Abstract:
Portable cases for storing and transporting firearm-cleaning parts and tools are divided and organized interiorly with multiple, independently removable modules. Each case has a pair of foldable halves with Velcro®-lined interiors. The interiors releasably retain various Velcro® equipped bandoleers, pouches and packets that carry various cleaning tools and parts. The bandoleers each include a longitudinal strap with multiple holding loops for retaining capped bandoleer tubes containing cleaning tools, brushes, mops and the like. A first half of the case stores the bandoleers, and the opposite half stores the pouches to keep them in contact with the bandoleers to insure stability hen the case is closed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims priority from a currently pending United States Provisional Application, entitled Portable Gun Cleaning Tool Kits with Releasable Bandoleer Sub Compartments by inventor James H. Buie, Ser. No. 61/455,133, Filed Oct. 15, 2010. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    I. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to portable packs or enclosures for protectively housing and transporting diverse items including gun-cleaning tools. More particularly, this invention relates to a compact and portable hand-held enclosures for storing and transporting multiple gun cleaning tools in separate subcompartments that are releasably secured internally of the enclosure. 
         [0004]    II. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Periodic cleaning activities are vital to proper firearm maintenance. As firearms are used, various substances such as gunpowder residue, copper, and lead accumulate within the gun, particularly on the barrel interior. Shooting accuracy is encouraged by regular, proper cleaning of the gun barrel. Periodic cleaning not only insures reliable action, but also preserves the aesthetic appearance of the firearm by discouraging oxidation, surface marring and rusting. Frequent cleaning is thus recognized as a desirable attribute. 
         [0006]    A typical gun cleaning kit includes one or more elongate rods connecting at one end with a handle, and at an opposite end with a brush-like cleaning element. A typical cleaning rod may comprise multiple, sections which are axially connected in use, but which can be disassembled for storage. The handle may be attached semipermanently to a top section of the rod. A typical firearm cleaning kit usually includes one or more cleaning brushes that are rammed through the barrel, one or more pre-cut patches, various jag attachments that drag the patches through the barrel. Optionally, a supply of a cleaning solvent that is spread over metal surfaces by the cloth patches may be included. Gun cleaning solvents loosen residue, help remove deposits, and speed up cleaning. Treated patches and brushes can be drawn through the bore to vigorously spread the solvent upon the exposed, internal rifling. The various cleaning parts in the kit must properly fit the size of the barrel to be cleaned 
         [0007]    Gun barrels are provided in numerous different sizes. Typical firearm sizes include .17 caliber, .22 caliber, .30 caliber and others. Shotguns include eight, ten, twelve, and sixteen and twenty gauge and .410 gauge varieties. Separate gun cleaning tools are needed to properly fit the numerous, differently sized barrels encountered. In other words, since there are so many different calibers of firearms, a relatively large number of cleaning parts must be inventoried to be able to clean many different types of guns. 
         [0008]    As a result of the foregoing, a typical gun owner may acquire a relatively large number of differently sized cleaning tools, garnered from one or more or several older cleaning kits that he or she may have accumulated and used over the years. Except for my recent gun cleaning kit, there have been few if any truly “universal” cleaning kits that can handle rifles, muzzle-loaders, pistols or shotguns, especially where calibers such as .17 and .20 are concerned. 
         [0009]    A universal firearm cleaning kit is the subject of U. S. Pat. No. 7,020,994, issued Apr. 4, 2006, and entitled “Gun Cleaning Kit,” which is owned by the same assignee as in this case. That kit includes a universal handle including a female threaded opening of a first select size. A plurality of elongate rods with different outer diameters have opposite near and distal ends. The distal ends are adapted for selectively receiving a gun barrel cleaning element. A plurality of shafts are each rotatably connected to an associated rods. The shafts include a male threaded end of the first select size or a second select size. An adaptor has a female threaded end of the second select size and a male threaded end of the first select size. The shafts of the first select size can be directly threaded into the universal handle and the shafts of the second select size can be threaded into the universal handle using the adaptor so that, in use, a select one of the rods is rotatable relative to the universal handle. 
         [0010]    It is important that an appropriate protective case be used to store firearm tools and cleaning equipment. Portable enclosures that can easily be transported are desirable. However, organization of the multiple tools and pieces of equipment disposed within the enclosure is needed. Given the numerous calibers and sizes of guns to be cleaned and the resultant large number of parts needed to handle the job, the proper storage of the components within an organized enclosure is desired. Moreover it is desirable to provide a modularized storage system wherein similar parts can be stored together in an organized fashion within releasable submodules that can be quickly released from the case interior, and then quickly reinserted when the job is done. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    This invention provides portable cases for storing and transporting firearm-cleaning parts and tools that is organized into multiple, independently removable modules. Each case has a pair of foldable halves with Velcro®-lined interiors. The interiors releasably retain various Velcro® equipped bandoleers, pouches and packets that carry various cleaning tools and parts. Preferably the bandoleers each include a longitudinal strap with multiple holding loops for retaining capped tubes containing cleaning tools, brushes, mops and the like. 
