Patent Application
20180292152
This invention relates to an Internal and external locking/latching magazine device and a coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” with an External Lock Option. The present invention relates in general to a device or apparatus for loading ammunition into a magazine. More particularly, the invention is concerned with a device or apparatus which provides for the rapid loading of ammunition into a magazine used for holding a number of rounds of ammunition. In addition, the present invention relates to a magazine loading system, and more particularly to a magazine loader mechanism which can quickly and easily load the ammunition into a magazine.
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As far as known, there are no internal or external locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” or the like at this time of applying. There are also no known with an External Lock Option. It is believed that this product is unique in its design and technologies.
Ammunition magazines are the most common means of storing and delivering ammunition into firearms. Firearms, including short weapons, assault rifles, and submachine guns, utilize and fire rounds (also known as cartridges and ammunition). Each round is substantially elongated and comprises a deep cup-like case (also known as a shell case and sometimes also a cartridge), usually of brass, which is filled with an explosive propellant. Traditionally, when loading a cartridge clip or magazine for a firearm, the cartridge (e.g. ammunition) must be manually loaded one at a time through an opening on a top portion of the cartridge clip. Generally, each cartridge is pressed against a previously loaded shell and a clip spring contained in the cartridge clip is compressed. As each shell is inserted, strain on the fingers may increase which may cause the individual's hand to become tired and many individuals may not have the required strength or dexterity to manually load the cartridge clip. Other individuals may only be able to partially load a cartridge clip due to the increased strength and dexterity required to continue to load the clip as the spring continues to be compressed. Alternatively, individuals who do have the required strength or dexterity to manually load a single cartridge into a clip may not have the strength to manually load multiple cartridge clips. Furthermore, resistance of the clip spring can slow the speed at which a clip is loaded.
Loading magazines with loose rounds is a relatively time-consuming, tedious, and painful practice if done with bare fingers. Pain accumulates and intensifies as more rounds are loaded against the increasing spring pressure, thus slowing the loading process. When a plurality of magazines are to be loaded, much time is required, which in turn shortens time for reposing, training, or combat time. In combat circumstances, slow reloading can be life-threatening.
The rounds are held within and fed into the firearm from a magazine. Detachable magazines have become dominant throughout the world. The term “magazine” is broad, encompassing several geometric variations, including curved magazines. Most detachable magazines are similar, varying in form and structure, rather than in their general principles of operation. Magazines usually take the form of an elongated container having a generally rectangular cross-section, which is attached to the underside of the firearm. Magazines are commonly made of aluminum alloys, plastic, steel, or a combination. They are usually closed on four or five sides and open on a sixth, upwardly facing, top, side or end, and are substantially hollow. The top open side has a rectangular opening and includes two round-retaining members, known as feed lips that project into or partly close the opening. An internal spring urges a follower or pusher (a shaped piece of plastic or metal) toward the open side. The follower in turn urges the rounds as a group up against the lips. The lips act as a stop for the rounds so that they are not expelled from the magazine. Within the magazine, the rounds are stacked or oriented in the magazine such that the longitudinal axes of the rounds are substantially parallel and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the spring and follower. Adjoining rounds are oriented side-by-side and in the same direction, i.e., the bullets of adjacent rounds are next to each other, as are the cases. Thus, the use of magazines is a convenient and effective method of feeding bullets, in rapid succession, into a weapon's firing chamber.
On the other hand, as mentioned, the reloading of bullets into the spent magazine is known to be problematic. Thus a need is sought for a mechanism or device to be used and incorporated with the magazine so that the ammunition can be quickly and easy fed in the magazine. The loading of bullets into a magazine entails the progressive compression of the magazine spring. Initial loading may be accomplished without substantial manual effort while the latter stages of loading, by reason of increased spring resistance and internal friction, present a problem. Typically the bullet being loaded into the magazine is held by its nose and the base of the bullet used to depress the previously loaded bullet. Accordingly both substantial downward and inward pressure must be exerted on the bullet being loaded as it is slid into the clip or magazine. Handling of the projectile portion of the cartridge can increase misfires and jamming. In addition to the manual dexterity required, a degree of finger strength is necessary. Still further, the unaided loading of magazines is a tedious, time consuming task which consumes costly time when accomplished at a busy firing range. More particularly, the structural design of the magazine requires each bullet to be individually loaded through the top ejection end of the magazine past the retainers and downwardly against the force of the magazine spring (typically a compression spring or equal) in order to receive the bullet within the magazine. As each bullet is loaded, in sequence, the magazine spring in the magazine becomes progressively compressed until the magazine is fully loaded with bullets. Naturally, the resistance of the magazine spring (force) against the downward force of loading the bullets into the magazine becomes greater with each successive bullet loaded into the magazine. Thus, for many years, bullets have been loaded into empty magazines of firearms by hand, using the fingers to force each bullet downwardly against the force of the compression spring and into captured arrangement within the magazine. This process is time consuming, and quite often frustrating, on cold days when a person's fingers are numb, or are enclosed in a glove or mitten.
