RELATED DOCUMENTS This application is related to, incorporates by reference in its entirety, and claims the priority benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/776,925, entitled “Advanced Case Engaging Magazine Loader,” and filed on Jan. 30, 2020 by Christopher Andrew Plate, which incorporated by reference and claimed the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/897,336, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,598,455, entitled “Magazine Ammunition Loader,” and filed on Feb. 15, 2018 by Christopher Andrew Plate, which incorporated by reference and claimed the priority benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62/473,994 filed on Mar. 20, 2017, now expired, and US Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62/478,090 filed on Mar. 29, 2017, now expired, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/713,395, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,993,220, entitled “Magazine Loader,” and filed on Sep. 22, 2017 by Christopher Andrew Plate, which incorporated by reference and claimed the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/598,707, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,797,669, entitled “Magazine Loader,” and filed on May 18, 2017 by Christopher Andrew Plate, which incorporated by reference and claimed the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/294,770, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,689,633, entitled “Magazine Loader,” and filed on Oct. 16, 2016 by Christopher Andrew Plate, which incorporated by reference and claimed the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/979,051, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,618,286, entitled “Ammunition Magazine Loader,” and filed on Dec. 22, 2015 by Christopher Andrew Plate, which incorporated by reference and claimed the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/869,502, now abandoned, entitled “Ammunition Magazine Loader,” and filed Sep. 29, 2015 by Christopher Andrew Plate.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to ammunition magazines, and more specifically, to magazine loaders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A ammunition magazine is a device used to sequentially provide rounds of ammunition to a firearm. A magazine loader is a device that facilitates the loading of rounds into an ammunition magazine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a magazine loader and a method of using the same.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a magazine loader, and method of using the same, that overcomes at least one deficiency in the prior art.
The present invention provides a magazine loader, and method of using the same, configured to load a plurality of ammunition rounds into a magazine having a magazine shape, with each round respectively including first and second round ends and a pivot point, with the magazine loader having a main body, a rounds cavity, a magazine cavity, and a rounds abutment.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a main body can include a first main body end, a second main body end, and a main body length.
In exemplary aspects, a rounds cavity can be formed within the main body, and can have a first rounds cavity end in communication with a magazine cavity and a second rounds cavity end positioned at the second main body end. Further, the rounds cavity can be defined by first and second rounds cavity sides, at least one upper cavity abutment, and at least one lower cavity abutment, with the rounds cavity sides, the at least one upper cavity abutment, and the at least one lower cavity abutment being positioned to abuttingly limit movement of rounds along a movement plane as the rounds exit the rounds cavity, and at least a portion of the rounds cavity being shaped to accept the round into the rounds cavity.
In another exemplary aspect, a magazine cavity can be formed within the main body, can be positioned at the first main body end, and can be complementarily shaped to the magazine shape to retain the magazine in a fixed position within the magazine cavity.
In still another exemplary aspect, a rounds abutment can be at least partially positioned within the rounds cavity at the first rounds cavity end.
In further exemplary aspects, a magazine can be positioned within the magazine cavity and as a plurality of rounds slidably move out of the rounds cavity, the pivot point of each round can successively contact the rounds abutment to angle the second case end of each respective round towards the magazine cavity, and when an exiting round exits the rounds cavity, the exiting round can abut and force at least one of a follower and a pre-loaded round in the magazine downwardly into the magazine against the spring force as the exiting round enters the magazine.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of using an ammunition magazine loader to load a plurality of ammunition rounds into an ammunition magazine can include the following steps: positioning the magazine within the magazine cavity; introducing the rounds into a rounds cavity; and with a structure, pushing the rounds, via a last round, towards and into the magazine, such that as the rounds are moved towards the magazine, a pivot point of each round can successively contact a rounds abutment to angle a particular rounds end of each successive round towards the magazine, and when an exiting round exits the rounds cavity, the exiting round can abut and force at least one of a follower and a pre-loaded round in the magazine into the magazine against a spring force as the exiting round enters the magazine.
In still another exemplary aspect, a first downwardly angled portion can be at least partially positioned within the rounds cavity at the first rounds cavity end, and a second downwardly angled portion can be at least partially positioned within the rounds cavity at the first rounds cavity end.
In further exemplary aspects, a magazine opening can be positioned adjacent to the first rounds cavity end and as a plurality of rounds slidably move out of the rounds cavity, the second case end of each round can successively pass over the first downwardly angled portion, and the pivot point of each round can successively contact the second downwardly angled portion to angle the second case end of each respective round towards and into the magazine.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of using an ammunition magazine loader to load a plurality of ammunition rounds into an ammunition magazine can include the following steps: positioning the magazine opening adjacent to the first rounds cavity end; introducing the rounds into a rounds cavity; and with a single motion, moving the rounds, via one of a first or last round, towards and into the magazine, the second case end of each round can successively pass over the first downwardly angled portion, and the pivot point of each round can successively contact the second downwardly angled portion to angle the second case end of each respective round towards and into the magazine.
Any combination of one of more of the following are additional optional exemplary aspects of the present invention: a rounds retention cavity can be provided by a rounds retention structure; a magazine loader can further include a plunger that can be a structure used to push rounds; a magazine loader can further include a plunger cavity configured to accept at least a portion of a plunger; a magazine loader can further include a round displacement structure that can be configured to, at least one of, contact a round being loaded into a magazine and displace a preloaded round in a magazine; a magazine loader can further include a magazine unloading structure that can be configured to displace a preloaded round in a magazine; the magazine loader can further comprise a plunger release structure that can be configured to, at least one of, engage and disengage the plunger from the magazine loader body; the magazine loader can further include a plunger pivot point that can be configured to abut and pivot the plunger; the magazine loader can further include a rounds retention barrier that can be configured to prevent movement of the rounds when the rounds are positioned within, at least one of, a rounds retention cavity and a rounds cavity; the magazine loader can further include a magazine retention system configured to, at least one of, retain and release a magazine from the magazine loader; the rounds retention structure can further include one or more pairs of opposing rails that can be configured to retain a second case of a round; a method of using the loader can further include retracting a magazine follower in a single motion; the magazine loader can further include a magazine cavity configured to accept a drum style magazine.
