Abstract
The present invention is directed to a projectile configured to provide a submunition payload across a wide impact pattern, similar to that of a shotgun, at a range typically beyond the capability of standard shotgun rounds. The additional range is provided in some embodiments of the invention by allowing the tailoring deployment range of the submunition payload based upon a given threat.
Claims
1. A projectile comprising: a mechanical timer interconnected at a trailing end of the projectile comprising a fin assembly having at least one fin, the fin interconnected with a spring configured to rotate the fin radially outward; an outer casing comprising a plurality of independent segments interconnected with the projectile, and each independent segment interconnected with at least one adjacent independent segment; wherein the at least one fin rotates radially outward after being fired from a weapon, wherein the at least one fin is configured to induce rotation of the mechanical timer after rotating radially outward, and wherein the rotation of the mechanical timer initiates a change of a configuration of the projectile from a closed configuration to an open configuration, thereby disconnecting the plurality of independent segments from one another and the projectile.
2. The projectile of claim 1, further comprising a payload held within the outer casing; wherein the disconnecting of the plurality of independent segments results in the independent segments falling away from the projectile, thereby resulting in the deployment of the payload.
3. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the outer casing comprises a cylindrical shape with a hemispherically shaped leading end.
4. The projectile of claim 1, further comprising a propellant cup configured to receive a propellant and the trailing end of the projectile, with a wadding disposed therebetween, wherein when the projectile is fired from a weapon, the propellant pushes against the wadding, and the wadding pushes against the projectile thereby propelling it from the weapon.
5. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the at least one fin comprises three fins, each fin comprising a minor arc form having a central angle of less than 60-degrees.
6. The projectile of claim 5, wherein the fin assembly is interconnected with a shaft, wherein the rotation of the fin assembly rotates the shaft; and the shaft having a threaded aspect interconnected with a female threaded aspect of a rod-puller, wherein the rotation of the fin assembly rotates the shaft resulting in the linear movement of the rod-puller axially along the shaft.
7. The projectile of claim 6, wherein the rod puller is interconnected to three rods; each rod is configured to slidably interconnect with an aperture of a first retaining feature located on an internal aspect of each independent segment, the first retaining feature comprising an aperture configured to receive the rods axially; wherein the rods are axially interconnected with the first retaining features in a closed configuration, and wherein the linear movement of the rod-puller axially along the shaft slidably disconnects the rods from the first retaining features, thereby resulting in an open configuration.
8. The projectile of claim 6, wherein the rod puller is interconnected to three rods; each rod is configured to slidably interconnect with a first retaining feature comprising an aperture configured to receive the rods axially; a second retaining feature comprising a groove configured to receive the rods laterally; and the retaining features interconnected to an internal aspect of each independent segment, wherein the rods are interconnected with the first retaining features and the second retaining features in a closed configuration, and wherein the linear movement of the rod-puller axially along the shaft slidably disconnects the rods from the first retaining features, thereby resulting in an open configuration.
