U.S. patent application number 12/804683 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-10 for magazine and firearm with improved ammunition loading feature.
Invention is credited to Christopher R. Castro, Dana D. Huffman.
Application Number | 20110030259 12/804683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43533670 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110030259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Castro; Christopher R. ; et
al. |
February 10, 2011 |
Magazine and firearm with improved ammunition loading feature
Abstract
A firearm magazine housing contains a spring to forcibly urge a
follower with ammunition rounds stacked thereon toward an open end
of the housing, thereby to facilitate delivery of the ammunition
rounds into the firing chamber of a firearm. A follower support
apparatus disposed within the housing supports the follower for
movement in the housing, and permits the ammunition rounds to be
stacked onto the follower independently of the spring.
Inventors: |
Castro; Christopher R.;
(Richardson, TX) ; Huffman; Dana D.; (Richardson,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
The Law Offices of Scott B. Stahl
Suite 200, 555 Republic Drive
Plano
TX
75074
US
|
Family ID: |
43533670 |
Appl. No.: |
12/804683 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61273643 |
Aug 6, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/6 ; 42/49.01;
42/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/22 20130101;
F41A 9/67 20130101; F41A 9/83 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/6 ; 42/49.01;
42/90 |
International
Class: |
F41A 9/65 20060101
F41A009/65; F41A 9/83 20060101 F41A009/83 |
Claims
1. A magazine apparatus for delivering ammunition rounds into a
firing chamber of a firearm, comprising: a housing configured for
insertion into a magazine well of the firearm; a follower disposed
and movably supported within said housing, said follower configured
to support thereon a stack of ammunition rounds within said
housing; a spring disposed within said housing for forcibly urging
said follower and the stack of ammunition rounds toward the firing
chamber when said housing is inserted in the magazine well; and a
follower support disposed within said housing and coupled to said
follower to support said follower for movement within said housing,
wherein said follower support is fastened to said housing and
permits ammunition rounds to be stacked on said follower
independently of said spring.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said follower support includes
a telescoping member having a plurality of telescoped sections.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said follower support permits
ammunition rounds to be stacked on said follower without forcible
urging of said follower against the ammunition rounds.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said follower support includes
a unitary elongate member having a first end fastened to said
housing and a second end that moves with said follower during
stacking of ammunition rounds on said follower.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said follower support includes
an elongate member having first and second ends fastened to said
housing.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said follower support includes
first and second portions that are fastened to said housing to
secure said first and second portions against movement relative to
said housing.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said follower support includes
a spring-loaded assembly and a flexible elongate member engaged
with said spring-loaded assembly, said flexible elongate member
extensible from said spring-loaded assembly against said
spring-load, and retractable onto said spring-loaded assembly by
said spring-load.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said spring-loaded assembly
includes a spring-loaded spool.
9. A magazine apparatus for delivering ammunition rounds into a
firing chamber of a firearm, comprising: a housing configured for
insertion into a magazine well of the firearm; a follower disposed
and movably supported within said housing, said follower configured
to support thereon a stack of ammunition rounds within said
housing; a spring disposed within said housing for forcibly urging
said follower and the stack of ammunition rounds toward the firing
chamber when said housing is inserted in the magazine well; and a
follower support disposed within said housing and coupled to said
follower to support said follower for movement within said housing,
wherein said follower support is fastened to said housing and
permits ammunition rounds to be stacked on said follower without
forcible urging of said follower against the ammunition rounds.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said follower support
includes a telescoping member having a plurality of telescoped
sections.
11. A magazine apparatus for delivering ammunition rounds into a
firing chamber of a firearm, comprising: a housing configured for
insertion into a magazine well of the firearm; a follower disposed
and movably supported within said housing, said follower configured
to support thereon a stack of ammunition rounds within said
housing; a spring disposed within said housing for forcibly urging
said follower and the stack of ammunition rounds toward the firing
chamber when said housing is inserted in the magazine well; and a
follower support disposed within said housing and coupled to said
follower to support said follower for movement within said housing,
said follower support including a unitary elongate member having a
first end fastened to said housing and a second end that moves with
said follower during stacking of ammunition rounds on said
follower.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein unitary elongate member is
flexible and said follower support includes a spring-loaded
assembly engaged with said unitary elongate member, said unitary
elongate member extensible from said spring-loaded assembly against
a said spring-load, and retractable onto said spring-loaded
assembly by said spring-load.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said spring-loaded assembly
includes a spring-loaded spool.
14. A magazine apparatus for delivering ammunition rounds into a
firing chamber of a firearm, comprising: a housing configured for
insertion into a magazine well of the firearm; a follower disposed
and movably supported within said housing, said follower configured
to support thereon a stack of ammunition rounds within said
housing; a spring disposed within said housing for forcibly urging
said follower and the stack of ammunition rounds toward the firing
chamber when said housing is inserted in the magazine well; and a
follower support disposed within said housing and coupled to said
follower to support said follower for movement within said housing,
said follower support including an elongate member having first and
second ends fastened to said housing.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein elongate member is flexible
and said follower support includes a spring-loaded assembly engaged
with said elongate member, said elongate member extensible from
said spring-loaded assembly against a said spring-load, and
retractable onto said spring-loaded assembly by said spring
load.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said spring-loaded assembly
includes a spring-loaded spool.