Any combination of one of more of the following are additional optional exemplary aspects of the present invention: an upper cavity abutment can include one or more ledges; a lower cavity abutment can include at least one of a magazine retention depression and a magazine retention protrusion; a lower cavity abutment can be provided as a rounds cavity floor; a rounds cavity floor can include at least one of a magazine retention depression and a magazine retention protrusion; a magazine loader can further comprise a rounds retention cavity in communication with the rounds cavity; a first rounds cavity side can include a curved shape that provides the rounds abutment; the loader can further comprise a magazine cavity cover that covers at least a portion of at least one of the magazine cavity and/or the rounds cavity.
Any combination of one of more of the following are further additional optional exemplary aspects of the present invention: the first rounds cavity side can include a downwardly angled portion that provides the rounds abutment; the downwardly angled portion can include a linear, convex, concave, or other functionally compatible shape; the second rounds cavity side can include a first downwardly angled portion and the first rounds cavity side can include a second downwardly angled portion that provides the rounds abutment, and as at least one round is moved towards the magazine, the second rounds end of each round can successively pass over the first downwardly angled portion; the first downwardly angled portion can include a linear, convex, concave, or other functionally compatible shape; the second rounds cavity side can include a third downwardly angled portion positioned between the first downwardly angled portion and the second main body end; the loader can further comprise a magazine cavity cover that covers at least a portion of the magazine cavity and/or the rounds cavity.
These and other exemplary aspects and embodiments of the present invention are further described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary ammunition magazine loader according to the present invention, in which a loader includes a main body, a rounds cavity, and a magazine cavity.
FIG. 1B illustrates such an exemplary ammunition magazine loader with an exemplary magazine positioned within the magazine cavity.
FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary ammunition magazine loader according to the present invention, in which a loader includes a main body, a rounds cavity, a magazine cavity, and an optional rounds retention cavity.
FIG. 2B illustrates such an exemplary ammunition magazine loader having an optional rounds retention cavity, and with an exemplary magazine positioned within the magazine cavity.
FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-section view of an exemplary rounds cavity.
FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-section view of an exemplary rounds cavity having a live round positioned therein.
FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary rounds cavity having a blank round positioned therein.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary loader having a rounds abutment.
FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary rounds abutment provided as a portion of an exemplary first rounds cavity side that is curved.
FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary rounds abutment provided as a post.
FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary empty magazine being loaded with a round that abuts and forces a follower downwardly against a spring force as the round enters the magazine.
FIG. 5D illustrates an exemplary magazine having a pre-loaded round being loaded with another round that abuts and forces the pre-loaded round and a follower downwardly against a spring force as the other round enters the magazine.
FIG. 5E illustrates an exemplary empty magazine being loaded with a round that abuts and forces a follower downwardly against a spring force as the round enters the magazine.
FIG. 5F illustrates an exemplary magazine having a pre-loaded round being loaded with another round that abuts and forces the pre-loaded round and a follower downwardly against a spring force as the other round enters the magazine.
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary loader configured for loading an exemplary magazine.
FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary loader with exemplary rounds pivoting about a portion of an exemplary first rounds cavity side that is curved.
FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary loader configured for loading a single-feed magazine.
FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary loader with an exemplary magazine cavity having a magazine retention cover.
FIG. 7C illustrates an exemplary loader with an exemplary magazine cavity having another exemplary magazine retention cover that covers at least a portion of the magazine cavity and at least a portion of the rounds cavity.
FIG. 7D illustrates an exemplary loader with an exemplary magazine cavity having yet another exemplary magazine retention cover.
FIG. 7E illustrates an exemplary loader in which an exemplary movement plane is illustrated.
FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary first and second rounds cavity sides having exemplary downwardly angled portions.
FIG. 9 illustrates exemplary method steps of loading an ammunition magazine with a magazine loader.
FIG. 10A illustrates an exemplary ammunition magazine loader according to the present invention, in which a loader includes a main body, a rounds cavity, an optional rounds retention structure, an optional plunger cavity and an optional magazine retention system.
FIG. 10B illustrates an exemplary ammunition magazine loader according to the present invention, in which a loader includes a main body, a rounds cavity, an optional rounds retention structure, an optional plunger cavity, an optional magazine retention system, and an optional plunger release structure.
FIG. 11A illustrates an exemplary magazine loader having an optional rounds retention structure and an optional magazine retention system.
FIG. 11B illustrates an exemplary magazine loader having an optional plunger release structure and an optional magazine cavity.
FIG. 12A illustrates an exemplary magazine loader plunger having a plunger protrusion.
FIG. 12B illustrates an exemplary plunger having a plunger protrusion and an optional handle.
FIG. 12C illustrates an exemplary plunger having a plunger protrusion, an optional handle, and an optional plunger alignment structure.
FIG. 12D illustrates an exemplary plunger having optional handles and optional plunger guides.
FIG. 13 illustrates a cross section view of an exemplary plunger having a plunger protrusion, an optional handle, an optional plunger guide, and an optional plunger alignment structure.
FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary magazine loader main body having an optional magazine retention system, and an optional plunger.
FIG. 15 illustrates exemplary rounds positioned within an exemplary rounds retention structure, and an exemplary magazine positioned within an exemplary magazine loader main body.
