U.S. patent application number 13/436886 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-03 for firearm magazine incorporating spring tension relief mechanism.
The applicant listed for this patent is Randy Bath. Invention is credited to Randy Bath.
Application Number | 20130255125 13/436886 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49232960 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130255125 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bath; Randy |
October 3, 2013 |
Firearm Magazine Incorporating Spring Tension Relief Mechanism
Abstract
A magazine for use with semi-automatic and automatic firearms
that includes a mechanism for relaxing the tension on the spring
when the magazine is loaded with ammunition by lowering and
extending the spring out of the bottom of the magazine. The
magazine can be stored in a fully loaded configuration without
concern that the spring will take on a compression set that will
hamper its effectiveness in advancing ammo when the magazine is put
to use in an associated firearm.
Inventors: |
Bath; Randy; (Aurora,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bath; Randy |
Aurora |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49232960 |
Appl. No.: |
13/436886 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/50 ;
42/49.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 9/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/50 ;
42/49.1 |
International
Class: |
F41A 9/70 20060101
F41A009/70; F41A 9/61 20060101 F41A009/61 |
Claims
1. A ammunition magazine for a firearm comprising: an elongated
body having substantially open body top and body bottom ends and
sidewalls extending between the body top end and body bottom end
defining a cavity, the cavity configured to receive a plurality of
stacked rounds of ammunition therein, the body top end adapted to
permit the exit of a topmost round of the plurality of rounds
during use of the magazine in the firearm; a coil spring having a
spring top end and a spring bottom end at least partially contained
within the cavity, the coil spring adapted to apply a biasing force
against the plurality of rounds towards the body top end; a base
including a latch mechanism, the base configured for selective
attachment to the body bottom end; and an extension mechanism
configured to lower and raise the base between first and second
positions, the base being (i) in contact with and secured to the
body bottom end in the first position and (ii) spaced a
predetermined distance below body bottom end in the second position
wherein the spring is spans the predetermined distance.
2. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, further comprising an
ammunition advancement plate coupled to the spring top end and a
spring base plate coupled to the bottom end of the spring, the
spring base plate being in contact with the base plate.
3. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, further including the
plurality of rounds of ammunition, the ammunition being contained
within the cavity in a stacked configuration.
4. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the base is in the
second position.
5. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the extension
mechanism comprises a sleeve having a sleeve top end and a sleeve
bottom end, the sleeve bottom end being attached to the base. The
sleave being contained within the cavity in the first position and
extending between the base and the body top end in the second
position.
6. The ammunition magazine of claim 5, wherein (1) the body bottom
end includes opposing inwardly extending flanges, (2) the sleeve
top end including opposing outwardly extending flanges, the
inwardly and outwardly extending flanges interfacing when the base
is in the second position to prevent the sleeve top end from
sliding out of the body bottom end.
7. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the extension
mechanism comprises a plurality of interlocking sleeves, a bottom
sleeve of the plurality of sleeves being attached to the base and a
top sleeve of the plurality of sleeves including sleeve top end
configured to interface with the body bottom end to retain the
sleeve top end within the cavity proximate the body bottom end when
the base is in the second position.
8. The ammunition magazine of claim 7, wherein the body bottom end
includes opposing inwardly extending flanges, (2) the sleeve top
end includes opposing outwardly extending flanges, the inwardly and
outwardly extending flanges interfacing when the base is in the
second position to prevent the sleeve top end from sliding out of
the body bottom end.
9. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the extension
mechanism comprises at least a pair of opposing rods each having a
rod bottom end and a rod top end, The rod bottom ends being
attached to the base and the rod top ends being configured to
interface with the body to maintain a connection between the body
and the rod top ends when the base is in the second position, the
rods being received in the body when the base is in the first
position.
10. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the body further
includes one or more openings through which contents of the cavity
can be viewed.
11. The ammunition magazine of claim 3 in further combination with
a firearm, the magazine being operatively coupled with the
firearm.
12. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the body bottom end
includes opposing outwardly extending flanges and the latch
mechanism includes opposing latches, the latches being configured
to interface with the outwardly extending latches and secure the
base to the body in the first position.
