Patent Application
20110107901
This invention is directly related to firearms, and the feeding of non-linked cartridges in semi-automatic and automatic small arms. More particularly, the invention expands on the capacity of cartridges that can be fed into a firearm without having to change magazines as frequently.
Since the discovery of gunpowder in the ninth century, and the invention of firearms in the tenth century, firearms have made significant advancements. Single shot, single barreled, muzzle loading flintlock musket firearms of the late 1700's and early 1800's were a great advancement in the history of firearms, but they did not offer the marksman with a quick subsequent shot(s). If the target was missed and the marksman wanted to reload, a time consuming process of reloading involved pouring gunpowder down the barrel, and ramming a projectile on top of the powder, followed by priming the breach before being able to fire once again. In a life or death situation, the time to reload was unacceptable.
The quest for a faster second shot or in reality a faster reload for any number of shots, was found to be a feature that is extremely desirable. In approximately 1860, a single barreled “repeating rifle” (a rifle in which could be reloaded by operating a lever as fast as a marksman could actuate it) using a cartridge was patented. This was the beginning of the multiple cartridge magazine and fast loading/reloading firearms.
Today, many modern firearms use box magazines containing many cartridges. Most box type magazines stack cartridges that lay horizontal relative to the barrel of the firearm in a rectangular magazine, but in a vertical stack. That is to say that the cartridges are laying on their sides, one stacked on top of another, and feed upward in a channel within a somewhat rectangular-shaped magazine in the position in which they are fed into the chamber of the firearm.
However, the capacity of box type magazines are limited because they have the physical characteristic of extending significantly below the firearm. Additionally, drum type magazines in some cases offer a higher cartridge capacity in a shallower area below a firearm, but normally offer only one method of loading. Also many drum type magazines become jammed and fail to feed, and it is difficult to correct the jammed drum type cartridges.
A deviation of the standard box magazine is a “banana” shaped box magazine which does help limit some of the protrusion of the magazine below the firearm, and provides a greater cartridge capacity. The curvature of this type of magazine is generally towards the muzzle of the firearm.
Additionally, many of these conventional box magazines or drum magazines include one or more springs for applying tension to the cartridges to ensure that the cartridges load transfer from the magazine to the firearm properly. As with a conventional box magazines or drum magazines, when a magazine is stored with cartridges loaded into the magazine, the spring becomes weakened because of the constant tension being placed on the follower spring for long periods of time. The spring has a tendency to take a “set” and become less powerful.
Accordingly there exists a need for a magazine for use with various types of firearms which overcome the current drawbacks of conventional magazines.
The present invention is a firearm cartridge feeding system that feeds non-linked cartridges to semi-automatic and automatic small arms. It is designed to replace the boxed-type magazine and the drum-type magazine in firearms designed to accept boxed-type and drum-type magazines.
The outward appearance of the feeding system of the present invention is round or somewhat circular in appearance. However, it is within the scope of the invention that the feeding system may be shaped differently to other shapes to meet fastener and other equipment requirements.
The firearm cartridge feeding system of the present invention is adaptable to any weapon that receives a box or drum type magazine. In one embodiment, the body of the invention has two distinct compartments. One compartment is designed to house the power spring, sometimes called a clock spring, and the second compartment sits behind the spring compartment and is separated by a firewall, which holds the cartridges in a spiral channel. In one embodiment of the present invention, the spiral channel is of the single stack type, and in other embodiments, the spiral channel is a double stack type.
The firearm cartridge feeding system, when inserted into a weapon with the magazine well opening at the bottom of the firearm, feeds cartridges from the spiral channel into a chamber positioning channel, and then to the feed lips. With the cartridges positioned as to feed into the chamber of a firearm, the cartridges are stripped from the feed lips by the firearm's loading mechanism.
The firearm cartridge feeding system of the present invention stores cartridges in a spiral channel or groove within a housing that is optionally offset in an angular direction tangent to the magazine well. This is to compact a greater number of cartridges in an area which is not obstructive or less obstructive to the operation of a firearm, compared to the number of cartridges available in a conventional box magazine or a conventional drum-type magazine.
In one embodiment of the feeding system of the invention, cartridges are easily loaded into the firearm cartridge feeding system by inserting cartridges at the feed lips, and/or the firearm cartridges are loaded by placing cartridges directly into the spiral channel after removing the spiral cover of the housing.
Loading the firearm cartridge feeding system by removing the spiral cover of the housing for loading the spiral channel provides a distinct advantage over prior art designs. With some designs of the firearm cartridge feeding system of the present invention, a number of cartridges can be “dumped” into a formed loading bowl (raised lip around the spiral to retain cartridges) around the spiral and then shaken by the user to quickly orientate the cartridges in the spiral. Because of the physical design and shape of some cartridges, they fall into the spiral correctly orientated for use.
The firearm cartridge feeding system of the present invention includes a cam stop winding knob which allows the user to only wind the power spring in one direction. The winding knob also acts as a pawl to prevent the power spring from unwinding before the user desires the spring tension to be released. This is accomplished by using a set of cam stop bearings disposed in a set of cam bearing pockets formed as part of a cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainer.
The spring tension on the spiral following cartridge drive arm, which drives the cartridges through the spiral, is relieved by pressing a clutch release push button, which in turn disengages the power spring drive shaft from the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism.
The present invention also includes a power spring drive shaft assembly which is incorporated into the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism. When the clutch release push-button is pressed, it disengages a power spring primary drive shaft pin from a set of encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover locking notches, and allows spring tension to be released from the spiral follow cartridge drive arm.
Once the firearm cartridge feeding system has been loaded and spring tension has been put on the cartridges to feed through the spiral by winding the cam stop winding knob with power spring pocket, the firearm cartridge feeding system is easily unloaded using one of two methods. One method that is used to remove the cartridges is to push the first cartridge exposed at the feed lips in a forward direction as if the cartridge were being stripped from the feed lips by a firearm. A second more expeditious method of unloading the firearm cartridge feeding system is to relieve spring tension on the spiral following cartridge drive arm by pressing the clutch release push button, removing the spiral cover and underlying drive components, and dump the cartridges from the spiral.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the firearm cartridge feeding system is able to be loaded with cartridges and stored for long periods of time without damaging the power spring because it can be stored with little or no tension on the power spring. The user needs only to wind the cam stop winding knob to place tension on the power spring and to make the firearm cartridge feeding system ready for use. This provides for tension to be applied to the power spring only when necessary, extending the life of the power spring.
The firearm cartridge feeding system is primarily constructed from composite materials which aid in contributing to the lightweight, weather resistant, and natural lubricity of the space age materials. However, some components such as the springs are made of metals. The metal components are made of materials that resist rust and corrosion.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of Figure only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:.
