WO2009025889A2 - Rifle magazine - Google Patents
Rifle magazine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2009025889A2 WO2009025889A2 PCT/US2008/063459 US2008063459W WO2009025889A2 WO 2009025889 A2 WO2009025889 A2 WO 2009025889A2 US 2008063459 W US2008063459 W US 2008063459W WO 2009025889 A2 WO2009025889 A2 WO 2009025889A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- magazine
- polymer
- rifle
- belt
- portions
- Prior art date
Links
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 65
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 43
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 43
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 7
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920013683 Celanese Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Vinyl acetate Chemical compound CC(=O)OC=C XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- DYRBFMPPJATHRF-UHFFFAOYSA-N chromium silicon Chemical compound [Si].[Cr] DYRBFMPPJATHRF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006332 epoxy adhesive Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009863 impact test Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A9/00—Feeding or loading of ammunition; Magazines; Guiding means for the extracting of cartridges
- F41A9/61—Magazines
- F41A9/64—Magazines for unbelted ammunition
- F41A9/65—Box magazines having a cartridge follower
Definitions
- the present invention relates to rifle magazines, and more particularly to an improved detachable magazine for a rifle.
- detachable magazines which are devices that store and feed ammunition into the rifle. Some rifles have integrated, internal magazines that cannot be removed from the rifle, while other rifles accept detachable magazines that can be removed from the rifle, refilled with ammunition, and re-attached to the rifle.
- a prior art detachable magazine 100 is shown in FIG. 1. The prior art magazine 100 is filled with ammunition cartridges that are pushed upward by an internal spring toward the top end 118 of the magazine. Feed lips 114 at the top of the magazine 100 position the cartridge for loading into the rifle.
- the prior art magazine 100 is formed from two separate vertical halves 102 and 104.
- the feed lips 114 are formed at the top of each half 102, 104.
- the two halves are made from aluminum or another metal and are welded together along the vertical seam 106 to form a four-sided box.
- a separate metal floor plate 108 is inserted below the two halves 102, 104 and is held in place by metal tabs 110.
- the prior art magazine 100 also includes a magazine catch hole 112 near the top end of the magazine.
- the magazine catch hole 112 engages the rifle to secure the detachable magazine 100 to the rifle.
- an internal latch or lever inside the rifle engages the magazine catch hole 112 to retain the magazine 100 in the magazine well.
- a push button on the side of the rifle moves this lever or latch away from the catch hole 112 to allow the magazine to be freely removed from the rifle.
- Prior art magazines have several design and operational flaws that contribute to poor performance during use.
- Prior art magazines 100 are easily deformed by side impacts as low as 200 pounds over an area of one square inch. Deformations in the walls of the magazine can obstruct the ammunition cartridges and spring inside. When the cartridges and spring are unable to move up and down freely inside the magazine, the magazine is inoperable as it can no longer reliably load the cartridges into the rifle.
- the feed lips 114 at the top of the magazine are also easily damaged when the magazine is dropped, stepped on, impacted, and/or worn from rough use. Deformation of the feed lips 114 can also render the magazine inoperable, as it will no longer be able to properly feed the cartridges into the rifle chamber.
- the small tabs 110 are the only mechanism holding the separate floor plate 108 in place. These tabs are exposed to rapid wear and damage and are under constant pressure from the compressed spring inside the magazine. When the tabs 110 fail, the floor plate 108 drops out of the magazine along with all the ammunition inside.
- Prior art magazines also suffer from failure of the spring as it repeatedly rubs up and down against the abrasive metal inside surfaces of the two halves 102, 104. When the spring fails, the cartridges inside can become wedged into place, and the magazine is unable to load them into the rifle.
- the abrasive metal surfaces of the magazine and its internal components require corrosion-proof coating to protect them from water, gun solvents and fluids, rust, and abrasive wear and tear. [0006] It is therefore desirable to provide a more reliable and robust magazine with a longer useful life.
- the present invention relates to rifle magazines, and more particularly to an improved detachable magazine for a rifle.
- the improved magazine has upper and lower portions molded from a high-impact polymer. Feed lips at the top of the upper portion of the magazine are optionally reinforced with stainless steel or another suitable metal.
- the molded lower portion includes an integral floor, instead of a separate floor piece.
