Abstract:
A planar triangular patch for cleaning firearm bores. The patch has similarly sized notches placed centrally along the edges of the patch, permitting a level of pleating as the patch is inserted into a firearm bore and wraps around a jag. The patch is made of a material design to clean and preserve the interior of a firearm bore and applies uniform pressure against the bore as it presents the face of its longest radius to the bore interior, cleaning the entire bore simultaneously.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/059,228, filed Feb. 15, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,196,330, which is a national phase entry application of PCT/US09/04677, filed Aug. 14, 2009, which claims the benefit of the filing date of provisional application No. 61/189,179, filed Aug. 15, 2008, which applications are all incorporated in their entirety here by this reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Background 
       [0002]    The number of guns owned by civilians in the United States is estimated at about 250 million. These firearms have bores or barrel tubes through which projectiles travel. As firearms operate, carbon, lead or other materials gradually form accretions on the interior of the bore. Because of its elongated shape and small diameter, there is limited access, making the bore a particularly difficult area to clean. As accretions form on the bore interior, they interfere with projectiles travelling through the bore, affecting both velocity and accuracy. 
         [0003]    Preserving accuracy and firearm performance requires regular bore maintenance including lubricating, polishing and cleaning to remove debris accumulations. Cleaning and debris removal must be done carefully, however, as damage to the rifling lands of the bore can permanently damage the firearm. A bore from which excessive material is removed increases the bore diameter, potentially leading to casing rupture. 
         [0004]    One common cleaning method to avoid damage uses small pieces of cloth-like material or “patches” as they are called in the art. As a user draws a patch through the bore, friction between the patch and bore interior surface causes debris to adhere to the patch, which carries it away. For this reason, the structure and composition of patches are considerably important. A patch fitting too loosely inside a bore won&#39;t clean sufficiently. A patch fitting too tightly may become lodged in the bore and users may damage the bore interior attempting to dislodge the patch. 
         [0005]    For optimum firearm performance, there is a need for a patch that will clean evenly, not favoring one area of the bore circumference while neglecting another, and for a patch that presents the greatest cleaning area along the length of the bore interior. Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a bore patch that evenly cleans the entire bore circumference, while providing the longest contact length along the bore. Another object is to provide patches that fold uniformly in the same configuration without assistance from a user. Another object of the invention is to provide a patch that creates sufficient pressure between a jag and firearm bore to clean accumulated debris from the bore without creating enough pressure to become stuck inside the bore. These and other objects will become apparent through the appended summary, description and claims. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present invention is a greatly improved gun bore cleaning patch typically used with a jag to remove residue and build up. The patch is substantially planar and, preferably, triangular. Although various other three-sided triangles such as isosceles, right or scalene triangles can be used, an equilateral triangle is preferred since it presents the greatest uniform distance from the triangle center to the tips of the patch and promotes uniform pleating of the patch material as it enters a bore. 
         [0007]    The patch has cut-outs or notches along its edges to provide room for extra material as the extreme ends fold and pleat in use. The notches are preferably located at the center along each edge of the patch. In various cases, they may be a variety of shapes and they may be off center. The shape and positioning of each notch corresponds to the shape of the patch in order to allow the proper amount of material layering. 
         [0008]    When the patch is inserted into a bore, a number of pleated layers is present. As more layers of patch occur, more friction occurs. With too many layers, the pressure between the jag and bore would cause the patch to stick inside the bore or dislodge from the jag. With insufficient layering, the patch would not dislodge debris in the bore. 
         [0009]    In a manner similar to the notches, openings may be disposed in a patch. Openings differ from notches in that the openings are created inside the perimeter edge of the patch rather than on the perimeter edge. The size and positioning of openings, like the notches, depends on the size and shape of the patch since the openings serve the same space-saving function as notches. In some embodiments, the openings are disposed symmetrically to cause even folding and pleating of the patch material. In some embodiments, it is not necessary to dispose the openings in a symmetrical fashion. 
         [0010]    The patch may have holes, slits, or similarly restrictive shapes to accommodate a cable or rod affixed to the patch. Differing positions of the holes causes different parts of a patch to be exposed to the bore wall. 
         [0011]    The patch can be made of various materials. Animal, plant, metallic/mineral or synthetically derived materials are contemplated and may be woven, non-woven, napped, and knitted. Various properties may be imparted these materials to affect the patch absorbency, elasticity, flexibility and the degree of napping. 
