U.S. patent application number 15/050249 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-25 for loaded magazine simulator.
The applicant listed for this patent is David Alan Schulz. Invention is credited to David Alan Schulz.
Application Number | 20160245610 15/050249 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56690333 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160245610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schulz; David Alan |
August 25, 2016 |
Loaded Magazine Simulator
Abstract
A loaded magazine simulator has a channel, a bottom feature; a
top feature; and at least one lower edge. The channel is configured
to allow a slide of a firearm to move without causing the loaded
magazine simulator to be ejected from a firearm. In some
embodiments, the loaded magazine simulator can be loaded into a
traditional magazine. The weight, length, and/or height of the
loaded magazine simulator are selected to simulate the weight,
length and/or height of a live round. In some embodiments the lower
edge prevents the loaded magazine simulator from rotating and/or
ejecting from the firearm. In other or the same embodiments, the
lower edge orients the loaded magazine simulator in a magazine. In
some embodiments, multiple loaded magazine simulators can be
stacked in a magazine. The loaded magazine simulator can be made of
a variety of materials, including zinc.
Inventors: |
Schulz; David Alan;
(Yorkville, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schulz; David Alan |
Yorkville |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56690333 |
Appl. No.: |
15/050249 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62118680 |
Feb 20, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 9/65 20130101; F41A
33/00 20130101; F41A 17/44 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 33/00 20060101
F41A033/00 |
Claims
1. A loaded magazine simulator comprising: a. a channel; wherein
said channel is defined by a first top edge and a second top edge;
b. a bottom feature; c. a lip; and d. at least one lower edge.
2. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 1 wherein said channel is
configured to allow a slide of a firearm to move without causing
said loaded magazine simulator to be ejected from said firearm.
3. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 1 wherein said loaded
magazine simulator is configured to be loaded into a magazine.
4. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 1 wherein said lower edge
is configured to prevent said loaded magazine simulator from
rotating.
5. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 1 wherein said lower edge
is configured to orient said loaded magazine simulator in a
magazine.
6. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 1 wherein said loaded
magazine simulator is configured to stack with a second loaded
magazine simulator in a magazine.
7. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 1 wherein the weight of
said loaded magazine simulator is substantially equivalent to that
of the live round said loaded magazine simulator is configured to
replace.
8. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 1 wherein said lip is
configured to aid in removing said loaded magazine simulator from a
magazine.
9. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 1 wherein the length of
said loaded magazine simulator is substantially equivalent to the
length of the live round said loaded magazine simulator is
configured to replace.
10. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 9 wherein the width of
said loaded magazine simulator is substantially equivalent to the
width of the live round said loaded magazine simulator is
configured to replace.
11. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 1 wherein said loaded
magazine simulator is made of zinc.
12. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 1 wherein said loaded
magazine simulator further comprises: e. a notch configured to
accommodate a slide lock.
13. The loaded magazine simulator of claim 1 wherein said loaded
magazine simulator further comprising: e. a grip surface.
14. An apparatus comprising: a. loaded magazine simulator
comprising: i. a channel; wherein said channel is defined by a
first top edge and a second top edge; ii. a bottom feature; iii. a
lip; and iv. at least one lower edge; b. a chamber plug.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said chamber plug comprises a
flag end.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said chamber plug comprises:
i. a flag end; and ii. a chambered end.
17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said chamber plug is made of
rubber.
18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said chamber plug is orange.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority from U.S.
provisional application No. 62/118,680 filed on Feb. 20, 2015
entitled "Loaded Magazine Simulator". The 62/118,680 application is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to firearm training systems
and methods and, more particularly, to devices for simulating a
loaded magazine for a firearm.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A magazine is a device for storing ammunition for a firearm
and for feeding ammunition to a fully automatic or semi-automatic
firearm. The magazine can be detachable from the firearm or
integral to the firearm. The magazine can move ammunition rounds
stored in the magazine into a position where they can be loaded
into a chamber by the action of the firearm.
