AMMUNITION ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Ammunition assemblies including ammunition cartridges are provided herein. According to some embodiments, ammunition cartridges may include a tubular casing having a first and a second end, wherein the tubular casing is at least partially constructed from a polymeric material, and wherein the tubular casing is adapted to receive and retain a propellant, a cap releaseably associable with the first end of the tubular casing, and a rim extending from the second end of the tubular casing, the rim and second end of the tubular casing cooperating together to form an extraction groove for receiving at least a portion of an extractor of a firearm.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/257,430, filed Nov. 2, 2009, entitled “AMMUNITION ASSEMBLY,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/260,683, filed Nov. 12, 2009, entitled “AMMUNITION ASSEMBLY,”—all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including all references cited therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to ammunition assemblies and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to ammunition assemblies that include a polymeric casing in combination with brass and/or polymeric caps and/or rims.

2. Background Art

Ammunition assemblies, and more particularly, polymeric ammunition have been known in the art for years. While polymeric ammunition has been known in the art, their configurations remain non-desirous and/or problematic inasmuch as, among other things, none of the commonly known ammunition appears to be functionally utilizable along a broad spectrum of civilian and/or military applications—among other things.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide polymeric ammunition, which, among other things, remedies the aforementioned drawbacks and/or complications associated with the use of conventional polymeric ammunition.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an ammunition cartridge, comprising: (a) a tubular casing having a first and a second end, wherein the tubular casing is at least partially constructed from a polymeric material, and wherein the tubular casing is adapted to receive and retain a propellant; (b) a cap releaseably associable with the first end of the tubular casing, the cap being adapted to surround and retain at least a portion of a projectile; and (c) a rim extending from the second end of the tubular casing, the rim and second end of the tubular casing cooperating together to form an extraction groove for receiving at least a portion of an extractor of a firearm.

In another embodiment, the tubular casing is formed entirely of a polymeric material.

In an additional embodiment, the tubular casing is provided with one or more protrusions extending from an inner surface of the first end of the tubular casing and the cap is provided with one or more grooves adapted to cooperate with the protrusion of the first end of the tubular casing to releasably associate the cap with the first end of the tubular casing.

In yet another embodiment, the cap is provided with a base having one or more barbs, the base being insertable into the first end of the tubular casing and the one or more barbs engaging an inner surface of the first end of the tubular casing to secure the cap thereto.

In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the one or more barbs extends in axial alignment to a longitudinal axis of the cap to prevent removal of the cap from the first end of the tubular casing.

In one embodiment, at least one of one or more barbs extends orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the cap to prevent rotation of the cap relative to the first end of the tubular casing.

In another embodiment, the cap includes a base having an outwardly flared flange for releaseably associating the cap with the first end of the tubular casing.

In yet another embodiment, the cap is constructed from brass.

In accordance with the present invention, the cap is releaseably associable with the first end of the tubular casing in such a way that when the propellant is ignited, the cap may translate forward a predetermine distance within the tubular casing to present the projectile in close proximity to rifling leads of the firearm.

In one embodiment, the polymeric material of the first end of the tubular casing is molded around at least a portion of the cap.

In another embodiment, the rim is a brass rim having a threaded connector extending in axial alignment with a longitudinal axis of the brass rim, the threaded connector provided to releaseably connect the brass rim to the second of end of the tubular casing.

In an additional embodiment, the second end of the tubular casing includes a reduction, and wherein the brass rim and the reduction of the tubular casing cooperate to form the extraction groove for receiving at least a portion of the extractor of the firearm, when the brass rim is joined to the second end of the tubular casing.

In an alternative embodiment, the brass rim is provided with an aperture extending in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the circular flange, and wherein the aperture of the brass rim cooperates with an aperture of the second end of the tubular casing to define a primer cavity for retaining a primer.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an ammunition cartridge, comprising: (a) a tubular casing having a first and a second end, wherein the tubular casing is at least partially constructed from a polymeric material, and wherein the tubular casing is at least partially filled with a propellant; (b) a cap releaseably associated with the first end of the tubular casing, the cap surrounding and retaining at least a portion of a projectile; (c) a primer disposed with the second end of the tubular casing for igniting the propellant contained within the tubular casing; and (d) a rim extending from the second end of the tubular casing, the rim and second end of the tubular casing cooperating together to form an extraction groove for receiving at least a portion of an extractor of a firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by the accompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may be omitted. It will be further understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is cross-sectional view of a polymeric ammunition casing in combination with a cap and projectile;

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a perspective view of the ammunition cartridge within the breech of a firearm;

FIGS. 3A-3D of the drawings are elevational views of additional embodiments of the cap of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 of the drawings is an alternative embodiment of a polymeric ammunition casing having a brass flange.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters.

Referring now to the collective drawings (i.e., FIGS. 1-4), and to FIG. 1 in particular, an elevational view of polymeric ammunition cartridge 10 (sometimes hereinafter referred to as cartridge 10) is shown which generally comprises casing 12, cap 14, and projectile 16. It will be understood that FIGS. 1-4 are merely representations of cartridge 10. As such, some of the components may be distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity and/or image enhancement.

