U.S. patent application number 15/961019 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-08 for mechanically adaptable projectile and method of manufacturing the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Adam H. Teig, RANDY S. TEIG. Invention is credited to Adam H. Teig, RANDY S. TEIG.
Application Number | 20180321021 15/961019 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64014114 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180321021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TEIG; RANDY S. ; et
al. |
November 8, 2018 |
MECHANICALLY ADAPTABLE PROJECTILE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE
SAME
Abstract
A mechanically adaptable projectile includes, in one example
embodiment, a projectile body, the body including structure adapted
to secure thereto one of multiple projectile components, and
multiple projectile components each sized to be releasably secured
to the projectile body, each of the multiple projectile components
structurally dissimilar from all others of the multiple projectile
components.
Inventors: |
TEIG; RANDY S.; (Longview,
WA) ; Teig; Adam H.; (Ellensburg, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TEIG; RANDY S.
Teig; Adam H. |
Longview
Ellensburg |
WA
WA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64014114 |
Appl. No.: |
15/961019 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14939194 |
Nov 12, 2015 |
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15961019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 10/32 20130101;
F42B 12/02 20130101; F42B 12/72 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F42B 12/02 20060101
F42B012/02; F42B 10/52 20060101 F42B010/52; F42B 12/72 20060101
F42B012/72; F42B 33/00 20060101 F42B033/00 |
Claims
1. A projectile, comprising: a projectile body, said body including
an aperture adapted to receive therein one of multiple projectile
components; and a projectile component positioned within said
aperture of said projectile body.
2. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile component is
chosen to have a specific gravity that matches a specific gravity
of a medium into which the projectile will be fired.
3. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile component is
chosen to have a specific gravity that will maximize a ballistic
pressure wave created by said projectile upon impact with a medium
into which the projectile will be fired.
4. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile body has a
specific gravity at least equal to a specific gravity of water and
less than 270% greater than a specific gravity of water.
5. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile body has a
tensile strength of at least 6,000 pounds per square inch.
6. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile body has a
compressive strength of at least 6,000 pounds per square inch.
7. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile body has a
coefficient of friction of no more than 0.5.
8. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile body includes
an exterior bearing surface and a base region and wherein said
projectile component includes a tip and defines a meplat.
9. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile body includes
a tip and defines a meplat and wherein said projectile component
includes a base region.
10. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile component
includes a hollow interior region.
11. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said projectile component and
said projectile body are secured together by mating threads.
12. A mechanically adaptable projectile set, comprising: a
projectile body, said body including an aperture adapted to receive
therein one of multiple projectile components; multiple projectile
components each sized to be releasably received within said
aperture of said projectile body, each of said multiple projectile
components structurally dissimilar from all others of said multiple
projectile components.
13. The projectile set of claim 12 wherein said multiple projectile
components include a first projectile component including a solid
elongate body having a projectile tip, a second projectile
component including a hollow elongate body having a projectile tip,
and a third projectile component including an elongate body having
a projectile base.
14. The projectile set of claim 12 wherein said first, second a
third projectile components each have a unique specific
gravity.
15. The projectile set of claim 12 wherein each of said multiple
projectile components may be positioned within and removed from
said projectile body aperture prior to filing of said projectile
body from a projectile launcher.
16. The projectile set of claim 12 claim 1 wherein said body has a
specific gravity at least equal to a specific gravity of water and
less than 270% greater than a specific gravity of water, wherein
said body has a tensile strength of at least 6,000 pounds per
square inch, wherein said body has a compressive strength of at
least 6,000 pounds per square inch, and wherein said body has a
coefficient of friction of no more than 0.5.
17. A mechanically adaptable projectile set, comprising: a
projectile body, said body including structure adapted to secure
thereto one of multiple projectile components; multiple projectile
components each sized to be releasably secured to said projectile
body, each of said multiple projectile components structurally
dissimilar from all others of said multiple projectile
components.
18. The projectile set of claim 17 wherein said multiple projectile
components include a first projectile component including a solid
elongate body having a projectile tip, a second projectile
component including a hollow elongate body having a projectile tip,
a third projectile component including an elongate body having a
tip region and an external diameter equal to an external diameter
of said projectile body, and a fourth projectile component
including an elongate body having an external diameter larger than
an external diameter of said projectile body.
19. The projectile set of claim 17 wherein one of said projectile
components is secured to said projectile body by ultrasonic
welding.
20. The projectile set of claim 17 wherein one of said projectile
components includes at least one of a metal tip, a polymer tip, a
hollow point tip, a boat tail, a flat base, and a bearing surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Projectiles, such as bullets and missiles, may be fired from
a variety of delivery devices such as hand guns, rifles, rocket
launchers, devices that do not utilize a tubular launch mechanism,
and the like. Each projectile will have penetration, fracturing and
other characteristics particular to that type and make of
projectile. An end user may purchase a projectile based on the
penetration, fracturing and other characteristics of the
projectiles available for sale. However, the end user is not able
to customize projectiles to achieve particular characteristics as
may be desired. There is a need, therefore, for a projectile that
may be mechanically adapted by an end user so as to achieve desired
penetration, fracturing or other characteristics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The Mechanically Adaptable Projectile of the present
invention can be propelled from a cartridge, shell, or vessel by
various means, to include but not limited to, explosion, air,
spring, magnetic energy, vacuum, or gravity for the purpose of
using the projectile for impacting objects in applications similar
to, but not limited to, hunting, law enforcement use of force and
tactics, target practice, self defense, firearms training and
recreational shooting. The projectile will generally be created in
the form and shape of a bullet, missile, or ballistic projectile of
many different dimensions to be used in firearms and launching
devices of a variety of styles to include, but not limited to,
rifled and smooth bore firearms, rail guns, tubes, and devices used
for launching or firing projectiles. Using a series of Core
Projectile Modules, the manufacturer can customize the projectiles
by adding or omitting Interchangeable Components that will alter
the size, mass, shape, internal ballistics, external ballistics,
terminal ballistics, and mechanical characteristics of the
projectile.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 shows an exterior schematic view of a prior art
projectile.
