AMMUNITION PRESERVATION PACKAGING STORAGE SYSTEM AND BUOYANT WATERTIGHT AMMUNITION CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

(0001 ] This application provides a unique method of manufacturing an inexpensive, hermetically sealed ammunition container. In particular, a hermetically sealed container can be used to preserve, package, and store ammunition, and ammunition components such as primers, shot, bullets, projectiles, shells, casings, and gun powder. This application also provides a unique buoyant watertight ammunition container and method of manufacturing an inexpensive, hermetically sealed, buoyant watertight ammunition container for use in packaging, selling and transporting ammunition as well as ammunition components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(0002] There has consistently been a need for a method of storing ammunition over an extended period. Ammunition sold to the public is normally sold in unsealed containers made from cardboard, plastic or metal. Ammunition sold to the military is usually subject to more stringent requirements, but these containers are not adequately hermetically sealed for an extended period. An adequate long-term sealing method requires the evacuating of the air and moisture in the container and replacing it with an inert gas before sealing of the container. If the casings of the ammunition were to come in contact with dissimilar metals, electrolysis will accrue damaging the shell casings so the ammunition must be additionally fully cushioned. The powder used in ammunition has the ability to degrade after an extended period of inadequate storage affecting its usefulness. Often a desiccating material is put in the containers to minimize the moisture but this does not adequately protect the ammunition for extended periods. Cosmoline (grease), for many years, has been used to preserve and protect numerous military related items for extended periods, but cannot be used effectively for ammunition because it would have to be cleaned before being used.

100031 There has also consistently been a need for a method of storing ammunition over an extended period in a container that will float to the surface if inadvertently dropped into water. Shotgun shells are particularly susceptible to damage from any form of moisture due to their form of construction. To make the ammunition container buoyant, there must be enough open area in the container to make it float.

|0004] Numerous innovations for a hermetically sealed ammunition container have been provided in the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these innovations 10-RRA/301 may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they differ from the present invention as hereinafter contrasted. The following is a summary of those prior art patents most relevant to this application at hand; as well as a description outlining the difference between the features of the hermetically sealed ammunition container and the prior art, as well as a description outlining the difference between the features of the buoyant watertight ammunition container and the prior art.

[0005| Patent No. 4,942,9 1 of Robert . Lyons describes a portable container for storing rounds of ammunition and which includes a housing having a plurality of separately partitioned resilient round supporting pads which function to safely, quietly and cooperatively retain the ammunition within the container and which progressively and partially eject the ammunition as the lid of the container is opened. While this patent describes a portable container for storing rounds of ammunition on a temporary basis, it is not optimally configured for an inexpensive, hermetically sealed, sales container for long term storage of ammunition.

|0006] Patent No. 7,308,981 of Jeam-Franqois Noel Du Payrat et al. relates to a container for ammunition of the type comprising a case inside which an inner casing receiving the ammunition is able to slide between two axial positions, and as such this invention teaches a container for a single round of ammunition used for the military. Again, it could not be used as an economical sealed container for multiple rounds of small caliber ammunition sold to the public for preservation and storage.

|0007| Patent No. 7,422.102 of Yuen H. Lam et al. describes a container for an ammunition cartridge having a conical forward portion includes a generally cylindrical cap having a closed end and an open end. This patent describes a container for a single ammunition cartridge and could not be used as an economical sealed container for multiple rounds of small caliber ammunition packaging sold to the public.

[0008] Patent No 4, 194,657 of Gary Thor describes a portable container for gun shells having a self-locking lid, and which may be belt mountable is disclosed. The container is sized preferably to accommodate shotgun shells and is water resistant, but does not claim to be waterproof or buoyant when dropped into the water, it also does not claim to be sealed in an inert gaseous atmosphere for long term storage where the oxygen and water vapor has been removed.

|0009j Patent No. 4,757, 894,of William Schreckenstine tells of a shotgun shell case including a box-like receptacle having a horizontal bottom wall, vertical side walls and a plurality of individual cylindrical shell receiving pockets depending from the bottom wall I O-RRA/301 which have shelf engaging projections for holding shells inserted therein firmly in place. The case further includes a hinged cover and means to attach the case to the belt of a user. This patent teaches a case specifically to hold shotgun shells only and could not be used for any other types of ammunition. It does not claim to be buoyant or hermetically sealed in an inert gaseous atmosphere for transportation or long term storage where the oxygen and water vapor has been removed.