17. A magazine apparatus for delivering ammunition rounds into a
firing chamber of a firearm, comprising: a housing configured for
insertion into a magazine well of the firearm; a follower disposed
and movably supported within said housing, said follower configured
to support thereon a stack of ammunition rounds within said
housing; a spring disposed within said housing for forcibly urging
said follower and the stack of ammunition rounds toward the firing
chamber when said housing is inserted in the magazine well; said
housing having an open end through which a top ammunition round on
the stack is delivered into the firing chamber when said housing is
inserted in the magazine well, and said housing having a closed end
opposite said open end; and a follower support disposed within said
housing and coupled to said follower to support said follower for
movement within said housing, said follower support including first
and second portions that are fastened to said housing to secure
said first and second portions against movement relative to said
housing.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said follower support
includes a flexible member that defines said first and second
portions.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said follower support
includes a spring-loaded assembly engaged with said flexible
member.
20. A magazine apparatus for delivering ammunition rounds into a
firing chamber of a firearm, comprising: a housing configured for
insertion into a magazine well of the firearm; a follower disposed
and movably supported within said housing, said follower configured
to support thereon a stack of ammunition rounds within said
housing; a spring disposed within said housing for forcibly urging
said follower and the stack of ammunition rounds toward the firing
chamber when said housing is inserted in the magazine well; and a
follower support disposed within said housing and coupled to said
follower to support said follower for movement within said housing,
said follower support including a telescoping member having a
plurality of telescoped sections.
21. An apparatus that facilitates compressing a spring in a firearm
ammunition magazine prior to insertion of ammunition rounds into
the firearm ammunition magazine, comprising: a base portion: and a
contact portion protruding from said base portion for removable
insertion into the firearm ammunition magazine via an opening in
the firearm ammunition magazine; wherein said contact portion, when
inserted into the firearm ammunition magazine, engages against the
spring and permits a force applied to one of said base portion and
the firearm ammunition magazine to be transferred to the spring in
a direction that causes compression of the spring.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said base portion defines
therein a base portion opening that receives insertion of said
firearm ammunition magazine, and said contact portion protrudes
into said base portion opening.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said base portion includes a
plate-like element, and said base portion opening extends through
said plate-like element.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said base portion includes a
sleeve-like element having an interior space contiguous with said
base portion opening.
25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said base portion is
provided in a stock of a firearm.
26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said base portion opening is
a through opening.
27. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said base portion opening is
a blind opening.
28. A firearm apparatus for firing ammunition rounds loaded into a
firing chamber thereof, comprising: means defining a well adapted
to receive insertion of an ammunition magazine that contains a
spring for forcibly urging ammunition rounds into said firing
chamber when the ammunition magazine is inserted in said well;
means defining a magazine insertion opening also adapted to receive
insertion of the ammunition magazine; and a contact portion
protruding into said magazine insertion opening; wherein, when the
ammunition magazine is inserted in said magazine insertion opening,
said contact portion is received in the ammunition magazine via an
opening in the ammunition magazine, and wherein said contact
portion, when received in the ammunition magazine, engages against
the spring in the ammunition magazine and permits a force applied
to one of said firearm apparatus and the ammunition magazine to be
transferred to the spring in a direction that causes compression of
the spring.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, including a stock having said
magazine insertion opening defined therein.
30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said magazine insertion
opening is a through opening.
31. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said magazine insertion
opening is blind opening.
32. A firearm apparatus for firing ammunition rounds loaded into a
firing chamber thereof, comprising: means defining a well adapted
to receive insertion of an ammunition magazine that contains a
spring for forcibly urging ammunition rounds into said firing
chamber when the ammunition magazine is inserted in said well; and
a contact portion supported for movement into said well; wherein,
when the ammunition magazine is inserted in said well while said
contact portion is positioned in said well, said contact portion is
received in the ammunition magazine via an opening in the
ammunition magazine, and wherein said contact portion, when
received in the ammunition magazine, engages against the spring in
the ammunition magazine and permits a force applied to one of said
firearm apparatus and the ammunition magazine to be transferred to
the spring in a direction that causes compression of the spring.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e)(1) to
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/273,643, filed Aug. 6, 2009 and
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to firearms and, more
particularly, to loading ammunition rounds into firearms.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional firearm magazines require manual loading of
ammunition rounds one at a time through an upper opening into the
magazine, progressively overcoming increasing resistance of a
magazine spring. In general, as each ammunition round is loaded, it
is pressed against a previously loaded round. This loading
operation requires increasing force as more rounds are loaded into
the magazine and the magazine spring is progressively compressed.
This loading operation thus requires the firearm user to apply
progressively increasing loading forces with their finger, which in
turn progressively increases the fatigue on the finger. Some people
do not have the required finger strength to manually load a firearm
magazine in this manner, or are simply unable to load the magazine
to its designed ammunition round capacity.
[0004] Moreover, even those who are able to load the magazine to
its full capacity are typically unable to load the last several
ammunition rounds as quickly as the first several ammunition rounds
were loaded.
[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide for easing the
aforementioned difficulties associated with loading ammunition
rounds into a conventional firearm magazine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a firearm magazine according
to exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the magazine of FIG. 1 assembled
and prepared for loading according to exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the assembled magazine of FIG. 1
to during loading according to exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
[0009] FIGS. 4-8E illustrate portions of the follower support
apparatus of FIGS. 1-3 in more detail.
[0010] FIG. 8F illustrates a magazine housing with tapered sidewall
portions according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate magazine spring compression tools
according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate portions of the follower support
apparatus of FIGS. 14 and 15 in more detail.
[0013] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a further firearm magazine
according to exemplary embodiments of the invention
[0014] FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of a magazine of FIG. 14 partially
assembled according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIGS. 16-18 illustrate portions of the follower support
apparatus of FIGS. 14 and 15 in more detail.
[0016] FIGS. 19-22 illustrate firearms according to exemplary
embodiments of the invention.
[0017] FIGS. 23A-23E illustrate a lock plate for use with the
firearms of FIGS. 19-22.
[0018] FIG. 23F illustrates a magazine housing for use with the
firearms of FIGS. 19-22.