         [0012]    The patch may comprise material embedded in its fabric. Patches may be soaked with liquids for cleaning, chelating, lubricating, polishing and protecting the bore interior. Abrasives may be embedded into wet or dry patches to assist cleaning. 
         [0013]    A backing material may be adhered to the surface of the patch imparting properties not found in the core patch material, such as rigidity, flexibility and elasticity. The backing may be made of paper, natural fabric, synthetic materials or mesh. In another preferred embodiment, the patch may comprise an agent for cleaning, polishing or lubricating. 
         [0014]    To use the device, a patch is wrapped around a jag. Additionally, the patches may be slipped inside a slotted jag, or through a jag eyelet. Bore brushes may also be used. A patch is wrapped around a sub-caliber bore brush to which the patch adheres. Prior to use, a patch may be soaked or wetted with solvent to clean black powder or smokeless powder by-products, metal oxides, rust, other corrosion, or debris. Patches may also use preservatives and materials to preserve and protect the condition of the bore. 
         [0015]    A patch is centered on a brush or jag and aligned with the barrel of a firearm. As the brush is pushed into the barrel, the patch folds over the jag and the edges of the patch begin to pleat. Once inside the bore, by reciprocating action, the patch scrubs away debris from the bore interior. In addition to cleaning, the patch may be wrapped around spherical shot or other projectiles and inserted into a bore to serve as wadding. 
         [0016]    An advantage of the triangular shape of the patches is that they may be manufactured using a tessellated die to produce very little or no waste. To manufacture the patches, the material comprising the patches is assembled in multi-layered sheets. A die comprising the triangular pattern tessellated into a mosaic pattern so that adjacent triangles share common sides is used to cut through the material under pressure. Using this technique, only the material cut out to form notches or holes is wasted. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a triangular firearm cleaning patch. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a triangular firearm cleaning patch showing the areas that fold and pleat as the patch enters a bore. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a cut-away view of a patch inserted into the bore of a firearm and exhibiting folding and pleating of the patch material. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a triangular firearm cleaning patch with openings disposed in the surface. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a patch disposed between a cleaning brush and the barrel of a firearm. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a patch disposed around a cleaning brush and exhibiting folding and pleating. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a top view of another embodiment of a cleaning patch with the raw material cut away shown in broken lines. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a top view of another embodiment of a cleaning patch with the raw material cut away shown in broken lines. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a top view of another embodiment of a cleaning patch with the raw material cut away shown in broken lines. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    The present invention comprises an improved firearm bore cleaning patch for use with a jag or other supporting device to remove residue that builds up by accretion through firearm use. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the patch  10  is a substantially planar piece of material defined by a perimeter edge  11  and having a center C, terminal ends  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c , and notches  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  within the perimeter edge. The point on each terminal end  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c  furthest from the center is referred to as the distal point D. The distance from the distal point D 1 , D 2 , or D 3  to the center C is referred to as the radius R 1 , R 2 , or R 3 , respectively. The point on the notch  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  closest to the center C is referred to as the proximal point P 1 , P 2 , or P 3 . The distance from the proximal point P 1 , P 2 , or P 3  to the center C is referred to as the apothem A 1 , A 2 , or A 3 , respectively. 
         [0027]    In the preferred embodiment the patch  10  is in the shape of a triangle. Although various three-sided polygons such as isosceles, right or scalene triangles can be used, in the preferred embodiment, an equilateral triangle is used. In addition, square, rectangular, circular, and other shaped patches can be used to create notches to create a patch  10  of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 . Comparisons of the total areas of triangle shapes versus other shapes are shown in Table 1. In any table, the total patch areas are equal. The areas are set equal to the area given by a standard square patch or by a standard round (circular) patch. Therefore, in each table, the dimensions start from the value of 2s (where 2s is the length of one side of a rectangle), R (where R is the radius of a circle), 2u is the short side of a rectangle having a 2:1 ratio of long side to short side, 2t is the short side of a rectangle having a 4:1 ratio of long side to short side, and a is the distance from the center of a triangle to a point perpendicular to a leg of the triangle, and the area of the indicated shape is (2s) 2 =8 u 2 =16 t 2 =3√{square root over (3)} a 2 =π·R 2 . 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Shape 
                 Square 
                 2-by-1 rect 
                 4-by-1 rect 
                 Triangle 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Area 
                 (2s) 2   
                 8 · u 2   
                 16 · t 2   
                 3√3 · a 2   
               