|0010| Patent No. 5,392,901 of Jeffery W. Kuray et al. relates to a container for carrying loaded and fired shotgun shells and accessories, the container comprising, a cylindrical container with an internal diameter of between 12 inches and 16 inches. While this patent relates to a container for carrying loaded and fired shotgun shells and accessories, it is limited in its unique shape and does not claim to be buoyant for transportation or hermetically sealed in an inert gaseous atmosphere for long term storage where the oxygen and water vapor has been removed.

|001 11 Patent No. 6,364, 157 of George E. Tosspon describes an apparatus for convenient and secure storage of firearm ammunition, especially shotgun shells, while permitting quick access to the shells for loading of the gun. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a main storage compartment, capable of holding a full box of shotgun shells, having an extended shell loading tray. This patent describes an apparatus for convenient and secure storage of firearm ammunition, especially shotgun shells, however the easy accessibility of the ammunition in this device does not allow any form of waterproof watertight and buoyant transportation and storage.

|0012| Patent No. 6,779,654 of Donald Richard Marquis relates to a shotgun shell housing assembly comprising a container adapted to hold stacked shells and a cover adapted to receive the container. The container is adapted to permit stacking of shells in a common configuration similar to that used for factory loaded ammunitions. This invention does not enable the shells to be sealed in an inert gaseous atmosphere for long term preservation and storage where the oxygen and water vapor has been removed.

|0013] None of these previous efforts, however, provides the benefits attendant with the hermetically sealed ammunition storage container and do not mention the use of an inert gas as a means of providing long-term storage. The present method of manufacturing the hermetically sealed ammunition container achieves its intended purposes, objects and advantages over the prior art devices through a new, useful and unobvious combination of method steps and component elements at a reasonable cost to manufacture, and by employing readily available materials. 10-RRA/301

[0014] Additionally, none of these previous efforts provide the benefits attendant with the buoyant watertight ammunition container and do not mention the use of an inert gas as a means of providing long-term storage or the fact that they might float if they were dropped into water. The present method of manufacturing the buoyant watertight ammunition container achieves its intended purposes, objects and advantages over the prior art devices through a new, useful and unobvious combination of method steps and component elements at a reasonable cost to manufacture, and by employing readily available materials.

|0015] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the hermetically sealed ammunition container in detail it is to be understood that the design is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement, of the components set forth in the following description or i llustrated in the drawings. The hermetically sealed ammunition container is capable of having other embodiments and of being manufactured in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other ammunition containers for carrying out the several purposes of the present design. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present application.

(0016) Furthermore, before explaining at least one embodiment of the buoyant watertight ammunition container in detail it is to be understood that the design is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement, of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The buoyant watertight ammunition container is capable of having other embodiments and of being manufactured in various ways. I n addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and shou ld not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other ammunition containers for carrying out the several purposes of the present design. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present application. 10-RRA/301

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

|0017| The principal advantage of the hermetically sealed ammunition container is the capability of keeping ammunition in a safely sealed container for an extended period.

10018) Another advantage of the hermetically sealed ammunition container is the removal of the air and moisture while keeping the ammunition stored in an inen gaseous atmosphere.

(0019) Another advantage is the reduced sizes of the hermetically sealed ammunition containers.

(0020) Another advantage is the unique method of manufacturing an inexpensive form of hermetically sealed ammunition containers that can be made in different sizes and shapes to be used with a wide variety of ammunition.

(00211 A further advantage of the hermetically sealed ammunition container is that it will eliminate the degradation of the ammunition occurring in the conventional forms of ammunition containers.

|0022| Yet another advantage of the hermetically sealed ammunition container it can use a variety of different inert gases to perform the manufacturing process.

(0023J And still another advantage of the hermetically sealed ammunition container is that it can be sealed with a variety of different lid configurations.

[0024] The principal advantage of the buoyant watertight ammunition container is the unique capability of keeping ammunition in a safely sealed container that will float.

|0025 | Another advantage of the buoyant watertight ammunition container is the removal of the oxygen and moisture while keeping the ammunition stored in an inert gaseous atmosphere.

(0026] Another advantage of the buoyant watertight ammunition container is that it is particularly effective in the storage of shotgun shells.

|0027] Another advantage of the buoyant watertight ammunition container is that it is has the capability of holding a wide variety of different kinds of ammunition.

|0028] Another advantage of the buoyant watertight ammunition container is that a variety of different packing and dehumidifying materials can be used including formed rice cakes.

