WO2013140182A1

WO2013140182A1 - Ammunition with multiple projectiles

Info

Publication number: WO2013140182A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/050758
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Nicholas GRAHAM
Original assignee: Graham Ammunition Limited
Priority date: 2012-03-22
Filing date: 2013-03-22
Publication date: 2013-09-26
Also published as: GB201205003D0; GB2502507A; GB2502507B

Abstract

The present invention provides a projectile holder (400) comprising a body portion (470) having a central axis; and a plurality of alcoves (468) positioned within said body portion (470), each alcove (468) adapted to house a projectile. The plurality of alcoves (468) are linearly aligned relatively to each other in a direction corresponding to the central axis and at least one of the plurality of alcoves (468) is laterally and/or radially offset relatively to another of the plurality of alcoves (468).

Description

AMMUNITION WITH MULTIPLE PROJECTILES

Field of Invention

The invention relates to an improved projectile holder, in particular, an improved projectile holder adapted to hold a plurality of projectiles.

The invention also relates to a cartridge assembly comprising a projectile holder adapted to hold a plurality of projectiles.

Background

There are many advantages of a weapon that simultaneously fires a number of projectiles in a spread of shot across a target over one that fires a single shot. For example, there is a greatly increased probability of hitting the target. Furthermore, multiple hits on a target can increase the lethality. This because multiple impact points increase the chance of hitting vital areas and the energy of the cartridge when spread over multiple impact points has less over penetration so more of the energy is used in the intended target. In addition, as the probability of hitting a target is increased, less time is required to aim at the target to obtain a hit thus not only can one hit a target quicker but additionally engage targets that are seen far more briefly. There are a number of existing methods of simultaneously firing a number of projectiles to form a pattern of shot.

One such method involves the use a smoothbore barrel as found on various weapons from a pistol or shoulder fired shotgun up to a tank barrel and ammunition containing normally spherical shot or flechettes. While this may provide a good spread of shot, it is limited in terms of the shot pattern obtainable and the projectiles fired. The pattern of shot fired from smoothbored barrels is known as a bellmouth or Gaussian pattern (sometimes known as a normal pattern). In such a pattern, the distribution of projectiles are dense in the centre of the pattern then taper off at the edges, often with voids in the pattern where there are no projectiles. Though the individual projectiles trajectory are quite random, the overall pattern can be reasonably consistent and there is some ability to alter the pattern by varying certain parameters, for example, using different wadding designs, barrel lengths and chokes.

The smoothbore barrel does not impart spin to the projectiles it fires which means they are not gyroscopically stabilized in flight not only making them less accurate and more easily blown off target by wind but also limiting their shape to either spherical balls known as shots, drag stabilized slugs or flechettes.

Spherical balls and drag stabilised slugs can be very effective for hunting and military use on soft targets but have very high drag and so lose energy very quickly giving them a very short range and rapid bullet drop which can make accurate shooting difficult. Flechettes which although have very little drag and a very long effective range are only normally used on armoured targets as they over penetrate soft targets and have little of what is termed knock down power.

However, shotguns have a limited ability to form a tight pattern at range and do not give the level of accuracy with single projectiles that a rifled barrelled weapon does.

Another method involves the modification of traditional rifle cartridges to fire multiple projectiles through a rifled barrel without using a sabot. However the space available in the rifle cartridges to add extra projectiles limits the projectile number and the positioning of the projectile held centrally within the barrel limits the nature of the shot pattern and as such, their ability to form a spread of shot like a shotgun is very limited. These factors reduce the benefit of this method over a single projectile round to such an extent that there is little real advantage to the use of such a method over using a single projectile cartridge combined with a higher rate of fire.

A further method involves the use of a shotgun cartridge with traditional prior art wadding which is configured to fire multiple bullets or disc shaped projectiles through a rifled barrel where they are held centrally in the bore. However, the projectiles either all have the same approximate point of impact, or depend on imperfections in manufacture or being disturbed during release or aerodynamic buffeting to randomly form the shot pattern.

Prior art shotgun cartridges can be fired from a rifled barrel but wadding designed for use in smoothbore barrels when used in a rifled barrel forms an inconsistent and often wide shot pattern. Even when firing shotgun cartridges designed for use with a rifled barrel they mostly use wind buffeting, projectile collision and inconsistencies in manufacture to produce the shot pattern.

Summary of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a projectile holder comprising:

a body portion having a central axis; and

a plurality of alcoves positioned within said body portion, each alcove adapted to house a projectile;

wherein the said plurality of alcoves are linearly aligned relatively to each other in a direction corresponding to the central axis and at least one of the plurality of alcoves is laterally and/or radially offset relatively to another of the plurality of alcoves.

The present invention provides a projectile holder which is adapted to hold multiple projectiles and which acts in a similar fashion to a discarding/expendable sabot as known in the art. The projectile holder in accordance with the invention can be used in conjunction with a rifled barrel in order to provide the simultaneous firing of multiple gyroscopically stabilized sub-calibre projectiles to form a spread of shot across a target where each shot is fired to a specific predestined position within that pattern. The projectile holder in accordance with the invention also allows multiple projectiles to be fired simultaneously through a rifled barrel to form a pattern of shot. The ability to gyroscopically stabilize the projectiles means that a user is not only able to fire a spherical ball more accurately but if the projectiles are positioned close enough to the central axis of the body portion within the alcoves, can also fire ogive and spitzer shaped projectiles which gives the projectiles a far greater effective and accurate range.

Additionally the projectile holder in accordance with the invention allows each projectile to be fired to a specific pre-designed place within the shot pattern and as such is not limited to a Gaussian pattern or even a circular pattern. It thus is able to reduce or eliminate the random nature of the shot pattern and the chance of voids within it as well as allowing a more effective shot pattern to be designed.

Optionally, each of the plurality of alcoves are offset relatively to each other.

Optionally, the plurality of alcoves are spaced apart from one another.

Optionally, at least one of the plurality of alcoves is configured to house an ogive shaped projectile.

Optionally, at least one of the plurality of alcoves is configured to house a spitzer shaped projectile.

Optionally, at least one of the plurality of alcoves is configured to house as spherical shaped projectile. Optionally, each alcove is configured to correspond in shape to the profile of a projectile receivable therein.

Optionally, the body portion further comprises a passageway between each alcove and an adjacent alcove.

Optionally, the body portion further comprises a wall portion configured to define said plurality of alcoves, said wall portion comprising a first end and a second end; and a base portion proximate the second end of the wall portion.

Optionally, the wall portion comprises two or more wall sections. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall portion comprises four wall sections.

Optionally, the wall sections are adapted to move between a first position and a second position. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall sections are adapted to pivot proximate the second end of the wall portion.

Optionally, the wall portion comprises a plurality of fasteners adapted to temporarily retain the wall sections in the first position. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fasteners are snap-type fasteners.

Optionally, the fasteners are positioned along the wall sections such that they are adapted to regulate the movement of the wall sections from the first position towards the second position.

Optionally, the body portion comprises a plastics material. In an exemplary embodiment, the body portion comprises polyethylene.

Optionally, the base portion is integrally formed with the wall portion.

Optionally, the body portion further comprises a groove at least partially surrounding at least one of the plurality of alcoves. In an exemplary embodiment, the body portion comprises a groove at least partially surrounding each one of the plurality of alcoves.

