Firearm Slide Stop Lock Competitive Interrupt

Abstract

A slide lock stop interrupt mechanism operable upon the insertion of an interchangeable ammunition magazine into the magazine well of a semi-automatic firearm whereby contact between the magazine and a connection lever is made which automatically manipulates and interrupts the slide lock stop and releases the slide from the open and locked position to advance in a forward direction to chamber the first round contained in the inserted magazine returning the firearm to battery position ready for firing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 35 USC §119(e)

Not Applicable

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to semi-automatic firearms equipped with slide stop locks and more specifically to firearms which are equipped with slide stop locks and manual releases which hold the slide open after the last remaining round of ammunition has been fired from the magazine.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Competitive firearms enthusiasts use custom made, customized normal production and production grade firearms when shooting. The number of people engaging in national, regional and local competitions is large. Enthusiasts also compete amongst others in non-tournament settings regularly.

Shooter's skill varies from person to person. Accordingly, competitive shooters engaged in competition are typically grouped into flights or classes, challenging shooters to compete against others with equivalent proficiency and experience. Some flights or classes are “open” class. In the open class, shooters may apply alterations to their firearms to enhance their overall performance. Under these circumstances, any advantage, ever so slight, can make a difference in the overall outcome of the competition.

For those persons utilizing normal production grade firearms shooting in non-open class tournaments, the shooter must exhibit adequate proficiency in the fundamentals of shooting; which by example, are defined by the National Rifle Association™ training materials as sight control, grip control, trigger control, breath control and stance. Other similar definitions exist which can be applied by reference to this description without altering the intent herein.

For those persons utilizing custom built or customized firearms, the shooter must also exhibit adequate proficiency in the same fundamentals of shooting; yet, these shooters also have the added advantage of using custom built or customized firearms to fit their physical attributes and personal preferences for the firearms. Such customization can include changing the circumference and dimension of the grip, length of trigger pull, trigger pull spring pressure, size of trigger guard opening, sight color, sight aperture size and shape, sight placement, length of barrel, any other mechanical shape, size and placement of firearm components.

To maintain alignment of the fundamentals of shooting during competition, the shooter desires to minimize movements of the eyes, hands, feet and firearm when shooting and reloading the firearm. The objective of the shooter is to maintain follow through when discharging each individual round and recovering sight alignment after each shot. The intent of the present invention described herein is to address the need to assist the shooter in maintaining the fundamentals of shooting when reloading the firearm, which involves the process of ejecting an empty magazine and inserting a loaded magazine during the magazine change stage of competitive shooting course of fire.

The method described herein presents a mechanism which used in combination with a replacement magazine equipped with defined detent molded into the shape of the magazine frame operates to release the slide stop lock automatically. This automatic action is appropriate to automate the step of “releasing” the slide to chamber the next round immediately upon the insertion of a loaded magazine into the firearm while allowing the shooter to maintain grip control and sight alignment more effectively.

Currently, the firearm which is equipped with a slide stop lock will interrupt the reciprocating action of the slide which occurs when the firearm is discharged. Current firearms with interchangeable magazines “lock” open by action of the slide stop lock when the “follower” in the magazine engages the slide stop lock as the last round in the magazine cycles through the firearm.