FIG. 16 illustrates exemplary magazine loader main body having an rounds retention structure positioned adjacent to a rounds cavity end, and an exemplary plunger cavity having an exemplary plunger pivot point and an exemplary particular plunger cavity end.
FIG. 16A illustrates a cross-section view of an exemplary magazine loader main body having an exemplary rounds cavity, an exemplary magazine cavity, an exemplary rounds retention structure, an exemplary rounds abutment, and an exemplary plunger release structure.
FIG. 17A illustrates an exemplary magazine loader having plunger pivot point, and a plunger having a plunger positioned at one end of a rounds retention structure, with the plunger having a plunger protrusion facing towards the plunger pivot point.
FIG. 17B illustrates an exemplary plunger positioned at a plunger pivot point at one end of the loader.
FIG. 17C illustrates an exemplary plunger pivoting about a plunger pivot point at one end of the loader.
FIG. 17D illustrates an exemplary plunger pivoting about a plunger pivot point at one end of the loader, with the plunger having a plunger protrusion facing towards a magazine positioned within an exemplary loader, and the plunger protrusion contacting and pushing rounds towards said magazine.
FIG. 17E illustrates an exemplary plunger moving towards a magazine positioned within an exemplary loader.
FIG. 18A illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader main body, and a cross-section of an exemplary magazine positioned adjacent to a rounds cavity end, and a plunger pushing rounds positioned within a rounds retention structure towards the magazine.
FIG. 18B illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader main body, and a cross-section of an exemplary magazine positioned adjacent to a rounds cavity end, and a plunger pushing rounds positioned within a rounds cavity towards the magazine and causing rounds to contact a rounds abutment, pivoting the second case end of each round towards the magazine.
FIG. 19A illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader main body and a plunger having a plunger alignment structure interacting with the loader main body.
FIG. 19B illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader main body and a plunger having a plunger protrusion facing towards a rounds cavity, with the plunger moving away from the rounds cavity along a rounds retention structure.
FIG. 19C illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader main body and a plunger, with the plunger pivoting around the end of the rounds retention structure.
FIG. 19D illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader main body and a plunger, with the plunger pivoting around the end of the rounds retention structure, and the plunger having a plunger protrusion facing away from a rounds cavity.
FIG. 19E illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader main body and a plunger, with the plunger moving towards a rounds cavity end of a rounds retention structure, and the plunger having a plunger protrusion positioned at a plunger release structure.
FIG. 19F illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader main body and a plunger, with the plunger pivoting and the plunger protrusion interacting with a plunger release structure.
FIG. 19G illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader main body and a plunger, with the plunger pivoting and the plunger protrusion interacting with a plunger release structure causing the plunger to further rotate away from the loader body.
FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader main body and a cross section of an exemplary magazine position within the main body.
FIG. 20A illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 20, with the magazine positioned apart from a rounds cavity end and the magazine follower is positioned at the magazine's opening and the follower contacting a follower displacement structure.
FIG. 20B illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 20, with the magazine positioned adjacent to rounds cavity end and the magazine follower is positioned away from the magazine's opening and the follower contacting a follower displacement structure.
FIG. 21A illustrates an exemplary loader main body having a plunger cavity, and a plunger fully engaged with the plunger cavity.
FIG. 21B illustrates an exemplary loader main body having a plunger cavity, and a plunger disengaging from the plunger cavity.
FIG. 21C illustrates an exemplary loader main body having a plunger cavity, and a plunger fully disengaged from the plunger cavity and separated from the loader.
FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader main body and a cross section of an exemplary magazine positioned within the main body.
FIG. 22A illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 22, with the magazine positioned apart from a rounds cavity end and a round positioned within the magazine at the magazine opening, and the magazine loader including a round displacement structure positioned adjacent to the rounds cavity end.
FIG. 22B illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 22, with the magazine positioned adjacent to a rounds cavity end and a round positioned within the magazine at the magazine opening, and the magazine loader including a round displacement structure positioned adjacent to the rounds cavity end, with the round displacement structure contacting the loaded round and displacing the loaded round towards the rounds cavity.
FIG. 23A illustrates an exemplary magazine retention system having an optional spring contact structure and an optional travel limit structure.
FIG. 23B illustrates an exemplary magazine retention system having an optional spring contact structure, an optional travel limit structure, an optional magazine release button and an optional capture structure.
FIG. 23C illustrates an exemplary magazine retention system having an optional magazine release button, an optional capture structure, and an exemplary magazine retention protrusion 234.
FIG. 23D illustrates an exemplary magazine retention system having an optional magazine release button, an optional capture structure, and an exemplary magazine retention protrusion 234.
FIG. 24A illustrates an exemplary magazine retention system positioned in an engaged position.
FIG. 24B illustrates an exemplary magazine retention system positioned in a disengaged position.
FIG. 24C illustrates another exemplary magazine retention system positioned in an engaged position.
FIG. 24D illustrates another exemplary magazine retention system positioned in a disengaged position.
FIG. 24E illustrates yet another exemplary magazine retention system having two magazine retention structures positioned in an engaged position.
FIG. 24F illustrates yet another exemplary magazine retention system having one magazine retention structure positioned in a engaged position and another magazine retention structure positioned in a disengaged position.
FIG. 25A illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary loader main body having an exemplary magazine retention system positioned partially in an exemplary magazine cavity, wherein the magazine retention structure is biased in an engaged position by a magazine retention system spring.
FIG. 25B illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary loader main body having an exemplary magazine retention system positioned partially in an exemplary magazine cavity, wherein the magazine retention structure further comprises a travel limit structure and the magazine loader body comprises a main body travel abutment.