[0029] Another advantage is when formed rice cakes are used as a dehumidifying agent they can be easily disposed of by feeding them to the animals or even eating them. ! O-RRA/301

[0030] Another advantage is the unique method of manufacturing an inexpensive form of buoyant watertight ammunition container that can be made in different sizes and shapes to be used with a wide variety of ammunition.

(0031 ) A further advantage of the buoyant watertight ammunition container is that it will eliminate the degradation of the ammunition occurring in the conventional forms of ammunition containers.

(0032] Yet another advantage of the buoyant watertight ammunition container is it can use a variety of different inert gases in the manufacturing process.

J0033] And still another advantage of the buoyant watertight ammunition container is that it can be sealed with a variety of different lid configurations.

|0034) Another further advantage is that a foil membrane over the top edge of the container will be used as a secondary means of sealing the containers.

|0035] These together with other advantages of the hermetically sealed ammunition container, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the design, are poi nted out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the hermetically sealed ammunition container, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the hermetically sealed ammunition container. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more i mportant features of the desi gn in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the hermetically sealed ammunition container that wil l be described hereinafter and which wil l form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

|0036| The preferred method of the manufacturing process of the hermetically sealed ammunition container is to use a heavy gauge steel can with double enameling. Double enameling is a term used in the canning industry to describe a steel can that has been manufactured with an enamel coating on the inside and outside of the can. This includes the ends of the can as well. The enameling is there to prevent nisting on the inside and outside and when food is placed in the can; the food does not come into direct contact with the steel can, thus preventing the transfer of a metallic taste to the food. In the case of canning ammunition, it prevents the ammunition from coming in contact with the bare metal of the can, preventing electrolysis. Enameling serves as an insulator between the steel can and the dissimilar metals of the ammunition, it must be understood at this time that a variety of I0-RRA/301 conventional coatings, along with enamel can be used for this process and will be covered within the scope of this application. Similar insulation can be achieved by utilizing a liner comprised of paper, cardboard, plastic, rubber, or any spray on electrical insulation. Most ammunition is comprised of three different metals; brass, lead, and copper. In some cases steel and other metals are used. If any of these metals were allowed to come in contact with the bare steel of the can, electrolysis would commence, causing conosion and degradation of the ammunition stored inside the can. This application is not limited to a round steel can, but can come in a variety of different shapes. Other containers or vessels of any size or shape are to be included within this application, examples are; glass, plastic, composites, fiberglass, and any other container vessels and are covered within the scope of this application.

|0037] Before the ammunition is portioned into the can, a firm, resilient foam cushioned "plug," is placed in the can and pushed to the bottom. This plug is a "push fit" inside the can. One or more rounds of ammunition can be contained within the hermetically sealed ammunition container. The ammunition is then portioned into the can and another plug is placed on top of the ammunition, this plug has a small vent orifice in the center. These plugs can vary in thickness to fill the void between the ammunition and the ends of the can. .They serve two purposes; as a filler of the void left by the ammunition in the can (the can isn't always full of ammunition), they act as a shock absorber and sound deadening. I f you shake the can, the ammunition will not rattle against the ends of the can. The ammunition is not free to move inside the can with the plugs in place. When the can is opened, the user will remove the top plug, exposing the ammunition underneath. The ammunition to be canned includes all calibers be it rifle, pistol, shotgun, tracers, machine gun rounds, and ammunition related components, such as brass, primers and bullets, as well as gun powder.

[0038J Once the can has been filled with a bottom plug, ammunition, and a top plug with a vent hole, it is then placed into a vacuum chamber. The chamber doors are closed and a vacuum of approximately 29 inches of mercury is drawn on the chamber. This removes all of the atmosphere/oxygen and atmospheric moisture that may be present in the can through the vent orifice in the top plug. With the preferred embodiment, the vacuum is halted and the chamber is then flooded with gaseous nitrogen. The gas is inert and dry, creating a benign atmosphere inside the can and around the ammunition. This dry, inert environment now created inside the can will halt corrosion, degradation, and deterioration of the ammunition. The shelf life/storage time created by this process should give the ammunition stored inside the can almost an unlimited life regardless of the environment outside the can. This application is not limited to gaseous nitrogen. Alternate embodiments can include liquid 10-RRA/301 nitrogen, oxygen absorbers along with other inert gases such as carbon dioxide, helium, and argon. Any process used to create an inert/benign atmosphere inside the ammunition container will be covered within the scope of this application.

