Abstract:
A molded ammunition carrying device including a plurality of independently expandable “C” profile cradles. The cradles are adapted to wrap compressively in partial circumferential relation about a shell body or other large diameter ammunition to provide support despite variations in individual ammunition dimensions. The carrying device may be adapted for attachment to other structures including belts, webbing, quick reload devices, or other structures used by a shooter in the field.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of, and priority from, U.S. provisional application 61/696,596 having a filing date of Sep. 4, 2012 and U.S. provisional application 61/736,960 having a filing date of Dec. 13, 2012. The contents of such applications and all documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to ammunition carrying devices, and more particularly to a holding device for carrying shells for use in shotguns or other large bore firearms. The carrying device is readily adapted for attachment to other structures including belts, webbing or modular reload devices used by a shooter in the field. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    Large bore firearms are widely used by sportsmen, law enforcement officers and military personnel. As will be well understood by those of skill in the art, shotgun shells and other large bore ammunition may incorporate a metal head with a generally tubular body projecting away from the head. A primer is located within the head which ignites powder to force one or more projectiles outwardly from the body when the weapon is fired. Due to the construction characteristics of such ammunition, there may be some variability in the perimeter shape of the body from shell to shell. This variability between shells may be particularly pronounced in shotgun shells having plastic bodies which are reloaded multiple times. Although this variability between shells may not impact performance of the ammunition, any storage or carrying structure must take such variability into account. 
         [0004]    In the past, one common technique for carrying shells for large bore firearms in the field has been to insert the shells through individual sewn loops of elastomeric webbing material sewn to structures worn by users. However, over time, the elasticity of the sewn loops may diminish. Thus, the shells may not be held sufficiently tightly to avoid loss. Moreover, the use of elastic loops may make it difficult to extract the shells rapidly for loading into the firearm when they are to be used. 
         [0005]    It has also been known to use molded plastic carrying devices with interconnected cradle structures for receipt of individual shells. However, prior known structures did not provide individual adjustment relative to the shell being held. Thus, some shells may be relatively loose within the cradle structures while others may be unduly tight. Loose shells may rattle within the carrying device, thereby causing undesired noise. Conversely, shells that are held too tightly may be difficult to extract for use in the field. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a modular device used to carry large bore ammunition in the field which holds each individual shell securely but without undue constriction despite variations between individual ammunition units. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0007]    The present disclosure provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a molded ammunition carrying device including a plurality of independently expandable “C” profile cradles. The cradles are adapted to wrap compressively in partial circumferential relation about a shell body or other large diameter ammunition to provide support despite variations in individual ammunition dimensions. The carrying device may be adapted for attachment to other structures including belts, webbing, quick reload devices, or other structures used by a shooter in the field. 
         [0008]    In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides an ammunition carrying device adapted to support a plurality of shells for large bore firearms. The carrying device includes a plurality of expansible cradle elements disposed in molded-in integral relation to a backing wall to define a unitary molded construction. The cradle elements each comprise a pair of complimentary, opposing resilient sidewalls oriented longitudinally on the carrying device and projecting away from the backing wall. The sidewalls have free edges curved radially inwardly such that each of the cradle elements has a substantially “C” shaped cross section with a longitudinal slot between the free edges of the opposing resilient sidewalls of the cradle element. Each sidewall may be independently flexible relative to the opposing and adjacent sidewalls. The cradle elements are adapted to receive a shell by axial insertion of the shell between the opposing resilient sidewalls such that the complimentary, opposing resilient sidewalls wrap in circumferential compressible relation partially around a body portion of the shell. 