- the upper and lower portions are bonded together with a high-strength adhesive.
- the upper and lower portions form a shoulder where they meet, and a resilient gasket is positioned on the shoulder to seal the magazine to the rifle magazine well when the magazine is inserted into the rifle.
- a detachable magazine for insertion into a rifle includes a first polymer portion and a second polymer portion bonded to the first polymer portion along a horizontal seam.
- the horizontal seam includes first and second overlapping surfaces of the first and second polymer portions. The first overlapping surfaces extend in a first plane, and the second overlapping surfaces extend in a second plane different from the first plane.
- the second polymer portion is permanently bonded to the first polymer portion by adhesive.
- a magazine for a rifle in another embodiment, includes an upper portion having a belt of increased thickness and a first surface extending below the belt, and a lower portion having an upper surface and an internal cavity defined by an interior surface.
- the upper and lower portions contact each other along first and second overlapping areas.
- the first overlapping area includes the first surface of the upper portion and the interior surface of the lower portion
- the second overlapping area includes a bottom surface of the belt and the upper surface of the lower portion.
- the upper and lower portions are bonded together along one or more of the first and second overlapping areas.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art magazine
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an improved magazine in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3a is a top perspective view of an improved magazine in an exemplary embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 3b is a front view of the improved magazine of FIG. 3a;
- FIG. 3c is a right side view of the improved magazine of FIG. 3a;
- FIG. 3d is a rear view of the improved magazine of FIG. 3a;
- FIG. 3e is a lower perspective view of the improved magazine of FIG. 3 a;
- FIG. 4a is a top perspective view of an improved magazine in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4b is a perspective view of a gasket for use with an improved magazine in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a lower perspective view an improved magazine in an exemplary embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 6a is a front view of an improved magazine in an exemplary embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 6b is a front cross-sectional view of the improved magazine of FIG. 6a;
- FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a top portion of an improved magazine in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7b is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the improved magazine of
- FIG. 7a
- FIG. 7c is a front view of the improved magazine of FIG. 7a.
- FIG. 2 An improved magazine 200 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 2.
- the improved magazine 200 meets the U.S. military performance specifications set out in solicitation #H92222-04-R-0001, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
- the improved magazine 200 can meet the reliability requirements of paragraph 3.2.3.10 of that document, and the rough handling requirements of paragraph 3.2.3.14.
- the magazine 200 includes a lower portion 222 and an upper portion 220 that are adhered or otherwise bonded together.
- the two portions 220, 222 each have internal cavities defined by interior surfaces. Inside these two portions are a compressed spring or coil 244, a follower 242, and a feed lip box 240.
- the spring 244 pushes the follower 242 upward through the feed lip box 240 and toward the feed lips 214, 215 at the top of the magazine.
- Ammunition cartridges (see FIG. 3b) are loaded above the follower 242.
- the follower guides them up to the feed lips, which feed the cartridges into the rifle chamber.
- the upper and lower portions 220, 222 of the magazine fit together such that the surfaces 228a, 228b of the upper portion 220 overlap the surfaces 230a, 230b of the lower portion 222, creating an overlapping joint.
- a reinforcing belt 226 is molded in the upper portion 220 to add wall thickness to the upper portion 220 where it meets the lower portion 222.
- the belt extends around all sides of the upper portion 220. The belt allows the two portions to be bonded together in two planes ⁇ first along the vertical surface 228a of the upper portion extending below the belt, and second along the horizontal surface 228b on the bottom side of the belt 226. hi one embodiment, the two planes are perpendicular.
- the vertical and horizontal surfaces 228a, 228b of the top portion 220 overlap with the corresponding vertical or interior surface 230a and horizontal or upper surface 230b of the lower portion 222, creating two overlapping areas.
- a suitable high-strength adhesive is applied to the surfaces 228a, 228b and/or the surfaces 230a, 230b, such as a self-curing, high-strength epoxy adhesive. The adhesive secures the two portions 220, 222 together along these overlapping surfaces 228, 230, providing a high strength bond, and, in some embodiments, providing a permanent bond.
- the two portions 220, 222 can be secured together along the overlapping surfaces 228, 230 by heat-welding, heat-sealing, heat-staking, laser welding, vibration welding, or other suitable methods.