|0039) After the evacuation/flooding process is complete the chamber doors are opened and the can, filled with nitrogen, is pushed out and immediately run through a commercial canning machine where a pop top type lid is applied and sealed to the can. The nitrogen gas that is in the can at this time is very heavy, dense, and cold and is not naturally trying to diffuse into the air in the room allowing for a reasonable amount of time to apply a lid and seal the can. This lid is not limited to a pop-top type or a foil pull-tab but can include a solid can end that requires a can opener to open. A pop-top type lid has a pull-tab to open, similar to one found on many food cans or pet food cans and requires no tools to open. The pop-top type can lid opener is the preferred embodiment to be use in this process.

|0040| The can is also supplied with a plastic reusable cover/cap. This cap is to be placed on the can after it is opened to provide some protection for the exposed ammunition that may remain in the can after use. This cap is similar to the cap/lid used to reseal a coffee can once opened. This application is not limited to a plastic cap but is to include any method used to reseal or protect the vessel contents, for example a screw on lid.

(0041 J Furthermore, these advantages outlined above, together with other advantages of the buoyant watertight ammunition container, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the design, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the buoyant watertight ammunition container, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the buoyant watertight ammunition container. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the design in order that the detai led description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the buoyant watertight ammunition container that will be described hereinafter and which wi ll form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

(00421 The preferred embodiment of the buoyant watertight ammunition container will be made of a polymer material in a square or rectangular configuration depending upon the number of prepackaged ammunition boxes enclosed. A variety of conventional locking lid configurations will be available with the preferred having an O-ring seal on the underside 10-RRA/301 of the lid with latching members on the sides. Another configuration would have a flexible interference member on the circumference of the upper edge of the container engaging with the lid edge member. The central area of the buoyant watertight ammunition container will have a polarity of spacers along the side and end walls to create an area large enough to allow the buoyancy needed to float the container when it is filled with the prepackaged

ammunition.

(0043) A number of different sizes of the preferred embodiment of the buoyant watertight ammunition container will consist of a container for a single box of ammunition, a container for two boxes, a container for three boxes, a container for six boxes, a container with four boxes, a container with eight boxes, a container with five boxes, and a container with ten boxes. It must be understood that a wide variety of shapes and configurations of this design could exist and will be covered within the scope of this application. The criteria in this unique design, is that enough area is maintained around the boxes of ammunition to give the desired buoyancy of the container in the water. Conventional desiccating materials including rice cakes can be used to stabilize the boxes as required.

|0044| Once the buoyant watertight ammunition container has been filled with the ammunition it is then placed into a vacuum chamber. The chamber doors are closed and a vacuum of approximately 29 inches of mercury is drawn on the chamber. This removes all of the atmosphere/oxygen and atmospheric moisture that may be present. The vacuum is then halted and the chamber is then flooded with gaseous nitrogen. The gas is inert and dry, creating a benign atmosphere inside the container and around the ammunition. This dry, inert environment now created inside the container will halt corrosion, degradation, and deterioration of the ammunition. The shelf life/storage time created by this process should give the ammunition stored inside the container almost an unlimited life regardless of the environment outside the container.

(0045) This application is not limited to gaseous nitrogen. Alternate methods can include liquid nitrogen, oxygen absorbers along with other inert gases such as carbon dioxide, helium, and argon. Any process used to create an inert/benign atmosphere inside the buoyant watertight ammunition container will be covered within the scope of this application.

Additional sealing will include a foil membrane attached over the top edge of the container with an O-ring in the lid making the final sealing means.

|0046j After the evacuation/flooding process is complete the chamber doors are opened and the container, filled with nitrogen, is pushed out and immediately the foil seal and lid are pressed on the container. The nitrogen gas that is in the container at this time is very 10-RRA/301 heavy, dense, and cold and is not namrally trying to diffuse into the air in the room allowing for a reasonable amount of time to apply a lid and seal the container. An alternate method of packaging would be to put the prepackaged ammunition in a scalable plastic bag filled with nitrogen and place it within the container.

