WATER RESISTANT CONTAINER FOR STORING AND DISPENSING AMMUNITION, MOUNTING SYSTEM, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME

Abstract

A container is described that includes an ammunition storage compartment with a water resistant outer surface, and loading and dispensing openings covered by removable, water resistant closures. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

Claims

1. A container for storing and dispensing ammunition, comprising: an ammunition storage compartment having a water resistant outer surface, a first opening configured to receive ammunition into the ammunition storage compartment; a second opening through which ammunition can be dispensed, the first opening being covered by a water resistant, movable first closure and the second opening being covered by water resistant, movable second closure.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the ammunition storage compartment comprises a dispensing mechanism configured to control dispensing of the ammunition through the second opening.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the second closure comprises a discharge door.

4. The container of claim 2, wherein the second closure comprises a discharge door.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the discharge door is pivotable.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the dispensing mechanism controls the pivotal position of a shell stop release allowing for the dispensing of shells through the discharge door.

7. The container of claim 2, wherein the ammunition comprises a plurality of shells, and the dispensing mechanism is configured to dispense one shell at a time through the second opening.

8. The container of claim 4, wherein the discharge door has an inner surface with a shell stop formed thereon.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the first closure comprises a loading door.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the loading door has a water resistant gasket formed around its perimeter.

11. The container of claim 9, wherein the first opening has a water resistant gasket formed around its perimeter.

12. The container of claim 4, wherein the discharge door has a water resistant gasket formed around its perimeter.

13. The container of claim 4, wherein the second opening has a water resistant gasket formed around its perimeter.

14. A system comprising: a container for storing and dispensing ammunition, comprising an ammunition storage compartment having a water resistant outer surface, a first opening configured to receive ammunition into the ammunition storage compartment, and a second opening through which ammunition can be dispensed, the first opening being covered by a water resistant, movable first closure and the second opening being covered by water resistant, movable second closure, and a mounting device configured to removably mount the container on a support.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the ammunition storage compartment comprises a dispensing mechanism configured to control dispensing of the ammunition through the second opening.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the second closure comprises a discharge door.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the dispensing mechanism controls the pivotal position of a shell stop release allowing for the dispensing of shells through the discharge door.

18. A method comprising: obtaining a container comprising an ammunition storage compartment having a water resistant outer surface, a first opening configured to receive ammunition into the ammunition storage compartment, a second opening through which ammunition can be dispensed, the first opening being covered by a water resistant, movable first closure and the second opening being covered by water resistant, movable second closure, opening the first opening, loading the ammunition through the first opening, and closing the first opening.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: dispensing ammunition through the second opening.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: before dispensing, opening the second opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of practice, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of the container.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3A shows a left side view of the container with the front discharge door closed.

[0016] FIG. 3B shows a side view of the gasket for the loading door.

[0017] FIG. 3C shows side view of gasket for the discharge door.

[0018] FIG. 4A shows a right side view of the container with the front discharge door open.

[0019] FIG. 4B shows the coil spring for an embodiment of the release arm that is contained in the coil spring housing.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the container.

[0021] FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of the container.

[0022] FIG. 7 shows the interior side of an end panel.

[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a right side view of the container with the end panel removed.

[0024] FIG. 9 shows a left side view with the end panel removed.

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a left side view with the ramp wall panel removed.

[0026] FIG. 11 shows a left side view with the end panel removed.

[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a left side view with the ramp wall panel removed.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the container when it does not contain shells.

[0029] FIG. 14 shows a cross sectional view of the container when filled with shells.

[0030] FIG. 15 depicts the cross section of the shell ramp.

[0031] FIG. 16 shows a cross sectional view when a shell is being released.

[0032] FIG. 17 shows a cross sectional view when the shell catch is in use.

[0033] FIG. 18 is a ramp elevational view at the location of the shell stop

[0034] FIG. 19 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a timber strap that can be used with the container shown in FIGS. 1-18.

[0035] FIG. 20 illustrates a top view of the timber strap shown in FIG. 19.

[0036] FIG. 21 depicts a side view of a T lock mounting bracket that can be used with the container shown in FIGS. 1-18.

[0037] FIG. 22 shows a front view of the T lock mounting bracket of FIG. 21.

[0038] FIG. 23 shows a top view of the T lock mounting bracket.

[0039] FIG. 24 shows a first embodiment of a gun stand with a mounting bracket disposed thereon.

[0040] FIG. 25 shows a front view of another embodiment of a mounting base for the container shown in FIGS. 1-18.