For example, a “COMBINATION SLIDE LATCH AND TAKEDOWN MECHANISM FOR AUTOMATIC PISTOL” is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 3,745,881. This device details that “in conventional magazine fed automatic pistols, a slide latch is frequently employed to automatically hold the slide in a rearward position with the chamber opened” and states “as is well known, a follower of the emptied magazine normally actuates the slide latch takedown lever operable from a slide stop position to a slide release position.” This invention provides the automatic interrupt of this action described therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,312,803 describes a “SEMI AUTOMATIC PISTOL SLIDE PULL”. This device includes is a slide pull apparatus for aiding in pulling a slide on a semi-automatic pistol. While the present invention does not attempt to address the action of “pulling a slide”, it does demonstrate the desire of some shooters to overcome the effort and delay associated with releasing a slide during the reloading process.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,696 describes a “SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL HAVING EASY ACTION COCKING MECHANISM”. This device discloses a semi-automatic pistol which includes “a manually movable decoupling assembly which is manually movable from a coupling position, coupling the recoil spring to the slide, to a decoupling position decoupling the recoil spring from the slide and permitting the slide to be manually moved rearwardly of the frame and then to be returned to its normal forward position for loading a cartridge into the chamber.” The present invention is specifically design to automate this manual action.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,326 “METHOD OF DEPLOYING A WEAPON UTILIZING THE “GLOCK SYSTEM” WHICH PROVIDES MAXIMUM SAFETY AND READINESS” provides a method for “drawing the slide back that necessary and sufficient extent which is significantly less than necessary to load a round in the chamber, and with less force.” This process illustrates one of the manual options for shooters to release the slide stop lock which this invention automates.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,603 “THUMB RELEASE FOR PISTOL MAGAZINE” presents “a device for a thumb release for pistol magazines includes a kit for modifying a conventional pistol.” The present invention is intended to be applied to a production firearm from the manufacturer or applicable to the firearm by the shooter at the shooter's discretion without permanently altering the firearm.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,571 “SLIDE STOP LATCH FOR A FIREARM” presents a device wherein “a detent mechanism positioned within the camblock contacts a surface of a slide stop pin to hold the slide stop latch in place.” The present invention provides automation for interrupting slide stop latches such as this.

Although there are several apparatuses which may have various functions related to the slide stop lock and release methods, none of these either separately or in combination with each other, teach or anticipate the current invention. Therefore, there remains an unmet need in the field of firearms for a person to use to an automated slide stop lock interrupt which is durable, interchangeable, and effective in reducing time to reload a firearm while maintain shooting fundamentals which are desirable during competitions requiring reloading during the course of fire. The current invention will fulfill this unmet need.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed invention. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

When the shooter ejects an empty magazine and subsequently inserts a loaded magazine, the slide stop lock must be disengaged. This can be accomplished by pulling the slide back to disengage the slide stop lock and releasing the slide to allow it to move forward, lift and chamber the first round in the inserted loaded magazine. Alternatively, the shooter can also depress the slide stop lock manually, which will allow the slide to move forward, lifting and chambering the round as desired.

The invention described herein automates this step through the implementation of downward extending lever and deflection tab, also referred to as detent, interaction between the slide stop lock lever and corresponding magazine housing as shown herein; except, where clearance tolerances between the frame, grip, sidewall of the magazine well and magazine would limit the structural dimensions of the lever, a hinge and rotating pin are added to provide structural integrity to the mechanism.

A slide lock stop is an apparatus that is used to hold open the slide of the semi-automatic firearm upon the firing of the last round presented from the magazine. This invention is represented as such a component which can be installed at the time of production, or subsequent to purchase of a production firearm, installed as replacement components for the firearm which can be inserted and removed freely without permanently altering the firearm. This exchangeable component design allows the shooter to operate the firearm with or without the automated function at the shooter's discretion.

There are several methods currently used today to hold the slide reward after firing the lost round retrieved from the magazine. Once the slide stop lock engages, the shooter can cease firing and discontinue any additional shooting activities. The condition of the firearm is commonly referred to as “safe” when the action is open, magazine is removed and the chamber visibly unloaded. The present invention does not alter or disable this functionality.

However; if the shooter intends to reload and continue firing the firearm by first ejecting the empty magazine and subsequently inserting a loaded magazine, the shooter must release the slide manually to continue shooting. The shooter may release the slide by depressing the slide stop release. Alternatively, the shooter may draw the slide reward and release it. If the magazine with ammunition is properly seated, the slide stop lock will drop in relationship to the slide lock notch when the slide is drawn reward, thereby disengaging the slide stop lock with the slide allowing the slide to travel forward due to the spring pressure in the slide mechanism of the firearm. This movement of the slide forward will allow the mechanism of the firearm to lift a round from the magazine and chamber the firearm making it ready for discharge.

