Sept. 6, 1966 R. W. SEYMOUR ETAL 3,270,617 SHELL CATCHER ATTACHED TO THE RECIPROCABLE OF A Filed March 22, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet

NVENTORS RALPH. W. SEYMOUR BY CARL E. BULLARD You -- a divo '--. AITORNEYS Sept. 6, 1966 R. V. SEYMOUR ETAL 3,270,617 SHELL CATCHER ATTACHED TO THE RECT FROCABLE HOLT OF A FIREARM Filed March 22, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2

NWNOR RALPH V. SEYMOUR BY CARL E. BULLARD os-air & \o-S.-- ATTORNEYS 3,270,617 United States Patent Office Patented Sept. 6, 1966 1. 2 vice in which the parallel arms are square in cross sec 3,270,617 SHELL CATCHER ATTACHED TO THE RECIP. tion instead of being circular; ROCABLE BOLT OF A FREARM FIGURE 7 is a side view of another embodiment of Ralph V. Seymour, 110 Birch Road, Springfield, Ohio, the shell catching device which is detachably fastened and Carl E. Bullard, Rte. 1, Mechanicsburg, Ohio to the operating handle of the bolt of the firearm, and Filed Mar. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 441,433 FIGURE 8 is a side view of another embodiment of 15 Claims. (C. 89-33) this device in which the device is detachably fastened to the bolt of the firearm. This invention relates to and is particularly Referring to the drawings in more detail, FIGURE concerned with a device for catching expended shells 1 discloses a firearm generally designated 10 on which as they are ejected from the firearm. This device is O the shell catching device generally designated 36 may adapted for use on firearms which eject the expended be attached. The firearm 10 may be of the variety shell upon the rearward movement of the bolt, and is which ejects the expended shells upon the rearward especially adaptable for firearms of the semi-automatic movement of the bolt, as is the case with pump operated type . and shotguns of the semi-automatic type. This In recent years, many trapshooters and target shooters invention is especially adaptable to shotguns of the lat have begun to use the shotgun of the semi-automatic ter type. type. One of the principal advantages of this type shot The firearm 10 is provided with a 12 and the gun is that it provides up to 55% less than fixed usual stock 14 and barrel assembly 16 as shown. A shotguns. This is especially beneficial when these forearm guard 18 is also provided along with the usual shooters engage in extensive shooting. Many of the assembly 20. shooters will fire several hundred rounds in a day, mak The receiver 12 is provided with an ejector port or ing use of this automatic shotgun with less recoil espe Opening 22 which is slightly elongated on one side to cially beneficial. As an economic measure many of provide a recess 24 which receives the bolt operating these trap shooters load their own shells, and conse handle 26 shown in rearward movement of the bolt. quently, re-use expended cartridges. One of the dis The bolt operating handle 26 is detachably retained advantages in using a shotgun of the semi-automatic type in a recess 28 which is provided in the bolt 30. In the is that the expended shell is automatically ejected from embodiment shown the bolt handle is provided with a the shotgun and may fall in the mud and become soiled. stem portion 32 which has a counter sunk recess 34 on This prevents the expended shells from being reloaded. the underside thereof as shown in FIGURE 1. The Another disadvantage when using the semi-automatic bolt handle is shown in perspective in FIGURE 1 and type shotgun in competition firing is that the expended is detachably inserted in the bolt as is common with shells are a nuisance to adjacent shooters on a firing line Some shotgun models, as for example, the Remington in that the shells are ejected in the vicinity of the adja 1 100 series of Automatic Shotgun. The shell catching cent shooter. The shell catcher as disclosed in this appli {device 36 of this invention is provided with a stem cation is especially adaptable for catching shells as they portion 38 as better seen in FIGURES 4 and 6. The are ejected from firearms of the above variety. Sten portion 38 has a recess 40 on the underside there One known shell catcher does exist and is shown in of in which a ball detent member fits (not shown) the patent to Browning No. 3,087,387 which issued when the shell catching device is inserted in recess 28 April 30, 1963. The advantages of the applicants' inven 4) of the bolt 30. By this construction, the shell catcher tion over the shell catcher disclosed in the above patent is conveniently detachably retained in the bolt 30. will become apparent from the following. Accordingly, The shell catcher 36 is provided with a pair of parallel the following are the objects of this invention: arms 42 and 44 which have ends 46 and 48 flaring out (1) To provide a device for attachment to firearms Wardly away from the longitudinal axis of the shell such as shotguns for effectively catching shells as they catcher as shown in FIGURE 6. The arms 42 and are ejected from the thereof. 44 are substantially parallel to each other. However, (2) To provide a device for catching shells which is the Open end of the shell catcher may be slightly wider economical to produce and which can be readily at than the closed end to permit easy entry of the shell tached to existing shotguns. therein. (3) To provide a shell catcher which will not inter As Seen in FIGURES 4 through 6, the shell catcher fere with the normal operation of the firearm. 