Casing 12 is preferably an elongated, substantially tubular member that is at least partially enclosed at rim end 18. Casing 12 includes first end 20, (also see FIG. 4) which in one embodiment includes an open end that is configured to receive and retain cap 14. Casing 12 is preferably fabricated from a polymeric material such as a natural and/or synthetic polymeric resin, composites, or combinations thereof. The substantially cylindrical shape of the inner surface of casing 12 defines receptacle 22 for receiving and retaining a propellant (not shown) such as gunpowder or cordite. Although receptacle 22 has been described as having a particular size and shape, it will be understood that the exact size, shape, and/or dimensions of the receptacle will vary according to design requirements—such as projectile size, propellant type, and the like.

Rim end 18 of casing 12 includes cavity 24, aperture 26, and rim 28. Cavity 24 is cylindrical in shape and is sized to receive and retain a primer (not shown) that typically comprises an impact-sensitive chemical for igniting the propellant stored within casing 12. In one embodiment, the primer preferably includes a self-contained primer charge that can be press fit into cavity 24, although other types of primers and/or methods of primer installation that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art with the present disclosure before them are likewise contemplated for use in accordance with the present invention. In accordance with the present disclosure, aperture 26 provides a path for the ignited primer to communicate from within cavity 24 to the propellant disposed within casing 12.

Rim 28 is preferably a rigid flange extending from rim end 18. More specifically, rim 28 extends outwardly from and circumferentially around rim end 18. Additionally, rim 28 and casing 12 are spaced apart from one another by a reduction or extraction groove 30. Extraction groove 30 receives at least a portion of an extractor 31 of firearm 32 to facilitate the ejection of an expended cartridge from the breech of firearm 32. That is, when cartridge 10 is fired, the expended casing is retained within the breech until extractor 31, moving rearwardly within the breech, contacts rim 28 to facilitate the extraction of casing 12 from the breech of firearm 32.

Cap 14 is a tubular member that receives at least a portion of projectile 16 and is releaseably associable with casing 12. In one embodiment, cap 14 includes base 34 that transitions into body 36. Cap 14 may be fabricated from a strong and rigid material such as a plastic, resin, or composite similarly to casing 12. Furthermore, in one embodiment, cap 14 may be fabricated from brass or another metal commonly utilized in the fabrication of ammunition casings. Base 34 of cap 14 is sized such that at least a portion of base 34 is receivable within first end 20 of casing 12.

In one embodiment, base 34 includes circumferential groove 38 that cooperates with protrusion 40 of first end 20 of casing 12 to secure cap 14 to first end 20 of casing 12. An adhesive may be disposed between cap 14 and first end 20 of casing 12 to further secure cap 14 thereto.

In one embodiment, base 34 may be sized to compressively engage first end 20 of casing 12. In an additional embodiment, base 34 of cap 14 and circumferential groove 38 may cooperate together in such a way that when cap 14 is inserted into first end 20, cap 14 may have some limited translational movement relative to casing 12. When the propellant is ignited, cap 14 may then displace forwardly to fill any headspace within casing 12. Allowing cap 14 to fill headspace ensures that projectile 16 is presented as closely to the rifling leads of barrel 42 (see FIG. 2) of firearm 32 as possible. Such a configuration allows for greater accuracy of firearm 32.

In one embodiment, body 36 includes a substantially conical portion which transitions from larger diameter proximate base 34 to a smaller diameter proximate open end 44 that is configured to receive and retain projectile 16. It will be understood that open end 44 of cap 14 can be sized and shaped to receive any one of a number of different projectiles 16 having a wide variety of configurations. Once projectile 16 is inserted into open end 44 of cap 14, cap 14 can be crimped around projectile 16 to secure projectile 16 therein. It will be understood that other methods for joining projectile 16 to cap 14 that would be known to one ordinary skill in the art with the present disclosure before them are likewise contemplated for use in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3D, additional embodiments of caps 14A-14D are shown which comprise one or more modifications to base 34. FIG. 3A shows cap 14A having base 34 that includes outwardly flared flange 46 that exerts compressive forces on the inner surface of the casing 12 when cap 14A is inserted into casing 12.

FIG. 3B shows cap 14B having two circumferential grooves 38A and 38B. It will be understood that cap 14B may include any one of a number of circumferential grooves 38. Although not shown, casing 12 optionally includes a corresponding number of protrusions 40 for cooperating with circumferential grooves 38.

FIG. 3C shows cap 14C having base 34 with barbs 48 for preventing unwanted disassociation of cap 14C from casing 12. More particularly, barbs 48 extend outwardly and upwardly at an angle from base 34 of cap 14C and in axial alignment with longitudinal axis A of cap 14C.