10047] An alternate embodiment of the buoyant watertight ammunition would be a polymer round pail type of container having a lid that screws on with a ratcheting locking mechanism and an O-ring seal. A cushioning and dividing means, preferably formed rice cakes with individual pockets will be used to store the ammunition. Once the alternate embodiment of the buoyant watertight ammunition container has been filled with the ammunition it is then placed into a vacuum chamber. The chamber doors are closed and a vacuum of approximately 29 inches of mercury is drawn on the chamber remov ing all of the atmosphere/oxygen and atmospheric moisture that may be present. The vacuum is then halted and the chamber is then flooded with gaseous nitrogen. The gas is inert and dry, creating a benign atmosphere inside the container and around the ammunition. This dry, inert environment now created inside the container will halt corrosion, degradation, and deterioration of the ammunition. This application is not limited to gaseous nitrogen.

Alternate methods can include liquid nitrogen, oxygen absorbers along with other inert gases such as carbon dioxide, helium, and argon. Any process used to create an inert/benign atmosphere inside the buoyant watertight ammunition container will be covered within the scope of this application. Additional sealing will include a foil membrane attached over the top edge of the container with an O-ring in the lid making the final sealing means.

100481 With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of this application, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readi ly apparent and obv ious to one skilled in the art. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification intend to be encompassed by the present disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the hermetically sealed ammunition container and buoyant watertight ammunition container. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the design to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of this application. 10-RRA/301

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the hermetically sealed ammunition container and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0050] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the hermetically sealed ammunition container with the side and top cut away to expose the internal components.

|0051 J FI G. 2 depicts a view of the sealed hermetically sealed ammunition container.

(0052) FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of the hermetically sealed ammunition container.

[00531 FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of the manufacturing process of the hermetically sealed ammunition container.

[00S4J FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the hermetically sealed ammunition container with the side and top cut away to expose the internal components, in this case illustrating center fire ammunition packed and stored primer to primer, in two layers separated by a foam insert.

[0055] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the hermetically sealed ammunition container with the side and top cut away to expose the internal components, in this case illustrating rim fire ammunition packed and stored loosely.

[0056J FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container with the foil membrane cut away to expose the internal components with an ammunition box removed.

[0057| FIG. 8 depicts a section view of the lid above the container illustrating the O- ring, latching member and the foil membrane seal.

[0058] FIG. 9 depicts a section view of the lid attached to the container illustrating the O-ring, latching member and the foil membrane seal.

[0059] FIG. 10 depicts a section view of the lid above the container illustrating the flexible interference member on the circumference of the upper edge of the container engaging with the lid edge member.

[0060] FIG. 1 1 depicts a section view of the lid attached to the container illustrating the flexible interference member on the circumference of the upper edge of the container engaging with the lid edge member.

[0061] FIG. 12 depicts a top view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing two ammunition boxes. lO-RRA/301

(0062) FIG. 13 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing two ammunition boxes.

[0063J FIG. 14 depicts a top view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing one ammunition box.

(0064) FIG. 15 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing one ammunition box.

(0065) FIG. 16 depicts a top view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing three ammunition boxes.

(0066) FIG. 17 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing three ammunition boxes.

|0067| FIG. 18 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing six ammunition boxes.

|0068) FIG. 19 depicts a top view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing four ammunition boxes.

|0069j FIG. 20 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing four ammunition boxes.

(0070] FIG. 21 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing eight ammunition boxes.

(00711 FIG. 22 depicts a top view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing five ammunition boxes.

[0072| FIG. 23 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing five ammunition boxes.

(0073] FIG. 24 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container containing ten ammunition boxes.

|0074| FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of the lid of the alternate embodiment of the buoyant watertight ammunition container.

|0075| FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of the container of the alternate embodiment of the buoyant watertight ammunition container broken away to illustrate the internal packaging of the ammunition.

|0076| For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the hermetically sealed ammunition container and buoyant watertight ammunition container, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate 10-R A/301 embodiments of the design together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(0077) Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts of the hermetically sealed ammunition container 10 are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 a perspective view of the hermetically sealed ammunition container 10 consisting of the can 12 with the can side 14 and can top 16 cut away to expose the internal components. The optional cushioning and insulating sleeve material 18 is shown lining the can inside wall 20 of the hermetically sealed ammunition container 10 with a bottom resilient foam cushioned plug 22 cushioning the ammunition 24 at the can bottom surface 26 of the can 12. A top resilient foam cushioned plug 28 with a central orifice 30 where the inert gas is dispensed after the can has been placed in a vacuum chamber and the atmosphere/oxygen and atmospheric moisture have been removed. It should be understood that the hermetically sealed container can be used to preserve, package, and store ammunition, and ammunition components such as primers, shot, bullets, projectiles, shells, casings, and gun powder.