[0019] FIGS. 24 and 24A illustrate the release of lock buttons when
a loaded magazine is inserted into a magazine well of a firearm
according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0020] FIGS. 25-30 illustrate portions of firearms according to
exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 31 illustrates a remainder of a firearm for use with
the firearm portions of FIGS. 25-30 according to exemplary
embodiments of the invention.
[0022] FIGS. 32-34 illustrate embodiments having an alternative
lock to plate arrangement for locking and releasing the magazine
spring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the components of a firearm
magazine according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. As
shown in FIG. 1, the magazine includes a housing 11 that is closed
at its lower end by a lower floor plate 12, on which is seated an
upper floor plate 13. The upper floor plate 13 holds a magazine
spring 14 that extends upwardly into the housing 11. A pair of lock
plates 15 are attached to a coil in the upper half of the magazine
spring 14.
[0024] The magazine of FIG. 1 further includes a follower 18 that
is supported for movement within the housing 11 by a follower
support apparatus including a telescoping member 16, a pin 17, and
a threaded fastener 19. An upper end of the telescoping member 16
is pinned to the follower 18 using the pin 17. The threaded
fastener 19 (for example, a screw) extends through aligned holes
within the lower and upper floor plates 12 and 13 into a threaded
opening at a lower end of the telescoping member 16 in order to
fasten the telescoping member 16 to the closed lower end of the
housing 11.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a magazine produced by assembling the
components of FIG. 1. A portion of the housing 11 is cut away in
FIG. 2 in order to reveal the components within the housing 11. In
the illustration of FIG. 2, the lock plates 15 engage with the
housing 11 to retain the magazine spring 14 in a compressed
position within a lower portion of the housing 11, while the
telescoping member 16 supports the follower 18 at the open, upper
end of the housing 11.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates that the telescoping member 16 supports
the follower 18 for movement from the open upper end of housing 11
toward the closed lower end, thereby permitting ammunition rounds
to be progressively stacked onto the follower 18. In some
embodiments, the telescoping member 16 is mechanically constructed
in generally the same manner as a conventional collapsible pointer
or radio antenna. The telescoping member 16 progressively retracts
as the ammunition rounds are loaded onto the follower 18. When the
magazine is fully loaded with ammunition rounds, the lock plates 15
can be disengaged from the housing 11, thereby permitting the
magazine spring 14 to forcibly urge the follower 18 upwardly within
the housing, as in conventional magazines. As the magazine is
progressively emptied to load ammunition rounds into the firing
chamber, the telescoping member 16 extends progressively upwardly
with upward movement of the follower 18 as urged by the spring 14.
It can be seen from FIG. 3 that the telescoping member 16 permits
the ammunition rounds to be stacked onto the follower 18
independently of the magazine spring 14 and its forcible upward
urging. Moreover, the telescoping member 16 does not apply forcible
upward urging to the follower 18 during loading of the ammunition
rounds, but supports the follower 18 for progressively downward
motion as the ammunition rounds are progressively stacked onto the
follower 18, overcoming the relatively small resistance provided by
the telescoping member 16.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the pin 17 to connect the
upper end of the telescoping member 16 to the follower 18. The
upper end of the telescoping member 16 thus travels for movement
with the follower 18.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 5, the telescoping member 16 includes a
plurality of telescoped sections. The top-most of these telescoped
sections has defined therein a slot 51 that extends radially
through and downwardly into the telescoping member 16. The slot 51
is defined between first and second upper end portions of the
top-most telescoped section. These first and second upper end
portions are disposed in generally opposed relationship to one
another at opposite sides of the slot 51. The first and second
upper end portions contain thru holes that are generally aligned
with one another such that the pin 17 of FIG. 4 can be inserted
into and passed through both of the thru holes and the slot 51
therebetween. One of the thru holes 52 is visible in FIG. 5.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates the follower 18 in more detail. The
follower 18 has an upper surface 60 on which ammunition rounds are
stacked, as is conventional. The follower 18 further includes a
generally conventional spring catch structure including a pair of
flanges 61 that extend downwardly on opposite sides of a central
follower extension portion 62. However, unlike the conventional
spring catch structure, the follower extension portion 62 of FIG. 6
includes a thru hole 63 for receiving the pin 17 of FIGS. 1-4. As
can be seen from FIGS. 1-6, when the telescoping member 16 is
fastened to the follower 18, the extended support portion 62 of the
follower 18 is received within the slot 51 of the telescoping
member 16 with the hole 62 of the follower 18 aligned with the
holes 52 of the telescoping member 16. With the telescoping member
16 and the follower 18 in this position relative to one another,
the pin 17 can be inserted into and passed through the thru holes
52 and 62, and the slot 51, in order to fasten the follower 18 to
the top-most telescoped section of the telescoping member 16.
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates the magazine spring 14 engaged with the
spring catch structure 61, 62 of the follower 18, with the follower
18 also fastened to the telescoping member 16 by the pin 17.
[0031] FIGS. 8A-8E provide various illustrations of an exemplary
embodiment 15A of the lock plate 15 of FIGS. 1-3. The lock plate
15A of FIGS. 8A-8E includes an upper curved portion 80, and a
centrally located, spring-loaded lock button 81. A selected coil of
the magazine spring 14 is received inside and extends through the
space surrounded by the curved portion 80, in order to attach the
lock plate 15A to the spring 14 (see also FIGS. 1-3). When so
attached to the spring 14, the lock plate 15A depends downwardly
from the attached coil of the spring 14, with the lock button
firmly pressed against the inside wall of the housing 11 by the
magazine spring 14 pressing radially outwardly on the surface of
the lock plate 15A opposite the lock button 81. A suitable to
mechanism (described hereinafter) is used to compress the magazine
spring 14 downwardly into a lower portion of the housing 11. This
compression of the magazine spring 14 causes the two attached lock
plates 15A to be carried downwardly in the housing 11 on the spring
14. At the end of this downward motion, the lock buttons 81
eventually become engaged within suitable openings in sidewalls of
the housing 11.
