U.S. patent application number 14/593677 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-05 for firearm magazine adapter and release assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Andrew Gary Sunseri, Nicholas E. Young. Invention is credited to Andrew Gary Sunseri, Nicholas E. Young.
Application Number | 20150316339 14/593677 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52396847 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150316339 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; Nicholas E. ; et
al. |
November 5, 2015 |
FIREARM MAGAZINE ADAPTER AND RELEASE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
An exemplary firearm includes a magazine well including an
adapter-receiving portion defining an adapter receiving-recess and
a magazine adapter removably coupled to the adapter-receiving
portion of the magazine well. The magazine adapter includes a
magazine catch assembly configured to move between a
magazine-engaging state and a magazine disengaging state.
Inventors: |
Young; Nicholas E.; (Murray,
UT) ; Sunseri; Andrew Gary; (Cottonwood Heights,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Young; Nicholas E.
Sunseri; Andrew Gary |
Murray
Cottonwood Heights |
UT
UT |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52396847 |
Appl. No.: |
14/593677 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61925427 |
Jan 9, 2014 |
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62090122 |
Dec 10, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/49.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 35/06 20130101;
F41A 9/61 20130101; F41A 11/02 20130101; F41A 17/38 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 9/61 20060101
F41A009/61; F41A 35/06 20060101 F41A035/06 |
Claims
1. A firearm, comprising: a magazine well including an
adapter-receiving portion defining an adapter receiving-recess; and
a magazine adapter removably coupled to the adapter-receiving
portion of the magazine well, the magazine adapter including a
magazine, catch assembly configured to move between a
magazine-engaging state and as magazine-disengaging state.
2. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the magazine well includes a
front portion, a rear portion, and first and second opposing side
portions, the front portion, the rear portion, and the first and
the second opposing side portions forming a first portion of a
magazine receiving enclosure.
3. The firearm of claim 2, wherein the magazine adapter further
includes a magwell adapter housing coupled to the magazine catch
assembly, the magwell adapter housing forming a second portion of
the magazine receiving enclosure when the magazine adapter is
coupled to the magazine well.
4. The firearm of claim 3, wherein the magwell adapter housing is
at least partially received within the adapter-receiving recess
defined by the adapter-receiving portion.
5. The firearm of claim 3, wherein the first portion of the
magazine receiving enclosure and the second portion of the magazine
receiving enclosure comprise a first magazine receiving
enclosure.
6. The firearm of claim 3, wherein the magwell adapter housing
further includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the
magazine receiving enclosure comprises a first magazine receiving
enclosure including the first portion of the magwell adapter
housing, and wherein the second portion of the magwell adapter
housing comprises a second magazine receiving enclosure.
7. The firearm of claim 6, wherein the second magazine enclosure is
contained within the first magazine enclosure.
8. The firearm of claim 6, wherein at least part of the magazine
adapter is at least partially received within the adapter-receiving
recess defined by the adapter-receiving portion.
9. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the magazine adapter includes a
magazine catch body, a magazine catch arm pivotingly coupled to the
magazine catch body, and a magazine catch release hook coupled to
the magazine catch body and the magazine catch arm, wherein
translation of the magazine catch release hook causes the magazine
catch arm to pivot relative to the magazine catch body, wherein
such pivoting moves the magazine catch assembly being between the
magazine-engaging state and the magazine-disengaging state.
10. The firearm of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
magazine adapter further is received within the adapter-receiving
recess defined by the adapter-receiving portion.
11. A firearm, comprising: a magazine release/retention assembly,
including: a first magazine release mechanism including: a first
release lever having a first end and a second end; a first transfer
link coupled to the second end of the first release lever, the
first transfer link being configured to removably couple to a
magazine catch assembly, the magazine catch assembly being
configured to move between a magazine-engaging state and a
magazine-disengaging state, wherein actuation of the first release
lever moves the magazine catch assembly toward the
magazine-disengaging state and wherein release of the first release
lever returns the magazine catch assembly to the magazine-engaging
state; and a second magazine release mechanism, including an
ambidextrous transfer link, an ambidextrous release bar coupled to
ambidextrous transfer link, and a second transfer link coupling the
ambidextrous transfer link to the first transfer link and the first
release lever such that actuation of the ambidextrous release bar
moves the magazine catch assembly toward the magazine-disengaging
state and wherein release of the ambidextrous release bar returns
the magazine catch assembly to the magazine-engaging state.
12. The firearm of claim 11, wherein the first magazine release
mechanism is a rear magazine release mechanism and the second
magazine release mechanism is a forward release mechanism.
13. The firearm of claim 11, wherein the first release lever is
actuated by pivoting the first release lever about a pivot between
a first end of the first release lever and a second end of the
first release lever.
14. The firearm of claim 13, wherein pivoting the first release
lever results in axial movement of the first transfer link.
15. The firearm of claim 14, wherein actuating the ambidextrous
release bar includes laterally moving the ambidextrous release
bar.
16. The firearm of claim 15, wherein lateral movement of the
ambidextrous release bar results in axial movement of the second
transfer link.
17. The firearm of claim 11, wherein the ambidextrous release bar
includes a first ramped surface and a second ramped surface, the
first and second ramped surfaces defining a slot and wherein the
ambidextrous transfer link is at least partially received within
the slot.
18. The firearm of claim 11, wherein the magazine catch assembly
includes a magazine catch hook configured to at least partially
receive a post coupled to the first release lever.
19. The firearm of claim 18, wherein the magazine catch release
hook is part of a magazine adapter and wherein the magazine adapter
further includes a magazine catch body, and a magazine catch arm
pivotingly coupled to the magazine catch body, wherein the magazine
catch release hook coupled to the magazine catch body and the
magazine catch arm such that axial translation of the magazine
catch release hook causes the magazine catch arm to pivot relative
to the magazine catch body, wherein such pivoting moves the
magazine catch assembly between the magazine-engaging state and the
magazine-disengaging state.
20. The firearm of claim 19, further comprising a magazine well,
wherein the magazine adapter is removably coupled to the magazine
well.
21. A firearm, comprising: a magazine well including an
adapter-receiving portion defining an adapter receiving-recess; and
a magazine adapter configured to selectively retain a type of
magazine in the magazine well, including a magazine catch assembly
removably coupled to the adapter-receiving portion of the magazine
well, the magazine catch assembly being configured to move between
a magazine-engaging state and a magazine-disengaging state; and a
magazine release/retention assembly, including: a first magazine
release mechanism including: a first release lever having a first
end and a second end; a first transfer link coupled to the second
end of the first release lever, the first transfer link being
configured to removably couple to the magazine catch assembly,
wherein actuation of the first release lever moves the magazine
catch assembly toward the magazine-disengaging state and wherein
release of the first release lever returns the magazine catch
assembly to the magazine-engaging state; and a second magazine
release, mechanism, including an ambidextrous transfer link, an
ambidextrous release bar coupled to ambidextrous transfer link, and
a second transfer link coupling the ambidextrous transfer link to
the first transfer link and the first release lever such that
actuation of the ambidextrous release bar moves the magazine catch
assembly toward the magazine-disengaging state and wherein release
of the ambidextrous release bar returns the magazine catch assembly
to the magazine-engaging state.