- the two portions 220, 222 can also be secured together mechanically, such as by rivets, short screws, or other appropriate fasteners.
- the belt 226 provides additional wall thickness that can accommodate such a mechanical fastener. Although the belt is shown in Figure 2 on the upper portion 220, the belt 226 can be formed on the lower portion 222 instead. In such an embodiment, the belt operates in the same way described above, providing overlapping surfaces and additional wall thickness, only it is formed on the lower portion 222.
- the overlapping surfaces 228, 230 allow the two portions 220, 222 to be bonded together along two planes, creating an overlapping joint that is very strong and reliable. Because the two portions 220, 222 are upper and lower portions, rather than two side-by-side vertical portions, they can be designed to meet at the increased wall area of the belt 226. Vertical portions cannot meet along a joint with increased thickness, because a magazine with an increased thickness along a vertical seam would not fit into a standard rifle magazine well. The outer dimension of the upper portion of the magazine is constrained by the standardized size of typical rifle magazine wells. Moreover, the interior dimensions of the magazine are also constrained by the size of the ammunition cartridges that the magazine must accommodate.
- the upper portion of the magazine extending into the rifle magazine well is constrained by both interior and exterior dimensions, and the magazine cannot simply be increased in thickness.
- magazines utilizing vertical seams between two vertical halves cannot provide an area of increased thickness along the length of the vertical seam to strengthen the bond between the two vertical halves.
- the present magazine can utilize the increased thickness of the belt 226 to strengthen the bond between the two portions 220, 222.
- the lower portion 220 includes a molded floor 232.
- the molded floor 232 is an integral part of the molded polymer lower portion 222, not a separate piece.
- the molded, integral floor 232 eliminates the need for tabs, prongs, screws, or any other mechanism for attaching a separate floor piece to the magazine. As a result, the failure of the floor 232 is substantially reduced, as compared to the prior art magazines 100 that rely on small tabs 110 to hold the separate floor plate 108 in place against the substantial spring pressure inside the magazine.
- Prior art magazines often utilize a separate component, such as a floor plate or end cap, that is mechanically engaged to the four-sided magazine.
- This separate component is detachable and can be removed from the magazine to gain access to the spring and follower inside.
- these prior art magazines with mechanically engaged, detachable floor plates or end caps are prone to failure when they are dropped, as damage to the separate plate or cap can cause the mechanical engagement to fail. The separate floor plate or end cap then comes apart from the magazine, releasing the spring inside and causing all of the ammunition to fall out.
- These prior art magazines with separate, mechanically fastened portions are easily rendered inoperable when dropped, impacted, or otherwise damaged.
- the present magazine provides an integral floor plate that is permanently bonded to the rest of the magazine, and is much more difficult to separate from the magazine. As a result, the spring is much less likely to pop out or come loose when the magazine is dropped or impacted.
- the present magazine is not intended to be disassembled once the two portions 220, 222 are bonded together.
- the magazine 200 is essentially a five-sided box, formed by the bonded upper and lower sections with the integral floor plate 232.
- prior art magazine are essentially four- sided boxes with a separate floor piece or end cap. The five-sided box is much stronger than the four-sided box, and as a result the magazine 200 is stronger and more reliable.
- the improved magazine of the present invention can incorporate a separate floor plate instead of an integral plate if desired for a particular application.
- the two portions 220, 222 are molded out of a suitable high- impact polymer, such as Celstran, manufactured by Ticona, a division of the Celanese Corporation.
- the high-impact polymer improves the strength of the magazine and enables the magazine to withstand forceful impacts without deforming, cracking, splitting, or otherwise failing.
- the magazine is often subjected to impacts from rough handling and normal wear and tear.
- the increased strength of the polymer portions 220, 222 provides a magazine with a longer useful life.
- the use of a suitable polymer for the magazine portions 220, 222 also eliminates the need for corrosion-resistant coatings of the magazine.
- Prior art metal magazines require multiple corrosion-resistant coatings to protect the magazine from corrosion and to protect the internal parts of the magazine from the abrasive contact with the metal walls of the magazine. These corrosion coatings are unnecessary with the polymer magazine.
- Another advantage of the polymer magazine is that it can be molded in many different colors or combinations of colors. For example, it can be molded dark green, dark brown, light brown, or other colors to match the surrounding landscape and provide camouflage.
