Patent Description:
Conventional break barrel air guns provide a stock and receiver that are joined to a barrel by way of a hinge. The receiver houses a spring into which energy is stored, a trigger for releasing the stored energy of the spring to drive a piston into a compression tube having a transfer port that communicates pressure from the compression tube to a breach end of the barrel. In such air guns, the barrel is hingedly joined to the receiver. When the user wishes to use the break barrel airgun, the user rotates the barrel relative to the stock and receiver. This separates the breach end of the barrel from the transfer port allowing a pellet to be loaded therein. After loading the user rotates the barrel to a position where the breach end of the barrel is positioned proximate to the transfer port. The barrel is also connected to the spring in a manner that causes the energy to be stored in the spring as the break barrel is moved during the loading process.

While the acts of rotating the barrel to and from the loading position can be conducted rather quickly. The process of manually loading an individual pellet into the breach end of a barrel while holding an air rifle can be challenging and can extend the time between shots significantly.

What is needed is a break barrel airgun that can load pellets automatically during the cocking action. This need is particularly challenging to meet in that the cocking action of a break barrel rifle separates the barrel from the breach and loading must therefore occur during such separation.

This need has been long felt and efforts have been made to meet this need by using elevator systems that receive a projectile from a magazine using a loading mechanism located above the bore axis of a barrel bore to load a projectile into an elevator that is lowered into the air gun to form a segment of a path between a tube transfer port and the bore of an airgun. Examples of such approaches are shown in <CIT> and <CIT>, entitled, in translation "Charging Mechanism for Compressed Air Carabines".

It will be appreciated that such elevator type systems require that the projectile be loaded perfectly within a length of the elevator to prevent the projectile from jamming the elevator as the projectile is lowered into general alignment with the axis of the barrel bore. Further, misalignment of the elevators with the axis of the bore can cause portions of a projectile to impact edges of the barrel leading to variations in projectile geometries if fired from the rifle and may also lead to jamming. Additionally, such solutions involve firing compressed air through the elevator. To avoid loss of energy in an elevator type system, two seals must be maintained during firing one between the elevator and the transfer port and the other between the elevator and the bore of the barrel. These seals must be arranged release during cocking to allow the barrel to tilt away and elevator to shuttle between a firing position and a loading position during cocking and to return to a sealed position for firing. However, such approaches add cost, weight, and complexity which may not be useful in field environments.

Efforts to address these challenges include providing user adjustment controls to help establish and maintain proper alignment between the elevator and the bore have been described in <CIT>. However, this approach requires constant adjustments and creates usability problems.

Additionally, such solutions involve firing compressed air through the elevator. To avoid loss of energy in an elevator type system, two seals must be maintained during firing one between the elevator and the transfer port and the other between the elevator and the bore of the barrel. These seals must be arranged release during cocking to allow the barrel to tilt away and elevator to shuttle between a firing position and a loading position during cocking and to return to a sealed position for firing.

Such seals are typically made using a conformal material to ensure good sealing properties when compressed, however such seals are also vulnerable to damage when exposed to non-compressive loads - such as frictional loads that may arise as the elevator slides from the firing position to the loading position. This can damage seals confronting the elevator allowing compressed air to leak during firing which has the effect of lowering the amount of energy available to propel a projectile. Lowered energy reduces shot velocity and projectile spin rates which can make it more difficult for the user to predict the point of impact.

These and other challenges have made it difficult to provide an break barrel rifle having a shoot-through elevator type loading system that can achieve a high rate of accurate fire.

One alternative to the shoot-through elevator approach is to use a load and retract mechanism to load the projectile into the barrel while the barrel is separated from the transfer port during cocking and to retract the loading mechanism so that the barrel and transfer port close against each other directly. In one example of this type sold by Gamo Industrias shown in <FIG>, uses a load and retract type mechanism <NUM> mounted over a barrel <NUM>. The load and retract type mechanism <NUM> has a holder <NUM> arranged proximate to, but above, a breach opening of the barrel when the barrel and transfer port are arranged for firing projectiles.

During cocking, components of rifle <NUM> are moved from the firing position shown to a cocking position where the breach and barrel are separated. As this occurs, the load and retract mechanism <NUM> moves loader <NUM> from a position above a barrel bore <NUM> downwardly to a position adjacent the barrel bore <NUM> so that loader <NUM> can place the projectile in the barrel bore. As the barrel is returned to the firing position, load and retract mechanism <NUM> raises loader <NUM> to a position above barrel axis <NUM> so that loader <NUM> is not caught between the breach and the barrel as these components are closed against each other.

Hatsan Arms Company, Izmir, Turkey has also introduced a break barrel rifle <NUM> having a load and retract mechanism. One example of this, the Hatsan SpeedFire Vortex multi-shot breakbarrel air rifle is shown in <FIG> with portions of a stock and barrel cut away. This automatically loading break barrel rifle <NUM> has a downwardly extending pivot type mechanism <NUM> mounted above a barrel bore axis <NUM>. When the breach is closed against the barrel as shown in <FIG>, a loader <NUM> is positioned by pivot type mechanism <NUM> proximate to, but above, barrel bore axis <NUM>. As components of the rifle <NUM>, are moved from the closed position shown to a cocking position whereat the breach and barrel are separated, pivot type mechanism <NUM> downwardly pivots loader <NUM> from a position above barrel bore axis <NUM> to a position adjacent the barrel bore axis <NUM> so that loader <NUM> can place the projectile in the barrel bore. As the barrel is returned to the firing position, pivot type loading mechanism <NUM> raises loader <NUM> to a position above bore axis <NUM> so that loader <NUM> is not caught between the breach and the barrel as these components are closed against each other. This system also requires a significant bore axis separation S between the bore of the barrel <NUM> and an axis of an aiming device b.

It will be appreciated that such load and retract solutions require mechanisms are mounted above the barrel of the airgun that substantially block the field of view of a shooter within a range of positions above the bore axis of the respective gun. These ranges are illustrated in <FIG> as range G and range H respectively. In such systems, aiming is accomplished by positioning aiming sights generally above the loading mechanisms. This however, requires a significant vertical separation between the aiming axis and the axis of the bore. This separation creates parallax problems that require advanced aiming adjustments that few casual shooters master. This separation also requires mountings that can rigidly hold aiming devices in fixed relation over significant distances. This creates snag hazards increases the risk of damage or misalignment of the sights due to incidental contact, and adds weight, complexity and cost.

Such downward reaching loading solutions require a substantial number of parts, all of which must be located above the barrel during firing. Further, such downward reaching solutions necessarily require weather proofing and robustness features. Such solutions, therefore, are large, complex, add weight, add cost, are exposed to environmental conditions and add snag risks.

Thus what is needed is an airgun that provides autoloading capabilities without introducing the aiming, cost and complexity complications of existing systems. Further what is needed is an airgun that can meet such requirements while preserving the conventional aesthetics of an airgun.