         [0009]    Other objects and advantages of the carrying device will become apparent from a description of certain preferred embodiments thereof which are described and shown in the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an upper elevation schematic perspective view illustrating an upper portion of an exemplary carrying device consistent with the present disclosure in empty condition; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a lower elevation schematic perspective view illustrating a lower portion of the exemplary carrying device of  FIG. 1  in empty condition; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a schematic front perspective view illustrating the exemplary carrying device of  FIG. 1  in filled condition; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a schematic rear perspective view illustrating the exemplary carrying device of  FIG. 1  in filled condition; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a schematic rear elevation view illustrating the use of straps to attach an exemplary carrying device as shown in  FIG. 1  to a belt; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a schematic front elevation view illustrating the use of straps to attach an exemplary carrying device as shown in  FIG. 1  to a section of MOLLE/P.A.L.S. webbing as may be used in law enforcement or military garments; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a cut-away side view illustrating an exemplary carrying device as shown in  FIG. 1  engaging a modular quick reload device in meshed relation; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the use of straps to attach an exemplary carrying device as shown in  FIG. 1  to a modular quick reload device as shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a partial cut-away view of another embodiment for an exemplary ammunition carrying device with an inserted locking clip for engagement with a belt or section of MOLLE/P.A.L.S. webbing; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view of an exemplary locking clip for insertion into the ammunition carrying device of  FIG. 9   
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a view illustrating an assembled ammunition carrying device and locking clip of  FIG. 9  engaging a belt; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a sectional side view illustrating the clip of  FIG. 9  inserted in an exemplary carrying device consistent with the present disclosure and engaging the modular quick reload device; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a schematic front perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the exemplary ammunition carrying device adapted to cover the primers of large diameter ammunition. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    Before the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is in no way limited in its application or construction to the details and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the disclosure is capable of other embodiments and being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of terms such as “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    Reference will now be made to the various drawings, wherein to the extent possible, like reference numerals are used to designate like elements in the various views. Referring now jointly to  FIGS. 1-4 , a carrying device  10  is illustrated for the storage and transportation of one or more shells  12  ( FIG. 3 ) such as shotgun shells or the like for use in large bore firearms. In this regard, it is to be understood that while the illustrated exemplary embodiment is adapted to hold three shells, it is contemplated that the carrying device likewise may be constructed to hold any greater or lesser number as may be desired. According to one exemplary practice, the carrying device  10  may be formed as a unitary structure by injection molding or other molding practices using materials such as high impact plastics and the like. However, other materials and formatin techniques may likewise be used if desired. 
         [0025]    As will be readily understood by those of skill in the art, shells  12  for shotguns typically incorporate a metal head  14  of brass or other suitable material with an enhanced diameter rim extending radially outwardly from a primer  16 . A reduced diameter body  18  of generally cylindrical construction extends away from the head  14  in substantially coaxial relation to the head  14 . The body  18  is used to contain pellets or other projectile elements to be expelled by the shell  12  when it is fired. In a shotgun shell, the body  18  may be formed from a relatively soft plastic or other deformable material and may be somewhat irregular in circumferential and/or linear dimensions after the projectile elements are packed and sealed therein. 
         [0026]    As illustrated, the carrying device  10  may have a generally box-shape configuration with a contoured backing wall  20  defining a base and with a plurality of integral, independently expansible concave cradle elements  22  extending away from the backing wall  20 . In the illustrated exemplary arrangement, each of the cradle elements  22  has a generally “C” shaped cross-sectional profile with a pair of inwardly curved, independently flexible sidewalls  23  extending away from one side of the backing wall  20 . The backing wall  20  may have a curved indented surface of substantially fixed dimensions between the sidewalls  23  to define a concave base of the cradle element  22 . The base of the cradle elements between the sidewalls  23  also may be substantially flat if desired. 
         [0027]    The sidewalls  23 , and the flat or indented base surface of the backing wall  20  between the sidewalls cooperatively form the concave cradle elements  22  with a longitudinal spacing between the sidewalls  23  projecting away from the backing wall  20 . This arrangement permits the shells  12  to slide axially into the cradle elements with the sidewalls  23  of the cradle elements  22  wrapped circumferentially in compressive relation partially about the reduced diameter bodies  18 . In this regard, the effective diameter defined by the cradle elements  22  may be slightly smaller than the effective diameter of the bodies  18  of the shells  12  such that the opposing sidewalls  23  are caused to flex radially outwardly when the shells  12  are inserted. 