An internal and external locking/latching loading device and coupling mechanism for directly and mechanically loading ammunition rounds into standard rifle and pistol magazines. The device has a latch and collar to engage the magazine and a push system to compress the magazine spring as it mechanically feeds the round from the ammunition sleeve of the device or straight from a contoured ammunition package which the collar of the device is press fit onto the surface of the ammunition package. It eliminates the manual feed and quickly places the rounds into a standard magazine ready for use.
This invention is an Internal and external locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” with External Lock Option.
The preferred embodiment of an Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” is comprised of (a) an exterior case of a traditional magazine and a spring of traditional magazine; (b) a modified follower (without stop post); (c) a trigger component further comprised of a top plate, a trigger post, a flat for latching of the trigger component to a base plate feature, and an aperture to connect to the spring; (d) a baseplate and trigger guard box further comprised of a slide configuration to slide ably interconnect guard box with magazine case, an aperture opening in guard box for trigger post, a base plate feature, and a trigger guard box; a push rod component; and (e) a contoured to ammunition package further comprised of sidewalls, an end, a means to secure the sidewalls, a stop/tab with an aperture, and a securing filament attached to the aperture in stop wing/tab, and an opening opposite the closed end is contoured for ammunition rounds wherein the Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” can disengage the spring by using the push rod to force down the ammunition rounds, engaging the trigger to lock with the baseplate and guard and hold the spring in compression so that the ammunition rounds can easily fall from the contoured package and into the magazine, and after the ammunition rounds are in the magazine case, the trigger can be released so the spring re-extends to hold the ammunition rounds against the top opening of the magazine.
An alternative device is a collar or full sleeve. The collar is comprised of: (a) a rectangular collar that is configured to lightly press fit and encircle the perimeter of a contoured ammunition with an open end; (b) a tightening fastener to square the collar with an open end of a traditional ammunition magazine which has an aperture near the open end; and (c) a latch which can removably secure the collar to the aperture at the open end of the ammunition magazine wherein the collar is first placed onto the contoured package then latched to the open end of the magazine at the aperture, and then the package is pushed through the collar and into the open end of the magazine thus depressing the spring and releasing ammunition rounds into the magazine and filling the magazine.
Another alternative embodiment is an external locking/latching sleeve device comprised of: (a) a load base with and without extended support legs and a tab slot; (b) an external latch mechanism attached to the base; (c) a housing connected integrally at one end to the load base and at an opposite end to a cap and plate by fasteners; (d) a pusher plate encircling the housing; (e) at least one push rod attached at one end to the pusher plate with fasteners; (f) an optional horizontal rod attached to the pusher plate; and (g) a quick release tab wherein the device is aligned with an ammunition magazine at the open end of the magazine, then the latch of the device is engaged with an aperture of the magazine, then the push plate with the rods is pressed toward the magazine and a spring of the magazine is depressed as the ammunition rounds begin to release, next the pusher plate reaches the load base and all the rounds are completely released into the magazine thus filling the magazine full of ammunition rounds.
The newly invented Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” can be manufactured at low volumes by very simple means and in high volume production by more complex and controlled systems.
There are several objects and advantages of the internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load”. There are currently no known Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” that are effective at providing the objects of this invention.
The Lock and Load system has various advantages and benefits:
Finally, other advantages and additional features of the present Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load with External Lock Option will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the full description of the device. For one skilled in the art of firearms, magazines and loaders, it is readily understood that the features shown in the examples with this product are readily adapted to other types of out the magazine loaders and unloaders in the market today.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” with an External Lock Option that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the improved magazine loading system and devices. It is understood, however, that the Lock and Load system is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
The following list refers to the drawings:
The present development is an Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” with an External Lock Option. This invention relates to an Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load”. The present invention relates in general to a device or apparatus for loading ammunition into a magazine. More particularly, the invention is concerned with a device or apparatus which provides for the rapid loading of ammunition into a magazine used for holding a number of rounds of ammunition. In addition, the present invention relates to a magazine loading system, and more particularly to a magazine loader mechanism which can quickly and easily load the ammunition into a magazine.
