U.S. patent application number 10/368296 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-19 for device for loading bullets into firearm magazines.
Invention is credited to Newman, Philip.
Application Number | 20040159035 10/368296 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32850147 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040159035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Newman, Philip |
August 19, 2004 |
DEVICE FOR LOADING BULLETS INTO FIREARM MAGAZINES
Abstract
A rapid action bullet reloading device for use in conjunction
with any firearm utilizing a removable magazine is operable by
either hand of the user with minimal effort. The device includes a
sleeve, defining a main body, a lever hinged to the sleeve and a
cam member operatively engaged with the lever. The sleeve is
structured and disposed to receive the magazine in a releasably
locked and registered position for the bullet reloading operation.
The device is operated by squeezing the lever towards the sleeve
body with one hand which rotates the cam member about a cam axis in
a highly leveraged action. Rotation of the cam causes an integral
finger extending from the cam member to engage and depress a
properly positioned bullet into the magazine. A spring urges the
cam member back to the relaxed position upon each release of the
lever, whereupon a next successive bullet can be placed in
registered position for loading. In several embodiments, a hood is
hingedly fitted to the top end of the sleeve body and includes an
axial bore, defining a loading chamber, through which the bullets
are inserted, using the other hand to guide each bullet into the
registered loading position.
Inventors: |
Newman, Philip; (Boca Raton,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT M. DOWNEY, P.A.
601 SOUTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300
BOCA RATON
FL
33432
US
|
Family ID: |
32850147 |
Appl. No.: |
10/368296 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/87 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 9/83 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/087 |
International
Class: |
F41A 009/82 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device for loading bullets into a magazine of a firearm, said
device comprising: a sleeve defining a main body and being
structured and disposed for receiving the cartridge in seated
position therein during use to load the bullets into the cartridge;
a lever pivotally fitted to the main body and including a top
portion with a top distal end; a cam member pivotally fitted to
said main body and including a cam surface in operative, abutting
engagement with said top distal end of said lever; a finger
extending from said cam member; a biasing element urging said cam
member to a relaxed position; and said lever being pivotally
operable to cause said top distal end to apply a force on said cam
surface of said cam member, resulting in forced rotation of said
cam member about a cam axis and against said biasing element so
that said finger is moved towards said magazine to depress a top
bullet seated in position on a top of said magazine so that said
bullet is loaded into said magazine.
2. The device as recited in claim 1 further comprising: a hood on a
top portion of said main body and said hood including a bore
extending therethrough and defining a loading chamber for insertion
of the bullets therethrough and into guided, registered position on
the top of the magazine for loading therein upon subsequent
operation of said lever and rotation of said cam member against
said biasing element.
3. The device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a sleeve
insert structured and disposed to be received within said main body
for accommodating variations in size of the magazine, in order to
maintain the magazine in seated position within said sleeve.
4. The device as recited in claim 3 further comprising: a magazine
support member adjustably moveable within said sleeve for
accommodating magazines of varying height so that the magazines are
maintained in operative, seated position within the sleeve for
loading the bullets therein.
5. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said sleeve includes at
least one protruding member on an inner surface thereof for
releasable, interlocking receipt within a corresponding recess on
the magazine, to thereby insure proper positioning of the magazine
within the sleeve for loading the bullets into the magazine.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a bullet loader and, more
particularly, to a device for reloading bullets into the magazine
or clip of a firearm.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] Most semi-automatic and automatic weapons are provided with
a removable magazine for holding a large number of bullets or
rounds of ammunition. Additionally, some handguns, such as 9 mm
pistols, are structured to receive a bullet-holding magazine, often
referred to as a "clip." Regardless of the particular type, make or
model of the weapon, virtually all magazines are structured to
function according to the same general principal of operation.