Optionally, each wall section comprises one or more indentations configured to define a section of the or each groove.

Optionally, the depth of the groove at least partially surrounding one alcove is different to the depth of the groove at least partially surrounding another alcove, the difference in depth being dependent on the location of the corresponding alcove relative to a front end of the body portion.

Preferably, the depth of the groove at least partially surrounding an alcove proximate the front end of the body portion is less than the depth of the groove at least partially surrounding an alcove proximate a rear end of the body portion.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cartridge assembly adapted to contain a plurality of projectiles comprising:

a projectile holder according to a first aspect of the invention;

a case adapted to hold the projectile holder;

a primer adapted to ignite a propellant; and

a propellant adapted to be positioned between the primer and the projectile holder.

The projectile holder in the cartridge assembly in accordance with the invention will fulfil the same functions as a prior art sabot for a rifled barrel of providing a consistent gas seal to prevent any propellant gases escaping past the projectile holder, engaging the rifling to impart spin to the projectile holder and onto projectiles contained within, and holding the projectiles in their intended positions within the barrel.

However where the invention differs from a prior art sabot is that instead of holding a single projectile that is smaller than the bore of the barrel as precisely as possible in the centre of the bore to make each shot as accurate as possible, the projectile holder in accordance with the invention is adapted to hold multiple projectiles within it that can be offset from the centre of the bore about the longitudinal axis of the barrel.

Thus in use, when the ammunition is fired using the cartridge assembly in accordance with the invention, the projectiles that are held by the projectile holder of the invention in positions that are offset from the longitudinal axis of the centre of the barrel travel down the rifled barrel in a helical path till the projectile holder leaves the barrel and discards the projectiles. The offset projectiles will each then veer away from the trajectory they would have taken if held centrally in the bore to form the desired pattern of shot being no longer restrained within the projectile holder by the barrel of the rifle. The amount each projectile veers away from the trajectory of a projectile held precisely in the centre of the bore is governed by four factors: the mass of the projectile; the velocity of the projectile; the distance from the centre of the longitudinal axis of the bore it was located within the projectile holder; and the rate of the rifling twist.

These factors can be manipulated to control the angle to the trajectory an offset projectile takes from that of one fired from a position in the centre to the bore. An increase in the mass, velocity, distance from the longitudinal axis of the bore or the rifling twist would all increase the size of the angle to the trajectory that an offset projectile would take from one held centrally in the bore.

A further advantage of the cartridge assembly in accordance with the invention is that it allows rifled barred weapon designed to fire the projectile holder to be able to more accurately fire single projectile ammunition than a smoothbore shotgun and to a greater effective range. In addition, the cartridge assembly in accordance with the invention allows a rifled barrelled weapon to fire a spread of projectiles like a shotgun. This is because when the cartridge assembly is used in conjunction with a rifled barrel it has the ability to fire spin stabilised aerodynamic projectiles such as ogive or spitzer shaped projectiles in tight patterns to give a greater effective range than a shotgun using buckshot ammunition. This means that fired projectiles are less likely to be affected by wind and the cartridge assembly can be utilized to simultaneously fire a plurality of projectiles in a wide range of pattern sizes, not being limited to the Gaussian or bellmouth pattern a shotgun gives.

Optionally, the cartridge assembly further comprises a rim.

The rim may be in any suitable form as known in the art. For example, the rim may be configured to provide a rimmed, rimless, semi-rimmed, rebated rim or belted type cartridge.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge assembly is a shotgun-type cartridge assembly. In embodiments wherein the cartridge assembly is a shotgun-type cartridge, the case may comprise a plastic or paper material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge assembly is a rifle-type cartridge assembly.

In embodiments wherein the cartridge assembly is a rifle-type cartridge, the case may comprise a brass, nickel-plated brass, steel or aluminium material.

Optionally, the cartridge assembly further comprises a projectile in each of the plurality of alcoves of the projectile holder.

In an exemplary embodiment, each projectile is a sub-calibre projectile. Brief Description of Figures

The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a cartridge assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view of the position of the projectiles inside the cartridge assembly of figure 1, looking from a front open end towards the base portion;

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a projectile holder in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figure 4 is a view from the front of the embodiment of figure 1;

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of figure 3 without the projectiles and rotated through 45 degrees;

Figure 6 is a view from the front of the embodiment of figure 3 without the projectiles and rotated through 45 degrees;

Figure 7 is a sectional view through the projectile holder of figure 5 at the location indicated in figure 6;

Figure 8 is a sectional view through the projectile holder of figure 5 at the location indicated in figure 5; Figure 9 is a sectional view through a second embodiment of a projectile holder in accordance with the invention at the location indicated in figure 11; Figure 10 is a sectional view through an embodiment of a ring for use with the second embodiment of the projectile holder at the location indicated in figure 11;

Figure 11 is a partial sectional view of the second embodiment of a projectile holder in accordance with the invention;

Figure 12 is a partial sectional view through a wall section of a third embodiment of a projectile holder in accordance with the invention at the location indicated in figure 13;

Figure 13 is a view from the front of the wall section of the third embodiment of a projectile holder in accordance with the invention;

Figure 14 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge assembly comprising a fourth embodiment of a projectile holder in accordance with the invention;

Figure 15 is an expanded sectional view of the projectile holder of figure 14 without the projectiles and showing the movement of the wall sections from the first position towards the second position;

Figure 16 is a front view of an embodiment of a retaining cup forming part of the projectile holder of figure 14;

Figure 17 is a schematic view of a shot pattern obtainable with a projectile holder in accordance with the invention;

Figure 18 is a schematic view of an alterative shot pattern obtainable with a projectile holder in accordance with the invention; Figure 19 is a schematic view of the retaining cup and body portion forming part of a fifth embodiment of a projectile holder in accordance with the invention; Figure 20 is a schematic view of the body portion of a sixth embodiment of a projectile holder in accordance with the invention;

Figure 21 is a schematic view of the projectile holder of figure 19 when assembled;

Figure 22 is a sectional view of the projectile holder of figure 21 with projectiles positioned in the alcoves as indicated in figure 21;

Figure 23 is a schematic of a retaining cup in accordance with a seventh embodiment of a projectile holder in accordance with the invention;

Figure 24 is a sectional view of the retaining cup of figure 23;

Figure 25 is a schematic view a sectional view of a second embodiment of a cartridge assembly in accordance with the invention comprising an eight embodiment of a projectile holder in accordance with the invention;

Figure 26 is a side view of the projectile holder of figure 25; and Figure 27 is a schematic view of the projectile holder of figure 25 following movement of the wall sections from the first position towards the second position.

Detailed Description The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers or characteristics, compounds described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Referring to figure 1, an embodiment of a cartridge assembly 50 in accordance with an aspect of the invention is shown.

The cartridge assembly 50 comprises a projectile holder 1, a case 4 adapted to hold the projectile holder 1, a primer 52 adapted to ignite a propellant, and a propellant (not shown) adapted to be positioned between the primer 52 and the projectile holder 1.

In the embodiment shown, the cartridge assembly 50 is in the form of a shotgun- type cartridge assembly, in particular the form of an 89mm, 12 gauge shotgun cartridge. The cartridge assembly 50 further comprises a shell head 56 in which the primer 52 is located as known in the art.

