Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/841,576, filed Jul. 22, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/227,852, filed Jul. 23, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning the bore and breach of a firearm barrel which is efficient, convenient, easy to use, adapted to interfit the bores of standard firearms but having different bore diameters, and enables a shooter to clean the bore of a firearm on or off the field. 
         [0004]    2. Prior Art 
         [0005]    In general, deposits of dirt, burnt powder and the like collect on the interior of the barrel of a firearm. Various arrangements for cleaning the dirt from a barrel are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,871 to Rivers, issued Sep. 19, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,873 to Baird, issued Feb. 15, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,480 to Riley, issued Dec. 30, 2003; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,345 to Gunn et al, issued Jan. 3, 2006; and U.S. Patent Publications 2005/0188598A1 to Pannanen et al., published Sep. 1, 2005; 2007/0261288A1 to Perry, published Nov. 15, 2007; and 2007/0151472A1 to Nafziger, published Jul. 5, 2007. 
         [0006]    The most commonly used cleaning devices employ a rod, often a telescoping rod or segmented rod, having a gun cleaning swab brush or the like firmly attached to one end. In use, the rod pushes the swab through the barrel of the gun to be cleaned. After the barrel has been cleaned it is often desired that the barrel be coated with a thin layer of oil or other lubricant and or rust inhibitor to prevent corrosion. 
         [0007]    It has been recognized that the rod must be centered along and aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the barrel to minimize cleaning damage as the rod traverses the bore. However, although suitable in some applications, the rod limits the transportability of a cleaning system for use by the shooter in the field. 
         [0008]    Further, the cleaning head affixed to the rod may center the rod but because weapons typically differ as to bore diameter the weapons for which a rod cleaning system may be used is limited. 
         [0009]    The cleaning heads of known cleaning devices become quite dirty after use. It is often difficult for users to assemble/disassemble the rods and cleaning elements without coming into contact with the dirty cleaning element. As a result, shooters often postpone cleaning their firearms until they return home from the field. 
         [0010]    Ease of replacement of the cleaning head is desirable to enable the cleaning system suitable to be used regardless if the user is on or off the field. 
         [0011]    The best time to clean and/or lubricate the barrel is as soon as possible after using it. Accordingly, cleaning the bore regularly after use is an essential part of good firearm maintenance but may be difficult when used during a shooting episode in remote areas because the cleaning system must be transported with the shooter. 
         [0012]    There is an ongoing need for improvements in cleaning systems and apparatus for cleaning firearm and rifle barrels. 
         [0013]    A primary object of this invention is the provision of a firearm gun barrel cleaning system that is simple, small in size, compact and easy to transport; uses cleaning heads that are inexpensive, easy to replace when dirtied and which do not damage a bore being cleaned, and is efficient and simple to position for usage. 
         [0014]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a bore cleaning system that has associated bore cleaning heads that can be used on a wide variety of different weapons that differ in bore diameter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    Briefly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed an improved apparatus or system for cleaning the longitudinally extending bore of a firearm, comprising: 
         [0016]    an axially elongated pull cord, said pull cord having opposite forward and rearward end portions and of a length greater than the length of the bore through said firearm, 
         [0017]    a cored cleaning head, said cleaning head attached to the pull cord between the opposite end potions thereof and adapted to be pulled longitudinally within and between the opposite ends of the bore, said cored cleaning head having forward and rearward ends and a cross-section complementary to and greater than the cross-section of said bore, wherein the head engaging and removing contaminant as the cleaning head is pulled through the bore, 
         [0018]    an engagement member proximate to the rearward end portion of said pull cord for engaging the rearward end of said cleaning head, 
         [0019]    a pull weight, said pull weight being attached to the forward end of said pull cord and having a cross-section less than the cross-section of said bore, and 
         [0020]    wherein said pull weight is adapted to be dropped into one end of the bore and out through the opposite end of said bore and pulled upon to pull the engagement member against the cleaning head and the cleaning head through said bore. 