               
                 Formula 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Shape 
                 Round 
                 Triangle 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Area 
                 π · R 2   
                 3√3 · a 2   
               
               
                 Formula 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0028]    Equilateral triangles are preferred, since they present the greatest uniform distance from the center to the tips of the triangle, and promote uniform pleating as the patch enters a bore. A comparison of triangle center to the apothem versus other shapes can be seen in the following tables. Difference ratios below are percents when multiplied by 100. The tables assume all areas are equal, i.e. (2·s) 2 =π·R 2 =8·u 2 =16·t 2 =3√{square root over (3)}·a 2   
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 2-by-1 
                 4-by-1 
                   
               
               
                 Shape 
                 Square Round 
                   
                 rect 
                 rect 
                 Triangle 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Apothem 
                 s 
                 R 
                 u 
                 t 
                 a 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Apothem as a function of s 
                 s 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           2 
                           · 
                           s 
                         
                         
                           π 
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         s 
                         
                           2 
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
                 s/2 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           2 
                           · 
                           s 
                         
                         
                           3 
                           
                             3 
                             / 
                             4 
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0029]    Formulas for difference ratios are given as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     “ 
                     
                       Triangle 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       versus 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       Other 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       Shape 
                     
                     ” 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           other 
                            
                           
                               
                           
                            
                           shape 
                            
                           
                               
                           
                            
                           apothem 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                       - 
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           triangle 
                            
                           
                               
                           
                            
                           apothem 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                     
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         other 
                          
                         
                             
                         
                          
                         shape 
                          
                         
                             
                         
                          
                         apothem 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   Equation 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   1 
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   
                     “ 
                     
                       Cross 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       versus 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       Other 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       Shape 
                     
                     ” 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           other 
                            
                           
                               
                           
                            
                           shape 
                            
                           
                               
                           
                            
                           apothem 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                       - 
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           cross 
                            
                           
                               
                           
                            
                           apothem 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                     
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         other 
                          
                         
                             
                         
                          
                         shape 
                          
                         
                             
                         
                          
                         apothem 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   Equation 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   2 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0030]    Difference ratios of different shapes are shown in Table 4. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Shapes 
                 Exact 
                 Approx. 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Triangle versus Square 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         1 
                         - 
                         
                           2 
                           
                             3 
                             
                               3 
                               / 
                               4 
                             
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
                   
                 0. 123 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Triangle versus Round 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         1 
                         - 
                         
                           
                             π 
                           
                           
                             3 
                             
                               3 
                               / 
                               4 
                             
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
                   
                 0.222 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Triangle versus 2-by-1 rectangle 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         1 
                         - 
                         
                           
                             2 
                              
                             
                               2 
                             
                           
                           
                             3 
                             
                               3 
                               / 
                               4 
                             
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
                 Neg 
                 0.241 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Triangle versus 4-by-1 rectangle 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         1 
                         - 
                         
                           4 
                           
                             3 
                             
                               3 
                               / 
                               4 
                             
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
                 Neg 
                 0.755 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0031]    A comparison of the radial lengths of various shapes is shown in the following: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 2-by-1 
                 4-by-1 
                   
               
               
                 Shape 
                 Square Round 
                   
                 rect 
                 rect 
                 Triangle 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Radius 
                 {square root over (2)} · s 
                 R 
                 2 · u 
                 4 · t 
                 2 · a 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Radius as a function of s 
                 {square root over (2)} · s 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           2 
                           · 
                           s 
                         
                         
                           π 
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
                 {square root over (2)} · s 
                 2 · s 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           4 
                           · 
                           s 
                         
                         
                           3 
                           
                             3 
                             / 
                             4 
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0032]    Difference ratios between different shapes are shown in Table 6. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Shapes 
                 Exact 
                 Approx. 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Triangle versus Square 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           
                             2 
                             
                               3 
                               / 
                               2 
                             
                           
                           
                             3 
                             
                               3 
                               / 
                               4 
                             
                           
                         
                         - 
                         1 
                       
                     
                   
                 
                   
                 0.241 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Triangle versus Round 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           
                             2 
                              
                             
                               π 
                             
                           
                           
                             3 
                             
                               3 
                               / 
                               4 
                             
                           
                         
                         - 
                         1 
                       
                     
                   
                 
                   
                 0.555 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Triangle versus 2-by-1 rectangle 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           
                             2 
                              
                             
                               2 
                             
                           
                           
                             3 
                             
                               3 
                               / 
                               4 
                             
                           
                         
                         - 
                         1 
                       
                     
                   
                 
                   
                 0.241 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Triangle versus 4-by-1 rectangle 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           2 
                           
                             3 
                             
                               3 
                               / 
                               4 
                             
                           
                         
                         - 
                         1 
                       
                     
                   
