, ceramic,
or glass, the projectile fingers of the projectile may fracture
apart but otherwise avoid deforming or changing shape. Beyond the
type of material used, this non-deforming nature may also be
attributed to the length of the kerfs, the relatively small size of
the core base, and the lever action provided by the tip after
impact.
[0051] As an example of a non-deforming embodiment of one of the
projectiles described herein, FIG. 6A illustrates a representative
fractured perspective view of the projectile 30 in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
In the case illustrated in FIG. 6A, the projectile 30 may be formed
from a relatively hard but brittle material, such as brass. The
fractured projectile 30 includes the projectile fingers 332 and the
tip 302. To arrive at the fractured state illustrated in FIG. 6A,
at the time of impact, the tip 302 is pressed further into the
central recess of the projectile core 312 (FIG. 3A) and acts as a
type of lever to push and expand the projectile fingers 332 apart.
When expanded, the projectile fingers 332 splinter or fracture
apart, as illustrated, dividing the projectile core 312 into
sections along the fractured edges 323 without any slug
remaining.
[0052] Thus, after the projectile core 322 splinters or fractures
into sections, the momentum of the projectile 30 is transferred, in
parts, to the projectile fingers 332 and the tip 302. Among
preferred embodiments, the projectile core 312 of the projectile 30
(and the other projectiles described herein) may be formed such
that the core base 322 is relatively small. For example, along its
axis of symmetry, the core base 322 may extend less than between
thirty to ten percent of the total length of the projectile core
312. Thus, when the projectile fingers 332 splinter or fracture, no
slug portion of the projectile 30 may remain.
[0053] Because certain materials, such as brass or glass, for
example, may break or fracture sharply under tensile, bending, or
other moments of stress, the projectile 30 in FIG. 6A is shown to
break along the fractured edges 323. Generally, a material is
brittle to the extent that, when subjected to stress, it breaks or
fractures without significant deformation. Brittle materials absorb
relatively little energy prior to fracture. Other materials, such
as copper, for example, are relatively more ductile, malleable, and
likely to absorb some energy and experience some plastic
deformation before breaking or fracturing apart, if at all. A
ductile material may thus deform to a relatively larger extent
under tensile or other stress. Malleability, similarly, may be
characterized by the ability of a material to form a thin sheet by
hammering or rolling. Both ductility and malleability are aspects
of plasticity, the extent to which a solid material may be
plastically deformed without fracture.
[0054] FIG. 6B illustrates a representative view of the fractured
projectile 30 in FIG. 6A according to aspects of the embodiments.
Particularly, FIG. 6B illustrates the fractured projectile fingers
332 and tip 302 of the projectile 30 after impacting the body 650.
The body 650 may be representative of ballistic gel, for example,
or another body into which the projectile 30 may impact after being
fired, but is not drawn to scale. At the time of impact with the
body 650, the tip 302 is pressed further into the central recess of
the projectile core 312 (FIG. 3A) and acts as a type of lever to
push and expand the projectile fingers 332 apart. When expanded,
the projectile fingers 332 splinter or fracture apart, as
illustrated in FIG. 6B, dividing the projectile core 312 into
sections along the fractured edges 323 without any slug
remaining.
[0055] The traces or channels 604 are representative of the paths
taken by the projectile fingers 332 and the tip 302 after
fracturing apart in the body 650. It should be appreciated that
each of the paths taken by the projectile fingers 332 and the tip
302 generates a separate wound channel. Further, when formed from
brass, because the projectile fingers 332 are relatively hard, they
are capable of extending a relatively deep penetrating distance
into the body 650. However, the projectile fingers 332 may not have
enough energy, individually, to pass through and exit the body 650.
As such, it may be unlikely that any individuals behind the body
650 would be struck by one or more of the projectile fingers
332.
[0056] In other embodiments, the projectiles described herein may
expand and bloom without fracturing after impact. This blooming
nature may be attributed to several factors including the materials
from which the projectiles are formed (e.g., relatively ductile
materials), the length of the kerfs, the relatively small size of
the core base, and the lever action provided by the tip after
impact. In this context, FIG. 7A illustrates a representative
bloomed front view of the projectile core 112 of the projectile 10
in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and FIG. 7B illustrates a back view. In FIGS.
7A and 7B, the projectile core 112 may be formed from a relatively
ductile material, such as copper. The bloomed projectile core 112
includes the projectile fingers 132 and the projectile base 122
(the tip 102 of the projectile 10 is not shown in FIG. 7A). To
arrive at the bloomed state, at the time of impact of the
projectile 10, the tip 102 is pressed further into the central
recess of the projectile core 112 (see FIG. 1E) and acts as a type
of lever to push and expand the projectile fingers 132 apart. When
pushed, the projectile fingers 132 expand outward from the axis of
symmetry "S" (see FIG. 1G) without breaking away from the
projectile core 112. That is, in response to compression of the
conical taper portion 106 of the tip 102 into the cylindrical
recess portion 162 (FIG. 1F) of the projectile core 112, the
projectile fingers 132 expand outward. As compared to the original
profile of projectile core 112 illustrated in FIG. 1C, for example,
the bloomed projectile core 112 in FIGS. 7A and 7B is considerably
larger in size. This larger size may lead to a relatively fast
reduction in the speed of the projectile 10 after it impacts a
body. Further, the projectile fingers 132, while expanded, have not
(or not entirely) broken, fractured, or splintered away from the
core base 122.
[0057] FIG. 7C illustrates a representative view of the bloomed
projectile core 112 in FIGS. 7A and 7B according to aspects of the
embodiments. Particularly, FIG. 7C illustrates the bloomed
projectile core 112 after impacting the body 750. The body 750 may
be representative of ballistic gel, for example, or another body
into which the projectile 10 may impact after being fired, but is
not drawn to scale. The channel 704 is representative of the path
taken by the projectile core 112 after expanding in the body 750.
It should be appreciated that the channel 704 is a relatively large
channel. The size of the channel 704 may be determined, at least in
part, by the length of the kerfs 152 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). Because the
bloomed projectile core 112 has expanded to a relatively large
size, it acts as a type of parachute to quickly slow the projectile
core 112 in the body 750, quickly transferring the energy from the
projectile core 112 to the body 750. The projectile core 112 may
not pass through and exit the body 750. As such, it may be unlikely
that any individuals behind the body 750 would be struck by the
projectile core 112.
[0058] In still other embodiments, the projectiles described herein
may fracture apart (at least in part) and partially deform before
and/or after fracturing. In this case, the projectile fingers may
fracture apart and (at least to some extent) bend, deform, bloom,
or mushroom after impact. This semi-deforming nature may be
attributed to several factors including the materials from which
the projectiles are formed, the length of the kerfs, the relatively
small size of the core base, and the lever action provided by the
tip after impact.
[0059] Although embodiments have been described herein in detail,
the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the
embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative
embodiments, certain features and elements may be added or omitted.
Additionally, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described
herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the
following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the
broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and
equivalent structures.
* * * * *