U.S. patent application number 14/945536 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-25 for safety magazine for firearms.
The applicant listed for this patent is CLIPFORT L.T.D BV. Invention is credited to Daniel BIRAN.
Application Number | 20170146309 14/945536 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58720705 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170146309 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BIRAN; Daniel |
May 25, 2017 |
SAFETY MAGAZINE FOR FIREARMS
Abstract
A safety magazine is compatible with a firearm that has a
magazine housing. The safety magazine comprises a top cover that
has a shape compatible with the magazine housing, a bottom cover
that covers a locking mechanism, and a top locking element that at
least partially accommodates inside the top cover. The locking
element is configured to allow locking the safety magazine to the
magazine housing. A method for locking a magazine to a firearm and
preventing accidental discharge is disclosed. The firearm has a
magazine housing. The method comprising providing a top cover, that
has a shape compatible with the magazine housing, providing a
bottom cover, covering a locking mechanism, providing a top locking
element, and inserting the top cover into the magazine housing,
wherein the locking element is configured to allow locking the
safety magazine to the magazine housing
Inventors: |
BIRAN; Daniel; (Ramat
Hasharon, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CLIPFORT L.T.D BV |
Amsterdam |
|
NL |
|
|
Family ID: |
58720705 |
Appl. No.: |
14/945536 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/066 20130101;
F41A 17/38 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 17/36 20060101
F41A017/36 |
Claims
1. A safety magazine compatible with a firearm having a magazine
housing, the safety magazine comprising: a top cover, having a
shape compatible with the magazine housing; a bottom cover,
covering a locking mechanism; and a top locking element, at least
partially accommodated inside the top cover, wherein the locking
element is configured to protrude from an opening in the magazine
and engage the magazine housing, to allow locking the safety
magazine to the magazine housing and to provide a physical barrier
that blocks the operation of the firearm, when the safety magazine
is in a locked mode.
2. The safety magazine according to claim 1, wherein the top cover
comprises a top portion that is configured to couple with the
magazine housing.
3. The safety magazine according to claim 1, further comprising a
dedicated space for accommodation of bullets.
4. The safety magazine according to claim 1, further comprising a
control element configured to allow switching between locked and
unlocked modes by a user.
5. The safety magazine according to claim 4, wherein the control
element comprises at least one biometric identification unit.
6. The safety magazine according to claim 5, further comprising a
mechanical identification override device.
7. The safety magazine according to claim 4, further comprising an
indicator to indicate if the safety magazine is inserted into the
magazine housing, said indicator is configured to disable the
operation of the control element when said safety magazine is not
inserted into said magazine housing.
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled).
10. The safety magazine according to claim 1, further comprising a
power storage unit.
11. The safety magazine according to claim 10, wherein the power
storage unit is connected to the bottom cover.
12. The safety magazine according to claim 1, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a cam.
13. The safety magazine according to claim 12, wherein the cam
comprises a tooth that is configured to engage the top locking
element.
14. The safety magazine according to claim 1, further comprising a
communication unit capable of receiving wireless data, and wherein
the operation of the locking mechanism corresponds to the received
data.
15. A method for locking a magazine to a firearm and preventing
accidental discharge, the firearm having a magazine housing, and
the method comprising: providing a top cover of the magazine,
having a shape compatible with the magazine housing; providing a
bottom cover of the magazine, covering a locking mechanism;
providing a top locking element of the magazine, at least partially
accommodated inside the top cover; and inserting the top cover of
the magazine into the magazine housing, wherein the locking element
is configured to protrude from an opening in the magazine and
engage the magazine housing, to allow locking the safety magazine
to the magazine housing and to provide a physical barrier that
blocks the operation of the firearm, when the safety magazine is in
a locked mode.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to firearms. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a safety magazine
for various firearms.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of
accidental, negligent or unauthorized discharge from various
firearms, and particularly handguns. Such incidents typically occur
when the trigger of the firearm is deliberately pulled for a
purpose other than shooting, such as dry-fire practice,
demonstration or function testing, but the ammunition is
unintentionally left in the chamber. Unintentionally leaving a
firearm loaded is more likely to occur when the individual handling
the gun is poorly trained, and perhaps also with
removable-magazine-fed firearms (as the magazine may be removed,
giving an unloaded appearance even when a round remains chambered).
