Abstract:
A projectile for a firearm and a method of making the projectile. The projectile separates into fragments upon striking a target. The direction and paths of the fragment are determined by the dimensions and shape of the fragments.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/885,306 filed Oct. 1, 2013 and U.S. Ser. No. 61/925,495 filed Jan. 9, 2014. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of the invention is projectiles for use in cartridges fired from handguns and other firearms. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    The typical projectile is designed to create a single trajectory through a target. This particular outcome may be adequate for target shooting; however, to create the most damage to a target, as is the case in hunting, it is desirable to have multiple projectiles in multiple trajectories. One method of producing multiple trajectories is to design a projectile which separates upon impact. Thus, when the projectile strikes a target, pieces of the original projectile break away from the original trajectory and proceed in a direction different from the original trajectory, maximizing the damage to the target. 
         [0004]    A problem observed with current projectiles designed to break apart, is the inability to control the separation. The trajectories created by these projectiles are inconsistent, meaning the fragments may arbitrarily follow the same trajectory as the original projectile or separate trajectories. Also, the size and performance of the fragments may be inconsistent and unpredictable, the distance traveled by the fragment may be inconsistent, and the size of the fragment may be small or large, thus affecting the depth to which the fragments penetrate the target. 
         [0005]    Projectiles designed for the controlled separation of fragments may rely on certain designs, which fail to maximize the damage to a target. Often, the material used to make the projectile is too soft to facilitate a clean separation without the use of a weakened point cut into the projectile. Additionally, scoring of the tail end of the projectile may be required to facilitate separation. The scoring of the tail end will result in the complete fragmentation of the projectile, not allowing any pieces to follow the original trajectory. Much more effective designs are achieved by the current invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0006]    The current invention comprises designs for the precise separation of a projectile, with the ability to create consistent separation and consistent trajectories of multiple pieces or fragments, thus maximizing control of the projectile and the damage inflicted on the target. The design of the projectile may be tailored to the specification of the shooter or designer. The projectile comprises materials which facilitate the precise separation of consistent fragments from the base. It is to be understood that the term “fragment”, as used in this specification, refers to the one or more projectiles, parts, or pieces that result when the original projectile separates into multiple parts or pieces in accordance with the design of the original projectile. For convenience, this specification will refer to the resulting projectiles, pieces, or parts as “fragments” to distinguish them from the original, whole projectile prior to separation or “fragmentation” into pieces, parts or fragments of the original projectile. Many of the fragments referenced in the specification will also be “projectiles” in their own right. The use of “fragment” is not intended to be technical or to describe something different from a “projectile”, but is merely used to distinguish the pieces of the designed projectile from the entire, assembled projectile. 
         [0007]    The projectile is generally made of copper or similar material; however, any type of metal, composite, or combination thereof may be used. Other suitable materials may also be used. One or more fragments separate from the main projectile without the need for additional lines of weakness along the base of the projectile. The projectile may have one or more slits along the sides of the projectile to define the shape of the two or more newly separated fragments and facilitate precise, accurate separation, allowing the base projectile to maintain a consistent direction toward the main target site. The customized projectile may be made and marketed for special purposes, such as for hunters or competitive shooters, with certain shapes and/or colors designating each special purpose. The customized projectiles may also be made in special colors or styles for men, women, sports teams, and other persons or groups. The customization, thus, provides opportunities for marketing advantages for the manufacturer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a projectile used in a firearm according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the projectile of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the projectile of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a view of the top of the leading end of the projectile of  FIG. 1  showing four slits. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a view of the top of the leading end of the projectile of  FIG. 1  showing eight slits. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a view of a single fragment of a projectile according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a view of an alternative embodiment of a single fragment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the projectile in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the projectile of  FIG. 8  containing a Delrin® portion. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the projectile of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the projectile of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the projectile of  FIG. 11  containing a Delrin® portion. 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the projectile of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a schematic showing the results of a projectile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, fired into a block of ballistic gel. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is a schematic showing the results of a projectile, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, fired into a block of ballistic gel. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  is a schematic showing the results of a projectile, according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, fired into a block of ballistic gel. 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  is a view of the top of the leading end of another alternative embodiment of the projectile of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 18  is a view of a single fragment of the projectile of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  is a schematic showing the results of the projectile of  FIG. 17 , fired into a block of ballistic gel. 