The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
An ammunition feed system is shown in the Figures according to the present invention, generally at 10. The basic housing or body 12 of the system includes feed lips 14 installed at a neck 16 of the body 12. Also included is a larger opening or pocket, shown generally at 18, in the center of the body 12 which is for the insertion of an encapsulated spring clutch mechanism, generally shown at 20. Also shown in the Figures is a spiral channel 22 which is used to contain a plurality of firearm cartridges, generally shown at 24. On the outside of the body 12 are projections 26 having threaded apertures 27 used to fasten a spiral cover 28 to the housing 12. In alternate embodiments, the projections 26 are of different shapes and forms, depending upon the fasteners used. A firewall 30 (best seen in
While the housing or body 12 is shown in the Figures, in an alternate embodiment, a slightly raised lip to form a bowl is placed around the spiral channel 22 to prevent cartridges 24 from rolling off of the spiral area when loading the cartridges 24. Firearm cartridges 24 are loaded directly into the spiral channel 22 with the spiral channel 22 oriented spiral side up and horizontal to the ground, or the cartridges 24 are removed from the spiral channel 22 when the body 12 is placed spiral side down and in a horizontal position. In another alternate embodiment, the system 10 is manufactured with a shortened feed neck 216 to accept multiple feed neck extensions with unique feed lips to mate to different firearms when the caliber of the firearm is in common.
Also shown in the center of the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism 20 is an opening 32 which receives an encapsulated spring clutch mechanism secondary drive shaft 34. The secondary drive shaft 34 inserts into this opening 32 and in turn drives a spiral following cartridge drive arm 36. The secondary drive shaft 34 includes a hex end 52 which mates or inserts into the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism hex drive opening 32, while a double flat key end 56 extends through an elongated aperture 114 formed as part of the drive arm 36, and turns the spiral following cartridge drive arm 36 when assembled. The hex drive opening 32 is part of an encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup 98. In an alternate embodiment, the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism secondary drive shaft 34 is integral to the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup 98, instead of being separate, as shown in
Referring to
It should also be noted that in
It can be seen in
The plate 60 retains firearm cartridges 24 in the spiral channel 22 of the body 12, while allowing the spiral following cartridge drive arm pin 58 to protrude through the elongated aperture 118 into the spiral channel 22 for pushing firearm cartridges 24 through the spiral channel 22. The aperture 118 of the drive arm 36 has two bearing surfaces 62 left and right of the longitudinal axis (longitudinally slotted). When placed on and driven by the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism secondary drive shaft 34, the arm 36 travels outwardly or inwardly (depending on clockwise or counterclockwise rotation) when guided by the spiral following cartridge drive arm pin 58, as the pin 58 moves in the spiral channel 22 of the spiral housing 12.
As previously discussed, a spiral cover 28 is attached to the body 12. The spiral cover 28 retains the firearm cartridges 24, the cartridge cover plate 60, the spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, the spiral following cartridge drive arm pin 58, the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism secondary drive shaft 34, the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism 20, and feed lips 14 attached and assembled correctly to the housing 12. The secondary drive shaft 34 is of a length where the shaft 34 contacts with the inner surface of the spiral cover 28 when the system 10 is completely assembled. However, the inner surface of the spiral cover 28 only functions to provide a bearing surface against the double flat key end 56, and is located to permit free rotation of the shaft 34, and preventing any binding of the shaft 34.
The spiral cover 28 attaches to the housing 12 through the use of a set of fasteners 130, which in this embodiment are screws 130, which extend through the spiral cover 28 as shown in
A clutch release push-button 66 is installed in the clutch release push-button pocket 68, and the clutch release push-button pocket 68 is integral to the cam stop winding knob 38. The cam stop winding knob 38 is characterized by a knob-like protrusion and is centrally located, so that an operator of the firearm ammunition feeding system 10 easily winds a biasable member or power spring 64 for system 10 use. The depth 122 of the cam stop winding knob 38 being the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket ceiling 72 and the inside circumference being the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainer 74. When the spring mechanism or power spring 64 is installed into the power spring drive compartment 48, the power spring 64 is captured between the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket ceiling 72 and the firewall 30 of the power spring drive compartment 48. The spring 64 is contained laterally by the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainer 74. The firewall 30 separates the power spring drive compartment 48 from the portion of the body 12 having the spiral channel 22.
In alternate embodiments, the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainer 74 is of different sizes to allow power springs 64 of different sizes to be used. In this embodiment, the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainer 74 is substantially round in shape and the thickness of the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainer 74 is less than the depth 122 of the power spring pocket 40. The cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainer 74 includes a slot 140 for receiving a first end or hook end 142 of the spring 64; the slot 140 and hook end 142 provide an anchor for the spring 64. Cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainers 74 of various sizes along with various power springs 64 of different spring constants are used, depending upon the caliber of the firearm. Alternatively, if a large power spring 64 is used, the slot 140 may be integrally formed as part of the inner wall of the power spring pocket 40, and there is no need for a cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainer 74.
The power spring 64 also includes a looped portion 144 which during assembly, moves through a groove 146 formed as part of the power spring drive shaft 50. When assembled, the looped portion 144 abuts and is anchored by a notch 148, which increases the tension in the spring 64 as the cam stop winding knob 38 is rotated.
When the cam stop winding knob 38 is inserted into the power spring drive compartment 48 and assembled with the cam stop bearings 42, the cam stop winding knob 38 turns only in one direction and locks if turned in the opposite direction. This cam configuration acts as a linear, noiseless pawl. The slightly raised narrow race midway between the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainer 74 and the outer circumference 76 of the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket 40 is the cam stop friction race 78. The purpose of the race 78 is to minimize the amount of contact surface between the cam stop winding knob 38 and the firewall 30 of the power spring drive compartment 48, thereby reducing operating friction. While the race 78 shown in the figures is shown as a continuous race, in alternate embodiments friction may be further reduced by changing the race 78 to a few short intermittent points.
In this embodiment, there are three cam stop bearing pockets 80 with three cam stop bearings 42 correctly located on the outer circumference of the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket 40. The cam stop winding knob 38 also includes a power spring drive shaft push-button opening 86, which receives the power spring drive shaft 50 when the system 10 is assembled. When the cam stop winding knob 38 is correctly assembled to the housing or body 12 of the power spring compartment 48 side of the system 10, the power spring primary drive shaft push-button end 88 is seen in the cam stop winding knob push-button pocket 90.