Since most handguns are designed such that the magazine constantly
remains inside, thus keeping the handgun constantly loaded, such
accidental or otherwise undesired or unauthorized discharge is more
likely to occur.
[0003] A second common cause of negligent discharges is placement
by the gun-handler of his/her finger on the trigger before deciding
to shoot With the finger so positioned, many activities may cause
the finger to compress the trigger unintentionally. For example, if
one attempts to holster the firearm with finger on trigger, the
holster edge might drive the finger onto the trigger, and discharge
is likely.
[0004] Accidental discharges not involving a trigger-pull can also
occur if the firearm is mechanically unsound: due to poor
maintenance, abuse or the use of defective ammunition in the gun,
may all lead to breakage.
[0005] Furthermore, recently there has been a sharp increase in
misuse of firearms with unauthorized users firing (for fun or by
accident), and particularly youngsters using their parents'
firearms. Such incidents cause many injuries (and sometimes
fatalities) since there are no means to prevent other people from
using a gun of an authorized user.
[0006] It would, therefore, be advantageous to provide safety means
for firearms so as to prevent unintentional and/or unauthorized
firing
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a safety
magazine for a firearm.
[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
method for blocking a firearm and preventing accidental
discharge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a safety magazine compatible
with a firearm having a magazine housing, the safety magazine
comprising a top cover, having a shape compatible with the magazine
housing; a bottom cover, covering a locking mechanism; and a top
locking element, at least partially accommodated inside the top
cover, wherein the locking element is configured to allow locking
the safety magazine to the magazine housing.
[0010] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the top cover comprises a top portion that
is configured to couple with the magazine housing.
[0011] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the magazine further comprises a dedicated
space for accommodation of bullets.
[0012] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the magazine further comprises a control
element configured to allow switching between locked and unlocked
modes by a user.
[0013] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the control element comprises at least one
biometric identification unit.
[0014] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the magazine further comprises a mechanical
identification override device.
[0015] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the magazine further comprises a bottom
locking element.
[0016] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the top cover further comprises an opening
corresponding in size to the locking element so as to allow the
locking element to pass through the opening and engage the magazine
housing.
[0017] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the top cover engages the magazine cover so
as to block the operation of the firearm.
[0018] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the magazine further comprises a power
storage unit.
[0019] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the power storage unit is connected to the
bottom cover.
[0020] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the locking mechanism comprises a cam.
[0021] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the cam comprises a tooth that is configured
to engage the top locking element.
[0022] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the magazine further comprises a
communication unit capable of receiving wireless data, and wherein
the operation of the locking mechanism corresponds to the received
data.
[0023] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, a method for locking a magazine to a firearm
is provided, the firearm having a magazine housing, and the method
comprising providing a top cover, having a shape compatible with
the magazine housing; providing a bottom cover, covering a locking
mechanism; providing a top locking element, at least partially
accommodated inside the top cover; and inserting the top cover into
the magazine housing, wherein the locking element is configured to
allow locking the safety magazine to the magazine housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and
method of operation, together with objects, features, and
advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a frontal perspective view of a safety
magazine, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of the safety
magazine, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 1C illustrates a back perspective view of a top cover
of the safety magazine, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the safety
magazine, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 2A illustrate a frontal perspective view of the safety
magazine with the top cover removed, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2B illustrate a back perspective view of the safety
magazine with the top cover removed, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 3A illustrates a back perspective view of the safety
magazine with the first internal cover removed, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 3B illustrates a frontal perspective view of the safety
magazine with the second internal cover also removed, according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view of elements of the
safety mechanism of the safety magazine, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a cogwheel with a
cam, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of the safety
magazine inserted into a compatible firearm, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the safety
magazine inserted into the firearm, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.
Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be
repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0038] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1B, which illustrate a
safety magazine, generally designated 10, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A illustrates a frontal
perspective view of a safety magazine 10, and FIG. 1B illustrates a
back perspective view of the safety magazine 10.
[0039] The safety magazine 10 comprises a top cover 11 having a
structure compatible with commercially available magazines for
firearms, for instance having a shape corresponding to and adapted
to be inserted into a magazine housing of, for example, a Beretta
6-bullet handgun. The safety magazine 10 further comprises a bottom
cover 12 that at least partially covers the safety mechanism,
further described hereinafter. Optionally, the top cover 11 has a
top portion 15 that is configured to couple with the magazine
housing in a compatible firearm. It is appreciated that a top
locking element (or latch) 33 is designed to be capable of
protruding from an opening 13 in the top cover 11, whereby the
operation of the top locking element 33 is configured to allow
locking the safety magazine 10 to the magazine housing when locking
element 33 protrudes from the magazine 10, further described herein
after.
[0040] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1C-1D, which illustrate a
back perspective view of top cover 11 of the safety magazine 10 and
a cross-sectional view of the safety magazine 10 (respectively),
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It
should be noted that the shape and dimensions of the top cover 11
correspond to the shape and dimensions of a regular magazine
(respectively), such that only with the bottom elements the
difference from the commercially available magazines may be
seen.
[0041] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-2B, which illustrate
frontal and back perspective views (respectively) of the safety
magazine with the top cover 11 removed, generally designated 20,
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. With
the top cover 11 removed, the safety magazine 20 may further
comprise a first and second corresponding internal covers 21a, 21b
that are configured to protect the mechanical elements (for the
safety mechanism) within, while having a dedicated space 22 for
accommodation of bullets in the magazine. Thus, the safety magazine
20 may simultaneously provide standard operation of a magazine and
also provide the safety mechanism, further described hereinafter.
When the safety magazine 20 is enabled (i.e. in an unlocked mode),
the firearm may be immediately operated.
[0042] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-3B, which illustrate the
safety mechanism with the top cover 11 removed, generally
designated 30, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 3A illustrates a back perspective view of the
safety magazine with the first internal cover 21a removed, and FIG.
3B illustrates a frontal perspective view of the safety magazine
with the second internal cover 21b also removed.
[0043] The safety mechanism may include a power storage unit (e.g.,
a battery) 31, a top locking element (or latch) 33 capable of
locking onto the magazine housing once coupled, and a cam 32. The
power storage (e.g., a battery) 31 is configured to provide power
for the safety mechanism, so as to allow operation of the
mechanical elements. Optionally, the power storage 31 may be
further connected to a safety control element 35 that is embedded
into the bottom cover 12, so as to provide power to the control
element 35. Thus, the user may use the control element 35 in order
to control the safety magazine. For example, the user may switch
between locked and unlocked modes (e.g., by pressing a button) of
the safety magazine 10, using the control element 35. According to
some embodiments, control element 35 may be configured to enable
operation of the safety magazine only by authorized user(s). For
example, control element may comprise identity (ID) recognition
unit, e.g., ginger print reader (not shown), and storage of ID data
(not shown) for storing ID data of authorized users.
[0044] The cam 32 is a rotatable piece (typically in a mechanical
linkage) which is adapted to convert a rotary movement into a
reciprocating movement It may be a part of a rotating wheel (e.g.,
a simple tooth) or a shaft that strikes a lever (making contact
with the cam) or a follower at one or more points on its circular
path. The cam 32 is rotatable about an axis coinciding with the
center of a wheel, further described hereinafter.
[0045] It is appreciated that the bottom portion 36 of the top
locking element 33 is adjacent to the cam 32 and acts as a lever
once the cam 32 contacts the bottom portion 36 during rotation.