[0004] FIG. 2 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of a
mechanically adaptable projectile.
[0005] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a
mechanically adaptable projectile.
[0006] FIG. 4 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of a
mechanically adaptable projectile.
[0007] FIG. 5 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of a
mechanically adaptable projectile.
[0008] FIG. 6 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of a
mechanically adaptable projectile.
[0009] FIG. 7 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of a
mechanically adaptable projectile.
[0010] FIG. 8 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of a
mechanically adaptable projectile.
[0011] FIG. 9 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a
mechanically adaptable projectile.
[0012] FIG. 10 shows an exploded cross section of an embodiment of
a mechanically adaptable projectile.
[0013] FIG. 11 shows an exterior side view of an embodiment of a
mechanically adaptable projectile.
[0014] FIG. 12 shows a cross sectional side view of the embodiment
of FIG. 11.
[0015] FIGS. 13-15 show another embodiment of a mechanically
adaptable projectile.
[0016] FIGS. 16-17 show another embodiment of a mechanically
adaptable projectile.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Definitions as used in this description include: Mechanics
(Mechanically, Mechanical)--deals with the action of forces on the
bodies and with motion, comprised of kinetics, statics, and
dynamics; Reactive Qualities--How the projectile reacts when
striking a target medium; Mechanical Characteristics--The
relationship of the reactive qualities and mechanics; and,
Mechanical Design--Visible characteristics of the component.
[0018] The present invention is novel in the ammunition and gun
related industry by introducing manufacturer and end user
adaptability and customization to a range of projectiles that may
be used in modern rifles, pistols, guns and other projectile
launching devices.
[0019] A first embodiment includes a Core Projectile Module of
varied mechanical designs and calibers that utilizes materials with
a specific gravity no less than that of water and no more than 270
percent greater than that of water; tensile strength properties no
less than 6,000 pounds per square inch; compressive strength
properties no less than 6,000 pounds per square inch; and a
coefficient of friction of no more than 0.5. The Core Projectile
Module is capable of being fitted with Interchangeable Components
(See FIGS. 2-10, as will be discussed in detail below), or of being
used as a projectile in many of its basic unaltered forms. The
design of the Core Projectile Module may include varying mechanical
designs to facilitate a range of mechanically adaptable options
depending on the intended use of the projectile. In one embodiment,
the Interchangeable Component may be added or omitted to alter the
rate of fracturing. The Core Projectile Module has its own
mechanical qualities that may be altered by the Interchangeable
Component. Altering the rate of fracture will predictably alter the
depth of penetration and propagation of pressure waves upon impact
with a given medium, thereby maximizing the intensity of ballistic
pressure waves relative to a specified animal target; causing
remote cerebral effects as well as remote effects on the spine and
internal organs of an animal. This phenomenon is commonly referred
to as "hydrostatic shock." The present invention is specifically
designed to embody chosen qualities and characteristics to
efficiently deliver a hydraulic reaction and explosive effects on
tissue and organs. The Interchangeable Components enable the
manufacturer or the end user to customize the round to perform
differently according to varying distances, varying weights and
varying hide thickness of different animals.
[0020] A second embodiment includes a Core Projectile Module of
varied mechanical designs and calibers that utilizes materials with
a specific gravity no less than that of water and no more than 270
percent greater than that of water, tensile strength properties no
less than 6,000 pounds per square inch, compressive strength
properties no less than 6,000 pounds per square inch, and a
coefficient of friction of no more than 0.5. The Core Projectile
Module is capable of being fitted with Interchangeable Components
(See FIGS. 2-10), or of being used as a projectile in many of its
basic unaltered forms. The design of the Core Projectile Module may
include varying mechanical designs to facilitate a range of
mechanically adaptable options depending on the intended use of the
projectile. The Core Projectile Module is specifically designed to
embody chosen qualities and characteristics to propagate energy
efficiently enough to induce ballistic shock waves through the
target medium, causing the target medium to react violently to the
ballistic pressure waves with or without the use of the
Interchangeable Components. The unique utilization of the described
materials, varied manufacturing and assembly methods, varied
velocities, varied sizes, and varied designs of Interchangeable
Components enables the creation of a wide variety of projectile
design combinations. This novel feature will allow the manufacturer
or end user to create a projectile that efficiently and predictably
penetrates and propagates energy into specified target mediums. The
manufacturer can alter a Core Projectile Module by adding or
omitting Interchangeable Components (see FIGS. 2-10) to achieve
desired penetration and reactions between the projectile and the
intended non-animal target. Among other desirable outcomes, the
manufacturer can create a projectile that prevents over penetration
of the projectile through an intended target whether animal,
vegetable or other materials, thus preventing it from striking
unintended animals or things that may be behind the intended
target. The qualities of the Core Projectile Module and
Interchangeable Components, in their array of configurations,
enable the manufacturer or end user to create a projectile that
will efficiently fracture when striking a known material, which
fracturing causes rapid propagation of pressure waves into the
target, causing the materials to react violently to the pressure
wave. The projectile pulverizes building materials commonly used in
constructing walls in buildings. This may cause significant damage
and flying debris within the room beyond the wall. This is a
desirable condition in instances of covering fire and suppression
fire used by law enforcement and military. It is also desirable
that the projectiles used in covering fire be of the type that
reduces the incidents of over penetration. Current projectiles used
in conventional firearms, in this kind of situation, present a
significant risk of over penetrating and striking an unintended
subject or object beyond the wall structure.