[0032] FIG. 8F illustrates the housing 11 in more detail according
to exemplary embodiments of the invention. In particular, FIG. 8F
shows a generally circular opening 85 in one of the sidewalls of
the housing 11. Another such opening (not visible in FIG. 8F) is
provided in the opposite sidewall of housing 11. The openings 85
are large enough to receive therein the lock buttons 81 of the lock
plates 15A. As the lock plates 15A move downwardly in the housing
11 together with the spring 14, the lock buttons 81 eventually move
into alignment with the openings 85 in the opposite sidewalls of
the housing 11. With the lock buttons 81 thusly aligned with the
openings 85, the spring-loading of the lock buttons 81 forces them
outwardly into the openings 85, thereby locking the magazine spring
14 in its compressed position in the lower portion of the housing
11 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0033] FIG. 8F also illustrates an elongated slot 84 in the
sidewall of the housing 11. The slot 84 terminates adjacent the
opening 85 as shown. Another such elongated slot (not visible in
FIG. 8F) is provided in the opposite sidewall of the housing 11 and
contiguous with the opening 85 in that sidewall. The elongated
slots 84 have a width that is narrower than a radius of the lock
buttons 81, thereby preventing the lock buttons 81 from insertion
into the slots 84. The elongated slots 84 provide access for
insertion of a suitable tool into the interior of the housing 11 in
order to apply a downwardly directed force to the magazine spring
14, and thereby permit the magazine spring 14 to be compressed
downwardly far enough for the lock buttons 81 to engage with the
openings 85. FIG. 8F also illustrates that the sidewalls of housing
11 extend generally parallel to one another from the closed lower
end toward the open upper end, but taper inwardly toward each other
near the upper end. The elongated slots 84 have respective upper
portions that are located in the inwardly tapered portions 87 of
the associated sidewalls.
[0034] FIG. 8E illustrates the spring loading of the lock button
81, FIG. 8D illustrates the compressed position of the lock button
81 when firmly pressed against the interior surface of the housing
11 by the spring 14 prior to engagement with the opening 85, and
FIG. 8C illustrates the position of the lock button 81 when urged
into the opening 85 via the spring-loading force.
[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates a spring compression tool 91 according to
exemplary embodiments of the invention. The tool 91 has a
plate-like, generally disc-shaped base portion 92 with a central
opening 93 defined therein. The opening 93 is configured to conform
with a transverse cross-sectional shape of the housing 11, thereby
permitting the housing 11 to be received in, and passed
longitudinally through the opening 93. A pair of contact portions
94 extend from the base portion 92 into the opening 93 in a
generally opposed relationship to one another. When the housing 11
is received (upper end first) within the opening 93, the contact
portions 94 are inserted into the upper portions of the elongated
slots 84 (see also FIG. 8F) for engagement against a coil of the
magazine spring 14, for example, the coil on which the lock plates
15A are carried, or another coil above the lock plates. When a
force is applied to the base portion 92 in a direction toward the
floor plates 12 and 13 (see FIGS. 1-3), the contact portions 94
transmit this force onto the engaged coil of magazine spring 14,
thereby causing compression of the spring. The base portion 92 has
a plurality of ridges formed therein on opposite sides of the
opening 93 in order to facilitate gripping and operating the tool
91 in the manner described above.
[0036] The aforementioned extension of the upper portions of the
elongated slots 84 into the tapered sidewall portions 87 permits
movement of the tool 91 downwardly toward the lower closed end of
the housing 11 while the housing 11 is received within the opening
93, but without the contact portions 94 engaging the housing
sidewalls until the contact portions 94 can be received in the
upper portions of the elongated slots 84 in the tapered sidewall
portions 87. Once the contact portions 94 are received in the slots
84, continued downward movement of the tool 91 relative to the
housing 11 causes the tool 91 to pass beyond the tapered sidewall
portions 87, so that the contact portions 94 extend further
inwardly into the housing 11 through the slots 84 to contact the
magazine spring 14.
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates another spring compression tool 110
according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The tool 110
includes a grip portion 111 and a sleeve portion 112 extending away
from the grip portion 111. The interior 113 of the sleeve portion
112 is configured to conform generally with a transverse cross
section of the housing 11 to facilitate insertion of the housing 11
into the sleeve portion 112. Generally opposed contact portions 114
extend from the sleeve portion (also referred to as a base portion)
112 inwardly into the interior space 113 of the sleeve portion 112.
A user can grasp the grip portion 111 in one hand and the housing
11 in the other hand, and insert the upper end of the housing 11
longitudinally into the interior space 113 of the sleeve portion
112 in a longitudinal direction. As the housing 11 advances into
the sleeve portion 112, the opposed contact portions 114 are
eventually received in the upper portions of the elongated slots
84. From this point, the operation of compressing the magazine
spring 14 can proceed in generally the same manner described above
with respect to the tool 91.
[0038] In some embodiments (shown in various ones of the drawing
figures), the housing 11 does not have the tapered sidewall
portions 87 of FIG. 8F. In such embodiments, any suitable tool,
such as a rod or shaft, can be inserted transversely through the
housing 11, via the elongate slots 84 in the sidewalls, to engage
the magazine spring 14. The spring 14 can then be compressed by
movement of the rod or shaft downwardly relative to the housing
11.