         [0021]    According to this firearm cleaning system, the cleaning head has a central passage, or core, extending between the forward and rearward ends, wherein said passage is dimensioned to receive and allow axial sliding movement of the cleaning head relative to the pull cord. 
         [0022]    Preferably, the pull cord is comprised of a flexible, lightweight durable nylon and said means for releasably captivating comprises the rearward end portion of the pull cord being threaded through the cored center. 
         [0023]    Further, the barrel cleaning system comprises means for releasably captivating the engagement member on the pull cord. 
         [0024]    In one aspect of this embodiment, the engagement member is comprised of a rigid material, such as HDPE, and is a frusto-conical shaped nose that is juxtaposed with the rearward end face of the cleaning head and adapted to be driven into the opening of the central passage by the pull cord being pulled by the pull weight. The engagement member is contoured to be self-centering with the central passage and operates, in part, to force the outer surface of the engagement member radially outwardly and into firm cleaning engagement with the bore surface to be cleaned. Other embodiments of the engagement member comprise cylindrical members or the like. Depending on the size of the barrel, the engagement can abut the cleaning head; partially extend thereto or can be inserted all the way. 
         [0025]    Preferably, the cleaning head is comprised of a resiliently deformable material, such as polystyrene, and the outer surface of the cleaning head is, generally, cylindrical or rectangular and adapted to be compressed and reduced in diameter by longitudinal sliding engagement against the bore of the firewarm barrel. Other geometric configurations may be used including spherical, triangular and the like. 
         [0026]    In some applications, the outer surface of the cleaning head may be frusto-conical to enhance centering and cleaning engagement of the cleaning head with bores of different diameter. 
         [0027]    Further, in some applications the rearward end of the cleaning head includes a central cavity having a shape complementary to the frusto-conical shaped nose or other configured engagement member, axial pulling of the member into the cavity urging the outer surface of the cleaning head radially outwardly and into cleaning engagement with the bore wall as the pull weight pulls the cleaning head through the barrel. 
         [0028]    Further and according to the first embodiment hereof there is disclosed an improved method for cleaning the longitudinally extending bore of a firearm barrel, comprising: 
         [0029]    providing a bore cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including an elongated pull cord having first and second ends, a cleaning head attached to the pull cord between the ends thereof, a pull weight attached to the first end, an engagement member attached to the pull cord proximate to the second end thereof, wherein the cross-sections of the pull weight and the cleaning head, respectively, are less than the cross-section of the bore to be cleaned and the pull cord is longer in length than the longitudinal length of the bore, 
         [0030]    inserting the pull weight into one end of the bore and permitting the pull weight to fall downwardly through the bore thereof and outwardly of the other end of the barrel, and 
         [0031]    pulling on the pull weight by a sufficient amount to draw the engagement member into engagement with the cleaning head and progressively pull the engaged cleaning head through the bore and outwardly of the other end of the barrel. 
         [0032]    According to this method, the step of providing includes forming the second end portion of the pull cord into an enlarged knot to captivate the engagement member on the pull cord. 
         [0033]    The step of pulling comprises the knot being pulled into contact with the engagement member, with further pulling of the pull cord by the pull weight forcing the cleaning head through the barrel. In other embodiments the knot is replaced with a cable stop. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment hereof, the pull cord comprises a rigid heavy cable which enables replacement of the pull weight. According to this embodiment, a heavy metal cable stop has the cable secured thereto at one thereof. The cable stop is positioned rearwardly of the engagement member. Depending on the configuration of the cable stop and engagement member, the cable stop may be positionable completely or partially within the engagement member or not at all. Similarly, depending on the configuration of the engagement it may be either solely in abutment with or completely or partially insertable into the cleaning head. 
         [0035]    In an aspect of the second embodiment, the engagement member is substantially cylindrical and includes at least one flange disposed thereabout, the flange contacting the interior sidewall of the barrel and positioning the cable stop. 
         [0036]    In a further embodiment hereof an abrasive element or washer is in contact with the forward end of the engagement member and prevents the engagement member from penetrating the cleaning head. 
