US3082660A

US3082660A - Shell holder

Info

Publication number: US3082660A
Application number: US137431A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robertson James Benjamin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1961-09-11
Filing date: 1961-09-11
Publication date: 1963-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 1980-03-26

Description

March 1963 J. B. ROBERTSON 3,082,660

SHELL HOLDER Filed Sept. 11, 1961 JAMES BENJAMIN ROBERTSflN INVEN TOR.

66M QM A JITTORNE Y 3,@8Z,fiiifi Patented Mar. 26, 1963 3,082,660 SHELL HOLDER James Benjamin Robertson, 8509 Michael St, Fort Worth, Tex. Filed Sept. 11, 1961, Ser. No. 137,431 Claims. (Cl. 8644) This invention relates to a shell holder, and it concerns more particularly a holder for used shells or casings, applicable interchangeable to shells or casings of different types and sizes, for use in conjunction with a press having suitable dies for reconditioning for reuse the shells or casings of spent cartridges employed as ammunition for small arms such as rifles and pistols.

It is common practice among individual gun enthusiasts to recondition for reuse, on a do-it-yourself basis, the shells or casings of spent cartridges, and a number of small presses of different types are available for that purpose.

In one form of press for the purpose described a shell or casing is resized in a step of one series, which also includes removing the used cap or primer and replacing it with another, and thereafter, in another series of steps, the shell is reloaded with gunpowder and a new bullet is inserted therein.

In the type of press above referred to the step of resizing the shell or casing involves the use of one die, and the step of reloading the shell with gunpowder requires a different die. The used cap or primer is removed and replaced simultaneously with the resizing step, and the new bullet is inserted during the reloading step. In each series of steps the shell or casing is advanced and retracted relative to the die by a ram having a shell holder as hereinafter described.

In presses as described the die ordinarily is supported in fixed position above a table or other supporting surface, and a ram having a holder whereby a shell or casing is removably connected thereto is raised and lowered whereby the shell is advanced and retracted relative to the die.

The shell or casing may have a radially outwardly extending annular flange, or alternatively, a peripheral groove, adjacent the end thereof which carries the cap or primer, and may or may not be swaged intermediate its ends.

A rarn of a type which is commonly employed in such presses may comprise a vertically reciprocable bar, round in transverse section, having an integral holder consisting of a transverse slot extending radially inwardly from on side thereof, adjacent its upper end, for engagement by the flanged or grooved end of a shell or casing received therein. the slot having a marginal lip extending inwardly from its upper edge, in spaced apart relation to the bottom of the slot, engageable over the annular flange of the shell or in the peripheral groove thereof, as the case may be, whereby the shell is positively secured to the holder and is forcibly disengaged from the die upon downward movement of the ram.

An object of this invention is to provide a shell or casing holder as described which is applicable interchangeably to shells or casings of different types and sizes.

The invention will be readily understood by referring to the following description and the accompanying draw ing. in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a shell or casing holder embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view; and

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the holder with its threaded cap removed and showing a shell or casing, indicated by dotted lines, in its operative position relative to the holder.

Referring to the drawing, the numeral 1 designates generally a shell or casing holder embodying the invention, and the numeral 2 indicates generally a shell or casing, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, having one of its ends removably connected to the holder 1, as hereinafter described, and extending upwardly therefrom for engagement with a die (not shown) which, with the holder 1, advantageously may be incorporated in a suitable press whereby the shell 2 may be advanced and retracted relative to the die upon vertical reciprocating movement of the holder 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the shell 2 has a radially outwardly extending annular flange 3 adjacent the end thereof which carries the cap or primer (not shown).

The holder 1 includes a fitting, indicated generally by the numeral 4, which may comprise an upper end portion, or alternatively, an upward extension of a ram consisting of a vertically reciprocable bar, round in transverse section, to which it may be removably connected, as by means of Allen screws (not shown).

The fitting 4 is generally cylindrical and has an en larged upper end portion 5, which is threaded externally, and a lower end portion 6 of lesser diameter. A cap, indicated generally by the numeral 7, which is threaded internally and advantageously may have a knurled outer peripheral surface, is received on the threaded upper end portion 5 of the fitting 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, and as indicated by dotted lines in FIG. I, a transverse slot 8 extends radially inwardly from one side of the upper end portion 5 of the fitting 4, adjacent its upper end, beyond the center thereof. The slot 8 has two parallel sides which extend vertically, perpendicular to the bottom thereof, and is curved at its inner end.

A central bore 9, which extends thru the upper end portion 5 of the fitting 4, communicates at its upper end with the bottom of the slot 8. A longitudinal slot 10, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, extends radially inwardly from one side of the lower end portion 6 of the fitting 4, beyond the center thereof, and communicates at its upper end with the lower end of the central bore 9.

The cap 7 has a transverse slot 11 extending radially inwardly from one side thereof, beyond its center, and extending downwardly from the top thereof along said one side, corresponding to the transverse slot 8 of the upper end portion 5 of the fitting 4.

