U.S. patent application number 16/254561 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-25 for muzzleloader systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is Vista Outdoor Operations LLC. Invention is credited to Erik K. Carlson, David M. Laska, Adam J. Moser, Bryan P. Peterson, Matthew S. Schroeder.
Application Number | 20190226818 16/254561 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67299257 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190226818 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peterson; Bryan P. ; et
al. |
July 25, 2019 |
MUZZLELOADER SYSTEMS
Abstract
Muzzleloader systems include a pre-packaged propellant charge
with a primer receptacle for providing efficient loading and
unloading of the muzzleloader. The muzzleloader accepts in the
breech end a propellant containment vessel that abuts against a
constriction portion with a reduced diameter portion. The
propellant containment vessel having an end portion with a tapered
surface that conforms to the constriction portion surface. A
projectile is inserted in the muzzle end of the muzzleloader and
seats against the constriction portion.
Inventors: |
Peterson; Bryan P.; (Isanti,
MN) ; Laska; David M.; (Andover, MN) ;
Schroeder; Matthew S.; (Princeton, MN) ; Moser; Adam
J.; (Big Lake, MN) ; Carlson; Erik K.; (Oak
Grove, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vista Outdoor Operations LLC |
Farmington |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67299257 |
Appl. No.: |
16/254561 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62794602 |
Jan 19, 2019 |
|
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|
62619851 |
Jan 21, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 9/08 20130101; F42B
5/38 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F42B 5/38 20060101
F42B005/38; F41C 9/08 20060101 F41C009/08 |
Claims
1. A muzzleloader system comprising muzzleloader, a polymer
propellant vessel with propellant hermetically sealed therein, a
projectile and a primer; the muzzleloader comprising a stock, a
receiver and a barrel, the barrel having a breech portion, a muzzle
portion, and a barrel bore with a barrel axis, the muzzleloader
openable exposing a breech face and a propellant containment vessel
chamber opening at the breech face, the propellant containment
vessel chamber extending at least 2.5 inches inwardly from the
breech face, the propellant containment vessel chamber having a
annular flange recess at the breech face extending axially inwardly
at least 0.08 inches, the barrel having a constriction portion at a
forward end of the propellant containment vessel chamber, and a
projectile receiving region forward of the constriction portion;
the propellant containment vessel being entirely formed of polymer
and filled with the propellant, the propellant containment vessel
being elongate with a central axis and having a conforming shape to
the propellant containment vessel chamber and having a closed
polymer head portion, a closed forward portion, and an intermediate
portion extending therebetween, the closed polymer head portion
having a centrally located primer receptacle, without a primer
therein, and a flange extending therearound, the flange having an
exterior cylindrical surface with an axial length of at least 0.08
inches, the intermediate portion having conical side wall with a
conical surface, the closed polymer forward portion with an end
wall and a conforming shape to the constriction portion, the
propellant containment vessel having a length to maximum diameter
of the flange of at least 4:1; the projectile being sized to the
barrel bore; and the primer being sized for the receptacle.
2. The muzzleloader system of claim 1, wherein the tapering conical
sidewall has a taper of at least 0.4 degrees.
3. The muzzleloader system of claim 1, wherein the propellant
containment vessel comprises polyethylene.
4. The muzzleloader system of claim 1, wherein the closed polymer
head portion has a unitary webbing portion at a bottom of a primer
recess in the primer receptacle.
5. The muzzleloader system of claim 1, wherein the closed polymer
head portion has is sealed by a manually removable closure at the
primer recess.
6. The muzzleloader system of claim 1 wherein the closed forward
portion has an end wall and a unitary skirt extending therefrom,
the skirt underlaying the tapering conical wall portion and joined
thereto at an interface.
7. The muzzleloader system of claim 6, wherein the interface is
breechable upon ignition of the propellant firing the projectile,
whereby when the muzzleloader is fired, the end wall and unitary
skirt pass through the constriction portion and are ejected from
the muzzleloader immediately behind the projectile.
8. The muzzleloader system of claim 7, wherein the end wall and
unitary skirt deform as they pass through the constriction
portion.