- the polymer lower portion 222 can even be made transparent so that the operator can see the number of cartridges remaining in the magazine when the magazine is in use inserted into a rifle. The lower portion 222 remains exposed outside of the rifle, so the operator can see the lower portion and, if it is transparent, can see how many rounds remain in the magazine.
- the polymer magazine also has a low infrared signature as compared to prior art metal magazines.
- the spring 244 is a metal spring coated with a suitable polymer coating such as a chromium silicon or a stainless steel spring that is polymer coated for corrosion resistance.
- the coating reduces the friction between the spring and the interior walls of the magazine portions 220, 222 and prevents the spring 244 from abrading or wearing down as it rubs against the interior walls.
- the polymer upper and lower portions 220, 222 also have a natural lubricity that contributes to a low coefficient of friction between the spring and the interior walls of the magazine. The coating makes the spring 244 less likely to weaken or warp from the constant rubbing contact with the interior walls.
- the coated spring 244 retains its shape and elasticity, and moves up and down easily to guide the follower 242 and the loaded cartridges up into the rifle.
- the follower 242 is constructed from glass-filled nylon (such as 33% glass reinforced nylon) or a suitable plastic.
- the follower 242 guides the ammunition cartridges upward toward the feed lips 214, 215 at the top of the magazine, evenly distributing the force of the compressed spring to the cartridges.
- the follower includes two vertical legs 246 on opposite ends of the follower, which prevent the follower from tilting or twisting inside the magazine.
- One or more grooves 256 are molded into the legs 246 to align the follower with one or more ridges 252 on the inside surface of the upper and lower portions 220, 222 of the magazine.
- the magazine 200 includes a feed lip box 240 made of a suitable metal, such as stainless steel.
- the metal feed lip box 240 includes two feed lips 214 that guide the cartridges into the rifle.
- the metal feed lip box 240 is attached to the inside surface of the upper portion, such as by over-moldeding into the polymer upper portion 220.
- the metal frame of the feed lip box 240 is inserted into a plastic injection mold, and a polymer is injected around it to form the upper portion 220.
- the circular sections 239 formed in the metal feed lip box 240 engage with the polymer mold of the upper portion 220 and prevent the two pieces ⁇ the upper portion 220 and the metal feed lip box 240 ⁇ from sliding relative to each other.
- the circular sections 239 lock the two pieces together in place. [0040]
- the inside surface 221 of the upper portion 220 is covered by the metal feed lip box 240.
- the cartridges, follower 242, and spring 244 moving up and down inside the magazine 200 contact the metal inside surface 241 of the feed lip box 240 when they move into the upper portion 220 of the magazine.
- the inside surface 241 of the feed lip box includes a raised surface 253 that corresponds to the ridge 252 on the inside surface 221 of the top portion 220. This raised surface 253 also aligns with the groove 256 on the leg 246 of the follower 242, so that the follower 242 can slide smoothly up and down inside the feed lip box without tilting or jamming.
- the cartridges, follower 242, and spring 244 directly contact the polymer inside surface 223 of the lower portion 222.
- the top portion 220 includes polymer feed lips 215 molded around the metal feed lips 214 of the feed lip box 240.
- the polymer feed lips 215 encase the outside of the metal feed lips 214, leaving the tops of the metal feed lips 214 exposed.
- a cartridge inside the upper portion 222 moves up against the metal inside surface 241 until it contacts the metal feed lips 214 at the top of the cartridge.
- the feed lips perform the important function of aligning the cartridges for loading into the rifle chamber. If the feed lips are deformed from rough handling or repeated impacts, or if the material forming the feed lips fails, the magazine can jam when the rifle attempts to load a cartridge from the feed lips.
- the magazine 200 provides high-strength polymer feed lips 215 reinforced by tough metal feed lips 214.
- the reinforcement provided by the metal feed lips 214 protects the polymer upper portion 220 from deforming when it is heated and cooled, or cracking when it is dropped or impacted.
- the feed lips are subjected to high heat inside the rifle, where they load the cartridges into the rifle chamber, so the reinforcement provided by the metal feed lips 214 prevents the polymer upper portion 220 from wearing down or deforming.