22. The firearm of claim 20, wherein the magazine well includes a
front portion, a rear portion, and first and second opposing side
portions, the front portion, the rear portion, and the first and
the second opposing side portions forming a first portion of a
magazine receiving enclosure, and wherein magazine adapter further
includes a magwell adapter housing coupled to the magazine catch
assembly, the magwell adapter housing forming a second portion of
the magazine receiving enclosure when the magazine adapter is
coupled to the magazine well.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/925,427 filed Jan. 9, 2014 and
entitled "FIREARM MAGAZINE ADAPTER AND RELEASE ASSEMBLY" and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/090,122 filed Dec. 10,
2014 and entitled "FIREARM MAGAZINE ADAPTER AND RELEASE ASSEMBLY,"
both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Firearms include a receiver, an action, a trigger mechanism,
and a barrel. The barrel is often secured to one end of the
receiver. Often a magazine is coupled with the receiver in such a
manner to allow the magazine to feed cartridges into position
within a firing chamber formed in the barrel. Detachable magazines
may allow an operator to rapidly change magazines. However, most
firearms use a single type of cartridge and corresponding type of
detachable magazine type. If use of a different type of cartridge
is desired, another firearm is used, which may include different
controls. Use of firearms with different controls may add not only
additional equipment. expenses, but additional training expenses
and time.
[0003] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to
embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in
environments such as those described above. Rather, this background
is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where
some embodiments described herein may be practiced.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] An exemplary firearm includes a magazine well including an
adapter-receiving portion defining an adapter receiving-recess and
a magazine adapter removably coupled to the adapter-receiving
portion of the magazine well. The magazine adapter includes a
magazine catch assembly configured to move between a
magazine-engaging state and a magazine-disengaging state.
[0005] An exemplary firearm includes a magazine release/retention
assembly a first magazine release mechanism. The first magazine
release mechanism includes a first release lever having a first end
and a second end. A first transfer link coupled to the second end
of the first release lever. The first transfer link being
configured to removably couple to a magazine catch assembly. The
magazine catch assembly is configured to move between a
magazine-engaging state and a magazine-disengaging state. Actuation
of the first release lever moves the magazine catch assembly toward
the magazine-disengaging state. Release of the first release lever
returns the magazine catch assembly to the magazine-engaging state.
Such a magazine release/retention assembly includes a second
magazine release mechanism. The second magazine release mechanism
includes an ambidextrous transfer link, an ambidextrous release bar
coupled to ambidextrous transfer link, and a second transfer link
coupling the ambidextrous transfer link to the first transfer link,
and the first release lever such that actuation of the ambidextrous
release bar moves the magazine catch assembly toward the
magazine-disengaging state. Release of the ambidextrous release bar
returns the magazine catch assembly to the magazine-engaging
state.
[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to
embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in
environments such as those described above. Rather, this background
is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where
some embodiments described herein may be practiced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
[0007] To further clarify various aspects of some example
embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description
of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated
embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered
limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1A is an elevation view of a firearm according to one
example;
[0009] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the firearm of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a primary magazine adapter
according to one example;
[0011] FIG. 2B is a top view of a stock assembly having a primary
magazine adapter coupled thereto;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stock assembly and also
illustrates a primary magazine adapter and magazine
retention/release assembly according to one example;
[0013] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a secondary magazine adapter
according to one example;
[0014] FIG. 4B is a top view of a stock assembly having a secondary
magazine adapter coupled thereto;
[0015] FIG. 5A is an elevation view of a firearm according to one
example; and
[0016] FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the firearm of FIG. 5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Firearms are provided herein having at least one magazine
adapter that will be described in more detail below and may include
a magazine retention/release assembly that utilizes a plurality of
magazine release mechanisms. Firearms may also accept multiple
magazine adapters, which allows the firearm to use multiple
calibers and to readily switch between calibers while using the
same controls (such as the same trigger and magazine
retention/release assembly) in the same configuration, which may
make the firearm readily adaptable according to operator
preferences or requirements with minimal additional training.
Further, as will be discussed in more detail herein, multiple
magazine release mechanisms may allow the operator to leverage
training on other systems as one of the magazine retention/release
mechanisms may be at a familiar location relative to the trigger
and/or other components, such as the grip.
[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary firearm 100. The firearm
shown is configured as a rifle and as a semiautomatic bull pup
rifle in particular. It will be appreciated that the magazine
release assembly and the magazine adapter(s) set forth herein may
also be integrated or used with other configurations Of firearms,
including conventional firearm configurations such as conventional
rifles and pistols, shotguns, or other configurations and other
types of actions including bolt, lever, pump or other types of
actions as desired.
[0019] The firearm 100 includes a receiver 1100 configured to
couple or facilitate coupling of a barrel 1200 to an action 1300.
In at least one example, the firearm 100 further includes a stock
assembly 1400 coupled to the receiver 1100. It will be appreciated
that the stock assembly 1400 may be partially or completely
integrated with the receiver 1100 in some examples.
[0020] The action 1300 is configured to feed cartridges (which
include a case, a primer coupled to the case, a powder charge, and
a projectile) from a magazine 1500 (coupled to the receiver 1100
via the stock assembly 1400) into a chamber defined in the barrel
1200 and to extract spent cases therefrom. A trigger 1310 is
coupled to the action 1300. When actuated, the trigger 1310 causes
a firing pin associated with the action to strike the primer,
thereby causing the primer to ignite and thereby causing the powder
charge in the cartridge to burn. The burning powder generates
pressure which drives the projectile from the muzzle of the barrel.
As the action 1300 cycles or is cycled rearward, the action
extracts and ejects the spent casing.
[0021] Components and parts of components will be described as
being forward of other parts located more distally from the muzzle
1210. Relative position or movement toward the muzzle 1210 will be
described as forward movement, and such position may be generally
described as front or frontward. Similarly, components or parts of
components winch are more distal from the muzzle 1210 will be
described as being rearward of other elements located more proximal
to the muzzle 1210, and such position will be described as rear
locations.
[0022] The axial translations set forth herein will be understood
to be generally parallel to an axis 1220 defined by a center of the
barrel 1200. Lateral or transverse movement may be described with
respect to any datum. In many instances described below, lateral
movement is described with respect to a lateral sidewall 1110 of
the receiver 1100.
[0023] The receiver 1100 may include a front portion 1120
configured to couple to and/or receive the barrel 1200. The
receiver 1100 may also include a rear portion 1130, a top portion
1140, and a bottom portion 1150. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the
bottom portion 1150 of the receiver 1100 is configured to have a
magazine 1500 coupled thereto. In particular, the magazine 1500 is
coupled to the firearm 100 via the stock assembly 1400. More
specifically, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, a
primary magazine adapter 200 and a primary magazine
retention/release assembly 300 are operatively associated with the
stock assembly 1400 in such a manner that when the magazine 1500 is
coupled to the firearm 100, the magazine 1500 feeds a loaded
cartridge to the action 1300 and allows the action 1300 to cycle
the loaded cartridge into the chamber defined in the barrel 1200 as
introduced above. The magazine adapters disclosed herein, including
the primary magazine adapter 200 may be coupled to or integrated
with the stock assembly 1400, which is coupled to the receiver
1100, as shown. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the
magazine retention/release assembly 300 may also be coupled to or
integrated with a stock assembly 1400 or any other part or
component.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1B, the magazine 1500 includes opposing
sidewalls 1520, 1525, a front portion 1530, and a rear portion 1540
that define a cartridge receiving recess. A top portion 1550
includes feed lips 1552 configured to further align and orient
cartridges for feeding. A floor plate 1560 may be coupled to or
integrated with a bottom portion of the magazine 1500. A follower
1570 is positioned between the feed lips 1552 and the floor plate
1560. A biasing member (such as a spring, not shown) is positioned
between the follower 1570 and the floor plate 1560 and exerts a
biasing force against the follower 1570 to urge the follower 1570
toward the feed lips 1552.
