Extractor-ejector System For Firearms

Abstract

A unique design for an extractor-ejector system for firearms. The system allows for the firing of high-pressure rimfire ammunition by preventing cartridge case rupture. This is accomplished by supporting all areas of the case, particularly those areas usually exposed to such openings in the barrel and bolt face as are required for extractors and/or ejectors.

Description

The present invention relates to an extractor-ejector system for firearms, and more particularly to a novel extractor-ejector system for firearms which can accommodate high-pressure rimfire cartridges.

In recent times, the sporting arms industry has endeavored to give the sportsman a firearm which would fire the inexpensive rimfire cartridge, yet one capable of withstanding higher pressures. The object was to provide the inexpensive rimfire shells with the characteristic power and accuracy usually found in center-fire rounds. Rounds thus designed are generally referred to as magnums. The existing rimfire rifles, however, could not properly contain the higher pressures, because extractor systems required that cavities be undercut into the barrel so that extracting claws or other such mechanisms could remove the spent shell. These cavities produced the condition whereby sections of the thin brass cartridge case were left unsupported. Consequently, at these sections, the higher pressure caused ruptures. The gases then escaped into the breech of the gum where they often caused severe damage.

In an attempt to correct this situation, prior art devices tried to construct extraction systems that would seal the cartridge at the time of firing, so that ensuing gas would be contained. Such a system is shown by the patent issued to Catlin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,912,779, issued Nov. 17, 1959.

The serious drawback of that design was that it was not able to extract an unspent cartridge. In addition, the design called for rather precise tolerances.

In the usual firearm system the ability of the system to contain pressure is limited by the strength of the cartridge case which, if left unsupported, may have the unsupported section blown out by internal pressure. A yieldable cartridge case is, of course, a necessity so that the case may expand to fit the chamber and provide obturation or gas sealing. Although it is probably not practicable or necessary to make the bolt-barrel junction itself absolutely gastight, it must fit tightly enough so that the shear strength of any unsupported portion of the cartridge case is sufficient to contain the pressure.

The present invention also has been designed to enclose the round by parts of the firing and extraction system. But unlike the aforementioned design, an unspent round can be removed, and normal mass production tolerances can be used. As a result of the improved tolerances, an occasional overpressured shell will not cause failure. Where the firearm has been deliberately caused to fail, it was surprising to note that no metal fragments escaped from the rifle. This is highly assuring, since flying metal fragments may cause serious injury or death. Thus, it is seen that the present invention has many noteworthy features not available in the prior system.

The design itself has several points of distinct novelty. The outstanding feature is represented by a primary extractor mechanism which forms part of the receiver and barrel at its receiver-connected end portion, when the bolthead is in the closed breech position and abutting the end portion of the barrel. This allows the extractor to conform to the body surfaces of the bolthead and the cartridge so as to completely enclose the shell and prevent rupture due to excessive pressures. When the bolthead is withdrawn, the normal operation of extraction takes place. There is no inconvenience as a result of the unique extractor configuration. In fact, the extraction and ejection of the shell is carried out by the primary extractor and is enhanced by a secondary extractor mechanism, also of an unusual design. Furthermore, because there are no undercuts for extractor claws, the bolthead of the gun has a smooth, unbroken bolthead face.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a firearm with an extractor-ejector system which is capable of firing high-pressure rimfire cartridges without causing damage to the firearm.

Another object of the invention is to provide an extractor-ejector system for firearms which can accommodate high-pressure rimfire ammunition, and is reliable, accurate, and extremely safe.

The invention also contemplates providing an extractor ejector system for a firearm that is designed to completely enclose the cartridge with parts of the system during firing of the cartridge.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an extractor-ejector system for firearms which will prevent the thin brass cartridge case from rupturing and thus allow the propulsive gases to escape from the barrel during firing of the cartridge.

The invention further contemplates providing an extractor-ejector system for a firearm employing high-pressure ammunition, wherein the primary extractor is made to conform to the body surfaces of the bolthead and cartridge.