[0041] FIG. 26 illustrates a top view of the mounting base shown in FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The container described herein holds shotgun shells or other small ammunition and keeps the ammunition dry before it is loaded in a shotgun. The shells can be conveniently dispensed individually or in small groups when they are ready for use. The container includes an internal ramp upon which the shells are stored. The dispensing system allows for one-handed release of shells while a user, such as a hunter or gamer, is preparing to operate a gun or other type of projectile shooting device.

[0043] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-18 show a first embodiment of an ammunition container, which is generally designated as 10. The container 10 is configured to store small ammunition, such as shotgun shell 102 or shells 102, and to keep the ammunition dry and organized until it is ready for use. The container 10 includes a water resistant storage compartment 12. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the storage compartment 12 is rectangular in shape and includes a front wall 14, a rear wall 16, a left side wall 18 formed by a left removable end panel 19, a right side wall 20 formed by a right removable end panel 21, a top wall 22 and a bottom wall 24. The front wall 14 has a front opening/second opening 38 at its lower end. A discharge door 40 covers the second opening 38. In the embodiment shown, the door has a latch 41 which can be placed in the closed position when the container 10 is not in use. The interior side of the door 40 has a gasket 42 around its perimeter to prevent moisture from entering the opening 38. In the embodiment shown, the door 40 has a hinge 44 at its lower end. The door 40 is opened by pivoting, pushing, pulling, or sliding a dispensing mechanism 46. The pivoting action may comprise of twisting or rotation around a point or hinge. In the embodiment shown, the dispensing mechanism is a release arm 46, disposed on the left side wall 18. This embodiment also has a second release arm 47 disposed on the right side wall 20 of the container 10. Dispensing mechanism(s) 46 and/or 47 are operated by coil spring(s) 48 and/or 49 that holds the shell stop release 52 in a closed position. The coil spring(s) 48 and/or 49 are contained within the coil spring housing(s) in the end panel. The coil spring housing(s) also contains O-ring gaskets to prevent water penetration.

[0044] An ammunition loading opening/first opening 58 is formed in the top wall 22 of the container. The opening 58 is covered by a loading door 60. The loading door/movable cover 60 is opened by pivoting, pushing, pulling, or sliding. The pivoting action may comprise of twisting or rotation around a point or hinge. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the loading door 60 includes a hinge 64, a latch 66, and gasket 68. The loading door 60 is opened manually by releasing the latch 66. It is noted that spring loaded loading doors alternatively can be used

[0045] The interior of the storage compartment 12 includes a shell ramp 70. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the ramp is rectangular, with two of the walls being defined by the left and right end panels 19, 21, and the other two walls being defined by upper rail sections 71, 72 and 73, and lower rail sections 74, 75 and 76. Upper rail section 71 is parallel to lower rails section 74, forming a first ramp portion 80. Upper rail section 72 is parallel to lower rail section 75, forming a second ramp portion 81. Upper rail section 73 is parallel to lower rail section 76, forming a third ramp portion 82. The shell ramp 70 includes a ramp entry 77 proximate the loading opening 58, a ramp exit 78 proximate the front opening 38. Optionally, the shell ramp 70 is surrounded by a foam infill 79 that will assist in providing the container 10 with the ability to float if the container is disposed in water for an extended period of time. The number of ramps 70 can vary based on the container 10 size and desired capacity.

[0046] Release of stored shells 100 from the container 10 is controlled by an operating rod 90, shown in FIGS. 8-9, mounted to a support 92. The operating rod 90 functions to pivot the shell stop release 52 which it is connected to when the dispensing mechanism 46,47 is manipulated. Each manipulation of the dispensing mechanism 46, 47 pivots the shell stop release 52, allowing one shell 102 to be dropped through the discharge door 40 to the shell catch 50.

[0047] As is shown in FIG. 8, the left removable end panel 19 has a gasket 96 around its perimeter to help keep the stored ammunition dry. As is shown in FIG. 9, the right removable end panel 21 has a gasket 98 around its perimeter to help keep the stored ammunition dry.

[0048] The container optionally is configured to be mounted to a support. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-18, the rear wall 16 has a pair of parallel rear mounting rails 83, 84 formed thereon. The bottom wall 24 has a pair of parallel bottom mounting rails 85, 86 formed thereon.