- the metal feed lips are also heavier than the plastic portions 220, 222, so if the magazine is dropped, the sturdy metal feed Hp box
- the 240 may fall forward and hit the ground first, preventing the plastic portions from cracking or splitting.
- the metal feed lip box 240 molded into the upper portion 220 also reinforces the walls of the upper portion 220. This reinforcement helps to prevent the magazine walls from swelling due to the pressure exerted by the spring 244 during repeated loading and unloading of the magazine. If the upper portion 220 swells, it may not be possible to insert it into the rifle, or it may become stuck inside the rifle instead of falling free when the operator tries to release it. Such metal reinforcement is less important in the lower portion 222.
- the lower portion 222 is not inserted into the rifle, and is not subjected to the increased heat and wear that the feed lips and upper portion are exposed to inside the rifle. Therefore, the improved magazine 200 utilizes the light-weight and high strength polymer for the lower portion 222, instead of using a heavier metal.
- the polymer lower portion 222 thus reduces the overall weight of the magazine compared to prior art metal magazines.
- the metal feed lip box 240 is optional, and is not present in some embodiments.
- a polymer with suitable strength can be used to mold the upper portion 220, including the upper feed lips 215.
- the reinforcement provided by the metal feed lip box 240 is not necessary, so the feed lip box is omitted.
- the resulting magazine with the polymer upper and lower portions 220, 222 is lightweight and strong.
- FIGs. 3a-3e An improved polymer magazine 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGs. 3a-3e.
- the magazine 300 is fully unloaded, as the follower 342 has reached the top end 318 of the magazine next to the feed lips 314, 315.
- the feed lip box 340 has been over-molded with the upper portion 320, with the metal feed lips 314 exposed at the top of the magazine around the edges of the polymer feed lips 315.
- the upper portion 320 is attached to the lower portion 322 at the horizontal seam 334.
- the overlapping surfaces 228a, 228b and 230a, 230b of the upper and lower portions are bonded by heat-welding or by adhering them together with a suitable adhesive, as described above.
- the horizontal seam 334 provides improved performance over prior art magazines which include a vertical welded seam 106 (shown in FIG. 1).
- the weld material used in the vertical welded seam 106 often has a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the metal used for the vertical halves 102, 104.
- the vertical seam 106 expands at a different rate than the halves 102, 104, causing the magazine to warp.
- the adhesive or heat-sealed horizontal seam 334 expands at the same rate as the polymer portions 320, 322, thereby reducing the risk of warping.
- the bond at the seam 334 is just as strong as the polymer itself.
- the welded seam 106 is a weak point of the magazine that has lower strength than the metal halves 102, 104.
- the lower portion 322 of the improved magazine 300 has a curved contour, while the upper portion 320 is straight.
- the straight upper portion 320 is shaped to fit standard rifle magazine wells.
- the upper portion 320 is inserted into the rifle's magazine well until the top shoulder 327 of the belt 326 contacts the rifle.
- the belt 326 and lower portion 322 remain exposed outside of the rifle magazine well.
- the outer surface of the upper portion 320 is straight so that it can fit into standard rifle magazine wells.
- the lower portion 322 is curved to accommodate the tapered shape of the cartridges 316 loaded inside. Many cartridges 316 have a tapered end 317, which causes the cartridges to tilt toward each other at their tapered ends 317 when they are vertically stacked.
- the smooth curved shape of the interior surface of the lower portion 322 accommodates the tapered cartridges 316 and prevents them from becoming wedged or lodged inside the magazine.
- the improved magazine 300 can be manufactured to hold any desired number of rounds of cartridges 316.
- the magazine 300 could be a 30 round magazine, or a 20 round magazine, or any other desired number of rounds.
- the size of the upper and lower portions 320, 322 can be increased or decreased to accommodate the desired number of cartridges 316.
- the cartridges are 5.56 mm caliber cartridges.
- the magazine can also be manufactured to accept other cartridges of varying calibers.
- an improved magazine 400 also includes an optional gasket 458 resting on the shoulder 427 of the belt 426, as shown in FIGs. 4a-4b.
- the gasket 458 seals the space between the magazine 400 and the rifle when the magazine is inserted into the rifle.
- the upper portion 420 of the magazine is inserted into the rifle until the gasket 458 contacts the rifle.
