U.S. patent application number 15/174185 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-07 for magazine device for a firearm.
The applicant listed for this patent is Anthony Stamper. Invention is credited to Anthony Stamper.
Application Number | 20170350666 15/174185 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60482739 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170350666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stamper; Anthony |
December 7, 2017 |
MAGAZINE DEVICE FOR A FIREARM
Abstract
A magazine device for a firearm is disclosed herein. The
magazine device comprises a generally curved elongate casing, a
spring-loaded follower frame, a lighting element, and a multiple
transparent windows. The follower frame is configured to traverse
from a lower end of the casing to an upper end of the casing in
predetermined positions according to the depletion of ammunition
positioned on each follower frame. The lighting element is housed
proximal to a rear section of the follower frame, where the
lighting element is configured to illuminate the vicinity of the
follower frame. The transparent windows are positioned on the
casing, in alignment with the predetermined positions of the
follower frame, where the transparent windows are configured to
display the level and number of ammunition left in the follower
frame after a firing process.
Inventors: |
Stamper; Anthony; (las
Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stamper; Anthony |
las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60482739 |
Appl. No.: |
15/174185 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 9/65 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 9/65 20060101
F41A009/65 |
Claims
1. A magazine device for a firearm, comprising: a generally curved
elongate casing; a spring loaded follower frame configured to
traverse from a lower end of the casing to an upper end of the
casing in predetermined positions according to the depletion of
ammunition positioned on each follower frame; a lighting element
housed proximal to a rear section of the follower frame, wherein
the lighting element is configured to illuminate the vicinity of
the follower frame; a plurality of transparent windows positioned
on the casing, in alignment with the predetermined positions of the
follower frame, wherein the transparent windows are configured to
display the level and number of ammunition left in the follower
frame after a firing process.
2. The magazine device of claim 1, further comprising a base plate
positioned at a lower end of the casing, wherein the base plate
ensures that the casing is flat to a ground level, wherein a user
is allowed to position the firearm flat on the ground to support
the firearm on ground.
3. The magazine device of claim 2, wherein the casing comprises an
internal groove positioned at the lower end of the casing, to
attach the base plate to the casing.
4. The magazine device of claim 1, wherein the lighting element is
positioned in a capsule member housed in the rear section of the
follower frame, wherein the capsule member comprises openings to
display the light emitted from the lighting element.
5. The magazine device of claim 4, further comprising a light
diffuser element positioned within the capsule member proximal to
the lighting element, wherein the light diffuser element is
configured to evenly spread the light emitted from the lighting
element.
6. The magazine device of claim 1, further comprising an engraved
portion positioned on the surface of the elongate casing, wherein
the engraved portion is configured to be colored by a user to
represent one or combination of alphabets and numbers.
7. The magazine device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
transparent windows comprise pairs of transparent windows
positioned adjacent to each other, and arranged in a series from
the upper end to the lower end of the casing, one of each pair of
the transparent windows comprise: a slit window configured to
display the lighting element, thereby displaying the level of
ammunition left in the follower frame after a firing; and a
circular window positioned adjacently below the slit window,
wherein the circular window is configured to display the number of
ammunition left in the magazine device after the firing.
8. The magazine device of claim 7, further comprising light filters
in contact with the lighting element configured to block specific
light bands, and change the intensity and color of the circular
window, and the appearance of the high slit window.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to magazines used in firearms.
More specifically the present invention relates to an improved
magazine with an ammunition indication system for indicating the
used or remaining number of rounds in the magazine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the art of firearms, ammunition magazines are very
popular. The basic construction of the ammunition magazine is a
restraint shell with dual open ends. One of the ends is considered
as the floor end of the magazine and is protected by a base plate
while the opposing end of the dual ends is functional as the feeder
end. Here, the feeder end is in alignment with the axis of the
firearm. Inside the space provided by the protective shell and
plate, is a spring and follower assembly, where the spring is used
to move the follower along a predefined track in an upward
direction from the floor end of the magazine according to the
depletion of ammunition during a firing cycle. That is, when
ammunition is loaded into the magazine, the ammunition plunges the
follower down towards the floor end and therefore compresses the
spring. During the firing process from the firearm, when one
cartridge of ammunition is consumed, the compressed spring is
relieved to a certain extent, and this pushes the follower and the
linked ammunition upwards toward the feeder end. By this, the next
round of ammunition is thus made ready for firing.