In one rotative position of the cap 7 relative to the fitting 4, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom and sides of the transverse slot 11 of the cap 7 are aligned longitudinally and circumferentially with the bottom and sides of the transverse slot 8 of the fitting 4.

The inner end portion of the transverse slot 11 is enlarged, as at 12, whereby it extends radially outwardly beyond opposite sides and the adjacent end of the transverse slot 8.

A first planar member 13, which is generally circular and has a diameter corresponding substantially to the diameter of the enlarged upper end portion 5 of the fitting 4, and which is interchangeable with other like planar members, is removably secured to the upper end face of the fitting 4, between the enlarged upper end portion 5 thereof and the cap 7.

The planar member 13 is secured against rotative displacement relative to the fitting 4 by a pair of diametrically opposed upstanding pins 14 on the enlarged upper end portion 5 which are received in corresponding holes therefor in the planar member 13.

The planar member 13 has a slot 15 extending radially inwardly from one side thereof, beyond its center, corresponding to the transverse slot 8 of the upper end portion 5 of the fitting 4. The slot 15 of the planar member 13 is relatively narrower and shorter than the transverse slot 8 of the upper end portion 5, whereby a marginal portion of the planar member 13 immediately adjacent the slot 15 forms a lip extending inwardly beyond opposite sides and the adjacent end of the transverse slot 8.

A second planar member 16, which is conformable to the transverse slot 8 of the upper end portion 50f the fitting 4 and has an opening 17 therein corresponding to the central bore 9, is received in the transverse slot 8 and is secured against radial displacement relative thereto by an upstanding pin 18 on the upper end portion 5 which is received in a hole therefor in the planar member 16.

In the use of the shell holder 1 above described, the shell 2 has its flanged end 3 received in the transverse slot 8 of the upper end portion 5 of the fitting 4, below the first planar member 13 and above the second planar member 16, and extends upwardly through the transverse slot of the planar member 13 and the transverse slot 11 of the cap 7. Vertical displacement of the shell 2 relative to the shell holder 1 is prevented by abutment of the flange 3 against the edge of the slot 15 and by abutment of the adjacent end of the shell 2 against the second planar member 16.

The edge of the slot 15 of the planar member 13'is engageable also with the peripheral groove of a shell such as the shell 2 which'has a peripheral groove therein rather than a radially outwardly extending annular flange such as the flange 3.

The edge of the slot 15 advantageously may be beveled, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, whereby it is particularly adaptedfor use with a shell'having a peripheral groove therein, theedge of the slot 15 being engageable with such groove While the remainder of the planar member 13 may be relatively thicker.

The first planar member 13 is interchangeable with other like planar members having slots 15 of different widths and lengths for use with shells of different types and sizes. Similarly, the second planar member 16 is interchangeable with other like planar members of different thicknesses.

The opening 17 of the second planarmember 1 6, with the central bore 9 and the longitudinal slot 10 of the fitting 4, which are'conventional, is provided for usein ejecting a used cap or p rimer from the shell 2 and replacing it with another.

The enlarged inner endportion 12 of the transverse slot'll of the cap 7 is provided whereby the die which is employed in the step of reloadingithe shell 1 may have its lower end portion extend downwardlythrough the cap 7 upon-advancing {the holder 1 relative thereto with the shell 2 in place. a

"Ihe invention may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and. scope thereof.

I claim: a 1. A holder for used shells or casings, applicable interchangeably to shells or casings of differenttypes and sizes,

removably connected to the ram, theshell or-casing hav- 4 ing a radially outwardly extending annular flange, or alternatively, a peripheral groove, adjacent the end thereof which carries the cap or primer, comprising a generally cylindrical fitting having means connecting it to a ram and extending upwardly therefrom, the fitting having an enlarged, externally threaded upper end portion and having a lower end portion of lesser diameter, and having a transverse slot extending radially inwardly from one side thereof, adjacent its upper end, beyond its center, an internally threaded cap received on the threaded upper end of the fitting, the cap having a transverse slot extending radially inwardly from one side thereof, adjacent its upper end, beyond its center, and extending downwardly along said one side thereof, the transverse slots of the fitting and the cap having mutually aligned bottom and side walls in one rotative position of the cap relative to the fitting, a first planafmember, generally circular in plan, removably secured to the upper end of the fitting, between the fitting and the cap, the planar member having a slot extending radially inwardly from one side thereof, beyond its center, the last mentioned slot being relatively narrower and shorter than the transverse slots of the fitting and the cap and being engageable over the annular flange, or alternatively, in theperipheral groove of ashell or casing having its flanged .or grooved .end received in said transverse slots and extending upwardly therefrom, and

a second planar member conformable to the transverse slot of the fitting received in said transverse slot and engageable under a shell or casing having its flanged or grooved end received in said transverse slot, the first planar member being interchangeable with other'likeplanar members having slots of ditferentdimensions and the second planar member being interchangeable with other like planar members of different thicknesses.

