Shotgun shell

Abstract

A shotgun cartridge having a weighted wad for controlling the separation point between the wad and the shot load. The wad having a tail portion and a nose portion with the nose portion shifting the center of gravity of the wad axially forward away from the center of pressure compared to where the center of gravity would be if the nose portion was not weighted thereby controlling the shot load separation and enhancing the shot pattern.

Claims

1. A shotgun cartridge for dispensing a shot load at a predetermined distance from a muzzle of a firearm, comprising: a shotgun cartridge casing having a forward end and a rearward end closed by a case head; a primer installed in the case head; a propellant charge in the case head; shot positioned at the forward end; and a wad separating the propellant charge from the shot, the wad having a central axis and comprising a nose portion and a tail portion separated at an interface, the interface extending normal to the central axis and extending entirely through the wad, the nose portion defining a forward facing cup portion holding the shot, the tail portion defining a rearward facing cup portion holding the propellant charge, the tail portion not extending forwardly beyond the interface and the nose portion not extending rearwardly beyond the interface, the entirety of the nose portion comprising a first polymer and the entirety of the tail portion comprising a second polymer different from the first polymer, the nose portion first polymer denser than the tail portion second polymer, the nose portion unitary with the tail portion by one of coinjection molding and overmolding.

2. The shotgun cartridge of claim 1, wherein first material has a density between about 0.90 g/cm.sup.3 and about 1.00 g/cm.sup.3 and the first material is at least 5 percent denser than the second material.

3. The shotgun cartridge of claim 1 wherein there is an interface between the nose portion and the tail portion and said interface is axially positioned between the forward facing cup portion and the rearward facing cup portion.

4. The shotgun cartridge of claim 1 wherein the nose portion further comprises metal.

5. The shotgun cartridge of claim 1 wherein the wad has a length and a center of gravity positioned along the length, and wherein the center of gravity is positioned at least 10% of the length forward of a location of where a center of gravity would be if the first material and second material were of the same density.

6. The shotgun cartridge of claim 1 wherein there is an interface between the nose portion and the tail portion and said interface is axially positioned between the forward facing cup portion and the rearward facing cup portion.

7. The shotgun cartridge of claim 1 wherein the interface extends substantially planarly and normal to an axis of the cartridge.

8. A shotgun cartridge for dispensing a shot load at a predetermined distance from a muzzle of a firearm, comprising: a shotgun cartridge casing having a forward end and a rearward end closed by a case head; a primer installed in the case head; a propellant charge in the case head; shot positioned at the forward end; and a shotgun wad comprising a nose portion and a tail portion and having a central axis; the nose portion comprising a forward facing cup portion for receiving the shot load, the forward facing cup portion configured to engage a barrel of the firearm from which the cartridge is fired, wherein the nose portion entirely comprised of a first material; a tail portion positioned against the propellant charge and defining a rearward facing cup portion for obturating and capturing propellant gases generated from the propellant charge when the cartridge is fired in the firearm, wherein the tail portion comprises a second material different from and less dense than the first material, the tail portion not extending to the forward end; wherein one of the tail portion and nose portion are molded and the other of the tail portion and nose portion are overmolded on to the one of the tail portion and nose portion and thereby fixed to the one of the tail portion and nose portion and defining an interface portrayed as a line when the wad is viewed in cross section taken through the central axis, the interface extending entirely through the wad.

9. The shotgun wad of claim 8, wherein the first material is denser than the second material, and the nose portion and the tail portion are adapted to remain fixed to each other after being discharged from the muzzle of the firearm.

10. The shotgun cartridge of claim 8 wherein the first material of the wad comprises a first polymer and an additional material for weighting.

11. The shotgun cartridge of claim 8 wherein the nose portion of the wad further comprises metal.

12. The shotgun cartridge of claim 8 wherein the wad has a length and a center of gravity positioned along the length, and wherein the center of gravity is positioned at least 10% of the length forward of a location of where a center of gravity would be if the first material and second material were of the same density.

13. The shotgun cartridge of claim 8, wherein the nose portion and the tail portion each comprise a polymer common to both facilitating adhesion between the nose and tail portions.

14. A shotgun cartridge for dispensing a shot load at a predetermined distance from a muzzle of a firearm, comprising: a shotgun cartridge casing having a forward end and a rearward end closed by a case head; a primer installed in the case head; a propellant in the case head; and a wad having a central axis and holding the propellant, the wad comprising a nose portion defining a forward facing cup portion and a tail portion defining a rearward facing cup portion, one of the nose portion and the tail portion being molded first, the nose portion and tail portion unitary by one of coinjection molding and overmolding, the one of coinjection molding and overmolding providing a nose portion-tail portion interface, the nose portion-tail portion interface extending entirely through the wad normal to the central axis; wherein the nose portion is formed of a first polymer formulation and the second material is formed of a second polymer formulation different from and less dense than the first polymer formulation.