Additionally, automatic loading is addresses one challenge in the use of such airguns. However, the challenges of providing a rifle and projectile storage device that enables quick and effective user insertion and removal of projectile storage systems such as magazines also influences overall satisfaction with the airgun experience and is not addressed by the existing automatic loading solutions.

<CIT> describes a system for loading pellets, used in rifles with an articulated or "break barrel" type barrel. <CIT> describes a small bullet loading device comprising an actuating device having a slide linearly guided on a housing and linked to an oscillating driving device provided with a resilient driving catch. <CIT> describes an air rifle or air pistol with a rotary magazine. <CIT> describes a repeating air rifle with a movable magazine, the advancement of which takes place automatically at the same time as the cocking lever is actuated.

<FIG> is a right side partial view of one embodiment of an airgun <NUM> of automatic loading system with portions of a stock and barrel cut away and a magazine type projectile loading system. <FIG> is a back, top right side perspective view of an automatic loading system with portions of a tube, barrel and cocking arm cut away. <FIG> is a right elevation view of the embodiment of the automatic loading system of <FIG> with a bolt in a firing orientation and with a projectile holder hidden. <FIG> is a top view of the embodiment of automatic loading system of <FIG> with a projectile supply. <FIG> is a top view of the embodiment of automatic loading system <NUM> without a projectile supply.

As is shown in <FIG>, airgun <NUM> has a stock <NUM> with a grip handle <NUM>, forestock <NUM>, mounting rail <NUM>, a trigger system <NUM>, with a trigger <NUM>, a safety <NUM> and trigger guard <NUM>. Airgun <NUM> also has a barrel <NUM> through which projectiles such as pellets are thrust toward a target.

As is shown in <FIG>, a compression tube <NUM> is connected to barrel <NUM> in a manner that permits compression tube <NUM> and barrel <NUM> to be moved relative to each other between a firing orientation shown in <FIG> and a cocking orientation. In this embodiment, compression tube <NUM> has a compression tube end portion <NUM> with a first fork <NUM> and a second fork <NUM> separated from first fork <NUM>. First fork <NUM> has a first pivot mount <NUM> and second fork <NUM> has a second pivot mount <NUM> mechanically associated therewith that connect to a pivot <NUM> extending across the separation between first fork <NUM> and second fork <NUM>.

Also connected to pivot mount <NUM> is a breech <NUM>. The features of breach <NUM> will be described in greater detail below however, as is illustrated in <FIG> breach has a barrel mount <NUM> that holds barrel <NUM>, a bolt guide <NUM> and a projectile supply holder <NUM>. Projectile supply holder <NUM> is positioned between barrel <NUM> and bolt guide <NUM> and is shown having a bolt side surface <NUM>, a barrel side surface <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM> adapted to hold a projectile supply <NUM>. Bolt guide <NUM> provides surfaces to guide a bolt <NUM> for movement into and out of projectile supply holder <NUM> and barrel <NUM>.

In embodiments, automatic loading system <NUM> may comprise a breach <NUM> with a bolt guide <NUM>, a bolt <NUM>, a bolt positioner <NUM>, a cam surface <NUM>, a bolt bias system <NUM> and a projectile supply holder <NUM>. These features will now be discussed in greater detail with reference to <FIG> which is a partial cross-section view of a portion of airgun <NUM> including automatic loading system <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG> is a partial top, front, right side perspective view of automatic loading system <NUM>.

As is shown in <FIG> compression tube <NUM> has a compression tube end portion <NUM> with a transfer tube <NUM> extending therethrough. As is also shown in <FIG>, a compression piston <NUM> is in compression tube <NUM>. Compression piston <NUM> is biased by a biasing member (not shown) which may be a gas spring, coil spring, or other resilient member or mechanism that can quickly release energy to move compression piston <NUM> as described herein or as otherwise known in the art during firing. As will be discussed in greater detail below, during a cocking operation compression piston <NUM> is moved against the bias of the spring (not shown) to a position where compression piston <NUM> is secured by trigger system <NUM>. This creates a gas filled space within compression tube <NUM> between compression piston <NUM>, tube wall <NUM> and an opening <NUM> in transfer tube <NUM> that extends through compression tube end portion <NUM> and compression tube end wall <NUM>.

Compression piston <NUM> has a piston seal <NUM> that limits the extent to which air from the gas filled space can escape between piston seal <NUM> and tube wall <NUM>. Accordingly, when trigger <NUM> is pulled, energy from the biasing member (not shown) is released to rapidly accelerate compression piston <NUM> to move toward opening <NUM> in transfer tube <NUM>. This has the effect of compressing gas in the gas filled state. This compressed gas is transferred through transfer tube <NUM> through an exit <NUM> of transfer tube <NUM>. Ultimately this compressed gas applies pressure against a projectile P that is positioned for firing through a bore <NUM> of barrel <NUM>. When the pressure reaches a predetermined level or range of levels, sufficient force is applied against projectile P to cause projectile P to pass through bore <NUM> of barrel <NUM> and out of airgun <NUM>.

As noted above, breach <NUM> is mechanically associated with barrel <NUM> for movement therewith. In this non-limiting embodiment, such mechanical association is provided by way of a barrel mounting <NUM> which includes a barrel sleeve <NUM> to receive barrel <NUM>. A pin <NUM> is provided in a pin mounting area <NUM> of breach <NUM> that interacts with a recess <NUM> in barrel <NUM> to hold barrel <NUM> in barrel sleeve portion <NUM>. Other known methods, structures and mechanisms for providing a barrel <NUM> that is mechanically associated with breach <NUM> for movement therewith can be used including but not limited to forming barrel <NUM> and breach <NUM> using a common substrate.

Breach <NUM> further comprises the pivot mounting <NUM> and bolt guide <NUM>. Pivot mounting <NUM> is configured to be mounted to pivot <NUM> so that compression tube <NUM> and breach <NUM> can rotate relative to each other. Here pivot <NUM> is illustrated in a non-limiting embodiment as having a cylindrical structure that can be threadedly mounted between first fork <NUM> and second fork <NUM>. Similarly, pivot mounting <NUM> is illustrated as a cylindrical mounting within which pivot <NUM> can be mounted. Other structures and mechanisms can be used to enable relative movement of compression tube <NUM> and breach <NUM>.

Bolt guide <NUM> takes the form of an area at least partially within breach <NUM> within which bolt <NUM> can be located and that is configured to cooperate with bolt <NUM> so that projectile contact surface <NUM> of bolt <NUM> can move a projectile P from projectile supply <NUM> projectile holder <NUM> of a projectile supply <NUM> held by a projectile supply positioner <NUM> to a position where projectile P can be fired through bore <NUM> of barrel <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, bolt guide <NUM> is formed as a path within breach <NUM>. In this embodiment, a bolt guide wall <NUM> is configured to interact with at least one exterior bolt surface <NUM> to guide bolt <NUM> for movement along a path that is generally parallel to an axis <NUM> of barrel bore <NUM>.

