Ammunition having specialized range

A round of ammunition including projectiles formed in a stack and having an offset center of mass. Upon discharge, the projectiles are subject to a complex flight path and increased drag, providing advantages in controlling pattern and depth of penetration at a distance.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure generally relates to a less-lethal projectile device. More particularly, the following relates to an ammunition round capable of lethality as a function of distance.

2. Description of the Related Art

Less-lethal weapons are those that are capable of impeding an attacker without killing them. Less-lethal weapon systems are well known in the art. Examples include some type of blunt force ammunition round. The round is designed to cause pain but not penetrate the skin. It transfers and disperses its kinetic energy into its target. The most common less-lethal ammunition rounds are those fired from a shotgun. The projectiles themselves are contained in a bean-bag form or may be one or more rubberized bullets. A common problem with a bean-bag projectile is short range and limited accuracy. Both the bean-bag projectile and the rubberized bullets are also capable of causing great harm or death if they strike the attacker's body in more vulnerable areas. A further problem associated with any less-lethal round designed to be fired from a shotgun is the lack of portability and maneuverability of the weapon. For example, a typical 12 gauge shotgun has a barrel bore diameter of about 18.5 mm (0.729 in.), a barrel length of 457 mm (18 in.) to 762 mm (30 in.), and an overall weight which may often exceed 3.63 kg (8 lbs.). These large weapons are not practical to carry in many situations.

Smaller weapons, such as handguns, are more portable but limited in less-lethal projectile options due to the smaller bore diameter. For example a .45 caliber projectile, having a bore diameter of about 11.43 mm (0.450 in.), is the largest caliber pistol generally accepted for practical carry. Another example includes a 9 mm projectile, having a bore diameter of 9 mm (0.354 in.). These smaller diameters are too small for practical bean-bag projectiles, although single projectile rubberized bullets are available.

Yet another challenge with weapons equipped with less-lethal ammunition are the occasions when less-lethal ammunition is not adequate to effectively impede an attacker. That is, there are occasions when deadly force is the only practical solution. Attempts to provide both less-lethal and lethal ammunition have been made. In one example for weapons having magazines which hold multiple rounds to be fired in series, the first rounds may be less-lethal, followed by lethal rounds. This may be dangerous for the shooter, however, if the first rounds are required to be lethal. Additionally, if the shooter fires warning shots, then prefers a less-lethal round, he may now be limited to lethal rounds. Alternately, if the shooter becomes confused on which type of round is next to be fired, he may be hesitant to fire the weapon.

Traditional shotguns, such as the aforementioned 12 gauge shotgun, normally are designed for ammunition having multiple projectiles. These are normally spherical pellets sizes to be lethal at an average distance based on kinetic energy of the pellets. For example, a shotgun having “8 shot” ammunition will have a large number of spherical pellets of about 2.29 mm (0.090 in.). Given their low mass (due to low volume), the kinetic energy will be low, resulting in a lethal distance of only a few meters for human attackers, although the large number of pellets will increase the opportunity of striking an attacker. In contrast, a shotgun having “number 2 buckshot” ammunition will have fewer spherical pellets of about 6.86 mm (0.270 in.), resulting in much higher kinetic energy and therefore an increased lethal distance, but less likely to strike an attacker. Due to the limited accuracy of spherical pellets, it is customary to use larger bore shotguns for personal defense to ensure a minimum number of pellets within each ammunition round, thereby increasing the likelihood of striking the attacker.

Smaller weapons such as handguns are more portable but limited in the number of large pellets which may be contained in each round of ammunition. If the pellet size is reduced, the number of pellets will be increased, but with less kinetic energy capable of impeding an attacker. For example, pellets commonly used in a 9 mm cartridge are “12 shot”, having a spherical pellet of a mere 1.27 mm (0.040 in.) in diameter. The kinetic energy is so low that such ammunition is not even seriously considered for impeding an attacker.

What is needed is ammunition capable of being less lethal to an attacker at far distance, lethal to an attacker at a controlled distance, and capable of a minimum number of projectiles in smaller weapons.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure provides for an ammunition round having a stack of projectiles wherein at least one of the projectiles has an offset center of mass. Upon discharge from a weapon, the projectiles having an offset center of mass will be subject to a complex flight path and increased drag, resulting in reduced target penetration at a distance.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is an ammunition round having a stack of projectiles capable of carrying a marking powder, providing advantages in crime scene investigation.

This, and other aspects of the present disclosure will be described in greater detail below and should not be taken as limiting other portions of the present disclosure.