15. The shotgun cartridge of claim 14, wherein the first and second polymer formulations comprising a common polymer to promote adhesion between the first and second formulations at the nose-tail interface.

16. The shotgun cartridge of claim 14 wherein the nose portion further comprises metal.

17. The shotgun cartridge of claim 14 wherein the wad has a length and a center of gravity positioned along the length, and wherein the center of gravity is positioned at least 10% of the length forward of a location of where a center of gravity would be if the first material and second material were of the same density.

18. The shotgun cartridge of claim 14, wherein the first polymer formulations is denser than the second polymer formulation.

19. The shotgun cartridge of claim 14, further comprising shot positioned in the forward facing cup.

20. The shotgun cartridge of claim 14, wherein the tail portion defines a cup portion interfacing with the propellant.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) 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:

(2) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a shotgun wad according to an embodiment of the present invention positioned within a shotgun cartridge.

(3) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a shotgun wad according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shotgun wad comprises a nose portion and bottom portion that can be separately molded and affixed together.

(4) FIG. 2B is a cross sectional view of the wad of FIG. 2A.

(5) FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a shotgun wad according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shotgun wad comprises a weighting element on a nose portion of the wad.

(6) FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of the shotgun wad of FIG. 3A with a weighted band at the forward end of the nose portion.

(7) FIG. 3C is a cross sectional view of a shotgun wad illustrating weighted filler material in a forward portion of the nose portion.

(8) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shotgun wad according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shotgun wad comprises a weighting ring on a nose portion of the wad.

(9) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a shotgun wad according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shotgun wad comprises a nose portion and bottom portion that can be separately molded and affixed together.

(10) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shotgun wad according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shotgun wad comprises flaps forward facing for assisting in the release of shot.

(11) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shotgun wad illustrating the relative positioning of the center of gravity axially forward of the center of pressure from a front weighted nose portion.

(12) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a shotgun wad illustrating the relative positioning of the center of gravity axially forward of the center of pressure from a front weighted nose portion having flaps and a tail portion having fins.

(13) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a shotgun wad having a cushioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shotgun wad having a cushioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(15) FIG. 11A is a side pictorial view of a PRIOR ART shotgun wad.

(16) FIG. 11B is a chart illustrating weight per unit of length of the PRIOR ART wad of FIG. 11A.

(17) FIG. 11C is a chart illustrating density per unit of length of the PRIOR ART wad of FIG. 11A.

(18) FIG. 12A is a side pictorial view of a shotgun wad in accord with the invention.

(19) FIG. 12B is a chart illustrating weight per unit of length of the shotgun wad of FIG. 12A.

(20) FIG. 12C is a chart illustrating density per unit of length of the PRIOR ART shotgun wad of FIG. 12A.

(21) FIG. 13A is a side pictorial view of a shotgun wad in accord with the invention.

(22) FIG. 13B is a chart illustrating weight per unit of length of the shotgun wad of FIG. 13A.

(23) FIG. 13C is a chart illustrating density per unit of length of the shotgun wad of FIG. 13A.

(24) While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown 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 DRAWINGS

(25) As shown in FIGS. 1-2B, 7, 8, 12A, and 13A a shotgun cartridge 20, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises a wad 22, a propellant charge 24 with a primer 26 and a shot load 28 all contained within a shell 30 reinforced at one end with a case head 32. The wad 22 can further comprise a nose portion 34 and a tail portion 36. The nose portion 34 comprises a tubular wall 38 and webbing 39 providing a closed rearward end and defining an elongated forward facing cup 40 for receiving the shot load 28. As depicted, the shot load 28 comprises a plurality of shot. Alternatively, in some embodiments the cup can receive a slug. The tail portion 36 comprises a tubular shaped wall 44 with webbing 45 forming a closed end 42 that can be seated against the propellant charge 24. In one aspect, the tail portion 42 can define a rear facing cup portion 46 for capturing propellant gases generated by the ignited propellant charge 24 and obturating against the walls of barrel to prevent the gases from escaping around the wad 22. Generally, the nose portion 34 is affixed to, including unitary with, the tail portion 36 to define a generally tubular body having a central axial axis a-a extending longitudinally through the center of the tubular body. The wad 22 is symmetrical such that the center of pressure of the wad 22 is positioned along the central axial axis a-a.