         [0037]    A handle may be used in conjunction with the rigid cable. After the cable is passed through the barrel, its free end is attached to the handle after being inserted through the barrel. 
         [0038]    In other applications, the cleaning head is slit longitudinally from end-to-end and radially inwardly from the outer surface to the center passage, the slit allowing the pull cord or cable to be inserted radially inwardly and into engagement with the cleaning head. 
         [0039]    Regardless of the embodiment, the cleaning head may comprise a two part integrally formed substantially cylindrical element having a first open-celled roughened surface for “scraping” the interior wall of the barrel and a smooth second portion that attracts and cleans out the scraped debris. The cleaning head has a central opening through which the pull cord or cable is threaded. Preferably, this embodiment of the cleaning head is formed from polystyrene, polyester polyurethane or similar polymeric material. 
         [0040]    It should be noted that the cleaning heads can be also be pushed through the barrel with a telescoping or segmented rod by the shooter. 
         [0041]    The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following more particular description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0042]    The invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
           [0043]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus or system for cleaning the bore of a firearm, according to this invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 2  is a view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  showing a cleaning head, and an engagement member positioned on a pull cord, according to this invention; 
           [0045]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C are perspective views showing the progressive cleaning of a bore of a firearm barrel using the cleaning device of  FIG. 1 , according to this invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 4  is a cutaway view of  FIG. 3C  illustrating the pull cord pulling the engagement member into engagement with the cleaning head and the cleaning head cleaning the bore of the firearm barrel; 
           [0047]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective and end views showing a second preferred embodiment of a cleaning head according to this invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view in section of a third preferred embodiment of a cleaning head according to this invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of another preferred embodiment of a cleaning head and engagement member; 
           [0050]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a further alternate embodiment of the cleaning head hereof; 
           [0051]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an engagement member and a cable stop used herein of a second embodiment hereof; 
           [0052]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a still further alternate configuration of the engagement member and cable stop of the second embodiment hereof; 
           [0053]      FIG. 11  is a partially exploded perspective view of a still further configuration of the engagement member used in the second embodiment; 
           [0054]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a still further configuration of the engagement member and cable plug used in the second embodiment herein; 
           [0055]      FIG. 13  is another configuration of the engagement member, cable stop and which employs a washer used in the practice of the present inventions; 
           [0056]      FIG. 14  is yet another configuration of the engagement member, cable stop and washer used herein; 
           [0057]      FIG. 15  illustrates a further configuration for the engagement member and cable stop used herein; 
           [0058]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a handle used in the practice of the second embodiment hereof; and 
           [0059]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the cleaning head. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0060]    Referring to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts and initially to  FIG. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C, a first embodiment of a bore cleaning device, system, or apparatus, useful with firearms and wide range of possible bore diameters, is designated generally at  10  for cleaning firearm  12 . The firearm  12  is conventional and includes a stock  14  and a barrel  16  having a longitudinally elongated interior bore  18  that extends between the opposite loading and discharge ends  20  and  22 , respectively, of the barrel. For loading, the barrel  16  and stock  14  are disengaged, in a conventional manner, and at an acute angle to one another. As will be discussed in detail herein below, as shown, the firearm  12  is positioned in the “loading” position, i.e. the discharge end  22  of the barrel  16  is pointed downwardly, and the cleaning device  10  is positioned for entry into the loading end  20  to be pulled between the ends  20  and  22  of the bore  18 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the bore cleaning device  10  includes an elongated pull cord  24  having forward and rearward end portions  26  and  28 , a cored cleaning head  30  attached to the pull cord, a pull weight  32  fixedly attached to the forward end portion  26  of the pull cord  24 , an engagement member  34  attached to the pull cord and disposed between the cleaning head and the second end portion  28  of the pull cord, and an enlarged knot member  36 , formed by the second end portion. The pull cord  24  is longitudinally elongated, thin, flexible, lightweight, and greater in length than the longitudinal length of the bore  18 . Preferably, the pull cord is comprised of a durable material, such as nylon. 