- the shoulder 427 enables the rifle operator to feel when the magazine is fully inserted into the rifle.
- the gasket seals the interface between the rifle and magazine to prevent any dirt, water, fluids, or other debris from entering the rifle and possibly interfering with the loading of cartridges from the magazine into the rifle chamber.
- the gasket 458 and shoulder 427 can extend around all sides of the upper portion
- the gasket 458 can be passed over the top end 418 of the upper portion 420 and slid into place around the shoulder 427.
- the gasket is 1/8 inch tall, although it can be taller or shorter.
- the gasket 458 can be constructed out of expanded vinyl acetate, silicon, or any suitable plastic, polymer, or foam.
- the gasket 458 is soft or resilient, so that it deforms or crushes against the rifle when the operator inserts the magazine into the rifle.
- the soft gasket 458 ensures a tight seal between the magazine and the rifle, adjusting for manufacturing tolerances that might otherwise leave a small gap between the magazine and the rifle's magazine well.
- the rigid surfaces of the rifle and the magazine shoulder contact each other without a gasket, they can leave small gaps or cracks through which dust or debris can enter the rifle. The two rigid surfaces may also rattle against each other during operation.
- the gasket 458 provides a resilient surface between the magazine shoulder and the rifle, which can prevent rattling noises, provide an accommodating seal, and gently bring the rifle and magazine together.
- an improved magazine 500 includes a recess or indentation 560 formed in the integral floor 532 of the lower portion 522, as shown in FIG. 5.
- This recess 560 allows the magazine 500 to be more easily gripped from the bottom. Magazines are often inverted when they are inserted into pouches, packs, and other bags carried by the rifle operator, such that the floor 532 is facing upwards. When the operator wants to grab the magazine 500 to insert it into the rifle, the operator can use the recess 560 to more easily grip the magazine.
- an improved magazine 600 includes a molded plastic pull tab 636 coupled to the molded floor 632 of the lower portion 622, as shown in FIGs. 6a-6b.
- the pull tab 636 seals a drain hole 648 formed in the floor 632 of the magazine 600.
- the drain hole 648 allows water and debris to escape the interior cavity 624 of the magazine, but an exposed drain hole can also allow water and debris to enter the magazine. Therefore, the pull tab 636 seals the drain hole 648 to prevent any contaminants from entering the magazine and obstructing the operation of the spring, follower, and cartridges inside.
- the operator can pull down on the pull tab 636 in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 6a.
- the water or other debris 638 inside the magazine can then escape through the drain hole 648, and exit the magazine.
- the pull tab 636 can be made of any suitable flexible plastic.
- the pull tab 636 is coupled to the molded floor 632 by inserting the fastener portion 662 of the pull tab 636 into a pull tab opening 664 formed in the floor 632.
- the fastener portion 662 is shaped as a dart fastener, with outer tab portions 668.
- the fastener portion 662 and tab portions 668 compress as the fastener portion is squeezed through the opening 664, and the fastener portion springs back into shape when it enters the magazine cavity 624.
- the outer tab portions 668 spring back into shape, they extend past the edges of the opening 664 and hold the pull tab 636 in place.
- These tabs 668 prevent the pull tab 636 from being removed from the magazine 600 even when the pull tab is pulled to expose the drain hole 648.
- the pull tab 636 can stretch to expose the drain hole 648, but it will remain attached to the magazine as the outer tabs 668 of the fastener portion 662 prevent the fastener portion 662 from sliding back through the opening 664.
- a few drops of adhesive may also be applied to the pull tab opening 664 in order to secure the pull tab to the magazine.
- the pull tab 636 also provides a convenient grip for the rifle operator.
- Detachable magazines are often carried in pouches or bags with the floor 632 facing upwards. When the rifle operator needs to load the magazine, he or she has to grab the floor of the magazine in order to lift it out of the pouch or bag. Prior art floor plates can be difficult to grab as they do not provide an easy grip.
- the pull tab 636 is shaped to provide the operator with an easy and effective grip on the magazine. The operator can simply grip the molded pull tab 636 between two fingers and rapidly extract the magazine from the pouch or bag.
- the plastic pull tab is lightweight and durable, and does not make the magazine unnecessarily bulky or heavy. In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG.