In other embodiments, bolt guide <NUM> can comprise arrangements of more than one wall, and may use structures other than walls. For example and without limitation, frames, webs, screens, rails, nets, rails, , arrangements of rollers, blades, and bearings can be used in connection with breach <NUM> to collectively guide bolt <NUM>. Further, and again without limitation, a bolt guide <NUM> may be provided in the form of an arrangement of mechanical, magnetic, fluidic or electro-magnetic guides or bearings. In other embodiments, bolt guide <NUM> may without limitation take the form of one or more structures assembled to breach <NUM>, bolt guide <NUM> and bolt guide <NUM> or components thereof can be formed from a common substrate or otherwise as a component of breach <NUM>.

Bolt <NUM> is shown having a bolt body <NUM>, a bolt seal <NUM>, an optional bolt transfer port <NUM> a projectile contact surface <NUM> and a bolt leader <NUM>. Bolt body <NUM> is shaped to cooperate with bolt guide <NUM> such that projectile contact surface <NUM> can be urged between a firing orientation where projectile contact surface <NUM> has urged a projectile P into a position where air pressure can be supplied to drive an initial projectile P through barrel bore <NUM> and a cocking orientation where bolt <NUM> does not interfere with movement of projectile holders <NUM> in projectile supply <NUM> and from which bolt <NUM> can be moved so that a subsequent projectile P can be fired through bore <NUM>.

<FIG> shows automatic loading system <NUM> with bolt <NUM> and a projectile P in a firing position. In this example, bolt <NUM> positions projectile P inside barrel bore <NUM>. However, other embodiments are possible, for example, and without limitation, projectile P can be positioned partially in a bore <NUM> and partially in a segment of barrel <NUM> or breach <NUM> generally aligned with bore <NUM>. In another non-limiting examples, projectile P may be positioned at least in part within a projectile supply holder <NUM> or within a projectile supply <NUM>.

A biasing system <NUM> is provided to bias bolt <NUM> such that movement of projectile contact surface <NUM> from a side of a projectile supply positioner <NUM> more proximate to bolt guide <NUM> to a side of projectile supply positioner <NUM> more proximate to barrel <NUM> is made against the bias supplied by biasing system <NUM>. Biasing system <NUM> can take any known form, including but not limited to mechanical or gas springs, an arrangement of one or more magnets or electromagnets, elastically expanding materials or other structures, mechanisms or materials or systems capable of providing bias as described herein.

Biasing system <NUM> is illustrated as having a biasing member <NUM> the form of a compression spring and is illustrated as being positioned within a biasing member path <NUM> between a spring guide surface <NUM> of bolt <NUM>, a spring guide surface <NUM> of breach <NUM>, a bolt bias surface <NUM> and a breach bias surface <NUM>. Other arrangements for a bolt biasing system <NUM> can be used.

An optional alignment rod <NUM> is also illustrated positioned in biasing system path <NUM>. Here, alignment rod <NUM> is positioned within a compression spring type of biasing member <NUM> to reduce the risk of folding of biasing member <NUM> within biasing member path <NUM>. Such an alignment rod <NUM> can be used with other types of biasing members <NUM> to the extent useful to provide axial support and may not be necessary in other embodiments.

In embodiments, biasing member <NUM> can be arranged to interact with breach <NUM> and bolt <NUM> directly as shown or by way of intermediate structures. Additionally, in other embodiments, bolt bias system <NUM> can be arranged to interact with bolt <NUM> in other ways including but not limited to applying tension to bias bolt <NUM> away from barrel <NUM> or by way of using pneumatic, electromagnetic or elastic means.

Projectile supply <NUM> stores projectiles in projectile holders <NUM> and when loaded is configured to position at least one projectile holder <NUM> having at least one projectile to a predetermined loading area <NUM> that is generally between and aligned with at least a portion of a path of travel of a projectile contact surface <NUM> of a bolt <NUM> as projectile contact surface <NUM> is advanced from a cocked position toward a firing position proximate to barrel bore <NUM>.

Projectile supply holder <NUM> is adapted to receive a projectile supply <NUM> that is in the form of a magazine. <FIG> is a back, top, right side perspective view one example of a magazine type projectile supply <NUM> that can be used with projectile supply holder <NUM>. <FIG> is a front view of magazine type projectile supply <NUM> of <FIG> partially loaded and with a cover removed. <FIG> is a back view of magazine type projectile supply <NUM> of <FIG>. As can be seen in <FIG>, projectile supply <NUM> has a plurality of projectile holders <NUM>. Projectile holders <NUM> can each be loaded with a projectile P. Projectile holders <NUM> are arranged to move from other portions of projectile holder <NUM> through a loading area <NUM> in a generally predetermined pattern to bring a sequence of loaded projectiles into loading area <NUM>. Magazine type projectile supply <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> that generally prevents a projectiles P loaded in projectile holders <NUM> from exiting projectile holders <NUM> on one side of projectile holders <NUM> while case <NUM> generally prevents projectiles in projectile holders <NUM> from exiting on the other side of projectile holders <NUM>.

As is shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> this embodiment of projectile supply <NUM> has plurality of projectile holders <NUM> that are moved by a carousel <NUM> that rotates about a pivot <NUM>. Pivot <NUM> is joined to carousel <NUM> and to case <NUM>. A rotation spring <NUM> such as a clock spring or coil spring is located in projectile supply <NUM> and is connected to pivot <NUM> and to carousel <NUM> to store energy that urges carousel <NUM> to rotate in a first direction <NUM> through loading area <NUM>. Such energy may be stored by rotating carousel in a second direction <NUM>.

A stop <NUM> is arranged proximate loading area <NUM>. Carousel <NUM> and projectile holders <NUM> are arranged so that carousel <NUM> can rotate in first direction <NUM> without substantial interference from stop <NUM> when no projectile P is in a projectile holder <NUM> that is in the loading area <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated, projectile holders <NUM> provide a stop gap <NUM> through which stop <NUM> can pass to permit rotation when no projectile or other object is in the projectile holder <NUM> that is proximate to loading area <NUM>. However, projectile holders <NUM>, carousel <NUM> and stop <NUM> are also arranged so that movement of stop <NUM> through a stop gap <NUM> is blocked when a projectile P or other object is in projectile holder <NUM>. In this way, blocking projectile P and projectile holder <NUM> holding the blocking projectile P are at located in loading area <NUM>. Access to a projectile holder <NUM> positioned in loading area <NUM> is provided by cover path <NUM> in cover <NUM> and a case path <NUM> located in case <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, cover path <NUM> and case path <NUM> are generally -positioned such that a portion of bolt <NUM> having projectile contact surface <NUM> can be moved through cover path <NUM> and through case path <NUM> as bolt <NUM> is moved. In other embodiments it may be possible for a projectile P to be fired from within projectile holder <NUM> or from a position between projectile holder <NUM> and case path <NUM>. In such embodiments it may not be necessary for bolt <NUM> to be moved fully through case path <NUM>.

