Patent Abstract:
An improved cartridge loader for releasable securement of cartridges to be simultaneously loaded into the cylinder of a revolver. A pintle rotates between a cartridge engaging position and a cartridge releasing position and is held in positive engagement with the loader body by the action of a spring-loaded pin assembly along a pin-engaging surface. The pin-engaging surface may be formed in the pintle and the pin assembly is substantially located within the loader body.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     I. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to improvements in cartridge holders and is particularly directed to cartridge holders adapted to releasably secure a round of cartridges for fast and simultaneously loading of the round into the chambers and the cylinders of revolvers. 
     II. Description of the Related Art 
     It is well known in the art to utilize a cartridge loader in loading cartridges into a revolver or other weapon. U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,125 to Switzer discloses a holder that releasably secures a round of cartridges within cartridge bores in a cylindrical housing. A manually rotated member selectively secures or releases the cartridges into the cylinder of the revolver. A positioning mechanism is provided to maintain the holder in either a release position or an engaged position. This locking mechanism is formed of several members and extends externally of the housing. 
     An improved cartridge loader by the same inventor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,124. The cartridge loader has a star-shaped latch that selectively engages/releases the cartridges. A semi-automatic rotation device may be utilized to rotate the latch. The rotation device is also manually operable to set the latch from the releasing position to the capturing position by rotating a knob. Again, the mechanism that locks the loader into either a engaging position or a releasing position includes many members and extends outwardly from the loader body. 
     Another known type of cartridge loader is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,299 to Switzer et al. This patent is primarily directed at providing a cartridge loader for more than the standard five- or six-chambered revolver. However, a portion of the locking system for selectively positioning the holder into engaging or releasing positions is still located externally from the holder&#39;s casing. 
     Each of the aforementioned prior art cartridge loaders have externally extending members that reduce the efficiency of cylinder loading by creating a gap between the cartridge holder and the revolver&#39;s cylinders. One problem addressed by the present invention is that the cartridges may fall sideways instead of within the appointed cylinder due to the gap. Another problem addressed in the present invention is that damage or breakage could occur to exposed parts if the loader is dropped or otherwise subjected to force. 
     The present invention has no external parts to be broken off, and also efficiently loads the cartridges into the revolver. 
     The present invention contemplates a new and improved loader for a revolver, which is simple in design, effective in use, and overcomes the foregoing difficulties and others while providing better and more advantageous overall results. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved cartridge loader for a revolver is provided. The cartridge loader includes a cylindrical loader body having spaced first and second surfaces, a cylindrical central cavity extending from the first surface into the loader body and a plurality of circumferentially located cartridge bores extending from the second surface into the loader body. A selectively rotatable pintle is received within the central cavity and operates between a closed position, at which cartridges may be temporarily stored, and an open position at which the cartridges may be released. Latching means are carried on the pintle and operable therewith. The latching means include a plurality of cartridge-engaging protrusions, each of which intersect a different one of the cartridge bores when the pintle is in the closed position and do not intersect the cartridge bores when the pintle is in the open position. The cartridge loader includes détente means positioned between the spaced surfaces of the loader body which selectively locate the pintle at the closed or open positions. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the détente means comprises a pin assembly including a lock pin and a spring wherein the lock pin is adapted for reciprocal movement in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pintle; a pin-engaging surface including a first pin groove and a second pin groove wherein the lock pin is resiliently engaged in the first pin groove to locate the closed position of the pintle and resiliently engaged in the second pin groove to locate the open position of the pintle; and, reciprocating means for reciprocating the lock pin, the reciprocal means being positioned intermediate said first and second pin grooves. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the pin-engaging surface is formed in the pintle and the reciprocating means is a ball bearing held in a bearing groove formed in the pintle. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the pin-engaging surface is formed in the pintle and the reciprocating means is a rise formed in the pintle. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the central cavity extends a length less than a distance between the first and second surfaces of the loader body. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, each of the cartridge bores extends a length less than a distance between the first and second surfaces of the loader body. 
     One advantage of the present invention is that the revolver can be quickly loaded. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is the simplicity of design as compared to other prior art loaders. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the détente means is contained within the loader body and is protected from contaminants and debris. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is the permanent assembly of the associated parts. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is that the locking mechanism is internally located to prevent damage to exposed parts. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the absence of external projections on the side placed next to the revolver chamber permits more efficient loading of the cartridges. 
     Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts. A preferred embodiment of these parts will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a cartridge loader according to the present invention showing the location of a plurality of cartridge bores in dotted lines; 
     FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 showing the location of the central cavity in dotted lines; 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 cut along the line  3 — 3  when the pintle is in the closed position; 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3 cut along the line  4 — 4  of FIG. 1 when the pintle is in the open position; 
     FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view taken directly above the pin assembly of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view taken directly above the pin assembly of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the view shown in FIG. 6, and, 
     FIG. 7A is a view similar to FIG. 7 of an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 shows a top view of a new and improved cartridge loader  10 , including a loader body  12  with a series of circumferentially positioned cartridge bores  14 . In the preferred embodiment, the cartridge bores  14  do not extend entirely through the loader body  12 . However, simple modifications could be made to the preferred embodiment to include cartridge bores that extend entirely through the loader body  12 . Such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. A central cavity  16  holds a rotatable pintle  30 , not shown in this view. In the preferred embodiment the central cavity  16  does not extend entirely through the loader body  12  in order to limit entry points for debris or contaminants. However, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a central cavity that extends entirely through the loader body  12 . 
     With reference to FIG. 3, the cartridge loader  10  is shown in the “closed” position as will be explained in further detail below. The loader  10  includes latching means  20  for selectively engaging an associated cartridge  18  when the loader  10  is in the closed position. The latching means  20  includes cartridge-engaging protrusions  22  which intersect the cartridge bores  14  when the loader  10  is in the closed position. For illustrative purposes only, an associated cartridge  18  is shown positioned within a cartridge bore  14 . As shown, the cartridge bore  14  is dimensioned to accommodate the larger diameter flanged end of the associated cartridge  18 . The cartridge-engaging protrusion  22  extends into the cartridge bore  14  to engage the flange  19  and thereby selectively secure the cartridge  18 . In the preferred embodiment, the latching means  20  are located at the end  32  of the pintle  30  that is contained entirely within the loader body  12 . Other embodiments anticipated by the inventor include a pintle  30  that extends all the way through the loader body  12 . 
     In FIG. 4, the cartridge loader  10  is shown in the “open” position where the latching means  20  is positioned such that the protrusions  22  do not intersect the cartridge bores  14 . In the “open” position, the cartridge  18  is released from the cartridge bore  14  and is therefore not shown in this view. The loader  10  is manipulated into the open position in order for associated cartridges  18  to be positioned therein. Thereafter, the loader  10  is manipulated into the closed position to selectively retain the associated cartridges  18 . Manipulation of the loader  18  again into the open position allows the retained cartridges  18  to disengage, as for example into a revolver chamber. 
     For ease of manufacture and operation, in the preferred embodiment, the latching means  20  is integral with the pintle  30 . However, it is within the scope of the invention to have a non-integral latching means  20  carried on the pintle  30  and rotatable therewith. 
     With reference to FIGS. 3-7, the salient features of one of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be disclosed. The cartridge loader  10  includes a pintle  30  being rotatable about an axis  36 . Latching means  20  is operably associated with the pintle  30 . The pintle  30  is disposed in central cavity  16 . The pintle  30  may be rotated by manipulation of a knob  34  as is well known in the art. Knob  34  may be integral with pintle  30 , as in the preferred embodiment, or may be a separate attachment. The pintle  30  rotates between the “closed” position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 and the “open” position shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The extent of rotation is determined by détente means  37  which in the preferred embodiment include a pin assembly  38 , a pin-engaging surface  40 , and reciprocating means such as ball bearing  41 . 
     With particular reference to FIG. 7, the preferred pin assembly  38  includes a lock pin  42  and a resilient member such as spring  46 . The spring  46  and at least a portion of the lock pin  42  may be enclosed in a casing (not shown). The pin assembly  38  is disposed so that the lock pin  42  reciprocates is a direction generally perpendicular to the axis  36  of the central cavity  16 . During rotation of the pintle  30 , the ball bearing  41  retains its relative position in the loader body  12  and the lock pin  42  reciprocates due to compression and expansion of spring  46 . In the preferred embodiment, the loader body  12  may be formed of aluminum or other lightweight material while the ball bearing  41  and the lock pin  42  may be formed of steel or other durable material. 
     As best shown in FIG. 7, lock pin  42  may be selectively engaged within first pin groove  58  or second pin groove  60  to fix the limits of rotation of pintle  30 . Reciprocating means such as ball bearing  41  is located intermediate the pin grooves  58 ,  60 . An alternate reciprocating means could be employed within the scope of the present invention. Although not preferred because of wear characteristics, it is possible to form a rise  64  between the first and second pin grooves  58 ,  60  by extension of the pintle material as shown in FIG.  7 A. 
     As is apparent from FIG. 7, the détente means  37  also functions to prevent pintle  30  from becoming disengaged from the loader body  12  after the loader  10  has been assembled. At all times, lock pin  42  extends past the wall of the central cavity  16 . 
     Although one embodiment of latching means  20  has been disclosed above, the latching means  20  may differ therefrom without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, a cartridge loader  10  incorporating other features known in the art or chosen with sound engineering principles, such as rim stops, bore closures, lighting devices and the like are within the scope of the present invention. 
     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended by applicant to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5