MAGAZINE RELEASE BLOCK FOR MAGAZINE FED RIFLES

Abstract

The present invention provides a magazine release block assembly and methods for preventing the quick and easy release of an ammunition magazine engaged or inserted in a magazine well of an M16 or AR15 family style of weapon platform.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/409,560 filed Oct. 18, 2016, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to magazine fed loading systems for various rifle systems, and more specifically, to systems, methods and apparatuses for limiting standard functions of said magazine fed loading systems for M16 and AR15 weapon platforms.

BACKGROUND

The ability of a user of an M16 and/or AR15 related weapon platform to rapidly and effectively insert an ammunition magazine and remove and replace that magazine with another ammunition magazine is related to the easy use of a magazine release button located on the lower receiver of the weapon. Users of these weapon platforms have limited options regarding compliance with certain proposed and existing laws targeting certain types of magazine use. The inventors of the present invention have discovered a unique assembly and method for blocking use of the magazine release button that does not require components that interfere with the upper receiver, that suffer from ineffectiveness, are unattractive or cause excessive wear on the upper receiver. There needs to be a mechanism that has a more effective impact on such magazine use, more integration into the weapon receiver, that limits or eliminates excessive wear on the upper receiver.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments of the present invention, an AR-15/M16 based weapon system may comprise a lower receiver, upper receiver and a bolt carrier assembly. The lower receiver may have a magazine well that receives a magazine for feeding ammunition to the weapon system's firing chamber. The lower receiver may also comprise a magazine release mechanism (e.g., button, depressible lever, etc.).

In other embodiments, the present invention comprises a magazine release block (“MRB”), wherein the MRB disables the magazine release mechanism. In another embodiment, the MRB is spring-loaded. In some embodiments, the MRB uses a spring to set a default (unengaged) position. In various embodiments disclosed herein, inclined surfaces on the MRB and the magazine release mechanism can eliminate the need for a spring to return the MRB to the default (unengaged) position, wherein the elevated surfaces can be used with non-standard magazine release mechanisms. One embodiment of the present invention, a wave spring or compressible rubber material is used in lieu of a coil spring. In one embodiment, the MRB is housed in the lower receiver. In certain embodiments, the MRB is positioned in a pocket that is milled into the lower receiver.

In some embodiments the MRB is not visible when the lower and upper receivers are assembled together. In certain embodiments, disassembly of the lower and upper receivers will disengage the MRB and allow for unhindered use of the magazine release. In various other embodiments, the MRB is adapted to move vertically to block the magazine release mechanism. In some embodiments, the MRB moves radially as a cam on a horizontal or vertical axis to block the magazine release mechanism from functioning to release a magazine. Certain embodiments require that the MRB engage with the rear of the standard magazine release mechanism. Various other embodiments provide for the MRB to directly engage the shaft or catch portion of the magazine release mechanism. Yet, in other embodiments, the MRB can be positioned to act directly or differently on a modified magazine release mechanism instead of blocking the mechanism's operation by being behind it.

The present invention may have embodiments that disable ambidextrous magazine releases. Some embodiment disabling ambidextrous magazine release mechanisms may require one or more milled pockets in the frame of the lower receiver to house the MRB components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded view of certain aspects of the present invention, wherein the dotted-dashed lines illustrate one route of assembly.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a lower receiver with a partial cut-away to illustrate how the present invention interacts (see shaded area around magazine release button) with magazine release button of the lower receiver.

FIG. 3 is a section view which is open or cut-away to show certain embodiments of the present invention in a disengaged position relative to the magazine release button.

FIG. 4 is a section view that is open or cut-away to show certain embodiments of the present invention in an engaged position relative to the magazine release button.

FIG. 5 is a top down view of a milled housing for an MRB in a lower receiver.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a partially unmated upper and lower receiver wherein the MRB is disengaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed magazine release block (“MRB”) will now be described in detail with reference to drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of selected embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present embodiments may be construed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the selected embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in FIGS. 1-5. Looking first at FIG. 1, the lower receiver 100 with MRB, including components block 107, block spring 106, block pin 104, block pin slot 108, is shown in exploded view, with dotted-dashed lines demonstrating order of assembly.