FIG. 25C illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary loader main body having an exemplary magazine retention system positioned partially in an exemplary magazine cavity, wherein an ambidextrous magazine retention structure is configured with the magazine release button is positioned at one portion of the loader body.
FIG. 25D illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary loader main body having an exemplary magazine retention system positioned partially in an exemplary magazine cavity, wherein an ambidextrous magazine retention structure is configured with the magazine release button is positioned at another portion of the loader body.
FIG. 26 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity with an exemplary ammunition round positioned within the rounds cavity.
FIG. 27 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds retention structure with an exemplary ammunition round positioned within the rounds retention structure, and the rounds retention structure further comprising optional opposing rails configured to interact with the extraction groove or rim of an ammunition round, and optional plunger cavities.
FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary magazine loader main body having an optional magazine unloading structure.
FIG. 28A illustrates a cross section of an exemplary magazine loader main body having an optional magazine unloading structure and an optional magazine unloading structure spring.
FIG. 29 illustrates a cross section of an exemplary magazine loader main body having an optional magazine unloading structure, with a magazine positioned within the main body.
FIG. 29A illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 29, with the magazine positioned adjacent to the magazine unloading structure and the magazine unloading structure spring biasing the unloading structure away from the rounds cavity.
FIG. 29B illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 29, with the magazine positioned adjacent to the magazine unloading structure and the round in the magazine is positioned towards the rounds cavity by the magazine unloading structure.
FIG. 30 illustrates a magazine loader having another type of exemplary rounds positioned within an exemplary rounds retention structure configured to retain more than one size of ammunition rounds, and a magazine having an externally manipulated follower, with the magazine positioned within the loader main body.
FIG. 31 illustrates a magazine loader having another type of exemplary rounds positioned within an exemplary rounds retention structure configured to retain more than one size of ammunition rounds, and a magazine having an externally manipulated follower and the magazine positioned within the loader main body, and the main body having an exemplary magazine retention abutment configured to displace the external manipulated follower and the magazine retention abutment further configured to fictionally engage the body of a magazine.
FIG. 32 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds retention structure, with the rounds retention structure further comprising more than one pair of optional opposing rails configured to interact with the extraction groove or rim of an ammunition round, and optional plunger cavities.
FIG. 32A illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds retention structure with two different exemplary ammunition rounds positioned within the rounds retention structure, with one size of ammunition round positioned within one pair of opposing rails and another size of ammunition round positioned within another pair of opposing rails.
FIG. 33 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader and a cross-section of an exemplary magazine having an externally manipulated follower, with the magazine loader having a rounds retention structure and a plunger.
FIG. 33A illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 33, with rounds positioned within the rounds retention cavity and prevented from moving towards the rounds cavity by a rounds retention barrier formed from a portion of the plunger.
FIG. 34 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary magazine loader and a cross-section of an exemplary magazine having an externally manipulated follower, with the magazine loader having a rounds retention structure and a round displacement structure positioned adjacent to the a rounds cavity.
FIG. 34A illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 34, with rounds positioned within the rounds cavity and a magazine positioned adjacent to the rounds cavity end and the magazine follower near the magazine opening.
FIG. 34B illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 34, with rounds positioned within the rounds cavity and a magazine positioned adjacent to the rounds cavity end and the magazine follower being retracted away from the rounds cavity end, causing each round to contact a second downwardly angled portion of the rounds cavity and causing the second round end of each round to pass over the first downwardly angled portion of the rounds cavity, and as each round exits the rounds cavity, the second round end of each round abuts a round displacement structure positioned adjacent to the rounds cavity end.
FIG. 35A illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having a second rounds cavity side and a pair of opposing rails engaging the extractor grove of a round positioned therein.
FIG. 35B illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having a pair of opposing rails engaging the extractor grove of a round positioned therein.
FIG. 35C illustrates a cross-section of an extension of an exemplary rounds cavity having a pair of opposing rails engaging the extractor grove of a round positioned therein.
FIG. 35D illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having a second rounds cavity side and a pair of opposing rails engaging the extractor grove of a round positioned therein.
FIG. 35E illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having a pair of opposing rails engaging the extractor grove of a round positioned therein.
FIG. 35F illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having an upper rounds cavity abutment and a lower rounds cavity abutment with a round positioned therein.
FIG. 35G illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity with an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 35H illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having multiple upper rounds cavity abutments and multiple lower rounds cavity abutments with an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 35I illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having multiple upper rounds cavity abutments with an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 35J illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having multiple upper rounds cavity abutments with an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 35K illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having multiple upper rounds cavity abutments with an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 35L illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having multiple upper rounds cavity abutments, with one of the upper rounds cavity abutments is provided with an angled portion, and an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 35M illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having multiple upper rounds cavity abutments with an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 35N illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having multiple lower rounds cavity abutments with an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 35O illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having a first rounds cavity side and a second rounds cavity side, with an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 35P illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having a first rounds cavity side, a second rounds cavity side, multiple upper rounds cavity abutments and multiple lower round cavity abutments, with an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 35Q illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having a first rounds cavity side, a second rounds cavity side, an upper rounds cavity abutment, and a lower rounds cavity abutment, with an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 35R illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary rounds cavity having a first rounds cavity side, a second rounds cavity side, an upper rounds cavity abutment, and a lower rounds cavity abutment, with an exemplary round positioned therein.
FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary magazine loader having an exemplary main body, an exemplary rounds retention structure and an exemplary plunger, with exemplary rounds positioned within the rounds retention structure.