[0025] To load the magazine 1500, cartridges are inserted below the
feed lips 1552 opposition to the biasing force acting on the
follower 1570. Thus, cartridges loaded into the magazine 1500 are
contained between the feed lips 1552 and the follower 1570. Each
magazine, regardless of type, may be described with reference to a
width dimension, a length dimension (which roughly corresponds to
the length of a cartridge to be contained within such magazine) and
a height.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1B, the stock assembly 1400 generally
includes a front portion 1410 and a rear portion 1420. In the
illustrated example, the front portion 1410 is configured as a hand
guard/heat shield. The rear portion 1420 shown includes as primary
magazine well 1430 configured to have. various magazine adapters
coupled thereto, including the primary magazine adapter 200. As
will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, each of the various
magazine adapters include a magazine catch assembly (sometimes also
referred to as a mag catch plate) and a magwell adapter housing
(sometimes also referred to as a mag insert plate) configured to
allow the primary magazine well 1430 to receive a type of magazine
corresponding to the type of magazine adapter that is coupled to
the primary magazine well 1430.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, in order to couple a first type of
magazine, such as magazine 1500 to the firearm 100 the magazine
1500 is oriented for insertion. In at least one example, the
magazine 1500 includes a protrusion or ridge 1542 associated with
the rear portion 1540. In contrast, in some examples the front
portion 1520 of the magazine 1500 may be generally flat. Generally,
a profile of a magazine well and a magazine well opening
corresponds to the outer profile or perimeter of the type of
magazine the magazine well and the magazine well opening are
configured to receive.
[0028] As such, the primary magazine well 1430 may have a channel
1470 defined therein to receive the protrusion or ridge 1542 on the
rear 1540 of a primary type of magazine, such as magazine 1500. In
such an example, if the magazine 1500 is oriented incorrectly, the
ridge 1542 would interfere with a front portion 1462 (shown in FIG.
2B and discussed in more detail with reference thereto) of the
primary magazine well 1430 thereby preventing coupling of the
magazine 1500 to the primary magazine well 1430. If the magazine is
oriented correctly, the ridge 1542 is aligned with respect to the
channel 1470.
[0029] The top portion 1550 of the magazine 1500 may then be
inserted into the primary magazine well 1430 via the magazine well
opening 2600 (FIG. 2B). As a primary type of magazine, such as the
magazine 1500, is thus inserted into the primary magazine well
1430, the primary magazine adapter 200 acts to retain the primary
magazine 1500.
[0030] By way of introduction, the magazine 1500 has a mag catch
receiving slot 1580 defined in one side 1520 thereof. Further, the
magazine catch receiving slot 1580 defined in the side 1520 of the
magazine 1500 may be located on the magazine 1500 such that the
primary magazine catch tab 2230 (FIG. 2A) is urged into engaging
contact with the magazine catch receiving slot 1580 when the
magazine 1500 is sufficiently inserted into the primary magazine
well 1430 to allow proper feeding from the magazine 1500. When the
primary magazine catch tab 2230 (FIG. 2A) is thus urged into
engagement with the magazine catch receiving slot 1580 in the
magazine 1500, the magazine 1500 is retained in the primary
magazine well 1430.
[0031] Magazine catch assemblies generally are configured to couple
to the magazine retention/release assembly 300 (FIG. 1A). With a
magazine catch assembly thus coupled to the magazine
retention/release assembly 300, the primary and/or supplemental
magazine releases may be actuated to release magazines coupled to
the primary magazine well 1430 and a corresponding magazine
adapter.
[0032] With reference now to FIG. 2A, the primary magazine adapter
200 will first be described generally. Thereafter, the general
interaction of the primary magazine adapter 200 with the primary
magazine well 1430 and the magazine retention/release assembly 300
will be described. Thereafter, the interaction one-type of
secondary magazine adapter with the magazine retention/release
assembly 300 and the primary magazine well 1430 will be
described.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2A, the primary magazine adapter 200
generally includes a primary magazine catch assembly 2000 and a
primary magwell adapter housing 2500. The primary magazine catch
assembly 2000 generally includes a primary magazine catch body
2100, a primary magazine catch arm 2200, and a primary mag catch
release hook 2300.
[0034] The primary magazine catch body 2100 is configured to couple
to the primary magazine well 1430 (FIG. 1B). The primary magazine
catch body 2100 may be of any desired shape. In the illustrated
example, the primary magazine catch body 2100 includes a front
portion 2110, a rear portion 2115, a top portion 2120, a bottom
portion 2125, a first or exterior sidewall 2130, and second or
interior sidewall 2135. It will be appreciated the primary magazine
catch body 2100 may have any shape desired. A mag catch opening
2140 is formed in the primary magazine catch body 2100 that extends
through the first and second sidewall 2130, 2135 respectively.
[0035] The primary magazine catch body 2100 is configured to allow
the primary magazine catch arm 2200 to move between a first,
magazine engaging position and a second, magazine disengaging
position. In the illustrated example, the primary magazine catch
arm 2200 rotates between these positions. Accordingly, the primary
magazine catch arm 2200 may include a first end 2210 pivotingly
coupled to the primary magazine catch body 2100. In particular, a
pin 2400 extends through holes 2112 defined in the first end 2110
of the primary magazine catch body 2100 and corresponding holes
2212 in the first end 2210 of the primary magazine catch arm
2200.
[0036] The primary magazine catch arm 2200 may also include a
second end 2220 having a primary magazine catch tab 2230 associated
therewith. In such an example, the primary magazine catch arm 2200
may be configured to rotate to thereby allow the second end 2220 of
the magazine catch arm 2200 to rotate to allow the primary magazine
catch arm 2200 to extend through the primary magazine catch opening
2140. The position of the primary magazine catch tab 2230 extending
through the primary magazine catch opening 2140 and extending
beyond the second sidewall 2135 in particular may correspond to the
first, magazine engaging position introduced above. A biasing
member 2240 may be included with the primary magazine catch
assembly 2000 to exert a biasing force on the primary magazine
catch arm 2200 to help maintain the primary magazine catch arm 2200
(and the primary magazine catch tab 2230 in particular) in the
first, magazine engaging position.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2A, the primary magazine catch arm 2200
further includes at least one catch arm actuation feature 2250
configured to transfer and/or translate inputs received from the
magazine retention/release assembly 300 (FIG. 1A) into appropriate
movement of the primary magazine catch arm 2200 from the first,
magazine-engaged position toward the second, magazine disengaged
position and from the second, disengaged position back toward the
first, magazine disengaged.
[0038] In one example, the catch arm actuation feature 2250
includes a ramped surface positioned between the first and second
ends 2210, 2220 of the primary magazine catch arm 2200. The ramped
surface may be configured to interact with the primary mag catch
release hook 2300.
[0039] The primary mag catch release hook 2300 may include a first
end 2310 and a second end 2320. The first end 2310 and the second
end 2320 may be offset from each other or extend in different
directions as shown. in the illustrated example, the primary mag
catch release hook 2300 generally has an L-shape. The first end
2310 of the primary mag catch release hook 2300 may include a
release engagement feature 2330 configured allow the primary mag
catch release hook 2300 to be selectively coupled and uncoupled to
the magazine retention/release assembly 300, as will be described
at an appropriate point hereinafter in more detail.
[0040] The second end 2320 of the primary nag catch release hook
2300 includes a mag catch engagement feature 2340. The mag catch
engagement feature 2340 is configured to engage the catch arm
actuation feature 2250 in such a manner that translation of the
primary mag catch release hook 2300 moves the primary magazine
catch arm 2200 between the first, magazine-engaged position and the
second, magazine disengaged position.