13. A method of making an ammunition magazine of claim 1
comprising: providing the elongated body; providing the coil
spring; providing a base; providing an extension mechanism; and
assembling the body, spring, base and extension mechanism to
configure the magazine.
14. The method of making the ammunition magazine of claim 13,
further comprising, providing an ammunition advancement plate and a
spring base plate.
15. A method of using the ammunition magazine of claim 1, the
method comprising: loading the magazine from the body top side with
a plurality of rounds of ammunition; and releasing the latch
mechanism and lowering the base the predetermined distance from the
first position to the second position and relaxing the coil
spring.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the base from
the second position to the first position and securing the base to
the body bottom end.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising loading the magazine
into a firearm.
18. A ammunition magazine for a firearm comprising: an elongated
body having substantially open body top and body bottom ends and
sidewalls extending between the body top end and body bottom end
defining a cavity, the cavity configured to receive a plurality of
stacked rounds of ammunition therein, the body top end adapted to
permit the exit of a topmost round of the plurality of rounds
during use of the magazine in the firearm, the body bottom end
including a pair of opposing inwardly extending flanges; a coil
spring having a spring top end and a spring bottom end at least
partially contained within the cavity, the coil spring adapted to
apply a biasing force against the plurality of rounds towards the
body top end; an ammunition advancement plate, the ammunition
advancement plate resting on the spring top end; a spring base
plate coupled with the spring bottom end; a base including a latch
mechanism, the base configured for selective attachment to the body
bottom end, the spring bottom end being biased against the base;
and an extension mechanism comprising a plurality of interlocking
sleeves, a bottom sleeve of the plurality of sleeves being attached
to the base and a top sleeve of the plurality of sleeves including
sleeve top end configured to interface with the body bottom end to
retain the sleeve top end within the cavity proximate the body
bottom end when the base is in the second position, wherein the
sleeve top end includes opposing outwardly extending flanges, the
inwardly extending flanges and the outwardly extending flanges
interfacing when the base is in the second position to prevent the
sleeve top end from sliding out of the body bottom end.
19. The ammunition magazine of claim 18 wherein the body bottom end
includes opposing outwardly extending flanges and the latch
mechanism includes opposing latches, the latches being configured
to interface with the outwardly extending latches and secure the
base to the body in the first position.
20. The ammunition magazine of claim 19, further including the
plurality of rounds of ammunition, the ammunition being contained
within the cavity in a stacked configuration.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention pertains to firearm magazines and/or
clips.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Automatic and semi-automatic firearms typically utilize a
cartridge magazine that incorporates a spring to force the
cartridge or ammunition round towards the associated firearm's
chamber to facilitate chamber reloading after a round has been
discharged. An experienced user can eject a spent magazine and
replace it with a loaded magazine in a matter of seconds.
[0003] Commonly, firearm users, whether military, police or
civilian maintain a number of preloaded magazines to permit
convenient and/or rapid replacement of an empty magazine during use
of the firearm. When fully loaded, the springs are held in a highly
stressed compressed configuration. Overtime, the spring may relax
or take a set reducing the spring's ability to properly urge the
associated rounds into the chamber of a firearm when the magazine
is eventually called into use causing inoperability of the firearm
in a possibly crucial situation. Accordingly, it is not advisable
to maintain magazines in a loaded configuration for long periods of
time.
[0004] A typical prior art magazine 100 is illustrated in FIGS.
1-3. The magazine comprises a body 102 that is typically comprised
of steel or another metal that has been drawn or otherwise formed
to define an elongated generally rectangular cavity in which rounds
of ammo 200 can be received in a stacked configuration. The body is
typically open on both its top and bottom ends 104 & 106. The
edges along the top end 104 are typically folded inwardly (not
shown) to retain a round of ammo therein. During use ammo is slid
forward and out of the front side of the magazine by the firearm's
slide. The next round is then urged upwardly in the magazine
against the folded inwardly portion of the top end by the spring
108.
