CARTRIDGE STAGING DEVICE

Abstract

A cartridge staging device for carrying or staging one or more ammunition cartridges is provided. The device may include one or more cartridge retainers, such as a proximal cartridge retainer, a terminal cartridge retainer, and a plurality of central cartridge retainers. The cartridge retainers may be coupled to a back plate which may include a first plate surface, a second plate surface, a plate upper end, and a plate lower end. The cartridge retainers may each be coupled to the first plate surface between the plate upper end and the plate lower end. The back plate may be substantially rigid so as to prevent a proximal cartridge retainer and terminal cartridge retainer from being moved proximate to each other. A handle may be coupled to the plate upper end.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/435,529, filed on Feb. 17, 2017, entitled “CARTRIDGE STAGING DEVICE”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent specification relates to the field of firearm cartridge holders. More specifically, this patent specification relates to compact devices which are able to stage and maintain a plurality of cartridges in a readily accessible manner.

BACKGROUND

Users of firearms typically seek to have a supply of ammunition for their firearm in excess of the carrying capacity for their firearm. This supply of ammunition may be used to allow the user to select specific or different types of ammunition cartridges as well as to facilitate the reloading process of their firearm. Currently available apparatuses for carrying ammunition cartridges includes firearm magazine carriers, revolver ammunition dump pouches, speed loader carriers, cartridge carrying belts and bandoliers, and holders for ammunition that may be secured to portions of a firearm.

Unfortunately, these currently available ammunition carrying devices suffer from a number of drawbacks. For example, firearm magazine carriers and other devices and methods that rely on ammunition being stored in a magazine are unable to allow the user to easily select one or more individual cartridges. As another example, revolver ammunition dump pouches, speed loader carriers, cartridge carrying belts and bandoliers, and holders for ammunition that may be secured to portions of a firearm all are relatively large and bulky ammunition carrying methods. Furthermore, while these methods are able to secure ammunition cartridges, they often are not able to do so in a discreet manner.

Therefore, a need exists for novel firearm cartridge holders. There is also a need for novel compact devices which are able to stage and maintain a plurality of cartridges in a readily accessible manner. A further need exists, for novel firearm cartridge holders able to allow the user to easily select one or more individual cartridges. Finally, a need exists for novel firearm cartridge holders which are able to discreetly contain a supply of ammunition.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cartridge staging device for carrying or staging one or more ammunition cartridges is provided. The device may include one or more cartridge retainers, such as a proximal cartridge retainer, a terminal cartridge retainer, and a plurality of central cartridge retainers. The cartridge retainers may be coupled to a back plate which may include a first plate surface, a second plate surface, a plate upper end, and a plate lower end. The cartridge retainers may each be coupled to the first plate surface between the plate upper end and the plate lower end. The back plate may be substantially rigid so as to prevent a proximal cartridge retainer and terminal cartridge retainer from being moved proximate to each other. A handle may be coupled to the plate upper end.

In further embodiments, the cartridge retainers, such as the proximal cartridge retainer, plurality of central cartridge retainers, and the terminal cartridge retainer may be linearly oriented to each other.

In still further embodiments, one or more of the central cartridge retainers may have a cartridge cavity, and a pressure finger may extend into the cartridge cavity. The pressure finger may frictionally retain a cartridge within the cartridge cavity.

In further embodiments, the device may have an elongated body having a first side, a second side, a body upper end, and a body lower end. A handle may be coupled proximate to the upper end of the body. The handle may have a loop shape. A plurality of cartridge retainers, each having a cartridge cavity, may be disposed between the body upper end and the body lower end. Preferably, an ammunition cartridge may be removably coupled to the device by a cartridge retainer by being frictionally retained within the cartridge cavity of the cartridge retainer.

In still further embodiments, an elongated body may include a back plate and a plurality of cartridge retainers. The body may have a first side, a second side, a body upper end, and a body lower end. The back plate may have a first plate surface, a second plate surface, a plate upper end, and a plate lower end. A handle may be coupled proximate to the body upper end, such as to plate upper end of the back plate. A plurality of cartridge retainers may be coupled to the first plate surface of the back plate between the plate upper end and the plate lower end.

In still further embodiments, an elongated body may include a plurality of cartridge retainers coupled together without a back plate. A loop shaped handle may be coupled to a cartridge retainer proximate to the upper end.