Magazine type projectile supply <NUM> is separable from airgun <NUM> to facilitate loading of projectiles into magazine type projectile supply <NUM> or to enable quick reloading for example and without limitation and a projectile supply positioner <NUM> holds magazine type projectile supply <NUM> to airgun <NUM> generally between bolt guide <NUM> and barrel bore <NUM> so that movement of bolt <NUM> and leader <NUM> can move projectile contact surface <NUM> through a projectile holder <NUM> positioned and can move projectiles from magazine type projectile supply <NUM> to a position where such projectiles can be fired by through bore <NUM> of barrel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a section view of a portion of breach, bolt and barrel of the embodiment of <FIG>, taken as is illustrated in <FIG> but with bolt <NUM> shown positioned outside of projectile supply holder <NUM>. <FIG> is a back partial cross-section view of airgun <NUM> taken as illustrated in <FIG> illustrate one embodiment of a projectile supply positioner <NUM> usable with magazine type projectile supply <NUM>. In this embodiment, projectile supply positioner <NUM> has a bolt side surface <NUM> and a barrel side surface <NUM> separated by about a width of a magazine type projectile holder <NUM> to be used with airgun <NUM>. Bolt side surface <NUM> and barrel side surface <NUM> generally determine a range of motion of magazine type projectile supply (not shown in <FIG>) along a length of airgun <NUM>. In this embodiment, a rifle positioning member <NUM> is located on barrel side surface <NUM> and provides at least one alignment feature <NUM> such as a surface that interacts with features of magazine type projectile supply <NUM> to provide a predetermined range of accuracy of the position of magazine type projectile supply <NUM> in relation to barrel bore <NUM>, bolt <NUM>, bolt leader <NUM> and projectile contact surface <NUM>. A bottom surface <NUM> may interact with cover <NUM> or case <NUM> of magazine type projectile supply <NUM> to limit rotational movement of magazine type projectile holder <NUM>. Other mechanisms and structures can be used for this purpose.

In the embodiment illustrated, alignment feature <NUM> comprises an alignment feature <NUM> in the form of a surface that extends from barrel side surface <NUM> to a common circular plateau <NUM> that is generally centered about barrel bore <NUM> and a non-rifled surface <NUM> leading to bore <NUM>. In this embodiment, projectile supply <NUM> has a case <NUM> with one or more co-designed magazine location surfaces <NUM> shaped to interact with magazine positioning surfaces <NUM> to help to position loading area <NUM> relative to a barrel bore <NUM> in axial directions relative to an axis of barrel bore <NUM>. Rifle positioning member <NUM> can take other shapes, for example and without limitation, rifle positioning member <NUM> may take to cubic, hemispherical, conical, rhomboidal, other shapes. In embodiments, rifle positioning member <NUM> may take the form of a recess in barrel <NUM> or breach <NUM> while magazine positioning surface <NUM> on case <NUM> may project into these recesses.

Additionally, other forms of physical interaction between magazine and rifle including electromagnetic, magnetic or fluidic interfaces. Additionally, in embodiments, magazine positioning surface <NUM> may be located on other surfaces of projectile supply holder <NUM> with projectile supply <NUM> having co-designed features to cooperate therewith as necessary.

When a magazine type projectile supply <NUM> is positioned in projectile supply holder <NUM>, case <NUM> and cover <NUM> or components joined thereto act to position projectile supply <NUM> with loading area <NUM> in a path of travel of a bolt leader <NUM> and projectile contact surface <NUM> as bolt <NUM> is moved.

<FIG> shows a right side cross-section view of an air management system of the airgun of <FIG> when ready for firing. As is shown in <FIG>, prior to firing, a gas <NUM> fills an initial volume V1 of a pressure system <NUM> created between compression tube <NUM>, tube end <NUM>, compression piston <NUM>, transfer tube <NUM>, an intermediate pressure holding path <NUM>, bore <NUM> and projectile P. The gas <NUM> in initial volume V1 as an initial pressure which exerts an initial force IF on projectile P.

<FIG> shows a right side cross-section view of an air management system of the airgun of <FIG> during firing. As is shown in <FIG>, when airgun <NUM> is fired, compression piston <NUM> rapidly advances toward tube end <NUM> collapsing initial volume <NUM> shown in <FIG> to a reduced volume <NUM>. This creates a compressed gas <NUM> having a pressure that ultimately reaches a level sufficient to apply a firing force FF that overcomes the holding forces HF and drives projectile P through bore <NUM>.

The amount of gas contained in pressure system <NUM> when airgun <NUM> in the cocked position is limited. Accordingly, high velocity firing and consistent accurate firing are best achieved where there is reliable conservation of the initial amount of gas within pressure system <NUM> during firing and losses of gas during compression are preferably limited. It will also be appreciated that consistent, high velocity, and repeatable and accurate firing of projectiles P from airgun <NUM> is also advantaged when volumes of other portions of pressure system <NUM> do not expand during firing.

Controlling energy losses due to leakage and volume increases is particularly valuable in airguns of the compression piston type as in such guns, the peak amount of pressure created by compressing gas in pressure system <NUM> during firing increases generally in proportion to the extent of the reduction volume of pressure system <NUM> between the initial volume V1 and the firing Thus, even minor movement of a projectile P within bore <NUM> during the final instants of compression can have a significant and negative impact on the force that is ultimately applied to projectile P.

It is therefore be valuable to ensure that pressure is not lost by the escape of gas between compression tube <NUM> and compression piston <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross section of a cut away portion of compression tube <NUM> and breech <NUM> showing a first embodiment of a compression seal useful in reducing gas losses between compression tube <NUM> and compression piston <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG> compression piston <NUM> has a piston surface <NUM> and a compression seal <NUM> with a mounting surface <NUM> configured for mounting substantially about a perimeter of compression piston <NUM> and a seal face <NUM> facing transfer tube <NUM>.

A perimeter groove <NUM> is provided in seal face <NUM> substantially about a perimeter of compression seal <NUM>. Compression seal <NUM> is made using a material that is sufficiently resilient to allow a sealing surface <NUM> of compression seal to resiliently flex outwardly.