9. The muzzleloader system of claim 7, wherein the end wall and
unitary skirt have a maximum diameter of less than the minimal
inside diameter of the constriction portion.
10. A muzzleloader propellant containment vessel for use with a
primer, a projectile and a muzzleloader, the muzzleloader having a
barrel with a propellant containment vessel chamber open
rearwardly, a constriction portion forward of the propellant
containment vessel chamber, and a projectile receiving region
forward of the constriction portion, the projectile being
receivable in the barrel bore at a muzzle end, the muzzleloader
power cell comprising: the muzzleloader propellant containment
vessel hermetically sealed and filled with propellant, the
propellant containment vessel being elongate with a central axis
and having a conforming shape to the propellant containment vessel
chamber and having a closed polymer head portion, a closed forward
portion, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween, the
closed polymer head portion having a centrally located primer
receptacle, without a primer therein, and a flange extending
therearound, the flange having an exterior cylindrical surface with
an axial length of at least 0.08 inches, the intermediate portion
being tubular and having a conical side wall with a conical
surface, the closed polymer forward portion with an end wall and a
conforming shape to the constriction portion, the propellant
containment vessel having a length to maximum diameter of the
flange of at least 4:1.
11. The muzzleloader system of claim 10, wherein the propellant
containment vessel defines a cavity having a volume between 0.40
and 0.50 cubic inches.
12. The muzzleloader system of claim 10, wherein the propellant
containment vessel is entirely polymeric and comprises
polyethylene.
13. The muzzleloader system of claim 10, wherein the closed polymer
head portion has a unitary webbing portion at a bottom of a primer
recess in the primer receptacle.
14. The muzzleloader system of claim 10, wherein the closed polymer
head portion has is sealed by a manually removable closure at the
primer recess.
15. The muzzleloader system of claim 10, wherein the closed forward
portion has an end wall and a unitary skirt extending therefrom,
the skirt underlaying the tapering conical wall portion and joined
thereto at an interface.
16. The muzzleloader system of claim 10, wherein the closed head
portion is underlaying the tubular intermediate portion.
17. A method of using a muzzleloader of a muzzleloader system, the
system comprising muzzleloader, a polymer propellant vessel with
propellant hermetically sealed therein, a projectile and a primer;
the muzzleloader comprising a stock, a receiver and a barrel, the
barrel having a breech portion, a muzzle portion, and a barrel bore
with a barrel axis, the muzzleloader openable exposing a breech
face and a propellant containment vessel chamber opening at the
breech face, the propellant containment vessel chamber having a
annular flange recess at the breech face, the barrel having a
constriction portion at a forward end of the propellant containment
vessel chamber, and a projectile receiving region forward of the
constriction portion; the propellant containment vessel formed of
polymer, the propellant containment vessel being elongate with a
central axis and having a conforming shape to the propellant
containment vessel chamber and having a closed polymer head
portion, a closed forward portion, and an intermediate portion
extending therebetween, the closed polymer head portion having a
centrally located primer receptacle, without a primer therein, and
a flange extending therearound, the intermediate portion having a
tubular side wall, the closed polymer forward portion with an end
wall and a conforming shape to the constriction portion; the method
comprising: inserting the projectile in the muzzle end of the
barrel and seating the projectile in the projectile seating region;
opening the breech portion of the muzzleloader; inserting the
propellant containment vessel with propellant into the propellant
containment vessel chamber; inserting the primer in the propellant
containment vessel after the propellant containment vessel is in
the propellant containment vessel chamber; closing the breech
portion of the muzzleloader.
18. The method of using a muzzleloader of a muzzleloader system of
claim 17, further comprising actuating a trigger mechanism whereby
a firing pin strikes a primer and expanding gases from the primer
enter the propellant containment vessel igniting the propellant
therein.
19. The method of using a muzzleloader of a muzzleloader system of
claim 17, further comprising opening a seal at the primer
receptacle when inserting the primer.