As used herein, the term “lower receiver” shall mean the lower receiver of M16 and AR families of firearms. The M16 and its derivatives are arguably the most prolific type of firearm in the United States, being used in the military, law enforcement and civilian shooters. These weapon systems comprise, inter alia, the components of a lower receiver, an upper receiver with barrel, bolt, bolt carrier, gas system, handguards, and butt-stock. The lower receiver of such weapon systems may comprise a spring-buffer system and housing; a trigger housing and triggering system; and a magazine well or reservoir for receiving magazines of ammunition. Said lower receiver reversibly mates with said upper receiver, typically via take down pins. When mated, or in mated position, the rearward portion of the upper receiver (portion that houses the bolt and bolt carrier group) positions on a top portion of the lower receiver.

For M16 and AR related platforms of the prior art, a magazine carrying ammunition can be inserted into the magazine well of the lower receiver for the bolt and bolt carrier system housed in the upper receiver to extract live ammunition from the magazine in the magazine well into the firing chamber of the upper receiver. At the desired time, the magazine can be removed from the magazine well by depressing the magazine release button that is workably mated with the lower receiver and positioned on a side of the lower receiver. When depressed, the magazine release button allows for removal or release of the engaged magazine.

One concern of this type of release is the ease and quickness with which a user can change an engaged magazine with a different magazine. The current invention addresses this concern directly with the MRB as discussed herein.

As shown in FIG. 1, lower receiver 100 has a pocket or milled housing 105 for receiving block spring 106 and block 107. Milled housing 105 may be shaped to receive a wave spring or compressible rubber material in lieu of a coil spring, such as block spring 106. Block 107 may also be a deformable rubber plug that is sized and shaped to interfere with magazine release button 103. Lower receiver 100 also has block pin through hole 104a for receiving block pin 104. When block spring 106 and block 107 are inserted or placed into milled housing 105, block pin slot 108 is positioned in alignment with block pin through hole 104a. Once block pin slot 108 and block pin through hole 104a are aligned, block pin 104 is inserted through block pin through hole 104a and through block pin slot 108. Once block pin 104 is inserted completely, block pin 104 retains block 107 and block spring 106 within milled housing 105. When block pin slot 108 is oval or elongated in shape, block 107 can move vertically when compressed, e.g., when lower and upper receivers are mated, whereby the compression moves block 107 down into milled housing 105 compressing block spring 106. Block pin slot 108 can pass completely or partially through the full thickness of at least a portion of block 107, or it can be broken out on one side of block 107 where it is not a a complete slot.

From this compressed position, a bottom portion of block 107 is positioned behind magazine release button 103 and blocks magazine release button 103 from being depressed to release a magazine that is inserted in magazine well 101. In certain embodiments, the MRB of the present invention serves to prevent magazine release button 103 from compressing a spring that is reversibly mated to the backside of magazine release button 103 and a magazine catch inserted into the wall on the opposite side of the lower receiver from magazine release button 103. The spring between magazine release button 103 and the magazine catch has a magazine catch arm inserted therein through the length of the spring path. When magazine release button 103 is depressed it exerts pressure on the spring and the magazine catch arm in the direction magazine release button 103 is being pressed.

When said lower and upper receivers are not mated, e.g., when not fully held into place by force or by takedown pins, spring 106 moves from a more compressed position and exerts an upward pressure, e.g., up out of milled housing 105, on block 107, which disengages block 107 from a blocking position behind magazine release button 103 (e.g., FIG. 3 and FIG. 6). Therefore, block 107 is in an upward, unblocking position (i.e., open position as in FIGS. 3 and 6) when the mating surfaces of the upper receiver 602 and lower receiver 100 are not mated or in full contact. This upward, unblocking position of block 107 allows a user to depress magazine release button 103 to remove and replace a magazine. Therefore, the MRB prevents extraction of an engaged magazine unless a user unmates the mating surfaces of the upper and lower receivers to exchange magazines, which renders the weapon inoperable. A top portion of block 107 of the MRB protrudes from milled housing 105 when the mating surfaces of the upper and lower receivers are not mated or in full contact. In one embodiment, block 107 can be disengaged (e.g., moved to an upward, unblocking position) by pulling the rear takedown pin to allow the upper receiver to rotate away from the mating surface of the lower receiver. One aspect is illustrated in FIG. 6, where the rear takedown pin has been pulled to allow upper receiver 602 to rotate away from the mating surface of lower receiver 100. While FIG. 5 illustrates upper receiver 602 partially connected to lower receiver 100 via the front takedown pin (also called a pivot pin), the MRB can also be disengaged by fully separating upper receiver 602 and lower receiver 100 as described herein.