         [0028]    As best seen through joint reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5  and  6 , in the illustrated exemplary construction, each of the cradle elements  22  incorporates independent resilient sidewalls  23  which are spaced apart from the sidewalls of the adjacent cradle elements. Moreover, any indentation at the base of the cradle elements  22  between the complimentary sidewalls may be molded into the face of the backing wall  20 . Accordingly, each sidewall  23  may flex radially outwardly in a spring-like manner independently from its complementary or adjacent sidewalls as a shell  12  is inserted. Thus, each cradle element  22  may provide a secure wrap-around support without involvement of the adjacent cradle element and with each cradle element substantially conforming in shape as required based on the individual shell which is inserted. Moreover, in the radially outward flexed condition, the sidewalls  23  will provide a biasing force against the inserted shell such that a secure support is provided so as to prevent rattling. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , in the illustrated exemplary construction, one or more molded-in raised ribs  24  may be disposed at the base of one or more of the cradle elements  22  to urge the inserted shells  12  forward towards the longitudinal opening between the edges of the sidewalls  23 . The presence of such raised ribs  24  may enhance the retention force between the sidewalls  23  and the shells  12 , while accounting for dimensional differences between each shell. 
         [0030]    According to one exemplary practice, the cradle elements  22  may extend about a circumference of about 270 degrees or greater. In this regard, the cradle elements  22  will preferably extend about a circumference such that the free edges  25  of the sidewalls  23  will apply a rearward clamping force against the shell in the direction of the backing wall  20  and the raised rib  24 . That is, the free edges  25  will press the shell towards the base of the cradle element  22 . As will be appreciated, while the raised ribs  24  are illustrated as having a generally diamond shape, it is contemplated that virtually any other suitable shape may likewise be used. 
         [0031]    As best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the sidewalls  23  of the cradle elements  22  may include chamfered lower edges  26 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , this arrangement results in reduced circumferential coverage by the sidewalls  23  at a distal end of the shell. In the illustrated exemplary construction, this chamfer may result in the sidewalls  23  extending about 180 degrees or less around the distal end of the shell such that rearward biasing force by the sidewalls  23  may be substantially eliminated at the distal ends of the shells. Such a chamfered arrangement also provides easy finger access to the distal ends of the shells such that the shells may be pushed axially upwardly for retrieval when desired. 
         [0032]    As best seen through joint reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 , an upper ledge  28  may project away from the backing wall  20  at the top of the carrying device  10  to define a rearward platform surface of defined thickness. As shown, the upper ledge  28  may be substantially continuous along the entire width of the carrying device  10 . Alternatively, the upper ledge  28  may be segmented if desired. In the illustrated exemplary construction, slots defining eyelets  30  may extend through the upper ledge  28  for pass-through receipt of a strap or other attachment device as will be described further hereinafter. 
         [0033]    One or more box protrusions  32  may project away from the backing wall  20  at an elevation below the upper ledge  28  to define a lower ledge  34  in spaced-apart relation from the upper ledge  28 . As shown, the box protrusions  32  may be segmented along the width of the carrying device  10 . Alternatively, a single continuous box protrusion may be used if desired. The box protrusions  32  may be hollow to define pass-through slots for threading a strap or other attachment device through the box protrusions for attachment to other devices. 
         [0034]    As best seen in  FIG. 5 , in one exemplary environment of use, a carrying device  10  in accordance with the present disclosure may be mounted to a belt  36  using commercially available attachment straps  40  made of plastic, fabric, or other suitable material. According to one exemplary practice, such attachment may be carried out by inserting the straps  40  through the eyelets  30  in the upper ledge  28  as well as through aligned pass through openings in the box protrusions  32  and then wrapping the straps  40  around the belt  36  and securing the straps  40  in a cinched relation to the belt using a locking tab or other device integral with the straps. By way of example only, and not limitation, exemplary locking straps  40  which may be used are disclosed in commonly owned international application WO2013/016489 (incorporated by reference). Of course, other strap constructions may likewise be used if desired. As shown, upon being attached to the belt  36 , the cradle elements  22  will project outwardly away from the belt for easy access by the user. 