The shell head 56 comprises a rim 58 which provides a place for the extractor of a firearm to engage with as known in the art. The case 4 is made of any suitable material for use as a shotgun shell case. For example, the case 4 may comprise a plastic material or a paper material. The case 4 comprises a roll crimped front 60 adapted to engage with a lip 10 at a front end of the projectile holder 1. In use, the lip 10 at the front end of the projectile holder 1 will push against the roll crimped front 60 to retain the projectile holder 1 within the case 4 until fired when it will facilitate the opening of the case 4 to release the projectile holder 1..

In use, propellant is held in a cavity 54 within the case 4 between the head 56 and the projectile holder 1.

The projectile holder 1 comprises a body portion 62 having a central axis 64, and a plurality of alcoves positioned within said body portion 62. Each alcove is adapted to house a projectile and is configured to correspond in shape to the profile of a projectile receivable therein.

In the embodiment shown, the cartridge assembly 50 further comprises a projectile in each of the plurality of alcoves.

The cartridge assembly 50 is shown with five projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 but is would be understood that the cartridge assembly and projectile holder 1 may be configured to hold more or less than five projectiles.

In the embodiment shown, the projectiles are in the form of sub-calibre projectiles, in particular spitzer shaped sub-calibre bullets. It would be understood that the projectile holder 1 may be configured to hold other shaped projectiles. The plurality of alcoves are linearly aligned relatively to each other in a direction corresponding to the central axis 64 and at least one of the plurality of alcoves is laterally and/or radially offset relatively to another of the plurality of alcoves.

In the embodiments shown, each of the plurality of alcoves are offset relative to each other. Figure 2 shows the arrangement of the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in the projectile holder 1 when located in the alcoves as you would see them if looking from the front of the cartridge assembly 50 (the other components of the cartridge assembly 50 have been omitted for clarity). As can be seen, the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are radially offset relative to each other, and the mass of the projectiles within the projectile holder 1 may be balanced about a central point, which in use will correspond to the centre of the barrel of a shotgun when looking along a longitudinal axis of the barrel. The mass of the projectiles within the projectile holder 1 need only be balanced about the central point where it is required for the projectiles to be released from the projectile holder 1 once it has left the barrel at substantially the same time. This stops any wobble experienced by firing an unbalanced mass in a helical path down the barrel, which could disturb the position of the barrel whilst firing.

Figures 3 and 5 show a side view of the projectile holder 1. In figure 5, the projectile holder has been rotated by 45 degrees from the position shown in figure 3. The body portion 62 of the projectile holder 1 is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a plastic material. The body portion 62 is preferably made from polyethylene although it would be understood that any other suitable plastics material may be employed to make the body portion 62. The position, shape and form of the lip 10 on the front of the projectile holder can be more clearly seen in figures 3 to 6. The lip 10 is adapted to push open the crimped section 60 of case 4 of the cartridge assembly 52 when fired and is used as the point to crimp down to when the projectile holder 1 is inserted in the case 4. The projectile holder 1 acts in a similar fashion to a discarding/expendable sabot as known in the art.

The body portion 62 of the projectile holder 1 comprises a passageway 11 between each alcove and an adjacent alcove.

The body portion 62 further comprises a wall portion 70 having a first end 25 and a second end 72 configured to define said plurality of alcoves. The body portion 62 further comprises a base portion 12 proximate the second end 72 of the wall portion 70.

The first end 25 of the wall portion 70 corresponds to the front end of the projectile holder 1.

The wall portion 70 comprises two or more wall sections 13. Referring to figures 3 to 8, in the embodiment shown, the wall portion 70 comprises four wall sections 13. The wall portion 70 and the base portion 12 may be formed as separate components or integrally formed. In the embodiment shown, the base portion 12 is integrally formed with the wall portion 70 as a single piece. This has the advantage of comparatively cheap production and means that both the base portion 12 and the wall portion 70 will follow a similar initial path to the projectiles when fired, rather than flying off in different directions possibly hitting bystanders.

The wall sections 13 are adapted to move between a first position and a second position. In embodiment shown, when in the first position, a surface of each wall section 13 abuts a surface of an adjoining wall section substantially along the length thereof. In the second position, the wall sections 13 are positioned such that the ends of the wall sections 13 proximate the first end 25 of the wall portion 70 are spaced apart from each other. In the embodiment shown, when in the second position the surface of the wall section 13 will no longer abut the surface of an adjoining wall section 13 substantially along the length there of. The wall sections 13 are biased towards the second position and, in use, will fan out from the first position towards the second position.

In the embodiment shown, the wall sections 13 are adapted to pivot proximate the second end 72 of the wall portion 70. As such, during the movement of the wall sections 13 from the first position towards the second position, they will act in a similar fashion to the opening of petals from a closed state to an open state or the spreading out of fingers from a starting position in which they are all joined together.

In the embodiment shown, the wall sections 13 each narrow proximate the second end 72 of the wall portion where they join the base portion 12 and form a pivot point or hinge 3 which induces the bending/pivoting of the wall sections 13 at this point. The narrowing of the wall sections 13 is accomplished by cutting a notch 2 in each wall section 13. The wall sections 13 are of equal size (see figures 4 and 6). This helps ensure that the wall sections all open at the same rate, the more equal their size and mass the more equal the effects of inertia and drag upon them. The offset projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are positioned with their centre of mass in the join between two wall sections 13 to aid their clean release as the wall sections 13 opens.

The smaller the number of wall sections 13 the stronger they are, giving them a greater ability to resist opening. In addition, a smaller number of wall sections 13 provides more controlled opening and reduces the likelihood of one or more of the wall sections 13 being twisted out of shape when first engaging the rifling.

Figures 4 and 6 show a front view of the projectile holder 1 with the wall sections 13 in the first position (figure 4 with projectiles, figure 6 without projectiles). As can be seen, there are no gaps between adjoining wall sections 13. The wall sections 13 will touch and support each other as they first engage the rifling. It is to be noted that an embodiment with a larger number of projectiles may require a larger number of wall sections 13 to release the projectiles cleanly.

The shape of the notches 2 in the shown embodiment can be more clearly seen in figures 3 and 5. It would be understood that other suitable shaped notches may be utilized. The base portion 12 and the wall sections 13 will expand to fit or obturate such that they are in contact with an internal wall the case 4. Once fired and the projectile holder 1 is released from the case 4, the base portion 12 and the wall sections 13 will swage with the barrel such that spin will be imparted to the projectile holder 1.

The base portion 12 is adapted to provide a gas seal to prevent any propellant gases escaping past the projectile holder 1 once the propellant has been ignited and supports the second end 72 of the wall portion 70. The wall sections/fingers 13 hold the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in position until the projectile holder 1 has left the barrel. The two forces of inertia caused by the projectile holder's 1 rotation and drag once the projectile holder 1 has left the barrel, will force the wall sections/fingers 13 of the to open i.e. move from the first position towards the second position. The two forces of inertial and drag act in addition to the natural tendency, due to biasing if unhindered, of the wall sections 13 towards the second position.

During movement towards the second position, the wall sections/fingers 13 will bend back until either side of the notch or cut away section 2 between the base portion 12 and the wall sections/fingers 13 meet, holding them open in that position to give greater drag than if the wall sections/fingers 13 opened completely folding back on themselves.