           [0027]      FIG. 20  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a projectile used in a firearm according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 21  is a view of the top of the leading end of the projectile of  FIG. 20  showing a single slit 
           [0029]      FIG. 22  is a side view of another alternative embodiment of the a projectile with a tip that separates from a base of the projectile upon impact with a target. 
           [0030]      FIG. 23  is a side view of the tip of the projectile of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 24  is a side view of the base of the projectile of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 25  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a tip for the projectile of  FIG. 22   
           [0033]      FIG. 26  is a side view of another alternative embodiment of a tip for the projectile of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 27  contains schematic side views of the projectile of  FIG. 22  showing how the tip of the projectile fits on the base of the projectile. 
           [0035]      FIG. 28  contains schematic side views of the projectile of  FIG. 22  and a conventional projectile showing how the tip of the projectile fits on the base of the projectile. 
           [0036]      FIG. 29  contains schematic entrance end views of the respective cavities created by the projectile of  FIG. 22  and a conventional projectile when shot into ballistic gel. 
           [0037]      FIG. 30  contains schematic side views of the respective cavities created by the projectile of  FIG. 22  and a conventional projectile when shot into ballistic gel. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0038]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a projectile used in a firearm according to one embodiment of the present invention. The projectile  100  is generally cylindrical shaped with a first portion  110  (the leading end) extended to form a partial dome with a flattened top. A second or middle portion  116  of the projectile  100  extends from the first or leading end portion  110 . The second portion  116  generally has a smaller diameter than the first portion  110  and a third or base portion  112  (the trailing end), although the second portion  116  may vary in diameter and length. The third portion  112 , which makes up the base of the projectile  100 , extends from the second portion  116 , opposite the first portion  110 , and generally has the same diameter as the bottom of the first portion  110 , although the third portion  112  may vary in diameter and length. 
         [0039]    The projectile  100  contains slits  114  that begin at the top of the first portion  110 . The slits  114  are perpendicular to the top edge of the first portion  110  and run vertically, ending just below the top edge of the second portion  116 . However, the number, width and length of the slits  114  may vary. For example, the slits  114  may continue vertically into the third portion  112 .  FIG. 2  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment  100 ′ of the projectile of  FIG. 1 . The embodiment  100 ′ consists of slits  114 ′ that begin at the top of the first portion  110 ′. The slits  114 ′ run diagonally across the first portion  110 ′, ending just after the top edge of the second portion  116 ′, or into the third portion  112 ′.  FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment  100 ″ of the projectile of  FIG. 1 . The embodiment  100 ″ consists of a second portion  116 ″ which extends from the first portion  110 ″at an angle. More specifically, the top of the second portion  116 ″ may have a smaller diameter than the bottom of the second portion  116 ″, however, the angle, diameter and length of the second portion  116 ″ may vary. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  shows an opening  120  that continues longitudinally through the center of the projectile  100  and may end at the top edge of the second portion  116 . The slits  114  continue through the wall of the projectile  100  to the opening  120 . The depth of the opening  120  and the number, size, etc. of the slits  114  determines the number, size, and trajectory of the fragments  130 . For example, four slits (shown in  FIG. 4 ) may be applied to the projectile  100  resulting in the separation of four fragments  130  from the third portion  112 , or eight slits (shown in  FIG. 5 ) may be applied resulting in the separation of eight fragments  130 . Additionally, the opening  120  may contain a sub projectile. The sub projectile may generally be cylindrical shaped with a rounded leading end, but may be of various other shapes. Similarly, the sub projectile may generally be made of the same material as the projectile  100  but may be made of various other materials such as metals, plastics or any combination thereof. The sub projectile may separate from the third portion  112  and continue on a trajectory separate from the fragments  130  and third portion  112 , increasing the damage to the target. 