36 comprises essentially a U-shaped member which is (4) To provide a shell catching device which is readily Secured to the stem piece 38 by suitable connecting mem adaptable to different models of existing firearms. ber 49 which has the general shape shown in these These and other objects and advantages of this inven figures. The shell catcher may be made out of suit tion will become more apparent upon reference to the 5 able material such as steel or nylon to provide a low following specification taken in connection with the ac cost device. companying drawings, in which: The arms 42 and 44 may be made from a single FIGURE 1 is a side view of a firearm with the shell piece of wire-like metal, or the arms may be individually catching device of this invention attached thereto; formed and Secured to the member 49 by suitable tech. FIGURE 2 is a side view similar to FIGURE 1 in 60 niques, as by welding. which the bolt of the firearm is in its rearward position FIGURE 1 also shows the position of the shell catcher with the expended shell being ejected; When the bolt is in the forward or firing position. It FIG. 3 is a top view of the section shown in FIG should be noted that at this time the arms 42 and 44 URE 2: are well forward of the opening 22, whereas in FIG URES 2 and 3, these arms are in substantial registra FIGURE 4 is a top view of one embodiment of the tion with the opening 22. shell catching device of this invention; FIGURES 2 and 3 show the shell in the process of FIGURE 5 is an end view of the device looking from being ejected after being fired. The shell 50 has a the direction A of FIGURE 4; 52 thereon which abuts against a shoulder 54 posi FIGURE 6 is a side view of the device looking from tioned on the inside of receiver 12, as shown in FIG the direction B of FIGURE 5; URE 1. As the rim abuts against this shoulder, the FIGURE 6A shows another embodiment of the de 56 also engages the rim 52, and upon rear. 3,270,617 3 4 ward motion of the bolt, the shell 50 is ejected from the catching device of this invention is ideal in that it may opening 22. At this time, the shell catcher 36 is posi be detachably inserted in the bolt in the same manner tioned in its rearward position in which the parallel as the bolt handle, arms 42 and 44 are in Substantial alignment with the In all embodiments disclosed herein, the parallel arms opening 22. 5 which catch the rim of the ejected shell are positioned As seen from FIGURES 2 and 3, the length of the substantially parallel to the side of the receiver with arms along the direction of the travel of the bolt are the lower arm 42, for example, as shown in FIGURE 2, such as to provide an opening between the ends 46 being positioned preferably slightly below the lower side and 48 of the arms and the forward end of opening of opening 22. The arms are spaced away from the 22. This opening provides the necessary clearance O receiver a sufficient distance so as to be free from hitting through which the expended shell 50 may be removed the guard 18 or other protruding parts of the particular from the shell catcher as shown along the direction A firearm on which the shell catcher is used. of FIGURE 3. It should be mentioned that when uti It will be understood that this invention is susceptible lizing the automatic shotgun in competition shooting, to modification in order to adapt it to different usages generally only one round is inserted in the shotgun. and conditions; and accordingly, it is desired to com After the round is fired, the bolt is retained in its rear prehend such modifications within this invention as may Ward position through suitable known mechanism with fall within the scope of the appended claims, in the receiver of the firearm. After the expended shell What is claimed is: is removed from the shell catcher, a live shell is then 1. In combination; a firearm having an opening through inserted in the chamber. The live shell is inserted rim 20 which a spent shell is ejected and also having a recipro first into the clearance previously mentioned and then cable bolt therein operable for ejecting the spent shell is aligned in the receiver of the firearm. The bolt re upon the rearward movement of the bolt, and a shell lease mechanism is then released and the live round is catcher mounted on said bolt so as to travel with said driven forward and positioned in the chamber of the bolt and positioned on said bolt so as to be adjacent said firearm. opening when said bolt is moved rearwardly and operable The shell catcher is adaptable for use on either plastic to catch and retain said spent shell as it is ejected from or paper shells. In order to adapt the shell catcher for Said opening. use with either of these shells, it is sometimes necessary 2. In combination; a firearm having a receiver with to widen the distance between the parallel arms or close an opening in one side thereof for ejection of an empty it as is necessary to utilize the shell catcher effectively. 