The shape of the notch and the angle of the cut can be altered to suit how far a user would like the wall sections/fingers 13 to open before being held in that position. In addition, the shape or angle of the notch/cut away section 2 can be changed to increase the contact area between the base portion and wall sections/fingers 13 to support the wall sections/fingers 13 better in the held open position i.e. second position. The passageways or gaps 11 that run centrally along the length of the projectile holder 1 linking adjacent alcoves, and hence providing a central channel through the projectile holder 1, allows the projectile holder 1 to be manufactured or formed in the closed position as well as with the wall sections/fingers 13 open. Depending on which method of manufacture is used, the thickness and rigidity of the material at the hinge point/pivot 3 can be critical to the design. It needs to be adequate for the invention to function as intended.

The projectile holder's 1 ability to resist the forces trying to open the wall sections/fingers 13 of the wall section is one way of controlling when the wall sections/fingers 13 open and thus releases the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 contained within the alcoves.

The opening point of the wall sections/fingers 13 can be critical to the functioning of the projectile holder 1.

When the projectile holder 1 first exits the barrel, the expanding gases that where held behind the projectile holder 1 are now free to blast past it. If the projectile holder 1 opens too early, these gases will disturb the opening of the wall sections/fingers 13 preventing the clean release of the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Additionally when the projectile holder 1 first leaves the barrel, the pressure behind the projectile holder 1 is momentarily higher than the pressure in front of it causing the projectile holder 1 to carry on accelerating even though it has left the barrel. If it began to release the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 before it stopped accelerating, the wall section 70 would be unable to release the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 cleanly, as the projectiles released first would collide with those released momentarily later. The issues associated with effects of the gases escaping past the projectile holder 1 and the higher initial pressure behind the projectile holder may be mitigated or eliminated in a number of ways. For example, the propellant burn rate may be altered, a longer barrel may be used and/or the barrel may be ported. The longer it takes for the projectile holder 1 to release the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 after it has left the barrel, the more of the projectile's 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 energy will be wasted. This is because the projectile holder 1 containing the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 will travels through the air less efficiently that the individual projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Thus, the longer it is before the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are released the greater the chance of yaw of the projectile holder 1 which would effect the shot pattern and flight path of the individual projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

The optimum release point is the earliest point where the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 can be released cleanly without disturbance. Firing the projectile holder 1 through a shorter barrel than the cartridge assembly 50 containing it is designed to be used from could not only disturb the release of the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 but also give a smaller shot pattern due to the lower velocity.

The wall sections/fingers 13 are formed to support around the sides of the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 with the shape of the projectile holder 1 immediately in front and behind the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 formed to ensure their clean release without disturbing their position within the shot pattern. Clean projectile release is more important with the present invention than in traditional single projectile shotgun cartridge sabots. This is because the mass of the individual projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 is so much smaller that they can more easily be knocked off there designed trajectory by the projectile holder 1.

The projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 may be lubricated to aid that clean release. The boat tailed shape of the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 will spread the pressure on the projectile holder 1 during firing at the base of each projectile meaning less material is required to support the base of the projectile. This means that the size of the passageway/gap 11 between each projectile may be reduced thereby allowing longer projectiles to be used.

The projectile holder 1 in accordance with the invention holding the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in position and providing the gas seal means the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 do not need to fulfil these functions and such do not need to have long straight sides to engage with the barrel.

In order to reduce the effect of yaw in the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, the alcoves may be configured such that a projectile positioned therein does not point parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bore of the rifle or shotgun.

As can be seen more clearly in figure 1, the four rearmost alcoves are configured such that the projectiles 6, 7, 8, 9 located therein are not only offset but also arranged such that they do not point in a direction parallel to the central axis 64 of the body potion and hence in use will not point in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bore of the rifle or shotgun. The projectiles 6, 7, 8, 9 are held in positions within the projectile holder 1 pointing towards the direction they will be fired in, not parallel to the bore.

Since the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are all positioned along the centre axis of the body portion 62 of the projectile holder 1, this limits the number and length of the projectiles you can fit in the cartridge assembly 50 unlike in a prior art shotgun cartridge where the projectiles can be stacked along side each other. This is because the further a projectile is positioned away from the centre of the longitudinal axis of the bore within the projectile holder 1 the less stabilizing spin is imparted to it from the rifling. The full benefits of the present invention would only be available on tighter patterns. To compensate, projectiles requiring different twist rates can be used in the same projectile holder 1. If a wide spread is required, this would mean that little stabilizing spin would be imparted to the projectiles.

The timing of the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 release is an important consideration in the design of the projectile holder 1. If the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are all released simultaneously there is the chance that they will collide in flight before there flight paths diverge sufficiently for them to avoid collision. The first projectile 5 slowing down due to friction with the air more than the projectiles 6, 7, 8, 9 behind it. The wider the pattern however, the less chance there is of collision. A slight increase in the passageway/gap 11 between the alcove holding the first projectile 5 and the alcove holding the second projectile 6 in the projectile holder 1 may be all that is required to prevent collision. There are a number of ways to reduce the amount the first projectile 5 is slowed down compared with the ones behind it. For example, by reducing the effect of friction with air on the first projectile 5 by making it a more ballistically efficient shape or from a heavier material. The amount the first projectile 5 is slowed down compared with the ones behind it can also be reduced by increasing the effects of drag on the projectiles behind it by using boat tailed projectiles that disturb the air flow less and putting projectiles with a smaller cross sectional area in front than those behind. The projectiles position in the projectile holder 1 can be used to put greater space between those on similar trajectories.

There is also a slight disruptive effect to the projectiles 6, 7, 8, 9 caused by them going from the dirty or turbulent air behind the projectile in front and breaking out into clean air with laminar flow, which could affect the accuracy of and increase yaw on their flight path.

These effects can be greatly reduced by very slightly increasing the air gap between the projectiles in flight. This could be accomplished by fractionally delaying the release of each projectile after the one in front by allowing slight flex in the wall sections/fingers 13 of the projectile holder 1 as they open. This bowing effect would release the projectiles at the front earlier.

As the projectile holder would still be rotating in flight, even a slight delay between releasing the projectiles would alter the shape of the shot pattern if not allowed for and corrected, if the alteration to the pattern was great enough to require a correction. The wall portion 70 may comprise one or more systems or means to control the rate of release of the projectiles from the projectile holder 1. For example, in order to control the rate of release of the projectiles from the projectile holder 1, the wall portion 70 may comprise a plurality of fasteners 29 adapted to temporarily retain the wall sections in the first position as shown in figures 7 and 8.

In the embodiment shown, the fasteners 29 are in the form of snap-type fasteners and comprise a protrusion 14 extending from a wall section/finger 13 which is adapted to be received in a corresponding socket of an adjoining wall section/finger 13.

This feature is designed to control the opening of the wall portion 70 due to movement of the wall sections/fingers 13 towards the second position till the desired point after leaving the barrel, by offering resistance to the forces of inertia and drag trying to open it thus causing a momentary delay. After leaving the barrel, the forces acting on the projectile holder 1 will increase and eventually exceed the protrusions' 14 limits of resistance. The protrusions 14 will deform and eventually be released from the corresponding sockets allowing the wall portion 70 to open. Once deformed, the protrusions 14 will be damaged and as such make the projectile holder 1 non-reusable, which could be an advantage in certain applications, for example in military use.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view through the projectile holder of figure 5 at the location indicated in figure 5. While the fasteners 29 have bee shown as a set of four fasteners, depending on the application of the projectile holder 1 additional sets of fasteners may be utilized running along the length of the wall portion 70 in order to properly control the opening of the wall portion 70, and hence projectile holder 1, as required. The additional fasteners will be positioned along the wall sections/fingers 13 such that they will regulate the movement of the wall sections/ fingers 13 from the first position towards the second position. Referring to figures 9 to 11, a second embodiment of projectile holder 100 in accordance with the invention is shown. The differences between the second and first embodiment will now be described.

