Patents by Inventor Richard M. Fitzpatrick

Richard M. Fitzpatrick has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9528784
    Abstract: A drum magazine assembly and methods are described. A drum assembly has a follower assembly, a drum body, a spring assembly, and a feed tower assembly. The follower assembly biases cartridges towards an exit of the feed tower assembly. The follower assembly has a plurality of dummy cartridges, the plurality of dummy cartridges having a leading dummy cartridge and a last dummy cartridge, and a plurality of links including a leading link and a last link. The last dummy cartridge rotates relative to the last link and the leading link, and the leading dummy cartridge has a bolt catch engagement feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Timothy Eric Roberts, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Eric Nakayama, William Bradley Bennett
  • Patent number: 9389036
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of creating a visible indicator upon a firearm magazine. The method may comprise fabricating a plurality of rectangular matrices of divots on an exterior surface of the magazine, the divots having concave surfaces, each matrix comprising a plurality of rows of divots and a plurality of columns of divots. A first divot of a first row is also a first divot of a first column, the first divot forming a substantially straight line with each other divot of the first column, and a first divot of a second row is also a second divot of the first column. The method may then comprise marking, with paint or ink, at least one of the divots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20160161206
    Abstract: A system and method for a user's appendages when firing a weapon is described. One embodiment includes a cover kit for a firearm handguard. The kit has a base and an insert. The base has a longitudinal axis, an upright axis, a transverse axis, a socket, an exterior surface, and an interior surface. The insert has an insert body and a plug. The socket has a movable engagement prong shaped to engage a wall surface of a handguard slot. The plug has a prong engagement surface shaped to engage the engagement prong. The plug is shaped to apply a force on the engagement prong such that a distal portion of the engagement prong is flexed more than a proximal portion of the engagement prong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Brian L. Nakayama, Christopher F. Miller, Michael T. Mayberry, Nicholas Kielsmeier, Richard M. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 9347720
    Abstract: A new interface for a magazine follower and floor plate is used to provide greater stability to the round stack and a more sturdy system overall. The floor plate is designed with two opposite legs, the rear being shorter than the front leg so as to facilitate travel throughout the magazine and clearing of accumulated dirt and debris. The floor plate, in one embodiment, utilizes a lock plate that is shaped and sized to become a shoe for the compressed spring and associated follower. In an alternate embodiment, the floor plate itself serves the purpose and, with provided teeth, directly fastens to the magazine casing at notches manufactured in the magazine wall for that purpose. Other enhancements to the magazine include at least one matrix of divots to provide a paint surface, an over-insertion stop and a lower rear geometry to aid in clearing debris and grit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES, CORP.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20160109201
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of creating a visible indicator upon a firearm magazine. The method may comprise fabricating a plurality of rectangular matrices of divots on an exterior surface of the magazine, the divots having concave surfaces, each matrix comprising a plurality of rows of divots and a plurality of columns of divots. A first divot of a first row is also a first divot of a first column, the first divot forming a substantially straight line with each other divot of the first column, and a first divot of a second row is also a second divot of the first column. The method may then comprise marking, with paint or ink, at least one of the divots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20160102931
    Abstract: A drum magazine assembly and methods are described. A drum assembly has a follower assembly, a drum body, a spring assembly, and a feed tower assembly. The follower assembly biases cartridges towards an exit of the feed tower assembly. The follower assembly has a plurality of dummy cartridges, the plurality of dummy cartridges having a leading dummy cartridge and a last dummy cartridge, and a plurality of links including a leading link and a last link. The last dummy cartridge rotates relative to the last link and the leading link, and the leading dummy cartridge has a bolt catch engagement feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy Eric Roberts, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Eric Nakayama, William Bradley Bennett
  • Patent number: 9222749
    Abstract: A system and method for a user's appendages when firing a weapon is described. One embodiment includes a cover kit for a firearm handguard. The kit has a base and an insert. The base has a longitudinal axis, an upright axis, a transverse axis, a socket, an exterior surface, and an interior surface. The insert has an insert body and a plug. The socket has a movable engagement prong shaped to engage a wall surface of a handguard slot. The plug has a prong engagement surface shaped to engage the engagement prong. The plug is shaped to apply a force on the engagement prong such that a distal portion of the engagement prong is flexed more than a proximal portion of the engagement prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES, CORP.