[0004] Firearm training requires a safe and efficient way to
practice dry fire, malfunction clearing and emergency reloads. For
dry fire drills with the magazine in place, an operator needs to
rack the slide to reset the action without the slide or the bolt
locking back. For malfunction clearing drills with the magazine in
place, the operator needs to a) rack the slide to reset the action,
and b) simulate loading a round into the chamber, without the slide
or the bolt locking back.
[0005] One approach to the drills described above is to use one or
more dummy rounds. A dummy round is a device that can be loaded in
a conventional fully automatic or semi-automatic weapon, and
configured in the same way as a standard round of live ammunition.
The dummy is typically loaded, chambered and ejected from the
firearm in the standard way.
[0006] A disadvantage of using dummy rounds is that the rounds must
be loaded before dry firing and the ejected rounds must be
retrieved after dry firing. In addition, there is a possibility
that an operator can load and fire a live round by mistake. It is
desirable that the operator can practice the drills without using
dummy rounds and with no possibility of inadvertently loading a
live round.
[0007] Another approach to the drills described above is to replace
a loaded magazine in a gun having a magazine chamber with an inert
magazine, the inert magazine resembling the loaded magazine in its
size, shape and weight.
[0008] Yet another approach to the drills described above is to use
a device that can be loaded in a magazine that allows the slide to
operate without being locked back by the follower. When loaded, the
device can position the follower such that the follower is unable
to engage the slide stop. The device can have a low profile which
allows the slide to pass over it without the device being ejected
from the magazine.
[0009] One disadvantage of existing devices is that they can rotate
in the magazine, thereby obstructing the slide.
[0010] Another disadvantage is that only one device can be loaded
into the magazine at a time. It is desirable that a firearm
training device simulate the weight of a loaded magazine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A loaded magazine simulator includes: a channel wherein the
channel is defined by a first top edge and a second top edge; a
bottom feature; a lip; and at least one lower edge. The channel is
configured to allow a slide of a firearm to move without causing
the loaded magazine simulator, which is configured to be loaded
into a magazine, to be ejected from the firearm.
[0012] In some embodiments, the lower edge is configured to prevent
the loaded magazine simulator from rotating and/or to orient the
loaded magazine simulator in the magazine.
[0013] In some embodiments the loaded magazine simulator is
configured to stack with a second loaded magazine simulator in a
magazine.
[0014] In some embodiments the weight, length, and/or height of the
loaded magazine simulator is substantially equivalent to that of
the live round the loaded magazine simulator is configured to
replace.
[0015] In some embodiments the lip is configured to aid in removing
the loaded magazine simulator from the magazine.
[0016] The loaded magazine simulator can be made of a variety of
materials including zinc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of
a loaded magazine simulator.
[0018] FIG. 1B is a side view of the loaded magazine simulator of
FIG. 1A.
[0019] FIG. 1C is a plan view of the loaded magazine simulator of
FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 1D is an end view of the loaded magazine simulator of
FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 2A a perspective view illustrating another embodiment
of a loaded magazine simulator.
[0022] FIG. 2B is a side view of the loaded magazine simulator of
FIG. 2A.
[0023] FIG. 2C is a plan view of the loaded magazine simulator of
FIG. 2A.
[0024] FIG. 2D is an end view of the loaded magazine simulator of
FIG. 2A.
[0025] FIG. 3A a perspective view illustrating another embodiment
of a loaded magazine simulator.
[0026] FIG. 3B is a side view of the loaded magazine simulator of
FIG. 3A.
[0027] FIG. 3C is a plan view of the loaded magazine simulator of
FIG. 3A.
[0028] FIG. 3D is an end view of the loaded magazine simulator of
FIG. 3A.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a
stack of loaded magazine simulators.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for preparing a
loaded magazine simulator for firearm practice.
[0031] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a loaded magazine simulator
and a magazine.
[0032] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the loaded magazine
simulator of FIG. 6A placed in the magazine of FIG. 6A.
[0033] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a firearm with the slide
locked back and an empty magazine.