The clutch release push-button 66 attaches directly to the power spring primary drive shaft push-button end 88, with a clutch release push-button return spring 92 directly under the clutch release push-button 66. The power spring drive shaft 50 includes a first set of flats 150 which are in contact with a second set of flats 152 formed as part of a small diameter portion 154 of the clutch release push-button 66. The small diameter portion 154 includes a hollowed portion, generally shown at 156, which is of a corresponding shape to the power spring primary drive shaft push-button end 88, including having the second set of flats 152. The small diameter portion 154 also has a bottom surface 158 which is part of a large diameter portion 160. The bottom surface 158 includes an aperture 162 which extends through the large diameter portion 160, and when the push button 66 is assembled, the aperture 162 is in substantial alignment with a threaded aperture 164 formed as part of the power spring primary drive shaft push-button end 88. To attach the push button 66 to the shaft 50, the button 66 is slid onto the push-button end 88 such that the first set of flats 150 are in sliding contact with the second set of flats 152, the bottom surface 170 of the small diameter portion 154 contact a set of shoulders 172, and the push-button end 88 is disposed in the hollowed portion 156. A fastener in the form of a screw 166 is then inserted through the aperture 162 and into the threaded aperture 164 of the shaft 50, securing the push-button 66 to the shaft 50.
When the clutch release push-button 66 is attached to the shaft 50, the clutch release push-button return spring 92 is disposed between and is in contact with a lower surface 168 formed as part of the large diameter portion 160 and a contact surface 174 formed as part of the clutch release push-button pocket 68. When the screw 166 is tightened, the clutch release push-button 66 is disposed in the clutch release push-button pocket 68. The cam stop winding knob 38 is held attached to the body 12 by the fastener 166 attaching the clutch release push button 66 to the shaft 50. The return spring 92 then applies a force to the contact surface 174 of the push button pocket 68, thereby maintaining the assembly of the cam stop winding knob 38 to the body 12.
The encapsulated spring clutch mechanism 20 transfers energy from the power spring assembly 94, or more specifically, the power spring 64, to the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism secondary drive shaft 34, which turns the spiral following cartridge drive arm 36. The encapsulated spring clutch mechanism 20 is shown assembled in
Also included are encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover ear notches 100 which are formed on adjacent sides of the cup 98, and there are corresponding castle cover ears 124 formed on adjacent sides of the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover 96. Also shown in
The encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover 96 mates to the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup 98. The castle cover ears 124 are selectively received into the ear notches 100, and screw fasteners extend into apertures 126 formed as part of the cup 98 and threaded apertures 128 formed as part of the castle cover 96. The encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover locking notches 104 are internal to the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup 98 when assembled.
In an alternate embodiment, the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover notches 104 are placed in the floor 102 of the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup 98. Also, there are many methods of attaching the encapsulated spring clutch drive mechanism castle cover 96 to the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup 98. An alternate embodiment includes the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover 96 assembled to the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup 98 by any means that do not interfere with the intended rotation of the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup 98 or clutch action of the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism 20. The alternate embodiments include a stab lock, glue, pinning, welding, etc in place of a fastener used with the apertures 126,128.
The power spring primary drive shaft 50 when assembled into the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism 20 engages the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover locking notches 104 through the use of a power spring primary drive shaft castle pin 106, and is held in an engaged position by the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism compression spring 70. When the clutch release push-button 66 is pressed, the power spring primary drive shaft 50 moves to disengage or remove the power spring primary drive shaft castle pin 106 from the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover locking notches 104. The compression spring 70 is disposed between the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup floor 102 and the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover 96.
In operation, when it is desired to load and use the system 10 and the system 10 is in an assembled state, the user simply removes the fasteners 130 from the spiral cover 28, and then removes the spiral cover 28 from the body 12. The spiral following cartridge drive arm 36 and the cartridge cover plate 60 are removed as well. Firearm cartridges 24 are placed into the spiral channel 22 after the removal of the spiral cover 28, the spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism secondary drive shaft 34, and the cartridge cover plate 60. While some firearm cartridges 34 self-locate in the spiral channel 22, other firearm cartridges are easily located in the spiral channel 22 by the user. After completely filling the spiral channel 22 partially or completely with firearm cartridges 24, the various components are reassembled and the spiral cover 28 attaches to the housing or body 12.
Once the feeding system 10 of the present invention has been loaded with cartridges 24, the cam stop winding knob 38 is rotated. Rotational force is transferred through the cam stop winding knob 38 to the power spring 64 and then to the drive shaft 50. However, the drive shaft 50 is prevented from rotating because the spiral following cartridge drive arm pin 58 receives a reactionary force from the cartridges 24, which is transferred through the spiral following cartridge drive arm pin 58, the spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, the secondary drive shaft 34, the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism 20, and the power spring drive shaft 50. The power spring drive shaft 50 does not rotate as the cam stop winding knob 38 is rotated, and therefore tension builds in the power spring 64. The rotation of the cam stop winding knob 38 applies a rotational force to the hook end 142 of the power spring 64 because of the hook end 142 being located in the slot 140, and the looped portion 144 being adjacent the notch 148 on the power spring drive shaft 50. As the cam stop winding knob 38 is rotated, it is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction due to the pawl action generated by the cam stop bearings 42 and cam bearing pockets 80 described above.
Once the user has rotated the cam stop winding knob 38 to generate the desired amount of tension in the power spring 64, the cam stop winding knob 38 does not move, and the firearm is ready for use. As the user fires the firearm, the cartridges 24 are discharged one at a time, and a new cartridge 24 is fed through the feed lips 14 into the firearm. The cartridges 24 are fed into the firearm because of the tension in the power spring 64. The tension in the power spring 64 causes the power spring drive shaft 50 to rotate because of rotational force applied to the shaft 50 from the spring 64. This rotational force is transferred to the power spring primary drive shaft castle pin 26, to the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover 96, the castle cover ears 124, the castle cover ear notches 100, the encapsulated spring mechanism cup 98, the encapsulated spring mechanism cup floor 102, the hex drive opening 32, the hex end 52 of the secondary drive shaft 34, the secondary drive shaft 34, the spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, spiral following cartridge drive arm pin 58, and then to the cartridges 24. This causes the remaining cartridges 24 to move in the spiral channel 22 as the cartridges 24 moved from the feed lips 14 into the firearm are discharged from the firearm.
If the user decides to stop using the firearm, but wishes to have the cartridges 24 remain in the feed system 10 for future uses, the user simply presses the clutch release push button 66. Pushing the clutch release push button 66 also applies a force to the power spring drive shaft 50. The user must press the push button 66 with enough force to overcome the force of the clutch release push button return spring 92 and the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism compression spring 70. As force is applied to the power spring drive shaft 50 from the push button 66, the power spring primary drive shaft castle pin 106 is removed from the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover locking notches 104. This allows the clutch release push button 66, the power spring drive shaft 50, and the compression spring 70 to rotate relative to the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism castle cover 96 and the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup 98. The remaining tension in the power spring 64 causes the power spring drive shaft 50 to rotate and relieve the tension in the power spring 64. This prevents the power spring 64 from permanently deforming, or developing a “set,” improving the life of the power spring 64.