2. The structure'of claim 1, the firstplanar member being secured against-radial displacement relative to the fitting by a pair of diametrically opposed upstanding pins on the upper end of the fitting received'in corresponding holes therefor'in the planar meniber,-and the second planar member being secured against radial displacement relativeto the fitting by an upstanding pin on the bottom Wall of the transverse slot of the fitting received in a corresponding hole therefor in the planar member.

3.'The structure of claim 1, the enlarged upper end portion of the-fitting having a central bore communicating with the bot-tom of "the transverse "slot thereof and the lower end portion'having. a longitudinal slot'extending radially inwardly from one side thereof, beyond its center, communicating with the "central bore, and the second planar member having an opening therein aligned with the central bore of the fitting.

4. The structure of claim 1, the transverse .slot of the cap having an enlarged inner end portion extending radially outwardly beyond opposite sides and the adjacent end of the transverse slot of the fitting.

5. The structure of claim 1, the slot of the first planar member having beveled edges along its opposite sides and the inner end thereof.

References Cited in'the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,025,743 Cecchi Marx-20, 1962

Claims

1. A HOLDER FOR USED SHELLS OR CASINGS, APPLICABLE INTERCHANGEABLY TO SHELLS OR CASINGS OF DIFFERENT TYPES AND SIZES, FOR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH A PRESS HAVING DIES FOR RECONDITIONING FOR REUSE THE SHELLS OR CASINGS OF SPENT CARTRIDGES EMPLOYED AS AMMUNITION FOR SMALL ARMS SUCH AS RIFLES AND PISTOLS, AND HAVING A VERTICALLY RECIPROCABLE RAM FOR ADVANCING AND RETRACTING A SHELL OR CASING RELATIVE TO THE DIES, WHEREBY A SHELL OR CASING IS ADAPTED TO BE REMOVABLY CONNECTED TO THE RAM, THE SHELL OR CASING HAVING A RADIALLY OUTWARDLY EXTENDING ANNULAR FLANGE, OR ALTERNATIVELY, A PERIPHERAL GROOVE, ADJACENT THE END THEREOF WHICH CARRIES THE CAP OR PRIMER, COMPRISING A GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL FITTING HAVING MEANS CONNECTING IT TO A RAM AND EXTENDING UPWARDLY THEREFROM, THE FITTING HAVING AN ENLARGED, EXTERNALLY THREADED UPPER END PORTION AND HAVING A LOWER END PORTION OF LESSER DIAMETER, AND HAVING A TRANSVERSE SLOT EXTENDING RADIALLY INWARDLY FROM ONE SIDE THEREOF, ADJACENT ITS UPPER END, BEYOND ITS CENTER, AN INTERNALLY THREADED CAP RECEIVED ON THE THREADED UPPER END OF THE FITTING, THE CAP HAVING A TRANSVERSE SLOT EXTENDING RADIALLY INWARDLY FROM ONE SIDE THEREOF, ADJACENT ITS UPPER END, BEYOND ITS CENTER, AND EXTENDING DOWNWARDLY ALONG SAID ONE SIDE THEREOF, THE TRANSVERSE SLOTS OF THE FITTING AND THE CAP HAVING MUTUALLY ALIGNED BOTTOM AND SIDE WALLS IN ONE ROTATIVE POSITION OF THE CAP RELATIVE TO THE FITTING, A FIRST PLANAR MEMBER, GENERALLY CIRCULAR IN PLAN, REMOVABLY SECURED TO THE UPPER END OF THE FITTING, BETWEEN THE FITTING AND THE CAP, THE PLANAR MEMBER HAVING A SLOT EXTENDING RADIALLY INWARDLY FROM ONE SIDE THEREOF, BEYOND ITS CENTER, THE LAST MENTIONED SLOT BEING RELATIVELY NARROWER AND SHORTER THAN THE TRANSVERSE SLOTS OF THE FITTING AND THE CAP AND BEING ENGAGEABLE OVER THE ANNULAR FLANGE, OR ALTERNATIVELY, IN THE PERIPHERAL GROOVE OF A SHELL OR CASING HAVING ITS FLANGED OR GROOVED END RECEIVED IN SAID TRANSVERSE SLOTS AND EXTENDING UPWARDLY THEREFROM, AND A SECOND PLANAR MEMBER CONFORMABLE TO THE TRANSVERSE SLOT OF THE FITTING RECEIVED IN SAID TRANSVERSE SLOT AND ENGAGEABLE UNDER A SHELL OR CASING HAVING ITS FLANGED OR GROOVED END RECEIVED IN SAID TRANSVERSE SLOT, THE FIRST PLANAR MEMBER BEING INTERCHANGEABLE WITH OTHER LIKE PLANAR MEMBERS HAVING SLOTS OF DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS AND THE SECOND PLANAR MEMBER BEING INTERCHANGEABLE WITH OTHER LIKE PLANAR MEMBERS OF DIFFERENT THICKNESSES.