MULTIPLE MAGAZINE CARRIER FOR RAPID FIREARM LOADING

Abstract

A magazine carrier apparatus has a generally rectangular shaped container defining an open cavity which is capable of retaining multiple firearm magazines within the open cavity but at different heights relative to a top of the container. In embodiments, multiple, similarly dimensioned firearm magazines include a base lip which enables the firearm magazines to be retained at progressively staggered heights relative to the top wall of the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The disclosure relates to the field of firearms and ammunition storage and deployment systems. More specially, the disclosure relates to ammunition magazines, and, a carrier apparatus for holding multiple magazine in an orientation most beneficial to rapid reloading of a firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In a modern firearm, reloading is often accomplished by an ammunition magazine ("magazine"), which stores a series of bullets that are continuously fed into the firearm chamber for firing. Some firearms implement detachable magazines, which, after being emptied, are removed and replaced with another loaded magazine. In combat, police work, or other situations with potentially heavy crossfire, a user usually carries several fully loaded detached magazines to facilitate reloading of a firearm during an engagement.

[0003] A variety of conventional solutions for storing spare magazines exists, such as pouches, pockets, and holsters. Holsters and pouches usually contain only one or two compartments for spare magazines. Magazines stored in conventional pouches are not secured with anything other than the grip of the holding compartment. Active movements of a user during an engagement may cause the magazines to fall off. On the other hand, pockets secured with a fastener (e.g., hook and loop flaps or snaps) may prevent a magazine from falling off, but take additional time to open the pocket, retrieve the magazine, and transfer the magazine into a firearm. Such additional time may be critical in a combat situation. In addition, magazines stored in pockets are often disposed in inconvenient orientations, requiring additional handling time to get the magazine into the proper orientation for insertion into the firearm. The foregoing activities may distract a shooter, causing them to take their eyes off a target, and/or re-aim their firearm once the magazine is properly inserted.

[0004] Accordingly, a need exists for a wearable magazine carrier which is capable of holding one or more magazines securely in an orientation which facilitates one-handed, nonvisual confirmation for proper transfer and insertion into a firearm.

[0005] A further need exists for a wearable magazine carrier which is capable of holding one or more magazines securely in an orientation which facilitates extraction from the carrier and transfer of the magazine into a firearm with a continuous, single-handed motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The disclosed magazine carrier apparatus provides a solution to all the above problems, assuring that the fresh magazine is always available in proper orientation at the dispensing opening, allowing a user quickly transfer a magazine to the firing position with one hand while keeping the other hand on the firing grip of the firearm.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a magazine carrier apparatus comprises a generally rectangular shaped container defining an open cavity and which is capable of retaining multiple firearm magazines within the open cavity but at different heights relative to a top of the container. In embodiments, multiple, similarly dimensioned firearm magazines include a base lip which enables the firearm magazines to be retained at progressively staggered heights relative to the top wall of the container.

[0008] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a magazine carrier apparatus comprises a generally rectangular shaped container defining an open cavity and which is capable of retaining multiple firearm magazines within the open cavity and which has a selectively removable rear wall. In embodiments, a rear end cap is removably securable to the open back end of the container to allow access to the container interior. In embodiments, the rear end cap has a spring-loaded follower attached thereto for urging firearm magazines retained within the container cavity towards the front wall and extraction opening, when the rear end cap is secured to the back end of the container.

[0009] According to still another aspect of the disclosure, a magazine carrier apparatus comprises a generally rectangular shaped container defining an open cavity and which is capable of retaining multiple firearm magazines within the open cavity and wherein the distance between the bottom wall and top wall varies proximate the cavity opening. In one embodiment, a ramp affixed to or as part of the bottom wall of the container directs the fire magazines towards the front opening of the container.

