Magazine Mounted Spent Shell Receptacle

Abstract

A shell catcher apparatus that is supported from a connection on a removable ammunition magazine and from there extends a receptacle shaped to catch and retain the spent shells as ejected from an auto-loading firearm. Supported on the magazine, the primary feature of avoiding direct mechanical connection to the firearm frame is achieved. The shell catcher to magazine attachment component may be a clamping bracket or alternatively a modified replacement of an OEM part such as a sole plate or outer case of the magazine. The receptacle component of the shell catcher is shaped in a manner to extend its opening to the location where the spent shells are ejected from the firearm action. By the nature of its function, any shell catcher design obstructs access to the action of the firearm. By mounting the shell catcher on the magazine they become unitized and are both removed when the magazine release button is operated. This allows the operator to quickly gain access for correcting firearm malfunctions without the need of tools.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is anticipated this invention will be classified in Section 42, “Firearms” and sub-class 98, “Shell Catchers”. The art therein details various shell catchers with a common purpose to be mobile as a unit with a hand-held firearm.

To accomplish the mobile aspect of a shell catcher, the opening of the receptacle must be positioned in close proximity to the ejection port of the firearm. Being so located it naturally becomes an obstruction that must be removed when necessary to access the mechanical parts of the firearm action in the event there is a firearm malfunction.

In the known art, the majority of shell catchers attach directly to the firearm frame with some form of mechanical fastener. Often tools are needed to manipulate the fasteners so the operator is impeded from quickly removing the shell catcher when required to make a field repair to the firearm.

The invention of this application is distinguished by being autonomous from the firearm frame by mounting solely upon the removable ammunition magazine. Configured so, the combined unit of the shell catcher and magazine is stationed on the firearm only by the firearms magazine catch mechanism. Secured by this one latch, the operator is enabled to quickly clear the firearm of the spent shell receptacle by operation of the magazine release button. This results in greater freedom of action and improved efficiency over other similar products on the market.

PRIOR ART REFERENCES OF SHELL CATCHERS

U.S. Pat. No. 7,168,200 of Jan. 30, 2007 attaches to the firearm frame with mechanical clamping devices needing hand tools to apply.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,520 of Jan. 16, 2001 attaches to the firearm frame with mechanical clamping devices with hand-tightened thumb screws.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,439 of Mar. 21, 1995 attaches to a firearm frame with a specific carry handle using a spring loaded mechanical snap.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,593 of Feb. 15, 1994 attaches to the firearm frame with mechanical clamping devices needing hand tools to apply.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,787 of Aug. 18, 1992 attaches to a firearm frame with a specific carry handle using a spring loaded mechanical snap.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,918 of Oct. 2, 1990 attaches to the firearm frame with mechanical clamping devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,141 of Dec. 29, 1987 attaches to the firearm frame with mechanical clamping devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,375 of Jun. 15, 1982 attaches to the firearm frame with mechanical devices that are installed to replace a part of the firearm.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,028,834 of Jun. 14, 1997 attaches to the firearm frame with mechanical clamping devices that snap by hand.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,739,685 of Jun. 19, 1973 attaches to the firearm frame with mechanical devices that are installed to replace a part of the firearm.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,166,333 of Sep. 4, 1979 attaches to the firearm frame with mechanical devices needing hand tools to apply.

PRIOR ART REFERENCES RELATING TO THE CLAMP OR MOUNTING BRACKET

U.S. Pat. No. 3,623,256 of Nov. 30, 1971 is a device that clamps two magazines together and has no intention to attach a shell catcher to the magazine.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,404 of Nov. 27, 1984 is a device that clamps two magazines together and has no intention to attach a shell catcher to the magazine.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,628,627 of Dec. 16, 1986 is a device that clamps two magazines together and has no intention to attach a shell catcher to the magazine.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,059 of Jan. 18, 1994 is a device that clamps two magazines together and has no intention to attach a shell catcher to the magazine.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,241 of Oct. 14, 1997 is a device that clamps two magazines together and has no intention to attach a shell catcher to the magazine.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,908 of Mar. 20, 2001 is a device that clamps two magazines together and has no intention to attach a shell catcher to the magazine.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,815 of Apr. 10, 2001 is similar to a clamping feature for a magazine but does not intend in any manner to attach a shell catcher to the magazine.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,131 of Oct. 21, 2003 is similar to a clamping feature for a magazine but does not intend in any manner to attach a shell catcher to the magazine.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,479 of Dec. 30, 2003 is a device that clamps two magazines together and has no intention to attach a shell catcher to the magazine.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,043 of Oct. 3, 2009 is a device that clamps two magazines together and has no intention to attach a shell catcher to the magazine.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is an improved shell catcher designed to attach directly to high-capacity ammunition magazines used in auto-loading firearms. It features a bracket component that is formed to the external dimensions of the magazine to which a model is targeted. The bracket is fitted with a means to bring sufficient friction between the two pieces to maintain stability of the apparatus. These parts may be formed in the manner of simple spring loaded clamps or compressible elements molded into the polymer framework.