Specifically, the magazine includes a generally elongate, vertical
chamber with partially open ejection end at the top. Bullets are
loaded, in sequence, into the magazine and against the compression
force exerted by a compression spring, so that a stacked
arrangement of bullets within the magazine is urged upwardly
towards the top ejection end. When the loaded magazine is inserted
into the firearm, the force of the compression spring causes the
bullets to be individually fed, one at a time in succession, into
the gun's firing chamber.
[0005] The use of a magazine in a firearm provides the convenience
of holding a large number of bullets in position for loading in
successive order into the firing chamber, thereby allowing for
rapid fire of some or all of the loaded bullets. Once the bullets
are expended, the empty magazine can be quickly removed and a new
fully loaded magazine can be quickly inserted into the firearm to
resume firing.
[0006] While the use of magazines is a convenient and effective
method of feeding bullets, in rapid succession, into a weapon's
firing chamber. However, reloading bullets into the spent magazines
is known to be problematic. Specifically, the structural design of
the magazine requires each bullet to be individually loaded through
the top ejection end and downwardly against the force of the
compression spring in order to captivate the bullet within the
magazine. As each bullet is loaded, in sequence, the compression
spring becomes progressively compressed until the magazine is fully
loaded with bullets. Naturally, the resistance of the compression
spring against the downward force of loading the bullets into the
magazine becomes greater with each successive bullet loaded into
the magazine.
[0007] For many years, bullets have been loaded into the magazines
of firearms by hand, using the fingers to force each bullet
downwardly against the force of the compression spring and into
captured arrangement within the magazine. This process is time
consuming, awkward, and often frustrating, particularly when the
resistance of the compression spring begins to increase. And, in
view of the fact that the entire load of bullets in the magazine
can be expended in a matter of seconds, particularly in an
automatic weapon, the task of reloading several empty magazines can
be daunting.
[0008] In the past, others have proposed various devices for
reloading bullets or "cartridges" into the clip of a handgun. And,
while some of these devices have provided some improvement to the
traditional reloading method of using ones fingers to force the
bullets into the clip, they provide minimal mechanical advantage
over the compressive force exerted by the spring in the clip.
Moreover, the reloading devices known in the prior art require use
of the thumb for operation. It has been found that successive
operation of these devices, particularly when loading several
clips, results in fatigue and possible strain or injury to the
thumb and hand muscles. An example of a clip reloading device in
the prior art which uses a thumb lever is shown in the Switzer U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,377,436 and 5,249,386. Additional examples of reloading
devices for handgun clips are shown in the U.S. patents to Holmes,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,693; Upchurch, U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,180; and
Origoni, U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,606. All of these devices are limited
to use with handgun clips.
[0009] In view of the numerous problems associated with loading
bullets into the magazines of automatic and semi-automatic weapons,
as well as handguns, and the limitations of the loading devices in
the present state of the art, there remains an urgent need for a
rapid action bullet reloading device for use in conjunction with
any magazine style of all types of firearms and which is operable
by either hand of the user with minimal effort. Moreover, there
remains a need for a bullet loading device which provides a
sufficient mechanical advantage to overcome the counteracting force
of the compression spring within a magazine so that each bullet,
from the first to the last, can be loaded into the magazine with
the same minimal effort. Additionally, there remains a need for a
bullet reloading device which is structured to properly position
each bullet into registered alignment with the top of the magazine
and a cam depression finger of the device, thereby allowing the
user to easily operate the device with either hand, while allowing
the user to place bullets into the device for loading into the
magazine using the other hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to a rapid action bullet
reloading device for use in conjunction with any firearm utilizing
a removable magazine is operable by either hand of the user with
minimal effort. The device includes a sleeve, defining a main body,
a lever hinged to the sleeve and a cam member operatively engaged
with the lever. The sleeve is structured and disposed to receive
the magazine in a releasably locked and registered position for the
bullet reloading operation. The device is operated by squeezing the
lever towards the sleeve body with one hand which rotates the cam
member about a cam axis in a highly leveraged action. Rotation of
the cam causes an integral finger extending from the cam member to
engage and depress a properly positioned bullet into the magazine.