Block 107 is in an downward, blocking position (i.e., closed position) when the mating surfaces of the upper receiver and lower receiver are mated or in full contact (i.e., FIG. 4). This downward, blocking position of block 107 prevents a user from depressing magazine release button 103 to remove and replace a magazine. Therefore, the MRB prevents extraction of an engaged magazine unless a user unmates the mating surfaces of the upper and lower receivers, which renders the weapon inoperable, to exchange magazines.

In the downward, blocking position, block pin slot 108 has block pin 104 in a upper portion of the oval or elongated block pin slot 108 as illustrated in FIG. 4. In the downward, blocking position, block 107 compresses block spring 106 to a more compressed position than when block 107 in an upward, unblocking position. Conversely, in the upward, unblocking position, block pin slot 108 has block pin 104 in a downward portion of the oval or elongated block pin slot 108 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The inventions disclosed herein work with both ambidextrous and non-ambidextrous magazine release buttons. Preferably, the lower receiver has sufficient structure for milling a housing, e.g., milled housing 105. Additionally, milled housing 105 may vary in depth and shape. For example, milled housing may have a larger milled area in the upper region of milled housing 105 and a smaller milled area in the lower regions of milled housing 105. As will be appreciated, the shape and depth will vary based on the structure of the lower receiver and location of the MRB.

In FIG. 1, milled housing 105 is milled to create a spring pocket to accept a lower portion of block spring 106 to a depth below magazine release button 103. The milled depth for block spring 106 allows for adequate compression of block spring 106 by block 107. This allows block 107 to reach a downward, blocking position behind magazine release button 103 when the upper and lower receivers are reversibly mated or in forced contact. The spring pocket for block spring 106 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Spring 106 is in the pocket and in a less compressed position in FIG. 3, which forces upward pressure on block 107, to disengage block 107 from blocking magazine release button 103 as seen in FIG. 3. Block spring 106 does not interfere directly with the mechanics of magazine release button 103. FIG. 4 illustrates block spring 106 in a more compressed position by block 107 exerting downward pressure on block spring 106. Block 107 in the downward, blocking position can be seen in part in FIG. 2, wherein block 107 is represented by the shaded area at the top right portion of magazine release button 103. In this position, block 107 is in a downward, blocking position, meaning that at least a portion of the bottom of block 107 is physically preventing magazine release button 103 from being depressed to release an inserted magazine without unmating the upper and lower receiver to a point that allows block 107 to be forced up and at least partially out of milled housing 105 to disengage block 107 from the mechanics of magazine release button 103. The spring pocket for block spring 106 is shaped and at a depth and diameter to accept block spring 106 that is of a desired material, thickness, coil strength, diameter, and other characteristics that would be readily understood by the skilled artisan. In one embodiment, the spring pocket is 0.094 inches in diameter and 1.25 inches in depth. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the diameter and depth varies depending on the characteristics and requirements for block spring 106.

The shape of block 107 may be varied by the artisan depending on the structure of the wall of the lower receiver. In one embodiment, block 107 is shaped with a larger upper portion in relation to the lower portion that interacts with and blocks magazine release button 103. As will be appreciated, a lower receiver with a differently structured wall may use a differently shaped block 107 for achieving the downward, blocking position behind magazine release button 103. As illustrated in FIG. 1, block 107 can have a larger upper portion that extends further toward a right side of lower receiver 100, which allows for interaction between block 107 and upper receiver, i.e., upper receiver 602 as in FIG. 6. Designing or manufacturing block 107 in this manner aids in preventing interference by block 107 of internal mechanisms of the lower receiver such as a right side bolt release transfer shaft for an ambidextrous lower receiver.