         [0041]    When the projectile  100  is fired from a firearm, the projectile  100  retains its original form until it makes contact with the target. Upon impact, the fragments  130  separate from the third portion  112  along the first portion  110  of the projectile  100 , generally from the point at which the slits  114  end, although the projectile may be designed in a way to cause the fragments  130  to separate from another point on the projectile  100 .  FIG. 6  shows a view of a single fragment  130  of a projectile according to the present invention. The leading edge  132  of the fragment  130  may be flat or may be angled to varying degrees.  FIG. 7  is a view of an alternative embodiment  130 ′ of a single fragment which shows the leading edge  132 ′ angled inwards toward the center of the projectile. The degree to which the leading edge  132  of the fragment  130  is angled may be adjusted to accomplish the desired performance of the projectile  100  upon impact with a target. 
         [0042]    The adjustments made to the projectile  100  are used to precisely control the performance of the projectile  100  when fired from a firearm and upon impact. For example, an adjustment applied to the projectile  100  to make the opening  120  more or less wide may, upon impact with a target, cause the trajectory of the fragments  130  to travel farther away or closer to the trajectory of the original projectile  100 . Similarly, the same adjustment may cause the fragments  130  to travel a shorter or farther distance once contact is made with a target. The precise separation of the fragments  130  from the projectile  100  and the ability to manipulate the performance of the projectile  100  is a benefit provided by the present invention which has not been provided by fragmenting projectiles currently found on the market. 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  shows the schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment  200  of the projectile  100 , designed to have a second portion  216  encased in a layer of Delrin®. The embodiment  200  is generally cylindrical shaped with a first portion  210  extended to form a partial dome with flat sides and a flattened top. The embodiment  200  contains slits  214  that begin at the top of the first portion  210  and continue down the second portion  216  in a longitudinal direction ending just before a third portion  212  of the embodiment  200 . There is an opening  220  that continues through the center of the embodiment  200 . The slits  214  continue through the wall of the embodiment  200  to the opening  220 . The depth of the opening  220  and the size of the slits  214  determine the number, size, and trajectory of fragments  230 . Additionally, the opening  220  may be filled with Delrin® which further facilitates the separation of the fragments  230 . The Delrin® also improves the structural integrity of the projectile while it is transported, handled, and loaded.  FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment  200 ′ of the embodiment  200  with the leading end extending to form a partial dome that consists of rounded sides. 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment  200  containing a Delrin® portion  202 . The Delrin® portion  202  surrounds the second portion  216 . The Delrin® may cover the slits  214  without precluding the fragments  230  from separating from the second portion  212 . However, the slits  214  may continue through the Delrin ® portion  202  partially or completely. The Delrin® portion  202  may remain adhered to the second portion  216  of the projectile  200  until it connects with a target. Upon impact, the Delrin® portion  202  separates from the fragments  230  as the fragments  230  separate from the third portion  212  and travel on separate trajectories resulting in greater damage to the target. The use of the Delrin® portion of the projectile has an additional benefit of causing less wear on the barrel of a gun than a traditional projectile. 
         [0045]      FIG. 11  is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment  300  of the embodiment  200 . The embodiment  300  is designed to be used in a higher caliber firearm. The embodiment  300  is designed to have the second portion  316  encased in a layer of Delrin®.  FIG. 12  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment  300  containing a Delrin® portion  302 .  FIG. 13  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment  300 ′ of the embodiment  300 , with the first portion  310 ′ extending to form a partial dome that consists of rounded sides. 
         [0046]      FIG. 14  is a graph of the results of a projectile, according to one embodiment of the current invention, fired into a block of ballistic gel. As shown in  FIG. 14 , when the projectile  100  penetrates the ballistic gel, the fragments  130  separate from the third portion  112 . Each fragment  130  travels on a separate trajectory, away from the original trajectory. The third portion  112  follows the original trajectory, consistent with the main target site. The particular design of the projectile depicted in  FIG. 14  facilitates the precise separation of the fragments  130  from the third portion  112  and determines the trajectory of each fragment  130 , as well as the third portion  112 . As can be seen, each fragment  130  travels seven inches into the ballistic gel, while the third portion  112  travels fifteen inches. The fragments  130  travel on trajectories away from the original trajectory, spreading nine inches across the ballistic gel. 