[0034] FIG. 7B is perspective view of the firearm of FIG. 7A with
the slide locked back and a loaded magazine simulator in the
magazine.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a
chamber plug.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a cutaway side view illustrating a chamber plug
being used in a firearm.
DEFINITIONS
[0037] As used herein the term "firearm" is intended to mean a
fully automatic or semi-automatic weapon. The term "operator" is
used to mean the person handling the weapon and the user of the
loaded magazine simulator.
Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments
[0038] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of
a loaded magazine simulator 100. Loaded magazine simulator 100
includes channel 110, two top edges 120 and 125, two lower edges
130 (see FIG. 1D) and 135, bottom feature 140 and lip 150.
[0039] Channel 110 allows the slide to move without causing loaded
magazine simulator 100 to be ejected from the firearm.
[0040] Loaded magazine simulator 100 can be loaded into a magazine
(not shown in FIG. 1A). Top edges 120 and 125 prevent, or at least
reduce the chance of, loaded magazine simulator 100 from coining
out of the top of the magazine.
[0041] Lower edges 130 and 135 can be used to orient loaded
magazine simulator 100 in the magazine, and to prevent, or at least
reduce the chance of, loaded magazine simulator 100 from rotating
and coining out of the magazine.
[0042] Bottom feature 140 can facilitate the stacking of two or
more loaded magazine simulators in the magazine. A stack of two or
more loaded magazine simulators is illustrated in FIG. 4 (see
description below), and can be used to simulate the weight of live
rounds in the magazine. Bottom feature 140 can also assist in
retaining loaded magazine simulator 100 in the magazine.
[0043] Lip 150 can be used to assist in removing loaded magazine
simulator 100 from the magazine. Lip 150 also simulates the front
of a bullet to allow for proper indexing of the magazine in and out
of the firearm. In some embodiments, lip 150 can be made or encased
in a material, such as rubber, that increases traction.
[0044] FIG. 1B is a side view of loaded magazine simulator 100 of
FIG. 1A. As described with reference to FIG. 1A, loaded magazine
simulator 100 includes top edge 125, lower edge 135, bottom feature
140 and lip 150.
[0045] Length L of loaded magazine simulator 100 can be selected to
match the length of a live round that a firearm is configured to
fire. Length L of loaded magazine simulator 100 can be selected to
fit the magazine and to allow an operator of the firearm to fully
rack the slide to reset the action (trigger) without the slide or
bolt locking back or the loaded magazine simulator being ejected
from the firearm.
[0046] Height H of loaded magazine simulator 100 can be selected to
fit the magazine. Height H of loaded magazine simulator 100 can be
selected to prevent, or at least reduce, rotation of loaded
magazine simulator 100 in the magazine. Height H of loaded magazine
simulator 100 can be selected to prevent, or at least reduce, the
follower from engaging the slide lock.
[0047] FIG. 1C is a plan view of loaded magazine simulator 100 of
FIG. 1A. As described with reference to FIG. 1A, loaded magazine
simulator 100 includes channel 110, and two top edges 120 and
125.
[0048] FIG. 1D is an end view of loaded magazine simulator 100 of
FIG. 1A. As described with reference to FIG. 1A, loaded magazine
simulator 100 includes channel 110, two top edges 120 and 125, two
lower edges 130 and 135, bottom feature 140 and lip 150.
[0049] FIG. 2A-2D illustrate another embodiment of a loaded
magazine simulator 200. Loaded magazine simulator 200 includes
channel 210, two top edges 220 and 225, two lower edges 230 (see
FIG. 2D) and 235, bottom feature 240 and lip 250. In certain
embodiments, notch 280 is a relief that accommodates a slide lock
lever of a firearm.
[0050] FIG. 3A-3D illustrate another embodiment of loaded magazine
simulator 300. Loaded magazine simulator 300 includes channel 310,
two top edges 320 and 325, and two lower edges 330 (see FIG. 2D)
and 335. Grip surface 390 assists in removal of loaded magazine
simulator 300 from a magazine. In some embodiments, grip surface
390 is recessed into loaded magazine simulator 300.