If the user decides to use the firearm again, the cam stop winding knob 38 is wound to generate tension in the power spring 64 as described above. If the castle pin 106 is not disposed in one of the notches 104, there are multiple notches 104 that the pin 106 can be received into such that when the cam stop winding knob 38 is rotated, if the pin 106 is not disposed in one of the notches 104, then as the cam stop winding knob 38 is rotated, the rotational force applied to the power spring 64 by the cam stop winding knob 38 as described above causes the power spring 64 to rotate the power spring drive shaft 50 until the castle pin 106 is in alignment with one of the notches 104. The castle pin 106 then slides into the respective notch 104; rotational force is then transferred through the various components as described above to build tension in the power spring 64.
After the firearm cartridge feeding system 10 has been loaded, and if it is desired to remove the cartridges 24 from the system 10 (for the purpose of long term storage, for example), the system 10 is easily unloaded by removing the spiral cover 28, the spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism secondary drive shaft 34, and the cartridge cover plate 60. Once the components have been removed from the system 10, the firearm cartridges 24 are spilled out, best shown in
Another embodiment of the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup 98 is shown in
Another embodiment of the housing 12 is shown in
It should be noted that the various components of the ammunition feeding system 10 are made of various types of polymers to reduce friction between the various components, as well as prevent any deterioration from exposure to moisture due to various weather conditions. The ammunition feeding system 10 is completely submersible in a liquid, such as water, and is completely operational after being removed from the liquid. The components that are made of the various polymers are the housing 12, the cam stop winding knob 38, and the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism cup 98.
Another embodiment of an ammunition feed system according to the present invention is shown in
The body 188 also includes a sidewall 196 which protrudes outwardly from the sides of the spiral channel 190, and functions as a loading bowl to facilitate the loading of the cartridges 24 into the spiral channel 190. Connected to the sidewall 196 is a plurality of pedestal stops 198. Each of the pedestal stops 198 includes a ledge 200 used for supporting the cartridge cover plate 60 when the ammunition feed system of the present invention is assembled. The cartridge cover plate 60 is substantially the same as described in the previous embodiments, but as shown in
This embodiment also includes a spiral cover plate 204 which has an upper flange 206 and a pair of upper locking tabs 208, each of the upper locking tabs 208 having a tapered surface 210 which is adjacent a shoulder 212. When connected to the body 188, each of the upper locking tabs 208 are received into a respective slot 214 formed as part of a shortened neck portion, shown generally at 216, and the shortened neck portion 216 is formed as part of the body 188. The upper locking tabs 208 are substantially rigid, but are also biasable in that during assembly, the upper locking tabs 208 are initially inserted into the slots 214, and as the tabs 208 are pushed further into the slots 214, the tapered surfaces 210 are in contact with and move along the respective outer surfaces 217 of the slots 214, and the outer surfaces 217 bias the tabs 208 inwardly until the tabs 208 are pushed far enough into the slots 214 that that tapered surfaces 210 have completely moved through the slots 214. The bias on the tabs 208 is then relieved, and the tabs 208 return to their initial position, causing the shoulders 212 to be in contact with a ledge 215 adjacent the slot 214, preventing the removal of the tabs 208 from the slots 214. Each of the slots 214 is formed as part of a protrusion 218, with the protrusion 218 being part of the shortened neck portion 216.
To remove the tabs 208 from the slots 214, the user simply applies pressure to the tapered surfaces 210, thereby moving the tabs 208 in a direction toward one another, to allow the tabs 208 to move back through the slots 214, the user then pulls on the cover plate 204. This causes the tabs 208 to move back through the slots 214 in the opposite direction.
The spiral cover plate 204 also includes a spiral cover retaining strap slot 220 which is able to receive a first portion 222 of a spiral cover retaining strap, generally shown at 224. The strap 224 also includes a second portion 226 operable for extending into a bottom slot 228 formed as part of the body 188. The first portion 222 includes a tapered surface 230 which terminates into a shoulder 232. During assembly, the first portion 222 is pushed through the slot 220, and the tapered surface 230 contacts the inside of the slot 220, causing the first portion 222 to deflect. When the first portion 222 is pushed through the slot 220 far enough that the tapered portion 210 of the first portion 222 is completely through the slot 220, the tapered surface 210 is no longer in contact with the inner surface of the slot 220, and the first portion 222 returns to its original position. When assembled, the first portion 222 extends through the slot 220 until the shoulder 232 is adjacent and in contact with a ledge 234 to prevent the first portion 222 from being pulled out of the slot 220. To remove the first portion 222 from the slot 220, force is applied to the tapered surface 230 such that the first portion 222 moves toward the cover plate 204 until the shoulder 232 is no longer in contact with the ledge 234, allowing the first portion 222 to be pulled from the slot 220.
The second portion 226 also includes a folded portion 236 which terminates into a shoulder 238. When assembled, the second portion 226 is inserted through the bottom slot 228 until the folded portion 236 is completely through the slot 228, this allows the shoulder 238 to contact a ledge 240 of the bottom slot 228. The folded portion 236 does not have a tapered surface as described above with reference to the other tabs 208 or the first portion 222, and is intended to provide a permanent connection between the strap 224 and the body 12.
To further secure the spiral cover plate 204 to the body 188, the spiral cover plate 204 includes a lower fastening tab 233 which when assembled extends into a bottom fastening tab slot 235.
The spiral cover plate 204 also includes a recessed portion 242 which receives at least part of the tabs 202 protruding from the cartridge cover plate 60, preventing any interference between the rotation of the tabs 202 and the spiral cover plate 204 as the cartridge cover plate 60 rotates. As previously mentioned, the spiral following clutch drive arm 36 and the spiral following clutch drive arm pin 58 transfer rotational force to the tabs 202 and the slot 118, respectively. The spiral following clutch drive arm pin 58 receives rotational force from the clutch assembly 194. More particularly, the clutch assembly 194 includes a drive shaft 244 which combines features of both the secondary drive shaft 34 and the power spring drive shaft 50 of the previous embodiments. The drive shaft 244 (similarly to the secondary drive shaft 34 of the previous embodiment) has a double flat key end 246 which extends through the cartridge cover plate secondary drive shaft center 116, through the elongated aperture 114, and is in contact with the bearing surfaces 62 for transferring rotational force to the spiral following clutch drive arm 36. Additionally, the arm 36, and therefore the pin 58, travels outwardly (toward the outer diameter of the cartridge cover plate 60) or inwardly (toward the cartridge cover plate secondary drive shaft center 116), depending on whether there is clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, as the pin 58 moves in the spiral channel 190 of the body 188. This causes the arm 36 to move across the double flat key end 246 of the shaft 244, while still receiving rotational force from the shaft 244.