         [0047]      FIG. 15  is a graph of the results of a projectile, according to an alternative embodiment of the projectile, fired into a block of ballistic gel. The alternative embodiment exhibits the customizable aspect of the current invention. The projectile (of  FIG. 14  for example) may be altered to accurately produce the results in  FIG. 15 . The projectile may be modified in a way that would cause the fragments to penetrate the ballistic gel nine inches, instead of seven, as in  FIG. 14 . The modification may also cause the fragments to travel on trajectories which remain closer to the original trajectory, spreading seven inches instead of nine. Further, the modification may decrease the penetration of the third portion  112 , resulting in penetration of thirteen inches instead of fifteen. 
         [0048]    Just as in  FIG. 15 ,  FIG. 16  shows that modifications made to the projectile of the current invention may accurately produce different, yet desired, results.  FIG. 15  shows the results of a projectile, according to another alternative embodiment of the projectile, fired into a block of ballistic gel. In this example, the modifications made to the projectile cause the fragments  130  to travel on trajectories that penetrate the ballistic gel thirteen inches while the third portion  112  penetrates fourteen inches. The modifications made to the projectile cause the trajectories of the fragments to spread ten inches across the ballistic gel. The results depicted in  FIGS. 14-16  exemplify the improved design of the current invention which allows the performance of the separating projectile to be precisely and accurately controlled. 
         [0049]      FIG. 17  is a view of the top of the leading end of another alternative embodiment  400  of the projectile of  FIG. 1 . The embodiment  400  does not have an opening  120  as in the projectile  100 . The embodiment  400  contains slits  414  that run vertically through the body of the embodiment  400 . The length, size, shape etc. of the slits  414  may vary, for example the slits  414  may run just into a second portion  416  of the embodiment  400  or into a third portion  412 . The slits  414  continue through the wall of the embodiment  400  to the center. The first portion  410  extends out from the embodiment  400  to form a partial dome, with a flat leading edge  432 . Just as in the projectile  100 , the slits  414  determine the shape and size of the fragments  432 .  FIG. 18  is a view of a single fragment  430  of the embodiment  400 . 
         [0050]    The design of the embodiment  400  provides the ability to control the separation of some of the fragments  430 , while leaving one or more fragments  430  still attached to the third portion  412 .  FIG. 19  is a schematic showing the results of a projectile in accordance with the embodiment  400 , fired into a block of ballistic gel. Just as the projectile  100 , the modifications made to the embodiment  400  may accurately produce different, yet desired, results. The particular design of the projectile in  FIG. 19 , for example, causes three of the fragments  430  to travel nine inches into the ballistic gel while the third portion  412 , with one fragment  430  remaining attached, traveled thirteen inches. The fragments  430  that separate from the third portion  412  travel away from the original trajectory, spreading across the ballistic gel seven inches. 
         [0051]    Another embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , namely, a smaller (e.g. 9 mm) projectile  500 . The projectile  500  is generally cylindrical shaped with a first portion  510  (the leading end) extended to form a partial dome with a flattened top. A second or middle portion  516  of the projectile  500  extends from the first or leading end portion  510 . The second portion  516  generally has a smaller diameter than the first portion  510  and a third or base portion  512  (the trailing end), although the second portion  516  may vary in diameter and length. The third portion  512 , which makes up the base of the projectile  500 , extends from the second portion  516 , opposite the first portion  510 , and generally has the same diameter as the bottom of the first portion  510 , although the third portion  512  may vary in diameter and length. The projectile  500  contains a slit  514  that begins at the top of the first portion  510 . The slit  514  is perpendicular to the top edge of the first portion  510  and runs vertically, ending just after the top edge of the second portion  516 . In this embodiment, the single slit  514  is used in order to maintain a weight necessary to provide desired performance of the projectile  500 . This alternative structure provides two fragments  530 , each having a leading edge  532 . It will be noted, especially with respect to the embodiments disclosed in  FIGS. 1-21 , that if any of the fragments exit a target, there will be less damage elsewhere due to the smaller size of the fragments, as compared to a whole intact projectile exiting the target. 