                 
                 Neg 
                 0.123 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0033]    In other embodiments, triangles with rounded sides, corners and side protrusions may be used, such as a Reuleaux triangle. In yet more embodiments, non-triangular shapes may be used, including rectangles, parallelograms, crosses, and other polygonal and non-polygonal shapes. 
         [0034]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the patch has notches  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  disposed along the edge  11  of the patch to provide room for the extreme ends of the triangle as they fold and pleat when entering a firearm bore. In the preferred embodiment, the notches  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  are disposed on the edge halfway between two distal points and comprise a simple triangular cut. In various other preferred embodiments, the notches may comprise a variety of shapes including trapezoidal, domed, tapered or compound shapes. In further embodiments, the notches may be disposed off center. The shape and positioning of the notches corresponds to the shape of the patch in order to allow the proper amount of layering through pleating action. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the patch  10  is shown with the areas of pleating  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  illustrated. The areas of pleating correspond to the terminal ends of the triangle  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c , which are under the greatest tension as the patch  10  is used. Through this action, the area from the center C of the triangle to each end  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c  contacts the bore interior and the folded pleating  20  creates pressure and contacts any other areas of the bore without contact. The differences between triangular pleating versus other shapes and the optimum number of pleats is shown in the following tables, wherein dimensions are in inches, areas in square inches, and ratios are percents when multiplied by 100: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Caliber 
                 22 
                 223 
                 243 
                 25 
                 25 
                 30 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 r 
                 0.107 
                 0.109 
                 0.118 
                 0.125 
                 0.125 
                 0.145 
               
               
                 2s 
                 1 
                 1.25 
                 1.25 
                 1.25 
                 1.75 
                 2 
               
               
                 x/r 
                 3.1 
                 3.8 
                 3.6 
                 3.4 
                 4.7 
                 4.6 
               
               
                 a/r 
                 4.1 
                 5.03 
                 4.6 
                 4.4 
                 6.1 
                 6.1 
               
               
                 Fourcircle 
                 0.2227 
                 0.5579 
                 0.4782 
                 0.4188 
                 1.46015 
                 1.87328 
               
               
                 5-layer area 
               
               
                 Triangle 
                 0.072 
                 0.2546 
                 0.1963 
                 0.1562 
                 0.695531 
                 0.896243 
               
               
                 5-layer area 
               
               
                 Triangle 
                 0 
                 0.000059 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0.105825 
                 0.120657 
               
               
                 7-layer area 
               
               
                 Ratio fourcircle 
                 −2.09474 
                 −1.19164 
                 −1.43614 
                 −1.682 
                 −1.09934 
                 −1.09015 
               
               
                 to triangle 5-layer 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Caliber 
                 7.62 
                 375 
                 410 gauge 
                 40 
                 45 
                 45 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 r 
                 0.1495 
                 0.185 
                 0.193 
                 0.2 
                 0.225 
                 0.225 
               
               
                 2s 
                 1.75 
                 2.25 
                 2.25 
                 2.25 
                 2.25 
                 2.5 
               
               
                 x/r 
                 3.9 
                 4.1 
                 3.9 
                 3.8 
                 3.4 
                 3.7 
               
               
                 a/r 
                 5.1 
                 5.3 
                 5.1 
                 4.9 
                 4.4 
                 4.9 
               
               
                 Fourcircle 
                 1.13305 
                 1.99309 
                 1.86006 
                 1.74598 
                 1.35705 
                 2.1059 
               
               
                 5-layer area 
               
               
                 Triangle 
                 0.527339 
                 0.949966 
                 0.8268 
                 0.778446 
                 0.505994 
                 0.924161 
               
               
                 5-layer area 
               
               
                 Triangle 
                 0.002122 
                 0.02001 
                 0.002528 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 7-layer area 
               
               
                 Ratio fourcircle 
                 −1.14861 
                 −1.09807 
                 −1.15614 
                 −1.24291 
                 −1.68195 
                 −1.27872 
               
               
                 to triangle 5-layer 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Caliber 
                 50 
                 50 
                 20 gauge 
                 20 gauge 
                 12 gauge 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 r 
                 0.25 
                 0.25 
                 0.3 
                 0.3 
                 0.36 
               
               
                 2s 
                 2 
                 2.5 
                 2.5 
                 3 
                 3 
               
               
                 x/r 
                 2.7 
                 3.6 
                 2.8 
                 3.4 
                 2.8 
               
               
                 a/r 
                 3.5 
                 4.4 
                 3.7 
                 4.4 
                 3.7 
               
               
                 Fourcircle 5-layer area 
                 0.473854 
                 1.67537 
                 0.909231 
                 2.41253 
                 1.30929 
               
               
                 Triangle 5-layer area 
                 0.084315 
                 0.624684 
                 0.201102 
                 0.899545 
                 0.289586 
               
               
                 Triangle 7-layer area 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 Ratio fourcircle to triangle 
                 −4.62004 
                 −1.68195 
                 −3.52124 
                 −1.68195 
                 −3.52125 
               