[0021] A third embodiment includes a Core Projectile Module of
varied mechanical designs and calibers that utilizes materials with
a specific gravity no less than that of water and no more than 270
percent greater than that of water, tensile strength properties no
less than 6,000 pounds per square inch, compressive strength
properties no less than 6,000 pounds per square inch, and a
coefficient of friction no more than 0.5. A Core Projectile Module
manufactured from the specified materials will have a bearing
surface with a low friction coefficient enabling it to pass down
the barrel of a rifle or gun more easily, which lowers heat and
pressure within the barrel, enabling higher muzzle velocities and
faster external ballistic speed passing through the air, while
simultaneously reducing recoil relative to the caliber and mass of
the projectile and the powder charge. By reducing the skin
friction, these material characteristics enable the projectile to
achieve higher flight speeds than previous art made from materials
with a higher friction coefficient and an equal ballistic
coefficient.
[0022] A fourth embodiment includes an Interchangeable Component
(See FIGS. 2-10) which may be made from numerous materials
including but not limited to copper, brass, aluminum, ceramics and
polymers. Interchangeable Components may be designed to interchange
with a varying range of calibers and designs of Core Projectile
Modules of previously discussed embodiments. The Interchangeable
Component may allow the manufacturer or the end user to alter the
size, mass, shape, and style of the projectile for the purpose of
customizing the internal, external, and/or terminal ballistics of
the Mechanically Adaptable Projectile according to the materials or
specified medium the projectile will be striking. The
Interchangeable Component may be added or omitted to facilitate a
predictable rate of fracturing, penetration and propagation of
pressure waves upon impact with a specified medium, thereby
maximizing the intensity of ballistic pressure waves. The optional
Interchangeable Component may alter the mechanical characteristics
of a projectile. Altering the rate of fracture may change the
propagation of ballistic pressure waves and depth of penetration of
the projectile into a specified medium. The ability to alter the
reactive characteristics of the projectile may enable the user to
customize the rounds for a desired effect on a specified target
medium.
[0023] In a fifth embodiment, the mechanical characteristics of the
projectile are affected by the techniques used in manufacturing,
such as utilizing specified materials, pressures and heat to enable
different manufacturing techniques. Each unique manufacturing
method will be used to predictably alter the mechanical
characteristics of the various components comprising a Mechanically
Adaptable Projectile, thereby altering the characteristics of the
pressure wave that is introduced into the specified target upon
impact of the projectile. The methods include, but are not limited
to, injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, extrusion
molding, lathe/mill machining, and stamping. The chosen method of
manufacturing alters the performance of the projectile in a
predictable and marketable manner. This enables a manufacturer to
use the same material and change the marketable characteristics of
the end product by altering the method of manufacturing and not
changing the physical design or type of material. For example, a
projectile of identical style, shape and size can have two distinct
mechanically functional qualities if one is made through a machine
lathe process and another is made by an injection molding process.
This manufacturer design flexibility allows adjustment of the
number of mechanical characteristics for a projectile of identical
size, style and shape.
[0024] A sixth embodiment a Core Projectile Module includes varied
mechanical designs and calibers that utilizes materials with a
specific gravity no less than water and no more than 270 percent
greater than that of water, tensile strength properties no less
than 6,000 pounds per square inch, compressive strength properties
no less than 6,000 pounds per square inch, and a coefficient of
friction of no more than 0.5. The unique utilization of the
specified range and combination of materials, varied velocities,
varied sizes, varied mass and varied mechanical designs of a Core
Projectile Module enables the manufacturer to create a projectile
that efficiently and predictably propagates ballistic pressure
waves into specified targets. The rapid fracturing causes the
energy from the projectile to rapidly propagate into the animal
being impacted by the projectile. This reduces the depth of wound
channels. There is a direct connection to the depth of the wound
channel and the amount of traumatic vascular tearing. In other
words, the present invention allows the end user to choose
components of a projectile so as to provide a desired depth of
projectile channel upon impact. Previous art relies on vascular
injuries and blood loss to increase their incapacitative
capabilities. More vascular tearing requires more significant
surgical repairs to prevent blood loss. This present invention
allows the manufacturer to create a projectile that relies on
ballistic pressure waves and remote cerebral effects from ballistic
pressure waves that shock the system into incapacitation, rather
than relying solely on vascular injuries and blood loss. By design
this projectile will penetrate less and therefore create less
vascular tearing associated with a wound channel, thus decreasing
the surgical complexity of repairing vascular injuries related to a
wound channel. This present invention, therefore, departs from the
prior art by changing the mechanism of incapacitation from vascular
tearing and trauma, which causes massive bleeding, to relying
primarily on ballistic shock waves that cause remote cerebral
effects as well as remote effects on the spine and internal organs
of an animal. This phenomenon is commonly known as "hydrostatic
shock." Each of the mechanisms of incapacitation has their lethal
concerns, but incapacitation by hydrostatic shock may provide more
minutes for medical intervention, thereby increasing combat
effectiveness while pushing back the margin of lethality.
[0025] In a seventh embodiment, the Interchangeable Components can
be assembled into or onto, i.e., inserted into or "outserted" onto,
a Core Projectile Module using ultrasonic welding. This method of
manufacturing is unique to the manufacturing of projectiles. No
known prior art utilizes this assembly process to alter the
performance of a projectile. Ultrasonic welding of Interchangeable
Components to the Core Projectile Module enables press fitting of
precision Interchangeable Components of varying materials to the
Core Projectile Module, forming a precision projectile such that
the projectile will withstand the extreme pressures of gun barrels,
rifling, and flight through air, additionally affecting how the
specified components react with each other upon impact. The fit
tolerance of the Interchangeable Component to the Core Projectile
Module alters the mechanical characteristics of the entire
projectile by pre-stressing or compressing the Core Projectile
Module. As the tolerances change from interference fit to varying
press fit tolerances, the interaction of individual components upon
each other changes as the mechanical interaction of each component
is altered by the tightness of the fit tolerance. The mechanics of
fracturing upon impact will change based on the fit tolerances of
the Interchangeable Component to the Core Projectile Module. The
ballistic pressure waves propagate through the target differently
based on changes in the fracturing characteristics of the
projectile when impacting a specified target. Also, the varied fit
tolerances will alter the reactive qualities of the projectile
based on the manner in which impact energy propagates through the
projectile upon striking a specified target medium. That in turn
alters how the pressure wave propagates from the projectile into
the target being impacted by the projectile. This produces
desirable and predictable qualities in a projectile that are
identifiable and marketable. The use of ultrasonic welding is
unusual in the bullet manufacturing industry and is novel and
unique to the utility of this art.