[0003] However, most of the conventional magazines have several
drawbacks. In one of such conventional magazines, the guide rails
within the magazine are designed to interface with the follower
component, which makes the operation complicated. In this case,
there are chances for the ammunition to be misaligned since the
focus is more on interfacing of the guide rails with the follower
rather than proper positioning of the ammunition. In another case,
an ammunition indication system, which indicates the depleted level
of ammunition in the magazine, is comprised of at least one window
with a noticeable marker on the follower spring. When the marker is
on the follower spring, it becomes difficult for a user to see the
marker properly. In addition, identifying the amount of ammunition
based on the marker would be inaccurate. In another instance, the
follower and magazine casing are designed to interface to prevent
the follower from popping out of the magazine. Here also, the focus
is not on the safe positioning of the ammunition but on the
positioning of the follower within the magazine, which makes such
magazines less efficient in indicating ammunition.
[0004] In most of the conventional magazines, the slide locking
floor plate of the magazine goes around the outside lower end of
the magazine, and covers the magazine at the lower end, which
causes protrusions to the outer surface of the magazine. That is,
such magazines comprising such conventional floor plate, has
essentially a 1/4 inches of lip that wraps around the base of the
magazine. Thus, when a user is using such magazines, these lips
tend to interfere while handling the magazine or while they are
stacked together during storage. Magazines without a streamlined
profile interfere with each other when retrieving a magazine from
the magazine pouch. Further, such design modifications can also
bulk up the size of the magazine as well which makes it less
desirable to be used with a variety of firearms. Most conventional
magazines comprise electronic components, which display parameters,
such as, the level of ammunition, number of ammunition, etc. means
it requires some sort of battery power. There is a need for a
magazine apparatus, which can address and resolve the
above-mentioned problems and disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A magazine device for a firearm is disclosed herein. The
magazine device comprises a generally curved elongate casing, a
spring-loaded follower frame, a lighting element and multiple
transparent windows. The lighting element will be used along with
light reflecting elements such as reflective coatings, fiber
optics, etc., to achieve the desired effect. The follower frame is
configured to traverse from a lower end of the casing to an upper
end of the casing in predetermined positions according to the
depletion of ammunition positioned on each follower frame. The
lighting element is housed proximal to a rear section of the
follower frame, where the lighting element is configured to
illuminate the vicinity of the follower frame. The transparent
windows are positioned on the casing, in alignment with the
predetermined positions of the follower frame, where the
transparent windows are configured to display the level and number
of ammunition left in the follower frame after a firing
process.
[0006] In an embodiment, the magazine device further comprises a
base plate positioned at a lower end of the casing, where the base
plate ensures that the casing is flat to a ground level. Therefore,
a user is allowed to position the firearm flat on the ground to
support the firearm on ground. In an embodiment, the casing
comprises an internal groove positioned at the lower end of the
casing to attach the base plate to the casing. In an embodiment,
the lighting element is positioned in a capsule member housed in
the rear section of the follower frame, where the capsule member
comprises openings to display the light emitted from the lighting
element. In an embodiment, the magazine device further comprises a
light diffuser element positioned within the capsule member
proximal to the lighting element, where the light diffuser element
is configured to evenly spread the light emitted from the lighting
element. The base plate also features "tread" to grip surface, and
the fact that it is longer than traditional base plates, renders
the "base plate retainer" piece from being accidentally pressed
causing the magazine to come apart. User needs to use a screwdriver
or a 5.56 round to depress the base plate retainer button.
[0007] In an embodiment, the magazine device further comprises an
engraved portion positioned on the surface of the elongate casing,
where the engraved portion is configured to be colored by a user to
represent one or combination of alphabets and numbers. Additionally
these engraved portions were strategically placed near the bottom
of the magazine for grip and control when retrieving the magazine
from the magazine pouch since most users place their magazines with
the ejection end facing down inside a magazine holster or pouch. In
an embodiment, the transparent windows comprise pairs of
transparent windows positioned adjacent to each other, and arranged
in a series from the upper end to the lower end of the casing. One
of each pair of the transparent windows comprise a slit window and
a circular window. The slit window is configured to display the
lighting element, thereby displaying the level of ammunition left
in the follower frame after a firing. The circular window is
positioned adjacently below the slit window, where the circular
window is configured to display the number of ammunition left in
the magazine device after the firing. In an embodiment, the
magazine device further comprises light filters in contact with the
lighting element configured to block specific light bands, and
change the intensity and color of the circular window, and the
appearance of the high slit window.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1A exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of
the magazine device.