[0010] According to still another aspect of the disclosure, a magazine carrier apparatus comprises a generally rectangular shaped container with a front wall of the container angled to orient the firearm magazines in a direction opposite the direction in which the magazines are being urged from the back end of the container.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method for orienting a plurality of firearm magazines within a carrier apparatus to allow for single-handed withdrawal and orientation relative to the firearm comprises the steps of: positioning a firearm magazine at the opening of a firearm magazine container with the magazine oriented upside down, withdrawing the firearm magazine from the magazine carrier while maintaining the same orientation relative to the container, transferring the magazine so that the magazine is oriented upright and facing forward in a position suitable for insertion into the firearm. In embodiments where the firearm magazines are stored within the carrier device upside down and facing forward, once the magazine has been withdrawn from the device, rotating the top of the magazine to an upright position will provide the proper orientation for insertion into the magazine well of a firearm. In embodiments, the method of withdrawing a fire magazine using the disclosed carrier device may be done with one hand while the user's other hand is maintained on the grip of the firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the instant specification, illustrate several aspects and embodiments of the subject technology and, together with the description herein, serve to explain the principles of the subject technology. The drawings are provided for the purpose of illustrating embodiments of the subject technology and are not to be construed as limiting the subject technology. In the drawings:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates conceptually an exploded isometric view of a magazine carrier apparatus in accordance with the disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates conceptually a front view of the magazine carrier of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates conceptually a side view of the magazine carrier of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2C illustrates conceptually a back view of the magazine carrier of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2D illustrates conceptually a bottom view of the magazine carrier of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 2E illustrates conceptually a top view of the magazine carrier of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates conceptually an isometric view of the magazine carrier of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 4A illustrates a firearm magazine suitable for use with a magazine carrier in accordance with the disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 4B illustrates of a firearm magazine suitable for use with a magazine carrier in accordance with the disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 4C illustrates a firearm magazine suitable for use with a magazine carrier in accordance with the disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates conceptually a side partial cross-sectional view of the magazine carrier of FIG. 2B as seen along line 2A-2A with multiple firearm magazines disposed therein in accordance with the disclosure; and

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates conceptually the orientation of a firearm magazine relative to a firearm as it is withdrawn from a magazine carrier in accordance with the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The advantages, and other features of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals are used herein to denote like parts. Further, words denoting orientation such as "top", "bottom", "side", "lower" and "upper", and the like, are merely used to help describe the location of components with respect to one another. No words denoting orientation are used to describe an absolute orientation, i.e., where an "upper" part must always be on top.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, disclosed is a magazine carrier apparatus or device 10 for holding multiple magazines for a firearm and aiding in fast reloading thereof. The device 10 comprises a container 1 with an end cap or lid 3 removably attached to the container 1, one or more spring(s) 4 attached to the interior surface of lid 3, and a follower 2 movably coupled to lid 3 by spring 4. In embodiments, container 1 comprises substantially parallel side walls 1a and 1b, a top wall 1c and a bottom wall 1d. The walls of container 1 collectively define an interior cavity 8 having an open first end 11 selectively closable by lid 3, which also serves as rear wall 1e. Container 1 further comprises an angled front wall 1f, disposed opposite lid 3, and extending at least a portion of the distance between the bottom wall 1d and top wall 1c. Front wall 1f, top wall 1c, and side walls 1a and 1 b collectively define a second opening 5 through which one or more magazine(s) 9a-n may be inserted lengthwise into and removed from interior cavity 8 of container 1. In embodiments, front wall 1f is angled to position magazines 9 in an orientation that provides counter-resistance in a direction opposite the direction in which the magazines are being urged by the follower 2 and spring 4. In embodiments, front wall 1f joins bottom wall 1d at an acute angle. All or any of container 1, follower 2 or end cap 3 may be made from rigid materials such as natural or synthetic resins or metals.