               
                 5-layer 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , when the patch  10  is disposed in the bore, no more than five layers  14  of pleating should be present. As more layers accrue between a patch and the accretions inside the bore, more friction occurs. If too many layers  16  are present, the pressure between the jag and bore can cause the patch to dislodge from the jag and stick inside the bore. With insufficient layering  18 , the patch generates insufficient friction to dislodge debris in the bore. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , openings  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  may be disposed within the perimeter  11  of the patch  10  in lieu of or in addition to the notches. The size and positioning of openings  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  depends on the size and shape of the patch  10  since the openings  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  serve the same space-saving function as the notches  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c . Preferably, the openings  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  are disposed symmetrically to cause even folding and pleating of the patch material. More preferably, each opening  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c  has an axis of symmetry S 1 , S 2 , S 3  and one opening is provided along each of the longitudinal axes L 1 , L 2 , L 3  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the patch may comprise a slit  30  or similarly restrictive hole to accommodate a cable, rod, jag, brush, and the like on which the patch  10  may be affixed. By positioning the slits or holes  30  in different positions, different parts of a patch can be exposed to the wall of the bore. Preferably, the hole or slit  30  is at the center of the patch  10 . Other means for attaching the patch  10  to the cable, rod, jag, brush, etc., can be used such as a pinching or clamping device. 
         [0039]    Various materials may comprise the patch of the present invention. Materials used may be animal, plant, metallic/mineral or synthetically derived. Examples of plant based materials include cotton, wool, felt, and polish cloth. The construction of these materials may be woven, non-woven, napped, and knitted. Other materials include flexible solids, including foams. Various properties may be imparted to the patch using these materials. By combining materials from different sources, absorbency, elasticity, flexibility and the degree of napping can be affected. 
         [0040]    In addition to specific combinations of materials, the patch may comprise additional materials embedded in its fabric. In one preferred embodiment, patches are soaked with liquids for cleaning, chelating, lubricating, polishing and protecting the bore interior. Other materials may include fibers embedded with resin or heat, including coated nylon fibers, metal, metal ribbons, wire mesh, and steel wool adhered through resins, weaving, knitting, slurry, heat, chemical reactions or electrical charge. Still other embedded materials may include abrasives such as emery sand, carbide mesh, silicon carbide, borazon, ceramic, ceramic balls, zirconiuym alumina, zirconia balls, novaculite, microcapsules, microfibers, nanorods, fullerenes, rouge, diamond dust, diamond paste, silica, glass beads, glass powder, pumice, diatoms, microshells from clay, metal oxides, cerium oxide, calcite, aluminum oxide, and metal mesh. These abrasives may be embedded into wet or dry patches. 
         [0041]    In addition to abrasives, the patch may comprise a backing material on at least one surface. The backing material can impart properties to the patch not found in the core patch material, such as rigidity, flexibility, and elasticity. The backing may be made of paper, natural fabric, synthetic materials or mesh. 
         [0042]    The structure of the improved bore cleaning patch having been shown and described, use of the device will now be described: 
         [0043]    The patch is used in a manner similar to firearm bore cleaning patches currently known in the art. The patch is used in conjunction with a jag. The jag may be solid, ribbed, non-ribbed, smooth, rough, swiveling, and made of various types of standard material. Additionally, the patches may be slipped inside a slotted jag, or through a jag eyelet. Bore brushes may also be used. A patch is wrapped around a sub-caliber bore brush with bristles to which the patch adheres. 
         [0044]    Prior to use, a patch may be soaked or wetted with solvent to clean black powder or smokeless powder by-products, metal oxides, rust, other corrosion, or debris. Patches may also be wetted with lubricants and other chemicals, natural and synthetic, to protect bores from rust and corrosion, or to assist in bore reconditioning. The patches can be used to apply solvents, lubricants, liquids, paste, foam, abrasives, microcapsules or other materials to the bore interior, and clean patches can be used to remove these materials. They may also be used with powered machinery for mechanized ultrasonic, gas, or liquid emersion cleaning systems and for polishing. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the patch  10  is centered on a brush  100  or jag and aligned with the barrel of a firearm. As the brush  100  is pushed into the barrel  102 , the patch  10  depends into the space between the brush  100  and barrel  102 . As the patch deforms, the edges of the patch begin to pleat with the extreme ends of the triangle shape disposed against the bore. By reciprocating action, the patch scrubs away debris from the bore interior. A view of the patch  10  after it has been inserted into a bore is shown in  FIG. 6 . In addition to cleaning, the patch may be wrapped around spherical shot or other projectiles and inserted into a bore to serve as wadding. 
         [0046]    The structure and use of the improved bore cleaning patch having been shown and described, manufacture of the device will now be described: 
         [0047]    An advantage of the triangular shape of the patches is that they may be cut using a tessellated die to produce very little or no waste. To manufacture the patches, the material comprising the patches is assembled in multi-layered sheets. A die, comprising the triangular pattern tessellated into a mosaic pattern so that adjacent triangles share common sides is used to cut through the material under pressure. Using this technique, only the material cut out to form notches or openings is wasted. 
         [0048]    Regardless of the shape and size of the raw patch material from which the patch  10  of the present invention is made, the improved patch has specified configurations and dimensions permitting it to wrap around a brush or jag in an efficient manner. Notches  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  cut into the sides (i.e. perimeter edge  11 ) or adjacent to the sides  11  provide a space for excess folded patch material to fold into thereby reducing any bunching. In the preferred embodiment, with reference to one notch  12   a  in  FIG. 1  for the sake of clarity, the notch  12   a  is cut with straight edges so as to form two edges  13   a ,  13   b . Each edge  13   a  and  13   b  is parallel to one of the longitudinal axes. In this case, edge  13   a  is parallel to longitudinal axis L 1  and edge  13   b  is parallel to longitudinal axis L 2 . Each notch is cut similarly so that each longitudinal axis L 1 , L 2 , L 3  is parallel to two side edges as shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , similar notch characteristics can be used where the raw patch material was a different shape, such as square ( FIG. 7 ) or circle ( FIGS. 8-9 ). Broken lines in  FIGS. 7-9  indicate portions of the raw material that were cut out to create the notches shown. The cross-hatching indicates areas of pleating  20  when the patches are put to use. 
         [0049]    Listed in Table 10 below are examples of patch configurations that are suitable for different bore sizes. In the Table below, “r” refers to the radius of the gun bore for the given caliber of the gun, 2s refers to the length of a side of a raw square patch, or the diameter of a raw circular patch. Radius refers to the distance from the center C of the patch  10  to the distal point D 1 , D 2 , or D 3  on an end of the patch. Apothem A refers to the distance from the center C of the patch  10  to the point on the notch  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  that is closest to the center C, i.e. the proximal point P 1 , P 2 , P 3 . Radius/apothem refers to the ratio of the radius R of the patch to the apothem A. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 caliber 
                 r 
                 2s 
                 patch shape and notches 
                 radius 
                 apothem 
                 radius/apothem 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 0.17 
                 0.085 
                 0.50 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 0.438691 
                 0.255 
                 1.720358 
               