[0051] Loaded magazine simulator 300 is configured to work with
0.223 and 5.56 magazines. In the shown embodiment, loaded magazine
simulator weighs approximately the same as two live rounds of
ammunition and occupies approximately the space of two live rounds.
Height H' is determined by the size of the firearm's ejection port.
This allows loaded magazine simulator 300 to simulate a spent
casing trapped in the ejection port.
[0052] In some embodiments loaded magazine simulator 300 includes
identifier 360. Identifier 360 can indicate what type of ammunition
loaded magazine simulator 300 is meant to replace. In some
embodiments, identifier 360 is recessed into loaded magazine
simulator 300 so as to not interfere with the operation of the
firearm. In other embodiments, identifier 360 is a sticker. In some
embodiments, identifier 360 is printed directly onto loaded
magazine simulator 300.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a
stack of loaded magazine simulators such as the loaded magazine
simulator of FIG. 1A. Two or more loaded magazine simulators can be
stacked, one on top of another. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the
stack includes four loaded magazine simulators 100A through
100D.
Construction of the Loaded Magazine Simulator
[0054] The loaded magazine simulators 100, 200, and/or 300 can be
made of various sufficiently durable materials. The material can be
selected to be hard enough not to fail under use, yet softer than
the material used to construct the magazine and the firearm. When
made from material selected accordingly to the latter criterion,
the loaded magazine simulator will be less likely to cause damage
to the magazine or the firearm. Ideally, the material should be
selected such that the loaded magazine simulator is sufficiently
heavy to simulate the weight of a live round.
[0055] One suitable material for the loaded magazine simulator is a
soft, non-ferrous metal. In one embodiment, the loaded magazine
simulator is made of zinc.
[0056] Other suitable materials can include: [0057] Plastic
(including suitable acrylic, hard rubber or epoxy) [0058] Tin or
tin alloy (such as pewter) [0059] Zinc or zinc alloy [0060] Copper
or copper alloy [0061] Lead or lead alloy
[0062] In another embodiment, the loaded magazine simulator can
include a plastic shell with a heavy core or ballast. The heavy
core can include a sufficiently heavy material (such as the
materials listed above). In some embodiments, ballast material can
be added or removed, or otherwise changed, for example to simulate
the weight of a live round.
[0063] In one embodiment, the loaded magazine simulator can be
manufactured by casting, that is, by pouring molten metal or a
liquid resin into a mold. In other embodiments, the loaded magazine
simulator can be manufactured by machining, forging, printing or
any other suitable manufacturing process.
Operation of a Firearm with the Loaded Magazine Simulator
[0064] In certain embodiments, for dry practice (dry fire), a
chamber plug, such as the one described below, or another object
that substantially obstructs the chamber so that a live round
cannot be chambered and is intended to remain in the chamber while
the slide or bolt moves through its normal range, can be inserted
into the barrel from the ejection port or chamber end.
[0065] For dry practice (dry fire), a magazine containing one or
more loaded magazine simulators can be loaded into the firearm. The
operator can fully rack the slide to reset the action (trigger)
without the slide or bolt locking back or the loaded magazine
simulator being ejected from the firearm.
[0066] For practicing type 1 and type 2 malfunction clearing, a
magazine containing one or more loaded magazine simulators can be
loaded into the firearm. The operator can fully rack the slide to
reset the action (trigger) and can simulate loading a round into
the chamber without the slide or bolt locking back or the loaded
magazine simulator from being ejected from the firearm.
[0067] For practicing type 3 malfunction clearing, the operator can
insert a magazine containing one or more loaded magazine simulators
into the firearm, and then fully rack the slide to simulate loading
a round into the chamber without the slide or bolt locking back or
the loaded magazine simulator being ejected from the firearm.
[0068] For practicing emergency reloads, the operator can a)
release the slide and b) to simulate loading a round into the
chamber.
Preparing a Firearm for Practice Using the Loaded Magazine
Simulator
[0069] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating method 500 for preparing
an unloaded firearm for firearm practice by loading one or more
loaded magazine simulators, such as the loaded magazine simulator
of FIG. 1A.