The projectile holder 100 comprises three components, namely a base support 120, a body portion 162 and a ring 119. The projectile holder 100, like the first embodiment is adapted to act in a similar fashion to a discarding/expendable sabot. As in the first embodiment, the body portion 162 comprises a central axis (not shown) and a plurality of alcoves 168 positioned within said body portion 162. Each alcove 168 is adapted to house a projectile and is configured to correspond in shape to the profile of a projectile receivable therein. The body portion 162 comprises five alcoves 168 and as such is adapted to contain five projectiles. Like the first embodiment, the projectile holder 100 is adapted to form part of a cartridge assembly in accordance with the invention in the form of an 89mm, 12 gauge shotgun cartridge with a roll crimped front. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the wall sections/fingers 113 of the wall portion 170 do not abut a surface of an adjoining wall section/fingers 113 substantially along the length thereof when in the closed position. Instead, when in the closed position, there is a gap 121 between adjacent wall sections/fingers 113.

The wall sections/fingers 113 are joined to one another proximate the second end 172 of the wall portion 170 by a thin area of material 115 designed to stiffen up the wall sections/fingers 113 in order to resist the forces trying to open out the wall sections/fingers 113 once the projectile holder 100 has been fired and left the barrel, thereby delaying it opening. The thin areas of material 115 are designed to break in use, and once broken, would allow the wall sections/fingers 113 to bend back in the same way as previously described in relation to the first embodiment. The thin areas of material 115 joining the wall sections/fingers 113 by being at the rear of the wall portion 170 have the ability to allow the front of the wall portion 170 to begin to open flexing the sides of the wall sections/fingers 113 before the thin areas of material 115 break and the full length of the wall sections/fingers 113 open releasing all the projectiles.

The thin areas of material 115 mean that it is not possible to insert the last projectile into the projectile holder 100 from a front end therefore. In order to insert the last projectile into the project holder, it needs to be done through the base portion 112 of the body portion 162. The base support 120 is adapted to engage with and fit into the opening through which the last bullet is to be inserted in order to provide a gas seal. The ring 119 is in the form a circular plastic ring 19 which is adapted to fit a recess

118 made for it on the front of each of the wall sections/fingers 113.

The ring 119 comprises four cuts 117 thereon designed to leave a specific thickness of material at the location of the cuts. The specific thickness is such that a specific force will break the ring 119 in order to allow the wall sections/fingers 113 to open. The cuts 117 in the ring 119 should be deeper than the cuts made by the rifling of the barrel, as such, the ring 119 would need to be of sufficient thickness to allow this. The cuts 117 can change depth along the length of the ring 119 so that if the ring

119 is sufficiently long it could offer increased resistance to opening the further the wall sections/fingers 113 open.

The ring 119 further comprises four rectangular tabs/features 116 on an inside of the ring 119 which are made to fit the gap in between the wall sections/fingers 113 to strengthen them against the twisting action they encounter when they first engage the rifling. The ring 119 is further adapted to define the front lip for engagement with the roll crimped front of the case of the cartridge assembly. Although the ring 119 forming part of the second embodiment of the projectile holder 100 has been described and shown to fit the front of the body portion 162, it is to be understood that it is not limited thereto and may be located at different positions along the body portion 162. In addition, it is not essential to have both the ring 119 feature and the thin areas of material 115 feature in a single embodiment, these features may instead be utilized separately in embodiments to act as separate methods to achieve the same effect.

With reference to figures 12 and 13, a third embodiment of a projectile holder 200 in accordance with the invention will be described.

Representation of only one of the fingers is shown for ease of reference. The differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will now be described.

The third embodiment differs in that the body portion 262 comprises at least one void 224 in the form of a channel in each of the wall sections 213. In the embodiment shown, each wall section 213 comprises two channels running down the length/sides thereof.

The channels 224 are configured to perform two functions. Firstly, they reduce the overall mass of the body portion 262, and hence the projectile holder 200, thus slightly reducing recoil when fired. Secondly, they reduce the mass of the individual wall sections/fingers 213 which in turn reduces the force of inertia acting upon them to open caused by their rotation. The lighter the wall sections/ fingers 213, the less they are forced open. The voids/channels 224 can also be used to reduce the rigidity of the wall sections/fingers 213 causing them to flex slightly as they open.

The projectile holder 200 further comprises a separate obturating disc 223 proximate the base portion 212 of the body portion 262. This allows the body portion 262 to be re used, making the projectile holder 200 more affordable.

Referring to figures 14 to 16, a cartridge assembly 350 comprising a projectile holder 300 in accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention is shown.

The projectile holder 300 comprises two components namely a body portion 362 and a cup piece 326 in the form of a retaining cup.

The body portion 362, as in the previously described embodiments, is adapted to contain five projectiles each held individually within the alcoves in the body portion 362.

The cartridge assembly 350 is again in the form of an 89mm, 12 gauge shotgun cartridge with a roll crimped front.

In the embodiment shown, the body portion 362 comprises a thinner base portion 312 than that of the first embodiment and is supported by the cup piece 326 from behind. Similarly to the first embodiment, the wall portion 370 of the body portion 362 comprises four wall sections/fingers 313 that hold the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and a narrow point 303 where it joins the base portion 312. It has a passageway or gap 11 that runs centrally along the length of the projectile holder 300 linking adjacent alcoves, and hence providing a central channel through the projectile holder 300. In this embodiment, the cut away section 333 that forms that narrow point 303, unlike the notch 2 of the first embodiment, is not designed to hold the wall sections/fingers 313 in the second position i.e. an open position. This is due to the base portion 312 being of much weaker construction.

The retaining cup 326 comprises a conical inner surface and comprises separable tabs 376 extending from a base 378. The tabs 376 are deformable and are adapted to be closed in to fit around a portion of the body portion 376 and also fit inside the case 4 of the cartridge assembly 350. The tabs 376 are configured to springing back out to there natural position as shown in figure 16 once the projectile holder 300 leaves the barrel.

The retaining cup 326 is designed to contain the body portion 362 until after it has left the barrel. The resultant drag once the components have left the barrel will separate the two pieces 326,362 and the wall sections 313of the wall portion 370 are then free to open and release the projectiles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Figure 15 shows the separation of the body portion 362 from the retaining cup 326 (the projectiles have been omitted for clarity). A front edge 327 of the retaining cup is shown turned out, having been held flat within the cartridge assembly 350 as shown in figure 14. The increased drag acting on the tabs 376 of the turned out front edge of the retaining cup/cup section 326 aids the separation from the body portion 362 once the project holder 300 has left the barrel. The separation of the two components is assisted by the conical inner surface shape where the two components/pieces meet and the use of lubrication between the two components/pieces.

Both the retaining cup 326 and the body portion 362 are configured to obturate to fit into the case 4 of the cartridge assembly 350, and swage within the barrel once released from the case 4. This means that one section is not required to pass the spin from engaging the rifling on to the other.