[0026] In an eighth embodiment, the Interchangeable Component (see
FIGS. 2-10) can be fitted inside of the Core Projectile Module, or
on the outside of the Core Projectile Module. This enables the
Mechanically Adaptable Projectile to be customized to withstand
extreme barrel pressures, rifling friction, and extreme velocities
as well as preloading stress on the Core Projectile Module. The
projectile may also be customized by altering the internal,
external and/or terminal structures to change the internal,
external, and/or terminal ballistics.
[0027] In a ninth embodiment, the interchangeable Component can be
added or omitted to the Core Projectile Module to reduce the
friction coefficient and mass. This will enable the manufacturing
of low recoil cartridges and safe rounds for indoor ranges and
other target applications. It will also optimize the projectile's
ability to fly through the air for long range shooting (see FIGS.
2-10). The ability to alter the internal, external, and/or terminal
structure so as to alter the internal, external and/or terminal
ballistics of the Core Projectile Module enables the manufacturer
or the end user to customize the projectile to accommodate
different shooters or different launching mechanisms.
[0028] In a tenth embodiment, the Interchangeable Component can be
added to or omitted from the Core Projectile Module (see FIGS. 3,
and 9-10) to alter the style of the tip, ogive, base, heal, meplat,
or bearing surface of the projectile (see FIG. 3). The
Interchangeable Components may include, but are not limited to,
various metal tips, polymer tips, varied hollow point tips, boat
tails, flat bases, varied bearing surfaces with varying friction
coefficients, as well as many other alterations to the basic Core
Projectile Module.
[0029] In an eleventh embodiment, the Interchangeable Component can
be added to the Core Projectile Module to change the length, shape,
mass, flight characteristics, rifling twist requirements and
specific density of the projectile.
[0030] In a twelfth embodiment, the Interchangeable Component can
be added to the Core Projectile Module to optimize the projectile
to match the barrel twist of a firearm when the projectile is used
in such a firearm.
[0031] In a thirteenth embodiment the adaptable qualities of a
given Mechanically Adaptable Projectile can be changed after the
cartridge is fully completed without removing the projectile from
the casing.
[0032] The Core Projectile Module will now be described in detail.
Prior art projectiles (FIG. 1) may include a clad projectile which
may have an exterior shape similar to the inventive projectile 10
(FIGS. 2-12). One may note that the inventive projectile 10 may
include many similarities in outward appearance to a prior art
projectile (FIG. 1). Accordingly, many components of inventive
projectile 10 include components having nomenclature similar to the
prior art projectile shown in FIG. 1. In particular, prior art
projectiles may include a tip 12, bearing surface 14, head or ogive
16, meplat 18, heel 20, base 22, boat or tail 24, cannelure 26 and
shoulder 28.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, inventive projectile 10 may include
similarly named surfaces. The example shown in FIG. 2 is one of
many amongst the many mechanical designs of projectile or missles
10 which may be manufactured. Even though the external shape of the
inventive projectile 10 may look similar to the external shape of
the prior art projectile shown in FIG. 1, in the Mechanically
Adaptable Projectile components can be adapted by the manufacturer
or the end user to facilitate the adaptation of the internal,
external, and/or terminal ballistics of the projectile. In
particular, the end user may opt not to alter the Core Projectile
Module as manufactured if it already meets the requirements of the
end user or the manufacturer. However, the end user or manufacturer
may insert an Interchangeable Component into the tip (hollow point)
to alter the depth, mass, shape of the tip, or apply an
Interchangeable Component to the exterior to alter the diameter
friction coefficient of the bearing surface, and/or the length or
aerodynamic shape of the projectile. These abilities also enable
the manufacturer or the end user to adapt the projectile to the
optimal riffling twist and other stabilization features relative to
the distance it will need to travel and the medium it will be
striking. This enables the projectile's mechanical qualities to be
adapted to the needs or intent of the manufacturer or end user,
whether the projectile is being used by military or law enforcement
to provide covering fire, breaching a door, shooting an animal,
target shooting (indoor or outdoor), or by others who may be
teaching a new shooter by using reduced recoil rounds in a specific
gun until the new shooter learns how the gun functions, or other
non military or law enforcement applications.
[0034] Prior art projectiles may include toxic materials as their
core material, whereas the new Mechanically Adaptable Projectile
utilizes a non toxic polymer that reduces complications of soil
contamination and risk to pregnant shooters. The low friction
coefficient of the Core Proectile Module (FIGS. 2-12) will reduce
barrel wear and enable higher velocities compared to old art with a
similar balistic coefficient. The Core Projectile Module example
shown in FIG. 2 is one of many potential mechanical designs. This
example was lathe turned, but may be manufactured by other means to
include, but not limited to, injection molding, blow molding,
rotational molding, extrusion molding, hydro forming, and stamping.
The method of manufacturing depends on the mechanical
characteristics desired.
[0035] A Core Projectile Module impact analysis will now be
described. When the Core Projectile Module strikes a medium with
lower specific gravity than water, the depth of penetration is
deeper than in mediums with a specific gravity of water or greater.
