Abstract:
A muzzle loading apparatus of the present invention facilitates the introduction of projectiles and powder into muzzle load firearms. The muzzle loading apparatus includes a body with a plurality of preload tubes for containing powder (e.g., in pellet form) and projectiles, or a “shot.” A shot loading cap is rotatably coupled to an end of the body and includes a shot access aperture that may be aligned with each preload tube of the body for selective access to the contents of each preload tube. Methods of using such a muzzle loading apparatus are also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/894,099, filed Mar. 6, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is, by this reference, hereby incorporated herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to apparatus for introducing projectiles and powder into muzzle load firearms and, more specifically, to apparatus that contain a plurality of prearranged projectiles and powder pellets to enable quick-loading of muzzle load firearms. The present invention also relates to methods for introducing projectiles and powder into muzzle load firearms. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Originally, projectiles, such as bullets or ‘balls,” were introduced into all firearms through their muzzles. Muzzle load firearms have remained popular among many individuals. 
         [0004]    In muzzle loading, gun powder, or, more simply, “powder,” is first introduced into the barrel of a firearm. A powder horn may be introduced into the muzzle of the barrel of a firearm, and powder may be poured down the barrel through the powder horn. Alternatively, a pellet of powder may be manually placed into muzzle of the barrel. Optionally, wadding may be introduced into the muzzle. As an alternative to the introduction of wadding before inserting the projectile into the muzzle, a base of the projectile may be wrapped in wadding, or cloth. The wadding creates a seal between the projectile and rifling inside the barrel of the firearm. Next, a projectile is inserted into the muzzle. The projectile may be followed by additional wadding. A push rod, which is also known as a “ram rod,” is then inserted into the muzzle and pushed into the barrel to force the projectile, powder, and any wadding to the back, or bottom, of the barrel. 
         [0005]    Loading a single shot into a muzzle load firearm requires a substantial amount of time, and may prove to be problematic in situations such as hunting where rapid firing may be desirable. For example, if an individual shoots a muzzle load firearm at game and misses, the individual must reengage in the lengthy, multi-step reloading process before being able to fire another shot at the then quickly fleeing animal. This timely process can be a deterrent to successful hunting. Additionally, carrying all of the elements necessary to load a muzzle loader and fire the same in separate pouches can become cumbersome. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In one aspect, a muzzle loading apparatus of the present invention facilitates the introduction of projectiles and powder into muzzle load firearms. Such a muzzle loading apparatus includes a body with a plurality of preload tubes for containing powder (e.g., in pellet form) and projectiles, or a “shot.” A shot loading cap, which is coupled to and rotates relative to the body, includes a shot access aperture that may be aligned with each preload tube of the body for selective access to the contents of each preload tube. The shot loading cap may include an alignment feature, which facilitates alignment of the shot access aperture and, thus, of the preload tube in alignment with the shot access aperture and the contents of that preload tube, with the barrel of a muzzle load firearm. 
         [0007]    An embodiment of use of muzzle loading apparatus includes rotating the shotloading cap until the shot access aperture is aligned with and exposes a preload tube that contains a projectile and powder. The shot access aperture is aligned with the barrel of a muzzle load firearm, and the contents (i.e., the powder, projectile, etc.) within the preload tube are emptied into the barrel. The muzzle loading apparatus may then be removed from the barrel of the firearm until another shot is needed. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments of muzzle loading apparatus, a similar primer cap is located at an opposite, priming end of the body. The primer cap of such embodiments provides for selective access to a plurality of primer receptacles, which are formed in an opposite end of the body from the preload tubes. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect, a short starter, or starting rod, which is configured to introduce a shot partially into the barrel of a firearm, may protrude from a muzzle loading apparatus according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the short starter protrudes from a side of the body of the muzzle loading apparatus. In a more specific embodiment, the short starter may be removably retained by a receptacle in the body. In use, an individual grasps the body and inserts the short starter into the barrel of a firearm within which a shot has already been introduced. The short starter may be inserted until the body of the muzzle loading apparatus abuts the muzzle of the firearm. Thereafter, the short starter may be removed from the barrel. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the muzzle loading apparatus may also act as a so-called “palm saver.” In one such embodiment, one or more push rod receptacles may be formed in a side of the body so that an individual may grasp the body, rather than the end of the push rod, to force shot into the barrel of a muzzle load firearm. In use, one end of a push rod of a muzzle load firearm may be inserted into the barrel of the firearm, while the other end may be inserted into a push rod receptacle. The individual may grasp the body of the muzzle loading apparatus to force the push rod and the shot into the barrel. The muzzle loading apparatus may then be removed from the push rod and the individual may grasp the push rod to withdraw the same from the barrel. 