         [0035]    As best seen in  FIG. 6 , the carrying device  10  may likewise be mounted to a webbing connection  42  on a vest, bag, sheet or other structure as may be used by law enforcement or military personnel using commercially available attachment straps  40  made of plastic, fabric, or other suitable material such as the locking straps described in WO2013/016489 or the like. In practice, such attachment may be carried out by inserting the straps  40  through eyelets  30  in the upper ledge  28  as well as through aligned openings in the box protrusions  32  and then weaving the ends through the loops of the webbing connection  42  and securing the straps  40  in a cinched relation to the webbing connection using a locking tab or other device integral with the straps. As shown, upon being attached to the webbing connection  42 , the cradle elements  22  will project outwardly away from the webbing connection for easy access by the user. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the carrying device  10  also may be mounted to a modular rapid reloading device  50  such as a FASTMAG™ device produced by Illinois Tool Works or the like. Such attachment may be carried out by nesting the contoured backing wall  20  of the carrying device with a complementary opposing face  52  of the reloading device having a contoured profile adapted to matedly receive portions of the contoured backing wall  20 . As shown, ridges and recesses across the backing wall  20  may mate with complementary ridges and recesses on the face  52  of the reloading device  50  to facilitate a secure connection. 
         [0037]    In accordance with one exemplary construction shown in  FIG. 7 , the face  52  of the reloading device  50  may include a depressed zone  54  adapted to matedly receive the box protrusions  32  on the carrying device in nested relation. Likewise, the opposing face  52  may include an upper detent zone  56  adapted to fit in nested relation between the upper ledge  28  and the lower ledge  34  of the carrying device backing wall  20 . As shown, the upper detent zone  56  may include a multiplicity of individual detent structures  58 , although a single raised detent structure may be used if desired. The opposing face  52  may also include a lower detent structure  60  adapted to fit in nested relation below the box protrusions  32  of the backing wall  20 . As shown, the lower detent structure  60  may be formed from a single detent, although multiple stacked detents may be used if desired. 
         [0038]    With the carrying device  10  in place relative to the reloading device  50 , a secure attachment can be made by inserting one or more straps  40  as previously described through eyelets  30  in the upper ledge  28  as well as through one or more aligned openings in the detent structures  58 ,  60  and the box protrusions  32 . The straps  40  may then be secured to themselves in a cinched relation using a locking tab or other device integral with the strap. Of course, it is also contemplated that the carrying device  10  may be mounted to virtually any other support structure as may be desired. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9-11 , an alternative embodiment of a carrying device  110  consistent with the present disclosure is illustrated wherein elements corresponding to those described previously are designated by like reference numerals increased by 100. As shown, in the illustrated exemplary construction, the backing wall  120  of the carrying device  110  includes one or more internal channels  170  oriented between the cradle elements (not shown) and the upper ledge  128 . In this regard, the channels  170  are oriented to define tangents to the rear surfaces of the cradle elements. As will be appreciated, while two channels  170  are illustrated, it is likewise contemplated that a greater or lesser number of channels may be incorporated as desired. 