[0070] At 510, a loaded magazine simulator (such as the loaded
magazine simulator of FIG. 1A) is loaded into a magazine. In
certain embodiments a chamber plug is inserted into the barrel of
the firearm.
[0071] At 520, an operator of the firearm decides whether to load
another loaded magazine simulator into the magazine. If yes, then
method 500 proceeds to 510. If no, then method 500 proceeds to
530.
[0072] At 530, the operator loads the magazine comprising one or
more loaded magazine simulators into the unloaded firearm.
[0073] At 540, the operator begins firearm practice with the loaded
firearm comprising the magazine and one or more magazine
simulators.
[0074] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of loaded magazine simulator
610 and magazine 620 in which loaded magazine simulator is not
placed in magazine 620.
[0075] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of loaded magazine simulator
610 and magazine 620 in which loaded magazine simulator is placed
in magazine 620.
[0076] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of firearm 710 with the slide
locked back and empty magazine 720.
[0077] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of firearm 710 of FIG. 7A with
the slide locked back and loaded magazine simulator 715 in magazine
720.
[0078] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of chamber plug 800. Chamber
plug 800 includes flag end 840 and chamber end 850. Chamber plug
800 is inserted into the barrel of firearm 810 from the chamber
side with flag end 840 sticking out the muzzle end of firearm
810.
[0079] In at least some embodiments, chamber plug 800 is extracted
without working the slide and/or bolt of a firearm.
[0080] Chamber plug 800 serves two purposes. Chamber plug 800 acts
as a safety feature. It reduces the likelihood of chambering a live
round during dry practice. It addition, flag end 840 sticks out the
muzzle of firearm 810 to provide a visible indicator of the
condition of firearm 810. In addition, flag end 840 doubles as a
handle to seat chamber plug 800 in position and to remove it from
firearm 810.
[0081] Chamber plug 800 can be made of a variety of materials,
including, but not limited to acrylics, rubbers and/or epoxies. In
some embodiments, chamber plug 800, or at least a part of chamber
plug 800 is a visually enhancing color, such as but not limited to,
orange, yellow, or green. In some embodiments, chamber plug 800, or
at least a part of chamber plug 800, contains a visually enhancing
pattern. In one embodiment, flag end 840 is red-and-white striped
and chamber end 850 is blue.
[0082] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of firearm 810 with chamber
plug 800 of FIG. 8 being utilized. Loaded magazine simulator 815 is
shown in the magazine.
Benefits of the Loaded Magazine Simulator
[0083] The loaded magazine simulator can be loaded into a magazine
in the same way as a live round. One or more loaded magazine
simulators can be loaded into an empty magazine. The number of
loaded magazine simulators loaded into an empty magazine can be
selected to simulate the weight of a magazine containing live
rounds.
[0084] A firearm empty of live rounds and loaded with a magazine
containing one or more loaded magazine simulators can behave in a
similar manner as a firearm loaded with a magazine containing live
rounds, with the following exceptions: a) the firearm will not
fire, b) the loaded magazine simulator will not be loaded into the
chamber, and c) the loaded magazine simulator will not be ejected
when the slide or bolt is manipulated.
[0085] As described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, the loaded
magazine simulator can be configured not to rotate sufficiently in
the magazine to cause the loaded magazine simulator to come out the
top of the magazine. The loaded magazine simulator can be
configured to be loaded or unloaded in the same way as a live
round. The loaded magazine simulator can be configured to remain in
the firearm during a practice session, and not be ejected during
operation of the firearm as described above.
[0086] The apparatus and methods described above can be applied in
a variety of situations related to firearms training and practice
including, but not limited to, the following: [0087] Firearms
instruction and training [0088] Dry fire practice [0089]
Malfunction practice [0090] Reloading practice
[0091] While particular elements, embodiments and applications of
the present invention have been shown and described, it will be
understood, that the invention is not limited thereto since
modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in
light of the foregoing teachings.
* * * * *