         [0011]    Other aspects, as well as features and advantages, of the present invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    In the drawings: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a side view of an embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 1B and 1C  are perspective view of the embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1D  is a top view of the embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 1A through 1C , showing an exterior surface of a shot loading cap of the muzzle loading apparatus; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  is a top view of the embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1A through 1D ; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2B and 2C  are perspective views of the body illustrated by  FIG. 2A , showing an end of the body; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2D  is a side view of body of  FIGS. 2A through 2C ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2E  is a cross section taken along line  2 E- 2 E of  FIG. 2D ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2F  is a bottom view of the body shown in  FIGS. 2A through 2E ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3A  is a bottom view of a shot loading cap of the muzzle loading apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 1A through 1D ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of the cap shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3D  is a top view of the cap of  FIGS. 3A through 3C ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4A  is a bottom view of a primer access cap of the muzzle loading apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 1A through 1D ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4C  is a side view of the cap shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 4D  is a top view of the cap of  FIGS. 4A through 4C . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A through 1D , an embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus  1  of the present invention is depicted. Muzzle loading apparatus  10  includes a body  12  with opposing ends  14  and  16  and a shot loading cap  50  at one end  14 . In some embodiments, muzzle loading apparatus  10  may include another, primer access cap  60  at the opposite end  16  of body  12 . 
         [0030]    The embodiment of body  12  shown in  FIGS. 2B through 2E  comprises an elongate element. In the illustrated embodiment, body  12  is substantially cylindrical in shape. 
         [0031]    A plurality of preload tubes  18  are formed in and extend longitudinally through body  12 , with each preload tube  18  opening to end  14  of body  12 . Preload tubes  18  are arranged around a central axis A B  that extends longitudinally through body  12 , with central, longitudinally extending axes A P  of all of the preload tubes  18  being located the same radial distance from central axis A B . In the illustrated embodiment, body  12  includes three preload tubes  18 . 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , each preload tube  18  is configured to receive a projectile  74  and a quantity of powder  72 . In the illustrated example, powder  72  in the form of a pellet, may be introduced into each preload tube  18 . As shown, a preload tube  18  may contain three pellets of powder  72 . Preload tube  18  may, however, be loaded with more or less powder  72 , depending upon the desires of the individual using a firearm that will shoot projectile  74 . 
         [0033]    Each preload tube  18  may have dimensions (e.g., a diameter) configured to receive a large caliber projectile  74  (e.g., a 0.50 caliber bullet). A sleeve  19  with an opening having smaller dimensions (e.g., diameter) may be inserted into each preload tube  18  so preload tube  18  can accommodate smaller caliber projectiles  74 . 
         [0034]    One or more primer receptacles  20  may extend into end  16  of some embodiments of body  12 , such as that illustrated by  FIG. 2E . As depicted, primer receptacles  20  may be longitudinally aligned, but not fully communicate, with preload tubes  18 . Each primer receptacle  20  may be configured to receive and retain one or more muzzle load primers (e.g., a 209 primer, a #11 primer, etc.). 
         [0035]    The embodiment of body  12  depicted by  FIGS. 2B through 2E  also includes an optional, longitudinally extending dummy tube  22 . Dummy tube  22  may, in some embodiments, extend through substantially the entire length of body  12  or, in other embodiments, as illustrated, dummy tube  22  may include separate sections  22   a  and  22   b  that respectively extend partially into ends  14  and  16  of body  22 . A central, longitudinal axis A D  of dummy tube  22  may be located the same radial distance from axis A B  of body  12  as axes A P  of preload tubes  18 . Dummy tube  22  may, as described in further detail hereafter, serve as a reference point for the restriction of access to preload tubes  18  and their contents. Dummy tube  22  may also be configured to at least partially receive and store a short starter  80  ( FIG. 2B ). 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 2C , some embodiments of muzzle loading apparatus  10  may include a body  12  one or more receptacles  24  (which are individually illustrated as receptacles  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c ) extending into a side wall  11  thereof. In embodiments that include a dummy tube  22 , receptacles  24  may open to dummy tube  22  or, as depicted by  FIG. 2E , extend into a solid region of body  12  between spaced apart sections  22   a  and  22   b  of dummy tube  22 . Receptacles  24  may be configured to receive and at least temporarily retain a short starter  80  ( FIG. 2B ) and/or a push rod (not shown) of a muzzle load firearm (not shown). 