         [0012]    Thus a basic object is to provide a portable container for storing firearm cleaning tools and cleaning accessories in an efficient and organized manner. 
         [0013]    A related object is to provide a plurality of storage modules for stowage within a portable container, each of which includes multiple tools of similar character of varying sizes. 
         [0014]    Another important object is to provide a portable firearm cleaning kit that is universal. 
         [0015]    Another basic object is to simplify the process of firearm cleaning by organizing the storage and arrangement of cleaning tools and parts. 
         [0016]    A still further object is to provide a storage receptacle for gun cleaning parts. 
         [0017]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a isometric frontal isometric view of the preferred gun cleaning tool kit, illustrating it closed; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the preferred gun cleaning tool kit, illustrating the case open; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the preferred gun cleaning tool kit, illustrating the case open, but with miscellaneous item bags removed and placed adjacent the case; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a pair of item-containing pouches, with one upside down to show the Velcro® fastening strip; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of a small bandoleer strip, showing the bottom fastening strip; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a small bandoleer strip; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a large bandoleer strip; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a removed, small bandoleer strip, showing a tube removed, and showing the rod holder with a rod removed and coupled to a handle; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is top plan view of the open case, showing the empty interior coated with Velcro fastener; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of a brush holder, showing selected brushes removed; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of a small bandoleer strip with a pair of tubes removed, with one tube opened and the tool withdrawn therefrom; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the large bandoleer strip with a pair of tubes removed, with a both tubes opened with their tools withdrawn therefrom; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of a removed item bag opened, with a package of tools and cleaning fabric removed; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the other item bag opened and removed, with a package of tools and cleaning fabric removed; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the smaller pistol cleaning tool kit, illustrating the case closed; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a top plan view of the pistol cleaning tool kit, illustrating the case open; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the pistol cleaning tool kit, illustrating the case open, nut with the contents removed; 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is a top plan view showing the bandoleer case, the rod holder and an item bag removed from the pistol cleaning kit; and, 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view showing the bandoleer case, the rod holder and the item bag of  FIG. 18 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    With initial reference directed now to  FIGS. 1-9  of the drawings, my new deluxe gun cleaning tool kit has been generally designated by the reference numeral  20 . Kit  20  comprises a soft-shelled carrying case  22  constructed of Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) with foldable halves  24 ,  26  that are coupled together when the case is closed, as in  FIG. 1 , and which can be opened to expose the case contents as in  FIG. 2 . Each case half has an outer, preferably plastic or fabric protective surface  29  ( FIG. 1 ). Preferably each case half  24 ,  26  comprises complementary handle portions  27 ,  28  respectively that are adapted to be mated together and wrapped around one another to form a carrying handle. When so connected, the handle midportions  30 ,  31  ( FIG. 1 ) are wrapped around one another and secured by Velcro® strips  33 . When the case  22  is opened, and both halves  24 ,  26  are disposed upon a flat surface, the contents of the case will be totally exposed as in  FIG. 2 . When the contents of the cleaning kit are all removed, the appearance of the inner case surfaces will be visible, as in  FIG. 9 . Specifically, it is preferred that the inner planar surfaces  34 ,  35  ( FIG. 9 ) of the case halves  24 ,  26  are each lined with Velcro® or Velcro® compatible material so that the case contents seen in  FIG. 2 , and discussed hereinafter, can be quickly and releasably secured to surfaces  34 ,  35  when stowed. 
         [0039]    Referencing  FIG. 2 , it is seen that case half  26  normally stores and transports a generally rectangular brush packet  40 , disposed next to a pair of accessory pouches  41 ,  42 . As seen in  FIG. 4 , the accessory pouch  41  is generally rectangular, comprising a see-through netted side  46  having a pair of top edges  48  between which a zipper  49  is longitudinally secured. The underside  50  of the brush packet  40  comprises an elongated Velcro® strip  51  that mates with and attaches to the interior Velcro® surface of the open case. In other words, when packet  40  is placed into case half  26  ( FIG. 3 ) the strip  51  will instantly mate with the Velcro®-covered surface  34  therewithin to secure the packet  40 . These pouches are stored in a case half opposite the bandoleer holders discussed later. 
         [0040]    Referencing  FIG. 13 , pouch  41  has been opened with zipper  49 , such that its contents can be removed. Normally it holds a plastic container  54  with a core  55  that includes a plurality of snap-slots for receiving and holding solid brass, spear pointed cleaning jags  56 . The jags are snap fitted to container  54  and when extracted, can be used with brass rails to clean bores as is known in the art. Pouch  41  also contains a polishing cloth  60  disposed within a protective cellophane wrapper  62  ( FIG. 13 ). 