To resolve the problems mentioned above, an object of the present invention is to provide a modification which can be applied during production or post production, without disabling the inherent safety functions of the firearm.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the user a particular benefit of “selection” which is found in the present invention. This benefit is realized when the shooter elects to apply the automation of the slide stop lock by inserting a magazine equipped with the interrupt detent. If the shooter does not insert the magazine equipped with the interrupt detent, the slide stop lever will not be deflected and the slide stop lock will not be released. Therefore, it is possible for a shooter to reload the firearm using either the equipped or not-equipped magazine at will.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide the shooter the option to interchange the slide stop lock equipped with or not-equipped with the interrupt lever. This is particularly important for users that want to use the firearm with a normal production slide stop lock lever at times, while at other times use the firearm with a slide stop lock with interrupt lever which is designed to be interchangeable with the standard production slide stop lock. The shooter may choose to assemble the firearm with or without the present invention. If the firearm has not been assembled using the slide stop lock with interrupt lever, the use of magazines equipped or not-equipped with the interrupt detent will have no resulting impact on the operability or functioning of the firearm.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for modification of the firearm wherein clearance tolerances between the magazine, frame, grip and magazine well side walls forming the magazine well are insufficient to accommodate a slide stop lock with interrupt lever of appropriate thickness and rigidity to function repeatedly without performance deterioration. In this alternative, structural strength is gained by adding a hinge to the lower segment of the interrupt lever and affixing the interrupt lever to a rotating pin which is affixed to the side wall of the magazine well. As installed using the hinge and rotating pin, the interrupt detent on the magazine will actuate the interrupt lever causing the connected slide stop lock to travel in a downward motion sufficient to release the slide forward.

The present invention comprises a replacement slide stop lock equipped with interrupt lever and a corresponding magazine equipped with an interrupt detent.

The slide stop lock with interrupt lever which is made of strong material, for instance titanium, that provides adequate rigidity to the horizontal and vertical spans of the component. The materials used are lightweight yet durable, resistant to deforming or wearing due to friction and reuse, easily manipulated and coated or formed of materials that reduce the likelihood of causing damage to the firearm components with which contact is made. The materials selected to form the interrupt level and interrupt detent may also include sufficiently strong enough opposing force magnetic properties which provide for the lateral and vertical movement of the interrupt level without actually requiring the interrupt level touch point and the interrupt detent to actually touch to achieve the required lateral and vertical travel necessary to release the slide.

Finally, the present invention provides enhanced firearm functionality in a simple and efficient way: The first is an automated slide release function, herein a substantial decrease in time to reload and is created; the second is an interchangeable component which has considerable rigidity providing durability and reliability; the third is an interchangeable corresponding magazine which is equipped with the required interrupt detent which provides functionality at the discretion of the shooter based on the magazine selected for the reload.

Still other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described the embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm equipped with a slide stop lock engaged, slide open and associated magazine fully ejected.

FIG. 1A is a similar perspective view as FIG. 1 with additional shadow lines for the firearm shown.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of preferred embodiment structure slide stop lock lever fully engaged locking the slide open with a magazine inserted into the magazine well to an insertion point less slightly less than fully seated.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a barrel and associated compressed slide spring.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of preferred embodiment structure slide stop lock lever fully interrupted with the slide slightly advanced with a magazine inserted and fully seated into the magazine.

FIG. 3A is a similar perspective view as FIG. 3 with additional shadow lines for the firearm shown with the magazine fully ejected showing shadow lines of the magazine spring and other structural detail similar to FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective of the preferred embodiment showing the downward extension lever alternative “a” with corresponding magazine showing the preferred integral lever engagement detent alternative “a”.

FIG. 4B is a perspective of the preferred embodiment showing the downward extension lever alternative “b” with corresponding magazine showing the preferred integral lever engagement detent alternative “b”.

FIG. 4C is a perspective of the preferred embodiment showing the downward extension lever alternative “c” with corresponding magazine showing the preferred integral lever engagement detent alternative “c”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident; however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical production semi-automatic firearm system 100 comprised of the slide stop lock system 10, magazine system 20, slide system 30, frame with grip system 40, sight system 50, barrel system 60, slide spring assembly system 70, and the magazine spring assembly 80.