         [0040]    As best seen through joint reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a lock strap insert  174  of unitary molded plastic construction or the like may be provided for sliding insertion into the channels  170 . In the illustrated exemplary construction, the exemplary lock strap insert  174  includes a pair of spring arms  176  adapted to lock in place upon insertion. In this regard, in the exemplary construction the spring arms  176  may each include an enhanced diameter distal head  178  with a shoulder undercut  180 . Upon insertion of the lock strap insert  174  from the bottom of the channel  170 , the spring arms  176  may deflect inwardly and then spring outwardly such that the shoulder undercuts  180  engage ledge structures  182  at the interior of the carrying device. The lock strap insert is thereby blocked from withdrawal unless the spring arms  176  are manually pressed towards one another. Of course, while only a single lock strap insert  174  is shown, it is contemplated that such an insert may be used in each channel  170  if desired. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the exemplary lock strap insert  174  may have a generally “U” shaped or hairpin profile with one leg of the “U” defining an insertion pillar  186  supporting the spring arms  176 . The other leg of the “U” defines a biasing leg  188  disposed in substantially parallel opposing relation to the insertion pillar. As shown, the insertion pillar  186  and the biasing leg  188  are joined at a base  190  to define a generally “U” shaped connection. As shown, the biasing leg  188  may have a generally hour-glass shape construction with a relatively broad proximal segment  192  at the base and a relatively broad distal segment  194  connected by an intermediate neck  196  of reduced width (shown in phantom). As will be appreciated, in such a construction the biasing leg may flex away from the insertion pillar  186  by flexing at the base such that the lock strap insert  174  may act in the manner of a leaf spring upon insertion into the channel  170 . 
         [0042]    As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the carrying device  110  with lock strap inserts  174  in place may be secured to a belt  136  or other support structure such as webbing or the like by inserting the lock strap insert  174  behind the belt or other support structure such that the belt or other support structure is captured between the backing wall  120  and the distal segment  194  of the biasing leg  188 . In this arrangement, a secure connection is maintained even during rigorous use. 
         [0043]      FIG. 12  illustrates yet another embodiment for a carrying device  210  consistent with the present disclosure, adapted for attachment to a reloading device  250  wherein elements corresponding to those described previously are designated by like reference numerals within a  200  series. In the illustrated exemplary construction, the carrying device  210  includes internal channels as previously described in relation to  FIG. 9  for receipt of one or more lock strap inserts  274 . However, in the illustrated assembly, the lock strap inserts  274  have a hooked proximal end  275  with no upwardly extending biasing leg. The upper ledge  228  of the carrying device likewise has a downwardly extending leg  277 . 
         [0044]    As shown, by using the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the downwardly extending leg  277  of the upper ledge may be inserted into a molded-in slot behind detent structures  258  at the upper face of the reloading device  250 . Once the downwardly extending leg  277  is in place, the lock strap insert  274  may then be inserted in the manner as previously described such that spring arms  276  lock in place in the same manner as shown in  FIG. 9 . As illustrated, insertion of the lock strap insert  274  also causes the hooked proximal end  275  to enter a molded-in slot behind a lower detent  260  at the face of the reloading device  250 . As will be appreciated, in this assembled condition, the carrying device  210  is secured to the reloading device  250 . Of course, this attachment may be reversed by pressing the spring arms  276  towards one another such that the locking relation is released and the lock strap insert can be withdrawn. 
         [0045]      FIG. 13  illustrates yet another embodiment for a carrying device  210  consistent with the present disclosure, adapted for safely transporting extremely large diameter projectiles  312  wherein elements corresponding to those described previously are designated by like reference numerals within a  300  series. In the illustrated exemplary construction, the carrying device  310  includes a hinge-mounted rotatable cover  385  attached adjacent the upper ledge  328 . The rotatable cover  385  is preferably free to pivot about its hinge, such that it covers the head and primer of the projectile  312  without the application of substantial pressure. In this regard, a relatively lightweight open mesh grid construction such as the illustrated open honeycomb construction or the like may be useful to provide protection without applying substantial weight. Of course, other constructions may likewise be used. 
         [0046]    In the illustrated exemplary construction of  FIG. 13 , the carrying device  310  may also include one or more outwardly projecting barbs  389 . In practice, the barb  389  may engage a cord or other tie down element (not shown) which may be threaded through an eyelet in the cover  385  and then looped around the barb  389  to prevent the cover from opening unintentionally. As shown, the barb  389  may include an enhanced diameter distal head at its free end to block against unintended disengagement. 
         [0047]    Of course, variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it is to be understood that the disclosure disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments and equivalents to the extent permitted by the prior art.