20. The method of using a muzzleloader of a muzzleloader system of
claim 17, further comprising emptying the muzzleloader without
firing the muzzleloader, by opening the breech portion of the
muzzleloader, removing the unfired propellant containment vessel,
pushing the projectile from the projectile seating region and out
of the muzzle end of the barrel, and closing the breech portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a system for
muzzleloaders for improving safety, reliability, and
performance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Muzzleloaders are a class of firearms in which the
propellant charge and bullet are separately loaded into the barrel
immediately prior to firing. Unlike modern breech loaded firearms
where the bullet, propellant charge and primer are loaded as
prepackaged cartridges, muzzleloaders are loaded by feeding a
propellant charge through the muzzle of the barrel before ramming a
bullet down the barrel with a ramrod until the bullet is seated
against the propellant charge at the breech end of the barrel. A
primer is inserted at the breech to be in communication with the
propellant. The primer is then struck by an inline firing pin or an
external hammer to ignite the propellant charge to create
propellant gases for propelling the bullet.
[0003] A variability in muzzleloaders not present in cartridge
based firearms is the quantity and type of the propellant charge.
Unlike cartridge firearms where a cartridge is preloaded with a
bullet and premeasured quantity of propellant is loaded into the
firearm for firing, the bullet and propellant charge are combined
within the firearm for firing. Accordingly, the muzzleloader
operator can select the optimal bullet, propellant type and
quantity combination for each shot, which is particularly
advantageous given the long reloading time for muzzleloaders. While
the variability of the bullet--propellant charge combination allows
for an optimized shot, varying the bullet and in particular the
propellant and quantity of propellant can significantly change the
appropriate seating depth of the bullet. With loose or powdered
propellant such as black powder, the amount of propellant is often
varied between 80 and 120 volumetric grains. Similarly, propellants
are often formed into cylindrical pellets that are stacked
end-to-end within the barrel to form the propellant charges. The
pellets are typically each about 1 cm in length and loaded in 1 to
3 pellet groups causing an even greater variation in the seating
depth. Variability in the powder and bullet of course causes
variability in performance including accuracy.
[0004] Another safety concern unique to muzzleloaders is an
undersized or oversized propellant charge. Unlike cartridge
firearms where the amount of propellant loaded for each shot is
limited by the internal volume of the cartridge, theoretically, the
amount of propellant loaded for each shot in muzzleloaders is only
limited by the length of the barrel. While measures are often used
to provide a constant quantity of propellant for each propellant
charge, the measures can be difficult to use in the field or in low
light situation when hunting often occurs. Similarly, propellant
can be formed into the pre-sized pellets that can be loaded one at
a time until the appropriate amount of propellant is loaded. As
with measuring the quantity of powder, errors can occur in loading
the appropriate number of pellets. These issues have been addressed
to an extent with U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,030,956; 9,562,754; 9,329,003;
and 9,146,086, all owned by the owner of the instant application
and incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The patents
disclose embodiments including a breech loaded propellant
containment vessel that is configured generally as a shotgun shell
cartridge with a head having a primer therein and a shotgun shell
like flange that is breech loaded similar to a single shot breech
brake shotgun. Any further advancements in convenience,
reliability, safety, and function of breech loaded propellant
cartridges would be welcomed by muzzleloader shooters and the
industry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A muzzle-loader bullet system includes a pre-loaded
hermetically sealed breech loaded propellant containment vessel
with a primer receptacle, and a separate primer, all for providing
efficient loading and unloading of the muzzleloader. In
embodiments, the muzzleloader breaks open, has a barrel, a receiver
with a breech block, and a stock. The barrel with a breech portion
and muzzle portion, the breech portion having a propellant
containment vessel chamber, and a rearwardly facing breech face.