FIG. 4C illustrates the preferred present embodiment comprised of the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt 90c, corresponding magazine 91c, downward extending lever 92c with upper segment 96c, lowest segment 94c and farthest extending tip 95c, pivot pin 97c, interrupt detent 93c, and round detector tab 98c.

In FIG. 1, the slide system 30 is in the open and locked position, the locked position being maintained by the slide stop lock system 10 positioned in an fully upward position, supported by the magazine follower 23 under upward pressure applied by the magazine spring assembly 80, shown in FIG. 3A, contained within the magazine system 20. The slide lock system 10 is fully engaged with the slide system 30, which is under pressure to advance forward due to the compressed slide spring assembly system 70 shown in FIG. 2A, integrated with the barrel system 60 inserted into the frame with grip system 40. When the slide system 30 is open and locked, the slide stop lock system 10 is engaged with the leading edge of the slide locking notch 31 of the slide system 30.

In FIG. 1, the slide stop lock system 10 is resting in a fully engaged position with the leading edge of the slide locking notch 31 as a result of simultaneous actions from either: 1) recoil resulting from the last round fired thrusting the slide system 30 rearward while compressing the slide spring assembly 70 shown in FIG. 2A to a point of rebound and the simultaneous upward travel of the magazine follower under continuing upward pressure from the magazine spring assembly 80 shown in FIG. 3A beneath the magazine follower 23 which presses the slide stop lock system 10 upward to the engagement point with the slide system 30 through engagement with the slide locking notch 31, thereby blocking the slide from forward travel and locking the slide system 30 open under continuous pressure from the compressed slide spring assembly system 70 in FIG. 2A; or, 2) as a result of the shooter manually applying upward force to the slide stop lock system 10 with the thumb typically, while simultaneously grasping the slide system 30 with the weak or support hand and fingers, and with force drawing the slide system 30 rearward until the slide spring assembly 70 shown in FIG. 2A is fully compressed at which point the slide stop lock system 10 will engage with the leading edge of the slide system 30 slide locking notch 31, thereby blocking the slide from forward travel and locking the slide system 30 open under continuous pressure from the compressed slide spring assembly system 70 shown in FIG. 2A.

Once the slide system 30 is locked open, the magazine can be removed from the magazine well without releasing the slide system 30 forward. The slide system 30 will remain locked open until the slide stop lock system 10 is manipulated downward, which will disengage the slide stop lock system 30 from the slide locking notch 31, which will result in the slide system 30 advancing forward due to the pressure from the compressed slide spring assembly 70 shown in FIG. 2A acting on the slide system 30.

One purpose for constructing the firearm with a slide stop lock system 30 component and functionality is to increase the safety while shooting firearms. For example, it is a preferred technique for every shooter to lock the slide open and remove the magazine to demonstrate that the firearm is unloaded and out of battery. In this state, the firearm firing assembly and ammunition are disengaged and the firearm is in a safe state for resting the firearm on a bench or table or for placement in a carry case to transport.

It is also a preferred technique for every shooter to lock the slide open when initially inserting a magazine loaded with ammunition into the firearm when preparing the firearm for shooting or holstering a firearm to be carried. Under such conditions, the shooter will load an appropriate number of rounds into the magazine system 20, and will then insert the magazine system 20 into the magazine well 43 to the fully inserted point.

When the shooter is ready to chamber the first round from the magazine system 20, the shooter will apply rearward pressure to the slide system 30, drawing the slide system 30 back, further compressing the slide spring assembly 70, which will release pressure on the slide stop lock system 10 allowing the slide stop lock system 10 to descend to its resting point clear of the leading edge of the slide locking notch 31. The shooter will then release the slide system 30 which will advance forward under pressure from the slide spring assembly 70. As shown in FIG. 3, as the slide system 30 advances forward, the mechanisms of the firearm will lift the first available round from the magazine which will be guided into place and seated into the chamber of the barrel system 60 in a continuous motion as the slide system 30 closes.