         [0052]    Yet another embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 22-28 . The projectile  600  shown in  FIG. 22  comprises a base  601  with a tip  602  having a leading end  603 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , the tip  602  has a peg-like projection  610  extending from a bottom thereof which fits into a hole  604  (dotted lines) in an upper portion  605  of the base  601 , as shown in  FIG. 24 . The base  601  is typically made out of a metal such as copper. The tip  602  is typically made out of a composite material such as Delrin®. Of course, other materials may be used. The tip  602  is designed to separate from the base  601  when the projectile  600  impacts a target. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 24 , the base  601  may have compression rings or raised ridges  606  along the outer circumference of the base  601 . If the base  601  has raised ridges  606  , only the ridges  606  make contact with the inside of the barrel of the firearm as the projectile is discharged from the barrel, thus reducing the surface area of the base  601  coming into contact with the inside of the barrel and reducing the friction between the projectile  600  and the inside of the barrel of the firearm as the projectile exits the barrel. Of course, the base may be made without the ridges  606 , as well. 
         [0054]    An upper portion  607  of the sides of the hole  604  in the base  601  may have a larger diameter than the lower portion of the hole  604 . This may be accomplished by beveling the upper portion  607  of the hole  604 . The larger diameter or beveling allows the projection  610  of the tip  602  to more easily separate from the base  601  upon impact with a target. 
         [0055]    The leading end  603  of the tip  602  shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23  is flat.  FIGS. 25 and 26  show alternative embodiments of the leading end  603  of the tip  602 . The leading end  608  of the alternative embodiment of the tip  602  shown in  FIG. 25  is pointed, and the leading end  609  of another alternative embodiment of the tip  602  shown in  FIG. 26  is rounded. Of course, other shapes and sizes of tips  602  may be used. 
         [0056]    In some cases it may be desired to create lines of weakness in the projectile  600  to aid the tip  602  in separating from the base  601 .  FIG. 26  shows such a slit  612  in the peg-like projection  610  and  FIG. 25  shows an exemplary slit  611  in leading end  603  of the tip  602 . Of course, multiple slits such as  611  and  612  may be placed in the leading end  603  and/or the projection  610  of the tip  602 . 
         [0057]    The tip  602  fits on the base  601  as shown schematically in  FIG. 27 , such that the projection  610  of the tip  602  is in the hole  604  in the base  601 . 
         [0058]    When made with a copper base  601  and composite (such as Delrin®) tip  602  the projectile  600  has several advantages. The use of the lighter weight tip  602  favorably balances the projectile  600 .  FIG. 28  shows the center of mass CM to be more in the middle of the base  601 in projectile  600  than the center of mass CM of a conventional projectile designated C in  FIG. 28 . This results in a more balanced projectile  600 , which makes it more accurate after it is fired and makes the projectile  600  stabilize sooner after it exits the barrel of the firearm. 
         [0059]    The performance of the projectile  600  is similar to the performance of a wadcutter. Wadcutters can do substantial damage to a target. They are accurate at short distances, but, due to the heavy, blunt leading end, are not accurate at longer distances. The use of the tip  602  increases the accuracy of the base  601  as it is propelled toward the target. When it reaches the target, the tip  602  separates from the base  601 so that the base  601  can cause damage commensurate with that of a wadcutter even at longer distances due to the additional accuracy afforded by the tip  602 . Moreover, since the base of the projectile  600  has a flat top and flat bottom, the projectile  600  (like a wadcutter) has sharp edges and, thus, a cutting effect when it hits a target. The damage (cavity)  620  in ballistic gel G effected by the use of the projectile  600  is shown schematically in  FIGS. 29 and 30 .  FIG. 29  shows the entrance end of the ballistic gel G for the projectile  600  (designated P2 in  FIG. 29 ) compared to the cavity  620  at the entrance end of the ballistic gel G for a conventional projectile (designated C2 in  FIG. 29 ).  FIG. 30  shows a schematic side view of the damage (cavity)  620  the ballistic gel G for the projectile  600  (designated P3) as compared to the damage (cavity)  620  for a conventional projectile designated C3. 
         [0060]    Thus, the above described alternative embodiment projectile  600  is a lighter projectile with greater kinetic energy, produces less recoil in the firearm than a conventional projectile, is more favorably balanced and accurate at longer distances than a wadcutter, creates a great deal more damage when it hits the target due to the separation of the tip  602  from the base  601 , and results in less friction due to the ridges  606  on the base  601 .