- the outside surfaces of the magazine are smooth, free of ribs, grooves, ridges, and sharp edges, so that the magazine can be easily and rapidly extracted from a pouch or bag.
- the pull tab 636 is attached to the floor of the magazine, rather than to the side walls of the magazine, so that the pull tab does not increase the width of the magazine and prevent it from fitting easily into a pouch or bag. Additionally, by attaching the pull tab to the floor of the magazine, there is no need for any mechanical fastener to extend through the side walls and potentially interfere with the movement of the spring and follower up and down inside the magazine.
- the walls of the lower portion 622 have a larger thickness tl than the thickness t2 of the walls of the upper portion 620.
- the increased thickness of the lower portion 622 increases the strength of that portion and protects it from impacts.
- the lower portion 622 is exposed outside of the rifle when the magazine 600 is inserted into the rifle, so the lower portion 622 is exposed to rough handling and side impacts.
- the upper portion 620 above the belt 626 is contained within the rifle, and thus protected from direct impacts.
- the upper portion 620 must be thin enough to fit inside standard rifle magazine wells, and the dimensions of the upper portion must be tightly controlled.
- the thickness tl is less than the thickness t2 of the lower portion.
- the upper portion of the improved magazine is shaped to fit inside any rifle that accepts a detachable magazine. [0056] Another embodiment of an improved rifle magazine according to the present invention is shown in FIGs. 7a-7c.
- the vertical surface 728a of the upper portion 720 includes one or more tabs or projections 770 that extend outwardly from the surface 728a.
- the inside surface 723 of the lower portion 722 has one or more corresponding recesses 772.
- the tabs and recesses could be modified to be any suitable mating features that hold the two portions 720, 722 together. These mating features prevent the two portions from sliding apart while the adhesive or heat sealing is setting. The spring inside the magazine is under compression, so it will tend to force the two portions 720, 722 to separate if they are not attached to each other. Thus, the tabs and recesses snap together to prevent the spring from separating the portions 720, 722 while the adhesive sets (or while any other suitable bonding method is performed). [0057] An embodiment of the improved magazine of the present invention was subjected to stress tests to determine the magazine's performance. A prototype of the improved magazine was impact tested, and the resulting stresses on the upper and lower portions of the magazine were determined.
- the high-strength molded polymer portions can withstand rough handling and hard impacts without resulting in failure of the polymer portions or the horizontal seam.
- the polymer magazine allows a side impact force of 550 pounds before failure occurs.
- a method of manufacturing an improved rifle magazine includes providing molds for injection molding of the two portions 220, 222.
- the mold for the upper portion 220 is straight, while the mold for the lower portion 222 is curved.
- the molds each include an insert that creates the hollow interior of each portion.
- a suitable polymer is injected into the molds and allowed to set, and then the molded portions are removed from the molds and the inserts from the molded portions, creating two molded polymer portions 220, 222.
- the use of two horizontal portions enables this molding process to create a straight upper portion that can be inserted into the rifle and a curved lower portion that accommodates tapered cartridges.
- the present two-piece design allows the magazine 200 to change curvature, with a straight upper portion 220 and curved lower portion 222.
- the curved lower portion 222 has a constant radius of curvature.
- the polymer is injected around the box 240.
- the polymer sets, it creates an upper portion 220 molded around the feed lip box 240.
- the spring 244 and follower 242 are inserted inside the hollow interiors of the portions 220, 222.
- adhesive is applied around one or more of the surfaces 228a, 228b, 230a, 230b, and the upper and lower portions 220, 222 are then snapped together.
- the spring compresses inside the two portions, and the mechanical engagement of the tabs 770 and recesses 772 (described above with reference to Figures 7a-7c) holds the two portions together against the spring pressure while the adhesive sets.
- a sealing method other than adhesive may be used, as described previously.
- the present invention provides embodiments of an improved rifle magazine and method of making an improved magazine with durable polymer portions and a design that provides improved performance over the prior art.