For competitive shooters, it is advantageous for shooters to master techniques to insert magazines 20 into the magazine well 43 and to manipulate the slide system 30 to disengage the slide stop lock system 10 quickly. Typical firearms and firearm manipulations as described above are inherently slower than automated actions as presented in the present embodiment.

The techniques for manipulating firearms as described above require the shooter to apply lateral force to the slide system 30 while holding the frame and grip system 40. This usually is performed by the shooter using the free hand or support hand, to grasp the slide system 30 and to insert the magazine 20, while using the strong hand or shooting hand, to hold the frame and grip system 40. The thumb of the strong or shooting hand is typically used to manually manipulate the slide stop lock system 10 when necessary to do so.

To maintain alignment of the fundamentals of shooting during competition, the shooter desires to minimize movements of the eyes, hands, feet and firearm when shooting and reloading the firearm. The objective of the shooter is to maintain follow through when discharging each individual round and recovering sight alignment using sight system 50 after each shot. The intent of the present invention described herein is to address the need to assist the shooter in maintaining the fundamentals of shooting when reloading the firearm, which involves the process of ejecting an empty magazine 20 and inserting a loaded magazine 20 during the magazine change stage of competitive shooting course of fire.

The disadvantage of the typical firearm manipulation techniques are expressly contrary to the shooters desire to maintain posture and position throughout the reloading sequence. This is due to the need to reposition the strong or shooting hand, when manipulating the slide stop lock system 10 while also repositioning the weak or support hand, to manipulate the slide system 30 and to insert the magazine system 20.

While is it not a function of the present embodiment to address the manipulations by the weak or support hand in regards to inserting the magazine system 20 into the magazine well 43, the present embodiment is designed to eliminate the requirement to manipulate the slide stop lock system 10 through the use of the strong, or shooting hand, and to also eliminate the requirement to manipulate the slide system 30 using the weak, or support hand, to release the slide from the opened and locked position.

In the present embodiment, the firearm is to be assembled using the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt system 90(a-c) shown in FIG. 3, which is configured to automatically disengage from the leading edge of the slide lock notch 31 and release the slide system 30 to advance forward, chambering the first available round from the magazine system 91(a-c) and placing the firearm into battery simply by inserting a loaded corresponding magazine equipped with the interrupt detent 93(a-c) round detector tab 98(a-c) shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C designed to contact and manipulate the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt system 90(a-c) automatically.

The automation provided in the present embodiment is accomplished by replacing the original slide stop lock system 10 with the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt system 90(a-c); and, using a corresponding magazine system 91(a-c) in the firearm. The slide stop lock with competitive interrupt 90(a-c) and corresponding magazine 91(a-c) are equipped with levers 92(a-c), farthest extending tips 95(a-c), pins 97(b-c), detents 93(a-c) and round detector tab 98(a-c) positioned accordingly when the slide lock stop with competitive interrupt 90(a-c) is mounted on the frame and when the corresponding magazine 91(a-c) is loaded with ammunition, inserted and fully seated into the magazine well 43.

The slide lock stop with competitive interrupt 90(a-c) is formed to have a downward extending lever 92(a-c) that will occupy space within the clearances beneath the slide system 30 and within the frame and grip system 40. The corresponding magazine is formed to have a detent 93(a-c). The downward extending lever 92(a-c) has a farthest extending tip 95(a-c) and round detector tab 98(a-c) which engages the round casing of a loaded magazine 91(a-c) and detent 93(a-c) formed into the sidewall of the magazine system 91(a-c) which is to make contact with the downward extending lever 92(a-c) contacting the farthest extending tip 95(a-c) approximately when the first available round loaded into the magazine system 91(a-c) is deep enough into the action of the firearm to allow the slide system 30 to close. The slide system 30 will release and close as a result of the detent 93(a-c) deflecting the downward extending lever 92(a-c) sufficiently to disengage the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt 90(a-c) from the slide locking notch 31, allowing the slide 30 to advance forward.