               
                 0.17 
                 0.085 
                 0.50 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 0.353553 
                 0.255 
                 1.386484 
               
               
                 0.17 
                 0.085 
                 0.50 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.282095 
                 0.255 
                 1.106254 
               
               
                 0.17 
                 0.085 
                 0.50 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.282095 
                 0.255 
                 1.106254 
               
               
                 0.17 
                 0.085 
                 0.75 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 0.658037 
                 0.255 
                 2.580537 
               
               
                 0.17 
                 0.085 
                 0.75 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 0.53033 
                 0.255 
                 2.079726 
               
               
                 0.17 
                 0.085 
                 0.75 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.423142 
                 0.255 
                 1.659381 
               
               
                 0.17 
                 0.085 
                 0.75 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.423142 
                 0.255 
                 1.659381 
               
               
                 0.20 
                 0.1 
                 0.75 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 0.658037 
                 0.3 
                 2.193457 
               
               
                 0.20 
                 0.1 
                 0.75 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 0.53033 
                 0.3 
                 1.767767 
               
               
                 0.20 
                 0.1 
                 0.75 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.423142 
                 0.3 
                 1.410474 
               
               
                 0.20 
                 0.1 
                 0.75 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.423142 
                 0.3 
                 1.410474 
               
               
                 0.2 
                 0.1 
                 0.875 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 0.76771 
                 0.3 
                 2.559033 
               
               
                 0.20 
                 0.1 
                 0.875 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 0.618718 
                 0.3 
                 2.062395 
               
               
                 0.20 
                 0.1 
                 0.875 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.493666 
                 0.3 
                 1.645553 
               
               
                 0.20 
                 0.1 
                 0.875 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.493666 
                 0.3 
                 1.645553 
               
               
                 0.20 
                 0.1 
                 1.00 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 0.877383 
                 0.3 
                 2.924609 
               
               
                 0.20 
                 0.1 
                 1.00 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 0.707107 
                 0.3 
                 2.357023 
               
               
                 0.20 
                 0.1 
                 1.00 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.56419 
                 0.3 
                 1.880632 
               
               
                 0.20 
                 0.1 
                 1.00 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.56419 
                 0.3 
                 1.880632 
               
               
                 0.22 
                 0.11 
                 1.00 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 0.877383 
                 0.33 
                 2.658735 
               