The advantages for the Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” 30 and the External locking/latching magazine device 89, 144, 144A and coupling ammunition container 80 are listed above in the introduction. Succinctly the benefits are that the device:
The preferred embodiment of an Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” 30 is comprised of (a) an exterior case of a traditional magazine and a spring of traditional magazine; (b) a modified follower (without stop post); (c) a trigger component further comprised of a top plate, a trigger post, a flat for latching of the trigger component to a base plate feature, and an aperture to connect to the spring; (d) a baseplate and trigger guard box further comprised of a slide configuration to slide ably interconnect guard box with magazine case, an aperture opening in guard box for trigger post, a base plate feature, and a trigger guard box; a push rod component; and (e) a contoured to ammunition package further comprised of sidewalls, an end, a means to secure the sidewalls, a stop/tab with an aperture, and a securing filament attached to the aperture in stop wing/tab, and an opening opposite the closed end is contoured for ammunition rounds wherein the Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” can disengage the spring by using the push rod to force down the ammunition rounds, engaging the trigger to lock with the baseplate and guard and hold the spring in compression so that the ammunition rounds can easily fall from the contoured package and into the magazine, and after the ammunition rounds are in the magazine case, the trigger can be released so the spring re-extends to hold the ammunition rounds against the top opening of the magazine.
An alternative device is a collar or full sleeve. The collar is comprised of: (a) a rectangular collar that is configured to lightly press fit and encircle the perimeter of a contoured ammunition with an open end; (b) a tightening fastener to square the collar with an open end of a traditional ammunition magazine which has an aperture near the open end; and (c) a latch which can removably secure the collar to the aperture at the open end of the ammunition magazine wherein the collar is first placed onto the contoured ammunition package then latched to the open end of the magazine at the aperture, and then the package is pushed through the collar and into the open end of the magazine thus depressing the spring and releasing ammunition rounds into the magazine and filling the magazine.
Another alternative embodiment is an external locking/latching sleeve device comprised of: (a) a load base with and without extended support legs and a tab slot; (b) an external latch mechanism attached to the base; (c) a housing connected integrally at one end to the load base and at an opposite end to a cap and plate by fasteners; (d) a pusher plate encircling the housing; (e) at least one push rod attached at one end to the pusher plate with fasteners; (f) an optional horizontal rod attached to the pusher plate; and (g) a quick release tab wherein the device is aligned with an ammunition magazine at the open end of the magazine, then the latch of the device is engaged with an aperture of the magazine, then the push plate with the rods is pressed toward the magazine and a spring of the magazine is depressed as the ammunition rounds begin to release, next the pusher plate reaches the load base and all the rounds are completely released into the magazine thus filling the magazine full of ammunition rounds.
There is shown in
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of an Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” 30 that is preferred and an external lock 89, 144, 144A compatible with most rifle and pistol type magazines. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Lock and Load 30, 89, 144, 144A. It is understood, however, that Lock and Load 30, 89, 144, 144A is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of magazines and loader devices and uses are still understood by one skilled in the art of ammunition magazine loaders and packaging devices to be within the scope and spirit shown here.
There are various materials are anticipated for the devices 30, 89, 144, 144A as well as the ammunition packages 80. Durable materials are anticipated for the devices 30, 89, 144, 144A which include steel, steel alloys, aluminum, brass, plastic, reinforced plastic, and composite materials. Disposable materials for the contoured ammunition package 80 anticipated are, but are not limited to, thin, non-reinforced plastic, compressed cardboard, compressed fiber boards, and biodegradable composite materials.
The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing an Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” 30, 89, 144, 144A may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of the art of ammunition magazine loaders and packaging devices and their uses well appreciates.
The Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” 30 and the external latch cuff/collar 89 and external sleeve devices 144, 144A have been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the devices operate are described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Lock and Load 30, 89, 144, 144A. The preferred embodiment of an Internal locking/latching magazine device 30 and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” is comprised of (a) an exterior case 71 of a traditional magazine 70 and a spring 72 of traditional magazine; (b) a modified follower 75A (without stop post 76); (c) a trigger component 40 further comprised of a top plate 41, a trigger post 42, a flat 44 for latching of the trigger component 40 to a base plate feature 63, and an aperture 46 to connect to the spring 72; (d) a baseplate and trigger guard box 60 further comprised of a slide configuration 61 to slide ably interconnect guard box 60 with magazine case 71, an aperture opening 62 in guard box 60 for trigger post 42, a base plate 63 feature, and a trigger guard box; a push rod component 50; and (e) a contoured to ammunition package 80 further comprised of sidewalls 82, an end 83, a means 84 to secure the sidewalls, a stop/tab with an aperture, and a securing filament 88 attached to the aperture 86 in stop wing/tab 85, and an opening 87 opposite the closed end 83 is contoured for ammunition rounds 120 wherein the Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” 30 can disengage the spring by using the push rod to force down the ammunition rounds, engaging the trigger to lock with the baseplate and guard and hold the spring in compression so that the ammunition rounds can easily fall from the contoured package and into the magazine, and after the ammunition rounds are in the magazine case, the trigger can be released so the spring re-extends to hold the ammunition rounds against the top opening of the magazine.