Block 107 can be shaped to reversibly mate with the internal diameter of milled housing 105. Block 107 may be shaped on the lower portion contacting block spring 106 so that block 107 fits adequately behind and blocks magazine release button 103 by preventing depression of magazine release button 103. Therefore, this disengages the intended functional mechanics of magazine release button 103. The shape of the lower portion of block 107 will depend on the lower receiver's wall structure and the spacing and placement of the components of magazine release button 103, to allow block 107 to adequately insert behind magazine release button 103 to block its action. As seen in FIG. 1, block 107 can be shaped to have an angled portion that contacts with block spring 106 and angled to adequately insert behind and block magazine release button 103.

Different portions of block 107 can be varied in shape (diameter, thickness, length, height, oval, round polygonal, etc.) but still shaped to adequately and reversibly insert into milled housing 105 and serve to engage and disengage with magazine release button 103. Block 107 can have dimensions that relate to the shape of the wall of the lower receiver. In one embodiment, block 107 is 0.183 inches by 0.210 inches by 0.800 inches long, with the 0.183 inches being along the axis of the rifle length. The 0.210 inches being a thickness in relation to the axis of the rifle width, e.g., axis from one side to another side of the rifle width. The 0.800 inches is the height of block 107 from the point of the portion that contacts block spring 106 to the point of the portion that contacts with the upper receiver when the upper and lower receivers are mated or in forced contact. This height of block 107 relates to the depth required for milled housing 105 to allow block 107 to reach the necessary depth to block and disengage magazine release button 103. The block pocket can vary but will be of dimensions and shape to receive block 107. In one embodiment, the block pocket (as part of milled housing 105) can have such dimensions as 0.192 inches by 0.220 inches by 0.385 inches. The block pocket can also have a dimension as part of milled housing 105 that is 0.192 inches by 0.130 inches by 0.800 inches deep to cross the pocket for magazine release button 103.

Depths can be measured from the mating surface of the lower receiver. In all embodiments of the present invention, the dimensions of the MRB need to be large enough to effectively function to block magazine release button 103 without failing. This means that milled housing 105 must be sized and shaped accordingly. The MRB cannot be so large that it extends beyond the envelope of the lower receiver or interfere with magazine well 101 or 601. FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment demonstrating one positioning and sizing of milled housing 105. As seen in this top-down view of FIG. 5, milled housing 105 does not exceed or extend beyond the envelope of the lower receiver. In one embodiment, milled housing 105 has rounded corners sized for use of a ⅛ inch diameter end mill, while strengthening the walls that remain after milling. As discussed herein, the placement, sizing and materials will be determined by the type or style of lower receiver being modified, e.g., an ambidextrous lower receiver, a standard lower receiver, and lower receivers made of different materials. Positioning and sizing can also be chosen for a combination of function to block magazine release button 103 and for aesthetics or appeal. For example, at a width of 0.220 inches, milled housing 105 can be more aesthetic while functioning as required without breaking or breaching the side wall of lower receiver 100.

In additional embodiments, an MRB can be fashioned to function within the space utilized by a right hand side bolt release mechanism. The present invention also provides for an embodiment that moves an MRB feature into the body of magazine release button 103 versus behind magazine release button 103.

Block pin 104 serves as a retaining pin and can be 1/16 by ¼ inches. Block pin 104 may also be referred to herein as split roll pin 104. The terms are interchangeable herein and would be understood by the skilled artisan. As seen in FIG. 1, block pin 104 is inserted into and through block pin through hole 104a, which is of dimensions and shapes to reversibly mate with the lower receiver through block pin through hole 104a. When block pin 104 is inserted through block pin through hole 104a, it must be aligned with block pin slot 108 to allow block pin 104 to pass into the oval or elongated block pin slot 108. When block pin 104 is reversibly inserted and seated in block pin through hole 104a and block pin slot 108, it limits the vertical movement of block 107 relevant to the axis of the rifle length. The limited vertical movement is based on the length of block pin slot 108. The limited vertical block 107 movement is sufficient for block 107 to attain a depth to block the intended mechanical function of magazine release button 103, wherein such depth is the downward blocking position, which means that a top of block 107 is flush with the mating surface of the lower receiver when the lower receiver is mated with the upper receiver or in forced contact of the mating surfaces between the two receivers. Conversely, block pin 104 limits the vertical movement of the upward, unblocking position of block 107. See FIG. 3 and FIG. 6.