[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a follower 18A according to further
exemplary embodiments of the invention. The general structure of
the follower 18A is similar to that of the follower 18 (see, e.g.,
FIG. 6), except a spring-loaded spool 120 is provided within a thru
opening 122 defined within the follower 18A above the follower
extension portion 62. As shown in FIG. 12, two elongate flexible
members 121 are attached to the spring-loaded spool 120, and are
extendable from the spool against the spring-loading force, and
retractable onto the spool by action of the spring-loading force.
In some embodiments, the elongate flexible members 121 are formed
from a flexible metallic material. In various other embodiments,
the elongate flexible members 121 are made of various other
suitable flexible materials. In some embodiments, the elongate
flexible members 121 are formed generally as a ribbon cable. In
some embodiments, the elongate flexible members 121 are formed as
cables with generally rounded or circular cross-sections. In some
embodiments, the elongate flexible members are metallic and are
themselves formed with a spring force characteristic that causes
them to tend to wrap themselves around the spool 120.
[0040] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the follower 18A,
showing the mounting of the spool 120. The spool 120 is supported
on a spindle shaft 125 for rotation within the opening 122. The
spindle shaft 125 extends upwardly through the follower extension
portion 62 and into the opening 122 located above the extension 62.
The spindle shaft 125 includes a lower, fastening portion that
engages with the extension 62 to fasten the spindle shaft 125 to
the follower extension portion 62. In some embodiments, the
fastening portion of the spindle shaft is threaded (as shown in
FIG. 13) to facilitate threaded engagement within a thru hole
extending from the bottom of the extension 62 to the opening 122.
An upper portion of the spindle shaft 125 extends upwardly into the
opening 122, and is received within a central opening of the spool
120 to support the spool 120 for rotation within the opening 122.
In some embodiments, the lower end of the spindle shaft is formed
as a screw head for ease of assembly.
[0041] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the components of a further
firearm magazine according to exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The magazine of FIG. 14 is generally similar to the
magazine of FIG. 1, except the follower 18A is fitted with a
spring-loaded assembly (not explicitly shown in FIG. 14) that
permits flexible elongate members (not explicitly shown in FIG. 14)
such as described above to be extended from and retracted into the
follower 18A as the follower 18A moves downwardly and upwardly,
respectively, in the housing 11. In some embodiments, the spring
loaded assembly includes the spool 120 described above with respect
to FIGS. 11-13. Additionally, the lower and upper floor plates 12A
and 13A in FIG. 12 do not require the thru holes provided in the
floor plates 12 and 13 of FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 15 illustrates a magazine produced by assembling the
components of FIG. 14. A portion of the housing 11 is cut away in
FIG. 15 in order to reveal the components within the housing 11. In
the illustration of FIG. 15, the magazine spring 14 is in its
uncompressed position. The lock plates 15 are not explicitly shown.
As shown in FIG. 15, the elongate flexible members 121 extend from
the spool 120 and terminate in engagement portions 142 that are
adapted to engage with the inner sidewalls of the housing 11 to
secure the elongate flexible members 121 to the housing 11.
[0043] FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of FIG. 15 in more detail,
showing the attachment of the elongate flexible members 121 to the
inner sidewalls of the housing 11 according to exemplary
embodiments of the invention. A pair of brackets 141 (one of which
is shown in FIG. 16) are affixed to the upper interior sidewalls of
the housing 11 in generally opposed relationship to one another.
Each of the flexible elongate members 121 has provided on a free
end thereof an engagement portion 142 that engages a corresponding
one of the brackets 141 in order to secure the respective free ends
of the members 121 against movement relative to the housing 11. In
the example shown in FIG. 16, the engagement portions 142 include
tabs 143. Each tab 143 is received in (hooked into) a respectively
corresponding space defined between the interior sidewall of the
housing 11 and an inwardly curved portion of the associated bracket
141. In various embodiments, the members 121 are attached to the
housing inner sidewalls in various other manners. For example, in
some embodiments, a suitable adhesive is used to attach the members
121 to the sidewalls, and spot welding is used in other
embodiments.
[0044] It can therefore be seen that the spring-loaded spool 120,
together with the elongate flexible members 121, the engagement
portions 142, and the brackets 141, comprise a follower support
apparatus that supports the follower 18A for reciprocal movement
within the housing 11. With the magazine spring 14 compressed and
the lock buttons 81 (see also FIGS. 8A-8E) engaged in the openings
85 (see also FIG. 15), the downward force of loading (stacking)
ammunition rounds onto the follower 18A causes the elongate
flexible members 121 to unwrap and extend from the spool 120
against the spring-loading force of the spool. This permits the
follower 18A to move downwardly in the housing 11 as the
spring-loading force of the spool 120 is overcome. This spool
spring force is substantially less than the spring force applied by
a magazine spring (such as spring 14), which latter force must be
overcome to load a conventional magazine. When the process of
loading the magazine is completed, the lock buttons 81 are released
from their engagement in the openings 85, thereby permitting the
magazine spring 14 to forcibly urge the follower 18A upwardly in
the housing 11 to progressively deliver ammunition rounds through
the upper end of the housing into the firing chamber of the
firearm. During this upward movement of the follower 18A, the
spring-loading of the spool 120 causes the elongate flexible
members 121 to be retracted and wrapped back onto the spool.
[0045] FIG. 17 illustrates the engagement of a spring-loaded spool
151 and the elongate flexible members 121 according to exemplary
embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 17, the elongate flexible
members 121 are separate and distinct members attached to the
spring-loaded spool 151. As the follower 18A moves progressively
downwardly in the housing 11 during the process of loading the
magazine with ammunition rounds, the elongate flexile members 121
are extended and unwrapped from the spool 120 against the
spring-loading of the spool. As the follower 18A moves
progressively upwardly in the housing 11 to deliver ammunition
rounds into the firing chamber, the elongate flexible members 121
are spooled back onto the spool 120 due to the spring force applied
by the spool. The structure and operation of a spring-loaded spool
assembly such as shown and described with respect to FIG. 17 is
conventional.