A spring urges the cam member back to the relaxed position upon
each release of the lever, whereupon a next successive bullet can
be placed in registered position for loading. In several
embodiments, a hood is hingedly fitted to the top end of the sleeve
body and includes an axial bore, defining a loading chamber through
which the bullets are inserted, using the other hand, for
individual positioning in registered alignment for loading into the
magazine.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Considering the foregoing, it is a primary object of the
present invention to provide a rapid action bullet loading device
for use in conjunction with any firearm utilizing a removably
magazine, and wherein the device is easily operable by a single
hand of the user, either the left hand or the right hand, with
minimal effort to effectively load bullets into the magazine.
[0012] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a bullet loading device which provides a highly leveraged
action to depress each bullet into the magazine, with minimal
effort and using only one hand.
[0013] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a bullet loading device which provides for a highly
leveraged action to depress bullets into a magazine, and wherein
the leveraged loading mechanism provides sufficient mechanical
advantage to overcome the counteracting force of the compression
spring within the magazine so that each bullet, from the first
loaded bullet to the last loaded bullet, can be loaded into the
magazine with the same minimal effort.
[0014] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a bullet loading device which employs a cam action to
provide substantial mechanical advantage when loading bullets into
a magazine, thereby allowing for ease of operation, with a single
hand, while preventing fatigue during extended loading
operations.
[0015] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a bullet loading device which provides a loading chamber
for guiding each bullet into registered loading position, thereby
allowing bullets to be loaded even in dark conditions.
[0016] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a bullet loading device which allows for operation with a
single hand while allowing the other hand to feed bullets into a
registered loading position with each operation of the device.
[0017] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a bullet loading device which is adapted for use with any
and all makes, models and types of handgun magazines.
[0018] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a bullet loading device which can be manufactured in
various models to accommodate all types of firearm magazines,
including magazines for automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons
and handguns.
[0019] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a rapid action bullet loading device, as set forth above,
and wherein the leveraged cam action is adjustable to accommodate
for different types and models of firearm magazines having varying
compression spring tensions.
[0020] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a rapid action bullet loading device wherein the mechanical
leverage for depressing bullets into the magazine, against the
compression spring, can be adjustably varied by changing the
configuration of the cam and the throw of the cam finger.
[0021] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a device for loading bullets into a handgun which provides
all of the objects and advantages set forth above, and which can be
manufactured of a variety of materials, including ferrous,
non-ferrous and/or plastic compositions.
[0022] These and other objects of the present invention will be
more readily apparent with reference to the detailed description
and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be made to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a bullet loading device
for use in conjunction with a magazine or clip of a handgun, in
accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 2a is a side elevational view, in partial
cross-section, illustrating the bullet loading device of FIG. 1
with a handgun magazine being inserted, as indicated by the dotted
line, for seated position within the sleeve of the device and in
registered alignment with a pivoting cam member;
[0026] FIG. 2b is a front elevational view of the bullet loading
device of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 3a is a side elevational view, in partial section,
illustrating operation of the bullet loading device of FIG. 1 to
load bullets into the magazine of a handgun;
[0028] FIG. 3b is a front elevational view of the bullet loading
device and magazine of FIG. 3a;
[0029] FIG. 4a is a side elevational view, in partial section,
illustrating operation of a cam action loading mechanism, wherein a
