Cap for attachment to a barrel end and storage means therefor

Abstract

A convex cap ( 1 ) for removable attachment to a barrel ( 2 ) end of projectile ( 3 ) firing equipment such as the end of a gun barrel ( 2 ), purposed to protect the interior of the projectile ( 3 ) firing equipment from foreign matter such as dust, dirt, debris and moisture wherein the cap ( 1 ) is adapted to be in place on the barrel ( 2 ) end at the time of firing. A means of storing caps is also provided.

1 . A cap ( 1 ) for removable attachment to a barrel end of projectile firing equipment ( 2 ) which allows substantially unaffected firing of said projectile firing equipment, wherein said barrel end is perpendicular to a direction of firing of said projectile firing equipment, characterized by: 
 a central convex portion ( 6 ) which covers an aperture of said barrel end; and    a peripheral edge portion ( 5 ) joined peripherally to said central convex portion ( 6 ) and adapted to be removably attached, via an attachment means, to said barrel end and having a substantially similar form as said barrel end.    
   
   
       2 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein said attachment means comprises an adhesive on said edge portion ( 5 ).  
   
   
       3 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein said edge portion ( 5 ) comprises an intermediate portion ( 7 ) and an adhesive portion ( 8 ), characterized in that, when said cap ( 1 ) is attached to said barrel end, said adhesive portion ( 8 ) contacts said barrel end, and said intermediate portion ( 7 ) lies between said adhesive portion ( 8 ) and said convex portion ( 6 ), and characterized in that said intermediate portion ( 7 ) is made of a material which is compatible with both said convex portion ( 6 ) and said adhesive portion ( 8 ).  
   
   
       4 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 3  wherein said intermediate portion ( 7 ) and said adhesive portion ( 8 ) comprise a tape having said adhesive portion ( 8 ) on one side thereof and said intermediate portion ( 7 ) on an opposite side thereof.  
   
   
       5 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 3  wherein said intermediate portion ( 7 ) is formed of aluminum.  
   
   
       6 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein said cap ( 1 ) provides an air- and water-tight seal when said cap ( 1 ) is attached to said barrel end.  
   
   
       7 . A cap ( 1 ) according  claim 1  wherein said cap ( 1 ) is resistant to puncture.  
   
   
       8 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein said cap ( 1 ) comprises a tab ( 10 ) for gripping by a user, characterized in that said tab ( 10 ), when said cap ( 1 ) is attached to said barrel end, extends beyond said barrel end in a direction substantially perpendicular to said direction of firing of said projectile firing equipment.  
   
   
       9 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein said convex portion ( 6 ) comprises a plastic material.  
   
   
       10 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein the height of said convex portion ( 6 ) is from 1/16 to ⅛ inch.  
   
   
       11 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein said edge portion ( 5 ) and said convex portion ( 6 ) are circular.  
   
   
       12 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 11  wherein the radius of curvature of said convex portion ( 6 ) is from 9/16 to 33/32 inch.  
   
   
       13 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 11  wherein the diameter of said convex portion ( 6 ) is substantially ½ inch.  
   
   
       14 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein said cap ( 1 ) is provided with a registration number thereon to identify the firing of the projectile firing equipment.  
   
   
       15 . A cap ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  wherein said cap ( 1 ) comprises camouflage coloring.  
   
   
       16 . A cap ( 10  according to  claim 1  wherein said cap ( 1 ) is luminescent.  
   
   
       17 . A storage pad ( 11 ), having a substantially planar surface upon which one or a plurality of caps ( 1 ) according to  claim 1  can be removably attached, said surface being so structured to removably hold said caps ( 1 ), such that said caps ( 1 ), when removed from said surface are ready for application to barrel end of a barrel.