The drive shaft 244 also includes a power spring primary drive shaft push-button end, generally shown at 248 (similar to the power spring drive shaft push button end 88 as described in the first embodiment), having a first set of flats 250 which are in contact with the second set of flats 152 formed on the small diameter portion 154 of the clutch release push button 66. The push-button end 248 also includes a threaded aperture 252. To attach the push button 66 to the push-button end 248, the button 66 is slid onto the push-button end 248 such that the push-button end 248 is disposed in the hollowed portion 156, the first set of flats 250 contact the second set of flats 152, and the bottom surface 170 of the small diameter portion 154 contacts a set of shoulders 254. The screw 166 is then inserted through the aperture 252 and into the threaded aperture 164 of the shaft 244, securing the push button 66 to the shaft 244.
The shaft 244 also includes an aperture 256 which receives a drive pin 258. The drive pin 258 is positioned in the aperture 256 such that a substantially equal amount of the drive pin 258 protrudes out of the aperture 256 on each side of the drive shaft 244, best shown in FIGS. 43A and 46-47. When assembled, the drive pin 258 is selectively received into one or more of a plurality of locking notches 260 formed as part of a castle end 262 of a power spring drive sleeve, shown generally at 264. The castle end 262 is part of a larger diameter portion 266, and part of the larger diameter portion 266 is adjacent an outer lip 268. The power spring drive sleeve 264 also includes a small diameter portion 270, and a power spring eyelet notch 272. This embodiment also incorporates the same power spring 64 used with the previously described embodiments, and the power spring eyelet notch 272 is used for anchoring the looped portion 144 of the power spring 64 in a similar manner as compared to the notch 148 of the previously described embodiments.
As best shown in
The power spring drive shaft compartment 286 also includes a firewall 288 and a sidewall 290. The firewall 288 separates the compartment 286 from the spiral channel 190, essentially performing the same function as the firewall 30 described in the previous embodiments. This embodiment of the invention also includes a cam stop winding knob, shown generally at 292. The cam stop winding knob 292 of this embodiment is substantially similar to the cam stop winding knob 38 of the previous embodiment, but also has several different features as well. The cam stop winding knob 292 includes the same cam stop bearings 42, cam stop bearing pockets 80, outer lip 84, power spring pocket 40, and clutch release push button pocket 68. Also similar to the previous embodiment, the clutch release push button pocket 68 includes the power spring drive shaft push-button opening 86 and the contact surface 174.
However, in this embodiment, the cam stop friction race 78 has several hollowed sections 294 where material has been removed, reducing the weight of the cam stop winding knob 292, and therefore reducing the overall weight of the ammunition feeding system 186. Also included is a lever portion 296 which provides the user with leverage for rotating the cam stop winding knob 292. The power spring drive shaft push-button opening 86 also includes a recessed portion 298 having an inner surface 300. When assembled, part of the large diameter portion 266 of the drive sleeve 264 is disposed in the recessed portion 298 and is adjacent the inner surface 300. This embodiment also uses the same power spring 64 used for the previous embodiments, but the cam stop winding knob 292 in this embodiment also includes a slot 302 formed as part of the inner wall 305 of the power spring pocket 40 (which in this embodiment performs the same function as the slot 140 and the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainer 74 of the previous embodiments). The slot 302 receives the hook end 142 of the power spring 64, and the looped portion 144 selectively contacts the power spring eyelet notch 272 of the drive sleeve 264.
When assembled, the drive sleeve 264 is pushed through the recess 284 of the drive shaft opening 274 until the castle end 262 protrudes out of the pocket 192. The drive shaft 244 is then inserted through the drive sleeve 264 until the drive pin 258 is positioned in two of the locking notches 260 as shown in FIGS. 43A and 46-47. The drive pin 258 prevents the drive shaft 244 from being pushed through the sleeve 264 any further. The cam stop winding knob 292 is then assembled to the body 188, and part of the large diameter portion 266 of the drive sleeve 264 is disposed in the recessed portion 298 and is adjacent the inner surface 300, best shown in
When the cam stop winding knob 292 is assembled to the body 188, the outer lip 84 is in contact with the outer periphery of the sidewall 290, and the outer wall 81 is adjacent the sidewall 290, best seen in
As stated above, the body 188 has a shortened neck portion 216, instead of being shaped like the neck 16 described in the previous embodiments. The slots 214, ledges 215, and protrusions 218 are all formed as part of the shortened neck portion 216. Adjacent each of the protrusions 218 is a recessed portion 304, which is where the portion of the locking tabs 208 having the tapered surfaces 210 are located respectively, when the spiral cover plate 204 is attached to the body 188. The spiral channel 190 is connected to a cartridge channel 306, which is also formed as part of the neck portion 216. When in operation, the cartridges 24 are fed from the spiral channel 190 through the cartridge channel 306, and through a feed neck extension, shown generally at 308.
The feed neck extension 308 has a body portion 310 which is correspondingly shaped to be received into a magazine well, shown generally at 312. Connected to the body portion 310 is a rear flange 314. Also connected to the body portion 310 and substantially perpendicular to the rear flange 314 is a first side flange 316 and a second side flange 318. Each of the side flanges 316,318 includes a diagonal portion 320 which positions the side flanges 316,318 at a wider location relative to the body portion 310. Also connected to the body portion 310 and the side flanges 316,318 is a front flange 322, and connected to the front flange 322 is a darted feed neck latch, shown generally at 324. The darted feed neck latch 324 is selectively inserted through an aperture 326 formed as part of a front wall 328.
The neck portion 216 includes a first sidewall 330 and a second sidewall 332. Each sidewall 330,332 includes a slot 214, a recessed portion 304, and a protrusion 218. Formed on the inside of the first sidewall 330 is a first feed neck extension channel 334, and formed on the inside of the second sidewall 332 is a second feed neck extension channel 336. The first feed neck extension channel 334 is complementary in shape to the first side flange 316, and the second feed neck extension channel 336 is complementary in shape to the second side flange 318 such that the feed neck extension 308 is operable to be connected to the neck portion 216. When the feed neck extension 308 is connected to the neck portion 216, there are a pair of angled surfaces 338 which are in contact with the diagonal portions 320, best seen in
The feed neck extension 308 is also held in place by the upper flange 206 when the spiral cover plate 204 is attached to the body 188. When assembled, the upper flange 206 is in contact with a feed neck extension guide rail 340 formed as part of the feed neck extension 308. The feed neck extension guide rail 340 helps to properly position the feed neck extension 308 when connecting the feed neck extension 308 to the firearm, and includes a slot 342 and an aperture 344 which receives a roll pin 346. The feed neck extension 308 also includes a channel 348 which extends along an outer sidewall 350. The channel 348 is offset from the center of the slot 342, and there is a bolt stop actuator 352 having a first flat portion 354, a second flat portion 356, and a third flat portion 358. The first flat portion 354 is connected to the third flat portion 358, and the second flat portion 356 is also connected to the third flat portion 358, with the third flat portion 358 being substantially perpendicular to both the first flat portion 354 and the second flat portion 356. The first flat portion 354 is disposed in the slot 342 and the third flat portion 358 extends through the channel 348. The second flat portion 356 is positioned along the inner surface of the sidewall 350.