lever of the device is squeezed towards the sleeve of the device,
as shown by the arrow, to urge a cam member about a pivot axis and
an integral cam finger downwardly against the top positioned
bullet, as indicated by the arrows, resulting in the bullet being
forced downwardly against the compression spring of the magazine
and into captivated relation within the magazine;
[0030] FIG. 4b is a front elevational view of the bullet loading
device and magazine of FIG. 4a;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view, in partial section,
illustrating a bullet loading device with a pivoting hood to
facilitate insertion and registered alignment of bullets with the
device for loading into the magazine, and wherein the bullet
loading device is particularly adapted for use with an M-16
rifle;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 5,
shown in partial section, illustrating pivoting movement of the
hood and positioning of the device on an M-16 magazine, as
illustrated in phantom lines;
[0033] FIGS. 7a-7c show the bullet loading device of FIG. 5, in
partial section, operatively attached to an M-16 magazine,
illustrating a sequence of operation to load bullets into the
magazine;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the bullet loading
device of FIG. 5 with an attached M-16 magazine shown in
phantom;
[0035] FIGS. 9a and 9b show a bullet loading device, in partial
cross-section, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment
of the present invention for use in conjunction with an MP-5
magazine, and wherein a sequence of operation of the device is
shown for loading bullets into the magazine;
[0036] FIGS. 10a and 10b show a bullet loading device, in partial
section, illustrating yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention for use in conjunction with an Uzi or AR-15
magazine, and wherein an operational sequence is shown for loading
bullets into the magazine; and
[0037] FIG. 11 is an isolated side elevational view, in partial
section, illustrating an inner side wall of a sleeve of the device
of FIGS. 10a and 10b, to illustrate locking tabs on the sleeve for
releasably locking the sleeve onto a variety of style magazines of
different manufacturers.
[0038] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Referring to the several views of the drawings, the bullet
loading device of the present invention is shown in accordance with
several embodiments thereof.
[0040] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4b, a first preferred
embodiment of the bullet loading device is shown and is generally
indicated as 10a. Other preferred embodiments of the bullet loading
device are shown throughout the drawings, including the bullet
loading device 10b in FIGS. 5-8, the bullet loading device 10c in
FIGS. 9a and 9b, and the bullet loading device 10d in FIGS.
10a-11.
[0041] In each embodiment shown throughout the drawings, the device
10a-10d includes a sleeve 12 defining a main body, a lever 16
hinged to a back portion of the main body 14 and a cam member 20
pivotally fitted to the sleeve body 12 and in operative engagement
with a top end 18 of the lever 16. The sleeve body 12 includes
opposing side walls 30, 32 and rear wall 34. In each of the various
embodiments, as shown throughout the drawings, the configuration of
the sleeve body 12, including the shape of the side walls 30, 32
and the space between the side walls 30, 32 is varied to
accommodate magazines of different types of firearms, as well as
various makes and models of magazines for the same type of
firearm.
[0042] In each embodiment, shown throughout the drawings, the
device is structured and disposed to apply a downward depressing
force against a bullet B in order to force the bullet B down
against a force exerted by a compression spring within the firearm
magazine in order to load the bullet B into the magazine. To
accomplish this, in a highly leveraged action, the lever 16 and cam
member 20 are pivotally mounted to the rear portion 14 of the
sleeve body 12 using pivot pins 36, 38, respectively. The pivot
pins 36, 38 may be any of a variety of materials such as stainless
steel roll pins, aluminum, or a plastic or nylon composition. The
lever 16 and cam member 20 are specifically positioned and arranged
in operative engagement to provide the desired mechanical
advantage. Specifically, a cam surface 40 on the cam member 20
maintains operative engagement against a top distal end 42 on the
top end 18 of the lever 16. The top distal end 42 may be rounded to
provide a smooth engagement with the cam surface 40 upon pivoting
movement of the lever 16 and cam member 20. A spring 50 seated
within the rear of the sleeve body 12 applies an upward force
against a knee 52 of the cam member 20 to urge the cam member 20 to
a normally relaxed position, as seen in FIGS. 2a, 3a, 5-7b and 10a.