FIG. 3D shows cap 14D having base 34 with barbs 50 that prevents unwanted rotation of cap 14D relative to casing 12. In contrast to FIG. 3C, barbs 50 shown in FIG. 3D extend outwardly at an angle from base 34 of the cap 14D and orthogonally to longitudinal axis A of cap 14D.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative casing 52 is shown having brass rim 54. Brass rim 54 functions similarly to rim 28 (see FIG. 1) with the exception that brass rim 54 is a separate component that is configured to fixedly or releaseably connect to rim end 56 of casing 52. In one embodiment, brass rim 54 is provided with a post such as threaded connector 62 that extends normally from and in axial alignment with longitudinal axis B of brass rim 54. Threaded connector 62 functions to releaseably connect brass rim 54 to the second of end of casing 52. It will be understood that the rim end of casing 52 should preferably include complementary threads that cooperate with threaded connector 62.

Additionally, brass rim 54 is provided with aperture 58 that extends through brass rim 54 in axial alignment with longitudinal axis B of brass rim 54. When brass rim 54 is threaded onto rim end 56, aperture 58 cooperates with rim end 56 to form cavity 60 for receiving and retaining an ignition source (not shown) such as a primer. It will be understood that many other methods for joining brass rim 54 to rim end 56 that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art with the present disclosure before them are likewise contemplated for use in accordance with the present invention.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto and those skilled in the art having the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An ammunition cartridge, comprising:

a tubular casing having a first and a second end, wherein the tubular casing is at least partially constructed from a polymeric material, and wherein the tubular casing is adapted to receive and retain a propellant;

a cap releaseably associable with the first end of the tubular casing, the cap being adapted to surround and retain at least a portion of a projectile; and

a rim extending from the second end of the tubular casing, the rim and second end of the tubular casing cooperating together to form an extraction groove for receiving at least a portion of an extractor of a firearm.

2. The ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the tubular casing is formed entirely of a polymeric material.

3. The ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the tubular casing is provided with one or more protrusions extending from an inner surface of the first end of the tubular casing and the cap is provided with one or more grooves adapted to cooperate with the protrusion of the first end of the tubular casing to releaseably associate the cap with the first end of the tubular casing.

4. The ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a base having one or more barbs extending outwardly at an angle from an outer surface of the base, the base being insertable into the first end of the tubular casing, the one or more barbs capable of engaging an inner surface of the first end of the tubular casing to secure the cap thereto.

5. The ammunition cartridge of claim 4, wherein at least one of the one or more barbs extends in axial alignment to a longitudinal axis of the cap.

6. The ammunition cartridge of claim 4, wherein at least one of one or more barbs extends orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the cap.

7. The ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a base having an outwardly flared flange for releaseably associating the cap with the first end of the tubular casing.

8. The ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cap is constructed from brass.

9. The ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cap is releaseably associable with the first end of the tubular casing in such a way that when the propellant is fire ignited, the cap may translate forward a predetermine distance relative to the tubular casing to present the projectile in close proximity to rifling leads of the firearm.

10. The ammunition cartridge of claim 2, wherein the polymeric material of the first end of the tubular casing is molded around at least a portion of the cap.

11. The ammunition cartridge of claim 1, wherein the rim is a brass rim having a threaded connector extending in axial alignment with a longitudinal axis of the brass rim, the threaded connector releaseably connecting the brass rim to the second of end of the tubular casing.

12. The ammunition cartridge of claim 11, wherein the second end of the tubular casing includes a reduction, and wherein the brass rim and the reduction of the tubular casing cooperate to form the extraction groove for receiving at least a portion of the extractor of the firearm, when the brass rim is joined to the second end of the tubular casing.

13. The ammunition cartridge of claim 11, wherein the brass rim includes an aperture extending in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the brass rim, and wherein the aperture of the brass rim cooperates with the second end of the tubular casing to define a cavity for retaining a primer.

14. An ammunition cartridge, comprising:

a tubular casing having a first and second end, wherein the tubular casing is at least partially constructed from a polymeric material, and wherein the tubular casing is at least partially filled with a propellant;

a cap releaseably associated with the first end of the tubular casing, the cap retaining at least a portion of a projectile;

a primer disposed with the second end of the tubular casing for igniting the propellant contained within the tubular casing; and

a rim extending from the second end of the tubular casing, the rim and second end of the tubular casing cooperating together to form an extraction groove for receiving at least a portion of an extractor of a firearm.

15. The ammunition cartridge of claim 14, wherein the tubular casing is formed entirely of a polymeric material.

16. The ammunition cartridge of claim 14, wherein the tubular casing is provided with one or more protrusions extending from an inner surface of the first end of the tubular casing and the cap is provided with one or more grooves adapted to cooperate with the one or more protrusions of the first end of the tubular casing to releaseably associate the cap with the first end of the tubular casing.

17. The ammunition cartridge of claim 14, wherein the rim is a brass rim having a threaded connector extending in axial alignment with a longitudinal axis of the brass rim, the threaded connector releaseably connecting the brass rim to the second of end of the tubular casing.

18. The ammunition cartridge of claim 17, wherein the brass rim is provided with an aperture extending in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the brass rim, and wherein the aperture of the brass rim cooperates the second end of the tubular casing to define a cavity for retaining a primer.

19. The ammunition cartridge of claim 18, wherein the rim is constructed of brass.