An alternative device is a collar 89 comprised of: (a) a rectangular collar 155 that is configured to lightly press fit and encircle the perimeter of a contoured ammunition package 80 with an open end; (b) a tightening fastener 150 to square the collar 88 with an open end of a traditional ammunition magazine 70 which has an aperture 78 near the open end; and (c) a latch 140 which can removably secure the collar 89 to the aperture 78 at the open end of the ammunition magazine 70 wherein the collar 89 is first placed onto the contoured package 80 then latched to the open end of the magazine 70 at the aperture 78, and then the package 80 is pushed through the collar 89 and into the open end of the magazine 70 thus depressing the spring 72 and releasing ammunition rounds 120 into the magazine 70 and filling the magazine.
Another alternative is the external locking/latching sleeve device 144, 144A comprised of: (a) a load base 152, 152A with and without extended support legs 153 and a tab slot 81; (b) an external latch mechanism 143 attached to the base 152, 152A; (c) a housing 154 connected integrally at one end to the load base 152, 152A and at an opposite end to a cap and plate 157 by fasteners 159; (d) a pusher plate 156 encircling the housing 154; (e) at least one push rod 146 attached at one end to the pusher plate 156 with fasteners 158; (f) an optional horizontal rod 145 attached to the pusher plate 156; and (g) a quick release tab 96 wherein the device 144, 144A is aligned with an ammunition magazine 70 at the open end of the magazine 70, then the latch 143 of the device 144, 144A is engaged with an aperture 78 of the magazine 70, then the push plate 156 with the rods 146 is pressed toward the magazine 70 and a spring 72 of the magazine 70 is depressed as the ammunition rounds 120 begin to release, next the pusher plate reaches the load base 152, 152A and all the rounds 120 are completely released into the magazine thus filling the magazine 70 full of ammunition rounds 120.
The Internal locking/latching magazine device 30 and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” operates as follows: Place the rod 50 at the top of the magazine over the follower 76A. Press rod down through magazine until trigger 44 locks with the baseplate 63 through the aperture 62. Place magazine over top of individual rounds 120 in package 80, 90, 100,110. The magazine will pick up rounds 120. The operator 130 keeps pressing over each round individually until magazine is loaded. Press Trigger 40 at the contour 43 to release follower 76A. Magazine is now ready to be used. An alternate way: line package up with top of magazine over the follower 76A. Press package down through magazine until trigger 40 locks. Remove packaging as rounds fall down into magazine. Press Trigger 40 at the contour 43 to release follower 76A. Magazine is ready to use.
The contour ammunition package 80 operates as follows: There is a tab 85 that is all that is in slots 86 in the bottom of the packaging 83. The packaging is in a triangle shape to match the bullet rounds 120. The cardboard or metal tab 85 will go through the slots 86 of the packaging. The packaging is inserted down inside the magazine. One then can pull on the filament 88 to remove the tab 85 from the slots 86. The bullet rounds 120 fall down into the magazine. Also if there are rounds left in the packaging when it comes out of a magazine one can re-insert the tab 85 and hold them. There will be a tab at the top of the packaging that will hold the top of the rounds from falling or tumbling back out of the package. The rod in package also include an opening on the bottom of the packaging that will be used to insert the rod up into the packaging and up into the unlocked magazine. This will press a few remaining rounds of ammunition up against the trigger lock. This is a safety feature. If there is only half or less filled package of ammo the tension on the spring can be slowly released by pressing the rod out and through the magazine and packaging. Also for clarification the magazine goes into the packaging the magazine and will simply be pressed in and taken out, no need to be turned upside down. The operation of the external latch devices 89, 144, 144A are described next.
Many types of ammunition rounds are anticipated to be used with the Internal and external locking/latching magazine devices 30, 89, 144, 144A and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load”. As of now, there are no known common rounds of ammunition 120 that are not usable with a similar system 30, 89, 144, 144A. With this description it is to be understood that the Internal and external locking/latching magazine devices 30, 89, 144, 144A and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the Lock and Load devices 30, 89, 144, 144A are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.
While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.
Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.
The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of “plane” as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term “plane” when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used herein shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “herein this term means,” “as defined herein,” “for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean,” etc.). References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application with Ser. No. 62483288 filed Apr. 7, 2017, by Steve Wilkinson and entitled “Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a “Lock and Load” and claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application with Ser. No. 62575574 filed Oct. 23, 2017, by Steve Wilkinson and entitled “Internal locking/latching magazine device and coupling ammunition container called a Lock and Load with an External Lock Option”.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62483288 | Apr 2017 | US | |
| 62575574 | Oct 2017 | US |