This is a predictable quality due to the specifications of the
material, manner it is manufactured, combination of mechanical
qualities and internal, external and/or terminal ballistics. The
adaptability of the inventive projectile enables the changing or
adding of Interchangeable Components to the Core Projectile Module
by the end user or manufacturer for the purpose of adapting the
mechanical qualities, thus altering the propagation of ballistic
pressure waves, such as by altering the Core Projectile Module by
adding Interchangeable Components with varying specific gravities,
friction coefficients and shapes.
[0036] For example, when viewing a hole in a material, such as a
piece of wood, through which a projectile has traveled, the shape
of the hole may indicate that there is a slight projectile
instability with the rifle used. The inventive projectile could be
used with such a rifle and fitted with an Interchangeable Component
that alters the overall specific gravity of the projectile thereby
causing stabilized rotation of the projectile fired from that
particular rifle. In this manner, the user of the particular rifle
could adapt the projectiles fired from his rifle to provide a more
stable projectile travel path from the rifle.
[0037] In another example of use, a material, such as a piece of
wood, may show splitting on the backside of the board around the
projectile path of the inventive projectile. The board may be split
in a conical pattern outward from the centerline of the projectile
path. At the center of the pressure pattern there may be more
crushing of the wood material as the pressure wave propagates
through the wood. The depth of the damage along the centerline of
the projectile's path may be deeper and grows shallower as the
pressure wave propagates outward from the centerline. This
demonstrates how the building material violently reacted to the
ballistic pressure wave which results in crushing and fragmenting
of the material from the inventive projectile. A typical projectile
path of the inventive projectile through a medium will show a
widening damage path as the ballistic pressure wave propagates
through the wood.
[0038] The Specific Gravity, Projectile Fracturing, and Ballistic
Pressure Wave Propagation properties will now be described.
[0039] When a ballistic pressure wave impacts an object with a
specific gravity nearly equal to that of water, the crushed
particles from the medium will ride on the pressure wave as it
blows back toward the direction from which the projectile
originated. In one test conducted on the inventive projectile, the
remaining particles from a Core Projectile Module that was fired
into a wood medium were examined. The original Core Projectile
Module weighed 151 grains (0.345 ounces). The recovered fragments
from the Core Projectile Module weighed 11 grains (0.025 ounces).
Such an efficient fracturing and crushing of the Core Projectile
Module enables efficient propagation of ballistic pressure waves
through the medium.
[0040] In one embodiment including a Core Projectile Module with
the addition of an Interchangeable Component, the Interchangeable
Component is designed to delay the fragmentation of the Core
Projectile Module, allowing the projectile to enter the medium more
deeply before fragmenting and propagating the ballistic pressure
wave into the medium. The Interchangeable Component is altering the
mass, tip, meplat, ogive, ballistic coefficient and overall length
of the projectile. All of these changes combine to alter the
mechanical characteristics, and internal, external and/or terminal
ballistics of the projectile when it impacts varying mediums. The
end user or the manufacture is able to adapt the projectile to
optimize specific qualities depending on the use of the
projectile.
[0041] Additionally, in this particular embodiment, the components
in this particular projectile are lathe turned from Delrin.RTM.
150E and 6061 T6 aluminum. This provides for known ductility of the
material components, thereby creating a predictable, marketable
quality. Annealing one or both of the components will alter the
ductility of the components. This can be done before assembling or
as an assembled projectile. Changing the ductility of one or both
of the components provides a change in fracturing characteristics,
which in turn provides a predictable performance change in the
Mechanically Adaptable Projectile. Also, the predictable
performance of this exact configuration can be altered by changing
the method of manufacture, thereby increasing the applications of a
single mechanical design by the number of alternate manufacturing
methods.
[0042] In an embodiment where the projectile is machine lathed
instead of utilizing injection molding and investment casting, the
fit tolerances of the Interchangeable Component (such as 6000
series T6 aluminum with a sharp point and small meplat) can be
altered from interference fit to varying degrees of press fit. By
increasing the tightness of the fit, the manufacturer can preload
stress on the Core Projectile Module. This will reduce the amount
impact needed to cause the Core Projectile Module to fracture,
thereby reducing the amount of velocity needed to cause the
necessary fracturing for efficient release of ballistic pressure
waves into the target object. This in turn enables the use of the
projectile in low recoil scenarios and low efficiency barrels.
Thus, the inventive projectile enables the use of an identical
mechanical design in a greater array of applications while
maximizing efficiency. The use of an Ultrasonic Welder will enable
the manufacturer to maximize the limits the projectile can be
pre-stressed for this application.
[0043] FIG. 2 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component
30 into the Core Projectile Module 32 reduces the size of the
hollow point 34 and, depending on material changes mass and
depending on fit tolerance, can be used to preload stress on the
projectile 10 to alter reactive qualities upon impact. It will also
increase the size of the meplat 18 without altering the length of
the projectile. Inserting and interchangeable component 30 into the
tip of the Core Projectile Module 32 changes the shape and/or size
of tip 12, ogive 16 and meplat 18.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a Core Projectile Module 32 having an interior
cavity 36 for receiving an interchangeable component 30, such as a
hollow point 34 (FIG. 2), whereas cavity 36 has a smaller diameter
40 than a cavity 38 of component 32 of FIG. 2.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30
into the base 22 of the Core Projectile Module 32. Changing the
base 22, shoulder 28, length 42 (FIG. 1) and mass of projectile 10.
Depending on the fit tolerance, this insertion method of component
30 can preload stress on a portion of the projectile to alter its
reactive qualities upon impact.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows insertion of an Interchangeable Component 30 to
alter the tip 12 so that it is pointed, thereby altering the size
of the meplat 18 and the ogive 16 of projectile 10. This
Interchangeable Component 30 can be made of a material that alters
the mass of the projectile. It can also have a fit tolerance that
preloads stress by pressing outward on the projectile; thereby
changing the reactive qualities of the projectile upon impact.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component
30 into the Core Projectile Module 32 reduces the size of the
hollow point 34 and, depending on material, changes mass and
depending on fit tolerance, can be used to preload stress on the
projectile 10 to alter reactive qualities upon impact. It will also
increase the size of the meplat 18 without altering the length of
the projectile.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component
30 into the Core Projectile Module 32 may increase the size of the
hollow point 34 and, depending on material changes mass and fit
tolerance, can be used to preload stress on the projectile 10 to
alter reactive qualities upon impact. It will also increase the
size of the meplat 18 without altering the length of the
projectile.