         [0037]    Body  12  may also, in various embodiments, include a number of other optional features. One example of such a feature is the attachment element  26  shown in  FIGS. 2B and 2D , which may be configured to engage a receive and retain a carrying element (not shown), such as a lanyard, a retractor of the type configured to be carried by a belt worn around an individual&#39;s waist, a key ring, or the like, that facilitates carrying of muzzle loading apparatus  10  by an individual, as well as ready access to muzzle loading apparatus  10  by the individual. 
         [0038]    Another example of optional feature is the engagement feature  28  that is best illustrated by  FIG. 2C  and, in the depicted embodiment, is aligned with receptacles  24 . Engagement feature  28  may comprise a beveled knob, or protuberance, that protrudes from side wall  11  of body  12  and is configured to be received by and retain a complementary feature of an accessory, such as an aperture  42  of the illustrated embodiment of deprimer  40  ( FIG. 1C ) (which may be configured in any suitable manner known in the art), that may be at least temporarily secured to and used in conjunction with muzzle loading apparatus  10 . 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 F, body  12  of the depicted embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus  10  may also include one or more alignment features  30 . As illustrated, alignment features  30  may comprise detents, or depressions, in ends  14  and  16  of body  12 , and may be configured to receive complementarily configured features  52 ,  62  ( FIGS. 3A through 3C  and  4 A through  4 C) that protrude from caps  50  and  60  ( FIGS. 1A through 1C ), as described in further detail hereafter. 
         [0040]    Additionally, one or more engagement pin receptacles  34  and  36  may extend longitudinally along axis A B  and open to ends  14  and  16  of body  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 E, and  2 F. 
         [0041]    With returned reference to  FIGS. 1A through 1C , an embodiment of the manner in which caps  50  and  60  may be secured to body  12  is illustrated. In the depicted embodiment, engagement pins  38  are used to secure caps  50  and  60  to body  12 . More specifically, an engagement pin  38  may extend through a central aperture  58  ( FIGS. 3A through 3D ),  68  ( FIGS. 4A through 4D ) of each caps  50 ,  60 , and into a respective engagement pin receptacle  34 ,  36  ( FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 E, and  2 F). Each engagement pin  38  may be engaged by or retained by its corresponding engagement pin receptacle  34 ,  36 . A head  39  on each engagement pin  38  may retain each cap  50 ,  60  in position against its corresponding end  14 ,  16  of body  12 , while allowing each cap  50 ,  60  to rotate about its corresponding engagement pin  38 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  4 A, and  4 B, each cap  50 ,  60  may include at least one alignment feature  52 ,  62  at its interior surface  51 ,  61 . Each alignment feature  52 ,  62  may be configured to engage or to be engaged by a corresponding alignment feature  30  ( FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 F) at an end  14 ,  16  of body  12 . In the depicted embodiment, each alignment feature  52 ,  62  comprises a protrusion, such as a nub or a resilient element (e.g. a spring biased ball), that protrudes from interior surface  51 ,  61  of cap  50 ,  60  so as to engage an alignment feature  30  upon rotation of cap  50 ,  60  into a position where alignment features  30  and  52 ,  62  interact with one another. Although in the depicted embodiment each cap  50 ,  60  includes a single alignment element  52 ,  62 , other embodiments of caps  50 ,  60  may include more than one alignment element  52 ,  62 . In a more specific embodiment, each cap  50 ,  60  may include an alignment element  52 ,  62  for each alignment element  30  of its corresponding end  14 ,  16  of body  12 . 