         [0062]    The pull weight  32  is generally cylindrical, complementary in cross-section to that of the bore and has a diameter less than that of the bore. The shape of the weight may be other than cylindrical, such as spherical, and may be comprised of a heavy metal, such as lead or other suitable material. 
         [0063]    The cleaning head  30  shown is formed as a hollow cylindrical tube or sleeve having opposite first and second end faces  38  and  40 , a cylindrical central passage  42 , and a cylindrical outer surface  44 . The passage  42  is generally cylindrical and adapted to fit the pull cord  24 . The passage  42  and the outer surface  44  are generally coaxial with one another and a central geometric axis and extend between the end faces  38  and  40 . The end faces  38  and  40  are generally perpendicular to the geometric axis and the opposite ends  42   a  and  42   b  of the passage  42  open on one and the other end face  38  and  40  of the cleaning head  30 . 
         [0064]    The outer surface  44  is defined by a diameter that is greater than the internal diameter of the bore  18  and is adapted to engage and clean the wall surface of the bore  18 . 
         [0065]    The cleaning head  30  is formed of a compressible material that will not scratch or otherwise degradingly wear against the wall surface of the bore  18  and will compress and reduce in diameter as the cleaning head  30  is pulled through the bore  18  Preferably, the cleaning head  30  is comprised of polyethylene. 
         [0066]      FIG. 4  illustrates the relationship of the cleaning head  30 , both undeformed and before being pulled into the barrel (shown in dotted lines) and following being pulled into the bore  18  and in cleaning engagement with the bore. 
         [0067]    The engagement member  34  is generally hemispherical or cup-shaped and includes a forward end portion or nose  46 , a rearwardly open receptacle  48 , and an opening or hole  50  that extends centrally through the nose and receives and passes the pull cord  24 . In use, the nose  46  is centered with the opening  42   a  on the end face  38  of the cleaning head  30  and driven by the knot member  36  against, at least in part, the end face  38  and into the opening  42   a  of the central passage  42 . 
         [0068]    The knot member  36  is formed by the rearward end portion of the pull cord  24  and forms a stop member at the rearward end of the pull cord after it is threaded through the hole  50 . The knot member  36  is greater in cross-section than the cross-section of the opening  50  in the engagement member  34  and thus cannot be pulled therethrough but engages the engagement member  34 . The knot member  36  provides several functions. First, the knot member is releasable and functions as a stop member that captivates and retains the cleaning head  30  and engagement member  34  on the pull cord and when untied enables a dirtied cleaning head to be replaced, whereupon the pull cord is again formed into a knot. The knot member is received in the receptacle  48  and functions as a drive member that forces the engagement member  34  against the end face  38  of the cleaning head. 
         [0069]    Referring, again, to  FIGS. 3A-3C , the method of use of the cleaning device  10  is illustrated. In  FIG. 3A , the firearm  12  is positioned with the barrel  16  pointing downwardly and the cleaning device  10  is positioned at upwardly disposed load opening  20  of the barrel. In  FIG. 3B , the pull weight  32  is dropped into the opening  20  of the barrel  16 , passed through the bore  18 , and expelled (i.e., falls outwardly) from the downwardly disposed discharge opening  22  of the barrel. The pull weight  32  draws the knot member  34  into the receptacle  48 , which forces the engagement member  34  against the cleaning head  30  and the cleaning head into position for entry into the upwardly disposed opening  22 . In  FIG. 3C , the pull weight  32  is pulled by the shooter in a direction away from the barrel, causing the cleaning head  30  to be substantially simultaneously compressed and pulled through the bore with the outer surface  44  of the cleaning head being resiliently forced outwardly and into cleaning engagement with the inner wall of the bore. 