[0009] FIG. 1B exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the
portion marked A in FIG. 1A, showing the engraved portion
positioned on the casing.
[0010] FIG. 1C exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the
portion marked B in FIG. 1A, showing the circular window of the
transparent windows.
[0011] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the
portion marked C in FIG. 1A, showing the lighting element
positioned within the casing.
[0012] FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the
capsule member, which houses the lighting element.
[0013] FIG. 4A exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of
the follower frame, which houses the lighting element at a rear
section.
[0014] FIG. 4B exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of
the follower frame, which houses the lighting element at a rear
section.
[0015] FIG. 5A exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of
the base plate of the magazine device.
[0016] FIG. 5B exemplarily illustrates a bottom view of the base
plate of the magazine device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] FIG. 1A exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of
the magazine device. The magazine device 100 for a firearm is
disclosed herein. The magazine device 100 comprises a generally
curved elongate casing 101, a spring-loaded follower frame 102, a
lighting element 107 as shown in FIG. 1B, and a multiple
transparent windows 103 and 104. The follower frame 102 is
configured to traverse from a lower end 101a of the casing 101 to
an upper end 101b of the casing 101 in predetermined positions
according to the depletion of ammunition 400 positioned on each
follower frame 102. The lighting element 107 is housed proximal to
a rear section of the follower frame 102, where the lighting
element 107 is configured to illuminate the vicinity of the
follower frame 102. The transparent windows 103 and 104 are
positioned on the casing 101, in alignment with the predetermined
positions of the follower frame 102, where the transparent windows
103 and 104 are configured to display the level and number of
ammunition 400 left in the follower frame 102 after a firing
process.
[0018] In an embodiment, the magazine device 100 further comprises
a base plate 105 positioned at a lower end 101a of the casing 101,
where the base plate 105 ensures that the casing 101 is flat to a
ground level. Therefore, a user is allowed to position the firearm
flat on the ground to support the firearm on ground. In an
embodiment, the casing 101 comprises an internal groove 101c
positioned at the lower end 101a of the casing 101 to attach the
base plate 105 to the casing 101. The base plate 105 also comprises
a "tread" to grip the surface. The fact that the base plate 105 is
longer than traditional base plates renders the "base plate
retainer" piece cannot be accidentally pressed causing the magazine
to come apart. User needs to use a screwdriver or a 5.56 round to
depress the base plate retainer button. In an embodiment, the
transparent windows 103 and 104 comprise pairs of transparent
windows 103 and 104 positioned adjacent to each other, and arranged
in a series from the upper end 101b to the lower end 101a of the
casing 101. One of each pair of the transparent windows 103 and 104
comprise a slit window 103 and a circular window 104. The slit
window 103 is configured to display the lighting element 107,
thereby displaying the level of ammunition 400 left in the follower
frame 102 after a firing. The circular window 104 is positioned
adjacently below the slit window 103, where the circular window 104
is configured to display the number of ammunition 400 left in the
magazine device 100 after the firing.
[0019] FIG. 1B exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the
portion marked A in FIG. 1A, showing the engraved portion 106
positioned on the casing. In an embodiment, the magazine device 100
further comprises an engraved portion 106 positioned on the surface
of the elongate casing 101, where the engraved portion 106 is
configured to be colored by a user to represent one or combination
of alphabets and numbers. The user can either inscribe his/her
name, or any number to indicate a reference of ownership, make, and
identification code in the engraved portion 106 of the magazine
device 100. Additionally the engraved portion 106 is strategically
placed near the bottom of the magazine 100 for grip and control
when retrieving the magazine 100 from the magazine pouch since most
users place their magazines with the ejection end facing down
inside a magazine holster or pouch
[0020] FIG. 1C exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the
portion marked B in FIG. 1A, showing the circular window 104 of the
transparent windows 103 and 104. Each circular window 104 has a
number embossed on it, for example, a fully loaded magazine device
100 at the 30 round mark will have 5 smaller windows surrounding
it, at the 25 round window mark there will be only 4 small windows
and so on until you have 5 rounds left which will have zero smaller
window 104a surrounding the main circular window 104. For example,
the number 25 is shown inside the circular window 104, as shown in
FIG. 1C, which is considered as the round window mark for that
level of ammunition 400.