Features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more understood through the detailed description and in reference to the figures which follow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to [the invention] set forth in the following description. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being used in various applications. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Further, the terms and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

FIG. 1shows an exemplary round of ammunition. This is a standard (prior art) configuration designed to function with a standard weapon (not shown). The ammunition provided in this disclosure may appear virtually identical to a standard configuration for compatibility with a standard weapon. The ammunition shown is a .38 caliber, which is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge having a 9 mm (0.355 in.) diameter tip.

It should be noted that a “round” of ammunition may also be called a “cartridge” or “shell”, which refers to a complete package including at least a primer, gunpowder, which is also called propellant, and projectile. For most standard ammunition including the .38 caliber, the tip is the projectile.

FIG. 2shows an exploded view of a round of ammunition100according to one aspect of the disclosure. The case120has a primer110press fit into a base portion according to standard configurations. A wad140is shown, in addition to several projectiles150formed in a stack, and a tip170including an O-ring180. The primer110, upon being struck with an adequate force, reacts chemically to ignite the gunpowder (not shown in this view). The wad140provides a gas pressure seal to ignited gunpowder which provides for controlled expulsion of the tip170, projectiles150, and wad140from a weapon. The wad140may include additional features to control shock (induced by ignited gunpowder), or to contain special features, to be described in upcoming discussion.

Lines shown through each projectile150are artifacts of the Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) program, and do not depict particular features.

FIGS. 3a-dshow varying projectiles150(a-c) each having a diameter “D” and a taper defined by a greater thickness “T” and lesser thickness “t”, and some having a hole diameter “d”. Each projectile ofFIG. 3a-dis shown with a common geometric centerline, and a Mass Centerline (MCL)190. The MCL190describes the center of mass in a two-dimensional plane for simplicity in understanding. By way of example,FIG. 3ashows a projectile150ahaving a taper defined by large thickness “T1”, and a hole about the geometric centerline. Since the large thickness “T1” is to the left, the MCL190is shown left of the geometric centerline. InFIG. 3b, projectile150bis also shown having a taper defined by large thickness “T1”, but with no hole. The MCL190is also shown left of the geometric centerline. InFIG. 3c, projectile150calso has a taper defined by large thickness “T1”, and a hole is shown offset (to the left) of the geometric centerline. In this case, the MCL190is shown coincident with the geometric centerline, since mass is added to the left by the thicker portion of the taper, but is subtracted from the left by the hole, a net balance results. InFIG. 3d, projectile150dhas a taper defined by larger thickness “T2” (which is greater than “T1”) and a hole offset (to the right) of the geometric centerline. The resulting MCL190is substantially left of the geometric centerline, since a substantial mass is added left of the geometric centerline due to “T2”, and mass is subtracted to the right of the geometric centerline by the hole.

Now, having described the center of mass in a two-dimensional plane, three-dimensional center of mass, defined as CM200, will be described by way ofFIG. 3e. InFIG. 3e, the taper is defined by thickness “T1”, and a hole is shown left and above the geometric centerline. The resulting three-dimensional center of mass, CM200, is shown offset from the geometric centerline by offset R, which is the radial distance from the geometric centerline. The common symbol used to depict center of mass (a circle divided into a grid with opposing grids darkened) is used inFIG. 3eand shown by CM200. All projectiles150a-ewill have a three-dimensional center of mass CM200, although not shown in projectiles150a-d.

The examples described inFIGS. 3(a-e) show how a projectile150may be designed to achieve a CM200offset from a geometric centerline with great precision. In testing, a projectile of “dead soft lead” (pure lead) having a diameter of 0.33 in (8.38 mm) was used. A range of alternative projectile150materials have been contemplated, including copper, bismuth, tungsten, or any other high density yet soft material or composite.

With precision casting, machining, or forming, a projectile150having a CM200may be made to have an offset R of less than 15% of the diameter, and up to 70% of the diameter. There is greater mass variation with larger diameters (say, up to 0.50 in. or even up to 0.72 in.), but 15% of the large diameter results in a greater tolerance. With dimensions smaller than 0.33 in. (say, 0.22 in.), there is less mass variation, therefore is also capable of achieving as little as 15% CM200radial offset from the geometric centerline. Thus, controlled design parameters of 15% to 70% CM200radial offset may be achieved for the above referenced materials over a range of at least 0.22 in. (5.59 mm) to 0.72 in. (18.3 mm) diameter projectiles150. There are no fundamental reasons currently known that would prevent an outer diameter outside this lower or upper range.