         [0043]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and additional reference to  FIGS. 3C and 3D , cap  50  includes a shot access aperture  54 . As cap  50  is rotated relative to body  12  ( FIGS. 1A through 2E ), shot access aperture  54  may be selectively rotated into alignment with each preload tube  18  ( FIGS. 2A through 2C ,  2 E, and  2 F) and dummy tube  22  ( FIGS. 2A through 2C ,  2 E, and  2 F). As cap  50  is rotated into alignment with a particular preload tube  18  or dummy tube  22 , alignment feature  52  may interact with an alignment feature  30  ( FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 F) at end  14  of body  12 , holding cap  50  in place and, thus, maintaining the alignment of shot access aperture  54  with that preload tube  18  or dummy tube  22 . When all of the preload tubes  18  are filled, their contents may be retained by rotating cap  50  to a position where shot access aperture  54  is aligned with dummy tube  22 . 
         [0044]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3C and 3D , an exterior surface  55  of cap  50  may include a barrel alignment feature  56 , which facilitates the alignment of shot access aperture  54  with the barrel of a firearm (not shown). In a more particular embodiment, barrel alignment feature  56  may comprise a feature that protrudes from exterior surface  55 , that circumscribes shot access aperture  54 , and that is configured to receive the muzzle of the barrel of the firearm. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 D, cap  60  may include a primer access aperture  64 . As cap  60  is rotated relative to body  12  ( FIGS. 1A through 2E ), primer access aperture  64  may be selectively rotated into alignment with each primer receptacle  20  ( FIG. 2F ) and dummy tube  22  ( FIGS. 2A through 2C ,  2 E, and  2 F). As cap  60  is rotated into alignment with a particular primer receptacle  20  or dummy tube  22 , alignment feature  62  may interact with an alignment feature  30  at end  16  of body  12 , holding cap  60  in place and, thus, maintaining the alignment of primer access aperture  64  with that primer receptacle  20  or dummy tube  22 . 
         [0046]    Each cap  50 ,  60  may, in some embodiments, include gripping features  59 ,  69  to facilitate its rotation relative to body  12 . In the specific embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A through 4D , such gripping features  59 ,  69  include longitudinally extending ridges and indentations around the periphery of each cap  50 ,  60 . Without limiting the scope of the present invention, other embodiments of gripping features  59 ,  69  include the use of a non-slip material (e.g., a rubber material), texturing, straight edges (i.e., cap  50 ,  60  may have the shape of a polygon or a rounded shape with opposed flat edges instead of the circular shape shown), or the like, that enable an individual to firmly grip and rotate cap  50 ,  60 , particularly when alignment features  52 ,  62  of cap  50 ,  60  interact with alignment features  30  of body  12  ( FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 F). 
         [0047]    With returned reference to  FIGS. 1B and 1C , a shot  70 , including powder  72  and a projectile  74 , may be introduced into each preload tube  18  of a muzzle loading apparatus  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention by rotating shot access aperture  54  of cap  50  into alignment with each preload tube  18  to provide access thereto. When all of the preload tubes  18  are filled, cap  50  may be rotated to a storage position where shot access aperture  54  is aligned with dummy tube  22 , with cap  50  remaining in that position until a shot  70  is needed. With reference to  FIGS. 2E and 2F , primer receptacles  20  may be similarly filled by rotating primer access aperture  64  of cap  60  into alignment with primer receptacles. 
         [0048]    In an embodiment of a method for using muzzle loading apparatus  10 , cap  50  may be rotated to a position in which shot access aperture  54  is aligned with a preload tube  18  that contains a shot  70 . Shot access aperture  54  may then be aligned with the barrel of a firearm and the shot  70  within the exposed preload tube  18  may then be transferred (e.g., by gravity) into the barrel of the firearm. If desired, the shot  70  may be partially forced into the barrel by orienting muzzle loading apparatus  10  so a short starter  80  that protrudes from a receptacle  24  in side wall  11  of body  12  is substantially aligned with the barrel, then introducing short starter  80  into the barrel. Afterwards, short starter  80  may be withdrawn from the barrel. If desired, an end of a push rod of the firearm may be introduced into another receptacle  24  in side wall  11  and, while grasping body  12  of muzzle loading apparatus  10 , an individual may force the push rod into the barrel of the firearm. As these processes may be conducted in a matter of seconds, the individual may quickly and easily load, shoot, and reload a muzzle load firearm. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, it may be necessary or desirable to remove a primer from a trigger mechanism of the firearm. In such embodiments, deprimer  40  may be rotated to a position where it protrudes from muzzle loading apparatus  10  and it may be used to remove the primer. 
         [0050]    Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not exceed the scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions and modifications to the invention as disclosed herein which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are to be embraced thereby.