(26) According to an embodiment, the tail portion 42 can comprise at a plurality of fins 46 defined by slits 48. The fins may provide obturation with the barrel upon firing and the ends 49 of the fins flare radially outward as the wad 22 leaves the muzzle of the gun to engage the air and stabilize the wad 22 during flight. In one aspect, the fins 46 can move the center of pressure rearward axially relative to the center of gravity to further improve the aerodynamic stability of the wad 22 as depicted in FIG. 7. According to an embodiment, the tail portion 42 can also define at least one flap 48 that also flares outwardly and forward as the wad 22 leaves the gun muzzle. The flap 48 allows the elongated side wall 38 defining the cup 40 to flex as the flap 48 travels through the barrel and in flight. The flexing of the cup 40 dislodges any portion of the shot load 28 that is wedged in the bottom of the cup 40 from the initial acceleration of the wad 22 during firing. The propellant charge 24 can further comprise a primer 30 for igniting the propellant. In embodiments, the flaps 46 can introduce aerodynamic drag moving the center of pressure rearward axially relative to the center of gravity to further improve the aerodynamic stability of the wad 22 as depicted in FIG. 8.

(27) In embodiments, the nose portion 34 can comprise a first material, while the tail portion 36 can comprise a second material, wherein the first material has a higher density than the second material to shift the center of gravity of the wad 22 forward axially toward the nose end of the wad 22 away from the center of pressure of the wad 22 compared to the position of the center of gravity in the configuration where the first material is the same as the second material. In embodiments, the first material can comprise a density of at least 0.90 g/cm.sup.3. In another embodiments, the first material can comprise a density of at least 0.95 g/cm.sup.3. In yet another aspect, the first material can comprise a density between about 0.90 g/cm.sup.3 and about 1.00 g/cm.sup.3. In embodiments, the first material will have a density at least 5% higher than the second material. In embodiments, the first material will have a density at least 10% higher than the second material. In embodiments, the first material will have a density at least 20% higher than the second material. In embodiments, the first material will have a density at least 40% higher than the second material. In embodiments, the first material will have a density at least 100% higher than the second material. In embodiments, both the first and second material can comprise high density polyethylene polymers and copolymers of varying densities as well as other durable polymers.

(28) In embodiments, the nose portion 34 can comprise a weight 10% greater than the tail portion 36. Alternatively, at least 5% more of the total weight of the wad 22 is positioned in the nose portion 34 than the tail portion 36. In another aspect, the nose portion 34 can comprise a weight 20% greater than the tail portion 36. Alternatively, at least 10% more of the total weight of the wad 22 is positioned in the nose portion 34 than the tail portion 36. In yet another aspect, the nose portion 34 can comprise a weight 30% greater than the tail portion 36. In this configuration, at least 15% more of the total weight of the wad 22 is positioned in the nose portion 34 than the tail portion 36.

(29) In embodiments, the total weight of the wad 22 can comprise at least 50 grains for a 2¾ inch 12 gauge shotgun cartridge 20, with the nose portion 34 weighing more than the tail portion 36. In another aspect, the wad 22 can weigh at least 55 grains for a 2¾ inch 12 gauge shotgun cartridge 20, with the nose portion 34 weighing more than the tail portion 36. In yet another aspect, the wad 22 can weigh at least 55 to 60 grains for a 2¾ inch 12 gauge shotgun cartridge 20, with the nose portion 34 weighing more than the tail portion 36. In this configuration, the nose portion 34 can weigh about 5 to 15 grains more than the tail portion 36. A person of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the overall weight of the wad 22 can increase or decrease proportionally for different cartridge 20 diameters including, but not limited to 0.410 gauge, 20 gauge, 16 gauge and 10 gauge. Similarly, a person of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the overall weight of the wad 22 can increase or decrease proportionally for different cartridge 20 lengths including, but not limited to 3 inch and 3½ inch cartridges 20.

(30) In embodiments, the center of gravity of the wad will be closer to the leading edge than the trailing edge. In embodiments, the center of gravity will be shifted at least 5% of the length of the wad forward compared to a wad of the same shape where the nose portion and tail portion are formed of the same material. In embodiments, the center of gravity will be shifted at least 10% of the length of the wad forward compared to a wad of the same shape where the nose portion and tail portion are formed of the same material. In embodiments, the center of gravity will be shifted at least 20% of the length of the wad forward compared to a wad of the same shape where the nose portion and tail portion are formed of the same material. In embodiments, the center of gravity will be shifted at least 30% of the length of the wad forward compared to a wad of the same shape where the nose portion and tail portion are formed of the same material.

(31) In embodiments, the nose portion 14 and tail portion 16 are adapted to be modular such that different nose portions 14 having different weights can be fitted to a tail portion 16 having a consistent weight such that the separation point between the wad 4 and the load 8 can be optimized for the particular load 8 and/or use for the cartridge 2. In this configuration, the nose portion 34 and tail portion 36 can be affixed together with adhesive, molding or other conventional means of securing the nose and tail portions 34, 36 together. The first material can comprise a durable polymer resistant to splitting of the side wall 38, which cause the side walls 38 to petal and slow the wad 22 causing premature separation of the shot load 28 from the wad 22. In one aspect, the fins 46 of the tail portion 36 can cooperate with the axial separation of the center of gravity and the center of pressure to maintain the trajectory of the wad 22 along the initial trajectory of the wad 22 as the wad 22 leaves the muzzle of the barrel.