As compression piston <NUM> is moved toward transfer tube <NUM>, the volume of compression tube <NUM> between compression piston <NUM> and transfer tube <NUM> is reduced. This compresses the gasses in compression tube <NUM>. The compressed air, in turn, resists compression by applying force <NUM> against the surfaces containing the compressed air. A portion of this force <NUM> enters perimeter groove <NUM> and applies sealing force <NUM> that seals sealing surface <NUM> against transfer tube wall <NUM> so that seal face <NUM> can better maintain contact with the walls of compression tube <NUM>. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the force urging sealing surface <NUM> against tube wall <NUM> increases as the forces applied by compressed gasses against seal <NUM> increases. Accordingly enabling sealing forces <NUM> increase with increased pressure.

However, the dependence on pressurized air to improve sealing force can create situations early in the stroke of compression piston <NUM> where the sealing force is low may allow some gasses to escape between seal <NUM> and compression tube <NUM>. This can have the effect of reducing the efficiency of airgun <NUM>. However, if groove <NUM> is increased in size to increase the sealing force early in the compression process perimeter groove <NUM> begins to have a volume sufficient to hold enough compressed air to reduce the efficiency of airgun <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross section of a cut away portion of compression tube <NUM> and breech <NUM> showing a second embodiment of a compression seal useful in reducing gas losses between compression tube <NUM> and compression piston <NUM> while <FIG> shows a right front side perspective view of a cross-section of a portion of a piston <NUM> and a second embodiment of a compression seal useful in reducing such gas losses. Here enhanced pre-loaded seal <NUM> is used to provide a seal between compression piston <NUM> and tube wall <NUM>. Pressure enhanced pre-loaded seal <NUM> has a mounting surface <NUM> configured for mounting substantially about a perimeter of compression piston <NUM> and a seal face <NUM> facing transfer tube <NUM>. As is shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, a perimeter groove <NUM> is provided in seal face <NUM> substantially about a perimeter of compression seal <NUM>. Pressure enhanced pre-loaded seal <NUM> is made using a material that is sufficiently resilient to allow a sealing surface <NUM> of compression seal to resiliently flex outwardly.

As is also shown in <FIG>, is a compression seal biasing member <NUM> provided that creates an outward force <NUM> that urges sealing surface <NUM> in an outward direction against sidewalls of compression tube <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, compression seal biasing member <NUM> may take the form of a resilient member that exerts an outward sealing force <NUM> against seal face <NUM> that urges sealing surface <NUM> to have a diameter that is larger when unconstrained than a diameter of compression tube <NUM>. In one such embodiment, insertion of compression piston <NUM> into compression tube <NUM> causes elastic deformation of resilient type biasing member <NUM> which resilient type biasing member <NUM> resists to create sealing force <NUM>. In other embodiments, other structures, articles and mechanisms can be used to urge sealing surface <NUM> against compression tube <NUM>, including but not limited to magnetic, pneumatic or other mechanisms.

In operation, initial sealing force <NUM> helps to reduce the extent to which gasses can escape between compression piston <NUM> and compression tube <NUM> during early parts of the stroke of compression piston <NUM> when pressures in the volume of compression tube <NUM> between compression piston <NUM> and compression tube end <NUM> are lower. This helps to achieve greater efficiency during this portion of the stroke of compression piston <NUM>. As pressures build in the volume between compression piston <NUM> and transfer tube <NUM> these pressures apply forces <NUM> that create forces <NUM> enhancing the pressures applied against seal face <NUM>.

It will also be observed that in this embodiment, the presence of compression seal biasing member <NUM> in groove <NUM> reduces the overall volume in groove <NUM> limiting pressure losses that might arise due to the additional volume of groove <NUM> between compression piston <NUM> and compression tube end <NUM>. Additionally, compression seal biasing member <NUM> can be made using different materials than Intermediate pressure path <NUM> provides a fluidic connection between compression tube <NUM> and projectile P. In embodiments, ring <NUM> can be made using materials that are different than those used to form pressure enhanced pre-loaded seal <NUM> to achieve desirable combination effects. In one example, pressure enhanced pre-loaded seal <NUM> can be made using a material that is more flexible or less resilient than ring <NUM>. Additionally, in embodiments compression seal biasing member can be provided using a structure that drives pressure enhanced pre-loaded seal <NUM> against tube wall <NUM>. Other configurations are possible.

<FIG> shows one embodiment of an airgun <NUM> having optional features intended to provide a more predictable firing force illustrated here as FF. As noted above, during firing, the gas pressure contained in pressure system <NUM> is increased many fold over a short period of time by the mechanism of reducing the volume of pressure system <NUM>. Accordingly, airgun components such as compression tube <NUM>, compression piston <NUM>, tube end <NUM>, intermediate pressure holding path <NUM>, and bore <NUM> can be any of fabricated, assembled and made from materials that are selected to exhibit relatively little expansion when exposed to gas pressures of the magnitude expected during firing of airgun <NUM>. Pellet P and bore <NUM> in contrast are designed for the purpose of allowing pellet P to be thrust down bore <NUM> which effectively expands the volume of pressure system <NUM> and lowers pressure. Thus, the force applied to a projectile P in a break barrel type airgun typically peaks just before movement of the projectile P down bore <NUM>.

Reaching desirable peak pressures requires that projectile P not advance significantly down bore <NUM> until the gas pressure in pressure system <NUM> creates predetermined amount of firing force FF against projectile P.

Ultimate Holding forces UHF are the forces acting to hold a projectile P in place in a bore <NUM> while pressure builds to a firing Force FF The holding forces HF in an airgun can be caused in part by the need to co-design projectile P and bore <NUM> to limit the extent to which gas may leak past projectile P and escape down bore <NUM>. In some situation, this is accomplished providing a close fit between projectile P and bore <NUM>. In other situations this can be accomplished by providing a slightly interfering fit between projectile P and bore <NUM>. In still further situations, projectile P may have a skirt portion S that is configured about a perimeter of projectile P and that is designed to be positioned in the bore and to be sufficiently flexible to bend outwardly under firing forces such that the skirt portion S presses outwardly against bore <NUM> to form a seal against bore <NUM>. These approaches create, static and dynamic friction that also contribute to holding forces HF as projectile P and bore <NUM> and are typically reduced by providing lubricants in bore <NUM>.

Holding forces HF can also include forces required to conform the shape of the projectile to the pattern of rifling grooves in the barrel. For example, in the embodiment of <FIG>, projectile P is positioned by projectile contact surface <NUM> in at least part of bolt leader <NUM> extends into portions of bore <NUM> and positions projectile P fully inside bore <NUM> when airgun <NUM> is prepared to fire. In this embodiment, bore <NUM> is shown with rifling surfaces <NUM> separated by interstitial bore wall portions <NUM>. Rifling surfaces <NUM> are generally spiral along continuous paths within bore <NUM> and extend inwardly from interstitial bore wall portions <NUM> by an extent sufficient to engage with a projectile P attempting to traverse bore <NUM>, so as to impart an axial spin to projectile P as projectile P is thrust down bore <NUM> during firing. There are various known shapes and twist rates for such rifling and a variety of different types of rifling surfaces <NUM> are known and useful.