FIG. 4ashows a pictorial view of a projectile150having a texture156, depicted by the hatch area shown. At least one textured surface as shown provides engagement of adjacent projectiles, improving the ability for a stack of projectiles150to maintain a group formation while passing through the weapon's barrel (not shown) and in the initial moments of flight, improving the ability to control the overall flight pattern of the projectiles150. The texture may be formed in a mold, may be added after manufacturing, and may be a diamond texture, stippling, dimples, or other types of textures.FIG. 4bshows an alternative texture156, wherein the texture156may be an identification mark raised from, or recessed in, the surface. Such a mark may be used, for example, in forensic studies to trace the origins of the ammunition100, or to positively identify a target which has been marked.

InFIGS. 5a-c, the complete round of ammunition100according to various aspects of the disclosure is shown, and will be described in the order of assembly. InFIG. 5a, ammunition100includes a case120made of brass, steel, or like material. A primer110is pressed into the case120. A measure of gunpowder130is poured into the open end of case120. In one example to follow, 3.5 grains of Alliant Powder® Unique® is used. A wad140is pressed into the case120. A number of projectiles is placed into the case120in a stack. In this example projectiles150a, having holes concentric with the geometric center, are shown. The number of projectiles depends on the thickness of each projectile (such as projectile150a), the length of the case120, and the gap between the wad140and a tip170. In one example, at stack of 13 projectiles were used. In another example having a greater thickness, 9 projectiles were used. The tip170is shown pressed into the case120. The dimensions are controlled to preferably clamp the stack of projectiles150between the wad140and the tip170. Incorporated into the wad140, there is a wad groove145shown. The wad groove145reduces the overall mass of the wad140, and is also designed to provide some compliance (spring effect) to compensate for tolerance variation of the parts build-up from wad140, through the stack of projectiles150, to the tip170.

FIG. 5bshows the identical round of ammunition asFIG. 5a, except projectiles150bare used in place of150a. Projectiles150bare solid with no hole.

FIG. 5cshows the identical round of ammunition100asFIGS. 5aand 5b, except projectiles150care used in place of150a. Projectiles150chave holes offset from the geometric center. As shown in the assembled cartridge100, the holes may have varying amounts of offset CM200, resulting in each projectile150cto be potentially unique in the stack. Thus, each projectile may have inherently different flight characteristics, to be described further.

Projectiles may be common in a single round of ammunition100, or may use any combination of projectiles150a-e. For example, in one instance of testing, a .38 Special, having a case length of about 1.16 in. used a stack of nine projectiles of a given thickness, taper, and CM200. It has been contemplated that in this example, nine different projectiles may be used. There may be one each of projectiles150a, b, c, one of projectile150dat a first offset CM200, one of projectile150dat a second offset CM200, and four of projectile150eat varying offsets CM200. In a larger round such as a .500 S&W Magnum, which may have a case length of 1.6 inches, twenty or more projectiles may be used in a round. All projectiles may be the same, or may have any combination of thicknesses, tapers, or center of mass (CM)200.

Projectiles150are shown with each having a taper. To form a stack, it is preferred that projectiles150be oriented such that a substantially cylindrical column result with the gap between projectiles minimized, as shown inFIGS. 4a-c. This may be accomplished by stacking projectiles150having a like taper in pairs, with the tapered surfaces in mating contact, and rotated such that the pair substantially forms a cylinder. It is therefore preferred that an even number of projectiles150be used to form a stack, and that for each projectile150having a taper, there is a second projectile150having a like taper. It should be noted inFIGS. 4a-cthat nine projectiles150are shown, however, thus demonstrating that an odd number of projectiles150may be used.

FIG. 6shows the tip170so shaped to receive an O-ring180. Tip170is preferably formed of plastic such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), thermoplastic resin such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and may include reinforced resins such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other suitable materials. The tip170may be formed by injection molding, machining, or other methods known in the art. If injection molding is used, standard design rules dictate maximum wall thickness (based on material type) to minimize sink marks which may affect sealing into the case. The tip170is shown designed for injection molding, having a tip cavity172formed from the bottom to maintain proper wall thickness. The O-ring180forms a seal against the case120. Alternately, the tip170may include an O-ring shaped feature.

The tip170shown inFIG. 6also includes two ribs174designed to form a seal against the case120even with slight variations in dimensions. The number of ribs174, and rib174dimensions may vary depending on many design factors. Tip170may use ribs174and no O-ring180, one or more O-rings180and no ribs174, or neither O-ring180nor ribs174. If neither, the tip170may have a straight or tapered portion so designed to form a friction fit with case120.

The tip bottom177may also include a tip texture178, as illustrated by the grid line shown. This provides engagement of the tip170with the top most projectile150. Upon discharge from the weapon, projectiles150are compressed into tip170. The diameter of tip170is dimensioned to slide against the surface of the weapon's bore, causing a controlled exit from the barrel. If the barrel is rifled (not shown), the tip170will engage with the rifling. Further details to follow.

