Detonator assembly

#This invention relates generally to devices for detonating explosive charges in firearms. More particularly, the present invention relates to detonator assemblies for use in black powder firearms.

#Although metallic cartridges and smokeless powder supplanted black powder as the preferred type of propellant in the period following the American Civil War, black powder has recently experienced a resurgence of popularity. Currently, black powder firearms are utilized for a variety of purposes including hunting, target shooting, and the reenactment of historical events.

#Black powder firearms utilize as the propellant a main charge of black powder inserted into the barrel. This main charge is typically ignited by a spark or burning particles that are transmitted to the main charge though a passageway in the barrel and breech block. The method of supplying these sparks or burning particles largely depends on the degree of historical accuracy that is required for the firearm. Flintlocks and percussion caps were the predominant methods historically and generally are the predominant methods utilized today.

#The present invention may be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawing wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the several figures and in which:

#FIG. 1 is a fragmentary longitudinal view, partly broken away and partly in section, of a firearm having a detonator assembly in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the rear part of the barrel, breech block, receiver, and detonator assembly of the firearm of FIG. 1;

#With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several figures, a detonator assembly in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 10. The detonator assembly 10 is preferably employed in a conventional black powder firearm. Such firearms typically have a nipple 12, a breech block 14, a barrel 15, a receiver 16, and a firing pin 18. The detonator assembly is dimensioned to be closely received in the breech block opposite the firing pin and partially slip over the nipple 12.

#The detonator assembly 10 comprises a primer 20 and a primer carrier 30. The primer 20 is preferably a standard shotshell primer. Alternatively, the primer 20 may be any commercially available primer. Such primers are readily available and may typically require approximately 65% less striker/hammer energy than a conventional percussion cap for reliable ignition. Additionally, primers provide more thermal energy than the conventional percussion cap for ignition of the main powder charge. The primer 20 preferably has cylindrical forward body portion 22 and a flattened rear end 24, forming a circumferential rim 25, as best illustrated in FIG. 3.

#With reference to FIG. 4, the primer carrier 30 is an integral molded member having a plastic composition. Alternatively, the primer carrier 30 may be comprised of separate barrel end portion 42 and tab portion 48. The primer carrier 30 may also be comprised of a combination of plastic and other material to form a composite structure. The carrier 30 has a central axial bore 32 comprised of a cylindrical cavity 34 having a constant diameter and two coaxial bores 36, 38 of enlarged diameters at opposite ends of the cavity 34. Cavity 34 is dimensioned to axially slidably receive the primer body portion 22. The diameter of the cavity 34 is dimensioned to provide a light press fit with the received primer cylindrical portion 22. The diameter of the first partial bore 36 is dimensioned to receive and enclose the primer flattened rim 25. The first bore 36 has an axial dimension which allows the primer flattened end 24 to be approximately flush with the primer carrier rear surface 50. The diameter of the forward bore 38 is dimensioned to slip over the breech-end of the nipple 12.