[0049] FIG. 8 shows that insertion of an Interchangeable Component
30 into the Core Projectile Module 32 may increase the size of the
tip 12 while reducing or eliminating the hollow point and,
depending on material, changes mass and fit tolerance, can be used
to preload stress on the projectile 10 to alter reactive qualities
upon impact. It will also increase the size of the meplat 18
without altering the length of the projectile.
[0050] FIG. 9 shows an Interchangeable Component 30 being fitted to
the outside of the Core Projectile Module 32. The Interchangeable
Component 30 may be sized to have an external diameter 44 greater
than, equal to, or less than the external diameter 46 of the Core
Projectile Module 32.
[0051] FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of an Interchangeable
Component 30 being fitted to the outside of the Core Projectile
Module 32. The Interchangeable Component 30 may be fitted to the
Core Projectile Module 32 by any means, such as press fit,
adhesive, or welding, for example.
[0052] FIG. 11 shows an exterior side view of an Interchangeable
Component 30 fitted within a Core Projectile Module 32. The Core
Projectile Module 32 may be fired without an interchangeable
component 30 being placed therein. In such a case the component 32
is referred to as a hollow point projectile. In the embodiment
shown, component 32 includes a tapered base 22, a bearing surface
14, a tapered head ogive surface 16a and a flat front surface 50a
positioned perpendicular to an elongate axis 48 of the projectile.
Accordingly, in cases where component 32 is fired without an
interchangeable core 30 positioned therein, component 32 will
include a tapered ogive surface 16 at the front of the projectile
10 during flight. In one embodiment, component 32 is manufactured
of a plastic material, such as Acetal, and interchangeable
component 30 is manufactured of metal, such as copper.
Interchangeable component 30 includes a tapered head ogive surface
16b and a flat front surface 50b positioned perpendicular to
elongate axis 48 of the projectile.
[0053] A variety of interchangeable components 30 may be placed
within component 32 by the end user at the site of discharge of
projectile 10, such as at a shooting range, at a law enforcement
live operations site, in a hunting setting, or any other location
where the projectile 10 may be discharged. Accordingly, the end
user of the projectile may alter the characteristics of the
projectile in real time, to suit their needs for a particular, live
situation in which the end user, i.e., the shooter of the
projectile, may find themselves.
[0054] FIG. 12 shows a side cross sectional view of projectile 10
of FIG. 11, wherein interchangeable component 30 includes a head
ogive 16b such that when component 30 is placed within component
32, the ogive surface 16a of component 32 and ogive surface 16b of
component 30 together form a continuous surface 16 that together
define the same angle with respect to an elongate axis 48 of the
projectile 10. In other words, surface 16a and 16b together define
ogive surface 16 of projectile 10, including both components 30 and
32.
[0055] Still referring to FIG. 12, in this embodiment component 32
includes a cavity 36 having an inner diameter 40 that is larger
than an outer diameter 52 of an extension 54 of component 30 that
extends into cavity 36. In one particular embodiment, inner
diameter 40 may be 0.28 inches and outer diameter 52 may be 0.26
inches. Accordingly, extension 54 of component 30 is loosely
received within cavity 36. During firing of projectile 10 in a
forward direction 56, meplat surface 18 of component 30 is
supported on front surface 50a of component 32 to retain component
30 within component 32. During times of non-use, i.e., when
projectile 10 is resting on a table for example, component 30 is
easily manually removed from component 32 by a user with their bare
hands, without the need for use of specialized removal tools. If
the projectile is tipped upside down for example, with front
surface 50b of component 30 facing downward toward the ground, when
component 32 is held steady, the force of gravity will pull
component 30 from its loose-fitting position within component 32.
Accordingly, component 30 is held loosely within cavity 36 of
component 32. In this embodiment, the inner diameter 40 of cavity,
which is larger than the size of outer diameter 52 of extension 54
of component 30, ensures that component 30 is not mechanically or
frictionally fixedly retained within component 32. Instead,
component 30 is retained within component 32 by the contact of
meplat surface 18 of component 30 contacting front surface 50a of
component 32 during a force upon projectile in a direction opposite
to forward direction 56, such as during firing of projectile 10 in
forward direction 56, or when projectile 10 is sitting at rest with
front surface 50b of component 30 extending upwardly such that the
force of gravity retains surface 18 of component 30 on front
surface 50b of component 32. In other words, tipping projectile 10
upside down will result in component 30 slipping from component 32
to separate the two components. This loose fitting allows different
components 30 to be interchangeably placed with ease within
component 32 by an end user. Accordingly, the projectile set of the
present invention, including a component 32 and multiple
interchangeable components 30, each including differing
characteristics (such as a different mass or shape to allow
altering of the penetration or fracturing of the projectile upon on
impact, for example), allows both the manufacturer and the end user
to keep a lower inventory of projectile parts on hand while still
allowing for multiple projectiles to be formed for sale or use. For
example, a manufacturer may keep one standard component 32 in
stock, along with multiple different interchangeable components 30
in stock, thereby allowing the manufacturer to deliver multiple
different types of projectiles to end users, without requiring the
manufacturer to retain multiple different completed projectiles on
hand. This may reduce the inventory space needed by the
manufacturer because the interchangeable components 30 maybe much
smaller in size than a fully formed projectile 10. Similarly, an
end user may purchase several components 32 and several different
types of interchangeable components 30 which may allow the end user
to customize their projectile 10 on site, without requiring many
different types of projectiles to be stored or carrier by the end
user. In law enforcement live shooter applications, the inventive
projectile may allow an officer to carry a standard component 32
and multiple interchangeable components 30 on their person, such
that the law enforcement officer may be able to customize a
projectile during live situations. In one particular example, an
officer confronted with a live shooter positioned within a duplex,
will be able to customize a projectile that when encountering sheet
rock, the projectile will explode the sheet rock without
penetrating through the sheetrock, so that innocent parties
positioned on the other side of the sheet rock wall from the live
shooter, such as in the other side of the duplex, will be unharmed
and unaffected by actions taken to disable the live shooter.