9. The projectile of claim 8, wherein a first end of each rod is interconnected with the rod-puller; a second end of each rod comprising a first diameter configured to axially interconnect with the aperture of the first retaining feature; and the rods each having a diameter between the first end and the second end configured to slidably interconnect through the groove of the second retaining feature.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1A—a cross-sectional side view of certain embodiments
(2) FIG. 1B—a perspective rear view of certain embodiments
(3) FIG. 2A—a perspective rear view of certain embodiments showing undeployed fin assembly
(4) FIG. 2B—a perspective rear view of certain embodiments showing deployed fin assembly
(5) FIG. 3A—a perspective front view of an undeployed fin assembly of certain embodiments
(6) FIG. 3B—a front view of an undeployed fin assembly of certain embodiments
(7) FIG. 3C—a perspective rear view of a deployed fin assembly of certain embodiments
(8) FIG. 3D—a front view of a deployed fin assembly of certain embodiments
(9) FIG. 4—a perspective view of certain embodiments having a deployed fin assembly
(10) FIG. 5A—front perspective view of a deployed fin assembly of certain embodiments
(11) FIG. 5B—rear perspective view of a deployed fin assembly of certain embodiments
(12) FIG. 6—exploded perspective view of certain embodiments
(13) FIG. 7—a cross-sectional side view of certain embodiments
(14) FIG. 8A—perspective side view of certain embodiments showing a closed-configuration
(15) FIG. 8B—perspective side view of certain embodiments showing an open-configuration
(16) FIG. 9—side view of a rod of certain embodiments
(17) FIG. 10A—section view of certain embodiments
(18) FIG. 10B—section view of certain embodiments
(19) FIG. 11—exploded perspective view of certain embodiments
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
(20) Certain embodiments comprise a projectile 1000, seen in FIG. 1A-FIG. 1B, affixed to a propellant cup 1030 with a wad 1040 therebetween. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a wad, sometimes referred to as wadding, is an element used in barreled firearms to seal gas from the propellant behind a projectile, separating the charge from the projectile 1000 and transferring energy to propel the projectile 1000 and payload 1005. Wadding can be crucial to a firearm's efficiency by preventing the expanding gas from the charge from leaking past a projectile as it is being fire, ensuring that a maximum amount of energy of the charge is translated into propelling the projectile from the weapon. Wadding, as it pertains to shotgun shells, is typically a cup-shaped plastic form. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a propellant cup carries a charge of rapidly combustible material, such as gunpowder, used to propel a projectile. The propellant cup 1030 of certain embodiments further comprises a primer 1050, used to initiate a charge 1060. The initiation of the charge 1060 causes rapid combustion which results in rapid pressure increase between the wad 1040 and the propellant cup 1030, separating the projectile 1000 from the propellant cup 1030, and propelling the projectile 1000 from the weapon. Once the projectile 1000 leaves the barrel of the weapon, the wad 1040 falls away from the projectile 1000.
(21) It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although a projectile traditionally uses combustible material to fire a projectile from a weapon, a projectile may be alternatively fired using other means known to those skilled in the art while in keeping with the scope and spirit of the present application. Such alternatives include, but are not limited to, electromagnetic propulsion and pneumatic propulsion.
(22) In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 2A-FIG. 2B, a projectile 1000 comprises a fin assembly 1100 comprising fins 1110 for the stabilization of the projectile 1000 while in flight. Certain embodiments comprise radially deployable fins 1110 which rotate radially outward from the projectile 1000 once the projectile leaves the barrel of the weapon from which it is fired. Certain embodiments comprise radially deployable fins 1110 which are affixed proximate to the trailing end 1020 of the projectile 1000 using a pinned connection 1130.
(23) A fin 1110, in certain embodiments (FIG. 3A-FIG. 3D), rotates radially outward about the central axis 1140 of a pinned connection 1130. In certain embodiments, a fin 1110 is fixated to the fin assembly 1100 through a pinned connection 1130 between a first fin mount 1150 and a second fin mount 1150. A fin mount of certain embodiments comprises a boss 1160, providing a mechanical stop 1165 for a spring 1180. In embodiments comprising a torsional spring 1180, a first leg 1185 of the spring 1180 bears on the fin 1110, and a second leg 1185 of the spring 1180 bears on the mechanical stop 1165, thus applying a force to rotate the fin 1110 radially outward from the projectile 1000.
(24) When the projectile 1000 (FIG. 4) leaves the barrel of a weapon, the fin 1110 is forced radially outward to a deployed position 1115 to provide stabilization. Certain embodiments of a fin 1110 are configured to induce radial rotation 1190 to the fin assembly 1100 in relation to the outer casing 1005. It will be appreciated that such radial rotation 1190 provides increased stabilization. It will be further appreciated that certain embodiments of a fin assembly 1100 may be configured to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation, while in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.