The breech block having a face that confronts and closes onto the
breech face of the barrel. In embodiments, a constriction portion
separates the propellant containment vessel chamber from the
projectile bore portion. The propellant vessel chamber is
configured to have a tapering conical portion with a taper angle of
at least 0.4 degrees and a flange receiving recess that has a depth
that is significantly greater than the flange thickness of
standardized shotgun shell cartridges. The tapering portion of the
propellant vessel chamber having a length extending from the breech
face of at least 2.60 inches. The constrictor portion reducing the
barrel diameter from a minimal diameter of the tapering conical
portion to a diameter of the projectile bore portion. The
propellant containment vessel having a conforming shape to the
propellant containment vessel chamber having a closed polymer head
portion with a flange and a centrally located primer receptacle, an
intermediate portion with conical side wall and with a taper angle
of at least 0.4 degrees, a closed polymer forward portion with an
end wall and a conforming shape to the constriction portion. The
flange with an oversized flange thickness conforming to the flange
recess on the breech face.
[0006] In embodiments, the intermediate portion and forward portion
are unitarily formed by injection molding a polymer. The head
portion fitting into or on an open end of the intermediate portion
and secured and sealed thereto by adhesives, welding, mechanical
means. The propellant filling an open interior of the intermediate
portion and forward portion before the securement of the head
portion.
[0007] In embodiments, the head portion and conical portion are
unitary formed by injection molding a polymer. The end wall unitary
to a skirt portion that fits in or around an open end of the
intermediate portion and being sealingly secured thereto by
adhesives, welding, or mechanical means. The propellant filling an
open interior of the intermediate portion and head portion before
the securement of the forward portion.
[0008] In embodiments, a projectile is inserted in the muzzle end
and seats at the opposite side of the constriction portion from the
propellant containment vessel chamber. The muzzle loader is opened
at the breech and the propellant containment vessel is inserted
such that the ullage between the projectile and breech loaded
propellant is eliminated or minimized. The head of the vessel
having a closure is facing outwardly with the primer receptacle
exposed. A primer is inserted into the receptacle. In the field the
closure is either removed, breeched by installation of the primer,
or sacrificed during firing of the primer.
[0009] When the muzzleloader trigger is pulled, a firing pin
strikes the primer, with expanding primer propellant gases from the
primer entering the interior of the containment vessel igniting the
propellant therein, whereby the expanding gases of the propellant
discharges the projectile from the muzzle end. In embodiments the
end wall will separate from the propellant containment vessel and
be expelled from the muzzle. In embodiments the end wall and skirt
will be separated from the intermediate portion and be deformed as
it passes the constriction portion and then be expelled with the
projectile. In embodiments, the end wall with skirt will be abutted
against the projectile, will obturate the barrel wall as the wall
and end skirt and projectile are being launched.
[0010] A feature and advantage of embodiments of the muzzleloader,
hermetically sealed propellant containment vessel, primer, and
bullet system is providing enhanced performance and safety. The
muzzle loading system comprises an energetic system with a
pre-packaged propellant charge that is breech loaded, a primer then
inserted, providing efficient loading and unloading of the
propellant containment vessel, whether the containment vessel is
fired or not fired, with means that preclude loading of the bullet
in the breech.
[0011] A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is
that the breech loading or unloading of the propellant charge
allows for safe separation of the propellant charge from the bullet
loaded within the barrel. When it is desired to unload the
muzzleloader, the propellant containment vessel is removed unfired,
and the bullet can then be safely pulled or pushed down the barrel
and removed from the muzzleloader without risk that the inadvertent
or delayed ignition of the propellant charge will fire the
projectile.
[0012] A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is
that the containment vessel can be factory loaded or preloaded with
a premeasured propellant charge. The primer and loaded containment
vessel simplifies the loading process by combining the propellant
measuring and loading steps with the primer positioning steps. The
containment vessel can also serve to protect the propellant charge
from environmental factors that could impact the ignition of the
propellant charge.
[0013] Embodiments herein are specifically addressed to
muzzleloading projectiles from 45 caliber to 50 caliber.
[0014] The above summary of the various representative embodiments
of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated
embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Rather, the
embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the
art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of
the invention. The Figures in the detailed description that follow
more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention can be completely understood in consideration
of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the
invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a muzzleloader
opened for receiving a propellant containment vessel or capsule as
described herein.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a muzzleloader
barrel with a propellant charge positioned at a breech end of the
barrel and a bullet positioned at a muzzle end of the barrel.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a muzzleloader
barrel with a propellant charge positioned at a breech end of the
barrel and a bullet positioned at a muzzle end of the barrel.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a capsule in accord with
embodiments, the capsule having a transparent cup portion such that
the propellant is visible therethrough.