With the present embodiment, simply inserting the corresponding magazine 91(a-c) into the magazine well 43 deep enough so that the round detector tab 98(a-c) will contact the apex of the casing of the first round loaded in the magazine system 91(a-c) which will displace the lowest segment 94(a-c) sufficiently to engage the detent 93(a-c) formed into the sidewall of the magazine system which will contact the farthest extending tip 95(a-c) of the downward extending lever 92(a-c) of the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt 90(a-c) which will disengage the slide lock notch 31 of the slide system 30 allowing the firearm to lift and chamber the first available round of ammunition, and return to battery in one continuous action while the shooter maintains the strong hand steady and also maintains all aspects of the fundamentals of shooting being properly aligned and ready to resume shooting as quickly as possible.

The present embodiment encompasses the fundamental function disengaging the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt 90(a-c) thereby releasing the slide system 30 from the locked and opened position upon the seating of the of the corresponding magazine 91(a-c) fully into the magazine well 43. This is accomplished by incorporating a downward extension lever 92(a-c) to the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt 90(a-c). Additionally, a detent 93(a-c) is incorporated into the corresponding magazine 91(a-c) to activate the downward extension lever 92(a-c) with contact by the detent 93(a-c) and the farthest extending tip 95(a-c) when the round detector tab 98(a-c) reaches the apex of the casing of the ammunition round loaded into the magazine system 91(a-c).

As shown in FIG. 4A, one example firearm type determines the mechanical construct of the downward extension lever 92a, detent 93a, round detector tab 98a and farthest extending tip 95a to form the corresponding slide stop lock with competitive interrupt 90a for a particular firearm. For some firearms, the downward extension lever 92a as shown in FIG. 4A will extend from the rear or non-pinned horizontal segment (hence the omission of pin 97 in this scenario) of the slide lock stop with competitive interrupt 90a into the interior space of the frame and grip system 40 between the interior face of the sidewall 21 and the exterior face of the corresponding magazine 91a.

For other firearms, as shown in FIG. 4B, the downward extension lever 92b will have a slide-hinge incorporated at the lower extending segment 94b of the downward extension lever 92b to allow the lowest segment 94b to angle upward within the magazine well 43 in the void space between the interior face of the sidewall 21 and the exterior face of the corresponding magazine 91b. At the endpoint of the lowest segment 94b, a pin 97b will attach the lowest segment 94b to the sidewall 21 to allow the downward extension lever 92b to be stabilized and affixed to the firearm and around which the actuating motion of the lowest segment 94b will pivot. The farthest extending tip 95b of the lowest segment 94b will make contact with the detent 93b as the round detector tab 98b reaches the apex of the casing of the first round in the magazine system 91b to actuate the downward motion of the downward extension lever 92b.

For even other firearms, as shown in FIG. 4C, the downward extension lever 92c will occupy the void between the upper section of the corresponding magazine 91c. Here, the detent 93c incorporated into the corresponding magazine 91c will make contact with the farthest extending tip 95c of the downward extension lever 92c as the round detection tab 98c reaches the apex of the casing of the first round of ammunition in the magazine system 91c to actuate the downward motion of the downward extension lever 92c. A midpoint pin 97c will be positioned on the lowest segment 94c and will connect to the sidewall 21, round which the lowest segment 94c can pivot.

In each scenario, the contact made between the detent 91(a-c) and the downward extension lever 92(a-c) upon insertion and seating of the corresponding magazine 91(a-c) into the magazine well 43 of the frame and grip system 40 will cause the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt to pivot on the pin 11 securing the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt 90(a-c) to the frame and grip system 40.

The actuating motion which disengages the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt 90 is defined as the interrupt function of the present embodiment.