(25) In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 5A-FIG. 5B, the fin mounts 1150 are affixed to a threaded shaft 1200. In certain embodiments, the fin mounts 1150 comprise an aperture 1170. The aperture 1170 is keyed and configure to mate with the threaded shaft, to limit radial rotation of the fin assembly 1100 in relation to the threaded shaft 1200. The threaded shaft 1200 passes through apertures 1170 of the fin mounts, and a bushing 1230 disposed between a first fin mount 1150 and a second fin mount 1150. The bushing 1230 is configured to allow the retention of the fins 1110 between a first fin mount 1150 and a second fin mount 1150 without compression of the fins 1110 between the fin mounts 1150. Compression of the fins 1110 between the fin mounts 1150 would result in binding, thus restricting the fins from rotating radially outward. In certain embodiments, the distance 1240 between fin mounts 1150 is greater than the height 1120 of a fin.
(26) In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 5A-FIG. 5B, a portion of the threaded shaft 1200 extends away from the fin assembly 1100, axially within the projectile 1000, toward the leading end 1010 of the projectile. A bearing 1310 interfaces between a portion of the threaded shaft 1200 and a retainer 1300. It will be appreciated that a bearing 1310, as used herein, surrounds a mechanical element configured to allow axial rotation with limited frictional interference. A bearing 1310 as used herein includes, but is not limited to a plain bearing, a rolling-element bearing, ball-bearing, roller-bearing, fluid bearing, jewel bearing, and a sleeve bearing—while in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention. A retainer 1300 of certain embodiments is referred to as an impeller. The retainer 1300 of certain embodiments comprises a mechanical stop 1320, referencing FIG. 6-FIG. 7, configured to abut a first mechanical stop 1410 of a segment of the outer casing, extending inward from the segment 1400 of an outer casing 1005, thereby limiting the rotation of the retainer 1300 in relation to the outer casing 1005. In certain embodiments, a segment 1400 of outer casing further comprises a second mechanical stop 1410. Furthermore, rotation induced by the fin assembly 1100, rotates the fin assembly 1100 in relation to the outer casing 1005. It will be appreciated that, due to the higher mass associated with some payloads—such as shot—contained within the outer casing 1005, the fin assembly 1100 of certain embodiments will axially rotate faster than the outer casing 1005.
(27) In certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 8A-FIG. 8B, a leading end 1210 (FIG. 5A) of a threaded shaft is affixed to a rod-puller 1500. An aperture 1510 of the rod-puller, typically central to the rod-puller 1500, comprises female threading 1520 (not shown) configured to engage with the threaded shaft 1200, and a plurality of rods 1530 radially offset from the aperture 1510, and affixed to the rod-puller 1500. The rod-puller 1500 is engaged with a portion of the leading end 1210 of the threaded shaft. In certain embodiments, the rods 1530 are affixed to the rod-puller 1500 by way of mechanical interference fit, with rod-apertures 1540 in the rod-puller, radially offset from a centrally located aperture 1510 of the rod-puller.
(28) In certain embodiments, seen in FIG. 8A-FIG. 9, the rods 1530 further comprise a threaded end 1535 for engagement with rod-apertures 1540 in the rod-puller. In certain embodiments, the rod-puller 1500 comprises three rod-apertures 1540 which are equally offset from a centrally located aperture 1510, and radially spaced at 120-degree increments. When the fin assembly 1100 rotates in relation to the outer casing 1005, the threaded shaft 1200 is advanced further into the aperture 1510 of the rod-puller, thereby drawing the rod-puller 1500 rearward toward the fin assembly 1100. It will be appreciated that although embodiments described surround a rod-puller 1500 being drawn toward the trailing end 1020 of the projectile, a rod-puller 1500 of certain embodiments can be advanced toward the leading end 1010 of the projectile in efforts to pull or push rods 1530 to release segments 1400 of the outer casing. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the delay of deployment of payload 1610 (FIG. 6) of the present invention can be altered through the modification of one or more features. For instance, the modification of the thread pitch of the threaded shaft 1200 to comprise a coarse thread would actuate the rod-puller 1500 into an open-configuration more rapidly than a threaded shaft having a fine thread.