         [0070]      FIG. 4  illustrates the cleaning head  30  being pulled through and cleaning the bore  18  of the barrel  16 . The dotted lines at  44 ′ indicate the cleaning head before entry into the bore  18 . The pull cord  24  pulls the knot  36  into the receptacle  48  of the engagement member  34  and the nose  46  into the passage opening  42   a  of the cleaning head  30 . The outer surface  44  of the cleaning head  30  is partially compressed because of the difference in diameters and the driving engagement of the nose portion  46  into the opening  42   a  and end face  38  of the cleaning head partially deforms a rearward end portion of the cleaning head, proximate to the end face  38 , to increase cleaning engagement of the surface  44  with and against the bore wall. 
         [0071]    In another preferred cleaning head configuration according to this first embodiment of the invention, referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a cylindrical cleaning head  130  is longitudinally slit at  152  from end-to-end  138  and  140  and radially inwardly from the outer surface  144  to a center passage  142 . The cleaning head  130  is comprised of materials as described hereinabove for the head  30  and operates to clean the bore  18  in the same manner. 
         [0072]    In  FIG. 5B , dashed lines illustrate that the longitudinal slit  152  in the cleaning head  130  enables body portions to expand and pass the pull cord  24  to be passed into the center passage  42  and thereby attach the cleaning head  130  to the pull cord. Desirably, the slit enables ease of replacement of a dirtied cleaning head or fitment of a cleaning head having a different diameter or cross-section, depending on the bore to be cleaned. 
         [0073]    In another preferred configuration according to this invention, referring to  FIG. 6 , a cleaning head  230  is formed as a hollow frusto-conical member with forward and rearward ends  238  and  240  and a central passage  242  extending between the ends for receiving the pull cord. The forward end  240  is smaller in diameter than the rearward end  238  and enables centering of the cleaning head  230  with the bore  18  and permits use on bores wherein the diameter is not known exactly. That is, the frusto-conical shaped outer surface  244  ensures that the cleaning head  230  will increase in diameter and function as a one size fits all cleaning head as regards the diameter and bore to be cleaned. 
         [0074]    In another preferred configuration for the cleaning head of the first embodiment and according to this invention, referring to  FIG. 7 , the rearward end face  338  of the cleaning head  330  is provided with a hemispherical receptacle  354 , centered on the passage  342 . The receptacle  354  has a contour or surface that is complementary with and adapted to receive, seat and center the nose (not shown) of the engagement member, in a manner described hereinabove. Depending on the diameter of the bore, the engagement member will operate to ensure that the cleaning head expands into contact with the bore when the cleaning head  330  is pulled through the barrel. 
         [0075]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a further configuration of a cleaning head in accordance herewith, denoted generally at  410 . The cleaning head  410  is an integrally formed, substantially cylindrical, compressible and expansible, two-part or two-sectioned body  412  having a first scraping portion  414  and a second smoothing and cleaning portion  416 . The scraping portion or section  414  is an open-celled foraminous structure which scrapes the interior wall of the barrel. The second portion  416 , being smooth, cleans the barrel of the scraped debris. This cleaning head is an integrally formed molded product formed from any of the materials defined hereinbove and manufactured by methods well-known to the skilled artisan. 
         [0076]    Shown in  FIG. 17  is yet another configuration of a cleaning head in accordance herewith, denoted generally at  1010 . The cleaning head  1010  is an integrally formed, substantially cylindrical, compressible and expansible, three-part or three-sectioned body  1012  having a first smoothing and cleaning portion  1014 , a medial scraping portion  1016 , and a second smoothing and cleaning portion  1014 ′. As shown, the scraping portion  1016  is positioned between the two smoothing and cleaning portions,  1014  and  1014 ′. The scraping portion  1016  is an open-celled foraminous structure which scrapes the interior wall of the barrel and provides a substantial portion of the cleaning. The medial smoothing and cleaning portions  1014 , 1014 ′ clean the barrel of the scraped debris. The medial smoothing and cleaning portions  1014 , 1014 ′ are also formed from a denser and firmer material than the scraping portion  1016 , and the smoothing and cleaning portions  1014 , 1014 ′ provide a suitable surface for applying the force necessary to force the cleaning head through the bore of the firearm barrel. This cleaning head  1010  is an integrally formed molded product formed from any of the materials defined hereinbove and manufactured by methods well-known to the skilled artisan. 