Therefore, when a locked mode is selected for the safety magazine
cam 32 may rotate (with electrical power from the power storage
31), and thus contact the bottom portion 36 such that the top
locking element 33 protrudes from the safety magazine cover 11 and
thereby engages the magazine housing of the firearm and locks
thereon
[0046] In order to unlock the locked magazine, the user may choose
an unlocked mode (e.g., using the control element 35) and thus move
the cam 32 so as to retract the top locking element 33 into the
magazine housing. It is appreciated that other elements may also be
involved in the locking mechanism. For example, a positioning rod
37 may keep the top locking element 33 on track while moving
between the two states: inner state in unlocked mode and an outer
state when the top locking element 33 protrudes from the magazine
and engages the magazine housing
[0047] In some embodiments, the safety magazine further comprises a
pivoted lever 38 that may be configured to sense whether the safety
magazine is inserted into the magazine housing, wherein the pivoted
lever 38 may provide indication whether the magazine has been
inserted into the magazine housing. For example, pivoted lever 38
may press (or release) a micro switch as the sensing means during
engagement with the magazine housing. Accordingly, pivoted lever 38
enables (or disables) the controlled features of the control
element 35 once the safety magazine is inserted into (or removed
from) the magazine housing.
[0048] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4B, which illustrate the
cam 32, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded partial view of the
mechanism of the safety magazine with the cam 32 at the center, and
FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the cam 32.
[0049] The cam 32 is mechanically engaged and positioned coaxially
with cam wheel 41, and may further have a cam tooth 42 that is
configured to engage the bottom portion 36 (for instance as shown
in FIG. 3B) of locking element 33. By rotation of the cam 32, the
tooth 42 engages locking element 33, such that the rotational
movement of wheel 41 is converted into reciprocating movement, for
example of locking element 33.
[0050] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-5B, which illustrate the
safety magazine 10 inserted into a compatible firearm, generally
designated 50, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of the safety
magazine 10 inserted into a compatible firearm 50, and FIG. 5B
illustrates a cross-sectional view of the same.
[0051] It should be noted that the safety magazine 10 may be
operated both as a regular magazine, storing bullets at the
dedicated space 22, such that the firearm 50 can be used in the
regular fashion, as well as be operated as a safety magazine that
prevents unwanted (or unauthorized) use of the firearm 50, when in
Locked mode.
[0052] In some embodiments, the safety magazine 10 is provided in a
locked state (e.g. initially locked by the user) such that, once
the safety magazine 10 is inserted into the firearm 50, the safety
magazine 10 is locked to the magazine housing (inside the firearm
50) until an authorized user with a dedicated key removes the lock.
For example, the user may use a physical key (such as an electronic
chip configured for the particular user) in order to unlock the
safety magazine 10.
[0053] In some embodiments, the safety magazine 10 is provided with
a physical barrier at the top portion 15 (for instance as shown in
FIGS. 1A-1B) that may block or otherwise prevent operation of the
firearm even if a bullet is positioned near the barrel, thereby
providing safety.
[0054] In some embodiments, the safety magazine 10 may be provided
with a biometric identification unit embedded into the bottom cover
such that the safety magazine 10 may be setup to identify a
predetermined list of authorized users, and thereby preventing
unauthorized users from using the firearm. Optionally, the safety
magazine 10 is also provided with a mechanical override (e.g., a
physical key) to override the biometric ID unit when faulty or when
the power storage runs out.
[0055] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may further
comprise a communication unit capable of receiving wireless data
(e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, or cellular networks). The
communication unit may therefore allow a user to set conditions for
the safety magazine to become unlocked. For example, once the
safety magazine detects data that it is inside an authorized area
(for instance from GPS data), then the locking is removed and the
firearm may be used.
[0056] Alternatively, a dedicated signal may be wirelessly received
by the safety magazine such that a user may select that in a
particular time the locking is removed, no matter who operates the
firearm. For example, a training officer at the police academy may
wirelessly remove the locking from multiple firearms that are
scheduled for practice.
[0057] It will be appreciated that the present invention is not
limited by what has been described hereinabove and that numerous
modifications, all of which fall within the scope of the present
invention, exist For example, while the present invention has been
described with respect to aircrafts and helicopters, the same may
apply to other vehicles experiencing the dynamic rollover
phenomenon.
[0058] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly
shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention
is defined by the claims which follow:
* * * * *