[0041] In the illustrated example, the primary magazine catch
release hook 2300 is at least partially received within a hook
receiving channel 2350 defined in the second or interior sidewall
2135 of the primary magazine catch body 2100. The primary mag catch
release hook 2300 is positioned relative to the primary magazine
catch body 2100 in such a manner that the mag catch engagement
feature 2340 extends outwardly through the interior sidewall 2135
of the primary magazine catch body 2100 and at least partially into
the mag catch opening 2140.
[0042] The primary magwell adapter housing 2500 is configured to be
coupled to the primary magazine catch body 2100 and to retain the
primary mag catch release hook 2300 therebetween. In particular,
the primary magwell adapter housing 2500 generally includes a first
portion 2510 configured to couple to the primary magazine catch
body 2100 and a second portion 2520 opposite the first portion. For
example, the first portion 2510 includes a tab 2530 having a hole
2535 defined therein. The tab 2530 may be positioned relative to
the primary magazine catch body 2100 to align the hole 2535 with
the holes 2112, 2212 in the primary magazine catch body 2100 and
the primary magazine catch arm 2200 respectively to allow the pin
2400 to pass therethrough thereby coupling the primary magwell
adapter housing 2500 to the primary magazine catch body 2100.
[0043] The first portion 2510 of the primary magwell adapter
housing 2500 may also include a ridged surface 2540 configured to
engage a corresponding channel 2145 on the interior sidewall 2135
of the primary magazine catch body 2100 when the primary magazine
adapter 200 is assembled.
[0044] When the primary magazine adapter 200 is assembled, forward
movement of the primary mag catch release hook 2300 causes the
ramped surface associated with the mag catch engagement feature
2340 to engage the catch arm actuation feature 2250 the ramped
surface in this example) to thereby move the primary magazine catch
arm 2200 away from primary mag catch release hook 2300 as well as
away from the primary magazine catch body 1100. Such movement
causes the primary magazine catch arm 2200 to rotate about the
first end 2210 and thereby rotate the primary magazine catch arm
2200 from the first, magazine-engaged position toward the second,
magazine disengaged position. Similarly, when the primary mag catch
release book 2300 moves in the opposite direction, the primary
magazine catch arm 2200 rotates toward the first, magazine-engaged
position.
[0045] As shown in the FIG. 2A, the primary magazine catch body
includes a plurality of alignment surfaces associated therewith. In
at least one example, the front portion 2110, the rear portion
2115, and/or the bottom portion 2125 have a ridge or ridges formed
about at least a portion of the perimeter thereof. The rear portion
2115 may also include a guide protrusion 2150. The primary magazine
catch body 2100 also includes or has coupled thereto a primary
latch tab 2155 coupled to or associated with the interior sidewall
2135. In at least one example, the primary latch tab 2155 may be a
resilient arm 2160 with a protrusion 2165 extending, therefrom as
shown.
[0046] When the primary magazine adapter 200 is properly positioned
relative to the primary magazine well 1430 (FIG. 1B), movement of
the primary magazine catch arm 2200 allows a magazine to be
retained or released as desired from the primary magazine well. The
coupling of the primary magazine adapter 2200 to the primary
magazine well 1430 (FIG. 1B) will now be discussed, followed by a
discussion of the coupling of the primary magazine adapter to the
primary magazine release.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 1B, the primary magazine well 1430 may have
an adapter-receiving portion 1440 formed by an adapter receiving
recess 1432 defined in the primary magazine well 1430. The
adapter-receiving portion 1440 is configured to have a plurality of
magazine adapters coupled thereto, including the primary magazine
adapter 200 shown. In the illustrated example, the
adapter-receiving portion 1440 has a shape corresponding to the
shape of the primary magazine catch body 2100 (FIG. 2A). In such an
example, the adapter-receiving portion 1440 includes a from portion
1442, a rear portion, 1444, and a bottom portion 1446. One or more
of the front, bottom, or rear portions (1442, 1444, 1446) of the
adapter receiving portion 1440 may include guide surfaces 1448
formed thereon. In at least one example, the guide surfaces 1448
are configured to help guide coupling of a magazine adapter to the
primary magazine well.
[0048] In at least one example, the guide surfaces 1448 form a
latch engaging channel defined in the adapter-receiving portion
1440. Such guide surfaces 1448 may include ridges defining channels
configured to receive the primary magazine catch body 2100.
Further, the guide surfaces may defined a latch engaging channel
1452 configured to receive a latch to (such as primary latch tab
2155) associated with each magazine adapter to secure each magazine
adapter in place relative to the primary magazine well 1430 when
each magazine adapter is coupled to the primary magazine well
1430.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 2B, when the primary magazine adapter 200
is coupled to the rear portion 1420, the primary magazine catch
body 2100 is retained by guide surfaces 1448 (FIG. 1B). Further, a
slot 1450 defined in the adapter-receiving portion 1440 (FIG. 1B)
engages the protrusion 2165 adjacent the rear portion 1444 of the
adapter receiving portion 1440 and the latch engaging channel of
the guide surfaces 1448 (best seen in FIG. 1B) in particular to
thereby retain the primary magazine adapter 200 in place relative
to the primary magazine well 1430.
[0050] As the primary magazine adapter 200, and the primary
magazine catch body 2100 in particular, is moved into position
relative to the primary magazine well 1430, the primary latch tab
2155 is compressed as it is urged into the latch engaging channel
defined by the guide surfaces 1448 (best seen in FIG. 1B). When the
primary magazine catch body 2100 is in position with the latch
engaging channel 1452, the protrusion 2165 may deflect into
position by moving into the corresponding slot 1450 defined in the
latch engaging channel defined by the guide surfaces 1448, thereby
locking the primary magazine catch body 2100 (and thus the primary
magazine adapter 200) in place relative to the primary magazine
well 1430. As the primary magazine adapter 200 is coupled to the
primary magazine well 1430, the primary magazine adapter 200 also
couples to the magazine retention/release assembly 300, as will now
be discussed in more detail.
[0051] Now referring to FIG. 1B, the primary magazine well 1430,
and the adapter receiving portion 1440 thereof in particular, are
configured to facilitate coupling of various types of magazine
types to the primary magazine well With such magazine adapters in
place, the magazine retention/release assembly 300 may be
manipulated to release the magazine 1500.
[0052] Now referring to FIG. 3, the exemplary magazine
release/retention assembly 300 shown generally includes a rear
magazine release mechanism 3000 and a forward magazine release
mechanism 3100. As shown in FIG. 3, the rear magazine release
mechanism 3000 includes a primary release lever 3010 and a rear
transfer link 3020. The rear release lever 3010 is coupled to the
stock assembly 1400 (FIG. 1B), such as to rear portion 1420, and
particularly to the primary magazine well 1430. The rear release
lever 3010 includes a first end 3011 and a second end 3012. A pivot
hole 3014 is defined in the rear release lever 3010 between the
first and second ends 3011, 3012. In the illustrated example, the
rear release lever 3010 is pivotingly coupled to a front portion
1434 of the primary magazine well 1430 via a pivot pin 3028.
[0053] Such a configuration allows the second end 3012 of the rear
release lever 3010 to move in a forward direction when the first
end 3011 of the rear release lever 3010 is urged rearward. In some
examples, a biasing member 3030 is coupled to the rear release
lever 3010 which exerts a biasing force on the rear release lever
3010 to move the first end 3011 of the rear release lever 3010
forward and thus the second end 3012 of the rear release lever 3010
rearward. In at least one example, such the biasing member 3030 is
a torsional spring through it will be appreciated that any type of
biasing member may be utilized as desired.
[0054] The rear release lever 3010 is coupled to the rear transfer
link 3020. Particularly, the rear transfer link 3020 has a first
end 3021 and a second end 3022. The first end 3021 is configured to
couple to the second end 3012 of the rear release lever 3010 in
such a manner that axial movement (forward and rearward) of the
second end 3012 of the rear release lever 3010 results in similar
axial movement of the first end 3021 of the rear transfer link
3020.