         [0041]    Referencing  FIGS. 3 and 10 , the brush packet  40  comprises a generally rectangular body with a plurality of spaced apart, and parallel tubes  62  formed from fabric for receiving and storing elongated objects, such as the various brushes stored within packet  40 . Preferably there is a phosphor utility parts brush  64 , a nylon utility parts brush  66 , and a stainless steel brush  68 . Each of these brushes has an elongated handle, such as handle  70  that can slide into a tube  62 . A double ended metal cleaning pick  72  is stored aside the various brushes. A double ended utility breech brush  74  is packaged aside a double ended utility breech brush  76 . Brush  74 , for example, has bristles  75 A and  75 B disposed on opposite ends. A quarter inch choke/breech brush  78  is normally packaged adjacent a three-quarter inch choke/breech brush  79 . 
         [0042]    Referencing  FIGS. 2 and 14 , pouch  42  is opened with zipper  43 , such that its contents can be removed similarly to pouch  41 . Pouch  42  also comprises a see-through netted side  45 . Normally pouch  42  holds a package  70  comprising four slot tips  72 , preferably .22 and .30 caliber slot tips and 12-gauge and .410 gauge shotgun slot tips. These are disposed within a cellophane wrapper  81 . There is also a generous supply of polishing cloth  83  disposed within a cellophane wrapper  85 , and several cleaning patches  87  disposed within a cellophane wrapper  89 . 
         [0043]    The case half  24  ( FIG. 2 ,  3 ) includes a trio of modular bandoleers that hold a plurality of capped tubes for holding diverse parts. The largest bandoleer  84  comprises a flat base  86  having an underside equipped with Velcro® for mating with the inner surface  35  of case half  24 . The top side ( FIG. 7 ) of bandoleer  84  comprises an elastic strap that extends longitudinally across the length of base  86 , and is secured to base  86  at spaced-apart intervals to form a plurality of elastic holding loops  90  that flexibly hold tubes  92 . As best seen in  FIG. 12 , each tube  92  comprises a generally opaque, plastic tubular body  96  that is enclosed by a removable plastic cap  97 . Tubes  92  store a variety of gun cleaning tools or accessories, such as cleaning mops  100  and phosphor bronze brushes  102  ( FIG. 12 ). 
         [0044]    The case half  24  ( FIG. 2 ,  3 ) also holds a pair of smaller modular bandoleers  110 ,  112  that are similar to bandoleer  84  described above. Each bandoleer  110 ,  112  holds a plurality of smaller diameter capped tubes  113  for holding smaller parts. Bandoleers  110 ,  112  comprise a flat base  116  having an underside equipped with a central Velcro® strip  118  ( FIG. 5 ) for mating with the inner surface  35  of case half  24 . Also there is an optional peripheral Velcro® strip  119 . The top side ( FIG. 6 ) of each bandoleer  110 , 112  comprises an elastic strap  120  that extends longitudinally across the length of base  116 . As with the larger bandoleer, strap  120  is secured to the base at spaced-apart intervals to form a plurality of elastic holding loops  122  that flexibly hold tubes  114 . As best seen in  FIG. 11 , each tube  114  comprises a generally opaque, plastic tubular body enclosed by a removable plastic cap as before. Tubes  114  store a variety of gun cleaning tools or accessories, such as cleaning mops  118 . 
         [0045]    Pouches  41 ,  42  are stored in a case half opposite the bandoleer holders  84 ,  110 ,  112  to contact them when the case is closed to urge them into a stationary position and keep the contents of the case stable. 
         [0046]    The case half  24  ( FIG. 2 ,  3 ) preferably also holds a removable rod packet  130  ( FIGS. 2 ,  8 ) that holds several elongated brass rods, with threaded ends, that can be axially fitted together to penetrate firearm barrels while carrying appropriate tools, such as selected brushes or mops discussed earlier. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the rod packet  130  is preferably disposed between the larger bandoleer  84  and the axially aligned smaller bandoleers  110 ,  112 . A knurled, machined aluminum handle  132  is disposed atop packet  130  for interconnection with cleaning rods.  FIG. 8  shows packet  130  adjacent the removed handle  132 , that has been threadably connected with a brass rod  136  that is coupled to rod  138  that in turn threadably receives cleaning brush  140 . 
         [0047]    A smaller pistol cleaning kit  160  ( FIGS. 15-18 ) comprises a soft-shelled case  162  that has a pair of halves  164 ,  166  ( FIG. 16 ). When opened, and with the contents removed, the interior surfaces  169 ,  170  ( FIG. 17 ) of each half  164 ,  166  are both Velcro®-lined to quickly capture the mating parts stored within. As seen in  FIG. 18 , there is an 11-tube bandoleer  170 , a rod packet  172 , and at least one item pouch  174  normally carried within kit  160 . The bandoleer can house tubs with brushes or cleaning mops of the type previously described. Packet  172  carries various brushes  177  like those described earlier, along with a pick  173  ( FIG. 16 ) and miscellaneous rods  175 . The zippered pouch  174  can carry a variety of items like polishing cloth  179  ( FIG. 18 ). As best seen in  FIG. 19 , the underside of bandoleer  170  includes a Velcro® strip  182  for mating with the Velcro®-lined case interior. Similarly, packet  172  has a pair of Velcro® strips  184 , and pouch  174  has at least one Velcro® strip  186 . 
         [0048]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
         [0049]    It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. 
         [0050]    As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.