It is another object of the invention to provide an extractor-ejector system for a fireman using high-pressure rimfire cartridges, wherein the primary extractor forms part of the receiver, and the barrel at its receiver-connected end portion, when the bolthead is in a closed breech position and abutting the end portion of the barrel.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a primary extractor mechanism for a firearm which also serves to facilitate the ejection of the cartridge.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a primary extractor system for a firearm wherein the bolthead has a smooth unbroken bolthead face.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the extractor-ejector mechanism taken at the bolt face as seen from the barrel end of the firearm, looking towards the breech of the gun;

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the extractor-ejector mechanism taken one-fourth of an inch to the rear of the bolt face, as seen from the barrel end of the firearm, looking towards the breech of the gun;

FIGS. 3 through 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the extractor-ejector mechanism taken along lines A--A of FIG. 1 during various stages of extraction and ejection of an unspent round, wherein:

FIG. 3 illustrates the round as it is initially chambered (closed-breech position;

FIG. 4 is the primary extraction sequence;

FIG. 5 depicts the secondary extraction traction phase;

FIG. 5A shows a particular structure of the mechanism magnified;

FIG. 6 shows the final extraction action stage;

FIG. 7 illustrates the point at which ejection takes place; and

FIG. 8 is a view of the cartridge being finally ejected from the gun.

Generally speaking, the present invention contemplates a firearm having an extractor-ejector system which can accommodate high-pressure rimfire cartridges. Said system is designed to substantially enclose the cartridge at the time of firing with parts of the system, so that none of the propulsive gases are allowed to escape from the barrel, and the high pressures thus encountered are adequately contained. The extractor-ejector system has an unique primary extractor mechanism confined within the receiver and a recess in the receiver-connected end portion of the barrel, when the bolthead is in a closed breech position and abutting the end portion of the barrel. The primary extractor mechanism is slidable in the receiver and barrel so that primary extraction of the cartridge from the barrel may be effected. The primary extractor is engageable with the bolthead so that the primary extractor mechanism is movable for at least a limited distance with the bolthead as the bolthead is moved from the closed breech position (FIG. 3) toward the open breech position. A part of the primary extractor mechanism substantially conforms to a segmental portion of the surfaces of the bolthead, cartridge rim surface, and cartridge case body surface, and subtends a segment of the receiver-connected end portion of the barrel so as to substantially enclose the cartridge case body and head. The primary extractor mechanism has an abutment which is engageable with the rim of the cartridge so that the cartridge can be extracted from the barrel.

Now referring to FIG. 3, we observe an unspent round 2 resting within a barrel 8 of the firearm. The barrel is connected to a receiver 6 at the receiver-connected end portion, generally depicted by the edge faces 50. This connection can be effected by the use of pins, threads or other means. A bolthead 7 is resting within the receiver, and has its bolthead face 12 resting flush against the head surface of the cartridge 11. The primary extractor mechanism is generally shown by arrow 9 and comprises the numerous parts positioned within recesses 72 and 82 of the receiver and barrel, respectively (see FIG. 4). Said mechanism has a first abutment 4 at one end thereof, and a second abutment 5 at the other end. A cover 3 encloses the recess in the receiver housing the primary extractor mechanism.

Now referring to FIG. 4, we see that the primary extractor mechanism comprises a compression spring 39 positioned on the spring guide 49 whose head portion 59 is resting upon surface 69 of the receiver recess 72. The spring guide is positioned within the compression spring so that the spring will not cock or bend out of shape when it is compressed. An elongated retainer member 99 rests within the primary extractor mechanism between abutments 4 and 5, and has a lip 14 resting in a recess 56 positioned between the abutments 57 and 58 so as to prevent it from slipping out of position within the primary extractor. This lip allows for clearance around the groovelike recess 55 (see FIG. 3). One end of the retainer is shown as having a loop portion 13, while the other end 16 has two right-angle bends. The end portion of the retainer 16 is contacted by the spring 39 at the point shown by 18. This end of the retainer also contacts the first abutment of the primary extractor mechanism at the point shown by 89. The extreme end portion 16 rests within cavity 38 and is slidable therein. The loop portion 13 of the retainer rests upon a latch 20 at the point 22. The latch is connected to the bolthead 7 at the point 23 as shown. Its other end is in engageable contact with the second abutment 5 of the primary extractor mechanism at the point 21.