The tip170shown inFIG. 6includes a tip cavity172, but may also be solid (having no tip cavity) if injection molding sink marks can be tolerated, or if formed by machining, or other such factor. There is also a lip176shown. The lip provides a positive positional stop while pressing the tip170into the case120, and insures the tip170is fully seated.

FIG. 7, taken fromFIG. 5c, shows a section view of a round of ammunition including a marking powder160. The marking powder160is shown filling the voids between the wad140, through the stack of projectiles150, and into the tip cavity172. The geometry of the various components will determine the voids available for filling with marking power160. The texture156on projectiles150may be so configured to enable more or less marking power160in contact with the projectiles150. The powder may be a colored powder such as a blue, green, or yellow chalk, or may be a powder that fluoresces when illuminated with a UV light source, such as a “black light”. One example powder is a green florescent powder, part number 21WGDP, available from The Cary Company in Addison, Ill. It has been contemplated that alternative powders, such as tear gas or powders having concentrations of eye, skin, or breathing irritants may also be used.

FIG. 7bshows an alternative to tip170, wherein an integrated projectile tip210includes a tip portion212, and integrated projectiles218bonded to the tip portion212. The integrated projectiles218may be a gypsum powder, for example, resin bonded to each other and to the tip portion212. Bonding occurs at separation layers220. It has been contemplated that integrated projectiles may form the entire integrated projectile tip210, which would therefore include bonding at separation layers220to the end of tip portion212. There is also shown a marking powder area215, which may provide a cavity for marking powder160. Separation layers220between each integrated projectile218may be at any angle from vertical to horizontal to angles in-between.

Now with further reference toFIG. 7a, a more detailed description of the round of ammunition100upon discharge from a weapon will follow. The gunpowder130, once ignited by the primer110, creates a high pressure. This high pressure causes the wad140, the stack of projectiles150, and the tip170to exit the case120, travel through the barrel, and out the muzzle end (not shown) of the barrel. If the bore is rifled (not shown), the tip will engage with the rifling which will cause the tip170, in addition to the stack of projectiles150, to produce a geocentric spin corresponding to the pitch of the rifled barrel. This will ultimately improve the flight characteristics of the projectiles150.

At some distance from the muzzle end of the barrel, the individual projectiles150will separate from the stack, and take on a flight path dictated in part by their shape, CM200, adjacent projectiles, and environmental factors which affect wind drag. As previously noted with reference toFIG. 5c, each projectile may have a different CM200, resulting in a pattern of projectiles150capable of being tuned and controlled within a range of probabilities based on the combined effect of all the afore mentioned variables.

The motion of individual projectiles150are capable of spinning, wobbling, tumbling end-over-end, or all of these over the complete travel distance from muzzle to contact with a target. The kinetic energy of each projectile150remaining when finally reaching the target will depend in part on the cumulative effects of wind drag, and the motion experienced during flight.

Upon impact with a target, each projectile150may impact at an edge, a flat surface, a thin portion of the taper, a thick portion of the taper, or a combination of these. This will occur randomly based on target distance, for example, but the kinetic energy and the overall pattern of impact (such as an area measured by diameter or horizontal and vertical dimensions) at a distance are controlled by the variables described in this text.

If marking powder160is used, the high pressure at discharge may cause at least some of the marking powder160to penetrate the surface of the projectiles150, ensuring the marking powder160is transferred to a target. This is similar to metallurgical methods for explosive cladding, but in this instance dissimilar materials are bonded (projectiles150and marking powder160) which is in contrast to the traditional metallurgical method. Pre-coating individual projectiles150prior to assembly into the case120will increase the amount of marking powder160available to penetrate the surface of projectiles150. This is particularly useful for forensic studies to trace the origins of the ammunition100, or to positively identify a target which has been marked.

The present invention will be more readily appreciated with reference to the examples which follows.

EXAMPLE

Testing has shown that the aforementioned design variables may be optimized to be more lethal to a human target at a near distance, and less lethal to a human target at a greater distance. A description of tests performed is shown inFIG. 8, wherein the following variables are held constant throughout testing: The gunpowder130was Alliant Powder® Unique®, Wad140dimensions were 0.347 in. diameter×0.125 in. thick, flat with no wad groove145, the tip170was solid High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), case120was supplied by R-P Reloads, projectile150diameter was 0.33 inches, and projectile150material was “dead soft” (pure) lead, hole patterns were random about the centerline.

Also shown inFIG. 8are the key variables for each test. In summary, Test 1 (a-b) includes testing with and without marking powder160. Test 2 (a-b) includes testing having holes in projectiles150centered about a geometric center and offset. Test 3 varies the taper thickness. Test 4 varies the powder charge relative to Test 2B.