(00781 FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the hermetically sealed ammunition container 10 with the preferred embodiment of the top 16 using a conventional "pop-top" can opener 32. An additional can cover 34 is illustrated above the hermetically sealed ammunition container 0 to be used after the can top 16 has been removed.

[0079] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of the hermetically sealed ammunition container 10 illustrating the top 16 using the preferred embodiment of a conventional Pop-Top opener 32 above the top resilient foam cushioned plug 28 with a central orifice 30. The optional cushioning and insulating sleeve material 18 with the bottom resilient foam cushioned plug 22 above the cup 12.

[0080] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram 40 of the manufacturing process of the hermetically sealed ammunition container 10 that illustrates the manufacturing process as follows:

• Box 42 describes the coating of the inside and outside of the hermetically sealed ammunition container 10 including the can top 16 and the bottom 26 with a protective coating material.

• Box 44 describes the insertion of the optional cushioning and insulating sleeve

material 18.

• Box 46 describes the insertion of the bottom resilient foam cushioned plug 22. 10-RRA/301

• Box 48 describes the insertion of the ammunition 24.

• Box 50 describes the insertion top resilient foam cushioned plug 28 with vent orifice

30.

• Box 52 describes placing the filled can 12 in a vacuum chamber and evacuating it to approximately 20 to 30 inches of mercury.

• Box 54 describes the filling of the ammunition chamber with an inert gas.

• Box 56 describes the sealing of the can top 16 with a commercial canning machine.

(00811 FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the hermetically sealed ammunition container 70 with the side 74 and top 72 cut away to expose the internal components, in this case illustrating center fire ammunition 76 and 78 packed and stored primer to primer, in two layers separated by a foam insert. The ammunition packed and preserved in this way could be center fire cartridges, rim fire cartridges, shotgun shells, or the like. This type of container can be supplied with a conventional top or a "pop top" type container opening mechanism, or some other quick and easy opening feature.

|0082| FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the hermetically sealed ammunition container 80 with the side 82 and top portions cut away to expose the internal preserved and stored components, in this case illustrating rim fire ammunition 84 packed and stored loosely. This type of container may or may not include the optional foam padding inserts 28 and 22 as shown here. This type of container, and the one shown in FIG. 5 can be used to preserve, package, and store ammunition, and ammunition components such as primers, shot, bullets, projectiles, shells, casings, and gun powder.

[00831 Referring now to the remaining drawings, wherein similar parts of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A and HOB are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 7 a perspective view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 1 10A consisting of the container lid 1 12 having a lid edge member 114 with two edge spreading supports 1 16. The container 118 will consist of two container side walls 120 and two container end walls 122, a container bottom surface 124 and the container upper edge lip 126. The container rotating handle 128 attached to the outer surfaces of the end walls 122 may be adjusted to the upright position or down to either side as illustrated. A polarity of spacers 130 along the side walls 120 and end walls 122 create an area large enough to allow the buoyancy needed to float the buoyant watertight ammunition container 1.1 OA when it is filled with the prepackaged ammunition boxes 132. This area must be adjusted to compensate for the size and weight of the ammunition in the container 1 18. !O-RRA/301

[0084] Prepackaged ammunition boxes 132 are then placed within the container 118 and all of the atmosphere/oxygen and atmospheric moisture that may be present is removed and replaced with gaseous nitrogen. The gas is inert and dry, creating a benign atmosphere inside the buoyant watertight ammunition container 1 10A and around the ammunition. The sealing foil membrane 134 has been broken away to reveal the inner area of the container 118. It is anticipated that center fire cartridges, rim fire cartridges and shotgun shells may be packaged in this way, with varying box sizes and other container sizes.

|0085) FIG. 8 depicts a section view of the container lid 112 above the buoyant watertight ammunition container i lOA illustrating the O-ring 136 and the lid latching member 138 along with the foil membrane seal 140. The lid latching member 138 engages with the lower surface 142 of the upper edge lip 126. By pressing on the edge spreading supports 116 (shown in FI G. 7) on the long side of the container 118 and spreading the sides apart the latching member 138 will disengage releasing the container lid 112.