Interstitial bore wall portions <NUM> and projectile P are sized generally to allow projectile P to be accelerated through bore <NUM> with minimum leakage of propellant gases. However, rifling surfaces <NUM> extend into the spaces between interstitial bore wall portions <NUM>, such that projectile P must be plastically deformed to conform to the shape and configuration of rifling surfaces <NUM> before projectile P can travel along bore <NUM>. Conventionally, rifling surfaces <NUM> are made from a material that is stronger than a material used to form portions of projectile P that engage the rifling surfaces <NUM> such that when enough force is applied to projectile P, projectile P will begin to yield in a plastic manner to conform to the shape of rifling surfaces <NUM>.

It will be appreciated therefore that there are a number of different system design factors such as geometries, material choices, and design choices for bore <NUM> and projectile P that interact in a way that contribute to the holding forces HF. It will also be appreciated that all of these system design factors may vary within manufacturing tolerances. Still further it will be understood that temperature and other environmental conditions may also introduce variations including but not limited to variations in the geometries projectile or bore geometries such that the actual amount of holding force for a particular air gun may vary causing variations in shot velocities and accuracy.

There is a risk that in some instances such ultimate holding force UHF variations may allow a projectile P to move a short distance down bore <NUM> during compression of the gasses in system <NUM> but before the pressure in pressure system <NUM> reaches a predetermined range pressures required to generate a predetermined range of firing forces FF. When such movement occurs, the volume of pressure system <NUM> is effectively increased. As noted above, even small increases variations in the volume of pressure system <NUM> can partially offset the pressure increases achieved by compression. This limits the pressure that can be achieved in pressure system <NUM> during firing of airgun <NUM> and can prevent a firing force from reaching a desired range. This reduces both spin rate and velocity which can negatively impact projectile trajectory. Accordingly, as shown in <FIG>, in embodiments bolt leader <NUM> and projectile contact surface <NUM> may press projectile P at least partially into contact with rifling surfaces <NUM> so as to at least initiate the deformation of projectile P that is necessary to drive projectile P through bore <NUM>.

Skirt S of projectile P is positioned at a rear portion of projectile P and is designed to flex radially outwardly within bore <NUM> as forces acting on projectile P increase to the firing force. This outward flexing forces skirt portion SP against bore <NUM> to provide a seal against bore <NUM> with a sealing force that increases as the air pressure against projectile P is increased. This helps to limit the amount of compressed air, if any, passing projectile P as the air pressure rises to levels sufficient deliver the firing force.

In embodiments, skirt S may be positioned in bore <NUM> such that during firing skirt S first deforms to engage the rifling surfaces <NUM> and further deforms to seal against interstitial bore wall portions <NUM>. However, this approach can result in leakage of air and loss of pressure as flexing of the skirt S takes place. In other embodiments, skirt S may be positioned partially engaged with a rifled portion of bore <NUM> and partially engaged with oversized crown or taper about the tail portion of the bore <NUM>. This allows the skirt to engage a smooth surface to stop leakage without having to first be deformed into rails. It will be appreciated that energy is required to achieve such first and second deformations and that such deformations contribute to the holding forces. To the extent that pellet and bore geometries vary and pellet materials can vary variations in holding forces may arise.

However, in embodiments such as the one shown in <FIG>, projectile P is positioned adjacent to a non-rifled surface <NUM> shown here as having a continuous and tapering form extending from a first diameter to a diameter of bore <NUM>. Here, bolt <NUM> positions projectile P such that projectile skirt S is positioned proximate to and arranged for firing through bore <NUM> but also positions projectile P so that projectile P is held with sufficient initial holding forces IHF to allow skirt S to react to increasing pressure during firing by expanding against a non-rifled skirt engagement surface <NUM> proximate to bore <NUM>. The non-rifled surface <NUM> is configured to engage with a pressure expanded skirt S to create skirt holding forces SHF that alone or in combination with the initial holding forces IHF form an ultimate holding force UHF that is within a predetermined range that is narrower than a potential range of initial holding forces IHF.

Importantly, it will be observed that geometries conventionally used to form a bore <NUM> offer few degrees of freedom of design of a projectile given the requirements of imparting a ballistic spin onto the projectile P and given the requirement that air losses be reduced. However, there is a greater degree of freedom in designing interactions between the skirt portion and the skirt engagement surface <NUM> that can be used to more precisely define a skirt holding force SHF to achieve a desirable ultimate holding force. Additionally, it will be noted that it is possible to define a pattern of skirt holding forces that a projectile will experience as projectile P ultimately begins to move.

Accordingly embodiments, airgun <NUM> can be designed with reduced reliance on the interaction of projectile P and rifling surfaces <NUM> to provide the ultimate holding force UHF. This reduced reliance can take the form of enabling greater firing forces to be built up before allowing projectile P to move or in reducing the variability.

As is also shown in <FIG> in embodiments the skirt engagement surface may have a continuous shape that is different from a continuous shape of an initial shape of skirt S in order to create the desired skirt holding force SHF. In other embodiments, skirt engagement surface may have configurations of steps, variations in slope or other variations that are designed to hold projectile P or to control the SHF. In embodiments, projectile contact surface <NUM> may be configured to press or shape skirt S into a configuration for engagement with skirt engagement surface <NUM> to limit the amount of air escaping between skirt S and skirt engagement surface <NUM> before firing and to help define the skirt holding force SHF and thereby the ultimate holding force UHF. In further embodiments, bolt <NUM> may be configured to drive and hold portions of skirt S between projectile contact surface <NUM> and skirt engagement surface <NUM> and to help define the skirt holding force SHF and thereby the ultimate holding force UHF. In still other embodiments, skirt holding force SHF may be provided by a frangible portion of skirt S such that a required firing force is determined based upon an amount of force required to tear or otherwise separate the frangible portion from the remaining portion of skirt S.

As is also shown, in this embodiment, a barrel seal <NUM> can be provided to block or restrict airflow between bolt leader <NUM> and bore <NUM> at one end of bore <NUM> while projectile P serves to block or restrict airflow through the other end of bore <NUM>. During firing compression piston <NUM> reduces the volume of this system thereby increasing the pressure in this system so long as projectile P remains relatively stationary.