         [0077]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9-16  there is depicted therein a second embodiment hereof. According to this embodiment, the pull cord comprises a rigid cable having a free grasping end and a second end secured to a cable stop disposed rearwardly of the engagement member. The cable stop is formed from a heavy metal or other suitable material and is urged into contact with the engagement member by pulling on the free end of the cable. This embodiment eliminates the need for the pull weight as described hereinafter. 
         [0078]    Generally, and as shown in  FIGS. 9 through 14 , the engagement member used herein is a substantially cylindrical member which is adapted and dimensioned at least partially removably insertable, completely insertable or non-insertable into an opening on the rear face of the cleaning head depending on the size of bore and the type of firearm. The engagement member has a central passage through which is past the rigid cable. 
         [0079]    The engagement member typically has a length less than that of the cleaning head. The engagement member can be removed from the central passage by pulling on it and separating it and removing it therefrom. This enables removal and disposal of the cleaning head and the changing thereof. 
         [0080]    While many materials are suitable, the engagement member  34  is durable, relatively rigid, and capable of withstanding compression loads. Preferably, the engagement member is comprised of a polymer, such as an HDPE, polystyrene, polyester polyurethane or similar plastic. Similarly, the cable stop is, preferably, a heavy object such as a steel cylinder. 
         [0081]    Referring again, particularly now to  FIGS. 9 through 15  there is depicted therein various alternate configurations for the engagement member and cable stop used in this embodiment. 
         [0082]    Referring first to  FIG. 9 , an engagement member comprises a substantially cylindrical member, generally, denoted at  510 . The cylindrical member  510  has a central passage  512  through which a cable  514  is passed. The member  510  has a rearward end  518  and a forward end  520 . A first flange  516  is disposed and formed integrally with the member  510  on the rearward end  518 . 
         [0083]    A second flange  522  is formed at the forward end  520  of the member  510 . Each flange has a central opening  524 ,  524 ′ to enable the cable  514  to be threaded or passed therethrough a cable stop  514 . 
         [0084]    The cable  514  has a free end (not shown) and a second end  514 . A cable stop  526  is disposed rearwardly of the member  510  and has the second end  514  of the cable secured thereto. The end  514  is secured by any suitable means, such as by crimping or the like. 
         [0085]    The cable stop  526  comprises a weighted cylindrical member formed of any suitable material such as steel, lead or the like. 
         [0086]    According to this embodiment an abrasive washer  528  is journaled onto the cable  514  proximate the forward end  522  of the member  510 . The washer  528  has a central opening  530  slightly larger than the diameter of the cable  514  to enable the washer to frictionally slide thereon and into abutment with the forward end  520  of the member  510 . 
         [0087]    In use, when the free end of the cable is pulled on, the cable stop  526  is drawn into the interior of the member  510 . The washer  528  engages the rearward end or face of the cleaning head (not shown) to prevent the engagement member from penetrating the cleaning head. Rather, the engagement member urges the cleaning head through the barrel of the firearm. 
         [0088]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an engagement member  610  comprises a cylindrical member or body  612  having a rearward section  614  and a forward section comprising  616  a “bullet-like” configuration end. As with the other embodiments, a central passage  618  enables a cable  620  to extend therethrough. 
         [0089]    As shown, the engagement member  610  has a forward end  622  and a rearward end  624 . 
         [0090]    A rear flange  626  having a central opening  626  which communicate with the passage  618  is integrally formed with the member  612  and serves to direct the cable stop into the passage  618 . A second flange  628  is provided medially of the member  610  and has a larger diameter than that of the rear flange and is dimensioned to engage the barrel wall (not shown). 
         [0091]    The forward bullet end  616  of the member  612  cooperates with the medial flange  628  to limit penetration of the member or stem  610  into the cleaning head (not shown). 
         [0092]    According to the embodiment, an abrasive washer is also deployed and journaled onto the cable as described above. 