[0021] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the
portion marked C in FIG. 1A, showing the lighting element 107
positioned within the casing 101. The lighting element 107 is
positioned substantially rearwardly to the casing 101, and it is
configured to be displayed through the slit window 103. The
lighting element 107 is further configured to illuminate the
circular window 104 as well to display the round window mark as
shown in FIG. 1C. The lighting element 107 may be used along with
light reflecting elements such as reflective coatings, fiber
optics, etc., to achieve the desired effect.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B, FIG. 3 exemplarily
illustrates a top perspective view of the capsule member 108, which
houses the lighting element 107, and FIG. 4A-4B exemplarily
illustrates a side perspective view, and a top perspective view of
the follower frame 102, which houses the lighting element 107 at a
rear section. In an embodiment, the lighting element 107 is
positioned in a capsule member 108 housed in the rear section 102a
of the follower frame 102, where the capsule member 108 comprises
openings 108a and 108b to display the light emitted from the
lighting element 107. In an embodiment, the magazine device 100
further comprises a light diffuser element 109 positioned within
the capsule member 108 proximal to the lighting element 107, where
the light diffuser element 109 is configured to evenly spread the
light emitted from the lighting element 107. In an embodiment, the
magazine device 100 further comprises light filters in contact with
the lighting element 107 configured to block specific light bands,
and change the intensity and color of the circular window 104, and
the appearance of the high slit window 103.
[0023] This magazine device 100 is designed, for example, to hold
about 30 numbers of 5.56 mm bullets. The outer housing of the
magazine device 100 is host to 6 uniquely designed and precisely
placed pairs of transparent windows 103 and 104. These transparent
windows 103 and 104 are used for illustrating the exact remaining
amount of ammunition 400 left in the magazine device 100. Each
unique transparent window 103 and 104 will have an embossed number
representation of the round count or circular window 104 on it.
Additionally, the 6 transparent windows 103 and 104 will have
smaller windows 104a orbiting the main window 104. This is the
second method used to keep track of the ammunition 400.
[0024] Even though conventional magazines in the market have
windows, the magazine device 100 disclosed herein eliminates any
confusion as to how much ammunition 400 is left in the magazine
device 100. Located within the follower frame 102, is the capsule
member 108 that contains the lighting element 107 that supports the
accurate tracking off ammunition 400 and works in conjunction with
the previously mentioned transparent windows 103 and 104 of the
magazine device 100. The capsule member 108 houses the lighting
element 107, such as, a tritium light or other light producing
technology. This will provide a distinct and obvious indication of
the amount of ammunition 400 you have in your magazine device 100
through the previously mentioned transparent windows 103 and 104.
Furthermore, there will be several interchangeable light filters
that can be placed in front of the lighting source to change the
appearance of the light, red, green, blue, infrared, etc. No other
magazine on the market uses light to indicate the ammunition 400
count. Some of them have color coated the spine which is a less
accurate method. Others such magazines have changed the color of
the follower element to achieve accurate counting of ammunition
400.
[0025] The angular guide rails within the magazine device 100 are
designed to position ammunition 400. The follower frame 102 is
configured to interface within the casing 101 rather than the guide
rails alone, as in conventional magazines. The transparent windows
103 and 104, which are configured to function, as an ammunition 400
indication system is, comprised of different types of uniquely
designed windows, such as the slit window 103 and the circular
window 104, to eliminate any confusion for the user regarding the
current ammunition 400 capacity of the magazine device 100. The
number of ammunition 400, for example, bullets, corresponding to
the current round count will be embossed on each circular window
104. The capacity of ammunition 400 at each instance of the
movement of the follower frame 102 in the magazine device 100 is
clearly identified as opposing to the conventional magazines. As
compared to the conventional magazines, the marking system provided
by the transparent windows 103 and 104 is larger and more visible,
and is positioned on the follower frame 102 itself as compared to
the spring in conventional magazines. The marking system used here
based on the lighting element 107, which is, for example, either
one or a combination of a tritium lighting material, a high
visibility coating, a bright polymer or other light producing
technologies across different bands of light.