When assembled, a portion of the roll pin 346 is disposed in the aperture 344, and a portion of the roll pin 346 extends into the slot 342. The portion of the roll pin 346 that extends into the slot 342 also extends into an elongated aperture 360 formed as part of the first flat portion 354. This limits the range of movement of the bolt stop actuator 352 in the slot 342 to movement between a retracted position (when the actuator 352 is completely disposed in the slot 342) and an extended position (when a portion of the actuator 352 protrudes out of the slot 342), the function of which will be described later. The range of motion is determined by the length of the elongated aperture 360, which may be different lengths if desired.
Also formed as part of one of the sidewalls 362 of the feed neck extension 308 is a release aperture 364 which, when the feed neck extension 308 is correctly inserted into the magazine well 312, is substantially aligned with the magazine catch channel 366 of the magazine well 312. The magazine catch channel 366 has a lower ledge 368 which is selectively in contact with a corresponding shoulder surface 370 of a double lock latch hook 372.
The double lock latch hook 372 is part of a double lock latch 374. The double lock latch 374 also has a double latch retainer hook 376, and the double latch retainer hook 376 is located in a lower channel 378 formed as part of the second sidewall 332. The double lock latch 374 also has a lower flange 380 in contact with the upper surface of the second sidewall 332 as shown in
In order to remove the double lock latch 374, the feed neck extension 308 must be removed from the magazine well 312. The end of a screw driver is inserted into the double lock latch disassembly opening 382, and a force is applied to the portion of the double latch retainer hook 376 exposed in the double lock latch disassembly opening 382. Then, the double lock latch 374 is moved to the left when looking at
The magazine well 312 has an elongated sliding mechanism 388 which is disposed in magazine catch channel 366, and is selectively in contact with the double lock latch hook 372. The elongated sliding mechanism 388 is connected to the release mechanism associated with the firearm for releasing a typical magazine from the magazine well 312. When the body portion 310 of the feed neck extension 308 is disposed in the magazine well 312, the double lock latch hook 372 provides additional support for preventing the feed neck extension 308 from becoming dislodged from the magazine well 312. When it is desired to remove the feed neck extension 308 from the magazine well, the release mechanism of the firearm is actuated, the elongated sliding mechanism 388 moves from left to right when looking at
The elongated sliding mechanism 388 is a commonly known part used with most conventional firearms. The ammunition feeding system 186 of the present embodiment expands on the use of the elongated sliding mechanism 388 by using the elongating sliding mechanism 388 to actuate and release the double lock latch 374 as described above. The use of the double lock latch 374 helps to additionally secure the feed neck extension 308 to the magazine well 312, but since the double lock latch 374 does not require any additional actuation (other than using the release mechanism), the user of the firearm still uses the release mechanism of the firearm in a known manner.
The body portion 310 also includes another sidewall 392 which is substantially parallel to the sidewall 350 having the slot 342 and channel 348, and yet another sidewall 394 which is substantially parallel to the sidewall 362 having the release aperture 364. The sidewall 394 also includes a pocket, generally shown at 396, in which is located a cartridge stop assembly, generally shown at 398. The pocket 396 includes an angled ledge 400 which terminates into an angled wall portion 402. Adjacent and connected to the angled ledge 400 and the angled wall portion 402 are a pair of pocket sidewalls 404, each of which has a sidewall lip 406. There is also an upper gap, shown generally at 408, and a lower gap, shown generally at 410. Below the lower gap 410 is a sidewall ledge 412 formed as part of the sidewall 394, and the sidewall ledge 412 has a lipped portion 414.
When looking at
The cartridge stop assembly 398 includes a stop cover 430, a biasable member, which in this embodiment is a flat spring 432, and a cartridge stop 434. The stop cover 430 has an outer surface 436 which is substantially parallel to the sidewall 394 when the cartridge stop assembly 398 is assembled in the pocket 396. The stop cover 430 also has an inner surface 438, and formed as part of the inner surface is a stop cover guide section 440, which has a spring guide surface 442. An upper tab 444 is also formed as part of the stop cover 430, and is substantially parallel to and offset from the inner surface 438. A lower tab 446 is formed as part of the stop cover 430 and is substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 438. The lower tab 446 includes a shoulder 448 having a tapered surface 450 and a contact surface 452.
The cartridge stop 434 includes a stop ledge 454 which is selectively in contact with the cartridge stop surface 426 when the cartridge stop 434 is in an extended position. The stop ledge 454 is adjacent an outer guide surface 456, and the outer guide surface 456 is in sliding contact with the first cartridge stop guide surface 424. The cartridge stop 434 also includes an outer guide surface 458 in sliding contact with the second cartridge stop guide surface 428, and a biasing surface 460 which is in contact with the flat spring 432. The flat spring 432 is also disposed in the pocket 396, and is located between the second cartridge stop guide surface 428 and the spring guide surface 442. The flat spring 432 is also located on the angled ledge 400, and the angled ledge 400 is substantially perpendicular to the spring guide surface 442 and the cartridge stop guide surfaces 424,428.
The cartridge stop 434 is designed to be a width that allows the cartridge stop 434 to fit between the pocket sidewalls 404. The cartridge stop 434 is shown in the extended position in
To assemble the cartridge stop assembly 398, the cartridge stop 434 is placed between the cartridge stop guide surfaces 424,428, and the flat spring 432 is positioned in the pocket 396 underneath the cartridge stop 434 such that the flat spring 432 is located between the cartridge stop 434 and the angled ledge 400. The first cartridge stop guide surface 424 is in contact with the inner guide surface 456, and the outer guide surface 458 is in contact with the second cartridge stop guide surface 428.
To assemble the stop cover 430 to the body portion 310, initially the upper tab 444 is inserted into the upper gap 408 such that the upper tab 444 is disposed between the back wall 416 and the inner surface 420 of the beam portion 418, and the stop cover 430 is then pushed towards the pocket 396 such that the tapered surface 450 slides along the sidewall ledge 412 and the lower tab 446 moves into the lower gap 410. The contact between the tapered surface 540 and the sidewall ledge 412 causes the lower tab 446 to deflect, generating a tension in the lower tab 446. Once the lower tab 446 has moved far enough into the lower gap 410, and the tapered surface 540 is no longer in contact with the sidewall ledge 412, the tension in the lower tab 446 is released, and the lower tab 446 returns to its normal position, causing the shoulder 448 to be in contact with the contact surface 452 of the lipped portion 414, thereby preventing the removal of the stop cover 430 from the pocket 396. The lower tab 446 having the shoulder 448 being used in combination with the lower gap 410 and the lipped portion 414 provides for a “snap fit” connection.