Block pin 104 can be any material, shape or length desired by the designer or manufacturer. In one embodiment, block pin 104 is a split roll pin. The split roll pin 104 can be replaced with a threaded retaining pin that functions for the purpose as that of block pin 104.

As will be understood by the skilled artisan, the measurements and characteristics related to milled housing 105, block 107, block pin slot 108, block spring 106, block pocket, spring pocket, block pin 104 and block pin 104a are variable based on the needs of the specific weapon platform being used and specifications of the design. For example, there can be various materials used for each component of the MRB. In one embodiment, block 107 is a 4140 pre-hardened steel, which can have any desired finish such as black oxide finish. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, one or more of the MRB assembly components could be made from materials including, but not limited to, plastic, nylon, carbon fiber and different metals. The assembly may also compromise components that differ in material compared to each other. Because the MRB assembly and its components are not under significant heavy loads, it will be appreciated that the materials making the components of the MRB can vary. For example, plastic is used to make lower receivers and these same plastics or functionally similar polymer materials can be used for one or more of the MRB components.

Magazine release button 103 works by being reversibly mated with a spring that traversed the width of the lower receiver. The spring reversibly mates with a magazine catch that is removably inserted through the wall on the opposite side of the lower receiver. There are various versions of magazine release button 103, which are typically post-factory modification kits. The present invention, MRB, is designed to work in these types of post-factory modifications.

In other embodiments, the MRB could be an assembly of a pin pressed into a block. The use of the pin is to secure the block in place without vertical movement. One embodiment, the MRB can be a deformable rubber plug shaped and sized to interfere with the magazine release button of the lower receiver.

Claims

1. An firearm of an M16 or AR15 platform comprising:

an upper receiver with gas operating system;

a bolt carrier group;

a lower receiver;

said lower receiver comprising a magazine release block;

said magazine release block comprising a block, a block spring and a block pin;

said block having a block pin slot for receiving said block pin;

said lower receiver of said firearm having a housing or pocket for receiving the magazine release block; and

said lower receiver having a block pin through hole.

2. The firearm of claim 1, wherein said block spring contacts a portion of said block below said block pin slot.

3. The firearm of claim 1, wherein said upper receiver compresses said block when said upper receiver and said lower receiver are mated.

4. The firearm of claim 3, wherein said block compresses said block spring when said upper receiver and said lower receiver are mated.

5. The firearm of claim 4, wherein said block pin is held in position by said block pin through hole.

6. The firearm of claim 5, wherein said block comprises a shaped lower portion that is received behind a magazine release button when said block is compressed down by said upper receiver.

7. The firearm of claim 6, wherein said block pin slot is elongated vertically.

8. The firearm of claim 7, wherein said block moves vertical to said lower receiver's long axis.

9. The firearm of claim 8, wherein said magazine release button cannot be compressed when said upper and lower receivers are mated.

10. The firearm of claim 9, wherein said block moves to a higher, unblocking position when said upper and lower receivers are not mated, wherein said block pin is in a lower portion of said block pin slot and said block spring is in a less compressed state as compared to said lower, blocking position of said block.

11. The firearm of claim 10, wherein said block moves to a lower, blocking position when said upper and lower receivers are mated, wherein said block pin is in a upper portion of said block pin slot and said block spring is in a more compressed state as compared to said higher, unblocking position of said block.

12. The firearm of claim 9, wherein said block comprises a hard material.

13. The firearm of claim 9, wherein said hard material is a polymer, alloy, or steel.

14. The firearm of claim 9, wherein said steel is a 4140 steel.