[0027] In embodiments, magazines 9 are inserted into opening 5 with their respective top end first so that the magazines are retained in interior cavity 8 with the bottom end of the magazine proximate top wall 1c and the top end of the magazine, i.e., the end having the magazine feed lips, proximate bottom wall 1d. Magazines 9, once inserted, push follower 2 backward thereby tension loading the spring(s) 4. In embodiments, springs 4 may be implemented with one or more coil springs or leaf springs to provide motive force in a direction away from lid 3 and towards front wall 1f and opening 5. The interior of sides walls 1a and 1b may have disposed thereon, or integrally formed therewith, rails 6 or other features which complement the side edges of follower 2 for the purpose of guiding follower 2 as it is urged by spring 4 forward towards the front wall 1f and opening 5. In addition, bottom wall 1d may have extending over all or part of its length from opening 11 to front wall 1f, a channel or groove 14 dimensioned to seat the top end 9A of magazines 9 to guide their transition towards opening 5.

[0028] FIGS. 2A-E and 3 illustrate the relationship of the detachable lid 3 to container 1. The lid 3 is frictionally securable, e.g., by snap fit, to the back edge of the container 1. Spring(s) 4 may be attached to the lid 3 by any known means. Lid 3 allows a user to clean interior cavity 8 of container 1, if necessary, as well as to diagnose any operation problems within cavity 8.

[0029] FIGS. 4A-C illustrate conceptually different shaped firearm magazines 9 suitable for use with magazine carrier 10; such magazines have a top region 9A and a base region 9B and include a lip 14 which may extend all or partially around the base region 9B thereof. Magazine carrier 10 is capable of retaining multiple firearm magazines 9a-n within cavity 8 at different heights relative to top wall 1c of container 1. As illustrated in FIG. 5, multiple, similarly dimensioned firearm magazines 9, such as those used in 9 mm pistols or other firearms, may include a base lip 14 which enables the magazines 9 to be inserted into opening 5 and retained at progressively staggered heights relative to top wall 1c with the lip 14 of one magazine 9 overlapping the base of an adjacent magazine 9. In embodiments, magazine carrier 10 may further comprise an optional ramp 12, either affixed to or integrally formed with bottom wall 1d, that forces the magazines 9 upward towards the front opening 5 as the magazines are urged forward by follower 2. In embodiments, ramp 12 may have either a straight or slightly curved interior surface relative to the plane of bottom wall 1d. The channel 15 formed into bottom wall 1d may likewise extend over all or a portion of the length of the surface of ramp 12.

[0030] In embodiments, since magazines 9 are oriented lengthwise within cavity 8 and are retained at staggered heights relative to each other and to the top wall 1c, the distance between top wall 1c and bottom wall 1d is greater than the longest dimension of a magazine 9. FIG. 5 illustrates conceptually a side cross-sectional view of the magazine carrier 10 as seen along line 2A-2A with multiple firearm magazines disposed at different heights within cavity 8. In embodiments, the greater the number of magazines 9 which may be accommodated lengthwise, i.e., the largest side dimensions of the magazines are oriented along an axis extending from the rear wall 1e to the front wall 1f, in cavity 8 of container 1, the greater the distance needed between top wall 1c and bottom wall 1d to allow for staggering of the respective heights of the magazines 9 relative to each other and to top wall 1c. In one embodiment, container 1 may be dimensioned so that for each lengthwise magazine 9 that can be retained in cavity 8, the distance between top wall 1c and bottom wall 1d may increase between 15% to 25% of the height of the magazine to allow for staggered height retention of the magazines in cavity 8 when carrier device 10 is fully loaded.

[0031] The disclosed apparatus facilitates rapid acquisition and insertion of loaded magazines into a firearm by a user and may be attached to a belt or other surface with an optional clip securable to one of side walls 1a and 1 b.