[0049] FIGS. 14, 16 and 17 show the operation of the shell stop release 52 and the shell catch 50. (In the embodiment shown in the Figures, one shell is dispensed at a time. In other embodiments, two, three, four or more shells could be dispensed at once.) When the discharge door 40 opens, the shell catch 50, which is mounted on the interior side of the door 40, prevents the dispensed shell 102 (or dispensed shells 102) from falling, and positions them to be manually picked up by the user in a convenient way. The shell stop release 52 has two functions, the first being it holds one dispensed shell 102 in its cradle when the dispensing mechanism 46 and/or 47 is in the return position, thereby holding back the dispensed shell 102 from dropping to the shell catch 50. The second function is it drops one shell 100 through the open discharge door 40, to the shell catch 50, upon pulling the dispensing mechanism 46 and/or 47, which could be a lever. As the shell stop release pivots to the discharge position, it stops the next shell 100 in line in the shell ramp 70. The shell stop release 52 pivots upon each manipulation of the dispensing mechanism 46 and/or 47.

[0050] FIGS. 19-20 show a first type of mounting system for mounting the container 10 to a support. The system includes a slide lock mounting bracket 110 that is fastened to a timber strap. The timber strap 112 slides through two ridged belt loop type receivers which are part of the molding on the back of the slide lock mounting bracket 110. This allows for complete adjustment of the timber strap for diameters ranging from six feet or less, such as varying tree, pole, or rod. The bracket can be slid onto the rear mounting rails 83, 84 or the bottom mounting rails 85, 86 of the container 10.

[0051] FIGS. 21-23 show a second type of mounting system for mounting the container 10 to a support. The system includes a T lock mounting bracket 120 that is configured to be removably fixed to a T lock cap rail system. The bracket is fixed to the open T lock rail with a threaded T end bolt with wingnut. This rail system is found on duck boats and aluminum boats manufactures.

[0052] FIG. 24 shows a gun stand 130 with a vertical post 132 having a spiked end 133 to be placed in soil, a horizontal butt end rest 134 and a horizontal barrel end rest 136. A slide lock mounting bracket 110 is mounted to the post 132 between the butt end rest and the horizontal end rest 136.

[0053] FIG. 25 shows a suction-mounted slide lock mounting bracket 150 that includes a mounting plate 154 and a plurality of suction cups 156, which optionally can be removable suction cups. The mounting base with the suction cups attached allows it to be used on flat or vertical surfaces. The suction cups provide portability of the location of the mounting base. With the suction cups removed the mounting base can be permanently attached to a variety of surfaces using nuts and bolts, screws or nails. Fixed to the mounting base is the slide lock mounting bracket which allows the container 10 to be easily attached and detached from the mounting base.

[0054] Another embodiment described herein is a method for receiving, storing, and/or dispensing ammunition described in FIGS. 1-25. The user loads the shell 100 through the first opening 58 via the loading door 60. The disclosed embodiment is configured to receive shells 100 as packaged from the manufacturer in opposing orientations. Generally, the user loads the apparatus up to capacity. To dispense, the user manipulates the dispensing mechanism 46, and/or 47 to move the pivotal position of the shell stop release 52 allowing for the dispensing of shells 102 through the second opening 38 via the discharge door 40. In some cases, the moveable cover and/or moveable discharge door 40 automatically closes. In other cases, the user manually closes the moveable cover and/or moveable discharge door 40.

[0055] In embodiments, the container 10 is formed from metallic, polycarbonate, thermoplastic, thermoset material, or another suitable material. In some cases, the hinges 64 and springs 48,49 comprise a metal, a thermoplastic, thermoset material, or other material. While the container 10 is shown as having a rectangular shape, the container 10 also can have another shape, such as a cylindrical configuration. In some cases, the discharge door 40 and loading door 60 can be hinged, sliding, twist opening, press and release, and other configurations to enable opening and closing. While the first opening 58 and second opening 38 are shown as having rectangular shape, these orifices can also have another shape, such as circular, oblong, oval and square. Additionally, the gaskets 42, 68 for the first opening 58 loading door 60 and second opening 38 discharge door 40 can have another shape to correspond with the shapes of the first and second openings. In embodiments, gaskets can be disposed on the container 10 around the first opening and/or second opening rather than on the loading door and/or discharge door, or in addition to being located on the loading door and/or discharge door. In embodiments, the container 10 has a length and a height each in the range of about 4-inches to about 16-inches, or about 5-inches to about 12-inches, or about 7-inches to about 9-inches. In embodiments, the container 10 has a width or thickness in the range of about 1-inch to about 7-inches, or about 3-inches to about 6-inches, or about 4.5-inches to about 5.5-inches.

[0056] While the embodiments have been described in detail herein in accordance with certain preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and changes therein may be effected by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.