Accordingly, the projectile of the present invention allows
officers in the field, during live law enforcement actions, to make
instantaneous decisions about the desired penetration depth and
fracturing characteristics of projectiles they wish to use and to
create such customized projectiles on site. Such ease of changing
out a component, on site and in live shooting situations, has
heretofore not been provided.
[0056] In another embodiment, which takes into account Newton's
Cradle Effect, the projectile includes a threadabley attachable and
detachable interchangeable component (FIGS. 15 and 16) to
facilitate adaptability in a "live shooter application" scenario
described herein.
[0057] In contrast, the loose fitting interchangeable components
may be utilized in scenarios where it is not desirable for the core
projectile module and the interchangeable component to remain
intact as a single projectile. In one loose fitting embodiment the
projectile utilizes spherical interchangeable components that are
loosely fitted. Due to Newton's Cradle Effect the spherical
interchangeable components separate from the core projectile module
during flight and fly directly in front of the Core Projectile
Module and will strike an intermediate obstacle, such as glass,
just before the Core Projectile Module. The loose fitting
Interchangeable Components will shatter the glass directly in front
of the Core Projectile Module. This will allow the Core Projectile
Module to pass through the intermediate obstacle (glass) and strike
a target behind the glass. During testing, it has been observed
that when this embodiment of the Core Projectile Module strikes the
target, it will function as if there is no Interchangeable
Component. In one embodiment the loose fitting Interchangeable
Components may be affixed to the Core Projectile Module during
manufacturing assembly of the cartridge, and not in the field. In
this embodiment the assembly technique holds the loose fitting
Interchangeable Components in place during transport and loading.
In particular, a clear plastic disc is fitted just over the top of
the Core Projectile Module and under the roll crimp of the shell
hull. Porcelain may be the best material for this application.
Steel has also been utilized.
[0058] The projectiles that are adaptable in the field during live
police and military events may use threadabley
attachable/detachable Interchangeable Components. Some of the
threaded interchangeable components do not require tools for
insertion (FIG. 16). Socket heads may be used on components when it
is desirable to include a hollow point on the projectile (FIG. 16).
The hex key socket shown may double as a hollow point and a feature
for engaging a tool (FIG. 16). Some insertable components have
tapered ends allowing digital grasping for threadable manipulation
of the Interchangeable Component (FIG. 16).
[0059] In one embodiment, projectile component 32 of the present
invention may be manufactured of a synthetic material, such as
Quadrant EPP Acetron.RTM. POM-H Homopolymer Acetal. This polymer
has a specific gravity of 1.41 g/cc, water absorption of 0.20%,
water absorption at saturation of 0.90%, hardness of 89 (Rockwell
M), hardness of 122 (Rockwell R), tensile strength of 11,000 psi,
tensile strength at 65 Degrees of 7,200 psi, elongation at break of
30%, tensile modulus of 450 ksi, flexural strength of 13,000 psi,
flexural modulus of 450 ksi, compressive strength of 16,000 psi,
compressive modular of 450 ksi, shear strength of 9,000 psi, izod
impact, notched of 1.00 ft-lb/in, coefficient of friction, dynamic
of 0.25, K (wear) factor of 200.times.10exp(-10)inch
exp(3)/ft-lb-hr, and limiting pressure velocity of 2,700
psi-ft/min, surface resistivity of 1.00exp(13) ohm, dielectric
constant of 3.7 at frequency of 1 exp(6) Hz, dielectric strength of
450 kV/in, and a dissipation factor of 0.0050 at frequency of 1
exp(6) Hz. These properties of the polymer result in no or very
limited turbulence at the back end of the projectile during flight,
substantially increasing the speed of inventive projectile 10
during flight. In sample tests of a 12 gauge inventive projectile
10, the projectile was recorded during flight at speeds of over
4,000 feet per second, where as prior art projectiles typically
have a maximum speed of 1,200 to 1500 feet per second. The
increased speed of inventive projectile 10 is believed to be due to
the decreased weight of component 32 manufactured of polymer
compared to prior art shells manufactured of metal, and due to the
very low air resistance created by inventive projectile 10 due to
component 32 being manufactured of polymer materials. In other
words, the outer surface 58 of projectile 10 has an extremely
smooth low skin friction, compared to the outer surface of prior
art metal projectiles, thereby resulting in the extremely fast
speeds of projectile 10.
[0060] In one embodiment, one of interchangeable components 30 may
be manufactured of yellow brass, C27450, having a chemical
composition of 60.0 to 65.0 Cu, 0.35 Fe, 0.25 Pb, and the remainder
being Zn, with a nominal range of Cu being 62.5 and Zn being 37.5.
In another embodiment, one of interchangeable components 30 may be
manufactured of Phosphorus deoxidized tellurium bearing Copper, UNS
C14500, OS015 Temper. Use of the yellow brass or Copper alloy will
provide an interchangeable component 30 have the mass and other
properties that may be desirable to achieve particular ballistics
characteristics.
[0061] FIGS. 13-15 show another embodiment of a mechanically
adaptable projectile component manufactured of Acetron POM-H
Homopolymer Acetel, with an unfilled central cavity.
[0062] FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of a component 32.