[0055] The second end 3012 of the rear release lever 3010 may
include a pivot post 3016 configured to be at least partially
received within a post-receiving recess 3024 defined in the first
end 3021 of the rear transfer link 3020. In the example shown in
FIG. 3, the rear transfer link 3020 is positioned at least
partially within a rear transfer link guide channel 1460 formed in
the rear portion 1420 of the stock assembly 1420 (FIG. 1B). Such a
configuration allows the rear transfer link 3020 to translate
within the rear transfer link guide channel 1460 in response to
actuation of the rear release lever 3010 such that forward movement
of the first end 3021 of the rear transfer link 3020 results in
forward movement of the second end 3022 of the rear transfer link
3020.
[0056] The second end 3022 of the rear transfer link 3020 is
configured to couple to the first end 2310 of the primary nag catch
release hook 2300 (FIG. 2A). In one example, the second end 3022 of
the rear transfer link 1020 includes a post 3026 or other
protrusion. As previously introduced and as shown in FIG. 2A, the
primary magazine adapter 200 includes a primary mag catch release
hook 2300 having a first end 2310 including a release engagement
feature 2330. With reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3, the release
engagement feature 2330 defines a slot. When the primary magazine
adapter 200 is coupled to the rear portion 1420 of the stock
assembly (1400, FIG. 1B), the primary magazine adapter 200 couples
to the rear magazine release mechanism 3000. in particular, the
release engagement feature 2330 is configured to at least partially
receive the post 3026 associated with the second end 3022 of the
rear transfer link 3020.
[0057] Specifically, the first end 2310 of the primary mag catch
release hook 2300 (and the release engagement feature 2330 in
particular) couples to the second end 3022 of the rear transfer
link 3020 (and the post 3026 in particular), while the rear
transfer link 3020 is also coupled to the rear release lever 3010
as previously discussed. Accordingly, when the primary magazine
adapter 200 is coupled to the rear portion 1420 of the stock
assembly 1400 (FIG. 1B), the rear release lever 3010 is coupled to
the primary mag catch release hook 2300 via the rear transfer link
3020. When thus coupled, movement of the rear release lever 3010 to
move the first end 3011 of the rear release lever 3010 rearward
moves the second end 3012 of the primary release lever forward,
which moves the first end 3021 and thus the second end 3022 of the
rear transfer link 3020 forward, which causes the primary mag catch
release hook 2300 (FIG. 2A) to move forward as well.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 2A, forward movement of the primary mag
catch release hook 2300 causes the ramped surface associated with
the man catch engagement feature 2340 to act against the catch arm
actuation feature 2250 (the ramped surface in this example) to
thereby rotate the primary magazine catch arm 2200 from the first,
magazine-engaged position toward the second, magazine disengaged
position. Similarly, when the primary catch release hook 2300 moves
in the opposite direction, the primary magazine catch arm 2200 is
moved or allowed to move toward the first, magazine-engaged
position. Accordingly, pulling the first end 3011 of the rear
magazine release lever 3010 rearward (best seen in FIG. 3) acts to
release primary magazine catch tab 2230.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, the forward magazine release mechanism
3100 is coupled to the rear magazine release mechanism 3000 via a
forward transfer link 3110. It will be appreciated that while the
forward magazine release mechanism 3100 is discussed as being
coupled to the rear portion 1420, it will be appreciated that it
may be coupled or integrated with the receiver 1100 (FIG. 1B),
other components and combinations thereof. The forward magazine
release mechanism 3100 in the illustrated example includes an
ambidextrous release bar 3120 (sometimes referred to as a mag
button toggle) coupled to the rear portion 1420 at a location
adjacent the trigger 1310 and/or distal to the primary magazine
release mechanism 3000 and the rear release lever 3010 in
particular.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the forward magazine release mechanism
3100 includes an ambidextrous transfer link 3130 (sometimes
referred to as a mag button toggle) configured to interact with the
ambidextrous release bar 3120 to operate the forward magazine
release mechanism 3100. Particularly, the forward magazine release
mechanism 3100 is configured to translate lateral movement of the
ambidextrous release bar 3120 into axial movement of the forward
transfer link 3110.
[0061] In the illustrated example, the ambidextrous release bar
3120 includes first and second ends 3121, 3122. When the firearm
100 (FIG. 1A) is assembled, the first and second ends 3121, 3122
are positioned within the rear portion 1420 and are adjacent or
extend through corresponding first and second secondary release
mechanism openings 1481, 1482 (best seen in FIG. 2B) defined in the
opposing walls of the rear portion 1420. The ambidextrous release
bar 3120 also includes a slot 3124 defined therein between the
first and the second ends 3121, 3122 thereof. The ambidextrous
release bar 3120 may include a first ramped surface 3124 and a
second ramped surface 3128 defining the slot 3124.
[0062] The ambidextrous transfer link 3130 includes a first arm
3132 and a second arm 3134. The ambidextrous transfer link 3130
also includes a pivot 3134 formed between the first arm 3132 and
the second arm 3134. The first arm 3132 is configured to be
received within the slot 3124 defined in the ambidextrous release
bar 3120 to contact the ramped surfaces 3126, 3128. Contact between
the ramped surfaces 3126, 3128 and the first arm 3132 cause the
ambidextrous transfer link 3130 to pivot about a pin 3140 coupling
the ambidextrous transfer link 3130 to the rear portion 1420.
[0063] In particular, as the ambidextrous release bar 3120 moves
laterally, the first arm 3132 moves downwardly due to contact
between the first arm 3132 and one of the ramped surfaces 3126,
3128. Particularly, if the ambidextrous release bar 3120 is moved
right the first arm 3132 moves through contact with the first
ramped surface 3126.
[0064] In the illustrated example, an angle is formed between the
first arm 3132 and the second arm 3134 such that as the first arm
3132 moves downwardly, the second arm 3134 moves generally in a
forward direction. The second arm 3134 is coupled to the rear
magazine release mechanism 3000 and the second end 3012 of the rear
release lever 3010 in particular via the forward transfer link
3110.
[0065] In the illustrated example, the forward transfer link 3110
may be a cable coupled to each of the second arm 3134 and the
second end 3012 of the rear release lever 3010. In such an example,
forward movement of the second arm 3134 results in forward movement
of the second end 3012 of the rear release lever 3010 due to their
coupling with the forward transfer link 3110. As previously
discussed, forward movement of a second end 3012 of the rear
release lever 3010 causes the rear transfer link 3020 to move
forward as well. As discussed elsewhere herein, the rear transfer
link 3020 couples to either the primary magazine adapter 200 or the
secondary magazine adapter 400 (FIG. 4A) via the primary mag catch
release hook 2300 or a secondary mag catch release hook 4300 (FIG.
4A) respectively.
[0066] As discussed elsewhere herein, when the rear transfer link
3020 is thus coupled to the primary magazine adapter 200 or the
secondary magazine adapter 400 (FIG. 4A movement of the rear
transfer link 3020 acts to move a corresponding magazine catch arm
2200 or 4200 (FIG. 4A) between a first, magazine-engaged position
and a second, magazine disengaged position. Accordingly, the
coupling of the forward magazine release mechanism to the rear
magazine release mechanism thereby allows the forward magazine
release mechanism to also move a corresponding magazine catch arm
2200 or 4200 (FIG. 4A) between a first, magazine position and a
second, magazine disengaged position.