[0020] FIG. 5 is cross sectional view of the capsule with
propellant preloaded and a membrane in the cap portion sealingly
closing the propellant in the capsule.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a capsule
in accord with embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the vessel portion of the
capsule before adhering, fastening, or welding the cap portion
thereto.
[0023] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the vessel portion of the
capsule of FIG. 7 viewed from the opposite end.
[0024] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another
vessel.
[0025] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the vessel portion of the
capsule of FIG. 9 viewed from the opposite end.
[0026] FIG. 11 is an exploded elevation view of the vessel of FIG.
9.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the vessel of FIG.
11.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a partial cross sectional view of a muzzleloading
firearm firing a projectile with the cap portion of a propellant
vessel being discharged from the barrel.
[0029] FIG. 14A is an end view showing a propellant containment
vessel.
[0030] FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view showing the propellant
containment vessel shown in FIG. 14A.
[0031] FIG. 14C is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a
portion of the propellant containment vessel shown in FIG. 14B.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a propellant
containment vessel.
[0033] FIG. 16A is a side view of a muzzle loader.
[0034] FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional side view of a
muzzleloader.
[0035] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a propellant
containment vessel.
[0036] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been depicted by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4-12, in embodiments, a
muzzleloader system comprises muzzle loader 20, a polymer
propellant vessel 32 with propellant 106 hermetically sealed
therein, a projectile 25 and a primer 38. In embodiments, the
muzzle loader 20 comprises a stock 134, a receiver 136 and a barrel
22, the barrel 22 having a breech end 26, a muzzle end 24, and a
barrel bore 31 with a barrel axis 82. In embodiments, the muzzle
loader 20 is openable exposing a breech face 100 of the barrel 22
and a propellant containment vessel chamber 36 opening at the
breech face 100. In embodiments, the propellant containment vessel
chamber 36 extends at least 2.5 inches inwardly from the breech
face 100. In embodiments, the propellant containment vessel chamber
36 has an annular flange recess 102 at the breech face 100
extending axially inwardly at least 0.08 inches. In embodiments,
the barrel 22 has a constriction portion 54 at a forward end of the
propellant containment vessel chamber 36 and a projectile receiving
region 104 forward of the constriction portion.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 4-12, in embodiments, the propellant
containment vessel 32 is entirely formed of polymer and filled with
the propellant 106. In embodiments, the propellant containment
vessel 32 is elongate with a central axis and having a conforming
shape to the propellant containment vessel chamber 36 and having a
closed polymer head portion 112, a closed forward portion 114, and
an intermediate portion 116 extending therebetween. In embodiments,
the closed polymer head portion 112 has a centrally located primer
receptacle 40, 82, without a primer therein, and a flange 108
extending therearound. In embodiments, the flange 108 has an
exterior cylindrical flange surface 110 with an axial length of at
least 0.08 inches. In embodiments, the intermediate portion 116 has
a conical side wall 118 with a conical surface 120. In embodiments,
the propellant containment vessel 32 has a closed polymer forward
portion with an end wall and a conforming shape to the constriction
portion. In embodiments, the propellant containment vessel 32 has a
length to maximum diameter of the flange of at least 4:1. In
embodiments, the projectile 25 is sized to be received in the
barrel bore 31. In embodiments, the primer 38 is sized to be
received in the receptacle. In embodiments, the receptacle is
dimensioned and adapted to receive a selected primer 38. In
