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).

  • Publication number: 20130180146
    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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8484882
    Abstract: The present invention is a rail mounted back-up sight with at least one, but preferred two, illumination apparatuses mounted thereon. The back-up sight features a sight housing that is configured to selectively alternate between a stowed and a spring-biased deployed position. Any type of illumination apparatus may be used, but the preferred apparatus is a flashlight, mounted upon wither side of a sight base. Either a front or a rear sight may be utilized as could different types of illumination apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Travis D. Haley, Eric C. Burt, Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry
  • Publication number: 20130047386
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachment system for modular stowage units. The system features a rail matrix utilized with a clasp system. Each rail component of the matrix features either a raised bridge or a loop onto which the clasp system attaches and may be a modular rail. Clasp designs include small and large bladed versions where the blade is designed to interface with an underside of a loop and secure an object to the rail matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Grady Barfoot, Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry
  • Publication number: 20120317857
    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: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric C. Burt
  • Patent number: 8307747
    Abstract: A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a spring biased forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The spring bias causes the latch to positively engage 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Eric C. Burt, Brian L. Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8261649
    Abstract: The present invention is a charging handle for an automatic, bolt actuated rifle. The handle features a ratcheting retraction assist and blowback diversion structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric S. Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20120180368
    Abstract: The present invention is a rail mounted back-up sight with at least one, but preferred two, illumination apparatuses mounted thereon. The back-up sight features a sight housing that is configured to selectively alternate between a stowed and a spring-biased deployed position. Any type of illumination apparatus may be used, but the preferred apparatus is a flashlight, mounted upon wither side of a sight base. Either a front or a rear sight may be utilized as could different types of illumination apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Travis D. Haley, Eric C. Burt, Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Maybery
  • Patent number: 8166692
    Abstract: The present invention is a self-leveling follower for an ammunition magazine. Side extensions provide greater stability to the follower and aid in its self-leveling feature. The follower according to the present invention is also manufactured to facilitate removal from and insertion into the magazine casing when maintaining the magazine. Additional features provide greater utility by improving bolt-stop capacity and consistency of ammunition feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric S. Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20120042769
    Abstract: A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a spring biased forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The spring bias causes the latch to positively engage 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Brian L. Makayama, Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry
  • Publication number: 20110302816
    Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a glass fiber 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: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric C. Burt
  • Patent number: 8069601
    Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a glass fiber 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: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric C. Burt
  • Patent number: 8061071
    Abstract: The present invention is a high capacity, non-drum magazine. The high capacity magazine comprises a broad general storage area capable of holding four staggered stacks of ammunition, a unified follower on a spring system biasing the follower and associated ammunition, a central partition a barrier separating two dual staggered round stacks and around which the follower will pass, and a transition area between the feed end of the magazine and the storage area. The spring may be a composite spring system, made of two springs joined in series, or a single, variable constant, spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Michael Morgan, Eric C. Burt, Eric S. Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20110258899
    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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Stephen C. Hines
  • Publication number: 20110253756
    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: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric S. Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20110226120
    Abstract: The present invention is a charging handle for an automatic, bolt actuated rifle. The handle features a ratcheting retraction assist and blowback diversion structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Brian L. Nakayama, Eric S. Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8006425
    Abstract: The present invention is a spring-biased folding firearm that stows compactly and safely. The firearm has three main components: a stock, a receiver and a grip/magazine combination. In folding, the stock folds over the receiver, sandwiching the grip/magazine between the components. When folded, the magazine over-inserts into the grip housing, allowing the stock to clear and providing additional safety when stowed by isolating the ammunition feed. A buttplate latches over the open joint to contain the unit and further secure it. When stowed, the bolt is disengaged from the ammunition feed supply, preventing accidental firing, so a loaded round can be safely carried in the chamber—allowing for immediate use of the firearm upon opening. The weapon is deployed through single-handed actuation and is spring-assisted into firing position. Currently the firearm uses readily available aftermarket parts for easier replacement if necessary and does contain hardware for mounting accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Eric C. Burt, Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry
  • Patent number: D643497
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Eric C. Burt, Michael Mayberry, Travis D. Haley, Bran Abbot, Michael Morgan
  • Patent number: D644293
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama
  • Patent number: D645113
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Michael T. Mayberry, Brian L. Nakayama
  • Patent number: D648413
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Magpul Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Michael T. Mayberry, Richard M. Fitzpatrick, Eric C. Burt