[0005] The bottom end 106 of a typical prior art magazine often
includes a pair of opposing outwardly extending flanges 110 that
extend along the left and right edges thereof. The outwardly
extending flanges are configured to interface with a magazine base
112 that is slid over the flanges and acts to hold the bottom end
of the spring 108 within the magazine. The base is often made of a
plastic material although others can be used.
[0006] The body 102 also typically includes an opening 118 or
openings on one or more sides of the magazine that permit a user to
quickly ascertain the number of rounds loaded therein.
[0007] The elongated coil spring 108 is wound in an ovular shape to
fit within and fill a significant portion of the body cavity when
the magazine is unloaded as best shown in FIG. 1. The spring is
bounded at its top by an ammo advancement plate 114 that cradles an
adjacent round of ammunition separating it from direct contact with
the spring. The spring is bounded on the bottom by a spring base
plate 116 that is coupled to the spring and rests upon magazine
base plate.
[0008] Prior art FIG. 3 is illustrative of the highly compressed
state of the spring 108 when the magazine is fully loaded with
ammunition 200: seven rounds in the illustrated magazine. If the
magazine is stored in this state for extended periods of time, the
spring may take a permanent set in the compressed position or lose
some of its elastic bias thereby reducing its effectiveness in
biasing the ammunition against the top end of the body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is side view of a typical prior art magazine in an
empty condition with the spring contained within the magazine
housing shown in dashed line.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the prior art magazine of FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the prior art magazine of FIG. 1 in
a loaded condition with the spring fully compressed.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of a loaded magazine having a
telescoping bottom section according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 5 & 6 are side views of the FIG. 4 magazine
illustrating the extension of the bottom from a compact
configuration to an extended configuration according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of a loaded magazine having a single
telescoping bottom section according to another embodiment of the
present invention
[0015] FIG. 8 is a side view of a loaded magazine having a pair of
wire rods that can be lowered to reduce the tension on the spring
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view taken along line 9-9
of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Embodiments of the invention comprise a magazine for use
with semi-automatic and automatic firearms that includes a
mechanism for relaxing the tension on the spring when the magazine
is loaded with ammunition by lowering and extending the spring out
of the bottom of the magazine. Advantageously, the magazine can be
stored in a fully loaded configuration without concern that the
spring will take on a compression set that will hamper its
effectiveness in advancing ammo when the magazine is put to use in
an associated firearm.
Terminology
[0019] The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (" ")
in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them
in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this
document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated
otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated
definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case,
tense or any singular or plural variations of the defined word or
phrase.
[0020] The term "or" as used in this specification and the appended
claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive
meaning "either or both".
[0021] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "a preferred embodiment", "an alternative embodiment",
"a variation", "one variation", and similar phrases mean that a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the embodiment is included in at least an
embodiment of the invention. The appearances of phrases like "in
one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or "in a variation" in various
places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer
to the same embodiment or variation.
[0022] The term "integrate" or "integrated" as used in this
specification and the appended claims refers to a blending,
uniting, or incorporation of the identified elements, components or
objects into a unified whole.
[0023] Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not
limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical,
horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and
are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element
or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of
the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be
construed as limiting.
[0024] As applicable, the terms "about" or "generally" as used
herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +-20%. Also, as
applicable, the term "substantially" as used herein unless
otherwise indicated means a margin of +-10%. It is to be
appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable
such that the referenced ranges can be applied and as such where
the indicated margins are not readily applicable, the foregoing
terms have meanings attributable to them as would be understood by
someone of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0025] The phrase "extension mechanism" as used herein refers to
the means by which a magazine base is lowered relative to the body
a predetermined distance but maintains an interconnection between
the base and the body through the extension mechanism. Three types
of extension mechanisms are illustrated and described herein: a
multi-part telescoping sleeve; a telescoping sleeve; and a pair of
sliding wire rods. The extension mechanism allows the magazine
spring to be extended to a less stressed state even when the
magazine is loaded with rounds of ammunition. It is to be
appreciated that other types of extension mechanism with or without
differing types of latch mechanism incorporated into the base or
body are contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill
given the benefit of this disclosure.