FIG. 9ashows test data for Test 1A and 1B, and Test 2A. Test 1A does not include marking powder160. Test 1B includes marking powder160. In comparing the velocity of the two tests, the average Test 1A of 929.2 feet per second (fps) is essentially identical to Test 1B at 931.2 fps. The x-y pattern at 10 ft., resulting in a calculated area measured in square inches (in. sq.), shows a substantial difference. In Test 1A, having no marking powder160, the average pattern is 68.8 in. sq. In Test 2A, having marking powder160, the average pattern is 14.2 in. sq. The area pattern at 20 ft. averages 934.0 in. sq. for Test 1A (no marking powder160), compared to 626.0 in. sq. The marking powder160assists in the cohesion of the stack of projectiles150by filling the area between them & lightly bonding to them as they are discharged. This gives an initial short range cohesion that dissipates as the stack of projectiles150break up and disperse.

Test 2A shows results comparing the stack of projectiles150having holes formed on the geometric centerline verses Test 2B (shown inFIG. 9b) the stack of projectiles having holes offset from the geometric centerline by 0.1 in.

In Test 2A the projectiles150averaged 995.3 feet per second versus 932.8 feet per second for test 2B. This is considered within the limits of normal variation due to the hand assembly used in testing. The pattern at 10 ft. showed 27.5 in. sq. for Test 2A versus 21.0 in. sq. for Test 2B. This is also believed to be within the limits of normal variation due to hand assembly. The pattern at 20 ft. shows 299.0 in. sq. for Test 2A versus 673.8 in. sq. It is clear in this case that holes offset from the geometric centerline increased the CM200substantially over the CM200of Test 2A, resulting in a wider range of flight paths.

Test 3 provides a comparison of projectiles150having a greater thickness than those of Test 2B, which is used in this comparison. The velocity of projectile150was measured at 923.8 fps in Test 2B versus 897.4 fps in Test 3. This is within the limits of normal variation. The pattern at 10 ft. showed Test 2B to have a pattern of 22.5 in. sq. versus 18.2 in. sq. with test 3. It is believed that the smaller area pattern of Test 3 is due to the heavier projectiles being more capable of resisting wind drag. The pattern at 20 ft. was 818.5 in. sq. for Test 2B versus 195.4 in. sq. for Test 3. It is believed that the thicker projectiles150are more capable of resisting wind drag, perhaps resulting in less tumbling of projectiles150in flight, thereby creating a smaller pattern area. It is also believed that projectile150mass is a key variable in tine-tuning the distance at which a stack of projectiles150break apart to begin individual flight.

Test 4 shows the effect of gunpowder130charge on pattern formation in comparison to Test 2B. Test 2B showed a velocity of 923.8 fps versus 911.6 feet per second for Test 4, which is within the limits of normal variation. The pattern at 10 ft. was 21.0 in. sq. for Test 2B, versus 22.6 in. sq. for Test 4. This is also believed to be within the limits of normal variation. At 20 ft., the pattern for Test 2B was at 818.5 in. sq. versus 231.4 in. sq. for Test 4. It was originally anticipated that there would be a slower velocity with the lower gunpowder130charge, resulting in a smaller area pattern at 20 ft. However, the velocity of the stack of projectiles is within normal variation for Test 2B and Test 4. Upon analysis of the test, the inventors believe the reduced charge of gunpowder130resulted in less volume to fill the case120, creating more “head space”. This may have resulted in a “cushioned acceleration” of the stack of projectiles150which, in turn, formed a more cohesive stack prior to the projectiles breaking apart to take on individual flight. This is a surprising result.

It should be noted that one sample from Test 2A, and one sample from Test 2B were selected to test depth of penetration (in inches) at a range of 5 ft. in 10% gelatin. Test 2A had one round of ammunition100fired into 10% gelatin at 5′. The pattern area was approximately 1 in. sq. with the furthest penetrating projectile150achieving a depth of 4 inches. In Test 2B, the depth of penetration at 20′ was measured. Two projectiles150penetrated equally at a depth of about 2 inches. These results indicate that the projectiles150can be made to decelerate based on the geometry of the projectile150and other associated variables.

These data demonstrate the ability to control design parameters which are capable of tight patterns and deep target penetration at a closer distance, and a substantially larger pattern and substantially less deep target penetration at a greater distance.

It is contemplated, and will be clear to those skilled in the art that modifications and/or changes may be made to the embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative of the example embodiments only and not limiting thereto, in which the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure is determined by reference to the appended claims.