(29) In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 8A-FIG. 8B, the actuation of a rod-puller 1500 results in drawing the rod-puller 1500 rearward toward the trailing end 1020 of the projectile. A plurality of rods 1530 having a first end 1580 affixed to the rod-puller 1500, extend toward the leading end 1010 of the projectile from the rod-puller 1500, substantially parallel to the central axis 1090 of the projectile. When the projectile 1000 is in a closed-configuration (FIG. 8A), the rods engage with retaining features affixed to the interior surface of the segments of the outer casing. When the rod-puller 1500 is actuated, placing the projectile 1000 in an open-configuration (FIG. 8B), the rods 1530 release from retaining features 1430 on an internal aspect of the segments of the outer casing.
(30) In certain embodiments, referencing FIG. 8A-10B, a rod 1530 comprises a first diameter 1550 consistent with a first end 1580 of the rod, a second diameter 1560 consistent with a second end 1590 of the rod, and a third diameter 1570 located between the first diameter 1550 and the second diameter 1560. A first retaining feature 1430 of a segment has a groove 1440 having a substantially circular cross section configured to retain the first diameter 1550 of the rod, and the groove 1440 having a lateral opening 1450 with a width 1455 smaller than the first diameter 1550 of the rod and larger than the third diameter 1570. The second diameter 1560 of a rod engages with a second retaining feature 1430 comprising an aperture 1460 having a substantially circular cross section. Thus, when the rod-puller 1500 draws the rods 1530 rearward toward the trailing end 1020 of the projectile, the first diameter 1550 disengages from the first retaining feature 1430 and the second diameter 1560 disengages from the second retainer feature 1430. The third diameter 1570, now aligned with the first retainer feature 1430, is configured to pass through the lateral opening 1450 of the groove. Thus, the projectile transitions from a closed-configuration (FIG. 8A), to an open-configuration, and a segment 1400 of the outer casing is permitted to expand and release radially outward, separating from the projectile 1000.
(31) The projectile of certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 11, comprises an outer casing 1005 having a plurality of segments 1400 surrounding a payload 1610. The actuation of a retaining mechanism, such as a rod-puller 1500, configures the retaining mechanism from a closed-configuration as shown in FIG. 8A, to an open-configuration as shown in FIG. 8B, releasing the segments 1400 of the outer casing. Thus, in flight, the segments 1400 of the outer casing are released, and permitted to expand radially outward from a central axis 1090 of the projectile. Upon the radial expansion of the outer casing 1005, from the central axis 1090 of the projectile, the segments 1400 create aerodynamic drag. Thus, the segments separate from the projectile, and the shot 1620—having a higher inertial mass and lower aerodynamic drag than the segments 1400 and shot-cup 1600—separates from the projectile 1000 for final deployment toward an intended target.
(32) The payload 1610 of certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 11, comprises shot 1620 having a first pellet 1630 having a first diameter 1640, and a second pellet 1630 having a second diameter 1650. It will be appreciated that different size of pellets 1630 used in the same payload 1610 allows the tailoring of effective impact area of the pellets 1630. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a pellet of a larger diameter will spread outward less than a pellet of smaller diameter. Thus, the smaller diameter pellets will spread outward from path of the projectile 1000 more than the pellets of larger diameter. It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the fin assembly 1100 axially rotates in relation to the outer casing 1005, the outer casing 1005 of certain embodiments also axially rotates, thus the payload 1610 also rotates axially. Due to axial rotation, the rotational inertia of the pellets 1630 of shot further induce an outward spread of pellets 1630.
(33) In certain embodiments the shot-cup 1600 is packed with shot 1620 having pellets 1630 of two different diameters: 6.35 mm (0.25 in) and 12.7 mm (0.5 in). The different diameter pellets 1630, typically in spherical form, allow for a wider dispersal and thus a larger effective impact area. It will be appreciated that embodiments can comprise pellets 1630 of different diameters than disclosed herein without departing from the spirit of scope of the present invention. Certain embodiments of the shot 1620 comprise a lead-free frangible material. The frangible and low-density nature of the shot 1620 allows it to dissipate enough kinetic energy in the event the shot 1620 does not strike an intended target. The shot-cup 1600, of certain embodiments, comprises a cylinder with an open end 1660, and a plurality of slits 1670 cut along its length. As the shot 1620 is released from the shot-cup 1600, it is deployed normally, as if fired from a standard shotgun.
(34) While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the inventions described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.