FIG. 36A illustrates a cross-section view of a rounds retention structure having exemplary plunger cavities and a plunger engaged with the rounds retention structure, with the plunger having a plunger protrusion positioned outside of the rounds retention structure and a round positioned within the rounds retention structure.
FIG. 37 illustrates an exemplary magazine loader having an exemplary main body, an exemplary rounds retention structure having a particular rounds retention structure end, and an exemplary plunger positioned at a second rounds cavity end opposite the rounds retention structure end, with an exemplary round positioned at the second rounds cavity end.
FIG. 37A illustrates a cross-section view of a magazine loader main body having exemplary plunger cavities and a plunger engaged with the main body, with the plunger having a plunger protrusion positioned outside of the rounds cavity and a round positioned within the rounds cavity.
FIG. 38 illustrates an exemplary magazine loader having an exemplary main body, an exemplary rounds retention structure having a particular rounds retention structure end, and an exemplary plunger positioned at a second rounds cavity end opposite the rounds retention structure end, with an exemplary round positioned at the second rounds cavity end.
FIG. 39 illustrates an exemplary magazine loader having an exemplary main body, an exemplary rounds retention structure, and an exemplary plunger positioned at the middle of the rounds retention structure.
FIG. 39A illustrates an cross-section view of exemplary magazine loader having an exemplary main body, an exemplary rounds retention structure, and an exemplary plunger positioned at the middle of the rounds retention structure, with the plunger having an exemplary plunger protrusion configured to engage the rounds retention structure.
FIG. 39B illustrates another cross-section view of exemplary magazine loader having an exemplary main body, an exemplary rounds retention structure, a plunger cavity and an exemplary plunger positioned at the middle of the rounds retention structure, with the plunger having an exemplary plunger guide configured to engage the plunger cavity and the plunge shaped to engage the rounds retention structure.
FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary magazine loader having an exemplary main body configured to load an exemplary drum magazine.
FIG. 41 illustrates exemplary method steps of loading an ammunition magazine with a magazine loader.
FIG. 42 illustrates exemplary method steps of loading and unloading an ammunition magazine with a magazine loader.
FIG. 43 illustrates exemplary method steps of loading and unloading an ammunition magazine with a magazine loader.
FIG. 44 illustrates exemplary method steps of attaching a plunger to a magazine loader.
FIG. 45 illustrates exemplary method steps of detaching a plunger from a magazine loader.
FIG. 46 illustrates exemplary method steps of attaching a magazine retention system structure to a magazine loader.
FIG. 47 illustrates exemplary method steps of detaching a magazine retention system structure to a magazine loader.
FIG. 48 illustrates exemplary method steps of loading an ammunition magazine with a magazine loader having a plunger.
FIG. 49 illustrates exemplary method steps of loading an ammunition magazine with a magazine loader.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION It should be noted that this disclosure includes a plurality of embodiments, with a plurality of elements and aspects, and such elements and aspects need not necessarily be interpreted as being conjunctively required by one or more embodiments of the present invention. Rather, all combinations of the one or more elements and/or aspects can enable a separate embodiment of the present invention, which may be claimed with particularity in this or any one or more future filed Non-Provisional Patent Applications. Moreover, any particular materials, structures, and/or sizes disclosed herein, whether expressly or implicitly, are to be construed strictly as illustrative and enabling, and not necessarily limiting. Therefore, it is expressly set forth that such materials, structures, and/or sizes independently or in any combination thereof, are merely illustratively representative of one or more embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as necessary in a strict sense.
Further, to the extent the same element or aspect is defined differently within this disclosure, whether expressly or implicitly, the broader definition is to take absolute precedence, with the distinctions encompassed by the narrower definition to be strictly construed as optional.
Illustratively, perceived benefits of the present invention can include functional utility, whether expressly or implicitly stated herein, or apparent herefrom. However, it is expressly set forth that these benefits are not intended as exclusive. Therefore, any explicit, implicit, or apparent benefit from the disclosure herein is expressly deemed as applicable to the present invention.
According to the present invention, a magazine loader can be formed from any one or more materials or combinations of materials, such as one or more of plastic, rubber, wood, metal, a crystalline material, or any other man-made or naturally occurring material, for example and not in limitation, insofar as the same if functionally consistent with the invention as described. Further, a loader can be manufactured in any one or more functionally compatible manners, such as through molding, machining, etc.
Notably, the present invention includes particular structural aspects described herein that allow for particular pivoting of rounds for subsequent loading into a magazine, such as a single feed magazine, for example and not in limitation.
FIGS. 1A-2B illustrate exemplary embodiments of a magazine loader 100, which can be configured to load a plurality of ammunition rounds 3 into a magazine 1 having a magazine shape, such as a straight or curved parallelepiped for example and not in limitation, and a magazine length 2.
In an exemplary aspect, a round 3, which includes a case and projectile, can include a first round end 4 and a second round end 5. Notably, a round 3 can be a live or blank round.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary loader 100 having a main body 110, a rounds cavity 120, and a magazine cavity 130; whilst FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate another exemplary embodiment, in which loader 100 can further include an optional rounds retention cavity 140.
As illustratively shown in FIGS. 1A-2B, main body 110 can include a first main body end 111, a second main body end 112, and a main body length 113.
As further illustratively shown, rounds cavity 120 can be formed within main body 110, can extend along main body length 113, and can include a first rounds cavity end 121, a second rounds cavity end 122, at least one lower rounds cavity abutment 123 (such as, for example and not in limitation, the element of a rounds cavity bottom 123), a first rounds cavity side 124, a second rounds cavity side 125, and at least one upper rounds cavity abutment 126 [or 127] (such as, for example and not in limitation, the elements of a first rounds cavity ledge 126 and/or a second rounds cavity ledge 127).
As illustrated in FIG. 2A-2B, in another exemplary aspect, rounds cavity 120 can be complementarily shaped to rounds 3 to allow the rounds to slidably move within at least a portion of the rounds cavity and to exit through first rounds cavity end 122. Notably, rounds cavity 120 can be structurally configured such that rounds 3 can be introduced into the rounds cavity via at least one of first rounds cavity end 121, second rounds cavity end 122, and a portion therebetween, all of which are deemed equivalents. Further notably, rounds cavity 120 can be provided with any functionally compatible shape, and accordingly, for example and not in limitation, any bottom or side described herein can include any combination of one or more linear and/or curvilinear shapes, including but not limited to, any contiguously positioned side, sides, and/or bottom being similarly, dissimilarly, or identically curvilinear.
Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, lower rounds cavity abutment 123, first and second rounds cavity sides 124, 125, and the at least one upper rounds cavity abutment 126 can be positioned to abuttingly limit movement of rounds 3 along a movement plane PM (shown in FIG. 7E) when the rounds exit rounds cavity 120 and into magazine cavity 130, and functional loading of magazine 1 can be effectuated.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, in a particular exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with rounds 3 held within rounds cavity 120, each first round end 4 can be positioned within a first rounds cavity 128 and under at least one upper rounds cavity abutment 126 and/or 127 and each second round end 5 can be positioned within a second rounds cavity 129 and also under at least one upper rounds cavity abutment 126 and/or 127.
As illustrated in FIG. 1A-2B, loader 100 further includes a magazine cavity 130 that can be positioned at first main body end 111. As shown, magazine cavity 130 includes a magazine cavity length 131 that can be less than magazine length 2. Accordingly, in an exemplary aspect, the present invention is not limited to a maximum-length magazine, which can arise when a magazine cavity is configured to encapsulate the entire length of a magazine, which can optionally be provided to the extent desired. Further, in another exemplary aspect, due to the length consideration above, main body length 113 can be reduced, as the main body length would not require inclusion of the full length of a magazine, rendering the overall length of the invention less and therefore more conveniently transportable and/or storable.
As further illustrated, magazine cavity 130 can be complementarily shaped to the shape of magazine 1 so as to facilitate retention of the magazine in a fixed position within the magazine cavity during loading. Accordingly, retention can be effectuated via a friction fit between magazine 1 and a portion of main body 110 that defines magazine cavity 130. Further, alternatively or in combination, retention can be facilitated with at least one of a magazine retention depression 133 and a magazine retention protrusion 134, which can retentionally engage a compatibly configured portion of magazine 1, such as a notch, for example and not in limitation.
Also illustrated, second rounds cavity end 122 can be positioned at second main body end 112, and optionally, shaped to accept rounds 3 into rounds cavity 120. Accordingly, as first rounds cavity end 121 opens into magazine cavity 130, when magazine 1 is positioned within the magazine cavity, rounds 3 can be slidably moved out of rounds cavity 120 along movement plane PM (as illustrated in FIG. 7E), through the first rounds cavity end, and into magazine 1. For example and not in limitation, a user can utilize their finger or any other desired structure that fits within at least a portion of rounds cavity 120 to push a last round 3b (see FIGS. 5C-5F) towards magazine 1, such that the last round, and any other rounds between the last round and the first rounds cavity end 121, slidably move out of the rounds cavity, through the first rounds cavity end, and into the magazine.
In another exemplary aspect, FIGS. 7A-7D and 8 illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention that can accommodate the loading of a single feed magazine. As illustratively shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, as rounds 3 positioned within rounds cavity 120 are moved towards magazine 1, each round can successively pivot, such that each second round end 5 is angled towards the magazine. Notably, FIGS. 7A-7D further illustrate optional magazine cavity cover 135, which can be provided as a separate structure or can be integral with loader 100, and can cover at least a portion of magazine cavity 130 (illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D) and/or rounds cavity 120 (illustrated in FIG. 7C). Further illustrated, optionally, a magazine retention system, such as those integrated with Glock™ firearms can be provided, along with a magazine release 136.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustratively show loader 100 being configured to load a common single feed magazine, which can be, for example and not in limitation, a GLOCK™ compatible magazine; whilst FIGS. 6 and 6A illustratively show a loader being configured to load a P90™ magazine.
As illustrated in FIGS. 5C-5F, when an exiting round 3 exits rounds cavity 120, the exiting round can abut and force at least one of a follower 1a and a pre-loaded round 3a in magazine 1 downwardly into the magazine against a spring force Sp provided by spring S as the exiting round enters the magazine.
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary rounds cavity 120 having first and second rounds cavity sides 124, 125 that include downwardly angled portions A-E, which can effectuate such pivoting of rounds 3. In an exemplary aspect, a loader 100 can be provided with any combination of angled portions A-E. Notably, the language “downwardly angled” is intended to represent any angle of first rounds cavity side 124 that is angled towards second rounds cavity side 125, and any angle of the second rounds cavity side that is angled away from the first rounds cavity side. Further notably, any angled portion described herein can be provided with a concave, linear, convex, or irregular shape.
In another exemplary aspect, first rounds cavity side 124 can be provided with a downwardly angled portion A positioned between magazine cavity 130 and second main body end 122, and second rounds cavity side 125 can be provided with another downwardly angled portion E that opens into magazine cavity 130. Accordingly, as rounds 3 are moved towards magazine 1, a pivot point 6 of each round can contact the downwardly angled portion A to pivot the second round end 5 of the round towards the magazine and over the other downwardly angled portion E, before the round subsequently enters the magazine.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, in optional exemplary aspects, downwardly angled portion A can be provided with a convex shape and/or downwardly angled portion E can be provided with a concave shape. In further optional exemplary aspects, downwardly angled portion A can include an about 0.43 inch radius and/or downwardly angled portion E can include an about 0.71 inch radius.
As further illustrated in FIG. 8, in yet additional optional exemplary aspects, second rounds cavity side 125 can further include one or two additional downwardly angled portions B, C positioned between downwardly angled portion E and second main body end 122. Notably, where downwardly angled portion Bis optionally provided, the portion B can optionally include a convex shape, and even further optionally, can include an about 0.80 inch radius. Further notably, where downwardly angled portion C is optionally provided, the portion C can optionally include a concave share, and even further optionally, can include an about 1.22 inch radius.
As still further illustrated in FIG. 8, in a further optional exemplary aspect, first rounds cavity side 124 can further include another downwardly angled portion D positioned between portion A and magazine cavity 130. Notably, where downwardly angled portion D is optionally provided, the portion D can optionally include a concave shape, and even further optionally, can include an about 0.43 inch radius.
Notably, while the present invention contemplates the provisioning of any combination of portions A-E, with various positions, shapes, and/or radii, it is merely illustrative that the combination of A and E provide a particular combination having functional utility. Further, optional and illustrative shapes, positioning, and radii of portions A-E have been described, and it is expressly set forth that such shapes, positions, and radii, are to be construed as illustrative and enabling teachings, with reasonable deviations being expressly contemplated, and are expressly to be construed as being within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, such portions A-E, including their respective positioning, shapes, and/or radii, are provided as teachings for advantageous use with geometric dimensions of 9×19 mm Parabellum (as well as 357 SIG, 45ACP, 10 mm, and 40 caliber rounds); however, such portions, including their respective shapes, positioning, and/or radii are to be further construed as teachings to accommodate other sized rounds. In particular, any selection, shaping, positioning, and/or radii of such portions can be determined for alternatively shaped rounds based on how the illustrative embodiments and aspects herein physically manipulate 9×19 mm Parabellum rounds. Further, tolerances of the exemplary radii described herein can be up to 0.1 inches, with due consideration to adjacent and cooperating geometries related thereto. Accordingly, the present invention is expressly contemplated to apply to various types of rounds for use with single and double feed magazines types.
FIGS. 10A-10B, 11A-11B, 14-22B, and 26-34B illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention that include an exemplary rounds retention structure 140 in communication with an exemplary rounds cavity 120. As illustratively shown in FIGS. 16A, 27, 32, 32A, and 34A a rounds retention structure 140 can further include one or more rails 141 (and 143) configured to engage the extraction groove and/or rim of an ammunition round 3, for example and not in limitation. Notably, rounds retention structure 140 can be provided with any functionally compatible shape. Further notably, one or more rails 141 (and 143) can optionally be positioned, at least partially, in rounds cavity 120 as illustratively shown in FIGS. 16A, 18A, 19B-19G, 26, 34A, and 35A-E.
As further illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 32A, in yet additional optional exemplary aspects, the one or more pair of opposing rails 141 (and 143) can optionally be configured to retain more than one type (and/or size, caliber, etc.) of round. Notably, being configured to retain more than one type of round can be, for example and not in limitation, having a first pair of rails 141 configured to engage the extraction groove of a 9×19 mm round 3a and a second pair of rails 143 configured to engage the rim of a 0.22 LR round 3β. Further notably, the one or more pair of rails 141 (and 143) can be different lengths and further optionally extend to different respective portions of rounds cavity 120.
As further illustrated in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 16, 17A-17E, 21A-21C, 27, 32, 32A, 37-39 and 39B, in yet additional optional exemplary aspects, magazine loader 100 can further include one or more plunger cavities 160. The plunger cavity 160 can be, for example and not limitation, formed, attached, or integral with a magazine loader body 110 and can further optionally extend along at least one of a magazine cavity 130, rounds cavity 120 and rounds retention structure 140, for example and not in limitation. The plunger cavity 160 can be provided with any functionally compatible shape configured to interact with at least a portion of a plunger 180, with the plunger optionally including one or more plunger guides 183 configured to interact with at least a portion of the plunger cavity 160. The plunger cavity can further include one or more particular ends 161 configured to accept a plunger guide 183. The plunger cavity can further include a plunger pivot point 165 configured to interact with a plunger 180 and facilitate the rotation of the plunger about plunger guide 183, for example and not in limitation.
In another exemplary aspect, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-D, 13-15, 17A-19G, 21A-21C,30 31, 33-33A, and 36-38B, a magazine loader can further optionally include a plunger 180. The plunger can further include a plunger protrusion 181 configured to contact one or more rounds 3. The plunger protrusion can optionally be configured to extend to a first rounds cavity end 121 when the plunger is positioned at a second rounds cavity end 122, for example and not in limitation. The plunger can further include one or more handle portions 182 configured to provide an additional surface or surfaces that can be used to manipulate the plunger, for example and not in limitation. The plunger 180 can further optionally include a plunger alignment structure 185, as illustrated in FIG. 19A, configured to engage with a portion of loader body 110 to facilitate alignment of the plunger when the plunger protrusion 181 is being introduced into a rounds cavity 120, for example and not in limitation.
In another exemplary aspect, as illustrated in FIGS. 33 and 33A, plunger 180 can further include a rounds retention barrier 181β configured to prevent movement of rounds 3 positioned in at least one of a rounds retention structure 140 and rounds cavity 120, for example and not in limitation. Notably, a rounds retention barrier can be located on, a least one of a, a magazine loader body and a magazine loader plunger.