[0067] The biasing member 3030 exerts a biasing force on the rear
release lever 3010 that urges the second end 3012 rearwardly. In at
least one example, another biasing member 3150 acts on the
ambidextrous transfer link 3130 to urge the first arm 3132 into
contact into engagement with the ramped surfaces 3126, 3128
associated with the ambidextrous release button 3120. Such a force
thereby acts to move the ambidextrous release bar 3120 toward a
center position with respect to the rear portion 1420 while also
urging the second arm rearwardly.
[0068] In some examples, such biasing force is supplemented by a
tension force acting on the forward transfer link 3110 via the
second end 3012 of the rear release lever 3010 by the biasing
member 3030 that urges the second end 3012 of the rear release
lever 3010 rearwardly. Accordingly, magazines release operations
may be performed using retention/release mechanisms at multiple
locations along the length of the firearm.
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 2B, each magazine adapter is
configured to cooperate with the primary magazine well 1430 to
allow the type of magazine corresponding to the magazine type of
the magazine adapter to be coupled to and released from the firearm
100 (FIG. 1A). In the case of the primary magazine, adapter 200,
when coupled to the primary magazine well 1430, the combination of
the primary magazine well 1430 and the primary magazine adapter 200
define a primary magazine well opening 2600 configured to receive
the primary type of magazine 1500 (FIG. 1B). Particularly, as
previously introduced, each magazine adapter includes a magwell
adapter housing. In the case of the primary magazine adapter 200,
the primary magwell adapter housing 2500 is configured to be
coupled to a second, interior portion 2135 (FIG. 2A) of the primary
magazine catch body 2100 (both best seen in FIG. 2A).
[0070] In the illustrated example, the second portion 2520 of the
primary magwell adapter housing 2500 is configured to cooperate
with the primary magazine well 1430 to allow a primary-type
magazine 1500 (seen in FIG. 1B) to be coupled to the firearm 100
(also best seen in FIG. 1B).
[0071] In the illustrated example, the primary magazine well 1430
may be configured to accept the hugest type of magazine the firearm
100 is able to accommodate with respect to either maximum width,
maximum length or some combination of those or other dimensions.
Such magazines will be referred to herein as primary-type
magazines. In the illustrated example, the primary magazine well
1430 is configured to accommodate 0.308 double stack magazines
(such as AR-10 magazines). As introduced, the primary magazine
adapter 200 is also configured to retain a primary magazine 1500
(FIG. 1B) in place relative to firearm and to cooperate with the
magazine release/retention assembly 300 to allow removal of such
primary magazines.
[0072] As will be discussed in more detail herein, a magazine
adapter(s) may be utilized to allow the firearm 100 (FIGS. 1A-1B)
to accept different magazines. By also changing the barrel 1200 and
action 1300, to the barrel 5200 and action 5300 shown in FIG. 5A,
the same receiver 1100, stock assembly 1400, and controls
associated with the receiver 1100 (such as the trigger 1310 and the
magazine retention/release assembly 300) may be used to fire
different types of cartridges.
[0073] As previously discussed, the primary magazine well 1430 may
be formed with or coupled to the stock assembly 1400, the receiver
1100, or some other component. In the illustrated example, the
primary magazine well 1430 is part of or coupled to the primary
magazine release/retention assembly 300.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 2B, the primary magazine well 1430 defines
a primary magazine well opening 2600. The interior of the primary
magazine well 1430 has a profile that corresponds closely with the
exterior profile of a primary-type magazine 1500 (FIG. 1A),
especially when the primary magazine adapter 200 is coupled to the
primary magazine well 1430.
[0075] The interior of the primary magazine well 1430 includes a
front portion 1462, opposing first and second side portions 1464,
1466, and a rear portion 1468. In at least one example, the adapter
receiving portion 1440 described above is part of the first side
portion 1464. The inner surfaces 1462A, 1464A, 1466A, 1468A of
these portions 1462, 1464, 1466, 1468 form a partial magazine
receiving enclosure 1700 (FIG. 1B). Particularly, since a portion
of first side portion 1464 has the adapter receiving recess 1432
(FIG. 1B) defined therein, the enclosure formed by the inner
surfaces 1462A, 1464A, 1466A, 1468A is partial in that the adapter
receiving recess 1432 defines a gap between the front portion 1442
and the rear portion 1444 (best seen FIG. 1B), When the primary
adapter 200 is coupled to the primary magwell, the second portion
2520 (inner surface in this case) of the primary magwell adapter
housing 2500 fills in at least a portion of such a gap, thereby
forming a primary magazine receiving enclosure 1710 as shown in
FIG. 1B. The primary magazine receiving enclosure 1710 defines the
primary magazine well opening 2600 and forms the profile set forth
above. Such a magazine receiving enclosure 1710 may include gaps
therebetween provided the magazine receiving enclosure allows the
primary magazine adapter 200 to cooperate with the primary magazine
well 1430 (FIG. 1B) to selectively couple and decouple a
primary-type magazine, such as magazine 1500 (FIG. 1B) to the
firearm 100 (FIG. 1B).
[0076] The combined length of the first inner surface 1464A and the
second portion 2520 and/or the length of the second inner surface
1466A may correspond closely to the length of the sidewalls 1520,
1525 of the magazine 1500 (a primary-type magazine, FIG. 1B) to
allow a close sliding fit or even a slight interference fit.
Similarly, the width of the inner surfaces 1462A, 1468A of the
front portion 1462 and the rear portion 1468 correspond closely to
the width of the front, and rear portions 1530, 1540 of the
magazine 1500 (FIG. 1B) to allow the close sliding fit or slight
interference fit between the magazine 1500 and the primary magazine
well 1430. Accordingly, the inner shape of the primary magazine
well 1430 defining the primary magazine well opening 2600
corresponds closely to the outer shape of the magazine 1500 (in
this case, a primary-type magazine.
[0077] FIG. 4A illustrates a secondary magazine adapter 400. As
shown in the FIG. 4A, the secondary magazine adapter 400 includes a
secondary magazine catch assembly 4000 and a secondary magwell
adapter housing 4500. The secondary magazine catch assembly 4000
generally includes a secondary magazine catch body 4100, a
secondary magazine catch arm 4200, and a secondary mag catch
release hook 4300.
[0078] The secondary magazine catch body 4100 is configured to
couple to the secondary magazine well 1430 (FIG. 1B). The secondary
magazine catch body 4100 may be of any desired shape. In the
illustrated example, the secondary magazine catch body 4100
includes a front portion 4110, a rear portion 4115, a top portion
4120, a bottom portion 4125, a first or exterior sidewall 4130, and
second or interior sidewall 4135. It will be appreciated the
secondary magazine catch body 4100 may have any shape desired. A
mag catch opening 4140 is formed in the secondary magazine catch
body 4100 that defines an opening that extends through the first
and second sidewall 4130, 4135 respectively.
[0079] The secondary magazine catch body 4100 is configured to
allow the secondary magazine catch arm 4200 to move between a
first, magazine engaging position to a second, magazine disengaging
position. In the illustrated example, the secondary magazine catch
arm 4200 rotates between these positions. Accordingly, the
secondary magazine catch arm 4200 may include a first end 4210
pivotingly coupled to the secondary magazine catch body 4100. In
particular, a pin 4400 extends through holes 4112 defined in the
first end 4110 of the secondary magazine catch body 4100 and
corresponding holes 4212 in the first end 4210 of the secondary
magazine catch arm 4200.