               
                 0.22 
                 0.11 
                 1.00 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 0.707107 
                 0.33 
                 2.142748 
               
               
                 0.22 
                 0.11 
                 1.00 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.56419 
                 0.33 
                 1.709665 
               
               
                 0.22 
                 0.11 
                 1.00 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.56419 
                 0.33 
                 1.709665 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.00 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 0.877383 
                 0.3345 
                 2.622968 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.00 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 0.707107 
                 0.3345 
                 2.113922 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.00 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.56419 
                 0.3345 
                 1.686665 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.00 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.56419 
                 0.3345 
                 1.686665 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.125 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 0.987056 
                 0.3345 
                 2.950839 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.125 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 0.795495 
                 0.3345 
                 2.378162 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.125 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.634713 
                 0.3345 
                 1.897499 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.125 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.634713 
                 0.3345 
                 1.897499 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.25 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 1.096728 
                 0.3345 
                 3.27871 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.25 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 0.883883 
                 0.3345 
                 2.642402 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.25 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.705237 
                 0.3345 
                 2.108332 
               
               
                 0.223 
                 0.1115 
                 1.25 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.705237 
                 0.3345 
                 2.108332 
               
               
                 0.243 
                 0.1215 
                 1.25 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 1.096728 
                 0.3645 
                 3.008857 
               
               
                 0.243 
                 0.1215 
                 1.25 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 0.883883 
                 0.3645 
                 2.42492 
               
               
                 0.243 
                 0.1215 
                 1.25 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.705237 
                 0.3645 
                 1.934807 
               
               
                 0.243 
                 0.1215 
                 1.25 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.705237 
                 0.3645 
                 1.934807 
               
               
                 0.243 
                 0.1215 
                 1.50 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 1.316074 
                 0.3645 
                 3.610628 
               
               
                 0.243 
                 0.1215 
                 1.50 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 1.06066 
                 0.3645 
                 2.909904 
               
               
                 0.243 
                 0.1215 
                 1.50 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.846284 
                 0.3645 
                 2.321768 
               
               
                 0.243 
                 0.1215 
                 1.50 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.846284 
                 0.3645 
                 2.321768 
               
               
                 0.27 
                 0.135 
                 1.75 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 1.53542 
                 0.405 
                 3.79116 
               
               
                 0.270 
                 0.135 
                 1.75 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 1.237437 
                 0.405 
                 3.0554 
               
               
                 0.270 
                 0.135 
                 1.75 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.987332 
                 0.405 
                 2.437856 
               
               
                 0.270 
                 0.135 
                 1.75 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.987332 
                 0.405 
                 2.437856 
               
               
                 0.3 
                 0.15 
                 1.75 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 1.53542 
                 0.45 
                 3.412044 
               
               
                 0.30 
                 0.15 
                 1.75 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 1.237437 
                 0.45 
                 2.74986 
               
               
                 0.30 
                 0.15 
                 1.75 
                 round with three notches 
                 0.987332 
                 0.45 
                 2.194071 
               
               
                 0.30 
                 0.15 
                 1.75 
                 round with four notches 
                 0.987332 
                 0.45 
                 2.194071 
               
               
                 0.30 
                 0.15 
                 2.00 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 1.754765 
                 0.45 
                 3.899479 
               
               
                 0.30 
                 0.15 
                 2.00 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 1.414214 
                 0.45 
                 3.142697 
               
               
                 0.30 
                 0.15 
                 2.00 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.128379 
                 0.45 
                 2.507509 
               
               
                 0.30 
                 0.15 
                 2.00 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.128379 
                 0.45 
                 2.507509 
               
               
                 0.338 
                 0.169 
                 2.00 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 1.754765 
                 0.507 
                 3.461076 
               
               
                 0.338 
                 0.169 
                 2.00 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 1.414214 
                 0.507 
                 2.789376 
               
               
                 0.338 
                 0.169 
                 2.00 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.128379 
                 0.507 
                 2.2256 
               
               
                 0.338 
                 0.169 
                 2.00 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.128379 
                 0.507 
                 2.2256 
               
               
                 0.357 
                 0.1785 
                 2.25 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 1.974111 
                 0.5355 
                 3.686482 
               
               
                 0.357 
                 0.1785 
                 2.25 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 1.59099 
                 0.5355 
                 2.971037 
               
               
                 0.357 
                 0.1785 
                 2.25 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.269427 
                 0.5355 
                 2.370544 
               
               
                 0.357 
                 0.1785 
                 2.25 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.269427 
                 0.5355 
                 2.370544 
               
               
                 0.357 
                 0.1785 
                 2.50 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 2.193457 
                 0.5355 
                 4.096091 
               