<FIG> is a cross-section of automatic loading system <NUM> immediately after firing of airgun <NUM> while <FIG> is a right elevation view of automatic loading system <NUM> in the state illustrated in <FIG>. In this state, bore <NUM> is empty, magazine type projectile supply <NUM> remains positioned in holder <NUM> and bolt leader <NUM> extends through a projectile holder <NUM> of carousel <NUM> thereby blocking projectile holder <NUM> from rotating so that a new projectile (not shown) can be positioned in loading area <NUM>. Similarly, in this position, bolt bias system <NUM> urges bolt <NUM> away from bore <NUM> and from projectile holder <NUM>. In embodiments, bolt biasing system <NUM> can urge bolt seal <NUM> against compression tube end wall <NUM> to determine the location of bolt <NUM> in the firing position in such embodiments, the extent to which bolt <NUM> can be moved by bolt biasing system <NUM> relative to bore <NUM> can be defined the extent to which biasing force <NUM> applied by bolt biasing system <NUM> can compress bolt seal <NUM> against compression tube end wall <NUM>. In still other embodiments, interactions between compression tube end wall <NUM> and bolt tube facing surface <NUM> can define the extent of to which to which bolt <NUM> will positioned relative to bore <NUM> by bolt biasing system <NUM> when in the firing position.

However, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the position of bolt <NUM> relative to bore <NUM> when in the firing position is determined by the position at which bolt biasing system <NUM> drives bolt positioner <NUM> against cam surface <NUM>. This reduces the extent of separation between projectile contact surface <NUM> and bolt positioner <NUM> in the firing position and this reduction can have the effect of dampening the impact of thermal or other variables that might influence projectile positioning by bolt <NUM>. Additionally, in embodiments, adjustment of this position may be possible by enabling bolt positioner <NUM> to be replaced with differently sized bolt positioners or by way of bolt positioner <NUM> having different portions of a circumference thereof having different radii from the center of rotation such that by rotating different portions of the circumference proximate to cam surface <NUM> a user can adjust the extent to which bolt <NUM>, bolt leader <NUM> and projectile contact surface <NUM> can move relative to bore <NUM> when moved into and held in the firing position.

The process of cocking and reloading airgun <NUM> begins as a user rotates breach <NUM> in a first direction <NUM> relative to compression tube <NUM>. However, as is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, rotating breach <NUM> in first direction <NUM> relative to compression tube <NUM>, drives bolt positioner <NUM> against a first cam lobe surface <NUM>. Bolt positioner <NUM> and first cam lobe surface <NUM> are configured such that as bolt positioner <NUM> is driven against first cam lobe surface <NUM>, cocking force <NUM> is produced urging bolt positioner <NUM> and bolt <NUM> away from compression tube end wall <NUM>. Cocking force <NUM> first has the effect of offsetting the biasing force <NUM> to release any clamping forces between bolt seal <NUM> and tube end <NUM>, and then overcoming biasing force <NUM> to allow separation of bolt seal <NUM> from contact with tube end <NUM> as breach <NUM> begins rotating along direction <NUM>. The reduction in clamping force and the ultimate separation of bolt seal <NUM> and tube end <NUM> during these stages of cocking helps protects bolt seal <NUM> from damage that might arise in the event that bolt seal <NUM> maintained a clamping force against tube end <NUM>. This helps to reduce maintenance requirements and prevent loss of air between tube end <NUM> and bolt <NUM> during firing.

Additionally, this allows a separation between lower edge <NUM> of bolt tube facing surface <NUM> and compression tube end wall <NUM> during the relative rotation of compression tube <NUM> and breach <NUM> so that bolt <NUM> and compression tube end wall <NUM> have reduced risk of frictional contact and any unintended modifications that may have arisen as a product of such contact. Additionally, this approach reduces the risk that bolt <NUM> such contact will cause bolt <NUM> to be moved in a manner that may cause unexpected consequences at bolt leader <NUM>, projectile contact surface <NUM> or elsewhere along bolt <NUM>.

As is further shown in <FIG>, after compression tube <NUM> and breach <NUM> are further rotated, control over the position of bolt positioner <NUM> passes from first cam surface <NUM> to second cam surface <NUM> which controls the manner in which bolt <NUM> can again be urged by the urging force of bolt biasing system <NUM> away from bore <NUM>. This helps to ensure that a separation between.

<FIG> is a cross-section of automatic loading system <NUM> of <FIG> at an early stage of rotating breach <NUM> relative to compression tube <NUM> and <FIG> is a right side view of automatic loading system <NUM> of <FIG> in n the state illustrated in <FIG>. In this state, bore <NUM> is empty and magazine type projectile supply <NUM> is positioned in holder <NUM>. As is shown in <FIG>, in this position bolt leader <NUM> continues to extend through one of the projectile holders <NUM> of carousel <NUM> thereby blocking projectile holder <NUM> from rotating so that a new projectile (not shown) can be positioned in holding area <NUM>. Similarly, in this position, bolt bias system <NUM> urges bolt <NUM> to bring bolt positioner <NUM> against first cam surface <NUM> of cam surface <NUM> continuing the protection of seal <NUM>. In this embodiment, bolt positioner <NUM> and first cam surface <NUM> are also optionally configured so that bolt tube facing surface <NUM> maintains a separation from tube end <NUM> until a point in rotation of breach <NUM> where allowing tube facing surface <NUM> to move further away from bore <NUM> will risk bringing tube facing surface <NUM> into contact with tube end <NUM>.

<FIG> is a right side view of automatic loading system <NUM> at a further point of relative rotation of compression tube <NUM> and breach <NUM> in first direction <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, at this point such relative rotation has moved second cam surface <NUM> along a path that allows bolt bias force <NUM> to move bolt <NUM> along bolt positioner track <NUM> from a position generally proximate bore end <NUM> of bolt positioner track <NUM> to a position proximate tube end <NUM> of bolt positioner track <NUM>.

In this embodiment, bolt positioner <NUM> and tube end <NUM> are arranged so that when bolt positioner <NUM> is in this position bolt leader <NUM> is withdrawn enough to allow rotation of carousel <NUM>. Bolt positioner <NUM> is then held against tube end <NUM> by bolt biasing force <NUM> until forces area applied against bolt positioner <NUM> to overcome bolt biasing force <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-section of the automatic loading system <NUM> of the embodiment of airgun <NUM> of <FIG> in a full cocking rotation position <FIG> shows a right side view of the automatic loading system <NUM>. As is shown in <FIG>, in this position, compression tube <NUM> and breach <NUM> are rotated relative to each other about pivot <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, in the full cocking position bolt bias system <NUM> continues to urge bolt <NUM> away from bore <NUM> and bolt <NUM> is now positioned to load.

As is shown in <FIG>, bolt positioner <NUM> and bolt guide wall <NUM> are configured so that as bolt <NUM> is urged toward tube end portion <NUM>, bolt leader <NUM> is withdrawn from bore <NUM> and from projectile holder <NUM>. This allows carousel <NUM> of projectile supply <NUM> to rotate to bring a next one of the projectile holders <NUM> having a projectile <NUM> into a loading area <NUM> as described above.

After reaching the fully cocked position compression tube <NUM> and breach <NUM> can be returned to the firing position by relative rotation of tube <NUM> and breach <NUM> about pivot <NUM> in a second direction <NUM> opposite to that of first direction <NUM>. Rotation in second direction <NUM> brings second cam lobe <NUM> and bolt positioner <NUM> into contact again as is shown in <FIG> which is a right side view of the automatic loading system of <FIG> at this moment.