In still further embodiments, the device may include one or more clips which may be configured as a pocket clip or the like and which may be configured to clamp or otherwise secure the device to one or more other objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an example of a cartridge staging device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of an example of a cartridge staging device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of another example of a cartridge staging device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a side elevation view of another example of a cartridge staging device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example of a cartridge staging device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 shows a front side perspective view of an example of a cartridge staging device holding exemplary ammunition cartridges according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 depicts a front side perspective view of another example of a cartridge staging device holding exemplary ammunition cartridges according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of a further example of a cartridge staging device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of still another example of a cartridge staging device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 depicts a side front perspective view of yet a further example of a cartridge staging device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side elevation view of yet a further example of a cartridge staging device according to various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “rear”, “front”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, one will understand that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Therefore, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.

New devices which are able to stage and maintain one or more ammunition cartridges are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments. FIGS. 1-11 illustrate examples of a cartridge staging device (“the device”) 100 according to various embodiments. The device 100 may be used to carry one or more ammunition cartridges 200 (FIGS. 6 and 7), sometimes called “cartridges” 200, such as rifle cartridges 200A (FIG. 6) and pistol cartridges 200B (FIG. 7). In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise one or more cartridge retainers 31, such as a proximal cartridge retainer 31A, a terminal cartridge retainer 31C, and a plurality of central cartridge retainers 31B. The cartridge retainers 31, 31A, 31B, 31C, may be coupled to a back plate 50. The back plate 50 may include a first plate surface 51, a second plate surface 52, a plate upper end 53, and a plate lower end 54. The cartridge retainers 31, 31A, 31B, 31C, may each be coupled to the first plate surface 51 between the plate upper end 53 and the plate lower end 54. The back plate may be substantially rigid so as to prevent a proximal cartridge retainer 51A and terminal cartridge retainer 51C from being moved proximate to each other. A handle 21 may be coupled to the plate upper end 53.

In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a body 11 which may generally include a plurality of cartridge retainers 31 which may be linearly oriented to each other. In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a proximal cartridge retainer 31A, a terminal cartridge retainer 31C, and a plurality of central cartridge retainers 31B. The central cartridge retainers 31B may include any cartridge retainer 31 which may be disposed between a proximal cartridge retainer 31A and a terminal cartridge retainer 31C. In some embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 1-4, 10 and 11, a body 11 may comprise a back plate 50, and a proximal cartridge retainer 31A, a terminal cartridge retainer 31C, and a plurality of central cartridge retainers 31B may all be coupled to the back plate 50. In alternative embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 6-9, a body 11 may comprise a proximal cartridge retainer 31A, a terminal cartridge retainer 31C, and a plurality of central cartridge retainers 31B in which the cartridge retainers 31A, 31B, 31C, are linearly coupled together as a single unit without a back plate 50.

Preferably, the device 100 may comprise an elongated body 11 which may comprise a length that is greater than both its width and depth measurements. In some embodiments, the elongated body 11 may be formed by a back plate 50 which may comprise a length or strip of material to which one or more cartridge retainers 31 may be coupled as shown in FIGS. 1-4, 10 and 11. In alternative embodiments as shown in FIGS. 6-9, the elongated body 11 may be formed by linearly and sequentially coupling the cartridge retainers 31A, 31B, 31C, together. The back plate 50 may comprise a first plate surface 51, a second plate surface 52, a plate upper end 53, and a plate lower end 54. The back plate 50 may be made from or comprise any suitable flexible and/or rigid material. In some embodiments, a rigid material may comprise steel alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, any other type of metal or metal alloy, any type of ceramic, various types of hard plastics, such as nylon, acrylic, uPVC, HDPE, melamine, hard rubbers, fiberglass, carbon fiber, resins, such as epoxy resin, wood, other plant based materials, or any other material including combinations of materials that are substantially rigid. In further embodiments, a flexible material may comprise various types of flexible plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, natural or synthetic rubber, nylon webbing, polypropylene webbing, polyester webbing, neoprene foam rubber, synthetic fabrics such as polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, lastex, and Kevlar, and natural fabrics such as coir, cotton, hemp, jute, canvas, flax, leather, linen, ramie, wool, silk, or any other suitable flexible natural or synthetic material including combinations of materials.

In some embodiments, the body 11 may be substantially rigid to prevent the proximal cartridge retainer 31A and terminal cartridge retainer 31C from being moved proximate to each other. In preferred embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a back plate 50 which may be substantially rigid to prevent the proximal cartridge retainer 31A and terminal cartridge retainer 31C from being moved proximate to each other, and the substantially rigid back plate 50 may function to make the body 11 substantially rigid to prevent the proximal cartridge retainer 31A and terminal cartridge retainer 31C from being moved proximate to each other. By preventing the proximal cartridge retainer 31A and terminal cartridge retainer 31C from being moved proximate to each other, the device 100 may be prevented from being rolled into a circular shape. For example, a back plate 50 which may be substantially rigid to prevent the proximal cartridge retainer 31A and terminal cartridge retainer 31C from being moved proximate to each other may prevent the cartridge retainers 31A, 31B, 31C, from being rolled into a circular orientation that is similar to the circular orientation provided by firearms having a revolving cylinder typically adapted to receive between five and eight cartridges. However, a back plate 50 which may be substantially rigid to prevent the proximal cartridge retainer 31A and terminal cartridge retainer 31C from being moved proximate to each other may still allow flexing so that the back plate 50 may not be completely rigid. For example, the back plate 50 may be slightly flexible so as to allow the cartridge retainers 31A, 31B, 31C, to be flexed between a linear orientation and an arc shaped orientation.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1, the largest dimensions of the elongated body 11 may be substantially formed by the back plate 50 may comprise a width (W1). Each cartridge retainer 31 may comprise approximately the same dimensions such as a width (W2). In further embodiments, the W1 of the elongated body 11 may be greater than or equal to the W2 of the cartridge retainers 31. In preferred embodiments, the W2 of the cartridge retainers 31 may be between 30% and 100%, and more preferably between 50% and 70%, of the W1 of the elongated body 11. In alternative embodiments, the W1 of the elongated body 11 may be less than the W2 of the cartridge retainers 31. In further alternative embodiments, the W1 of the elongated body 11 may be between 30% and 100% of the W2 of the cartridge retainers 31.

In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise one or more handles 21 which may be positioned anywhere on the device 100. In further embodiments, a handle 21 may be coupled proximate to the body upper end 14, such as to the plate upper end 53 and/or to a cartridge retainer 31. A handle 21 may comprise any shape which may be suitable for being grasped or manipulated by the hand of a user. In preferred embodiments, a handle 21 may comprise an annular or ring shape, such as a loop shape, having a finger aperture 22 or hollow interior, such as into which one or more fingers may be inserted into. In some embodiments, a handle 21 may have a relatively thin loop or ring shape and in further embodiments, a handle 21 may have a relatively thicker loop or cylindrical shape. In still further embodiments, a handle 21 may be formed from or comprise a loop of material which may be shaped to form and bound one or more finger apertures 22.

In some embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a handle 21 may comprise a handle coupler 23 and a handle receiver 24, and the handle coupler 23 may be removably coupled to the handle receiver 24. Optionally, a handle coupler 23 may be located at or proximate to the handle distal end 26 while a handle receiver 24 may be located at or proximate to the handle proximal end 27 with the handle proximal end 27 being coupled to the back plate 30 (FIGS. 1-5, 10, and 11), extension 42 (FIG. 8), and/or proximal cartridge retainer 31A (FIG. 9). In further embodiments, the handle 21 may comprise a handle central region 28 which may extend between the handle distal end 26 and the handle proximal end 27. Preferably, the handle 21 may be made from a flexible material so that by removably coupling the handle coupler 23 to the handle receiver 24, the handle 21 may be moved into and out of a compacted state such as for storage. In preferred embodiments, when the handle coupler 23 is coupled to the handle receiver 24, the handle 21 may be oriented in the looped position 61 as shown in FIG. 10, and when the handle coupler 23 is uncoupled from the handle receiver 24, the handle 21 may be oriented in the linear position 62 as also shown in FIG. 10.

In some embodiments, a handle coupler 23 may comprise one or more tabs 25 or other protrusions which may be inserted into a handle receiver 24 that may be configured as an aperture or other opening into which the tabs 25 and other portions of the handle coupler 23 may be inserted. In further embodiments, a handle receiver 24 may be configured as an aperture having a width dimension (W3), and the handle coupler 23 may comprise two opposing tabs 25 which may extend away from the handle coupler 23 a distance that is greater than W3 as shown in FIG. 10. The handle distal end 26 may be made from a flexible material which may allow the handle distal end 26 to flex in order for the tabs 25 to be inserted into or removed from the handle receiver 24. In still further embodiments, the handle 21 may comprise a handle central region 28 that may comprise a width that does not exceed W3 (as shown in FIG. 10), and the handle 21 may also comprise two opposing tabs 25 which may extend away from the handle central region 28 a distance that is greater than W3. In other embodiments, a handle coupler 23 and a handle receiver 24 may be configured as magnetic fasteners, as threaded fasteners, or with any other removable coupling method which may be used to temporarily secure the handle coupler 23 and handle receiver 24 together.

It should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that a handle 21, back plate 50, cartridge retainer 31, extension 42, or any other element described herein may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes, such as to size and shape, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

A handle 21 may be made from or comprise any suitable rigid material and/or flexible material which may be used to grip and manipulate a device 100 which may be carrying or which has received one or more ammunition cartridges 200. In some embodiments, a handle 21 may be coupled to a back plate 50 as shown in FIGS. 1-7. In further embodiments, a handle 21 may be coupled to an extension 42 as shown in FIG. 8. In still further embodiments, a handle 21 may be coupled to a cartridge retainer 31 as shown in FIG. 9.

Turning now to FIGS. 5, 10, and 11, in some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise one or more clips 41 which may be positioned anywhere on the device 100 and which may be configured to secure the device 100 to one or more other objects. Generally, a clip 41 may be a pocket clip or the like which may be configured to clamp or otherwise secure a portion of fabric, such as a garment pocket fabric, or other narrow objects, such as a belt, strap, or the like, between one or more portions of the clip 41 or between one or more portions of the clip 41 and other portions of the device 100, such as the elongated body 11. In preferred embodiments, a clip 41 may be coupled to the second side 13 of the elongated body 11, such as to a second plate surface 52 and/or to a cartridge retainer 31. In further embodiments, a clip 41 and a handle 21 may be coupled together or otherwise formed with a unitary structure so as to allow a clip 41 to function as a handle 21 or a handle 21 to function as a clip 41. In further embodiments, a clip 41 may comprise one or more barbs 43 which may protrude away from other portions of the clip 41, and which may prevent the clip 41 from accidentally becoming dislodge from an object to which it is placed in contact with, such as a pocket, waist band, belt, etc. In still further embodiments, the back plate 50 may comprise a clip aperture 44 which may form an opening towards which a barb 43 may be oriented and may optionally extend into.

As shown in FIGS. 1-11, the device 100 may comprise one or more cartridge retainers 31. Each cartridge retainer 31 may be configured to removably couple a cartridge 200, such as a rifle cartridge 200A or pistol cartridge 200B, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 11. In preferred embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a proximal cartridge retainer 31A, a terminal cartridge retainer 31C, and a plurality of central cartridge retainers 31B which may be located between a proximal cartridge retainer 31A and a terminal cartridge retainer 31C. In further preferred embodiments, the proximal cartridge retainer 31A, plurality of central cartridge retainers 31B, and the terminal cartridge retainer 31C may be linearly oriented to each other.

A cartridge retainer 31 may be coupled anywhere on the device 100, while in preferred embodiments, one or more cartridge retainers 31 may be coupled to the first plate surface 51 of the back plate 50 between the plate upper end 53 and plate lower end 54. In some embodiments, the cartridge retainers 31 may be positioned in a parallel and vertically aligned orientation as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 8, 9, and 11. In other embodiments, the cartridge retainers 31 may be staggered or positioned with any other orientation.

In some embodiments, a cartridge retainer 31 may be made from or comprise a resilient material which is flexible to allow slight deformation and resilient so as to return to its original shape after deformation. A resilient material may include plastics, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polycarbonate (PC), low density polyethylene (LDPE), Polyoxymethylene (POM), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyethylene/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PE/ABS), Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS), Ultra High Molecular Weight polyethylene, Polyurethanes (PU), Polyamides (PA), nylon, acrylic, uPVC, natural and synthetic rubber, steel alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, any other type of metal or metal alloy, melamine, fiberglass, carbon fiber, resins, such as epoxy resin, wood, other plant based materials, or any other material including combinations of materials which may be generally flexible or rigid that allow slight deformation and are resilient so as to return to its original shape after deformation.

Each cartridge retainer 31 may comprise a cartridge cavity 32 and one or more retaining walls 33. The one or more retaining walls 33 of a cartridge retainer 31 may form and bound the cartridge cavity 32 of the cartridge retainer 31. A cartridge 200 may be removably coupled within the cartridge cavity 32 by one or more retaining walls 33 of the cartridge retainer 31. Preferably, a retaining wall 33 may comprise or be configured with a curved planar shape which may wrap around or otherwise contact portions of a cartridge 200 that is received in the cartridge cavity 32. For example and as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 8, and 9, in some embodiments, a cartridge retainer 31 may be cylindrical in shape by comprising a retaining wall 33 which may have a curved planar shape, such as a cylinder shape, thereby forming a tubular shaped cartridge cavity 32 into which a cartridge 200 may be inserted. Preferably, all or portions of a tubular shaped cartridge cavity 32 may be slightly smaller than a diameter of a cartridge 200 to be removably coupled by the cartridge retainer 31 so that the cartridge 200 may be removably coupled by being fictionally engaged to the cartridge retainer 31. In still further embodiments, a cartridge retainer 31 may comprise two, three, or more cylinder shaped retaining walls 33.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, a cartridge retainer 31 may comprise two or more opposing retaining walls 33 which may each have a curved planar shape. Two opposing retaining walls 33 may be separated by a retainer aperture 34 thereby forming a “C” shaped cartridge cavity 32. A cartridge 200 may optionally be inserted into or removed from the cartridge cavity 32 via a retainer aperture 34 and optionally inserted into or removed from the cartridge cavity 32 without passing through the retainer aperture 34.

Preferably, all or portions of a tubular shaped cartridge cavity 32 may be slightly smaller than a diameter of a cartridge 200 to be removably coupled by the cartridge retainer 31 so that the cartridge 200 may be removably coupled by being fictionally engaged to the cartridge retainer 31. Similarly, all or portions of a retainer aperture 34 may be slightly smaller than a diameter of a cartridge 200 to be removably coupled by the cartridge retainer 31, and also smaller than portions of the cartridge cavity 32 so that once in the cartridge cavity 32, the cartridge 200 may be frictionally prevented from being moved out of the cartridge retainer 31 through the retainer aperture 34. In further embodiments, a cartridge retainer 31 may comprise any number, such as three, four, five, or more opposing retaining walls 33, and/or two, three, four, five, or more retainer apertures 34.

Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, in some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise one or more, such as a plurality of cartridge retainers 31 which may be coupled together to form an elongated body 11 having a first side 12, a second side 13, an upper end 14, and a lower end 15. In this manner, a plurality of cartridge retainers 31 may be coupled together between the upper end 14 and the lower end 15. A handle 21 comprising a loop of flexible and/or rigid material may be coupled proximate to the upper end 14. Optionally, a handle 21 and the plurality of cartridge retainers 31 may be integrally formed together using a flexible and/or rigid material.

In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise an extension 42 which may comprise a length of material which may be configured to separate a cartridge retainer 31 from a handle 21 by a desired distance. An extension 42 may be configured in any size and shape, such as a generally rectangular shape. Optionally, a handle 21 may be coupled to a cartridge retainer 31 via an extension 42. In alternative embodiments, a portion of a back plate 50 (FIGS. 1-7) may function as an extension 42.

As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a cartridge retainer 31, such as a proximal cartridge retainer 31A, central cartridge retainer 31B, and/or terminal cartridge retainer 31C may comprise a retaining wall 33 and a pressure arm 35 may be movably coupled to the retaining wall 33. When a cartridge 200 is inserted in the cartridge cavity 32 formed by the retaining wall 33, the cartridge 200 may contact and press against the pressure arm 35 causing portions of the pressure arm 35 to move away from the cartridge 200. In this manner, the pressure arm 35 may flex against the cartridge 200 to frictionally retain the cartridge 200 within the cartridge cavity 32. In preferred embodiments, the pressure arm 35 may be movably coupled to a retaining wall 33 via a hinge 37, such as a living hinge, although any other type of hinge or movable coupling method may be used. In alternative embodiments, a pressure arm 35 may be movably coupled to a portion of the back plate 50 which may form portions of the cartridge cavity 32 so that when a cartridge 200 is inserted in the cartridge cavity 32 formed by the retaining wall 33 and portions of the back plate 50, the cartridge 200 may contact and press against the pressure arm 35 causing portions of the pressure arm 35 to move away from the cartridge 200.

In further embodiments, a cartridge retainer 31, such as a proximal cartridge retainer 31A, central cartridge retainer 31B, and/or terminal cartridge retainer 31C may comprise a cartridge cavity 32 and a pressure finger 36 may extend into the cartridge cavity 32 to contact portions of a cartridge 200 positioned in the cartridge cavity 32. In some embodiments, a pressure finger 36 may be made of a flexible material which may flex away from the cartridge cavity 32 when a cartridge 200 is positioned in the cartridge cavity 32. In further embodiments, a pressure finger 36 may be coupled to the retaining wall 33 that is bounding the cartridge cavity 32. In still further embodiments, a pressure finger 36 may be coupled to a portion of the back plate 50 that is bounding the cartridge cavity 32. In other embodiments, a pressure finger 36 may be movably coupled to a retaining wall 33 and/or a portion of the back plate 50 that is bounding the cartridge cavity 32. In preferred embodiments, a pressure finger 36 may be coupled to a pressure arm 35.

In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a distal aperture 16. Generally, a distal aperture 16 may comprise a hole or opening through which a lanyard, strap, rivet type fastener, threaded type fastener, other fastener, carabineer, or the like may be inserted and optionally used to secure the device 100 to one or more other objects. In further embodiments, a distal aperture 16 may be disposed on or proximate to the plate lower end 54 of a back plate 50. In other embodiments, a distal aperture 16 may be disposed on or located on any other element discussed herein.

While some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device 100 such as the handle 21, cartridge retainers 31, optional back plate 50, optional clip 41, optional extension 42, and/or any other element discussed herein may be made from durable materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, fiber glass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from or comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the device 100.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A cartridge staging device for carrying one or more cartridges, the device comprising:

a proximal cartridge retainer, a terminal cartridge retainer, and a plurality of central cartridge retainers;

a back plate, wherein the back plate comprises a first plate surface, a second plate surface, a plate upper end, and a plate lower end, wherein the proximal cartridge retainer, terminal cartridge retainer, and plurality of central cartridge retainers are each coupled to the first plate surface between the plate upper end and the plate lower end, and wherein the back plate is substantially rigid to prevent the proximal cartridge retainer and terminal cartridge retainer from being moved proximate to each other; and

a handle coupled to the plate upper end.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the proximal cartridge retainer, plurality of central cartridge retainers, and the terminal cartridge retainer are linearly oriented to each other.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a retaining wall, and wherein the at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a pressure arm that is movably coupled to the retaining wall.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the pressure arm is movably coupled to the retaining wall via a living hinge.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a cartridge cavity, and wherein the at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a pressure finger that extends into the cartridge cavity.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a retaining wall, wherein the at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a pressure arm that is movably coupled to the retaining wall, and wherein the pressure finger is coupled to the pressure arm.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a handle coupler and a handle receiver, and wherein the handle coupler is removably coupled to the handle receiver.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the handle is movable between a looped position and a linear position.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a handle receiver that is configured as an aperture having a width dimension (W3), and wherein the handle comprises a handle coupler having two opposing tabs that extend away from the handle coupler a distance that is greater than W3.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a clip.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the clip comprises a barb.

12. A cartridge staging device for carrying one or more cartridges, the device comprising:

a proximal cartridge retainer, a terminal cartridge retainer, and a plurality of central cartridge retainers, wherein the proximal cartridge retainer, plurality of central cartridge retainers, and the terminal cartridge retainer are linearly oriented to each other, wherein at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a cartridge cavity, and wherein the at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a pressure finger that extends into the cartridge cavity;

a back plate, wherein the back plate comprises a first plate surface, a second plate surface, a plate upper end, and a plate lower end, wherein the proximal cartridge retainer, terminal cartridge retainer, and plurality of central cartridge retainers are each coupled to the first plate surface between the plate upper end and the plate lower end, and wherein the back plate is substantially rigid to prevent the proximal cartridge retainer and terminal cartridge retainer from being moved proximate to each other; and

a handle coupled to the plate upper end.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a retaining wall, and wherein the at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a pressure arm that is movably coupled to the retaining wall.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the pressure arm is movably coupled to the retaining wall via a living hinge.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein the at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a retaining wall, wherein the at least one central cartridge retainer of the plurality of central cartridge retainers comprises a pressure arm that is movably coupled to the retaining wall, and wherein the pressure finger is coupled to the pressure arm.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein the handle comprises a handle coupler and a handle receiver, and wherein the handle coupler is removably coupled to the handle receiver.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the handle is movable between a looped position and a linear position.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein the handle comprises a handle receiver that is configured as an aperture having a width dimension (W3), and wherein the handle comprises a handle coupler having two opposing tabs that extend away from the handle coupler a distance that is greater than W3.

19. The device of claim 12, further comprising a clip.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the clip comprises a barb.