[0080] The secondary magazine catch arm 4200 may also include a
second end 4220 having a secondary magazine catch tab 4230
associated therewith. In such an example, the secondary magazine
catch arm 4200 may be configured to rotate to thereby allow the
second end 4220 of the magazine catch arm 4200 to rotate to allow
the secondary magazine catch tab 4230 to extend through the
secondary magazine catch opening 4140. The position of the
secondary magazine catch tab 4230 extending through the secondary
magazine catch opening 4140 and extending beyond the second
sidewall 4135 in particular may correspond to the first, magazine
engaging position introduced above. A biasing member 4240 may be
included with the secondary magazine catch assembly 4000 to exert a
biasing force on the secondary magazine catch arm 4200 to help
maintain the secondary magazine catch arm 4200 (and the secondary
magazine catch tab 4230 in particular) in the first, magazine
engaging position.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 4A, the secondary magazine catch arm 4200
further includes at least one catch arm actuation feature 4250
configured to transfer and/or translate inputs received from the
magazine retention/release assembly 300 (FIG. 3) into appropriate
movement of the secondary magazine catch arm 4200 from the first,
magazine-engaged position toward the second, magazine disengaged
position and from the second, disengaged position back toward the
first, magazine disengaged.
[0082] In one example, the catch arm actuation feature 4250
includes a ramped surface positioned between the first and second
ends 4210, 4220 of the secondary magazine catch arm 4200. The
ramped surface may be configured to interact with the secondary mag
catch release hook 4300.
[0083] The secondary mag catch release hook 4300 may include a
first end 4310 and a second end 4320. The first end 4310 of the
secondary mag catch release hook 4300 may include a release
engagement feature 4330 configured allow the mag catch release hook
4300 to be selectively coupled and uncoupled to the magazine
retention/release assembly 300, as will be described at an
appropriate point hereinafter in more detail.
[0084] The second end 4320 of the secondary mag catch release hook
4300 includes a mag catch engagement feature 4340. The mag catch
engagement feature 4340 is configured to engage the catch arm
actuation feature 4250 in such a manner that translation of the
secondary mag catch release hook 4300 moves the secondary magazine
catch arm 4200 between the first, magazine-engaged position and the
second, magazine disengaged position.
[0085] The secondary mag catch release hook 4300 is coupled to the
secondary magazine catch body 4100 in such a manner that the mag
catch engagement feature 4340 extends outwardly through the
interior sidewall 4135 of the secondary magazine catch body 4100
and at least partially into a mag catch engagement feature opening
4170. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the mag catch
engagement feature opening 4170 may be integral or continuous with
the mag catch opening 4140.
[0086] With continued reference to FIG. 4A, the secondary magazine
catch release hook 4300 is at least partially received within a
hook receiving channel 4350 defined in the second or interior
sidewall 4135 of the secondary magazine catch body 4100. In the
illustrated example, when coupled to the secondary magazine catch
body 4100, the first end 4310 of the secondary mag catch release
hook 4300 extends beyond the front portion 4110 of the secondary
magazine catch body 4100.
[0087] The secondary magwell adapter housing 4500 is configured to
be coupled to the secondary magazine catch body 4100 and to retain
the secondary mag catch release hook 4300 therebetween. in
particular, the secondary magwell adapter housing 4500 generally
includes a first portion 4510 configured to couple to the secondary
magazine catch body 4100 and a second portion 4520 opposite the
first portion 4510. For example, the first portion 4510 includes a
tab 4530 having, a hole 4532 defined therein. The tab 4530 is may
be positioned relative to the secondary magazine catch body 4100 to
align the hole 4532 with the holes 4112, 4212 in the secondary
magazine catch body 4100 and the secondary magazine catch arm 4200
respectively to allow the pin 4400 to pass therethrough thereby
coupling the secondary magwell adapter housing 4500 to the
secondary magazine catch body 4100.
[0088] With continued reference to FIG. 4A, the first portion 4510
of the secondary magwell adapter housing 4500 may also include a
recess 4540 configured to engage a corresponding protrusion 4145 on
the interior sidewall 4135 of the secondary magazine catch body
4100 when the secondary magazine adapter 400 is assembled.
[0089] In the illustrated example, forward movement of the
secondary mag catch release hook 4300 causes the ramped surface
associated with the mag catch engagement feature 4340 to engage the
catch arm actuation feature 4250 (the ramped surface in this
example) to thereby rotate the secondary magazine catch arm 4200
from the first, magazine-engaged position toward the second,
magazine disengaged position. Similarly, when the secondary mag
catch release hook 4300 moves in the opposite direction, the
secondary magazine catch arm 4200 is moved or allowed to move
toward the first, magazine-engaged position.
[0090] With continued reference to FIG. 4A, the secondary magazine
catch body 4100 includes a plurality of alignment surfaces
associated therewith. In at least one example, the front portion
4110, the rear portion 4115, and/or the bottom portion 4125 have a
ridge or ridges formed about at least a portion of the perimeter
thereof. The rear portion 4115 may also include a guide protrusion
4150. The secondary magazine catch body 4100 also includes or has
coupled thereto a secondary latch tab 4155 coupled to or associated
with the interior sidewall 4135. In at least one example, the
secondary latch tab 4155 may be a resilient arm 4160 with a
protrusion 4165 extending therefrom as shown.
[0091] When the secondary magazine adapter 400 is coupled to the
rear portion 1420 of the stock assembly (1400, FIG. 1B), the
primary magazine adapter 400 couples to the rear magazine release
mechanism 300 (FIG. 3). In particular, the release engagement
feature 4330 is configured to at least partially receive the post
3026 associated with the second end 3022 of the rear transfer link
3020 (all best seen in FIG. 3).
[0092] Accordingly, when the secondary magazine adapter 400 is
coupled to the rear portion 1420 of the stock assembly 1400 (FIG.
1B), the rear release lever 3010 (FIG. 3) is coupled to the primary
mag catch release hook 4300 (FIG. 4A) via the rear transfer link
3020 (also shown in FIG. 3). When thus coupled, movement of the
rear release lever 3010 to move the first end 3011 of the rear
release lever 3010 rearward moves the second end 3012 of the
primary release lever forward, which moves the first end 3021 and
thus the second end 3022 of the rear transfer link 3020 forward,
which causes the primary mag catch release hook 4300 (FIG. 2A) to
move forward as well.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 4A, forward movement of the secondary mag
catch release hook 4300 causes the ramped surface associated with
the mag catch engagement feature 4340 associated with the second
end 4320 of the mag catch engagement feature 4340 to act against
the catch arm actuation feature 4250 (the ramped surface in this
example) to thereby rotate the primary magazine catch arm 4200 from
the first, magazine-engaged position toward the second, magazine
disengaged position. Similarly, when the secondary catch release
hook 4300 moves in the opposite direction, the secondary magazine
catch arm 4200 is moved or allowed to move toward the first,
magazine-engaged position. Accordingly, pulling the first end 3011
(FIG. 3) of the rear magazine release lever 3010 rearward (best
seen in FIG. 3) acts to release secondary magazine catch tab
4230.
[0094] In the illustrated example, a bolt catch relay 4700 is
provided that may be part of or associated with the secondary
magazine adapter 400. In such an example, the bolt catch relay 4700
is slidingly coupled to the secondary magwell adapter housing 4500
in such a manner that the bolt catch engages a corresponding
portion of a follower of a secondary magazine 5000 (FIG. 5) if the
secondary magazine 5000 is empty as the action cycles rearwardly
(and is coupled to the firearm 100 (FIG. 5) via the secondary
magazine adapter 400) thereby holding the bolt open, as is known in
the art.
[0095] In particular, the bolt catch relay 4700 may generally
include a post portion 4710 and a bolt catch 4720. In such an
example, the post portion 4710 may be slidingly received in a bolt
catch recess 4550 defined in the secondary magwell adapter housing
4500 and may be retained relative to the secondary magwell adapter
housing 4500 in any suitable manner.