<FIG> Further relative rotation in second direction <NUM> causes second cam lobe <NUM> to drive bolt positioner <NUM> from a position proximate tube end <NUM> of bolt positioner track <NUM> toward bore end <NUM> of bolt positioner track <NUM>. This causes bolt <NUM> to begin to advance toward bore <NUM> and in turn causes bolt leader <NUM> to advance projectile contact surface <NUM> into projectile supply <NUM> and into contact with a projectile P in projectile supply <NUM> to begin urging projectile P toward bore <NUM> as described above.

Second cam surface <NUM> is also configured engage with bolt positioner <NUM> to define a distance between bolt <NUM> and tube end <NUM> to protect seal <NUM> on tube facing surface <NUM> from damage due to friction and exposure to shear forces as compression tube <NUM> and breach <NUM> are rotated into the firing position. The engagement can act as described above to reduce the risk of contact between lower edge of bolt tube facing surface <NUM> and compression tube end wall <NUM>.

Further relative rotation of compression tube <NUM> and breach <NUM> in second direction <NUM> moves bolt positioner <NUM> into a position in contact with first cam lobe surface <NUM> which controls the rotational rate at which bolt <NUM> is permitted to move toward the position that bolt <NUM> will occupy during firing. This control can help to reduce the risk of contact between lower edge of bolt tube facing surface <NUM> and compression tube end wall <NUM>. Further, in embodiments this control can also be used to substantially determine the position at which projectile contact surface <NUM> will position projectile P relative to bore <NUM> for firing.

It will be appreciated, that automatic loading system <NUM> provides a mechanism that can be fully within the general profile of airgun <NUM> when airgun <NUM> is in the firing position. Such a mechanism is therefore protected from exposure to elements and other environmental contaminants, optionally makes use of components and surfaces already provided in the airgun <NUM> such as surfaces of first tube fork <NUM> and second fork <NUM> requires a much smaller number of extra components, and is operates substantially in with the compression tube and bore so as to minimize or otherwise substantially reduce the extent to which optical aiming solutions such as iron sights, red dot sights and scopes must be positioned apart from bore axis <NUM> which can reduce parallax based aiming challenges and lower snag risks.

<FIG> and <FIG> show right side views of another embodiment of automatic loading system <NUM> having a latch surface <NUM> provided on first fork <NUM> and/or second fork <NUM> to allow a user to latch automatic loading system <NUM> in a cocked position. This may be used, for example to facilitate service or cleaning of airgun <NUM>, to hold airgun in the full cocking position for storage in a folded configuration or for other purposes. As is shown in Fig. , a user manually depresses tube facing surface <NUM> of bolt <NUM> to position bolt positioner <NUM> at a position proximate to the bore end <NUM> of positioner track <NUM> where cam surface <NUM> will not interfere with further rotation of bolt positioner <NUM> during cocking. As shown, with the bolt positioner <NUM> so positioned, the user can rotate the breach to a position where bolt positioner will be advanced into latch surface <NUM> within bolt guide <NUM> to a position more proximate to a bolt guide end <NUM> of bolt guide <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of an automatic loading system having first fork <NUM> and second fork <NUM> with mountings <NUM> and <NUM> allowing separate cam lobes <NUM> and <NUM> to be mounted thereto by way of, for example, and without limitation separate fasteners <NUM> and <NUM>. This can be done for a variety of purposes. In embodiments, separate fasteners <NUM> and <NUM> can be made from a different material than first fork <NUM> and second fork <NUM> such as by providing a material with greater hardness. Additionally, in embodiments mountings <NUM> and <NUM> can be adapted to mount to separate cam lobes <NUM> and <NUM> each supporting surfaces intended to interact with bolt positioner <NUM>. These separate cam lobes <NUM> and <NUM> can be positioned within a range of different positions along cam surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. In one such embodiment the ability to mount cam lobes <NUM> and <NUM> within a range of different positions can be used to help align cam lobes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The ability to mount cam lobes <NUM> and <NUM> within a range of different positions can be used to allow cam lobes <NUM> and <NUM> to positioned within a first range of positions when tube end <NUM>, first fork <NUM> and second for <NUM> are used with a first airgun design and to be positioned in a second range of positions when tube end <NUM>, first fork <NUM> and second for <NUM> are used with a second airgun design.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of automatic loading system <NUM> having an air management system <NUM> that does not pass through bolt <NUM>. In this embodiment, a secondary air path <NUM> is provided extending from compression tube <NUM> to an opening <NUM> in or proximate to bore <NUM> or between bolt <NUM> and projectile P. In embodiments, bolt leader <NUM> may be adapted or shaped to help guide pressurized air to projectile P.

Claim 1:
An airgun (<NUM>) for use with a projectile supply (<NUM>) having a housing and a passageway extending along a supply axis into which the projectile supply (<NUM>) positions a projectile when the passageway is open, the airgun (<NUM>) comprising:
a compression tube (<NUM>) having a transfer port from which the compressed air passes during firing of a compression piston (<NUM>);
a bolt (<NUM>) with a leader portion sized to pass into the projectile supply passageway;
a bolt positioner (<NUM>) that moves with the bolt (<NUM>);
a breech (<NUM>) having a projectile supply holder (<NUM>) adapted to hold the projectile supply (<NUM>) with the projectile supply passageway substantially in line with a bore of a barrel (<NUM>) characterised in that the breech is further providing a bolt guide (<NUM>) positioning the bolt (<NUM>) between the compression tube (<NUM>) and the projectile supply holder (<NUM>) for movement along a path that is generally co-axial with the passageway and the bore;
a bolt positioner guide positioned to interact with the bolt positioner (<NUM>) to advance the bolt (<NUM>) between a first position extending through the passageway and a second position retracted from the passageway;
a pivot (<NUM>) joining the breech (<NUM>) to the compression tube (<NUM>) for movement between a firing position where the transfer port, the passageway and the bore are substantially aligned and a reloading position;
a cam surface (<NUM>) that moves with the compression tube (<NUM>) when the compression tube (<NUM>) is rotated relative to the breech (<NUM>);
a gas flow path between the transfer port and a firing location in the bore;
wherein the cam surface (<NUM>) and the bolt positioner (<NUM>) are configured so that rotation from the firing position to the reloading position causes the cam surface (<NUM>) to drive the bolt positioner (<NUM>) against a bias from the first position to the second position to open the passageway; and
wherein the cam surface (<NUM>) and the bolt positioner (<NUM>) are configured so that rotation from the firing position to the reloading position causes the cam surface (<NUM>) to drive the bolt positioner (<NUM>) through the passageway to drive a projectile in the passageway to a position where pressurized gas in the firing location will thrust the projectile through the bore.