[0026] The phrase "latch mechanism" as used herein refers to any
suitable mechanism for securing the base to a bottom end of the
magazine's body not necessarily one that includes a physical latch.
Rather the term latch is intended to convey that the mechanism
secures the base to the body by way of a selectively releasable
means.
A First Embodiment of a Firearm Magazine having a Spring Relief
Mechanism
[0027] FIGS. 4-6 & 9 illustrate a first embodiment of a
magazine 300 incorporating a mechanism to relieve some of the
biasing stress induced on the spring when the magazine is loaded
with ammunition. The magazine shares several components that are
generally similar to the components in a typical prior art
magazine. For instance, the first embodiment includes a generally
rectangular tubular body 302 defining an interior cavity wherein
ammunition 200 and a spring 308 are received and contained. The top
end 304 is also substantially similar to the top end in a prior art
magazine and the body includes one or more openings 318 to view the
ammunition loaded in the magazine. The spring is generally similar
although its width and breadth may vary slightly to account for
differences in the first embodiment and prior art magazines. The
primary differences between the first embodiment as well as all the
other embodiments described herein when compared to prior art
magazines relate to the bottom end of the body and the magazine
itself.
[0028] Most notably, the first embodiment magazine comprises a
series of three telescoping sleeves 320, 322 & 324 that are
configured to extend from the bottom of the body 302 effectively
increasing the length of the cavity formed by the body
substantially. As shown, the extended cavity permits the spring 308
to extend and relax decreasing the chance that the spring will take
a set despite the magazine 300 remaining loaded.
[0029] The bottom sleeve 324 is coupled to a base 312 that supports
the bottom end of the associated spring 308 by way of a spring base
plate 316. The base also includes a pair of latch mechanisms 326 as
best shown in FIGS. 5 & 6 that interface with flanges 310 along
the front and rear sides of the body 302 to hold the body in place
and selectively release to permit the extension of the telescoping
sleeves. It is appreciated that the particulars of the latch
mechanisms and their catches on the body can vary substantially and
significantly among variations and other embodiments as would be
obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of
this disclosure.
[0030] As best shown in FIG. 9, flanges 328 that extend inwardly
into the cavity are also typically provided at the bottom end of
the body along the left and right sides. Similar inwardly extending
flanges 330 & 332 are provided on the bottom ends of at least
the top two telescoping sleeves 320 & 322. The inwardly
extending flanges interface with correspond with mating outwardly
extending flanges 334, 336 & 338 along the top end of each of
the sleeves permitting the telescoping sleeves to extend without
separating from one another. As can be appreciated the relative
size of the flanges and correspondingly the difference in width of
the respective sleeves is exaggerated in FIG. 9 for sake of
clarity. In actuality, the relative widths of the sleeves will not
vary as dramatically.
A Second Embodiment of a Firearm Magazine having a Spring Relief
Mechanism
[0031] The embodiment of a magazine 400 illustrated in FIG. 7 is
substantially similar to the magazine illustrated in FIGS. 4-6
having a body 402 forming a cavity wherein a spring 408 resides
except instead of utilizing three nesting and telescoping sleeves
only a single telescoping sleeve 420 is provided. The body's bottom
end 406 further includes similar outwardly extending flanges 410
and inwardly extending flanges (not shown, see FIG. 9, elements 328
for comparison) as the bottom end 306 of the first embodiment's
body. Additionally, the second embodiment body includes a similar
opening(s) 418 to view ammunition and a top end 404. Ostensibly,
the body 402 of the second embodiment is identical to the body of
the first embodiment.
[0032] The top end of the single sleeve 420 is also very similar to
the topmost sleeve of the first embodiment including outwardly
extending flanges (not shown, see FIG. 9, elements 334 for
reference) that interface with corresponding flanges on the body to
prevent the separation of the sleeve from the body when the sleeve
is extended. However, differing from the topmost sleeve of the
first embodiment, the bottom end thereof is secured to the base
412.