The receptacle component is cantilevered from the bracket component. It is shaped in a manner to place the opening for receiving the spent shells adjacent to the ejection port of the firearm. The unit is designed to fit as closely as possible to the contours of the firearm yet with relief in areas near the controls so as to not hamper operation of the firearm.

The receptacle component relies solely on the bracket component for support and has no direct mechanical attachment to the firearm frame. The invention thereby becomes a unit with the magazine and is quickly removed by actuating the firearms magazine release button.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DESIGN VIEW DRAWINGS

• • FIG. 1 is a view of the side facing the ejection port of the firearm.
    • Ref. 1—Bracket Component.
    • Ref. 2—Ammunition Magazine (phantom view).
    • Ref. 3—Compressible Friction Element.
    • Ref. 4—Receptacle Component.
    • Ref. 5—Shell Entry Portal with Flexible Retainer Bristles.
    • Ref. 6—An ejected shell entering the Receptacle Component.
    • Ref. 7—Port for shell removal when magazine is removed.

FIG. 2 illustrates the invention as in operation being attached on the magazine which is inserted into the magazine well of the firearm (with two cut-away views).

• • • Ref. 2—Ammunition magazine (phantom view).
    • Ref. 3—Compressible Friction Element.
    • Ref. 6—A spent shell entering the Receptacle Component.
    • Ref. 7—Side of Magazine as seen through port for shell removal.
    • Ref. 8—Ejection Mechanism of the firearm action.
    • Ref. 9—Magazine Release Button of the firearm.

FIG. 3 illustrates the invention in an alternative model as described in claim 2 whereby the receptacle unit is molded integral as complete replacement of the outer case of a magazine.

• • • Ref. 1A—Bracket Component (alternate-formed as magazine outer case.)
    • Ref. 4—Receptacle Component.
    • Ref. 10—Protruding transition of outer case to receptacle of molded unit.

FIG. 4 depicts an alternate production of the magazine bracket for removable receptacles.

• • • Ref. 1B—Bracket Component (alternate).
    • Ref. 2—Ammunition Magazine (phantom view).
    • Ref. 4A—Receptacle Component (alternate, removable, made of Mesh Fabric on Wire Frame.
    • Ref. 11—Alternate Friction Element with spring tensioned clamping.
    • Ref. 12—Boss Fittings molded integral on a bracket as receiver for Connector Pin of wire frame Receptacle Component.
    • Ref. 13—Connector Pin of alternate wire frame Receptacle Component.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment having a receptacle removable from the bracket components.

• • • Ref. 1C—Bracket Component alternate with mechanical connector parts.
    • Ref. 2—Ammunition Magazine (phantom view).
    • Ref. 4—Receptacle Component.
    • Ref. 14—T-Slot connector part on receptacle component.
    • Ref. 15—T-Slide receiver part on bracket component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiment of this shell catcher invention comprises a bracket component (FIG. 1, Ref. 1) formed in dimensions necessary to be attached to the periphery of a removable ammunition magazine (FIG. 1, Ref. 2 (represented in phantom view)) of a firearm and upon which the hollow receptacle component (FIG. 1, Ref. 4) is supported.

The bracket component is stabilized on the magazine by mechanical means of which one example design utilizes compressible friction elements (FIG. 1, Ref. 3) molded into the bracket to create surface friction between them. Alternatively, the friction may be increased by one or more of a variety of methods such as a spring tension clamp (FIG. 4, Ref. 11) with such design choices predicated on the size, shape and surface finish of a specific magazine design.

The bracket component has no direct mechanical attachment to the firearm frame and relies solely on the mechanical magazine catch built into the firearms magazine well to maintain relation with the firearm. This allows removal of the combined unit of magazine and attached shell catcher from the firearm by actuating the magazine release button (FIG. 2, Ref. 9) of the firearm.

There is prior the art referenced in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,497,043 and 6,634,131 that have a bracket apparatus for mounting to a magazine. But features of this inventions bracket component is unique in design to specifically mount the shell catcher's receptacle component on a magazine and is thereby distinguished from other current art.

The receptacle component is formed to the dimensions as required to position the shell entry portal (FIG. 1, Ref. 5) for the ejected shells (FIG. 1, Ref. 6) at a point adjacent to the ejection mechanism of a specific firearm as designed for each model or style. The receptacle component is shaped to provide relief around the firearm frame and operating controls to ensure unobstructed operation of the firearm. The receptacle component is secured only to the bracket component and has no direct mechanical attachments to the firearm frame.