30 shell therefrom and also having a reciprocable bolt in In this respect, the shell catcher is made out of resilient said receiver operable upon rearward movement of the materials which permit this adjustment. Once the ad bolt to ejecting said empty shell through said opening, justment is made, the shells are efficiently caught by the a shell catcher having means disposed adjacent said open shell catcher. ing for catching and retaining said shell as it is ejected The arms of the shell catcher may be circular as shown from said receiver, and means detachably securing said in FIGURES 4 through 6, or the arms may be quadri shell catcher with said bolt movement in unison there laterally shaped in cross section as shown at 58 in FIG with, Said shell catcher being positioned on said bolt so URE 6A. It appears that the plastic shells are more as to be moved thereby into operative alignment with effectively caught by the arms of square cross section; said opening when said bolt is moved rearwardly. however, either the circular or quadrilaterally shaped 40 3. In combination; a repeating firearm having a re cross section are entirely workable. ceiver with an opening in one side thereof for the ejec FIGURE 7 shows another embodiment of a shell tion of shells therefrom and also having a reciprocable catcher of this invention. The shell catcher 60 has the bolt in Said receiver with a bolt handle attached thereto, arms 62 and 64 as previously mentioned, and the shell said bolt being operable upon rearward movement there. catcher is detachably secured to the operating handle of to eject a shell from said receiver, a shell catcher 66 which is connected to bolt 67 shown in phantom out 45 adapted to catch and retain shells ejected from said open line. This modification is for those firearms in which ing, and means operatively connecting said shell catcher the bolt operating handle is not detachable from the bolt with Said bolt handle for movement of the shell catcher itself. The bolt is shown positioned in the opening 68, with said bolt, said shell catcher being positioned rela which is also shown in phantom outline. The shell tive to said bolt so as to be moved into operative align catcher 60 has a neck portion 70 joining the parallel arms 50 ment with said opening upon rearward movement of as shown, and also includes a yoke portion 72 which said bolt. Straddles the operating handle 66. The yoke member 72 4. In combination; a repeating firearm having a re is suitably drilled and tapped to receive fasteners 74 and ceiver with an opening in one side thereof for ejection of 76 to detachably retain the shell catcher on the operating empty shells therefrom and also having a reciprocable handle 66. 55 bolt in Said receiver operable upon rearward movement In Some instances, it may be desirable to detachably to eject a shell from said receiver through said opening, fasten the shell catcher on to the bolt itself of the fire Said bolt having a recess therein adapted detachably to arm. This embodiment is shown in FIGURE 8. The receive a bolt handle, and a shell catcher having means shell catcher herein generally designated 78 has the paral detachably received in said recess to fix the shelf catcher lel arms 80 and 82 as previously explained. A suitable 60 to said bolt, said shell catcher also having means disposed connection portion 84 is used to connect the arms to a adjacent said opening, when the bolt is moved rearwardly, fastening member 86. The bolt 90 may be suitably drilled for catching shells as they are ejected from said receive and tapered to receive screws 92 which detachably retain through said opening. the shell catcher 78 to the bolt itself. The member 86 5. In combination; a repeating firearm having a re along with a bolt handle 98, which may or may not 65 ceiver with an opening in one side thereof for ejection of exist, are each small enough to fit into the recess 96 empty shells therefrom and also having a bolt in said receiver for use in ejecting said shells, said bolt having provided in opening 94, which are both shown in phan a recess therein to detachably receive a bolt handle, a tom outline. shell catcher comprising; a pair of arms in substantially By this construction, applicants have provided a shell 70 parallel relationship extending in a plane spaced from catcher which is of simple construction and inexpensive Said receiver, said arms being Spaced apart a distance to to manufacture. The shell catcher can be detachably receive the body of shell ejected from said opening and installed on firearms already in existence. For some auto to engage the head of the shell to halt further movement matic or semi-automatic type shotguns which are pro thereof, and means maintaining said arms in said parallel vided with detachably bolt operating handles, the shell 5 relationship and detachably secured to said bolt 3,270,617 5 6 6. In combination; a repeating firearm having a re with and to position said arms in substantial registration ceiver with an opening in one side thereof for ejection with said opening when said bolt is reciprocated into of empty shells therefrom and also having a bolt in said position to cause ejection of a shell through said opening. receiver for use in ejecting said shells, a shell catcher 11. A shell catching device as claimed in claim 10 in comprising; a generally U-shaped member having arms which said bolt has a recess therein to detachably receive in substantially parallel relationship and being spaced a bolt handle, and said means for securing said member apart a distance to receive the body of a shell ejected to said bolt comprises means on the said member adapted from said opening and to engage the head of a shell to to be detachably retained in said recess. halt further movement thereof, the said arms being in 12. A detachable shell catcher and bolt operating substantial registration with said opening when said shell handle device adapted for use with a repeating firearm is being ejected therefrom, and means detachably Secur O having an opening on one side