The longer delay in the opening of the wall sections 313, due to the retaining cup 326, means that the projectile holder 300 is less affected by the gases passing it immediately after leaving the barrel, making it better able to cope with being used in different barrel lengths or with slower burning propellants.

Figure 17 depics a shot pattern obtainable from the firing of a projectile holder in a accordance with the invention. The amount of lateral throw off from the centre of the shot pattern can be calculated from the mass of the projectile, distance the projectile is offset from the longitudinal axis of the bore, twist rate of the barrel and the velocity of the projectile. This information can be used to calculate the position of the offset projectiles 6, 7, 8, 9 within the body portion. Once the offset from the longitudinal centre of the barrel is known, the projectiles are then arranged through 360 degrees about the axis that is at 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis, to form the arrangement pattern as seen in figure 2. Then to position the pattern correctly on the target, load the ammunition in the chamber of the rifle in a position so that after travelling down the barrel, it reaches the end of it in such a position that when the projectiles are discarded they form the pattern that one desires. A mark on the cartridge case, or a clear case with a mark on the projectile holder would be a method of showing the position of the projectiles therein. That mark could be used to load the projectile holder in the desired position. A physical or optical feature on the cartridge assembly could also be used to align the cartridges in the desired position in the chamber. The physical feature may for example be in the form of a groove or a shape of cartridge designed to fit in a pre set position within the chamber.

Figure 18 shows another shot pattern that may be obtained using a projectile holder in accordance with the invention. Using a projectile holder in accordance with the invention one can produce shot patterns that cannot be made in a single shot from a prior art shotgun, such as all five projectiles forming a line as illustrated.

In this shot pattern the projectiles can also be arranged to reduce the effects of yaw on the projectile holder, in particular in embodiments where the effect of the propellant gasses around the invention require a greater delay before opening. The order of the projectiles held in the invention being first 5, 6, 7, 8 and lastly 9 would reduce the yaw caused by the projectiles positions. Yaw in the projectile holder could also be decreased by increasing the drag stabilisation of the projectile holder, by lengthening the base portion or forming driving bands at the rear to increase the drag, however this would reduce the velocity of the projectiles.

Referring to figures 19, 21 and 22, a fifth embodiment of projectile holder 400 in accordance with the invention is shown. The differences between the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment will now be described. The projectile holder 400 in accordance with the fifth embodiment comprises two components, namely a body portion 462 and a retaining cup 426.

The retaining cup 426 has an external diameter the same as the bore of the rifle barrel, the rear of which is forms a flexible gas seal 480 which obturates when the shotgun cartridge assembly (not shown) is fired sealing the gasses from the propellant charge (not shown) behind it and propelling the body portion 462 out of the case of the cartridge (not shown) and along the barrel.

The retaining cup 426 supports the bottom of the body portion 462 when the cartridge (not shown) is fired preventing damage to the body portion 462 or its projectiles 490, 491. The retaining cup 426 holds the body portion 462 securely in place during the assembly process and during firing until it has released the projectiles 490, 491, using an interference fit, the inside of the retaining cup 426 having a slightly smaller diameter than the outside diameter of the corresponding body portion 462 and hence the wall sections/fingers 413 when in the closed position. Those skilled in the art would be capable of achieving the required tolerances, though the retaining cup 426 could work equally well in an alternative embodiment if properly bonded to the body portion 462 with adhesive or through the use of a seating groove on the inside face of the retaining cup 426 matching a protrusion in the body portion 462 made to engage it once the body portion 462 was pushed into place. The retaining cup 426 is formed with four protrusions 483 within it, which support the base portion 412 of the body portion 462 and the wall sections/fingers 413, as well as the retaining cup 426 supporting the individual wall sections/fingers 413 at the hinge point 403 during firing. This means the retaining cup 426 and body portion 462 rotate as one unit when the body portion 462 starts to engage the rifling.

The body portion 462 further comprises a groove 488 at least partially surrounding at least one of the plurality of alcoves 468. In the embodiment shown, the body portion comprises a groove 488 at least partially surrounding each of the plurality of alcoves 468.

As can be seen in the figures, each wall section/finger 413 comprises one or more indentations configured to define a section of the or each groove 488.

The depth of each groove 488 is preferably different to the depth of the groove to one another. As can be seen in figure 22, in the embodiment shown, the depth of the groove 488 which at least partially surrounds the alcove 468 proximate the front end of the body portion 462 is less than the depth of the groove 488 which at least partially surrounds the alcove 468 proximate the rear end of the body portion 462.

The wall sections/fingers 413 further comprise a plurality of hinge points 487 which are adapted to facilitate the staged release of the projectiles 490, 491. The wall sections/fingers 413, opening from the front of the wall section 470 backwards towards the base portion 412 as it leaves the barrel (not shown). The wall portion 470 opening at each hinge point 487 along the wall sections/fingers 413 in turn.

The hinge points 487 are formed from thinner more flexible sections between two thickenings in the wall sections/fingers 413. The wall sections/fingers 413 thickenings when the body portion 462 is assembled are in the form of one or more circular bands 489 around the circumference of the wall portion 470. These bands 489 are substantially the same diameter as the bore of the rifled barrel (not shown) so that they swage to engage the rifling and impart spin to the projectile holder 400. The hinge points 487 can be made to different thickness to give the required amount of flexibility needed to control the opening of the wall portion 470. The thickness of the plastic at the hinge points 487 can be used by those skilled in the art, to compensate for a difference in the strength of the plastic used in the projectile holder 400 construction or for the different forces placed upon it by being used at different velocities or rifling twists.

As in the first embodiment, the body portion 462 consists of a plurality of wall sections/fingers 413 connected at the base portion 412, to form one single piece which is designed to allow it to be moulded easily to reduce the mass of the projectile holder 400 from that of a solid shape to reduce recoil when fired. This helps to reduce the amount of contact with the rifle bore (not shown) and allows the wall sections/fingers 413 to have sufficient strength and rigidity to resist bending between the hinge points 487.

In this embodiment, the projectile holder 400 holds five sub calibre projectiles 490, 491 of a sufficiently small enough diameter to allow them to be positioned within the projectile holder 400 leaving enough wall thickness or space between the projectiles and the inner surface of the wall portion 470 for at least one functioning hinge point 487. The projectile holder 400 can be adapted to hold a greater or lesser amount of projectiles 490, 491 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The projectiles 490, 491 are held securely in position preventing them from being damaged when the shotgun cartridge (not shown) is fired. When the cartridge (not shown) is fired the body portion 462 and the retaining cup 426 swage to fit the rifling of the barrel imparting gyroscopic spin to the projectile holder 400 and the projectiles 490, 491 within. The offset projectiles 491 then travel down the barrel (not shown) in a helical path within the projectile holder 400 till they leave the barrel and are then released by the wall portion 462, inertia then throws them away from the axis of the barrel to form the pattern of shot. The point within the 360 degree pattern of shot the projectiles 491 reside depends upon the position they are held within the body portion 462 of projectile holder 400. In deciding upon the position the projectiles 491 are to be held in within the alcoves 468 of the body portion 462, one must allow for the extra rotation of the projectile holder 400 before the projectiles 491 are released.

The projectile 490 in the front of the projectile holder 400 is held centrally in the rifle bore (not shown) so is not subject to the lateral throw off that affects the projectiles 491 held in offset positions.

