FIREARM MAGAZINE LOADING SYSTEM

Abstract

A firearm magazine reloading system is presented that includes a body having a back, a front, and sides and having a fastening component. A canting surface affixed to the front of the body and outward of a magnetic surface. The body further including one or more magnets that provides a magnetic force to magnetize the magnetic surface to hold and retain a loaded magazine that can be inserted into the magazine well of a firearm. The body further includes a ledge that provides a hard stop and bearing surface for the base plate of the loaded magazine so that the firearm magazine well can fully accept and lock the loaded magazine into the firearm. A method is also provided where only a single hand of user is needed to insert the loaded magazine into the firearm.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a system for holding firearm magazines, more particularly, to a wearable system for holding firearm magazines which allows a user to load a magazine into a firearm using only one hand, a so-called “one-hand operation.”

BACKGROUND

Completely detachable, box type magazines were first patented in 1908 by Arthur Savage of Savage Arms in U.S. Pat. No. 885,868. The detachable, box type magazines allowed for ammunition to be preloaded, such that a user could reload their firearm simply by inserting the loaded magazine. If a user were to preload a plurality of magazines, the reload time would be reduced to the duration required for a user to remove the unloaded magazine and provide a loaded magazine in its place.

Detachable box type magazines have since become the standard method of feeding ammunition into the firing chamber of a firearm. They can be found in all manner of firearms including: pistols, light-machine guns, submachine-guns, semi-automatic, and automatic rifles. Detachable box type magazines are usually referred to as simply “magazines” or “mags” because they are considered to be the standard ammunition supply mechanism.

The advent of the detachable box type magazine may have significantly reduced the time it takes to reload a firearm, but users of firearms still wish to further reduce the time of reloading. During World War II, soldiers began taping magazines together to create a “jungle style” arrangement. This allowed for even faster reload times. Soldiers no longer had to reach for a second magazine to reload, they could simply move to the next loaded magazine in the arrangement. The “jungle style” magazine arrangement eventually gained enough popularity to push manufactures and the U.S. military to produce “Jungle Clips”. These clips are metal clamps which can hold two or more magazines together to provide for quick reloading without the use of tape.

Although the use of magazines coupled with Jungle Clips have shortened the duration in which it takes to reload a firearm, the act of reloading can still be a cumbersome task because to insert a new magazine into a firearm requires the use of two hands. Furthermore, Jungle Clips are unable to be used with handguns, as typical handgun magazines must be fully inserted into the firearm.

The art has only recently recognized that a magnetic system might be able to hold magazines in a ready position for insertion into a firearm. However, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,395,153, such known holder designs are large bulky devices that are not readily concealable on the user's person because the positioning of the magazine is in an outward orientation relative to the user. Further, such a design requires the use of several ramps that project outwardly from the user, thus adding to bulkiness of the holder. These multiple ramps are unfortunately required so that the firearm can be guided onto the magazine. The ramps are also required so that the loaded firearm is then pushed out and away from the user after insertion of the magazine.

Based on the foregoing, there is a still a strong need in the art for a rapid magazine reloading system having a streamline design that is small, ready concealable, non-bulky, and light weight, and further allows a user to dramatically reduce the time required to insert a loaded magazine into a firearm. What may be further desired is a quick reload system where a user may quickly insert a loaded magazine into a firearm using only one hand.

SUMMARY

The objective of the present invention is to create a firearm magazine reloading system in which the user may quickly reload a firearm with a loaded magazine. In the case of a handgun, the user should be able to reload the firearm only using one hand. The objective is achieved according to the invention by providing a system having a body having a back, a front, and sides. A fastening component is provided on the body to allow attachment of the system to the user of the firearm. A canting surface affixed to the front of the body provides a required outward projection of an attached magazine to allow the magazine receiving end of a firearm to engage the magazine. The canting surface may also contain small magazine orienting nibs that project outwardly from the canting surface. These orienting nibs provide for proper positioning and alignment when a magazine is placed on the reloading system. The orienting nobs also deter or prevent shifting or misalignment of the magazine prior to loading into the firearm. The body of the reloading system further has a magnetic surface that is magnetized by one or more magnets affixed to the body. This magnetized surface attracts and holds a loaded magazine to the body of the present invention.

The system can further include a fastening component on its exterior to allow the body to be attached to an accessory or item of clothing being worn by a user. In an embodiment, the fastening component comprises of one or more through-holes provided on the sides of the body which a belt or other strap may be fed through.

In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more wings protrude from the side of the body to prevent movement of the body relative to the user. In an embodiment, the wings are provided with one or more through-holes which allow the body to engage with a belt or strap.

In an embodiment of the firearm magazine loading system, a canting surface is positioned in an upper half portion of the front of the body. The canting surface maybe integral with the body or magnetic surface or it may be a separate component that is affixed to the body or the magnetic surface. In some instances, the canting surface is preferably attached via rivets. In other cases the canting surface is adjustably attached, meaning that the canting surface can be moved up or down relative to the body. Likewise, the canting surface may also be adjustable to increase or decrease the distance that an attached magazine projects outwardly relative to the body, thereby allowing a user to adjust the cant angle to accommodate different firearms and magazine types.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the body is further provided with a curved lip to help guide a receiving end of a firearm onto the canted top portion of loaded magazine being retained on the body. In another embodiment of the invention, the system is provided with a ledge protruding outward from the base of the body. The ledge helps support the loaded magazine retained in the body, and provides a structure for a user to push the base of the loaded firearm magazine against when engaging the magazine into the receiving end of the firearm.

In yet another embodiment, the body of the firearm magazine reloading system has affixed to it a magnetic surface that has a canting surface position on or integral with the magnetic surface. The canting surface can be part of the magnetic surface, i.e., integral with the magnetic surface or the canting surface can be affixed as a separate component. The magnetic surface can also have an upper curved surface. Likewise, the body can have a curved lip on an upper portion that curves in the same direction as the upper curved surface. The curved lip and upper curved surface can be positioned such that they are adjacent and abutting each other. Preferably the canting surface is positioned in an upper half portion of the front of the body or the magnetic surface. Both the upper curved surface and the curved lip curve in a direction that is back toward the rear of the body and do not project outwardly from the front of the body. In other words, there are no guide surfaces, curves, or projections that extend beyond a vertical plane defined by either the front of the body or the magnetic surface. The only component that extends beyond these defined vertical planes is the canting surface, however, the canting surface does not serve as a guiding surface for the firearm during either magazine insertion or firearm removal away from the firearm magazine reloading system. As explained above the canting surface may also have orienting nibs that project slightly out from the canting surface, but are not firearm guiding surfaces.

In another embodiment, the canting surface is adjustably affixed to the magnetic surface such that the canting surface can be moved toward or away from the curved lip and can be moved outwardly from the front of the magnetic surface. Additionally, it is preferable that the firearm magazine reloading system does not comprise a magazine spacer that separates one or more positioned magazines.

A method of use is also provided for the invention to achieve the objective. In an embodiment, a user fastens the body to an accessory or item of clothing worn by the user. The user then places a loaded magazine onto the body such that it is retained by the magnets. The upper portion of the magazine is slightly canted outward away from the user due the canting surface. The user then places the receiving end of a firearm onto the very top of the upper portion of the loaded magazine, being retained against the body, completely covering and inserting the top into the firearm receiving end. The user then slides the firearm down and over the loaded magazine and presses the base of the magazine against the body until the magazine locks into the receiving end of the firearm. In another embodiment, wherein a ledge protrudes from the base of the body, the user presses the base of the loaded magazine against the ledge until the magazine locks into the receiving end of the firearm.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the firearm magazine reloading system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 having attached a magazine;

FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the firearm magazine reloading system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the firearm magazine reloading system of the present invention having a magazine attached thereto;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A with a firearm magazine attached;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a firearm showing the magazine well.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-5, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

FIGS. 1-3 present one possible embodiment of the firearm magazine loading system 100 of the present invention. This embodiment has a body 101 configured to be worn or attached near the waist of a user, preferably attached to a belt, strap, or tactical equipment worn by the user. Belt loops 104a and 104b (see FIG. 2) are provided so a belt or other strapping device may be passed through the body 101 to fix the magazine loading system, also referred to herein as the “reloading system,” at or near the waist of the user or at any position that user of the reloading system finds convenient and accessible to load an attached magazine into a firearm. One or more wings 102 extend from the body to help provide support and prevent rotational movement the body 101 from torsion forces applied during use of the reloading system. In an embodiment, the belt loops 104b are provided on the wings of the body. In an embodiment, foam or another soft material may be adhered or attached to the back of the wings 102 to provide a more comfortable fit to the user. Likewise, a hook & loop fastening material 160, such as Velcro®, can be included on the back side 125 of body 101 (see FIG. 3).

Body 101 is further provided with one or more magnets 103 that are position on or within body 101 such that a magnetic force is applied to the front 124 of the body. The magnet(s) can be co-molded into body 101 or position within a cavity 122 (see FIG. 3) in the rear or backside 125 of the body. The magnetic force must be strong enough to hold a fully loaded magazine 126 held securely to the front of the body or to the front surface 127 of a magnetic surface 128. Magnetic surface 128 is provided to increase the surface area of the magnetic force provided by magnet(s) 103. By increasing the available surface area of the magnetic force across the magnetic surface 128 allows the user to attach a magazine in the most desirable and efficient accessible position relative to the body 101. In other words, the magazine can be positioned at an angle less than 90 degrees relative the longitudinal axis 150 of the system. The number or strength of the magnets should be sufficient to keep the magazine of a firearm in place even during aggressive movements by the user, such, as running, jumping, crawling, and climbing. In an embodiment of the system, the magnets may be neodymium, ceramic, ferrite, cobalt, alnico, or another type of magnet deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art.

In one possible embodiment of the inventive system, a magnetic surface 128 is provided in front of the magnet. The magnetic surface 128 can be incorporated directly and integrally with the front 124 of the body or it can constitute a separate component as illustrated in the Drawings. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic surface 128 is attached to the body 101 via rivets 106. In another embodiment, the magnetic surface 128 is attached to the body via screws, weld, or another means of fastening, as known in the art. When the magnetic surface is a separate component, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, it is preferable to position the magnetic surface outwardly from the front 124 of the body by a distance D1 and to provide a distance D2 between the bottom edge 128a of magnetic surface 128, both D1 and D2 defining a recess 110. D1 provides a distance for the floor plate 130 of the magazine 126. The recess 110 also provides space for the floor plate or base 130 of magazine 126. Furthermore, the recess 110 allows the magazine to be rotated away from the body without pushing the base of the magazine away and off the ledge 107 during the final insertion and locking of the magazine into the firearm. In an embodiment, ledge 107 protrudes from the bottom of the body 101. The ledge 107 is provided to provide a support for the magazine as it is inserted into the firearm and to provide a hard stop surface for the floor plate or base 130 of magazine 126 so that magazine becomes fully inserted into the firearm before the loaded firearm is removed from the system 100. Preferably, ledge 107 is co-molded with body 101.

In a preferred embodiment, a curved lip 109 is provided as part of body 101. This curved lip curves inward towards the backside 125 of the body. The curved lip does not protrude or extend outward beyond a vertical plane define by the front surface 124 of the body 101. Curved lip 109 helps to guide the receiving end of the firearm onto the magazine 126 when retained on the body 101. The guide lip 109 will allow the user to load the provided magazine into the firearm quickly and without looking away from a target. Preferably, the curved lip is co-molded with body 101. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, where a separate magnetic surface 128 is positioned on the front 124 of the body, it is preferable that the magnetic surface 128 have an upper curved surface 135. The upper curved surface 135 matches the direction and radius of curvature of the curved lip 109 to provide a continuous, uninterrupted guiding surface for the firearm during the initial insertion of the magazine into the firearm. The upper curved surface does not protrude or extend beyond a vertical plane defined by the front surface 127 of the magnetic surface 128.

In an embodiment, the body 101 and its components may be comprised of metal, plastic, composite, or other material deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. The body 101 and provided belt loops 104a/104b are configured to be attached to a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system, as is known in the art, so that it may be incorporated as part of military or other tactical equipment.

An important feature of the present invention is the incorporation into the system of a canting surface. This canting surface is needed to cause the upper portion or top end of an attached magazine to cant outward from the magnetic surface a distance D3 in a direction away from the user. This distance is predetermined to provide a small space between the upper portion of the magazine and the magnetic surface such that the thickness 502 (see FIG. 5), defined as the distance between the outer surface of a firearm 500 grip 503 and the inside surface 501a of the magazine well 501. In other words, D3 is preferably equal to or greater than thickness 502. Providing D3 ensures that the firearm magazine well will slide down and over the attached magazine smoothly, without getting hung-up or stopped by any surface of the system. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 the canting surface 140 is a separate component affixed to the upper portion 128b/228b of the front face of the magnetic surface 128/228. Preferably, the canting surface is composed of a material that is magnetic, such that the magnets 103 will impart a magnetic force to the canting surface. The canting surface 140 can be attached through screws, rivets (142), or any other known type of fastener. Canting surface 140 does not have to be a separate component, but instead could be incorporated directly into (integral to) magnetic surface 128/228 as a horizontal protrusion, bump, rib, ridge, or like structure. When the canting surface is a separate component, it is also possible to attach the canting surface to the system such that the angle of cant a and/or the distance D3 is adjustable to accommodate different magazine and/or firearm type and models. In an embodiment of the loading system, the canting surface may include magazine orienting nibs 140a/140b. These orienting nibs are small projections facing outward away from canting surface and the user, however, the nibs do not act as a guide for the firearm. Instead, the nibs provide spatial boundaries to ensure that a magazine is properly positioned on the loading system. The nibs can also deter or prevent excessive sideways movement of a positioned magazine, basically keep the magazine positioned relatively vertical.

In reference to FIGS. 4A & 4B, an embodiment of the present invention is shown, that is configured to hold one or more magazines 126 and comprising a body 201 designed to be worn on the chest of a user or equipment worn on the chest of a user. Belt loops 204 are provided so a belt 205 may be passed through the body 201 and fix the body on to the chest of the user. In an embodiment, the top front edge 201a does not have a curved lip and the back side 201b of the body 204 is provided with a foam pad or cushion adhered to the back of the body. The cushion may provide added comfort for the user and keep the body in place when fastened to the user's chest. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a hook and loop fastening system may be included on the back side 201b. The cushion may be polyurethane, polyethylene, or another type of foam deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the body 201 is further provided with one or more magnets to apply a magnetic force, to keep the magazine of a firearm in place. In this embodiment of FIGS. 4A & 4B a separate magnetic surface 228 is provided that is larger in size in order that more than one magazine can be attached. Because the magnetic surface 228 is larger and occupies more of the surface area of the front of body 201, there is no need to have a curved lip as part of body 201. The magnetic surface 228 does have a curved upper surface 235. A ledge 207 is provided to retain the magazine and provide a support for the magazine as it is inserted into the firearm. In an embodiment, the body is further provided with a recess 210 located between the ledge and the lower edge of the magnetic surface 228. The recess 210 provides space for a floor plate 130 of magazine 126.

In an embodiment, the body 201 is adapted to fit a large magazine of an assault rifle. The body 201 and its components may be comprised of metal, plastic, composite, or other material deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. The body 201 and provided belt loops 204 are configured to be attached to a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system, as is known in the art, so that it may be incorporated as military equipment.

In another embodiment, the firearm magazine loading system may be configured to attach to the stomach, hip, arm, thigh, leg, or ankle of a user. In another embodiment, the present invention will be able to attach to the back of a user, in a manner such that a member of his team could use the body to reload their firearm.

A method of using the firearm magazine reloading system of the present invention will now be described. A first step involves fastening the body of the firearm magazine reloading system onto a user's body, a worn accessory or item of clothing, then placing a loaded magazine having a base onto magnetic surface affixed the body such that a canting surface is positioned between the magnetic surface and the loaded magazine and so that magnets within the body will attract and hold the loaded magazine against the magnetic surface. Next, placing the magazine receiving end (i.e., a magazine well) of a firearm onto the loaded magazine being retained against the magnetic surface and pressing the base of the loaded magazine against a ledge projecting outwardly from body until the loaded magazine locks into the magazine well of the firearm. Preferably, the magazine is positioned so that the canting surface cants the upper portion of the magazine out and away from the canting surface by a distance equal to or greater than the thickness 502. Most preferably, the magazine is positioned between two orienting nibs located on the canting surface. Once the magazine is positioned on the system, a firearm receiving end (i.e., a magazine well) is positioned over the top end of the loaded magazine and then slide down over the magazine to insert the magazine into the firearm. Then, rotating the firearm out and away from the magnetic surface into a firing position.

In a preferred embodiment, the magazine is received by the body, such that the floor plate 130 of the magazine contacts the ledge 107/207 and fits within the recess 110/210. In another embodiment, the magazine is received by the body 101/201, such that the floor plate 130 is suspended above the ledge 107/207 by one or more magnets (not shown) provided within the body 101/201. Preferably, method of using the firearm magazine reloading system requires only the use of a single hand of the user, with the possible exception of fastening the system to the user.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.

Claims

1. A firearm magazine reloading system comprising: a) a body having a back, a front, and sides;b) a fastening component provided on the body;c) a canting surface affixed to the front of the body;d) a magnetic surface; ande) one or more magnets affixed to the body.

2. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, wherein the fastening component comprises of one or more through holes provided on the sides of the body to engage with a secondary fastening component.

3. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, wherein one or more wings are provided on the sides of the body to retain position of the body relative to a user.

4. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 3, wherein the fastening component comprises of one or more through holes are provided on the wings.

5. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, wherein the canting surface is positioned in an upper half portion of the front of the body.

6. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a curved lip.

7. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 7, wherein the canting surface is adjustably affixed to the body such that the canting surface can be moved toward or away from the curved lip and can be moved outwardly from the front of the body

8. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, further comprising of a ledge protruding outwardly from a lower portion of the body.

9. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, further comprising of a cushion adhered to the back of the body.

10. A firearm magazine reloading system comprising: a) a body having a back, a front, and sides;b) a fastening component provided on the body;c) a magnetic surface affixed to the front of the body;d) a canting surface fixed to the magnetic surface; ande) one or more magnets affixed to the body,wherein the magnetic surface comprises an upper curved surface.

11. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10 where the body further comprises a curved lip on an upper portion that curves in the same direction as the upper curved surface.

12. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 11 where the curved lip and upper curved surface are adjacent and abutting each other.

13. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, wherein the fastening component comprises of one or more through holes provided on the sides of the body to engage with a secondary fastening component.

14. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, wherein one or more wings are provided on the sides of the body to retain position of the body relative to a user.

15. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 14, wherein the fastening component comprises of one or more through holes are provided on the wings.

16. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, wherein the canting surface is positioned in an upper half portion of the front of the body.

17. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, wherein the canting surface is positioned in an upper half portion of the front of the body.

18. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, wherein the canting surface is adjustably affixed to the magnetic surface such that the canting surface can be moved toward or away from the curved lip and can be moved outwardly from the front of the magnetic surface

19. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, further comprising of a ledge protruding outwardly from a lower portion of the body.

20. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, further comprising of a cushion adhered to the back of the body.

21. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10 does not comprise a magazine spacer.

22. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10 does not comprise curved side ramps projecting outward relative to the front of the body.

23. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1 further comprising at least two orienting nibs on the canting surface.

24. A method using a firearm magazine reloading system to load a magazine into a firearm comprising: a) fastening the body of the firearm magazine reloading system onto a user's body, a worn accessory or item of clothing;b) placing a loaded magazine having a base onto magnetic surface affixed the body such that a canting surface is positioned between the magnetic surface and the loaded magazine and so that magnets within the body will attract and hold the loaded magazine against the magnetic surface;c) placing the magazine receiving end of the firearm onto the loaded magazine being retained against the magnetic surface;d) pressing the base of the loaded magazine against a ledge projecting outwardly from body until the loaded magazine locks into the receiving end of the firearm;e) rotating the firearm out and away from the magnetic surface into a firing position.

25. The method of claim 24 further comprising that steps b) through e) are performed using only a single hand of a user.