In this position, an integral finger 60 extending from the cam
member 20 is in a raised position. Upon squeezing the lever 16,
with use of one hand, towards the back wall 34 of the sleeve body
12, the distal end 42 of the lever 16 applied a force to the cam
surface 40, urging the cam member 20 above pivot pin 38 and driving
finger 60 downwardly so that an end 62 of the finger 60 operatively
engages a top bullet B aligned on the top of the magazine for
loading therein. Upon continued downward movement of the finger 60
the end 62 of the finger 60 exerts a force to depress the bullet B
into the magazine. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4b, the
bullet loading device 10a is specifically adapted for use in
conjunction with handgun magazines or clips M1. In operation, the
cam lever 16 is squeezed, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4a to
move the cam member 20 about the pin 38 thereby causing the end 62
of finger 60 to apply the downward force on the top bullet B within
the magazine M1. This then allows a next successive bullet to be
loaded within the magazine M1 to be slipped into position, as seen
in FIG. 3a. Depending upon the particular model of the handgun and
the style of the magazine M1, the bullet B may be inserted into the
top of the magazine M1 or, alternatively, placed on the top of the
magazine M1 and forced down into the magazine by the end 62 of the
finger 60.
[0043] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4b, the bullet loading device
10a, which is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with
handgun magazines M1, provides for the ability to adapt to all
sizes, styles, makes and models of handgun magazines. In
particular, a bottom support member 70 is structured and disposed
to engage the bottom of the magazine M1 so that the magazine M1 is
properly positioned in registered alignment within the sleeve body
12, between the side walls 30, 32 and at a proper height relative
to the cam member 20 and finger 60 so that the end 62 of the finger
60 engages the top bullet B when positioned on the top of the
magazine M1. The support member 70 is adjustably positionable
throughout a range of heights between the side walls 30, 32 of the
sleeve body 12 with the use of a knob 72 which connects to the
support member 70 by a threaded rod or stem 74. As seen in FIGS. 1,
3a and 3b, the threaded rod 74 extends from the knob 72 and through
a slot 76 in the rear wall 34, and into threaded engagement within
the support member 70. Rotating the knob 72 in one direction serves
to loosen the knob from the rear surface of the wall 34, thereby
allowing the knob 72 and support member 70 to be moved upwardly or
downwardly relative to the sleeve body. When the support member 70
is properly positioned, at the desired height, between the walls
30, 32 of the sleeve body, the knob 72 is tightened, by rotating,
to frictionally engage the rear surface of the wall 34 of the
sleeve body 12, thereby holding the support member 70 at the
desired position.
[0044] The embodiment of FIGS. 1-4b further provides for the
adaptability to varying widths or thicknesses of magazines M1. As
seen throughout FIGS. 1-4b, a sleeve insert 80 is provided. The
sleeve insert 80 is specifically structured and disposed to be
received between the walls 30, 32 of the sleeve body 12 to provide
a smaller transverse dimension so that the magazine M1 is held
snugly within the sleeve body. Specifically, the sleeve insert 80
includes opposing walls 82, 84 which mate with the corresponding
opposing walls 30, 32, respectively, of the sleeve body 12. The
transverse space between the walls 82, 84 is less than the space
between walls 30, 32, thereby reducing the overall transverse
dimension of the sleeve body 12 for snug fitting receipt of the
magazine M1 therein. It should be noted that several sleeve inserts
80 of varying size and wall thickness may be provided to
accommodate a full range of magazine makes, styles, models and/or
designs. To insure proper alignment and receipt of the sleeve
insert 80 within the sleeve body 12, a hole 86 is formed through a
top portion of the rear wall 85 of the sleeve insert 80 for receipt
of a screw, peg or other member 88 on the rear wall 34 of the
sleeve body 12.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the bullet loading device 10b is
particularly adapted for use in conjunction with the magazine M2 of
an M-16 rifle for loading bullets B1 into the magazine M2.
[0046] FIGS. 9a-9b illustrate yet a further embodiment of the
bullet loading device 10c which is particularly adapted for use in
conjunction with the magazine M3 of an MP-5 rifle.
