POLYMER-BASED CARTRIDGE CASING FOR BLANK AND SUBSONIC AMMUNITION

• US 20180245891A1
• Filed: 04/27/2018
• Published: 08/30/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pcp Tactical, LLC
• Original Assignee: Pcp Tactical, LLC
• Inventors: PADGETT, Charles, PADGETT, Robert Lanse
• Granted Patent: US 10,197,366 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/76 of the casing
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 33/02 Filling cartridges, missiles, or fuzes; Inserting propellant or explosive charges F42B33/004 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 5/307 formed by assembling several elements
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 5/313 all elements made of plastics
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 8/04 Blank cartridges, i.e. primed cartridges without projectile but containing an explosive or combustible powder charge

Abstract

A polymer-based cartridge for subsonic ammunition with a first end having a projectile disposed in a mouth, a shoulder forming a bottleneck cartridge; and at least a polymer wall between the first end and a second end opposite the first. An insert is joined to the second end, having an extraction rim and groove, a primer pocket communicating with a flash hole, and the flash hole communicating with a propellant chamber. A sleeve section has a metal or a metal alloy, extending from the insert toward the first end, and at least partially covered by the wall. The sleeve section and the wall form the propellant chamber having a thickness at least 1.25 times greater than a standard thickness of a wall of a standard cartridge. The propellant chamber between the mouth and the insert is unobstructed, and comprises a powder load having a load density greater than 40%.

Claims

1. A high strength polymer-based cartridge for subsonic ammunition comprising:

a first end having a mouth;

a projectile disposed in the mouth;

a shoulder, disposed below the mouth, forming a bottleneck cartridge;

a wall, molded from a polymer, between the first end and a second end opposite the first end;

an insert joined to the second end, comprising;

an extraction rim and a groove both disposed at one end of the insert; and

a primer pocket in fluid communication with a flash hole, the flash hole in fluid communication with a propellant chamber; and

a sleeve section, comprising a metal or a metal alloy, extending from the insert toward the first end, at least partially covered by the wall,

wherein the sleeve section and the wall form the propellant chamber;

wherein the sleeve section and the wall comprises a thickness at least 1.25 times greater than a standard thickness of a wall of a standard cartridge,

wherein the propellant chamber between the mouth and the insert is unobstructed, and

wherein the propellant chamber comprises a powder load having a load density greater than 40%.

2. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1, wherein the insert is made from a metal, an alloy of metals, or an alloy of a metal and a non-metal.

3. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1, wherein the sleeve section ends below the shoulder.

4. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1, wherein the insert and the sleeve section are integral and the insert consists of a metal or a metal alloy.

5. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1, wherein the sleeve section further comprises:

a ridge formed on the sleeve section; and

a key formed on the ridge;

wherein both the ridge and the key engage the wall, and

wherein the key comprises at least one of a flat portion, a raised portion, or dimples.

6. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1, wherein the sleeve section further comprises knurling.

7. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1, wherein the sleeve section further comprises the neck and the mouth.

8. The high strength polymer-based cartridge of claim 1, wherein the propellant chamber permits only enough propellant to propel the projectile engaged in the cartridge casing at subsonic speeds.