[0096] As shown in the FIG. 4A, the bolt catch 4720 includes a
forward portion 4722 configured to extend forward of the inner
surface 4568A of the rear portion 4568 (both labeled in FIG. 4B)
sufficiently to engage a hold-open portion of a magazine follower.
The bolt catch 4720 also includes a rear portion 4724 that extends
rearwardly a sufficient distance to replicate the hold-open portion
function of a primary type magazine, such as magazine 1500 (FIG.
1B). Accordingly, the rear portion 4724 of the bolt catch 4720 is
positioned at the same position relative to the profile of the
magwell insert that a hold open portion of as magazine follower is
positioned on a primary type of magazine.
[0097] The exterior of the secondary magwell adapter housing 4500
corresponds closely to interior profile of the primary magazine
well 1430 that defines the primary magazine well opening 2600 (both
best seen in FIG. 1B).
[0098] Referring still to FIG. 4B, the secondary magwell adapter
housing 4500 includes a front portion 4562, opposing first and
second side portions 4564, 4566, and a rear portion 4568, each
having outer surfaces 4562B, 4564B, 4566B, and 4568B and inner
surfaces 4562A, 4564A, 4566A, 4568A respectively. The outer
surfaces 4562B, 4564B, 4566B, and 4568B define an outer perimeter
that corresponds closely to shape of primary magazine well 1430
that defines the primary magazine well opening 2600 (FIG. 2B) and
thus also corresponds closely in shape to the shape of a
primary-type magazine (such as magazine 1500, FIG. 1B).
[0099] As previously introduced, since the first side portion 1464
has the adapter receiving recess 1432 (FIG. 1B) defined therein,
the enclosure formed by the inner surfaces 1462A, 1464A, 1466A,
1468A is partial in that the adapter receiving recess 1432 defines
a gap between the front portion 1442 and the rear portion 1444
(best seen FIG. 1B). Some portion of the secondary magazine adapter
400, such as the first portion 4510 (FIG. 4A) of the secondary
magwell adapter housing 4500 and/or the secondary magazine catch
body 4100 fill in at least a portion of the gap to thereby define
an second primary magazine receiving enclosure 4800. The second
primary magazine receiving enclosure 4800 is similar to the primary
magazine receiving enclosure 1710 (FIG. 1) and thus may include
gaps therebetween provided the second primary magazine receiving
enclosure 4800 allows the secondary magazine adapter 200 to
cooperate with the primary magazine well 1430 (FIG. 1B) to
selectively couple and decouple the secondary magazine adapter 400
to the primary magazine well 1430 (FIG. 1B).
[0100] In at least one example, the inner surfaces 4562A, 4564A,
4566A, 4568A define a complete secondary magazine receiving
enclosure 4800. Further, the partial magazine enclosure 1700 (FIG.
1B) may be completed by the first portion 4510 of the secondary
magwell adapter housing 4500 and/or the secondary magazine catch
body 4100 (both best seen in FIG. 4A).
[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, an interior profile of the
secondary magwell adapter housing 4500 forms a secondary magazine
enclosure 4810 thereby defining a secondary-type magazine well
opening 4600 having a shape corresponding to secondary-type
magazines 5500 (FIG. 5) to thereby allow secondary-type magazines
5000 (FIG. 5) to be coupled to the secondary magazine adapter 400
and thus to the firearm. Such a secondary magazine receiving
enclosure 4810 may include gaps therebetween provided the secondary
magazine receiving enclosure 4810 allows the secondary magazine
adapter 400 to cooperate with the primary magazine well 1430 (FIG.
4B) to selectively couple and decouple a secondary-type magazine,
such as magazine 5500 (FIG. 5A) to the firearm 100 (FIG. 5B).
[0102] As shown in FIG. 4B, the secondary magazine enclosure 4810
includes inner surfaces 4564A, 4566A of the first and second side
portions 4564, 4566, which together define the secondary magazine
well opening 4600. The secondary magazine well opening 4600
corresponds closely to the length of sidewalls 5520, 5525 of the
magazine 5500 (a secondary-type magazine, FIG. 5B) to allow a close
sliding fit or even a slight interference fit. Similarly, the width
of the inner surfaces 4562A, 4568A of front portion 4562 and the
rear portion 4568 defining the primary magazine well opening 2600
(FIG. 2B) correspond closely to the width of the front and rear
portions 5530, 5540 of the magazine 5500 (FIG. 5B) to allow the
close sliding fit or slight interference fit between the magazine
5500 (FIG. 5B) and the secondary magwell adapter housing 4500.
Accordingly, the inner shape of the secondary magwell adapter
housing 4500 defining the secondary magazine well opening 4600)
corresponds closely to the outer shape of the magazine 5500 (FIG.
5B).
[0103] As shown in FIG. 4B, the secondary magazine enclosure 4810
includes inner surfaces 4564A, 4566A of the first and second side
portions 4564, 4566, which together define the secondary magazine
well opening 4600. The secondary magazine well opening 4600
corresponds closely to the length of sidewalls 5520, 5525 of the
magazine 5500 (a secondary-type magazine, FIG. 5B) to allow a close
sliding fit or even a slight interference fit. Similarly, the width
of the inner surfaces 4562A, 4568A of front portion 4562 and the
rear portion 4568 defining the primary magazine well opening 2600
(FIG. 2B) correspond closely to the width of the front and rear
portions 5530, 5540 of the magazine 5500 (FIG. 5B) to allow the
close sliding fit or slight interference fit between the magazine
5500 (FIG. 5B) and the secondary magwell adapter housing 4500.
Accordingly, the inner shape of the secondary magwell adapter
housing 4500 defining the secondary magazine well opening 4600)
corresponds closely to the outer shape of the magazine 5500 (FIG.
5B).
[0104] In such an example, the secondary magazine adapter 400 is
configured to accept secondary magazine types, such as magazine
5500. The secondary magazine adapter 400 may be configured to
accept any types of magazines, such as SR25, 7.62.times.39,
5.56.times.45/.223 Rem., 6.8SPC, 5.45.times.39, 300 Blackout, or
any other type of magazines that are smaller than or equal to
primary-type magazines (such as magazine 1500) with respect to
width and length.
[0105] It will be appreciated that larger or smaller types of
primary magazine wells and thus magazines are also contemplated by
this disclosure and thus any types of magazine adapters and
magazines are also contemplated.
[0106] Firearms are provided herein having at least one magazine
adapter that will be described in more detail below and may include
a magazine retention/release assembly that utilizes a plurality of
magazine release mechanisms. Firearms may also accept multiple
magazine adapters, which allows the firearm to use multiple
calibers and to readily switch between calibers while using the
same controls (such as the same trigger and magazine
retention/release assembly) in the same configuration, which may
make the firearm readily adaptable according to operator
preferences or requirements with minimal additional training.
Further, as will be discussed in more detail herein, multiple
magazine release mechanisms may allow the operator to leverage
training on other systems as one of the magazine retention/release
mechanisms may be at a familiar location relative to the trigger
and/or other components, such as the grip.
[0107] As used herein, forward means toward the muzzle of the rifle
while rearward means toward the buttstock or away from the muzzle
of the rifle. Default orientation of firearms are referenced to
positions of the firearm when barrel is generally parallel to the
ground or other horizontal planar support and a central plane
passing through the firearm is generally vertical relative to the
supports described. The term "upper" refers to those components
most distal the ground or other generally planar, horizontal
support when thus oriented while lower refers to those components
more proximal the ground or other horizontal support. Such an
orientation is for reference and does not constrain operation of
the firearm.
[0108] The parts and components described herein may be formed of
any suitable method using any suitable material. Suitable materials
include, without limitation, plastics, composites, metallic
materials and alloys. Suitable methods include, without limitation,
3D printing, machining, casting, molding, and other processes.
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