[0047] FIGS. 10a-11 illustrate yet a further embodiment of the
bullet loading device 10d which is particularly adapted for use for
loading bullets B into the magazine M4 of an Uzi or AR-15
firearm.
[0048] In each of the embodiments 10b-10d, as shown throughout
FIGS. 5-11, the respective bullet loading devices operate in the
same general manner as that described above. Specifically, the
lever 16 is squeezed inwardly towards the rear wall 34 of the
sleeve body 12, with the use of a single hand, to pivot the top end
18 of the lever 16 about pivot pin 36 resulting in the top distal
end 42 of the lever 16 applying a force to cam surface 40 so that
the cam member 20 is rotated about pivot pin 38. It should be noted
that the specific shape of the distal end 42 of the lever 16, as
well as the configuration of the cam surface 40 may be varied to
achieve the desired leverage action and mechanical advantage. This
is largely dependent upon the particular type of magazine and the
compression force of the compression spring within the magazine.
Also, the throw of the finger 60 is varied according to the
particular type of magazine and bullets being loaded. In referring
to the various embodiments shown throughout the drawings, it will
be noted that the configurations of the distal end 42 and cam
surface 40 are varied, along with the throw and shape of the cam
finger 60, to accommodate for the particular type of magazine and
bullets being loaded, as well as to achieve the desired mechanical
advantage to overcome the compression force of the compression
spring within the magazine.
[0049] Each of the embodiments 10b-10d, shown throughout FIGS.
5-11, are further provided with a hood 90 pivotally fitted to a top
end of the sleeve body 12. The hood 90 is structured to pivot open
in order to permit placement and removal of the magazine within the
sleeve body. Once the magazine is received within the sleeve body
and properly positioned in registered, releasably locked alignment,
the hood 90 is lowered over the top of the magazine. Preferably,
the hood 90 is structured to releasably snap into place on the top
of the magazine to insure proper alignment as well as to secure the
device on the magazine, in proper registered position for loading
operations.
[0050] In each of the embodiments, the hood 90 includes a bore 92
formed therethrough. The bore 92 is specifically sized and
configured for receipt of a particular caliber bullet therethrough
for registered positioning relative to the finger 60 and magazine.
Specifically, the bore 92 acts as a loading chamber for guiding
each bullet into proper position below the finger 60 so that when
the lever 16 is squeezed and the end 62 of the finger 60 engages
the bullet, the bullet is depressed down into the magazine without
failure. Accordingly, the loading chamber, defined by the bore 92
of the hood 90 allows the user to easily insert bullets to be
loaded into the magazine with one hand, while operating the device
with the other hand. Moreover, the loading chamber of the hood 90
allows for ease of loading bullets even in poorly lit or dark
conditions and without the need of actually viewing the magazine or
loading device. As seen throughout the several embodiments, the
hood 90 may be provided with downwardly extending side walls 94 and
a front wall 96 for snug fitted, locking engagement on the top end
of the magazine, thereby securing the loading device 10b-10d to the
respective magazine in proper registered alignment therewith.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 11, the inner surface of either of the
side walls 30, 32 of the sleeve body 12 is shown in accordance with
a particular embodiment, wherein flexible tab members 98 on the
side walls 30, 32 are provided with protrusions 99 for releasable,
locking receipt within detents formed in the sides of the magazine
to insure proper registered position and alignment of the sleeve
body 12 on the magazine. The flexible tabs 98 and protrusions 99
are shown on the embodiments of FIGS. 10a and 10b. However, it is
noted that this same or similar structure may be employed on the
other embodiments of the bullet loading device, as shown in the
previous drawing figures, for interlocking receipt with the
particular type of make and model of the magazine.
[0052] While the instant invention has been shown and described in
accordance with a preferred and practical embodiment thereof, it is
recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are
contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention
which, therefore, should not be limited except as set forth in the
following claims as interpreted under the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *