STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of firearms. More specifically, the invention comprises a magazine base pad having a cantilever spring latch mechanism.
2. Description of the Related Art
The present invention is a base pad assembly suitable for use with a wide variety of firearm magazines. As will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the field, the designs disclosed herein can be modified and adapted in many forms. It is impossible to illustrate all these possibilities. Accordingly, only an exemplary version will be described in detail. This exemplary version is suitable for use with a magazine such as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.
FIG. 1 provides an exploded view of some prior art magazine components. Tube 12 is a hollow structure designed to contain and feed cartridges to a firearm's firing chamber. Its hollow interior is contained by a forward wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a rearward wall Follower 16 translates vertically within the hollow interior of the tube. The follower is urged upward by spring 18. In most designs, the follower and spring are fed into the tube through an opening in the bottom of the tube. These internal components are then captured within the tube via the addition of a base.
FIG. 2 shows a well-known design for a base (referred to as a “base pad” in this instance since it has a larger cross-section than the magazine tube and is intended to provide useful gripping features). Tube 12 incorporates a pair of laterally extending flanges 20—only one of which is visible in FIG. 2. The visible flange 20 extends laterally proximate the lower extreme of the tube's left side wall. A second flange 20 extends proximate the lower extreme of the tube's right side wall. Base pad 14 includes a pair of corresponding slots 22. Base pad 14 is attached to the rest of magazine assembly 10 by sliding slots 22 over lateral flanges 20. In this example the base pad is translated in the rearward direction in order to engage with the magazine tube. Front wall 23 eventually slides against the forward wall of tube 12 and arrests the further rearward translation of the base pad with respect to the tube.
At this point the magazine assembly is completed. The follower and spring are captured within the tube by the base pad. Of course, it is advisable to secure the base pad in this position so that it does not inadvertently come loose. Looking still at FIG. 2, plunger 24 is provided on the rear portion of base pad 14. The plunger is depressed during the installation of the base pad. Once the base pad reaches the installed position, the plunger pops up behind the rearward wall of the magazine tube. In order to remove the base pad, the user must then depress the plunger.
FIGS. 3-5 provide additional details regarding the operation of plunger 24. FIG. 3 provides a rear elevation view with base pad 14 installed. The reader will note the position of the pair of slots 22 formed in the side walls 26 of base pad 14. FIG. 3 shows how the two slots 22 slide closely over the laterally extending flanges 20 of the magazine tube. FIG. 3 also shows how plunger 24 has popped up behind the rearward wall of tube 12. The base pad cannot be moved forward without pushing plunger 24 downward.
FIG. 4 provides a left side sectional elevation view through the assembly. Plunger slides vertically into well 34 within base pad 14. Plunger spring 36 is a compression spring that urges the plunger upward into the position shown. Angled surface 28 is provided on the top of the plunger. This angled surface causes the plunger to be cammed downward when the base pad is slid in the rearward direction during the installation process. The angled surface prevents the camming action when the base pad is urged forward from the installed position shown.
FIG. 5 provides greater detail in the vicinity of the plunger. Plunger 24 must be secured within well 34 so that it is not lost. It is also important to prevent the rotation of the plunger so that angled surface 28 is in the correct orientation. The correct orientation places high point 30 in the front and low point 32 in the rear.
A vertical slot 40 is provided in the rear portion of the plunger. A corresponding bore 44 is provided in the base pad. Spring cavity 38 is provided in the lower portion of plunger 24. During installation, the plunger and plunger spring 36 are oriented correctly and pushed down into well 34. Roll pin 42 is then pushed through bore 44 until the forward tip of the roll pin resides within slot 40. Slot 40 is a vertical slot that is only slightly wider than the diameter of the roll pin itself. It thus allows the plunger to travel up and down within the well, but does not allow the plunger to rotate.
FIG. 5 shows the plunger-based latch mechanism in its raised position. The interaction of roll pin 42 and slot 40 places low point 32 of plunger 24 just even with floor surface 31 of the base pad. The plunger is thus positioned to be cammed downward when the base pad is moved in the rearward direction along the lateral flanges of the magazine tube. In the example shown, roll pin 42 extends into slot 40. In other prior art examples slot 40 is actually a hole drilled through plunger 24. In that case roll pin 42 passes all the way through the hole and into a bore on the far side of well 34.
The latch mechanism shown in FIG. 5 is effective. However, those skilled in the art will perceive the accumulated overall height needed for this mechanism. A central purpose of the base pad is simply placing floor surface 31 across the open bottom of the magazine tube. The use of the latch mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5 causes the addition of height h1 so that the base pad becomes relatively thick. It is desirable to create a latching mechanism that does not require this significant additional height.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention comprises a magazine base pad having a significantly reduced overall height. The base pad is slidably engaged to the bottom of the magazine tube—thereby securing a magazine spring and follower inside the tube. A cantilever spring is provided to lock the base pad in place. The cantilever spring can be depressed in order to release the base pad and allow it to slide free of the magazine tube. A fixed end of the cantilever spring is attached to the base pad. A free end of the cantilever spring is free to move. The use of the lateral cantilever spring significantly reduces the height of the base pad in comparison to the coil spring designs used in the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view, showing the tube, follower, and magazine spring of a prior art gun magazine.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, showing the addition of a base pad to the assembly of FIG. 2.
FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view, showing a prior art base pad installed on a magazine tube.
FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation view, showing a prior art plunger latch mechanism on a magazine base pad.
FIG. 5 is a sectional elevation view, showing additional details of a prior art plunger latch mechanism.
FIG. 6 is a sectional elevation view, showing how the latch of FIG. 5 is released.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view, showing an embodiment of the inventive base pad.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view, showing an embodiment of the inventive base pad.
FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view, showing the inventive base pad installed on a magazine tube.
FIG. 10 is a right side elevation view, showing the inventive base pad installed on a magazine tube.
FIG. 11 is a left side elevation view, showing the inventive base pad installed on a magazine tube.
FIG. 12 is a rear sectional elevation view, showing the present invention with the cantilever spring in an undeflected state.
FIG. 13 is a rear sectional elevation view, showing the present invention with the cantilever spring in a deflected state.
FIG. 14 is a rear sectional elevation view, showing an embodiment of a connection between the free end of the cantilever spring and a plunger.
FIG. 15 is a rear sectional elevation view, showing an exemplary method of assembling the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a rear sectional elevation view, showing another embodiment of a connection between the free end of the cantilever spring and a plunger.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view, showing still another alternate embodiment in which the cantilever spring is orientated longitudinally.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view with a cutaway, showing internal details of the embodiment of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is an elevation view with a cutaway, showing the engagement of the inventive based pad with a magazine tube.
FIG. 20 is an elevation view with a cutaway, showing the engagement of the inventive based pad with a magazine tube.
FIG. 21 is an elevation view with a cutaway, showing the engagement of the inventive based pad with a magazine tube.
FIG. 22 is an elevation view, showing an advantageous reduction in height for the embodiment of FIG. 17.
FIG. 23 is a bottom view, showing an example of how the cantilever spring can be attached to the base pad.
FIG. 24 is a bottom view, showing an example of how the cantilever spring can be attached to the base pad.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view, showing an embodiment with a separate engagement portion added to the free end of the cantilever spring.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS
10 magazine assembly
12 tube
14 base pad
16 follower
18 spring
20 lateral flange
22 slot
23 front wall
24 plunger
26 side wall
28 angled surface
30 high point
31 floor surface
32 low point
34 well
36 plunger spring
38 spring cavity
40 slot
42 roll pin
44 bore
46 base pad
47 body
48 plunger
50 slot
52 large transverse bore
54 small transverse bore
56 cantilever spring
57 plunger bore
58 fixed end
60 free end
62 spring receiver
64 blind hole
66 base pad
68 cantilever spring
70 bottom surface
72 blind slot
74 through-slot
76 peen indentation
78 engagement portion
80 relief
82 vertical segment
84 angled segment
86 upper extreme
88 engagement portion
90 angled surface
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following descriptions pertain to preferred embodiments of the present invention. Having reviewed these descriptions, many more embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. As one example, many diverse approaches could be used to mount the fixed end of a cantilever spring. This disclosure describes only one of these. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be set by the claims presented at the end of this disclosure rather than the embodiments described.
An objective of the present invention is the provision of a latching arrangement similar to the one depicted in FIGS. 1-6, but without the increased height produced by the use of a plunger with a conventional coil spring mounted beneath. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention—designated as base pad 46. Body 47 includes floor surface 31, which is configured to close off the open bottom of the magazine tube. An elevated side wall runs around a first lateral side, the front, and the second lateral side of the body. A slot 50 is provided along each of the lateral sides.
Plunger 48 extends upward from the rear portion of floor surface 31—as for the prior art. Large transverse hole 52 extends laterally into body 47 as shown. FIG. 8 shows base pad 46 from the other side. The reader will note the presence of a second slot 50. Small transverse hole 54 extends into the body as shown. The two slots 50 in base pad 46 are sized and positioned to slidably engage the two lateral flanges 20 on the magazine tube. This allows the base pad to slide onto the bottom of the magazine tube as for the prior art.
FIG. 9 shows a rear elevation view of base pad 46 slidably engaged to the bottom of tube 12. The reader will note how the base pad's two lateral slots 50 slide over the tube's lateral flanges 20. Plunger 48 extends out of the base pad and pops up behind the rearward wall of the magazine tube-thereby preventing forward motion of the base pad relative to the tube unless plunger 48 is depressed.
FIG. 10 shows a left side elevation view of the same assembly. Small transverse hole 54 is visible. FIG. 11 shows the corresponding right side elevation view. Large transverse hole 52 is visible.
In looking at FIGS. 7-10 the reader will note the significantly reduced height of base pad 46 in comparison to the prior art. This height reduction is achieved while still providing the same functionality for plunger 48. In order to explain how this is done, some internal details of the base pad must be explained. Looking at FIG. 11, the reader will note a section view “call out” for FIG. 12.
FIG. 12 provides a rear sectional elevation view through the middle of plunger 48 (though the plunger itself is not sectioned). For the plunger to operate as needed, a biasing spring is positioned to urge plunger 48 out of its corresponding bore 57 through the base pad. In the prior art this was done with a helical compression spring. In the present invention, cantilever spring 56 is used.
The cantilever spring can assume many forms. In the example of FIG. 12, the cantilever spring is a long and slender piece of spring steel having a circular cross section. The cantilever spring has a fixed end 58 and a free end. The fixed end is pressed into small transverse bore 54 so that it is held tightly. The free end of cantilever spring 56 is connected to plunger 48. Cantilever spring 56 therefore retains plunger 48 in the position shown—protruding from its corresponding bore 57.
FIG. 13 shows the same configuration after a pressing force has been used to push plunger 48 into its corresponding bore until high point 30 clears the bottom of the magazine well—the position needed to slide the base pad free of the magazine. Fixed end 58 of cantilever spring 56 is still held in position within small transverse bore 54. The unrestrained portion of the cantilever spring has elastically deformed as shown. Its free end has translated downward with plunger 48. If the depressing force on plunger 48 is removed, then cantilever spring 56 will return the plunger back to the position shown in FIG. 12.
In looking again at FIG. 12, the reader will appreciate how the use of the cantilever spring has allowed a much lower overall height h2. The height of the base pad from the floor surface to the bottom of the base pad is in fact less than the overall height of the plunger itself. A much thinner base pad results.
The connection between the free end of the cantilever spring and the plunger can assume many forms. If a rigid connection is used, then the lower portion of the bore in which the plunger moves must be large enough to allow the plunger to pivot with the free end of the cantilever spring. Another option is to provide an elongated slot in the plunger so that the free end of the cantilever spring is free to pivot without requiring the plunger to pivot with it. This option is shown in FIG. 14. Spring receiver 62 is an elongated slot that passes transversely through plunger 48. Spring receiver 62 allows the free end 60 of cantilever spring 58 to pivot as shown—without forcing the plunger to pivot with it.
FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of a spring receiver in plunger 48. In this example, blind hole 64 is provided in one side of the spring receiver. Free end 60 of cantilever spring 56 rests within the blind hole. This creates a stable engagement where the plunger is retained but able to move up and down within the plunger bore.
FIG. 15 illustrates one method of assembling the embodiment of FIGS. 12-14. In this method plunger 48 is placed within its bore through the base pad and rotated so that the spring receiver 62 in plunger 48 aligns with small transverse bore 54 through the base pad. Cantilever spring 56 is then forced through small transverse bore 54 until the free end of the cantilever spring passes through spring receiver 62 and thereby connects the cantilever spring to the plunger. The plunger is retained within its bore via the cantilever spring being engaged with spring receiver 62. The cantilever spring 56 is retained within small transverse bore 54 via friction (It is a press fit). An adhesive can also be used to create or enhance the engagement between the fixed end of the cantilever spring and small transverse bore 54. It is also possible to secure the fixed end of the cantilever spring using a roll pin, a set screw, a threaded engagement, or other suitable components. An additional fixation component is advantageous when the cantilever spring is a more complex shape—such as a flat spring.
In this disclosure, the term “cantilever spring” should be broadly understood to mean any elastically deformable element having a fixed end and a free end. Though the cantilever spring in the example shown is transverse to the orientation of the plunger, this does not have to be the case. The spring can assume an angled position and still work. Likewise, though the exemplary cantilever spring is made of spring steel, many other materials could be substituted.
Base pad 46 and plunger 48 can likewise be made of metal, polymer, or any other desirable material. In the preferred embodiments these components are made of metal—such as aluminum. Those skilled in the art will realize that the geometry of the base pad lends itself to a molding process—such as metal injection molding.
It is also possible to provide a cantilever spring that is oriented longitudinally rather than laterally. FIGS. 17-24 illustrate an embodiment including a longitudinal cantilever spring. FIG. 17 illustrates a base pad 66 incorporating these features. This embodiment includes most of the same features as the prior embodiments. The body of the base pad includes a floor surface 31 surrounded by two side walls 26 and front wall 23. A slot 50 extends laterally into the inward-facing portions of each side wall. These slots 50 are configured to receive the lateral flanges 20 on the lower extreme of a magazine tube—as for the prior examples.
Relief 80 is provided in the rearward portion of one of the side walls. Through-slot 74 extends through the lower portion of the base pad proximate this relief. Engagement portion 78 of a longitudinally oriented cantilever spring extends upward through this slot 74. Engagement portion 78 is intended to releasably secure the lateral flange of a magazine tube within the adjacent slot.
FIG. 18 shows the same embodiment with a cutaway. Cantilever spring 68 is mounted longitudinally in blind slot 72 and through-slot 74. Fixed end 58 is secured to the base pad so that it cannot move. The rest of the cantilever spring is free to flex up and down. The example shown is made of spring steel with a circular cross section. The free end of the cantilever spring can include a specially shaped component designed to engage the magazine tube (such as the plunger 48 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 14). On the other hand, the end of the spring itself can be shaped to form the engagement feature. In the example of FIG. 18, the free end of the cantilever spring is formed into engagement portion 78. The engagement portion moves up and down within through-slot 74. Free end 60 is able to flex downward within blind slot 72.
FIGS. 19-21 show the operation of the longitudinally-oriented cantilever spring. FIG. 19 shows a side view with the same partial cutaway as included in FIG. 18. The reader will note how fixed end 58 is secured to the base pad. Blind slot 72 extends upwards from bottom surface 70—but not all the way through the base pad. Through-slot 74 extends all the way through as shown.
The magazine tube is connected to the base pad by moving magazine tube 12 in the direction indicated by the arrow (or moving the base pad in the opposite direction—it is the relevant motion between the base pad and the magazine tube that is important). The reader will note how lateral flange 20 on the side of magazine tube 12 aligns with slot 50 in the base pad. The reader will also note how the engagement portion of the cantilever spring (including angled segment 84 and upper extreme 86) obstructs the entry of the lateral flange into the slot. As the magazine tube and base pad are moved into engagement, the leading portion of lateral flange 20 contacts angled segment 84. The interaction of the lateral flange and the angled segment cams the angled segment (and the entire free end of the cantilever spring) downward. As the magazine tube is pushed further into engagement the leading portion of the lateral flange passes over upper extreme 86. The bottom surface of lateral flange 20 then slides along upper extreme 86 while holding the cantilever spring in the downward-deflected state.
This configuration is shown in FIG. 20. Lateral flange 20 slides along within slot 50 (The reader will recall that the magazine tube has a lateral flange 20 on each side and the base pad has a slot 50 on each side so there are actually two sliding engagements). Fixed end 58 of the cantilever spring remains secured to the base pad. However, most of the cantilever spring smoothly deflects downward as shown—so that the free end moves downward. The cantilever spring is made of a suitable material so that the deflection shown is an elastic deformation rather than a plastic one. Spring steel is a suitable material. The free end of the cantilever spring 68 is deflected downward as shown in FIG. 20 but the material of the spring seeks to return to the position shown in FIG. 19. Thus, upper extreme 86 exerts an upward force on lateral flange 20 during the assembly process.
FIG. 21 shows the fully assembled configuration. As soon as the trailing portion of lateral flange 20 slides past upper extreme 86 of the cantilever spring, the cantilever spring pops back up into its undeflected state. Vertical segment 82 then rests behind the trailing portion of the lateral flange—thereby retaining the lateral flange 20 within the slot 50. The base pad is thereby secured to the magazine tube 12 and disassembly is not possible without a deliberate action by the user. In order to disassemble the components, the user must push down on the exposed portion of the cantilever spring—such as by pushing down on upper extreme 86—until vertical segment 82 clears the trailing portion of lateral flange 20. The user then holds the exposed portion down until lateral flange 20 extends over upper extreme 86. The user can then slide the two components apart.
The engagement portion does not need to be formed of the same material as used for the cantilever spring itself, and may in fact be a separate component that is connected to the free end of the cantilever spring. This alternative is shown in FIG. 25. Engagement portion 88 is a block of material that is attached to the free end of cantilever spring 68. The engagement portion includes an upper extreme 86 and angled surface 90. It also includes a vertical surface opposite the angle surface. It operates the same as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18.
The mounting of the longitudinal cantilever spring within the base pad can be accomplished in a wide variety of ways and the invention is not limited to any particular method. In the version of FIG. 18, fixed end 58 is embedded in the material of the base pad. The attachment can be made via adhesive or solder. FIGS. 22-24 show another method of attachment. FIG. 23 shows a bottom view of the base pad. Blind slot 72 and through-slot 74 can be created in a variety of ways. For example, they can be created by machining or they can be created as part of a molding process (such as where the base pad is created by metal injection molding).
As shown in FIG. 23, slots 72, 74 are open to bottom surface 70. The cantilever spring can be introduced via the open bottom of the slots. FIG. 24 shows the same view after the introduction of cantilever spring 68. In this example, the base pad is made of a ductile material—such as aluminum. Once cantilever spring 68 is placed in position and held, a peening tool can be used to create one or more peen indentations 76. These indentations plastically deform the material of the base pad so that it “pinches” and retains the fixed end of the cantilever spring. Looking at FIG. 22, a lateral peening operation can be applied to produce lateral peen indentations 76. Plastic deformation of the base pad material is thereby used to securely hold the fixed end of the cantilever spring without the need for a separate joining substance.
Returning briefly to FIG. 18, the reader will again note the longitudinal orientation of the cantilever spring in this embodiment (rather than the lateral orientation found in the previously discussed embodiments). The word “longitudinal” is not limited to being perfectly parallel to the orientation of slots 50. The orientation may vary up to 30 degrees from perfectly parallel and still be referred to as longitudinal.
The use of this configuration allows for a further reduction in height compared to the embodiment of FIG. 12. FIG. 22 shows a height h3 for the distance between floor surface 31 and bottom surface 70. The height h3 is actually less than the height h2 while still providing the same functionality.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, cantilever spring 68 can be positioned to interact with many parts of the magazine tube (or pieces attached to the magazine tube) other than one of the lateral flanges 20. As an example, the cantilever spring can be positioned along the center of the base pad so that upper extreme 86 pops up to the rear of the magazine tube's rearward wall when the base pad is in the assembled state.
Another embodiment can be made where the base pad slides onto the magazine tube in the opposite direction and upper extreme 86 pops up in front of the magazine tube's forward wall in the assembled state. One can also create embodiments where the base pad slides to the left or right in order to engage the magazine tube. In those embodiments the cantilever spring would be oriented laterally and the upper extreme would pop out outside the magazine tube proximate one of the two side walls.
Many other variation are possible, many of which can be combined. Examples include:
- 1. A cantilever spring with a non-circular cross-section, such as a rectangular cross section found in most leaf springs;
- 2. A threaded connection for the fixed end of the cantilever spring;
- 3. A connection between the fixed end of the cantilever spring and the body of the base pad that is made by an overmolding process;
- 4. A cantilever spring on two lateral sides of the plunger; and
- 5. A reversed arrangement for the base pad and the magazine-where the plunger is placed on the front of the base pad and the base pad slides off the magazine in a rearward direction.
The invention thus disclosed offers significant advantages over the prior art. These include:
- 1. A lower overall height, as described in detail previously;
- 2. The base pad will most often rest in an installed state (on the magazine tube). In this state the cantilever spring of the present invention is relaxed. In the installed state for the prior art, the helical compression spring is compressed. The present invention thereby should obtain increased spring life; and
- 3. The cantilever spring arrangement is tolerant of fouling debris—such as dirt or sand. In contrast, the prior art helical spring arrangement is more easily jammed.
Although the preceding descriptions contain significant detail, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will know that many other variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should properly be determined with respect to the following claims rather than the examples given.
Patent Application
20250207880