               
                 0.357 
                 0.1785 
                 2.50 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 1.767767 
                 0.5355 
                 3.301152 
               
               
                 0.357 
                 0.1785 
                 2.50 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.410474 
                 0.5355 
                 2.633938 
               
               
                 0.357 
                 0.1785 
                 2.50 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.410474 
                 0.5355 
                 2.633938 
               
               
                 0.375 
                 0.1875 
                 2.50 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 2.193457 
                 0.5625 
                 3.899479 
               
               
                 0.375 
                 0.1875 
                 2.50 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 1.767767 
                 0.5625 
                 3.142697 
               
               
                 0.375 
                 0.1875 
                 2.50 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.410474 
                 0.5625 
                 2.507509 
               
               
                 0.375 
                 0.1875 
                 2.50 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.410474 
                 0.5625 
                 2.507509 
               
               
                 0.40 
                 0.2 
                 2.50 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 2.193457 
                 0.6 
                 3.655761 
               
               
                 0.40 
                 0.2 
                 2.50 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 1.767767 
                 0.6 
                 2.946278 
               
               
                 0.40 
                 0.2 
                 2.50 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.410474 
                 0.6 
                 2.35079 
               
               
                 0.40 
                 0.2 
                 2.50 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.410474 
                 0.6 
                 2.35079 
               
               
                 0.45 
                 0.225 
                 2.50 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 2.193457 
                 0.675 
                 3.249565 
               
               
                 0.45 
                 0.225 
                 2.50 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 1.767767 
                 0.675 
                 2.618914 
               
               
                 0.45 
                 0.225 
                 2.50 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.410474 
                 0.675 
                 2.089591 
               
               
                 0.45 
                 0.225 
                 2.50 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.410474 
                 0.675 
                 2.089591 
               
               
                 0.45 
                 0.225 
                 3.00 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 2.632148 
                 0.675 
                 3.899479 
               
               
                 0.45 
                 0.225 
                 3.00 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 2.12132 
                 0.675 
                 3.142697 
               
               
                 0.45 
                 0.225 
                 3.00 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.692569 
                 0.675 
                 2.507509 
               
               
                 0.45 
                 0.225 
                 3.00 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.692569 
                 0.675 
                 2.507509 
               
               
                 0.50 
                 0.25 
                 3.00 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 2.632148 
                 0.75 
                 3.509531 
               
               
                 0.50 
                 0.25 
                 3.00 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 2.12132 
                 0.75 
                 2.828427 
               
               
                 0.50 
                 0.25 
                 3.00 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.692569 
                 0.75 
                 2.256758 
               
               
                 0.50 
                 0.25 
                 3.00 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.692569 
                 0.75 
                 2.256758 
               
               
                 0.58 
                 0.29 
                 3.00 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 2.632148 
                 0.87 
                 3.025458 
               
               
                 0.58 
                 0.29 
                 3.00 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 2.12132 
                 0.87 
                 2.438299 
               
               
                 0.58 
                 0.29 
                 3.00 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.692569 
                 0.87 
                 1.945481 
               
               
                 0.58 
                 0.29 
                 3.00 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.692569 
                 0.87 
                 1.945481 
               
               
                 0.617 
                 0.3085 
                 3.00 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 2.632148 
                 0.9255 
                 2.844028 
               
               
                 0.617 
                 0.3085 
                 3.00 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 2.12132 
                 0.9255 
                 2.29208 
               
               
                 0.617 
                 0.3085 
                 3.00 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.692569 
                 0.9255 
                 1.828816 
               
               
                 0.617 
                 0.3085 
                 3.00 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.692569 
                 0.9255 
                 1.828816 
               
               
                 0.729 
                 0.3645 
                 3.00 
                 equilateral triangle with notch in each side 
                 2.632148 
                 1.0935 
                 2.407086 
               
               
                 0.729 
                 0.3645 
                 3.00 
                 square with notch in each side 
                 2.12132 
                 1.0935 
                 1.939936 
               
               
                 0.729 
                 0.3645 
                 3.00 
                 round with three notches 
                 1.692569 
                 1.0935 
                 1.547845 
               
               
                 0.729 
                 0.3645 
                 3.00 
                 round with four notches 
                 1.692569 
                 1.0935 
                 1.547845 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0050]    As shown from Table 10, the ratio of the radius R to the apothem A is generally greater than 1. Preferably, the ratio is approximately 1.5 or more. Most preferably, the ratio is 2 or more. In some embodiments, the ratio can be 3 or more. Some ratios are greater than 4. Furthermore, to select the correct size patch for a particular bore, the ratio of the apothem A to the bore size r is preferably approximately 3. 
         [0051]    All features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0052]    Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.