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Telescopes (AREA)
- Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0919663A GB2461234A (en) | 2007-05-10 | 2008-05-12 | Rifle magazine |
DE112008001241T DE112008001241T5 (en) | 2007-05-10 | 2008-05-12 | rifle magazine |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US91729007P | 2007-05-10 | 2007-05-10 | |
US60/917,290 | 2007-05-10 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2009025889A2 true WO2009025889A2 (en) | 2009-02-26 |
WO2009025889A3 WO2009025889A3 (en) | 2009-06-04 |
Family
ID=40378886
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2008/063459 WO2009025889A2 (en) | 2007-05-10 | 2008-05-12 | Rifle magazine |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
DE (1) | DE112008001241T5 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2461234A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009025889A2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2208957A3 (en) * | 2009-01-15 | 2011-09-28 | Magpul Industries Corporation | Ammunition magazine |
WO2015013610A1 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2015-01-29 | Mattel Inc. | Magazine for projectile launcher |
EP2805123A4 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2016-06-29 | Magpul Ind Corp | Ammunition magazine |
US9470464B2 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2016-10-18 | Magpul Industries Corp. | Self-leveling follower and magazine |
US11306986B1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2022-04-19 | Lemoy Titus | Transformer sub-pistol firearm |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102017010908A1 (en) * | 2017-11-24 | 2019-05-29 | Heckler & Koch Gmbh | Magazine and magazine bottom and self-loading firearm with such a magazine |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3383790A (en) * | 1967-05-16 | 1968-05-21 | Olin Mathieson | Plastic box magazine with a top metallic clamping member |
GB2186669A (en) * | 1986-02-15 | 1987-08-19 | Byung Hak Cho | Small arms weapon magazine |
US4901463A (en) * | 1987-10-29 | 1990-02-20 | Chesnut M Gaines | Cartridge magazine having a single piece magazine head |
US5502913A (en) * | 1994-11-18 | 1996-04-02 | Butler Creek Corporation | Cartridge magazine for firearms having improved retainer |
US20040255504A1 (en) * | 2000-02-14 | 2004-12-23 | Fitzpatrick Richard M. | Ammunition magazines with integral handles |
-
2008
- 2008-05-12 DE DE112008001241T patent/DE112008001241T5/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-05-12 WO PCT/US2008/063459 patent/WO2009025889A2/en active Application Filing
- 2008-05-12 GB GB0919663A patent/GB2461234A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3383790A (en) * | 1967-05-16 | 1968-05-21 | Olin Mathieson | Plastic box magazine with a top metallic clamping member |
GB2186669A (en) * | 1986-02-15 | 1987-08-19 | Byung Hak Cho | Small arms weapon magazine |
US4901463A (en) * | 1987-10-29 | 1990-02-20 | Chesnut M Gaines | Cartridge magazine having a single piece magazine head |
US5502913A (en) * | 1994-11-18 | 1996-04-02 | Butler Creek Corporation | Cartridge magazine for firearms having improved retainer |
US20040255504A1 (en) * | 2000-02-14 | 2004-12-23 | Fitzpatrick Richard M. | Ammunition magazines with integral handles |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2208957A3 (en) * | 2009-01-15 | 2011-09-28 | Magpul Industries Corporation | Ammunition magazine |
EP2805123A4 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2016-06-29 | Magpul Ind Corp | Ammunition magazine |
AU2013209680B2 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2016-11-17 | Magpul Industries Corp. | Ammunition magazine |
US9915487B2 (en) | 2012-01-17 | 2018-03-13 | Magpul Industries Corp. | Ammunition magazine |
WO2015013610A1 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2015-01-29 | Mattel Inc. | Magazine for projectile launcher |
US20160187085A1 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2016-06-30 | Mattel Inc. | Magazine for Projectile Launcher |
US9726446B2 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2017-08-08 | Big Monster Toys, Llc | Magazine for projectile launcher |
US9470464B2 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2016-10-18 | Magpul Industries Corp. | Self-leveling follower and magazine |
US9945628B2 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2018-04-17 | Magpul Industries Corp. | Self-leveling follower and magazine |
US11306986B1 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2022-04-19 | Lemoy Titus | Transformer sub-pistol firearm |
US11703294B2 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2023-07-18 | Lemoy Titus | Transformer sub-pistol firearm |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0919663D0 (en) | 2009-12-23 |
DE112008001241T5 (en) | 2010-04-01 |
GB2461234A (en) | 2009-12-30 |
WO2009025889A3 (en) | 2009-06-04 |
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