    Inventors: Brian L. Nakayama, Christopher F. Miller, Michael T. Mayberry, Nicholas Kielsmeier, Richard M. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 9157699
    Abstract: Disclosed is a D-ring for use in sling systems, in particular firearm slings, where quick detachment and consistent behavior of the sling are of particular importance. At least two swivel sockets are provided on opposite sides of the D-ring for ambidextrous use and slots are provided to restrict rotational movement of the attached swivels. The D-ring may be formed from a single toroid or a conglomeration of different toroidal forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp
    Inventors: Thomas Ward, Michael T. Mayberry, Richard M. Fitzpatrick
  • Publication number: 20150241152
    Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric C. Burt
  • Patent number: 8839543
    Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric C. Burt
  • Patent number: 8832986
    Abstract: The present invention is a quick detach swivel utilizing pawls to engage a ridge or trench in a socket. The pawls are biased outward by the spurs of two sliding buttons which cam the pawls in an upright and outward orientation. When the buttons are squeezed together, the cam lock is released and the pawls fall into the swivel frame, releasing the swivel body. When pressure on the buttons is released, the buttons return to their normal positions and catch the pawls, returning them to their upright and engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Michael T. Mayberry, Richard M. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 8800189
    Abstract: The present invention is a buffer tube assembly 2 upon which stock modules may be mounted as part of a modular stock system. The best mode buffer tube features a uniform cheek plate 10 with a track 9 disposed underneath the cheek plate 10 on either side. Rail track 8 is disposed on the underside of buffer tube module 2 and is divided in half by a longitudinal groove. Interface detents 5 are provided on the sides of buffer tube module 2. Both rail track 8 and detents 5 are provided for interface with adjustable length stock modules. Individual half-rails of the rail track 8 may be angled to improve interface performance with adjustable for length stock modules. A clip hole 13 is provided as a securement means with fixed length stock modules. The invention may also be practiced as a mounting assembly for those firearms (usually air projection type) that do not require a buffer area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Stephen C. Hines
  • Publication number: 20140215878
    Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Magpul Industries Corp
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric C. Burt
  • Publication number: 20140215767
    Abstract: Disclosed is a D-ring for use in sling systems, in particular firearm slings, where quick detachment and consistent behavior of the sling are of particular importance. At least two swivel sockets are provided on opposite sides of the D-ring for ambidextrous use and slots are provided to restrict rotational movement of the attached swivels. The D-ring may be formed from a single toroid or a conglomeration of different toroidal forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Ward, Michael T. Mayberry, Richard M. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 8635796
    Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric C. Burt
  • Publication number: 20130305582
    Abstract: The present invention is a quick detach swivel utilizing pawls to engage a ridge or trench in a socket. The pawls are biased outward by the spurs of two sliding buttons which cam the pawls in an upright and outward orientation. When the buttons are squeezed together, the cam lock is released and the pawls fall into the swivel frame, releasing the swivel body. When pressure on the buttons is released, the buttons return to their normal positions and catch the pawls, returning them to their upright and engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael T. Mayberry, Richard M. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 8544704
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a threader for use with various modular tactical vest systems. The particular modular vest systems have a weaving interface with attachable storage modules. A strap on a module is attached to the threader and the threader is woven through the support web on the vest. As the threader is pulled through the support web, the module is secured to the vest. Two embodiments for attaching the strap to the threader are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric S. Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8539871
    Abstract: A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The latch positively engages the firearm's bolt carrier group when the handle is brought forward into contact therewith. A secondary latching system secures the charging handle to the upper receiver when not in use and disengages automatically when and only when a user desires to operate the handle. The charging handle's secondary latching system is also claimed as a stand-alone system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp
    Inventors: Eric C. Burt, Brian L. Nakayama, Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry
  • Publication number: 20130228065
    Abstract: A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The latch positively engages the firearm's bolt carrier group when the handle is brought forward into contact therewith. A secondary latching system secures the charging handle to the upper receiver when not in use and disengages automatically when and only when a user desires to operate the handle. The charging handle's secondary latching system is also claimed as a stand-alone system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Eric C. Burt, Brian L. Nakayama
  • Patent number: D735832
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Thomas Ward