[0063] FIG. 14 shows a side view of the component of FIG. 13
wherein component 32, in this embodiment, defines a length 60 of
1.0 inches, a base 22 width 62 of 0.5 inches, boat tail 24 width 64
of 0.115 inches (measured perpendicular to elongate axis 48), a
boat tail 24 length 66 of 0.15 inches (measured parallel to
elongate axis 48), a bearing surface 14 length of 68 of 0.5 inches,
a head ogive 16 length 70 of 0.350 inches (measured parallel to
axis 48), a head ogive 16 width 72 of 0.225 inches (measured
perpendicular to axis 48), and a diameter 40 of cavity 36 of 0.280
inches.
[0064] FIG. 15 shows an end view of component 32 having a diameter
74 of 0.730 inches, and an end mill 76 of 3/4 inches,
0.250-2UNC-2A, 5/8 inches. These are the specifications of threads
94 on the interior of threaded bore, or cavity 36, of FIGS. 14 and
15 (only a few threads 94 are shown on the interior of module 32 in
the side view in FIG. 14 for ease of illustration). Threads 96
(only a few threads 96 are shown on the exterior of insert 30 shown
in FIGS. 16 and 17 for ease of illustration) on threaded exterior
surface 98 of insert 30 can be threadabley attached and detached
from the threads 94 of bore 36 of the Core Projectile Module 32,
shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Mating threads 94 and 96 secure the
insert 30 to the projectile body 32. This is the preferred
embodiment for adapting the projectiles in the field during live
police action, such as described above in the section detailing
where a live shooter may be hiding in one side of a duplex, with
innocent bystanders positioned in the other side of the duplex.
[0065] FIGS. 16-17 show another embodiment of a mechanically
adaptable projectile component.
[0066] FIG. 16 is a side view of an interchangeable component 30
manufactured of phosphorus deoxidized tellurium copper. Component
30 has a length 80 of 0.75 inches, a nose 12 length 82 of 0.125
inches (measured parallel to axis 48), a nose 12 width 84 of 0.050
inches, a nose 12 tip width 86 of 0.150 inches, and a diameter 88
of 0.250 inches. Nose tip 12 facilitates ease of assembly in the
field. The taper of the nose portion 12 is intended to make it
easier to start the threadabley attachable Interchangeable
Component 30 into cavity 36 of component 32 in a situation where a
user would want a hollow point projectile. If the insert 30 is
reversed, and the socket end portion of component 30 is first
placed into cavity 36 of component 32, the user may utilize the
tapered nose feature 12 to grasp for threadable attachment without
a tool. The taperd nose section 12 can become a portion of the
ogive or screwed in so it becomes a feature of the hollow point.
This gives this single Interchangeable Component 30 at least three
variations of use.
[0067] FIG. 17 is an isometric back view of component 30 of FIG. 16
including a cavity 90 having a width 92 of 0.250 inches, so as to
define a 5/32 inches Allen key socket. In this embodiment,
component 30 is positioned in a cavity in the rearward surface of a
component 32 by use of an Allen key wrench. The Allen socket cavity
may be utilized as a mechanism for manipulating the part with an
Allen key and as a smaller hollow point cavity projectile 10.
[0068] Water has a specific gravity of 1 and we have learned that
creating projectiles and interchangeable components from materials
with known mechanical properties including their specific gravity
enables us to predict how the projectiles will interact with water.
We are using water as the preferred medium because the properties
of water are not typically susceptible to human error, or organic
variability upon creation. With water as the primary "known" we are
able to predict how a material will react when hitting a water
based medium. This provides an experimental starting point wherein
we evaluate how the addition of other variables will alter how a
projectile of a known specific gravity will react to water. For
example, using a Core Projectile Module with known specific gravity
(SG) and other mechanical properties and observe how the projectile
interacts with water. When this reaction becomes known then the
Core Projectile Module becomes the universal component on which
Mechanically Adaptable Projectile can be created.
[0069] Then we establish a linear model wherein we juxtapose a
specific projectile performance along the linear scale to predict
how that projectile will react when striking other mediums wherein
the reaction is known as it relates to water. The linear scale
would place water at the center of the scale with an SG of 1 and
list potential mediums along the scale in both ascending and
descending order according to their known SG. A scale could
potentially place the SG of air on the lowest end of descending
knowns and steel on the highest end of the ascending knowns.
[0070] There is a large body of study involving the use of water as
a base medium for examining ballistics. Courtney et al have done
many studies wherein they examine ballistic pressure waves in
water. Courtney et al have taken what they learned and have
examined other experiments in light of what they have learned from
their studies and they have been able to answer questions about
ballistic science that were previously unsettled science. They have
intensely studied an entire body of ballistic science involving
remote wounding. They have settled numerous beliefs and resolved
questions of predecessors in the science. We have used their work
and the work of their predecessors and partners to provide a basis
of knowledge that has enabled us to develop the scientific
principles espoused in the Mechanically Adaptable Projectile
science, described herein.
[0071] The bodies of various animals are largely water based. The
SG of building materials have a range of density (SG) that is
greater than water (1.0) and also less than water. This is the
basis from which mechanically adaptable projectile components are
created. This is the basis of knowledge through which component
interchangeability and interactivity is determined.
[0072] Through scientific study, a specific core projectile module
of a specific design can be used to impact water. Through
observation, the reactivity of the component is known and then a
pattern of predictable reactivity is discovered by observing the
difference in reaction when impacting the same core projectile
module to other known mediums. Then that known reactivity is
further examined by adding an interchangeable component to the
known core projectile module and observing how the interchangeable
component alters the previously known reactivity of the core
projectile module. In the above process water becomes the central
and preferred known upon which predictable reactivity is built.
[0073] In the above description numerous details have been set
forth in order to provide a more through understanding of the
present invention. It will be obvious, however, to one skilled in
the art that the present invention may be practiced using other
equivalent designs.
* * * * *