embodiments, the receptacle is dimensioned and adapted to receive a
centerfire primer used in shotgun shells.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 4-12 and 17, in embodiments, the
containment vessel 32 defines a cavity 140 having a volume between
0.40 and 0.50 cubic inches. In embodiments, the tapering conical
sidewall 118 has a taper of at least 0.4 degrees. In embodiments,
the propellant containment vessel comprises polyethylene. In
embodiments, the closed polymer head portion 112 has a unitary
webbing portion 122 at a bottom of a primer recess 126 in the
primer receptacle 40,82. In embodiments, the closed polymer head
portion 112 has is sealed by a manually removable closure 124 at
the primer recess 126.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 9-12 and 15-16B, in embodiments, the
closed forward portion 114 has an end wall 128 and a unitary skirt
130 extending therefrom, the skirt 130 underlaying the tapering
conical wall portion and joined thereto at an interface 132. In
embodiments, the interface 132 is breachable upon ignition of the
propellant 106 firing the projectile 25, whereby when the
muzzleloader 20 is fired, the end wall 128 and unitary skirt 130
pass through the constriction portion 54 and are ejected from the
muzzleloader 20 immediately behind the projectile 25. In
embodiments, the end wall 128 and unitary skirt 130 deform as they
pass through the constriction portion 54. In embodiments, the end
wall 128 and unitary skirt 130 have a maximum diameter of less than
the minimal inside diameter of the constriction portion 54.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 13, an example method of using a
muzzleloader 20 of a muzzleloader system may be described. In
embodiments, the muzzleloader system comprises the muzzle loader
20, a polymer propellant vessel 32 with propellant 106 hermetically
sealed therein, a projectile 25 and a primer 38. In embodiments,
the muzzle loader 20 comprises a stock 134, a receiver 136 and a
barrel 22. In embodiments, the barrel 22 has a breech end 26, a
muzzle end 24, and a barrel bore 31 with a barrel axis 82. In
embodiments, the muzzle loader 20 is openable to expose a breech
face 100 of the barrel 22 and a propellant containment vessel
chamber 36 opening at the breech face 100. In embodiments, the
propellant containment vessel chamber 36 has an annular flange
recess 102 at the breech face 100. In embodiments, the barrel 22
has a constriction portion 54 at a forward end of the propellant
containment vessel chamber 36 and a projectile receiving region 104
forward of the constriction portion 54. In embodiments the
propellant containment vessel 32 is formed of a thermoplastic
polymer material (e.g., polyethylene). In embodiments, the
propellant containment vessel 32 is elongate with a central axis
and has a shape that conforms to the propellant containment vessel
chamber 36. In embodiments, the propellant containment vessel 32
has a closed polymer head portion, a closed forward portion, and an
intermediate portion extending therebetween. In embodiments, the
closed polymer head portion has centrally located primer receptacle
40, 82, without a primer therein and a flange 108 extending
therearound. In embodiments, the intermediate portion has a tubular
side wall. In embodiments, the closed polymer forward portion has
an end wall.
[0042] Still referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 13, In embodiments, the
method comprises inserting the projectile 25 in the muzzle end 24
of the barrel 22 and seating the projectile 25 in the projectile
seating region. In embodiments, the method comprises opening the
breech portion 138 of the muzzle loader 20. In embodiments, the
method comprises inserting the primer 38 in the primer receptacle
38 of the propellant containment vessel 32 after the propellant
containment vessel 32 is in the propellant containment vessel
chamber 36. In embodiments, the method comprises closing the breech
portion 138 of the muzzle loader 20. In embodiments, the method
comprises actuating a trigger mechanism whereby a firing pin 142
strikes a primer 38 and expanding gases from the primer 38 enter
the propellant containment vessel chamber 36 igniting the
propellant 106 therein.