Primary extraction of the cartridge from the gun barrel is achieved by the following sequence of steps: First, the bolthead 7 is withdrawn from its closed breech position shown in FIG. 3, to the position represented by FIG. 4, In so moving the bolthead, the latch 20 which is attached to the bolthead at 23 is forced to move with the bolthead, and its engagement at 21 with the abutment 5 forces the primary extractor mechanism to coaxially move in concert with the movement of the bolthead. When the primary extractor mechanism is forced to move, the first abutment 4 moves from position 10 to position 10'. The cartridge 2 having a rim portion 29 contacts the first abutment 4 at the point 25, so that movement of the first abutment between the points 10 and 10' forces the cartridge to move from the barrel of the gun a like distance. Thus, primary extraction is effected. Due to the strong and positive latching of the abutment 5 and the bolt head 7, considerable primary extraction force is available. This is helped by the large area of the abutment 4 in contact with the cartridge case rim, and its inability to be slipped past the rim in any manner.

It is also important to note another operation that is taking place during movement from the FIG. 3 position to the FIG. 4 position. This will help us to understand how secondary extraction takes place as shown by FIG. 5. Still looking at FIG. 4, we note that the abutment 4 in contact with the end portion of the retainer 16 at point 89, will force the retainer to move with it, and in so doing, the compression spring 39 is compressed upon its guide 49 as a result of its contact with the end portion of the retainer 16 at the point shown by 18. This compression offers resistance against the movement of the primary extractor mechanism as the bolthead is withdrawn, and tends to bias the mechanism back to its closed breech position (FIG. 3).

Now referring to FIG. 5, we observe that the abutment 4 has moved back to its position 10, and the latch 20 has disengaged from abutment 5 at point 21, and is now positioned past this point, further down the receiver. These events have been brought about by the further withdrawal of the bolthead away from its position occupied in FIG. 4. As the bolthead is further withdrawn, abutment 4 forces the retainer 99 to move with it. As the retainer moves, its loop end 13 abuts against an abutment of the receiver 129. This abutment has a chamfered edge shown by the arrow 139, and is best observed by reference to FIG. 5A, which is a magnification of this structure. The leading edge of loop 13 which is referenced as 149, contacts this chamfered edge and is forced to slide over it as the retainer continues to move towards the open breech position. This causes the loop portion 13 to push downward upon the latch 20 at the point previously referenced as 22 (see FIG. 4). The force of the retainer against the latch, causes the latch to disengage from abutment 5 where it was held at point 21. The primary extraction mechanism therein becomes free of the bolthead, and is no longer compelled to move with the bolthead as it is withdrawn. Further, there is nothing holding the primary extractor mechanism from remaining at this withdrawn position, and the action of the compression spring 39 which previously acted to constrain the movement of the primary extractor now forces the extractor to return to the position it occupied in FIG. 3. Thus, we see that abutment 4 is once again at position 10.

Looking at FIG. 6, we notice that final extraction is taking place, but this extraction is not the result of the abutment 4 of the primary extractor urging the cartridge from the barrel. As we have seen, this abutment has fallen back to its original position, (as we noted in FIG. 5) and is no longer in contact with the rim of the cartridge. Final extraction is the sole achievement of the secondary extractor means, the operation of which will be explained below, with reference to FIGS. 3 through 6:

Referring to FIG. 6, we see a secondary extractor comprising an elongated resilient member 30, attached to the bolthead 7 at point 34. The other end of said elongated resilient member has a clawlike extractor means and is denoted by numeral 31. A chamfer 26 on the end portion of the barrel at its breech-connected end, serves as a means upon which the clawlike extractor can position itself when in the closed breech position (see FIG. 3). The loop in the extractor at point 33 furnishes the extractor with additional resilience that effects the clawlike means to further bias itself against the chamfer as it rests upon it. The loop increases the length of the spring only slightly, but allows insertion of the secondary extractor into the bolthead from the rear. The chamfer acts to hold the clawlike means away from the chamber of the barrel. When the bolthead 7 is withdrawn from the FIG. 3 position, the secondary extractor is caused to slide upon the chamfer and move down behind the rim of the cartridge at a point designated as 32 in FIGS. 5 and 6. It can be observed from the sequence of the drawings that this clawlike means contacts the rim of the cartridge and removes the cartridge from the barrel as the bolthead is withdrawn, and effects the further extraction of said cartridge after primary extraction has been completed. The secondary extractor is of an unusual design in that the chamfer 26 upon which the extractor claw 31 rests is on the exterior surface of the gun barrel. This construction provides the interior of the barrel with an unbroken surface. As we have alluded to previously, it is this unbroken surface which helps support and enclose the cartridge. Without this chamfer-extractor arrangement, it would be necessary to make a clearance cut in the barrel for the extractor claw, which would then allow an unsupported area of the cartridge case.

FIG. 6 also illustrates the start of the ejection sequence as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. About midway between abutments 4 and 5 of the primary extractor mechanism, there is a groovelike recess 55 (best seen in FIG. 3). As the cartridge is withdrawn, and as it reaches the final state of extraction as shown in FIG. 6, the rim 29 of the cartridge contacts and positions itself within the groovelike recess 55. As a result, the further withdrawal of the bolthead toward the open breech position will pull the primary extractor mechanism along with it for the second time. This will cause the compression spring 39 to compress. This spring will tend to force the primary extractor mechanism back to its original position as before, and in so doing will bias the rim of the cartridge forward as shown in FIG. 7. In this way the primary extractor also serves to bring about ejection of the cartridge, as will be further clarified below:

Now referring to FIG. 7, we notice that as the tip of the cartridge 52 clears the edge face of the barrel 65, the forward bias of the compression spring upon the primary extractor notch will cause the cartridge to spin outward of the receiver as shown by arrow 19. In this regard, the point of contact between the clawlike means 31 and the cartridge rim 29 at the point designated by the numeral 32, acts as a fulcrum point about which the cartridge is forced to rotate owing to the fact that point 32 is opposite that of groove 55. This induced rotary action forces the shell from the receiver, as shown in the final ejection phase of FIG. 8. Of course, an exit port 62 is provided (see FIGS. 1 and 8) by which the shell is allowed to pass out of the receiver. An entrance hole 92 is also provided at the bottom of the receiver for magazine loading of the firearm (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

It is important to understand that the point of ejection as shown in FIG. 7 will vary depending upon whether an unspent cartridge or a fired case is ejected. In the sequence of the present figures (FIGS. 3 through 8), an unspent cartridge is depicted. If the bullet had been discharged, and only the empty case remained, the ejection point would take place at an earlier point in the sequence of operation, since the point of clearance from the barrel will be sooner. Instead of the clearance point of the cartridge being dependent upon when point 52 clears the edge face of the barrel 65, the fired case will now clear edge face 65 when its most forward face 53 is presented thereto. It will be understood that 53 is the forward edge of the spent cartridge, and will clear the barrel slightly after the FIG. 6 stage of operation, but before that stage shown in FIG. 7. Another interesting aspect of the ejection process as pertains to spent and unspent cartridges refers to the force of ejection. A spent case will be lighter, and thus offer less resistance to ejection, but at the same time, it will be seen that spring 39 will not be compressed as much as it would have been had ejection taken place at a later phase. Thus, the spring offers less ejecting force to the spent case then to the unspent cartridge.

The firing mechanism can be best understood by reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The firing pin tip is positioned upon the pin 112 which is slidable in a conforming recess 111 of the bolthead 7. Since the firing pin is spring loaded upon firing (not shown), the cartridge remains entirely enclosed by metal parts of the system at the time of firing, and since all areas of the case are supported there is no chance for it to rupture.

Although the present invention has been described showing a preferred design, it is to be understood that various modifications and variations may be restored to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art will readily understand. For example, the compression spring 39 may be replaced by either a compression, torsion, or a tension spring positioned in a forward-projecting recess of the receiver.