therefor for ejection of ing said U-shaped member to said bolt to travel thercwith. spent shells and also having a bolt with a recess therein 7. In combination; a repeating firearm having a re for detachably receiving a bolt handle, said device com ceiver with an opening in one side thereof for ejection prising, a generally U-shaped member having substantially of empty shells there from and also having a bolt in 15 parallel arms spaced apart a distance to receive the body said receiver for use in ejecting said shells, said bolt of a shell ejected from said opening and to engage the having a recess therein to detachably receive a bolt head of a shell to halt further movement thereof, a join handle, a shell catcher comprising; a generally U-shaped ing member having one end detachably retained in said member having arms in substantially parallel relation recess in Said bolt and the other end secured to said ship and being spaced apart a distance to receive the body 20 U-shaped member to position said parallel arms in sub of a shell ejected from said opening and to engage the stantial registration with said opening as said shell is head of a shell to halt further movement thereof, the ejected therefrom, said arms being resilient and bent Said arms being in Substantial registration with said open away from the longitudinal axis of thc U-shaped member ing when said shell is being ejected therefrom, and means at the open end thereof. Secured to said U-shaped member and inserted in said 25 13. The shell catcher as claimed in claim 12 in which recess of said bolt to detachably secure said shell catcher Said arms are generally circular in cross section. thereto. i4. The shell catcher as claimed in claim 12 in which 8. In combination; a repeating firearm having a re Said arms are generally quadrilateral in cross section. ceiver with an opening in one side thereof for ejection 15. A detachable shell catcher adapted for use with of empty shells therefrom and also having a reciprocable 30 a firearm having an opening through which spent shells bolt in said receiver operable upon rearward move are ejected by the rearward movement of a bolt in the ment to eject a shell from said receiver through said firearm, said device comprising: a pair of arms held opening; said bolt having a recess therein to detachably in Spaced substantially parallel relationship to receive the receive a bolt handle, and a shell catcher secured to body of a shell ejected from said Opening and to engage Said bolt so as to travel therewith and comprising; a 35 the head of the shell to halt further movement thcreof, generally U-shaped member having arms in substantially means for joining said arms at one end and for main. parallel relationship and being spaced apart a distance taining said arms in said relationship, said arms being to receive the body of a shell ejected from said opening Substantially equal in length to the length of the shell and to engage the head of a shell to halt further move being ejected and less in length than the length of said ment thereof, the said arms being in substantial registra 4) opening as measured along the direction of bolt travel, tion with said opening only when said shell is being and bracket means joined to said last-named means for ejected therefrom, said arms being resilient and generally detachably securing said arms to said bolt to travel circular in cross section and bent away from the longi. therewith, said bracket means also being adapted to main tudinal axis of the U-shaped member at the open end tain said arms in substantially spaced parallel relationship thereof. 45 to Said firearm at said opening and to maintain said arms 9. The combination as claimed in claim 7 in which in Substantial registration with said opening when said Said arms are of a predetermined length to provide a bolt is in its rearward position, the other ends of said Space between the free ends of the arms and the forward arms being spaced from the forward end of said open end of the opening when the said bolt is in its rearward ing when the bolt is in its rearward position to provide position at the rear of said opening, said space being of 50 a Space through which the spent shell may be removed Sufficient size to enable a spent shell to be removed from from said shell catcher and through which a live shell Said shell catcher while said shell catcher is on said may be inserted into said opening in said firearm while firearm with said arms being Substantially parallel to said said arms are maintained in substantially parallel rela firearm at said opening. tionship to said firearm at said opcning. 10. A shell catching device for use with a firearm having an opening on one side thereof through which References Cited by the Examiner spent shells are ejected from the firearm, said firearm including a bolt reciprocable therein for ejecting said UNITED STATES PATENTS shells through said opening, said device comprising; a 374,597 12/1887 Gregg. generally U-shaped member having arms in substantial GO 2,454,885 11/1948 Robinson ------42-16 parallel relation with each other and Spaced apart a dis 2,476,904 7/1949 Perry III 89-33 tance to receive the body of shell ejected from said open 3,087,387 4/1963 Browning 89-33 ing and to engage the head of a shell to halt further movement thereof, and said device including means for BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner. Securing said member to said bolt for movement there SAMUEL FEINBERG, Examiner,