[0043] In embodiments, the method comprises opening a seal at the
primer receptacle 40, 82 when inserting the primer 38. In
embodiments, the method comprises opening a seal at the primer
receptacle 40, 82 before inserting the primer 38. In embodiments,
the method comprises emptying the muzzle loader 20 without firing
the muzzle loader 20, by opening the breech portion 138 of the
muzzle loader 20, removing the unfired propellant containment
vessel 32, pushing the projectile 25 from the projectile seating
region and out of the muzzle end xx of the barrel 22, and closing
the breech portion 138.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4-12, in embodiments, a
muzzleloader propellant containment vessel 32 defines a cavity 140
for containing a propellant 106. In embodiments, muzzleloader
propellant containment vessel 32 is configured for use with a
primer 38, a projectile 25 and a muzzleloader 20. In embodiments,
the muzzle loader 20 has a barrel 22 with a propellant containment
vessel chamber 36 open rearwardly, a constriction portion 54
forward of the propellant containment vessel chamber 36 and a
projectile receiving region 104 forward of the constriction portion
54. In embodiments, a projectile 25 is receivable in the barrel
bore 31 at a muzzle end 24. In embodiments, a muzzleloader power
cell system comprises the muzzleloader propellant containment
vessel 32 hermetically sealed and filled with propellant 106. In
embodiments, the propellant containment vessel 32 is elongate with
a central axis and has a conforming shape to the propellant
containment vessel chamber 36 of the muzzle loader 20. In
embodiments, the propellant containment vessel 32 has a closed
polymer head portion 112, a closed forward portion 114, and an
intermediate portion 116 extending therebetween. In embodiments,
the closed polymer head portion 112 has a central located primer
receptacle 40, 82, without a primer therein, and a flange 108
extending therearound. In embodiments, the flange 108 has an
exterior cylindrical flange surface 110 with an axial length of at
least 0.08 inches. In embodiments, the intermediate portion 116 is
tubular and has a conical side wall 118 with a conical surface 120.
In embodiments, the closed polymer forward portion 114 has an end
wall 128 and a conforming shape to the constriction portion 54. In
embodiments, the propellant containment vessel 32 has a length to
maximum diameter of the flange of at least 4:1.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a muzzle-loader bullet system may
include a pre-packaged breech loaded propellant charge 106 and
primer 38 for providing efficient loading and unloading of the
muzzleloader 20. In embodiments, the muzzleloader 20 has barrel 20
defining a breech cavity 36 and a barrel bore 31. In embodiments,
the barrel bore 31 extends between the breech cavity 36 and a
muzzle end 24 of the barrel 20. In embodiments, a separator 54 is
disposed between the breech cavity 36 and the barrel bore 31. The
separator 54 may be configured as a constrictor portion having a
reduced diameter portion less than the diameter of the bore
preventing bullets sized to the barrel from being breech loaded. In
embodiments, the propellant containment vessel 32 abuts against a
rearward facing surface of the separator 54. In embodiments, the
propellant containment vessel 32 has a forward end portion with a
conforming surface that conforms to the rearward and upwardly
facing constriction portion surface. In use, a projectile 25 is
inserted in the muzzle end 24 of the barrel bore 31 and seats at a
forward facing surface of the separator 54. The cup or vessel
portion of the propellant containment vessel 32 may be injection
molded, filled with propellant and then a cap 52 fastened or
adhered or welded thereto. In embodiments, the cap 52 has a
receptacle for a primer 38 to be inserted in the field. In
embodiments, an ullage between the projectile 25 and the breech
loaded propellant charge 106 may be eliminated or minimized with
the configuration of the containment vessel 32 and/or separator 54.
In embodiments, the containment vessel 32 has a closure on the cap
52 for keeping the vessel with propellant hermetically sealed prior
to use. In use, the closure may be either removed, breeched by
installation of the primer 38, or sacrificed during firing of the
primer 38.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, a muzzleloader 20, for use with a
propellant containment vessel 32 and a projectile 25, generally
comprises a barrel 22 having a breech 23 (or breech cavity), a
breech end 26, and a muzzle end 24. The barrel 22 can comprise a
smooth bore (not shown) or a rifled bore 31 as depicted in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the muzzleloader 20 is conventionally
loaded with a projectile 25 at the muzzle end by pushing the
projectile down the bore towards the breech end 26 until the
projectile is seated. The breech is accessed for loading of the
propellant as shown in FIG. 1 and a propellant containment vessel
32 or cartridge is inserted into the breech. The primer 38 also is
inserted into the primer receptacle 40. The breech is closed and is
ready for firing.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 4-8, in embodiments, the propellant
containment vessel 32 is comprised of a cartridge cup portion or
vessel portion 50 and a cap 52 with the primer receptacle 40. The
cap has a closure for sealing the propellant in the vessel prior to
us to maintain the integrity and to securely contain the
propellant. A web that is unitary with the polymer cap may be a
suitable enclosure. Such a web may be punctured by a suitably
configured primer or it may be breeched by the firing of the
primer. Alternatively a closure indicated by the dashed lines by be
externally accessed by the use to remove same prior to insertion of
the primer.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, suitable dimensions for the propellant
containment vessel 32 are shown. These dimensions may vary .+-.5%
in embodiments of the invention. These dimensions may vary .+-.10%
in embodiments of the invention. These dimensions may vary .+-.2%
in embodiments of the invention. The vessel portions, or cups, may
be injection molded of polymers, such as polyethylene. Similarly
the cap may be injection molded from polymers such as polyethylene.