[0086] FIG. 9 depicts a section view of the lid 112 attached to the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A illustrating the compression of the O-ring 136 and the latching member 138 along with the foil membrane seal 140.

(0087] FIG. 10 depicts a section view of the container lid 112 above buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A illustrating the flexible interference member 142 on the circumference of the container upper lip 126 of the container 118 engaging with the lid edge member 144.

[0088] FIG. 11 depicts a section view of the container lid 1 12 attached to the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A illustrating the flexible interference member 142 on the circumference of the upper lip 126 of the container engaging with the lid edge member 144.

1008 J FIG. 12 depicts a top view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A containing two ammunition boxes 132 with a polarity of spacers 130 attached to the container side walls 120 and the container end walls 122. The container rotating handle 128 is depicted in the lowered position. The buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A is illustrated in the elongated configuration with the long sides of the ammunition boxes 132 together. This buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A containing two ammunition boxes 132 could be configured with the ammunition boxes 132 side by side creating a more square container 118 and still be within the scope of this application.

|0090] FIG. 13 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 1.1 OA containing two ammunition boxes 132. IO-RRA/301

[0091 J FIG. 14 depicts a top view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A containing one ammunition box 132. FIG. 15 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A containing one ammunition box 32.

[0092) FIG. 16 depicts a top view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A containing three ammunition boxes 132. FIG. 17 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A containing three ammunition boxes 132. FIG. 18 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container I IOA containing six ammunition boxes 132. Numerous other arrangements are anticipated.

(0093J FIG. 19 depicts a top view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A containing four ammunition boxes 132. FIG. 20 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 1 10A containing four ammunition boxes 132. FIG. 21 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A containing eight ammunition boxes 132.

(0094| FIG. 22 depicts a top view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container I IOA containing five ammunition boxes 132. FIG. 23 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110A containing five ammunition boxes 132. FIG. 24 depicts a cross section side view of the buoyant watertight ammunition container 11 OA containing ten ammunition boxes 132.

|009S| FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of the locking lid 150 of the alternate embodiment of the buoyant watertight ammunition container HOB. By rotating the locking lid 150 the automatic locking mechanism 152 engages in the ratcheting members 154 on the container upper edge 156 of the polymer round pail type of container 158 illustrated in FIG. 26. FIG. 26 depicts the side of the container broken away to illustrate the internal packaging of the contents. Although shotgun shells 160 have been depicted here a wide variety of ammunition can be contained in this manner and still remain within the scope of this application. The lower surface of the polymer round pail type container 158 will have a layer of cushioning material, preferably formed rice cake 162 with upper depressions 164 securing each shotgun shell 160 in place.

(0096) An intermediate divider layer 166 optionally formed of rice cake, with lower depressions 168 on the lower surface and upper depressions 170 on the upper surface will secure the tops of the lower shotgun shells 160 and the bottoms of the shotgun shells 160 on the next layer. The top layer of formed rice cake 180 will have depressions 182 on the lower surface with the upper surface smooth. Additional layering of the ammunition and the dividers can occur depending upon the size of the ammunition and will still remain within the !O-RRA/301 scope of this application. It is important that enough space is left between the ammunition to maintain the buoyancy of the container. Rice cake is used because it can be eaten by the user, thrown away in the field and eaten by wildlife, game or fish, or readily biodegrade without harm to the environment.

|0097| After the buoyant watertight ammunition container 110B is filled all of the atmosphere/oxygen and atmospheric moisture that may be present is removed and replaced with gaseous nitrogen. The gas is inert and dry, creating a benign atmosphere inside the buoyant watertight ammunition container HOB and around the ammunition. The sealing foil membrane 184 has been broken away to reveal the inner area of the polymer round pail type of container 158. A lifting and carrying handle 186 is shown rotated to the side.

|0098] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public general ly, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

(0099] The foregoing invention has many industrial applications including:

• providing a hermetically sealed ammunition container with a protective coating

material for packaging, transporting, selling, preserving and long term storage of ammunition;

• providing a buoyant watertight ammunition container with a for packaging,

transporting, selling, preserving and long term storage of ammunition;

• providing a sealed evacuated container for long term storage of ammunition;

• providing an evacuated container having a chamber with an inert gas therein for long term storage of ammunition;

• providing a packaging system for holding varying numbers of boxes of ammunition;

• providing a pleasing and convenient way to package, sell and distribute ammunition; and

• providing a watertight ammunition container having biodegradable packing/spacer materials.