         [0093]    Referring now to  FIG. 11  depicted therein is a still yet further configuration of the engagement member used in the second embodiment of the present invention and, generally, denoted at  650 . As with the previous embodiments the configuration member comprises a first cylindrical section  652  and a second reduced diameter forward section  654 . The forward section  654  has a hollow interior to define a passageway  656  therethrough through which a cable may be passed or strung through as discussed hereinbelow. 
         [0094]    The first section  652  similarly has an internal passage  658 . The internal passage  658  communicates with, but is larger in diameter than that of the passage  656 . 
         [0095]    The first section  652  is bounded by a pair of flanges  660 ,  662 , respectively. The flange  662  is a rearward flange and has a central opening  664  sufficient to permit a cable stop  668  to project therethrough. The forward flange  660  has a central opening  661  smaller than that of the passage  658  and does not permit a cable stop  668  to pass therethrough. 
         [0096]    As with the other configurations, a cable  666  is secured to the cable stop  668 . Likewise, a washer  670  is journaled onto the cable  666  proximate the free end of the reduced diameter section  654  of the engagement member. In use, the cable  668 , when pulled upon, enables the cable stop to be inserted only into the first section  652 . Because of the reduced diameter in the flange  660  the cable stop cannot go therepast. 
         [0097]    Similarly, the flange  660  in, combination with the washer  670 , precludes the first or rearward section of the engagement member from penetrating into a cleaning head. 
         [0098]    The forward section  654 , preferably, is dimensioned to project entirely through a reduced diameter cleaning head (not shown). 
         [0099]    In all other respects this embodiment is similar to those previously described. 
         [0100]    Referring now to  FIG. 12  there is depicted therein a further configuration of an engagement member for use herein and generally denoted at  710 . As with the previous embodiments the engagement member comprises a substantially cylindrical member or body  712 . The cylindrical member has an internal passage  714 . As with the other embodiments the cylindrical member has a rear face  716  and a forward face  718 . 
         [0101]    The internal passage  714  extends from the rear face  716  through the member, but has a reduced diameter portion formed therewithin as at  720 . The reduced diameter portion, as will be detailed below, acts as a stop to limit the movement of a cable stop, shown at  722 , within the engagement member while permitting a cable or cord  724  to project clear through. 
         [0102]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , the engagement member  710 , comprises a first or rearward section  726  which is bounded by a pair of spaced apart flanges  728  and  730 . Each of the flanges has a central opening  732  and  734 , respectively, to enable the cable stop  722  to pass therethrough. The body  712  include a second elongated bullet-like section  732  forward of the flange  728 . The section  732  has a face  718  terminates at an arcuate tip. 
         [0103]    Again, as with the previous embodiments a washer  736  is journaled onto a cable  738  and is disposed in abutment with the end or face  718  of the engagement member. Here, the washer has a diameter sufficient to permit the forward section  732  of the engagement member  712  to be inserted into a cleaning head (not shown), while acting as a barrier in conjunction with the flange  728  to permit the first section  732  only to be inserted into a cleaning head. This embodiment enjoys utility with long cleaning heads. 
         [0104]    Referring now to  FIG. 13  there is still a further embodiment of the engagement member hereof. Here, the embodiment shown, generally, at  750  includes a first section or rearward section  752  and a forward section  754  integrally formed therewith. As shown, the forward section  754  is a reduced diameter portion or section which is substantially cylindrical. The forward section  754  can be longer than, the same length as, or shorter than the cleaning head  130 . 
         [0105]    The first or rearward section  752  has an internal passage having a diameter sufficient to permit the insertion of a cable stop  756  thereinto. 
         [0106]    As with the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the first or rearward section  752  is bounded by a pair of spaced apart flanges  756  and  758 . The rearward most flange  758  has a central opening  760  of sufficient diameter to permit the insertion of a cable stop  756  therepast. 
         [0107]    The forward most flange  756  has a reduced diameter central opening  760  the diameter of which is small enough to prevent the passage of the cable stop therepast. The opening  760  is coaxial with the hollow interior of the first section  754  to enable a cable  764  to pass therethrough. 
         [0108]    As with the other configuration a washer  766  which is, preferably, an abrasive washer, is journaled onto the cable  764  and into abutment with the free end of the first section  754  of the engagement member, as shown. 
         [0109]    Referring now to  FIG. 14  there is depicted therein a further configuration of an engagement member useful in the practice of the present invention and, generally, denoted at  810 . Here the engagement member  810  comprises a substantially cylindrical member or body  812  having an internal passageway  814 . The member  812  has a first or free end  814  and a second or rear end  816 . A toroidal flange  818  is integrally formed with the cylindrical member at the rear end  816 . The flange  818  has a diameter larger than that of the cylindrical member  810  but is small enough to be able to be passed through a barrel of a firearm. 
         [0110]    As shown, a seat  820  is formed internally in the cylindrical member  812  proximate the rear end  816 . The seat is, preferably, parabolic in shape, as shown. 
         [0111]    The parabolic seat as an opening  822  provided at the apex  824  thereof. 
         [0112]    A spherical cable stop, generally, denoted at  826  is dimensional to removably seat in the seat  820 . 
         [0113]    A cable cord  828  is secured to a spherical cable stop  826  and projects through the opening  822  and the passage  814  in a manner similar to that herebefore described. 
         [0114]    The seat  822  removably nests or seats the stop  826  as it is pulled thereinto. 
         [0115]    The cylindrical member  812  may be dimensioned to either project into a cleaning head or to abut thereagainst, as desired, and depending upon the nature of the firearm barrel to be cleaned. 
         [0116]    Referring now to  FIG. 15  there is depicted a further embodiment of the engagement member, generally, denoted at  910 . Herein, the engagement member is a cylindrical member  912  having a first end  914  and a second rearward end  916 . The member  912  has a central passage or opening  918 . A cable or pull cord  920  has a diameter sufficiently small to enable it to be passed through the opening or passage  918 . The cable has a first or free end  922  which is dropped through the barrel as described hereinabove. A second or opposite end  924  is secured to a cable stop  926 . 
         [0117]    Here, the cable stop  926  is a spherical or elliptical member which has a diameter greater than that of the passage  918 . 
         [0118]    In use, the engagement member has a diameter greater than that of a cleaning head and, thus, only abuts against the rearward end thereof. 
         [0119]    In all other respects this embodiment of the engagement functions as hereinabove described. 
         [0120]    In  FIG. 16  there is depicted a handle  75  for use in connection with the present cleaning system. The handle  75  is a cylindrical member  77  having a hollow interior  79 . A plurality of openings  81 ,  83  and  85  are formed in the cylindrical member and are in communication and or registry with the interior. Any cable used in the practice of the present invention can be threaded or otherwise laced through the holes and tied off to thereby provide a means for grasping the cable  77 . 
         [0121]    In use, the cable is dropped through a barrel and its free end is laced through the handle externally of the barrel. Once laced, the handle is then grasped and pulled on to draw a cable stop into contact with an engagement member which, in turn, engages a cleaning head. Continued pulling on the handle causes the assembly of cable stop, engagement member and cleaning head, with or without a washer, to traverse the interior of a barrel to clean and/or lubricate same. The same method is used even without the handle by pulling on the cable. 
         [0122]    As can be appreciated herein, the cleaning device according to this invention enables different cleaning heads to be used, the heads being of different cross-sectional shapes, diameters, and materials and possibly provided with lubricating and cleaning oils to clean residue from the barrel without marring or damaging the surface. Replacement can be done in the field and cleaning heads may be replaced to effect different types of treatments. 
         [0123]    Although depicted in the drawings with respect to a shotgun, the cleaning device of the invention herein can be extended to the cleaning of the barrels of other firearms and weapons with various sized bores. The soft conformable nature of the cleaning head will ensure that the inner bore will remain unmarred for maximum barrel life and accuracy for both rifled and smooth bore firearms.

Technology Category: f