[0026] The follower frame 102 is also designed to stop at the upper
end 101b of the casing 101 when all ammunition 400 is removed after
firing from the magazine device 100. This magazine device 100 uses
spring tension to press a second component, or ammunition 400,
through a circular fitting to secure the base plate 105. The
magazine device 100 is designed to slide on from the bottom, and
interfaces with internal grooves 101c to position itself, as shown
in FIG. 1A. Therefore, the magazine device 100 will not add
additional protrusions to the outer surface of the magazine device
100, as compared to conventional magazines, which have protruded
ends. In conventional systems, there is a slight problem with
attempting to draw a magazine with an externally mounted floor
plate from a pouch or stacking them on top of each other. It can
cause a displacement of surrounding magazines. The magazine device
100 has a consisted width/depth throughout the entire length of the
magazine device 100, and all its components. The magazine device
100 allows for a flat and even stacking of magazines in any
magazine pouch. It will also improve handling of the ammunition 400
while maintaining its functionality.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, FIG. 5A exemplarily illustrates a
side perspective view of the base plate 105 of the magazine device
100, and FIG. 5B exemplarily illustrates a bottom view of the base
plate 105 of the magazine device 100. The base plate 105 is
positioned at a lower end 101a of the casing 101 as shown in FIG.
1A, and the base plate 105 is configured to ensure that the casing
101 is flatly positioned on the ground level. This flat positioning
via the base plate 105 allows the firearm to be flat on the ground
to support the firearm on ground. The base plate 105 has a slim
stream line design, which is non protruding, to increase comfort
and the users overall ability to handle the magazine device 100.
Another aspect of the magazine device 100 is that, it can be
stacked in a magazine pouch next to other magazine devices 100
without interfering with the other magazine devices 100 when the
user attempts to draw a magazine device 100. Conventional magazines
have, for example, a 1/4 inch lip that wraps around the base of the
magazine. The protrusions 110, or treads, on the magazine device
100 disclosed here, would not interfere with resting or supporting
the magazine device 100 on the floor. The firearm or rifle, on the
other hand, is parallel to the floor based on the predefined angle
111 at which the base plate 105 is designed a shown in FIG. 5A.
[0028] The magazine device 100 is streamlined and is not bulky to
facilitate better handling and manipulation of the magazine device
100 while drawing it from a holster and also when inserting it into
a firearm. Since the round indicating system comprising the
transparent windows 103 and 104 is contained within the magazine
device 100, and then further within the follower frame 102, there
is no protrusion that will cause an interference while handling the
magazine device 100. The magazine device 100 requires no power, and
so that a user will never have to attempt to disassemble any
component of the magazine device 100 to replace a power source
during the life span of the magazine device 100, since the material
composite of the magazine device 100 comprising the tritium vial
will take at least 10-15 years to expire. There are no moving parts
involved in the magazine device 100 that are needed to accurately
display the correct amount of ammunition 400. This also means that
the magazine device 100 does not have the potential to break or
wear down as mechanical and electronic devises have.
[0029] The light filters will be compartmentalized under the
follower to allow the user to quickly and easily change the
lighting output to meet the desired needs of the user. In an
example, magazine device 100 will allow the user to quickly change
a light filter disc to meet the desired light output and even block
out all light completely. In the magazine device 100, the tritium
or over high visibility device is placed in such a position under
the follower frame 102 that no structural material will have to be
removed from the casing 101 of the magazine device 100. The casing
101 designed for the magazine device 100 is configured in such a
way that there is no possible way it can be damaged during the
expending of ammunition 400 from the magazine device 100, and it
will be protected within the follower frame 102 away from any
potentially hazardous interference.
[0030] Additionally, outputting light from either side of the
magazine device 100, for example, left side and the right side,
facilitates the user for quicker and easier manipulation of the
firearm to view the current ammunition 400 capacity. Essentially
the magazine device 100 would allow the user to easily identify the
amount of ammunition 400 in the magazine device 100 from either
side of the magazine rather than attempting to view the transparent
windows 103 and 104, or the marker, from an awkward position of the
magazine device 100 while in operation. The magazine device 100
will feature, for example, an accurate 0-30 ammunition 400 count,
due to the fact that there is an unmistakable unique window
identifying system that illustrates the current ammunition 400
capacity utilizing two different methods. In a first method, where
the number corresponding to the current ammunition 400 capacity
embossed at the circular window 104, and in a second method where
the uniquely designed slit window 103 shows the level of depletion
of ammunition 400 as the follower frame 102 ascends to the upper
end 101b of the casing 101 of the magazine device 100. An
additional third method comprises, a light or high visibility
marking component placed inside the follower frame 102 that
identifies the ammunition 400 capacity.
[0031] The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the
purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as
limiting of the present concept disclosed herein. While the concept
has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is
understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words
of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation.
Further, although the concept has been described herein with
reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the
concept is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed
herein; rather, the concept extends to all functionally equivalent
structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the
appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of
the teachings of this specification, may affect numerous
modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing
from the scope and spirit of the concept in its aspects.
* * * * *