The primary vision of the invention is with the components formed as a single unit and being molded as a hollow vessel that transitions from the bracket component (FIG. 1, Ref. 1) into the receptacle component (FIG. 1, Ref. 4). In this form a port (FIG. 1, Ref. 7) is opened for shell removal when the magazine is pulled from the bracket component. But variations of the connection method between the bracket component and the receptacle component may be manufactured in order to best suit a specific firearm and compatible magazine design or an intended service application. These variations may include:

A complete replacement of an original part such as the outer case of a magazine (FIG. 3, Ref. 1A) with a modified part having a new appurtenance of a receptacle component. In the example detailed in (FIG. 3, Ref. 4), the receptacle component will be molded to protrude (FIG. 3, Ref. 10) from a location on the side of the replacement magazine outer case where exposed outside of the magazine well of the firearm.

Alternately, the invention may be manufactured as separable components of brackets and receptacles. These variations may include but not limited to:

• • • A separate bracket component (FIG. 4, Ref. 1B) with integral boss fittings (FIG. 4, Ref. 12) molded on the side to receive a connector pin segment (FIG. 4, Ref. 13) of a wire frame type receptacle (FIG. 4, Ref. 4A).
    • A separate bracket component (FIG. 5, Ref. 1C) having slip joint type fitting such as a dovetail (not shown) or a T-Slot and Slide consisting of a T-Slot connector part (FIG. 5, Ref. 14) to receive a T-Slide receiver part (FIG. 5, Ref. 15) and effect the connection of a solid side receptacle component (FIG. 5, Ref. 4) to the bracket. This type bracket component will also utilize a suitable friction element to maintain station on an ammunition magazine (FIG. 5, Ref. 2).

Variations of the receptacle construction may be manufactured to fulfill personal preferences of the consumer. One option is the receptacle component to be formed as a box shape (FIG. 1, Ref. 4) with walls of solid molded plastic. Alternately, the receptacle may be made of a mesh or fabric material (FIG. 4, Ref. 4A) attached to a wire frame (FIG. 4, Ref. 13).

A method of closure may be utilized at the opening of the receptacle to retain the spent shells (FIG. 1, Ref. 6) that are propelled into the receptacle by the inertia imparted by the ejector mechanism of the firearm. Depending of receptacle style and size of the rifle cartridge, one such closure may be effected by flexible retainer bristles (FIG. 1, Ref. 5) positioned in the opening of the receptacle.

This invention is useful in sporting venues such as firing ranges as well as military and law enforcement applications where it is desirous to save the spent shells.

In these uses it is common practice for a shooter to load multiple ammunition magazines in preparation for a shooting session. During this preparation phase a “Magazine Mounted Spent Shell Receptacle” will be slipped upon each loaded magazine. The size of the device will be relative to the capacity of the specific magazine the model is designed to fit.

When the shooter is ready to begin the course of fire he will place a loaded magazine equipped with the “Magazine Mounted Spent Shell Receptacle” (FIG. 2) into the firearm. The design will naturally place the receptacle component's shell entry portal in position (FIG. 2, Ref. 8) near the firearm ejection mechanism to receive the ejected shells. As the firearm is shot, the ejection process imparts an inertia to the spent shell which causes it to pass from the gun action into the receptacle (FIG. 2, Ref. 6) where it is retained.

When the ammunition magazine is empty, the shooter will depress the magazine release button (FIG. 2, Ref. 9) of the firearm which disconnects the latching feature and allows the magazine and the attached “Magazine Mounted Spent Shell Receptacle” to drop free. The spent shells are retained in the receptacle as a unit with the magazine.

When the shooting activity has ended, the shooter will attend to the tasks required to clear the firing range and store his firearms and accessories. The used magazines will be gathered at a point to be stored for next use. At this time the spent shells may be saved into an ammo box for later reloading or other salvage actions. The act of removing the “Magazine Mounted Spent Shell Receptacle” from the magazine will provide open access (FIG. 2, Ref. 7) to the shells contained and thereby provide a manner to pour the shells out of the cavity without requiring a physical motion to open a closure component.

Claims

1. The invention claimed is a shell catcher apparatus that is supported from a bracket component forming a connection with a removable ammunition magazine of an auto-loading firearm and from there extends a receptacle component to the required proximity of a firearms ejection port and having said receptacle component shaped to catch and retain the spent shells as ejected from an auto-loading firearm and having no other direct mechanical attachment to the firearm frame.

2. The invention of claim 1 being manufactured as separable parts consisting of a mountable and demountable bracket component which clamps to the periphery of an ammunition magazine and a receptacle component and each being fabricated with mechanical connector parts to mate the two components together.

3. The invention of claim 2 having the bracket component being formed to the dimensions of any original part of an ammunition magazine known under such terms as “sole plate” or “outer case” and having modifications to accommodate the receptacle component being connected to such replacement part.