[0046] FIG. 18 illustrates the engagement of a spring-loaded spool
152 with a single elongate flexible member 121A (shown
diagrammatically with broken line) according to exemplary
embodiments of the invention. The spool 152 of FIG. 18 includes two
separate, axially adjacent portions 152A (upper) and 152B (lower)
which are spring-loaded in respectively opposite circumferential
directions. The single, unitary elongate flexible member 121A is
wrapped around the spool assembly 152 such that one end of the
member 121A extends from the upper portion 152A and the other end
of the member 121A extends from the lower portion 152B. The
oppositely directed spring-loading of the spool portions 152A and
152B permits the opposite ends of the member 121A to be extended
from the spool 152 against the respective spring forces, and
retracted back onto the spool 152 by operation of the spring
forces. In some embodiments, the two-part spring-loaded spool with
single elongate flexible member design shown in FIG. 18 is
generally the same design as used in some conventional weed trimmer
products.
[0047] FIG. 19 illustrates a firearm according to exemplary
embodiments of the invention, with the grip assembly of the firearm
shown in exploded view. As shown in FIG. 19, suitable threaded
fasteners 198 pass through openings 229 in a grip cover 199 and
engage with threaded openings 220 in a grip portion 191 in order to
secure the grip cover 199 to the grip portion 191. The grip cover
199 includes a further opening 227 that receives a spring-loaded
stem assembly described in detail below.
[0048] FIG. 20A-20C are cross-sectional views of the grip portion
191 of the firearm of FIG. 19. The grip portion 191 is adapted for
use as a to spring compression tool for compressing the magazine
spring within a magazine housing that implements a follower support
apparatus such as those described above. In particular, the grip
portion 191 has defined therein a pair of thru holes 192 (FIG. 20A)
in opposite sidewalls thereof. The thru holes 192 are generally
axially aligned with one another and are adapted to contain
respective spring-loaded stems that serve as contact elements for
contacting the magazine spring 14 (see also FIGS. 1-3, 14 and 15)
in order to force the spring into its locked, compressed position.
The stems 193 (FIG. 20C) are spring-loaded in the outward direction
of the grip portion 191, and the spring force can be overcome by
applying inward pressure with a thumb and forefinger on stem covers
194 that respectively cover the outer ends of the stems 193. The
stem covers 194 are elastically compressible as shown in FIG. 20C,
and application of thumb and forefinger pressure to the stem covers
194 causes the stems 193 to move against the force of springs 195
for insertion into the interior space 206 of the grip portion
191.
[0049] The thru holes 192 are defined with an inner, smaller
diameter portion, and an outer, larger diameter portion that are
concentric. The inner portion defines therein a generally circular
cylindrical space, and the outer portion has a diameter that tapers
radially inwardly as the hole 192 extends outwardly through the
grip portion 191. The springs 195 have a diameter greater than the
diameter of the inner portion of the hole 192. Thus the inner end
of each spring 195 engages the grip portion 191 at the juncture of
the inner and outer portions of the respectively associated thru
hole 192. The outer end of each spring 195 is attached to the outer
end of the associated stem 193, so each spring 195 urges its
associated stem 193 outwardly, keeping the stem normally withdrawn
from the magazine well (i.e., the interior space 206 within the
grip portion 191 where the magazine is received), as shown in FIG.
20B. When inwardly directed (e.g., thumb and forefinger) pressure
applied to the stem covers 194 overcomes the spring forces, the
stems 193 move into the magazine well as shown in FIG. 20C. The
type of spring-loaded, pushbutton stem operation described above is
conventionally known, being commonly used to implement devices such
as pushbutton on/off switches in flashlights.
[0050] FIG. 21 illustrates a firearm 200 according to exemplary
embodiments of the invention. A grip portion 201 of the firearm 200
has anchored near a center point thereof a metal tension strip 202.
This tension strip is centrally located on the grip portion 201 and
extends downwardly along the central part of the grip portion 201.
A lower end of the tension strip 202 has provided thereon a stem
193 (such as also illustrated in FIGS. 19-20C) that extends
inwardly toward the magazine well of the firearm via a thru hole
192 (in generally the same manner illustrated in FIGS. 19-20C).
Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 21, it will be understood
that the opposite side of the grip portion 201 is also analogously
provided with another metal tension strip 202 having another stem
193 extending toward the magazine well via another thru hole 192.
The metal tension strips 202 are constructed to impart to the stems
193 a slight outwardly directed force. Thus, at 205, the metal
tension strip 202 is anchored to and generally flush with the outer
surface of the grip portion 201. The outward force of the tension
strip 202 causes the stem 193 to be normally withdrawn from the
magazine well, with the inner free end 210 of the stem 193
positioned within the thru hole 192.
[0051] FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 19, but illustrates the grip
assembly for the firearm 200 of FIG. 21. The grip cover 222 of FIG.
22 is substantially similar to the grip cover 199 of FIG. 19 with
respect both to its structure and its assembly onto the grip
portion 201. Elastically deformable stem cover 194 (such as shown
in FIG. 19-20C) facilitates exertion of an inwardly directed force
onto the stem 193 provided at the lower end of the tension strip
202.