(32) As depicted in FIG. 3A, 3B, 4, in embodiments, the nose portion 34 can further comprise at least one weighting element 50 comprising a third material different from the first material used in the nose portion 34 and second material used in the tail portion 36. The weighting element 50 can be molded with, molded over, or adhered onto the nose portion 34. The weighting element 50 positioned on the nose portion 34 shifts the center of gravity of the wad 22 forward axially away from the center of pressure of the wad 22 compared to a wad without the weighting element. In one aspect, the weighting element 50 can comprise between 5% and 20% of the total weight of the wad 22. FIG. 3C illustrates where weighted filler material 51 is added to the polymer material of the forward portion of the nose portion.

(33) As depicted in FIG. 4, in embodiments, the wad 22 can further comprise at least one weighting ring 52 fitted to the nose portion 34. The weighting ring 52 can comprise a fourth material different from the first and second material, wherein the fourth material is denser and heavier than the first and second materials. The weighting ring 52 can comprise a polymer, metal or composite material. The weighting ring 52 can be overmolded, adhered or other affixed to the nose portion 34 of the wad 22. In one aspect, the weighting ring 52 can comprise between 5% and 20% of the total weight of the wad 22.

(34) In operation, the propellant is ignited by the primer 26 and the created gasses expand behind the tail portion 36 of the wad 22 to push the wad 22 and load 28 down the barrel. Unlike conventional wads that separate from the load immediately upon exiting the muzzle, the wad 22 remains with the load 28 until a predetermined distance from the muzzle is reached. The relative weight of the nose portion 34 to the tail portion 36 can be adjusted by changing the relative weight of the nose portion 34 to the tail portion 36. The greater the weight of the nose portion 34 relative to the tail portion 36, the further the separation point is from the muzzle. Similarly, the closer the relative weights of the nose portion 34 and the tail portion 36, the closer the separation point is from the muzzle.

(35) As depicted in FIGS. 9-11C, embodiments, the wad 22 can further comprising a cushioning assembly 54 positioned between the nose portion 34 and the tail portion 36. The cushioning assembly 54 is adapted to compress during firing to facilitate efficient acceleration and firing of the shot load 28. As depicted in FIG. 9, in one aspect, the cushioning assembly 54 comprises a plurality of elongated struts 56 having pre-formed crimps for facilitating flexing of the struts 56 during firing of the cartridge 20. As depicted in FIG. 9, in one aspect, the cushioning assembly 54 defines a plurality of openings 58 that collapse during firing to facilitate the flexing of the cushioning assembly 54 during firing of the cartridge 20. As depicted in FIG. 10, in one aspect, the cushioning assembly 54 comprises a plurality of rings 60 that collapse during firing to facilitate the flexing of the cushioning assembly 54 during firing of the cartridge 20. The embodiments of FIGS. 12A-13C, illustrate forward weighting provided to known configurations of wads forward of the dashed lines identifying the demarcation 55 between a portion of the nose portion with the weighted formulation and the rest of the nose portion and wad.

(36) A method for making a wad 22, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can comprise pre-molding the nose portion 34 from a first material before molding the tail portion over a portion of the nose portion 34 from a second material. Alternatively, the tail portion 36 can be pre-molded from the second material before the nose portion 34 is over-molded onto the tail portion 36 from the first material. According to an embodiment, the nose portion 34 and the tail portion 36 can be separately molded and fitted together such that the nose and tail assemblies 34, 36 can separate during flight.

(37) A method for making a wad 22, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can comprise pre-molding the wad 22, wherein the wad 22 comprises a nose portion 34 and a tail portion 36. In one aspect, the nose portion 34 and tail portion 36 can be separately molded and fitted together. In another aspect, the nose and tail portions 34, 36 can be molded together as a single unitary body. The method can further comprise fitting a weighting ring 52 to the nose portion 34 of the wad 22. In one aspect, the weighting ring 52 can be overmolded onto the nose portion 34. In another aspect, the weighted ring 52 can be separately molded or manufactured and adhered or otherwise affixed to the nose portion 34 of the wad 22. The method can also comprise varying the weight of the ring to tailor the separation point of the wad 22 from the shot load 28.

(38) FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 12A, 12B, 12C, 13A, 13B, and 13C illustrate the weight gradients and density gradients of embodiments of the invention and the prior art. Adding weight to the nose portion, including at the forward tip of the nose portion provides separation and forward placement of the center of gravity of the wad compared to non added weight versions. Such increases the stability during flight and increases the delay in separation of the wad with the shot load.

(39) While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail. It is 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.