The wall portion 462 could be made with hinge points 487 thick enough for the wall sections/fingers 413 to be effectively rigid. These rigid hinge points 487 would give simultaneous release of all the projectiles 490, 491 which could provide accurate patterning for very wide patterns for use at short range.

The wall sections/fingers 413 each have a lip 410 on the front which helps open the roll crimp of the case of the cartridge (not shown) that retains the projectile holder 400 in position within the cartridge (not shown) until it is fired. As it would be appreciated by someone skilled in the art, a version of the fifth embodiment of the projectile holder could be made in the form of a one piece device. The use of separating retaining cup 426 and the body portion 462 components allows different base sections or supports to be fitted to the body portion 462 to adjust the overall length of the projectile holder for use in different internal length cartridge hulls.

Referring to figure 20, a body portion 562 forming part of a sixth embodiment a projectile holder in accordance with the invention is shown. The sixth embodiment is very similar to that of the fifth embodiment, with the only difference being in relation to feature of the body portion. The same reference numerals as those used for the body portion 462 of the fifth embodiment are used to indicate identical features for simplicity.

The body portion 562 of the sixth embodiment differs in that it comprises a plurality of fasteners to temporarily retain the wall sections/fingers 513 in the first position.

The fasteners are in the form of snap-type fasteners, although other suitable fasteners may be used. As can be seen, the wall sections/fingers 513 comprise a series of pegs 529 along the internal face 592 of the wall sections/fingers 513. These pegs 529 on the side of the wall sections/fingers 513 fit into corresponding cavities/holes 593 in the adjacent wall section/fingers 513 it abuts when the wall portion 570 is in the closed assembled position.

The end of the pegs 429 are wider than the size of the hole 593, and once pushed through the hole retain the wall sections/fingers 513 in the closed position. By changing the size and shape of the pegs 529 and holes 593 they can be made by someone skilled in the art to control the opening of the wall sections/fingers 513.

This is done by providing an additional method of resistance to the wall sections/fingers 513 opening. This embodiment can be used in situations where the projectile holder 500 is still gaining velocity when it starts to leave the barrel so without controlling the release the projectiles 490, 491 they could collide together after being released.

As can be seen, no fastener assembly (i.e. no peg 529 or hole 593) is provide ahead of the first hinge point 487. This is so that the first part of each the wall section/finger 513 opens easily, increasing the size of the forces acting to open the rest of the wall portion 570.

The pegs 529 can also be made in an alternative embodiment without the wider end portion so that they do not retain the wall sections/fingers 513 in the closed position, and instead just give support to the wall sections/fingers 513 when first swaging to fit barrel when used with a tighter rifling twist or higher breach pressure. The pegs 529 without the wider ends could also be used if the embodiment was made by someone skilled in the art to be used in a smoothbore barrel in conjunction with a rifled choke, where the projectile holder 500 would be moving at a far greater velocity before it started to engage the rifling.

The pegs 529 could also be used by a person skilled in the art in an alternative embodiment to retain a one piece body portion in the closed position without needing a separate cup section. Figures 21 and 22 show a projectile holder 400, 500 in accordance with a fifth or sixth embodiment in the closed position fitted to the retaining cup 426 ready to be fitted into the shotgun cartridge assembly (not shown).

Figure 22 shows the projectiles 490, 491 held in both central and offset positions within the alcoves 468 of the body portion 462, 562. It also shows in greater detail how the retaining cup 426 holds and supports the body portion 462, 562. It shows that the wall sections/fingers 413, 513 do not extend over the front of the projectiles as this may interfere with the release of the projectiles 490, 491. It shows the projectiles 490, 491 are made with a curved meplat to allow clean release, in an alternative embodiment were the meplat that wide that it did extend into the wall sections/fingers 413, 513 the curved front would still allow clean release. The position of the hinge points 487 on each of the boat tailed shaped projectiles 490, 491 allows the projectiles 490, 491 to still be supported from the rear while being able to exit the projectile holder 400, 500 from the front, to help provide a clean release from the body portion 462, 562.

Although it is difficult to see from the drawings as the angle is so slight, the projectiles 491 are held by the wall sections/fingers 413, 513 in offset positions and to point in the direction of their flight path not the direction of the longitudinal axis of the barrel. As can be seen, the hinge points 487 are thicker as you go toward the base potion 412 of the body portion 462, 562 to counter the increased drag on the opening wall portion, when it leaves the barrel (not shown) after being fired. Referring to figures 23 and 24, an embodiment of a retaining cup 626 for use with a projectile holder in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention is shown.

The retaining cup 626 is designed to give greater control of the wall portion opening. The retaining cup 626 is specially designed for use in conjunction with a shorter barrel. The retaining cup 626 may also be easy adapted for use in a traditional rifle cartridge.

The body portion of the projectile holder in accordance with the seventh embodiment may take the same form as the body portion 462, 562 described in relation to the fifth or sixth embodiment and as such will not be described in any detail. The only difference is that if it is used in the same barrel (not shown) diameter, it will have a smaller external diameter so it can slide inside the retaining cup 626.

The body portion 462, 562 is held in place within the retaining cup 626 by an interference fit on the portion of the retaining cup 626 similar to that described previously. When the shotgun cartridge (not shown) is fired the retaining cup 626 leaves the shotgun cartridge (not shown) and engages the rifling. Since it then swages to fit the barrel and compresses down to then have an interference fit with the sides of the wall sections/fingers 413, 513 inside, it will impart gyroscopic spin along its length and onto the projectiles 490, 491 inside.

When the retaining cup 626 leaves the barrel, the sides of the retaining cup 626 peel back in sections along their length. The retaining cup 626 comprises small tabs 696 linking the sides of the retaining cup 626 which are adapted to break due to the forces of drag and inertia acting upon them. The length of the sides of the retaining cup 626 will peel back in sections, and bend at the weaker points 695 formed by holes in the sides of the retaining cup 626 in positions that correspond to the hinges 487 of the body portion 462, 562 inside. The body portion 462, 562 inside then functioning normally.

Referring to figures 25 to 27, a further embodiment of a cartridge assembly 750 in accordance with an aspect the invention is shown.

The cartridge assembly 750 comprises a projectile holder 700 in accordance with an eight embodiment, a case 731 adapted to hold the projectile holder 700, a primer 752 adapted to ignite a propellant, and a propellant (not shown) adapted to be positioned between the primer 752 and the projectile holder 700.

In the embodiment shown, the cartridge assembly 750 is in the form of a calibre 25mm rifle cartridge with the projectile holder 700 located in the position a single projectile would occupy. The case 731 comprises a rim 758 which provides a place for the extractor of a firearm to engage with as known in the art. The rim 758 may be configured to provide a rimmed, rimless, semi-rimmed, rebated rim or belted type cartridge.

The case 731 is made of any suitable material for use as a rifle cartridge. For example, the case 731 may comprise a brass, nickel-plated brass, steel or aluminium material.

The propellant, in use, is held in a cavity 754 within the case 731 between the head 756 and the projectile holder 700.

The projectile holder 700 has a number of similar features to the projectile holder embodiments previously described. Reference numerals for similar features to that of the first embodiment of the projectile holder have been increased by a factor of 700 for ease of reference and to avoid repetition of the description, for example the wall sections/fingers which was referred to with reference numeral 13 in the first embodiment will have a reference numeral 713. Only features which are different and/or require further explanation will be described.