[0052] FIGS. 23A-23E show various views of a lock plate 15B
according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The lock plate
15B is adapted for cooperation with the stems 193 shown in the
embodiments of FIGS. 19-22. The lock plate 15B is generally similar
to the lock plate 15A of FIGS. 8A-8E, but is slightly larger in
order to provide a thru hole 231 above the spring-loaded lock
button 81. The thru hole 231 receives the stem 193 when the stem
193 is inserted into the magazine well of the firearm. With the
stem 193 received in the thru hole 231, and the magazine spring 14
attached to the lock plate 15B via the curved portion 80 (as
described above with respect to lock plate 15A), longitudinal
movement of the magazine housing 11A (see FIGS. 19 and 22) relative
to the grip portion (191 or 201) causes compression of the
magazine, spring.
[0053] FIG. 23F illustrates an example of the housing 11A that is
cooperable with the lock plate 15B for use in the embodiments of
FIGS. 19-22. The housing 11A is generally similar to the housing 11
(but without the tapered sidewall portions 87), and can be used
interchangeably with the housing 11 to enclose the magazine
components illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 12-18. In addition to the
elongate slot 84 and the opening 85 (see also FIG. 8F), the housing
11A includes further generally circular openings 232 contiguous
with the elongate slot 84 at opposite ends thereof. The openings
232 have a smaller radius than the opening 85, and the lower
opening 232 is interposed between the elongate slot 84 and the
opening 85. The openings 232 have a diameter adequate to receive
the radially flanged portions 210 (see FIG. 20C) formed at the
inner free ends of the stems 193. With the housing 11A inserted
into the magazine well, and with the upper openings 232 axially
aligned with the stems 193, the stems 193 can be urged into the
openings 232 by thumb and forefinger pressure on the stem covers
194. The upper openings 232 are axially aligned with the openings
231 of the lock plates 15B (FIGS. 23A-23E) when the magazine spring
14 is in its uncompressed state. The lock plate openings 231
receive the stems 193 therein, so that the housing 11A can be moved
upwardly into the grip portion to effect compression of the
magazine spring 14.
[0054] As the housing 11A travels upwardly into the grip portion,
the stems 193 travel along the elongate groove 84 securely locked
against extraction by the flanged portions 210 (see also FIG. 20C)
on their free ends. When the lower openings 232 of the housing 11A
become aligned with the stems 193, the thumb and forefinger forces
can be removed from the stems 193, so the spring loading of FIG. 19
or the tension strip loading of FIG. 22 withdraws the stems 193
from the housing 11A through the lower openings 232. This returns
the stems 193 to their original positions within the thru holes
192, completely withdrawn from the magazine well. Also, when the
housing 11A is positioned such that the stems 193 can be withdrawn
through the lower openings 232 of the housing 11A, the lock buttons
81 of the lock plates 15B are aligned with the openings 85 in the
housing 11A. Thus, the spring loading of the lock buttons 81 causes
the lock buttons 81 to enter into the respective openings 85 and
thereby engage the sidewall of the housing 11A in the same manner
described above with respect to engagement of the lock plates 15A
with the housing 11. At this point, the housing 11A can be
withdrawn from the grip portion, ready to be loaded with ammunition
rounds.
[0055] The housing 11 described above, with or without the tapered
sidewall portions 87, may of course also be used in the firearms of
FIGS. 19-22. In such instances, tools such as described above may
be used to compress the magazine spring 14.
[0056] In all described embodiments, after the magazine has been
loaded with ammunition rounds, the lock buttons 81 can be released
from their engagement in the openings 85 of the housing 11 or 11A
in any desired manner (e.g., thumb and forefinger pressure on the
buttons 81), thereby releasing the magazine spring 14 from its
compressed position and causing it to forcibly urge the ammunition
rounds towards the open end of the housing 11 or 11A in a generally
convention fashion. In addition, as the loaded magazine housing is
being inserted into the magazine well, the spring-loaded stem
assemblies of FIGS. 19-22 may be operated to apply inward releasing
forces to the lock buttons 81.
[0057] FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view of part of a grip portion
of a conventional firearm (or one of the grip portions 191, 201).
As shown in FIG. 24, the sidewalls of the grip portion define
respective bevels at the lower, open end of the grip portion where
the magazine is received. These beveled portions 240 of the
sidewalls will impart inwardly directed forces onto the lock
buttons 81 when the lock buttons 81 reach the beveled portions 240
during insertion of the housing 11 or 11A into the magazine well of
the grip portion. The sidewalls of the grip portion maintain this
inwardly directed force on the buttons 81 while the housing 11 or
11A remains within the magazine well. Accordingly, the lock buttons
81 are disengaged from the housing to release the compression
spring 14 by the mere action of inserting the housing 11 or 11A
into the magazine well. It will be recognized that the sidewalls of
the housing 11 (11A) and various components within the housing are
omitted in FIG. 24 in order not to obscure how the lock buttons 81
are released when the housing is inserted into the magazine
well.
[0058] FIGS. 25 and 25A illustrate a portion of a firearm according
to exemplary embodiments of the invention. The firearm of FIGS. 25
and 25A (e.g., a rifle) includes a stock 250 which defines therein
a longitudinally extending blind opening 251. A portion of the
stock 250 is omitted in FIG. 25 to show the opening 251. A pair of
contact portions 252 extend from the stock into the opening 251 in
generally opposed relationship to one another. FIG. 25A is an end
view of the stock 250, showing that the opening 251 extends through
the butt plate 253 of the stock to permit insertion of the magazine
housing through the butt plate 253. Insertion of magazine housing
11 longitudinally (left-to-right in FIG. 25) into the opening 251
permits the contact portions 252 to be inserted into the housing 11
in generally the same manner described above with respect to the
spring compression tools of FIGS. 9 and 10, thereby causing the
desired compression of the magazine spring 14. The housing 11 can
then be withdrawn from the opening 251, ready to be loaded with
ammunition rounds.