Formed as part of the sidewall 362 having the release aperture 364 is a feed lip or curved section 466. Cartridges 24 may optionally be loaded into the spiral channel 190 through the feed neck extension 308 by placing the cartridges 24 (one at a time) on the contact surfaces 462,464 and in contact with the outer edge 468 of the curved section 466. Force is applied to the cartridge 24 by pressing on the cartridge 24 in the direction of the arrow 470, and this force is transferred to the cartridge stop 434. Once enough force is applied to the cartridge 24, the force applied to the cartridge stop 434 by the flat spring 432 is overcome, and the cartridge stop 434 retracts and moves in a direction towards the angled ledge 400. Once the cartridge stop 434 has retracted enough, the cartridge 24 moves down into the feed neck extension 308 and follows the path indicated by the arrow 472. Once inside the feed neck extension 308, each cartridge 24 is supported by a cartridge follower assembly, shown generally at 474.
The cartridge follower assembly 474 is operable for movement through the spiral channel 190, the cartridge channel 306, and portions of the cartridge follower assembly 474 are able to move through the feed neck extension 308. The cartridge follower assembly 474 has a lead follower 476, a plurality of shell followers 478, and a bolt stop actuator follower 480. While it is shown in the drawings that the cartridge follower assembly 474 has ten shell followers 478, it is within the scope of the invention that more or less shell followers 478 may be used.
The lead follower 476 is made up of a lead follower top 482 having a follower top aperture 484 which receives a portion of a lead follower dowel 486. Another portion of the lead follower dowel 486 is received into a follower bottom aperture 488 formed as part of a lead follower bottom 490. The lead follower bottom 490 also has a tapered section 492.
Each of the shell followers 478 has a shell follower top 494 having a shell follower top aperture 496 which receives a portion of a shell follower dowel 498. The shell follower dowel 498 is also partially received into a shell follower bottom aperture 500 formed as part of a shell follower bottom 502. In an alternate embodiment, the construction of the shell followers 478 may be simplified by integrating the shell follower dowel 498 with the shell follower top 494, and manufacturing them as a single component.
The bolt stop actuator follower 480 includes an actuator follower top 504 and an actuator follower top aperture 506. The actuator follower top aperture 506 receives part of an actuator follower dowel 508, and part of the actuator follower dowel 508 is received into an actuator follower bottom aperture 510 formed as part of an actuator follower bottom 512. Also received into the actuator follower bottom aperture 510 is a dowel spring 514 and a plunger 516. The plunger 516 includes a stopper portion or enlarged diameter portion 518 and a shaft portion 520. The actuator follower bottom aperture 510 also includes a large diameter portion 522 and a small diameter portion 524, which terminates into a retainer surface 526. During assembly, the plunger 516 is inserted into the actuator follower bottom aperture 510, followed by the dowel spring 514. The actuator follower dowel 508 is then inserted into the aperture 510, and the spring 514 is therefore positioned between the actuator follower dowel 508 and the enlarged diameter portion 518. The plunger 516 is movable within the aperture 510 between a retracted position (where the shaft portion 520 is completely retracted into the small diameter portion 524, and the enlarged diameter portion 518 is not in contact with the retainer surface 526) and an extended position (where the spring 514 biases the plunger 516 outwardly, the shaft portion 520 protrudes out of the small diameter portion 524, and the enlarged diameter portion 518 is in contact with the retainer surface 526).
The followers 476,478,480 are connected together through the use of a plurality of follower links 528, each having a first dowel aperture 530 and a second dowel aperture 532. The follower links 528 are positioned in a staggered fashion, best shown in
In operation, and referring generally again to
Once the cover plate 204 is removed, the spiral following cartridge drive arm 36 and the cartridge cover plate 60 are removed as well. This allows the user to place the cartridges 24 in the spiral channel 190 individually. The cartridge cover plate 60, spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, and cover plate 204 are then reassembled to the body 188. Alternatively, the cartridges 24 may be dumped into the body 188 and surrounded by the sidewall 196. The cartridge cover plate 60, spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, and cover plate 204 are then reassembled to the body 188; the body 188 is then shaken, and the cartridges 24 self-locate into the spiral channel 190. To fully load the spiral channel 190 with cartridges 24, the cartridge follower assembly 474 and the spiral following cartridge drive arm pin 58 are optimally placed at the centermost part of the spiral channel 190, which is substantially adjacent to the pocket 192. Additional cartridges 24 may be loaded into the feed neck extension 308 as described above.
Once the spiral channel 190 is loaded with cartridges 24, and the cartridge cover plate 60, spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, and cover plate 204 are then reassembled to the body 188, the cam stop winding knob 292 is rotated using the lever 296, generating tension in the power spring 64. As the cam stop winding knob 292 is rotated, the cam stop winding knob 292 is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction because of the cam stop bearings 42 and the cam bearing pockets 80 generating the pawl action in the same manner as described with reference to the previous embodiments. Rotational force is transferred from the cam stop winding knob 292 to the slot 302 formed as part of the cam stop winding knob power spring pocket retainer 305, the hook end 142 of the power spring 64, the power spring 64, the looped portion 144 of the power spring 64, and then to the power spring eyelet notch 272 of the drive sleeve 264.
However, the drive sleeve 264 does not rotate, thereby generating the aforementioned tension in the power spring 64. The drive sleeve 264 receives a reactionary force from the drive pin 258. The cartridges 24 are prevented from exiting the feed neck extension 308 by the cartridge stop 434 and the feed lip 466. This generates the reactionary force that is transferred through the cartridges 24, the cartridge follower assembly 474, the spiral following cartridge drive arm pin 58, the spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, the double flat key end 246 of the drive shaft 244, the drive shaft 244, the drive pin 258, the locking notches 260 formed as part of the castle end 262 of the drive sleeve 264, and the drive sleeve 264. Therefore, the drive sleeve 264 does not rotate when the cam stop winding knob 292 is rotated, and tension builds in the power spring 64.
Once the user has rotated the cam stop winding knob 292 to generate the desired amount of tension in the power spring 64, the cam stop winding knob 292 does not move, and the firearm is ready for use. As the user fires the firearm, the cartridges 24 are discharged one at a time, and the remaining cartridges 24 are sequentially fed through the feed neck extension 308 into the firearm. The cartridges 24 are fed into the firearm by the tension in the power spring 64 because as each cartridge 24 is discharged from the firearm, there is space left in the feed neck extension 308 for the remaining cartridges 24 to move. The tension in the power spring 64 causes the drive sleeve 264 to rotate because of the rotational force applied to the power spring eyelet notch 272 from the spring 64. This rotational force is transferred to from the castle end 262 of the drive sleeve 264 to the drive pin 258, the drive shaft 244, the double flat key end 246 of the drive shaft 244, the spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, the spiral following cartridge drive arm pin 258, the cartridge follower assembly 474, and then to the cartridges 24. This causes each of the remaining cartridges 24 to move in the spiral channel 190 as the cartridges 24 moved from the feed neck extension 308 into the firearm by the bolt stop are discharged from the firearm.