[0032] A method of using device 10 is described as follows with reference to FIG. 6. When a magazine in a firearm is emptied, a user detaches the empty magazine, withdraws the first magazine 9 from the opening 5 of container 1 with one hand, and, claps the magazine 9 in withdrawals it from opening 5 of device 10, With one hand, the user then transfer the magazine 9 into correct orientation for insertion into the magazine well of the firearm 13 by rotating the magazine from an upside down position to an upright position, e.g. 180.degree. rotation in a plane that is normal to the height of container 1, e.g., as illustrated by axis 16 in FIG. 6, all the while keeping the other hand on the grip of the firearm. Whether magazine 9 is rotated to the left side or the right side relative to device 10 depends on the hand with which the user is shooting as well as the position of device 10, e.g. on which side the user is wearing the device 10. Once the first magazine 9a is removed from the device, spring 4 applies force to follower 2, which, in turn, applies force on the last loaded magazine 9n. Thus, the next magazine 9 in line is pushed towards opening 5. FIG. 6 illustrates conceptually the orientation of a firearm magazine relative to a firearm as it is withdrawn from magazine carrier 10 in accordance with the disclosure.

[0033] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. It will be obvious to those reasonably skilled in the art that modifications to the apparatus and process disclosed herein may occur, including substitution of various component values or nodes of connection, without parting from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A magazine carrier apparatus comprising: a container having side walls defining an interior cavity and first and second openings into the interior cavity, the first opening extending a height of the side walls, the second opening extending less than the height of the side walls, and an end cap removably securable to the container at the first opening.

2. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a spring-loaded follower mechanism attached to a surface of the end cap and disposable within the interior cavity when the end cap is secured to the container.

3. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container has a front wall angled towards the end cap, the front wall further partially defining the second opening.

4. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 1 in combination with at least one firearm magazine insertable into the interior cavity through the second opening.

5. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container has top and bottom walls partially defining the interior cavity and wherein a distance between the top wall and bottom wall varies between the first opening and the second opening.

6. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 5 further comprising: a ramped surface on the bottom wall proximate the second opening.

7. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 6 in combination with a plurality of firearm magazines insertable into the interior cavity through the second opening, each of the plurality of firearm magazines retainable within the interior cavity at a distance from the top wall of the container that is different from others of the firearm magazines.

8. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 7 wherein the plurality of firearm magazines are retained within the interior cavity at progressively staggered heights relative to the top wall of the container.

9. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 1 in combination with a plurality of firearm magazine insertable into the interior cavity through the second opening, each of the plurality of firearm magazines retainable within the interior cavity at a distance from a top wall of the container that is different from others of the firearm magazines.

10. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 9 wherein the plurality of firearm magazines are retained within the interior cavity at progressively staggered heights relative to the top wall of the container.

11. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of surface features extending between the first opening and second opening on surfaces of the side walls exposed to the interior cavity the container.

12. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 11 wherein the surface features comprise rails.

13. The magazine carrier apparatus of claim 11 wherein the spring-loaded follower mechanism has on side edges thereof surface features which are complementary to the surface features of the side walls.

14. A magazine carrier apparatus comprising: a container having front and top walls at least partially defining an interior cavity and a first opening into the interior cavity for insertion of multiple firearm magazines into the interior cavity, a follower mechanism disposed within the interior cavity for urging the firearm magazine towards the front wall and first opening, wherein multiple firearm magazines retainable lengthwise within the interior cavity to accommodate a protruding lip at a bottom region thereof, the lip causing a width of the magazine bottom region to be greater than a width of a magazine top region, and wherein the multiple firearm magazines are retained at progressively staggered heights relative to the top wall of the container.

15. A method for orienting a plurality of firearm magazines within a carrier container to allow for one-handed withdrawal and orientation relative to the firearm comprises: A) positioning a firearm magazine at an opening of a firearm magazine container with the firearm magazine oriented upside down; B) withdrawing the firearm magazine from the carrier container while maintaining the same orientation relative to the container; and C) transferring the firearm magazine with one hand so that the firearm magazine is oriented upright and facing forward in a position suitable for insertion into a firearm.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: D) inserting the upright and forward facing firearm magazine into a firearm.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein C) comprises: C1) rotating the firearm magazine approximately 180.degree. in a plane normal to the orientation of the firearm magazine when positioned at the opening of the container with reference to a height dimension of the container.