[0059] FIGS. 26 and 26A illustrate a firearm generally similar to
that of FIGS. 25 and 25A, except an additional pair of generally
opposed contact portions 262 also protrude into opening 251. The
additional pair of contact portions 262 can be useful for the
relatively large magazine housings as would be used with firearms
such as shown in FIGS. 25-26A. Embodiments that exploit the
additional protrusions 262 also provide in each sidewall of the
magazine housing an additional elongated groove 84 (generally
parallel to the one shown in FIG. 8F) for receiving the additional
pair of protrusions.
[0060] FIG. 27 illustrates a portion of a firearm according to
exemplary embodiments of the invention. The stock 270 of the
firearm of FIG. 27 defines therein a thru opening 271 extending
transversely through the stock 270. A pair of protrusions 272
extend from the stock into the opening 271 in generally opposed
relationship for insertion into slots 84 to contact and compress
the magazine spring 14 as the magazine housing 11 is inserted
transversely through the opening 271.
[0061] FIG. 28 illustrates a firearm according to exemplary
embodiments of the invention. The firearm of FIG. 28 is generally
similar to that of FIG. 27 but includes an additional pair of
contact portions 282 protruding into the opening 271 to facilitate
compressing the magazine spring of larger magazines associated with
firearms such as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28. Embodiments that
exploit the additional protrusions 282 also provide in each
sidewall of the magazine housing an additional elongated groove 84
(generally parallel to the one shown in FIG. 8F) for receiving the
additional pair of protrusions.
[0062] FIG. 29 illustrates a portion of a firearm according to
exemplary embodiments of the invention. The stock 290 has defined
therein a transversely extending thru opening 291. A pair of
generally opposed contact portions 292 protrude into the thru
opening for engaging and compressing the magazine spring as the
housing is inserted transversely through the opening 291. The stock
of FIG. 29 further defines therein a cavity 293 located above the
thru opening 291 for storing a magazine or other desired object(s).
A rubber butt pad 295, which is conventionally fitted into the rear
of a stock and fixedly secured to the stock with a suitable
adhesive, is instead fitted into the rear of the stock 290 and
removably secured in position by any suitable arrangement, for
example a strap and buckle arrangement shown generally at 296 in
FIG. 29. The removable butt pad 295 provides convenient access to
the storage cavity 293. In some embodiments, the opening 291 is
rotated 90 degrees relative to that shown in FIG. 29.
[0063] FIG. 30 illustrates a portion of a firearm generally similar
to that of FIG. 29, but including a thru opening 301 extending
transversely through the stock 300 and having two pairs of
generally opposed contact portions 302 protruding from the stock
into the opening 301. In some embodiments, the opening 301 is
rotated 90 degrees relative to that shown in FIG. 30.
[0064] FIG. 31 illustrates the remainder of a firearm that attaches
in conventional fashion to a stock such as shown in FIGS. 25-28 to
produce a complete firearm (e.g., a rifle). The magazine housing
11B has provided in each sidewall thereof an elongated slot 84A
having an opening 232 contiguously adjoining its lower end. The
slots 84A (only one of which is visible in FIG. 31) conform to the
shape of the housing 11B, having a slight bend at 311. The magazine
housing 11B is not completely received within the magazine well
portion 310, so a substantial portion of the slot 84A is exposed
outside the magazine well portion 310. In some embodiments that use
the telescoping member 16, the hole 63 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is large
enough to accommodate the slight pivoting that the follower 18
experiences as it travels past the bend at 311. In some
embodiments, the bottom of the telescoping member 16 is secured to
the bottom of the housing 11B at a position offset slightly toward
the stock (relative to the position shown in FIGS. 1-3) in order to
accommodate pivoting by the follower 18. In some embodiments, the
bottom section of the telescoping member 16 is provided with a ball
pivot joint similar to that used to pivot the telescoping antenna
of a conventional portable radio.
[0065] FIG. 32 illustrates further embodiments of the lock plate 15
(see also FIGS. 1 and 14). In some embodiments, the lock plate 15C
of FIG. 32 is generally similar in construction to lock plates 15A
(FIGS. 8A-8E) and 15B (FIGS. 23A-23E), but the lock button 81 is
not itself spring-loaded. Instead, it is mounted in the lock plate
15C so as to be urged outwardly (rightwardly in FIG. 32) by a
spring-loaded pin assembly 320. In some embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 33, the pin assembly 320 is constructed generally similarly to
pin assemblies such as are conventionally used to secure a watch
band to a wristwatch. Spring-loaded pins 321 extend outwardly from
an elongate central body 322 that houses therein springs which load
the respective pins 321.
[0066] The pins 321 engage the lock buttons 81 in any suitable
fashion, in order to urge the lock buttons outwardly. In some
embodiments, the free ends of the pins are received in
corresponding receptacle holes (not explicitly shown) formed in
inner surfaces of the lock buttons 81. In some embodiments, the
free ends of the pins 321 are flanged to provide outwardly facing
surfaces (not explicitly shown) suitable to contact the inner
surfaces of the lock buttons 81 over a surface area sufficient to
produce a stable engagement between the pin and the lock
button.
[0067] FIG. 34 is similar to FIG. 24A, and illustrates the pin
assembly 320 engaged between the lock buttons 81 within the
magazine well. FIG. 34 further illustrates that pin assembly 320
extends laterally across the magazine well such that it does engage
the magazine spring 14 when the spring is compressed. However, the
physical dimension 330 of the central body 322 is small enough
(e.g., about the size of a thick watchband pin) to avoid any
significant interference with compression of the magazine spring
14.
[0068] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been
described above in detail, this does not limit the scope of the
invention, which can be practiced in a variety of embodiments.
* * * * *