As in the previously described embodiments, the projectile holder 700 comprises a body portion 762 having a central axis 764, and a plurality of alcoves positioned within said body portion 762. Each alcove being adapted to house a projectile and configured to correspond in shape to the profile of a projectile receivable therein.

In the embodiment shown, the cartridge assembly 750 further comprises a projectile in each of the plurality of alcoves and is shown with seven projectiles 5, 799. The projectiles are in the form of sub-calibre projectiles, with the first projectile 5 being in a spitzer shaped sub-calibre bullets and the remaining projectiles 799 being spherical shaped projectiles.

It would be understood that one or more of the projectiles may be a different shape, which may include an ogive shaped projectile.

As the cartridge assembly 750 is not in the form of a shotgun cartridge, a lip on the front of the body portion 762 is not required. The omission of the lip changes the air flow over the front 725 of the body portion 762 which has an effect on the amount of drag that tries to open the wall sections/fingers 713 when it leaves the barrel.

The body portion 762 further comprises a groove 728 with a lip at its front. The groove 28 is used to locate the projectile holder 700 in the correct place within the case 731 of the cartridge assembly 750 and ensure that it is held securely. It also allows the projectile holder 700 to be crimped within the case 731 of the cartridge assembly 750 without significantly deforming the projectile holder. With particular reference to figure 27, the wall portion 770 comprises a plurality of fasteners adapted to temporarily retain the wall sections/fingers 713 in the first position. The fasteners are in the form of a protrusion 729 which protrudes from one wall section/finger 713 and is designed to fit into a corresponding cavity/hole 793 within an adjacent wall section/finger 713. The purposes of this protrusion 729 is to stop the propellant gasses behind the projectile holder 700 when fired penetrating through the join between the wall sections/fingers 713 of the projectile holder 700, and to link together the wall sections/fingers 713 of the wall portion 770 to replace the strength lost by having a smaller base 712 in this embodiment. The protrusion 729 runs from the outside of the body portion 762 where it contacts the barrel, through to the projectile inside, where it is positioned to meet the centre of the projectile to stop gases going through the gap in the centre of the body portion 762. This feature is present in each wall section/finger 713 of the wall portion 770. While it is shown in only one location, it can be in additional points along the wall portion 770 as required.

Depending on the size and offset of the projectiles 5 and 799, in this embodiment, there could be sufficient room within the larger wall sections/fingers 13 of the wall portion 770 in the space between the projectiles and the inside of the bore of the barrel that some of that space could be utilized to forming a void, similar to the void previously described in relation to the third embodiment, in each of the wall sections/fingers 713 to act as a gas expansion chamber to reduce the pressure spike that occurs during firing. That void being covered by a plastic component of a thickness and form designed to break at a pre set pressure allowing the gases to then enter the void. This would have the benefit of helping expand the sides of the projectile holder 700 making a better gas seal both between the wall sections/fingers 713 and between the wall sections/fingers 713 and the rifling of the bore, helping the projectile holder 700 swage to fit the barrel. Various features shown and described in relation to the shotgun cartridge assembly embodiments may be utilized for use with a rifle-type cartridge assembly.

It will be understood that some of the features of various embodiments of the aspects of the invention may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention.

While certain embodiments have been described for use with a 89mm 12 bore shotgun cartridge, it would be understood that the invention is also applicable to other sized cartridges.

While the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it would be subject to many changes and alterations to adapt it to suit the wide range of variables it will encounter in use including but not limited to, the projectiles used, type and size of cartridge fired from, powder burn rate, type and length of barrel fired from, velocity it is fired at and the spread of shot required, without departing from the original concept disclosed therein. It is intended to embrace all such changes, modifications and variations that follow in the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A projectile holder comprising:

a body portion having a central axis; and

2. A projectile holder according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of alcoves are offset relatively to each other.

3. A projectile holder according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of alcoves are spaced apart from one another.

4. A projectile holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of alcoves is configured to house an ogive shaped projectile.

5. A projectile holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of alcoves is configured to house a spitzer shaped projectile.

6. A projectile holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of alcoves is configured to house a spherical shaped projectile.

7. A projectile holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each alcove is configured to correspond in shape to the profile of a projectile receivable therein.

8. A projectile holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body portion further comprises a passageway between each alcove and an adjacent alcove.

9. A projectile holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body portion further comprises a wall portion configured to define said plurality of alcoves, said wall portion comprising a first end and a second end; and

a base portion proximate the second end of the wall portion.

10. A projectile holder according to claim 9, wherein the wall portion comprises two or more wall sections.

11. A projectile holder according to claim 10, wherein the wall portion comprises four wall sections.

12. A projectile holder according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the wall sections are adapted to move between a first position and a second position.

13. A projectile holder according to claim 12, wherein the wall sections are adapted to pivot proximate the second end of the wall portion.

14. A projectile holder according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the wall portion comprises a plurality of fasteners adapted to temporarily retain the wall sections in the first position.

15. A projectile holder according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of fasteners are snap-type fasteners.

16. A projectile holder according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the fasteners are positioned along the wall sections such that they are adapted to regulate the movement of the wall sections from the first position towards the second position.

17. A projectile holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body portion comprises a plastics material.

18. A projectile holder according to claim 17, wherein the body portion comprises polyethylene.

19. A projectile holder according to any one of claims 9 to 18, wherein the base portion is integrally formed with the wall portion.

20. A projectile holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body portion further comprises a groove at least partially surrounding at least one of the plurality of alcoves.

21. A projectile holder according to claim 20, wherein the body portion comprises a groove at least partially surrounding each one of the plurality of alcoves.

22. A projectile holder according to claim 20 or claim 21 when dependent on claim 10 or any claim directly or indirectly dependent on claim 10, wherein each wall section comprises one or more indentations configured to define a section of the or each groove.

23. A projectile holder according to claim 21 or claim 22 when dependent on claim 21, wherein the depth of the groove at least partially surrounding one alcove is different to the depth of the groove at least partially surrounding another alcove, the difference in depth being dependent on the location of the corresponding alcove relative to a front end of the body portion.

24. A projectile holder according to claim 23, wherein the depth of the groove at least partially surrounding an alcove proximate the front end of the body portion is less than the depth of the groove at least partially surrounding an alcove proximate a rear end of the body portion.

25. A cartridge assembly adapted to contain a plurality of projectiles comprising: a projectile holder according to any one of claims 1 to 24;

a case adapted to hold the projectile holder;

a primer adapted to ignite a propellant; and

26. A cartridge assembly according to claim 25, wherein the cartridge assembly further comprising a rim.

27. A cartridge assembly according to claim 26, wherein the rim is configured to provide a rimmed, rimless, semi-rimmed, rebated rim or belted type cartridge.

28. A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the cartridge assembly is a shotgun-type cartridge assembly.

29. A cartridge assembly according to claim 28, wherein the case comprises a plastic or paper material.

30. A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the cartridge assembly is a rifle-type cartridge assembly.

31. A cartridge assembly according to claim 30, wherein the case comprises a brass, nickel-plated brass, steel or aluminium material.

32. A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 25 to 31 further comprising a projectile in each of plurality of alcoves of the projectile holder.

33. A cartridge assembly according to claim 32, wherein each projectile is a sub- calibre projectile.

34. A projectile holder as generally hereinbefore described with reference to and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

35. A cartridge assembly as generally hereinbefore described with reference to and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.