Once all of the cartridges 24 are discharged, at least a portion of the cartridge follower assembly 474 moves into the feed neck extension 308. However, as the cartridge follower assembly 474 moves into the feed neck extension 308, the bolt stop actuator follower 480 moves into the feed neck extension 308 as well. The plunger 516 is biased by the dowel spring 514 to move away from the actuator follower dowel 508, but the plunger 516 is held inside the actuator follower bottom aperture 510 by the cartridge cover plate 60, a portion of the spiral cover plate 204 near the shortened neck portion 216, and the sidewall 350 of the feed neck extension 308. Once the bolt stop actuator follower 480 moves into the feed neck extension 308, and the small diameter portion 524 of the actuator follower bottom aperture 510 is in alignment with the channel 348, the shaft portion 520 of the plunger 516 moves into the channel 348 underneath the bolt stop actuator 352 because of the biasing force generated by the dowel spring 514.
Once the shaft portion 520 of the plunger 516 is located in the channel 348, and is underneath the first flat portion 354 of the bolt stop actuator 352, the shaft portion 520 moves the bolt stop actuator 352 upwardly as the cartridge follower assembly 474 moves upwardly in the feed neck extension 308. The bolt stop actuator 352 moves upwardly, but is limited in its upward movement by the roll pin 346 contacting the bottom of the elongated aperture 360. There are also two shell followers 478 between the bolt stop actuator follower 480 and the lead follower 476. The spacing created by the shell followers 478 between the bolt stop actuator follower 480 and the lead follower 476 is designed as such that when the bolt stop actuator follower 480 is located inside the feed neck extension 308 and the shaft portion 520 of the plunger 516 has moved the bolt stop actuator 352 to it upmost position, the lead follower 476 is positioned against the cartridge stop 434 and the feed lip 466. The bolt stop (not shown) of the firearm is then only allowed to move until the bolt stop contacts the bolt stop actuator 352. The limited movement of the bolt stop provides an indication to the user that all of the cartridges 24 have been discharged from the firearm, and the feed system 186 needs to be reloaded.
If the user decides to stop using the firearm, and there are still cartridges 24 in the system 186, but wishes to have the cartridges 24 remain in the feed system 186, the user simply pushes the clutch release push button 66 in the same manner as described in the previous embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the clutch release push button 66 is used to actuate the clutch assembly 194, instead of the encapsulated spring clutch mechanism 20, as with the previous embodiment. The user pushes the clutch release push button 66 to overcome the force applied to the clutch release push button return spring 92 in the clutch release push button pocket 68 formed as part of the cam stop winding knob 292. As the clutch release push button 66 is pressed, the force applied to the clutch release push button 66 is transferred to the drive shaft 244, and moves the drive shaft 244 axially within the drive sleeve 264 towards the spiral cover plate 204. The recessed portion 242 formed in the cover plate 204 provides room for the drive shaft 244 to move axially without contacting the cover plate 204.
As the drive shaft 244 is moved axially from the force applied to the clutch release push button 66, the drive pin 258 is moved out of the locking notches 260. Once the drive pin 258 is moved out of the locking notches 260, the drive sleeve 264 is allowed to rotate relative to the drive shaft 244. The tension in the power spring 64 causes the drive sleeve 264 to rotate, and as a result, the tension in the power spring 64 is relieved. As with the previous embodiment, this prevents the power spring 64 from permanently deforming, or developing a “set,” improving the life of the power spring 64.
If the user decides to use the firearm again, the cam stop winding knob 292 is rotated to generate tension in the power spring 64 as previously described. However, if the drive pin 258 is not located in one of the locking notches 260, there are multiple locking notches 260 that the drive pin 258 may be received into. Therefore, when the cam stop winding knob 292 is rotated, if the drive pin 258 is not disposed in one of the locking notches 260, then as the cam stop winding knob 292 is rotated, the rotational force applied to the power spring 64 also rotates the drive sleeve 264. The drive sleeve 264 continues to rotate as the cam stop winding knob 292 is rotated until two of the locking notches 260 are in alignment with the drive pin 258. The clutch release button return spring 92 biases the clutch release push button 66, and therefore the drive shaft 244, away from the spiral cover plate 204; the drive pin 258 is consequently biased towards the castle end 262 of the drive sleeve 264. This causes the drive pin 258 to move into whichever of the locking notches 260 come into alignment with the drive pin 258 as the drive sleeve 264 is rotated. Once the drive pin 258 has moved into a pair of the locking notches 260, the drive sleeve 264 is prevented from rotating, and tension is generated in the power spring 64 as the cam stop winding knob 292 is rotated as described above.
It should be noted that if the spiral channel 190 were not completely full of cartridges 24 when the cartridges 24 are loaded, when the cam stop winding knob 292 is rotated, the rotational force is transferred through the various components as described above, but the drive sleeve 264, drive shaft 244, spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, and the cartridge cover plate 60 also rotate, and the spiral following cartridge drive arm pin 58 moves the cartridge follower assembly 474 and the cartridges 24 in the spiral channel 190 until the one of the cartridges 24 contacts the cartridge stop 434 and the feed lip 466. Once a cartridge 24 contacts the cartridge stop 434 and feed lip 466, the cartridges 24 are prevented from further movement unless the firearm is fired, and therefore, the reactionary force is generated, and tension is generated in the power spring 64 as described above.
After the feed system 186 has been loaded, if it is desired to remove the cartridge 24 from the system 186, the system 186 is easily unloaded by removing the spiral cover plate 204, the spiral following cartridge drive arm 36, and the cartridge cover plate 60 in the manner previously described. Once these components have been detached from the system 186, the firearm cartridges 24 are spilled out.
While it has been shown that the feed neck extension 308 is substantially straight, FIGS. 50A and 51A-52C show alternate embodiments of the feed neck extension 308 having the sidewalls 350,362,392,394 as well as the rear flange 314, the side flanges 316,318, and the front flange 322 shaped differently such that when the feed neck extension 308 is connected to the body 188, the body 188 is angled relative to the feed neck extension 308. There are some applications where it is preferable for a firearm to be of a reduced height, and when the body 188 of the ammunition feed system 186 is angled as shown in FIGS. 50A and 51A-52C, the overall height of the firearm is reduced, making the firearm more compact. For example, in FIGS. 50A and 51A-51B, the body 188 is located at an angle 534 of ten degrees from vertical. In
The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/280,810, filed Nov. 9, 2009. The disclosure of the application is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61280810 | Nov 2009 | US |