If a tension spring is used, the same result will apply but if a compression spring is used in the forward-facing recess, the primary extractor will be forced to remain out of the chamber when the bolthead is in the open breech position. A stop affixed to the receiver is then provided to assure that a limited amount of travel of the primary extractor mechanism occurs despite the longer travel of the bolthead. In this mode of operation, the spring assists in the primary extraction of the cartridge from the barrel of the gun. Ejection will occur when the case rim hits the groove in the extractor which is stopped.

In cases where a minimum of primary extraction force is desired, the two extractors (primary and secondary) may be operated separately. This is accomplished by spring loading the primary extractor in a position as indicated above. The design may also provide that the spring will furnish the only means to produce initial extraction as where no latch medium is provided.

In all of the aforementioned modes of operation the secondary extractor functions in its usual manner except it may be made to pivot on a fixed pin in the bolthead.

Naturally, the present embodiment is designed to be compact and uncomplicated, with several of the parts serving more than one function.

Other such modifications as mentioned above will readily occur to the firearms practitioner without difficulty. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the invention and appended claims.

Claims

What we claim is:

1. In a firearm having a barrel, a chamber in said barrel adapted to receive a cartridge having a rim surface, head surface, and a case body surface, a receiver connected to said barrel and a breech bolt providing a bolthead slidable within said receiver between a closed breech position and an open breech position, the invention of an extractor-ejector system comprising:

a primary extractor means confined within said receiver and in the receiver- connected end portion of the barrel, when the bolthead is in a closed breech position and abutting said end portion of the barrel, said primary extractor means being slidable in said receiver and barrel end portion to effect primary extraction of the cartridge from said barrel, a part of said primary extractor means substantially conforming to a segmental portion of the surfaces of the bolthead, cartridge rim surface and cartridge case body surface, and subtending a segment of the receiver-connected end portion of the barrel so as to substantially enclose the cartridge case body and head, while providing an abutment engageable with the rim of the cartridge to effect primary extraction thereof; means engageable between said primary extractor means and said bolthead to move the primary extractor means for at least a limited distance with said bolthead as the bolthead is moved from the closed breech position; and secondary extractor means disposed within the receiver and cooperatively acting in subsequent tandem to the primary extractor for further extracting the shell from said barrel.

2. The extractor-ejector system of claim 1, wherein the secondary extractor means comprises an elongated resilient member secured at one end to the bolthead and having a clawlike extractor means at the other end for engagement with the rim of the cartridge after primary extraction of said cartridge has been effected.

3. The extractor-ejector system of claim 2, further comprising a chamfered surface on the breech-connected end of the barrel in position to engage said clawlike extractor means and hold it away from the chamber in the barrel, when said bolthead is in the closed breech position, said chamfered surface permitting said clawlike extractor means to move into engagement with the body and rim of the cartridge as the bolthead is moved toward the open breech position to complete the extraction of the cartridge after primary extraction has been effected.

4. The extractor-ejector system of claim 2, further comprising a groove like recess on said primary extractor means to releasably engage the rim of said cartridge at a point substantially opposite that of the clawlike extractor engagement with said rim; and means to bias the rim of the cartridge in said groovelike recess so as to cause the cartridge to rotate about the clawlike extractor when said cartridge is clear of the barrel, and cause ejection of the cartridge from the receiver.

5. The extractor-ejector system of claim 3, further comprising a groovelike recess on said primary extractor means to releasably engage the rim of said cartridge at a point substantially opposite that of the clawlike extractor engagement with said rim; and means to bias the rim of the cartridge in said groovelike recess so as to cause the cartridge to rotate about the clawlike extractor when said cartridge is clear of the barrel, and cause ejection of the cartridge from the receiver.

6. The extractor-ejector system of claim 1, wherein said means engageable between said primary extractor means and said bolthead to move the primary means for at least a limited distance with said bolthead as the bolthead is moved from the closed breech position comprises a second abutment on said primary extractor means; a latch releasably engageable with the second abutment at one end thereof, and connected to the bolthead at the other end.