In each corresponding magazine 91(a-c), the detent 93(a-c) will deflect when the round detector tab 98(a-c) contacts the casing of a round of ammunition contained in the magazine which will cause the detent 93(a-c) to protrude and make contact with the farthest extending tip 95(a-c) of the lowest segment 94(a-c) so long as a round of ammunition is contained within the corresponding magazine 91(a-c). The protrusion resulting from the presence of a round of ammunition will create the alignment of the detent 93(a-c) with the farthest extending tip 95(a-c) required to deflect the downward extending lever 92(a-c). As rounds are discharged from the firearm and vacated from the magazine system 91(a-c) the detent 93(a-c) will release and no longer protrude allowing the magazine follower 23 to apply upward pressure to the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt 90(a-c) to engage with the slide lock notch 31 once the final round is discharged. When this occurs, the slide system 30 will lock open until such time that the shooter ejects the empty magazine and reinserts a loaded corresponding magazine 91(a-c) or a conventional magazine 20 or discontinues shooting the firearm.

The present embodiment is not restricted in use or application to round detection methods as described herein. The detent 93(a-c) and positioning of the farthest extending tip 95(a-c) may be aligned to intersect and make contact with the detent 93(a-c), which will actuate the downward extending lever 92(a-c) upon insertion of the corresponding magazine 91(a-c). In this configuration, the detent 93(a-c) will have a tapered shape allowing the lowest segment 94(a-c) to be guided laterally around the detent 93(a-c) when the corresponding magazine 91(a-c) is ejected from the firearm.

The present embodiment is not restricted in use or application to semi-automatic firearms. The slide stop lock with competitive interrupt can be applied to all firearms utilizing a slide stop lock and magazine system similar to what is described herein.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A mechanism forming the slide lock stop of a semi-automatic or automatic firearm with horizontal displacement functionality to hold open a slide assembly laterally along the frame of a firearm;

with a connected rigid vertical descending lever form extending into the magazine well, used to manipulate the slide lock stop in a downward releasing angular motion around a pivot point connecting the slide stop lock to the firearm frame;

through lateral displacement force acting upon the descending lever generated upon contact between the descending lever and a deflection tab or detent contained within the ammunition magazine as the ammunition magazine is inserted into the magazine well;

when contact is made and lateral displacement achieved, interrupts the slide stop lock from its engaged position with the slide allowing the slide assembly to close.

2. The deflection tab or detent in claim 1, wherein the deflection tab or detent is horizontally and vertically positioned within the magazine assembly,

to contact with and apply sufficient lateral breaking point pressure to displace the descending lever;

to interrupt the slide stop lock and release the slide assembly in a forward direction;

while maintaining minimal clearance of the ammunition round to freely eject from the magazine and lift into the chamber of the firearm;

allowing the slide assembly to release and close as the magazine is inserted into the magazine well.

3. The descending lever form in claim 1, wherein the descending lever form is shaped to provide rigid positioning;

and to transfer downward angular deflection of the slide stop lock with minimal deflection of the descending lever;

so as not to prematurely interrupt the slide stop lock.

4. The descending lever form in claim 1 above, wherein the downward extension lever extends vertically within the magazine well and upon lateral deflection resulting from making contact with the deflection tab or detent is displaced laterally to generate downward motion to disengage the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt from engaged contact with the slide.

5. The descending lever form in claim 1 above, wherein the downward extension lever extends vertically within the magazine well, is formed with a lower segment which angles upward within the magazine well, and upon deflection resulting from making contact with the deflection tab or detents displaced laterally rotating on a pin mounted to the sidewall of the frame and grip system to generate downward motion to disengage the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt from engaged contact with the slide.

6. The descending lever form in claim 1 above, wherein the downward extension lever extends vertically within the void of the magazine well and the upper section of the corresponding magazine, and upon deflection resulting from making contact with the deflection tab or detent is displaced vertically rotating on a pin mounted to the sidewall of the frame and grip system to generate downward motion to disengage the slide stop lock with competitive interrupt from engaged contact with the slide.

7. The descending lever form in claim 1 which is positioned in alignment with the deflection tab or detent when subjected to pressure applied from the physical presence of a round of ammunition contained within the magazine.

8. The descending lever form in claim 1 which will disengage with the deflection tab or detent in the absence of pressure applied from the physical presence of a round of ammunition contained within the magazine.