The cap is adhered to the vessel portion such as by adhesives,
welding, mechanical connections. The vessel portion may be
transparent and the caps may be color coded representative of types
or quantities of propellant. The vessel portion and/or the cap may
be transparent or translucent.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, another embodiment is illustrated
in which the cap 60 fits into the vessel portion 61 is at the
forward end of the propellant containment vessel 62. The cap has a
forward cylindrical portion 64 with a cylindrical surface 66, a
tapered portion 68 with a tapered surface 70 rearward of the
cylindrical surface, and another cylindrical portion 74 with a
surface 76 rearward of the tapered surface 70 and separated
therefrom by a step 76. The cap 60, after filling vessel portion,
is inserted into and attached to the open mouth 78 of the vessel
portion. The cap can be secured therein by a snap-fit, threads,
adhesive, welding, or other means. The primer 38 may be secured
into the primer recess 82 in the head portion 84 of the vessel
portion 61.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 13, in embodiments, upon the firearm
firing pin 92 striking the primer 96, the propellant ignites and
the cap separates from the vessel portion, deforms as it moves past
the constriction portion of the firearm, and is discharged out the
barrel after the bullet. The cap may obturate and provide a
rearward seal behind the bullet sealing in the expanding propellant
gases. In other embodiments, a portion of the cap may separate, for
example, the front face. In other embodiments, the cap may simply
open and not have any portions separate.
[0051] The following United States patents are hereby incorporated
by reference herein in their entirety except for patent claims and
express definitions contained therein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,273,941;
9,261,335; 9,003,973; 8,875,633; 8,869,702; 8,763,535; 8,726,560;
8,590,199; 8,573,126; 8,561,543; 8,453,367; 8,443,730; 8,240,252;
8,146,505; 7,984,668; 7,621,208; 7,444,775; 7,441,504; 7,278,358;
7,225,741; 7,059,234; 6,931,978; 6,845,716; 6,752,084; 6,625,916;
6,564,719; 6,439,123; 6,178,889; 5,677,505; 5,492,063; 5,359,937;
5,216,199; 4,955,157; 4,169,329; 4,098,016; 4,069,608; 4,058,922;
4,057,003; 3,776,095; and 3,771,415. Components illustrated in the
incorporated by reference references may be utilized with
embodiments herein. Incorporation by reference is discussed, for
example, in MPEP section 2163.07(B).
[0052] All of the features disclosed, claimed, and incorporated by
reference herein, and all of the steps of any method or process so
disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations
where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually
exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification may be
replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or
similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless
expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is an example
only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Inventive aspects of this disclosure are not restricted to the
details of the foregoing embodiments, but rather extend to any
novel embodiment, or any novel combination of embodiments, of the
features presented in this disclosure, and to any novel embodiment,
or any novel combination of embodiments, of the steps of any method
or process so disclosed.
[0053] Although specific examples have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same
purpose could be substituted for the specific examples disclosed.
This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of
the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal
equivalents, as well as the illustrative aspects. The above
described embodiments are merely descriptive of its principles and
are not to be considered limiting. Further modifications of the
invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the
respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within
the scope of the inventive aspects.
* * * * *