7. The extractor-ejector system of claim 6, further comprising an elongated retainer means positioned in said primary extractor means; an abutment on said receiver engageable with the retainer means and acting to bias the retainer means against the latch when said bolthead is moved toward the open breech position, whereby the latch is forced from its engagement with the second abutment of the primary extractor means.

8. The extractor-ejector system of claim 2, wherein said means engageable between said primary extractor means and said bolthead to move the primary extractor means for at least a limited distance with said bolthead as the bolthead is moved from the closed breech position comprises a second abutment on said primary extractor means; a latch releasably engageable with the second abutment at one end thereof, and connected to the bolthead at the other end.

9. The extractor-ejector system of claim 8, further comprising an elongated retainer means positioned in said primary extractor means; an abutment on said receiver engageable with the retainer means and acting to bias the retainer means against the latch when said bolthead is moved toward the open breech position, whereby the latch is forced from its engagement with the second abutment of the primary extractor means.

10. The extractor-ejector system of claim 3, wherein said means engageable between primary extractor means and said bolthead to move the primary extractor means for at least a limited distance with said bolthead as the bolthead is moved from the closed breech position comprises a second abutment on said primary extractor means; a latch releasably engageable with the second abutment at one end thereof, and connected to the bolthead at the other end.

11. The extractor-ejector system of claim 10, further comprising an elongated retainer means positioned in said primary extractor means; an abutment on said receiver engageable with the retainer means and acting to bias the retainer means against the latch when said bolthead is moved toward the open breech position, whereby the latch is forced from its engagement with the second abutment of the primary extractor means.

12. The extractor-ejector system of claim 4, wherein said means engageable between said primary extractor means and said bolthead to move the primary extractor means for at least a limited distance with said bolthead as the bolthead is moved from the closed breech position comprises a second abutment on said primary extractor means; a latch releasably engageable with the second abutment at one end thereof, and connected to the bolthead at the other end.

13. The extractor-ejector system of claim 12, further comprising an elongated retainer means positioned in said primary extractor means; an abutment on said receiver engageable with the retainer means and acting to bias the retainer means against the latch when said bolthead is moved toward the open breech position, whereby the latch is forced from its engagement with the second abutment of the primary extractor means.

14. The extractor-ejector system of claim 5, wherein said means engageable between said primary extractor means and said bolthead to move the primary extractor means for at least a limited distance with said bolthead as the bolthead is moved from the closed breech position comprises a second abutment on said primary extractor means; a latch releasably engageable with the second abutment at one end thereof, and connected to the bolthead at the other end.

15. The extractor-ejector system of claim 14, further comprising an elongated retainer means positioned in said primary extractor means; an abutment on said receiver engageable with the retainer means and acting to bias the retainer means against the latch when said bolt head is moved toward the open breech position, whereby the latch is forced from its engagement with the second abutment of the primary extractor means.

16. In a firearm having a barrel, a chamber in said barrel adapted to receive a cartridge having a rim surface, head surface, and a case body surface, a receiver connected to said barrel and a breech bolt providing a bolthead slidable within said receiver between a closed breech position and an open breech position, the invention of an extractor-ejector system comprising:

a primary extractor means confined within said receiver and a recess in the receiver-connected end portion of the barrel, when the bolthead is in a closed breech position and abutting said end portion of the barrel, said primary extractor means being slidable therein to effect primary extraction of the cartridge from said barrel, a part of said primary extractor means substantially conforming to a segmental portion of the surfaces of the bolthead, cartridge rim surface and cartridge case body surface, and subtending a segment of the receiver-connected end portion of the barrel so as to completely enclose the cartridge case body and head, while providing an abutment engageable with the rim of the cartridge to effect primary extraction thereof; means engageable between said primary extractor means and said bolthead to coaxially move the primary extractor means for at least a limited distance with said bolthead as the bolthead is moved from the closed breech position; and secondary extractor means disposed within the receiver and cooperatively acting in subsequent tandem to the primary extractor for further extracting the shell from said barrel.