[0033] The base 412 is similar to the base of the first embodiment
as are the latch mechanisms 426 similar to those of the first
embodiment. Operation is similar except the amount of spring relief
may be less than that which is provided by the first embodiment
depending on the specific configuration. As can be appreciated,
other embodiments are also contemplated having two telescoping
sleeves or even more than three.
A Third Embodiment of a Firearm Magazine having a Spring Relief
Mechanism
[0034] The magazine embodiment 500 illustrated in FIGS. 8 & 10
provides the same general function as the first and second
embodiments, except rather than employ sliding telescoping sleeves
to lower a base, the third embodiment uses a pair of opposed wire
rods 540 to lower the base 512 and relieve tension of the spring
508 when the latch mechanisms 526 are actuated. In the illustrated
embodiment, the left and right sides of the body 502 include
recesses to receive the rods 540 when the magazine is in the
retracted configuration.
A Method of Making a Firearm Magazine having a Spring Relief
Mechanism
[0035] Embodiments of the magazine and its components can be made
by many suitable techniques depending on the materials used
therefore. A typical body 302,402,502 is comprised of steel or
another suitable metal that is formed out of plate or drawn to
shape. Bodies that are at least partially comprised of plastic are
also known and can be injected molded. The extension sleeves 320,
322, 324, 420 are usually drawn or formed from steel in a similar
fashion as the body.
[0036] The base 312, 412, 512 can also be formed from steel or
plastic with the latch mechanisms 326,426, 526 being added
thereafter in a subsequent manufacturing operation. The spring base
plate 316, 416, 516 and the ammo advancement plate can be made of
any suitable material including steel and plastic. The spring 308,
408, 508, which is typically sourced as complete is typically
formed from spring steel.
[0037] The first embodiment magazine is typically assembled in the
following manner: (1) the sleeves 320, 322, 324 are slid in to the
body 302 from the topside of the body in the appropriate order; (2)
the ammo advancement plate (not shown, see plate 114 in FIG. 2 is
slid into the body from its bottom side 306; (3) the spring 318
with the spring base plate 316 attached to its bottom end is slid
into the body from the bottom side; (4) the base 312 is coupled to
the bottom sleeve 324; and (4) the spring is compressed collapsing
the sleeved and feeding them into the body's cavity until the base
can be secured to the bottom side of the body using the latch
mechanisms 326.
[0038] The other embodiments are assembled in a similar manner as
the first embodiment taking into consideration the differences
therewith.
A Method of Using Firearm Magazine having a Spring Relief
Mechanism
[0039] Embodiments of the magazine 300, 400, 500 are used in a
substantially similar manner as prior art magazines except they
permit the tension on the spring to be relieved at least partially
when storing the magazine in a loaded condition. They are loaded
with ammunition in a similar manner as prior art magazines. They
are inserted and removed from a firearm in the same manner as a
prior art magazine, and they operate within the firearm in the same
fashion as a prior art magazine.
[0040] When the user intends to store a loaded embodiment of the
magazine for long periods of time, the user activates the latch
mechanisms permitting the spring to be lowered out of the bottom of
the body to relieve tension on the spring and helping to prevent
the spring from taking a set. When the user is ready to use the
embodiment that has been stored in the relaxed configuration he/she
need only press the base back towards the body's bottom end until
the latch mechanisms reengage the flanges on the bottom end
securing the base to the body.
Other Embodiments and Variations
[0041] The various preferred embodiments and variations thereof
illustrated in the accompanying figures and/or described above are
merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the
invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the
invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of
ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.
Specifically, the configurations of the magazines can vary
substantially and significantly than as illustrated to conform to
the requirements of particular firearms. The magazines can be
configured for use in not only handguns but semi-automatic and
automatic long guns as well. While three embodiments are described
herein, numerous variations are contemplated as would be obvious to
one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this
disclosure. For instance, a wide variety of types of latch or
securing mechanisms can be used to secure the base to the body of
the magazine. Additionally, the structure utilized to permit the
lowering of the spring can vary from the embodiments shown
herein.
* * * * *