In another exemplary aspect, FIGS. 17A-19G, 21A-21C, and 36-39, illustrate an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention that can further include a plunger 180 and a loader main body 110 configured to engage the plunger to the loader body, and the plunger can be slidably moved along and rotate about the loader when the plunger is connectively engaged with the loader, for example and not in limitation. In another exemplary aspect, at least one of a plunger guide 183 and plunger protrusion 181 on the plunger 180 and at least one of a plunger cavity 160 and plunger release structure 170 on the loader body 110, can be configured to restrict movement of the plunger and can facilitate the insertion of rounds 3 into a rounds retention structure 140, and can facilitate pushing the rounds into a magazine 1 with the plunger, for example and not in limitation. As further illustrated in FIGS. 36-38, a portion of the plunger 180 can be shaped to fit around at least a portion of, at least one of, a loader main body 110 and a rounds retention structure 140.
As illustrated in FIG. 37, plunger 180 can be positioned adjacent to a second rounds cavity end and the plunger protrusion 181 can be positioned outside of at least one of the rounds retention structure 140 and rounds cavity, and rounds 3 can be introduced into the rounds retention structure 140 via a rounds retention structure end 140β, for example and not in limitation. As further illustrated in FIG. 37, plunger 180 can be optionally configured with one or more plunger handle portions 182 that can be configured to fit around at least a portion of the main body 110, and the plunger can be positioned outside of the space defined by the second rounds cavity end 122 and the rounds retention structure end 140β, and the rounds retention structure 140 can be slidably moved over a tray of ammunition (not shown), for example and not in limitation.
As illustrated in FIGS. 39-39B, plunger 180 can be shaped to fit around a portion of the loader, for example and not in limitation, a rounds retention structure 140, and one or more plunger guides 183 can be positioned inside plunger cavity 160 and said plunger cavity can restrict the path of motion of the plunger, and the shape of the plunger 180 can be configured to interact with the rounds retention structure 140 and can limit rotation of the plunger when the plunger is positioned between a plunger pivot point 165 and a plunger cavity end 161, for example and not in limitation.
As illustrated in FIGS. 17A-17E and 19A-19G, plunger 180 can be further configured with a plunger protrusion 181 shaped to permit rotation of the plunger about a portion of the loader, including the end of a rounds retention structure 140, for example and not in limitation.
In another exemplary aspect, plunger 180 can be positioned at a plunger cavity end 161 and plunger protrusion 181 can be positioned outside of a rounds retention structure 140; rounds 3 can be inserted into the rounds retention structure; the plunger can be moved towards a plunger pivot point 165 and the plunger can rotate about the plunger pivot point 165 and position the plunger protrusion into the rounds retention structure; the plunger can be slidably moved back towards the plunger cavity end 161; as the plunger moves towards the plunger cavity end, the plunger protrusion can contact the rounds, and in one motion, push the rounds towards and through a rounds cavity 120; as the rounds move through the rounds cavity, the pivot point 6 of each round can contact a rounds abutment 150 and cause each round to pivot and move into a magazine 1 positioned at the first rounds cavity end 121; as the rounds are inserted into the magazine, each round can abut and force at least one of a follower 1a and a preloaded round into the magazine against the spring force of a magazine spring S.
In another exemplary aspect, as illustrated in FIGS. 22-22B and 34B, a magazine loader can further optionally include a round displacement structure 190. The round displacement structure can be positioned adjacent to a first rounds cavity end 121. The round displacement structure can be configured to displace prerounds 3 from a loaded magazine 1 when the magazine is positioned adjacent to a first rounds cavity end 121. As further illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B, when a loaded magazine 1 is inserted into the loader, the upper most round 3 in the magazine can contact a round displacement structure 190 and when the round abuts the round displacement structure, the round can be moved at least partially out of the magazine. The round displacement structure 190 can be configured to move the case of a preloaded round in the magazine to be adjacent to the second case end 5 of a round exiting the first round cavity end 121. The round displacement structure 190 can further be configured to position the second case end 5 of the exiting round between the projectile and the second case end 5 of a preloaded round in the magazine 1 as the exiting round exists the rounds cavity and abuts the preloaded round, for example and not in limitation.
In another exemplary aspect, as illustrated in FIGS. 28-29B, a magazine loader can further optionally include a magazine unloading structure 191. At least a portion of a magazine unloading structure can be positioned adjacent to a first rounds cavity end 121. The magazine unloading structure can be configured to at least partially unload rounds 3 from a loaded magazine 1 when the magazine is positioned adjacent to a first rounds cavity end 121. As illustrated in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the magazine unloading structure 191 can further include a magazine unloading structure spring 192 that can bias the magazine unloading structure between an engaged and disengaged position. Notably, a magazine unloading structure can be provided with any functionally compatible shape, can be integral with a loader body 110, and can be a separate structure. Further notably, while the unloading structure spring 192 is illustrated with a coil spring, the unloading structure spring 192 can be provided with any functionality compatible biasing element, which could be, for example and not in limitation, a flexible spring tongue integral with the loader main body or unloader structure. As illustrated in FIGS. 28-28A, at least a portion of the magazine unloading structure 191 can be positioned outside of the magazine loader main body 110. As further illustrated in FIGS. 29A-29B, the magazine unloading structure 191 can be moved to an engaged position by moving the unloading structure 191 towards a rounds cavity 120, and the unloading structure can abut and move a preloaded round 3 at least partially out of magazine 1, and the unloader structure can move the at least partially unloaded round towards and into a rounds cavity 120. Notably, the magazine unloading structure can be configured to moved to position a preloaded round into a desired position prior to the loading of subsequent rounds into magazine 1, and the magazine unloading structure can be further configured to unload one or more rounds from a magazine, for example and not in limitation.
In another exemplary aspect, the magazine opening of a loaded first magazine can be positioned adjacent to a first rounds cavity end 121; the magazine unloading structure can be moved into an engaged position and unload one or more preloaded rounds from the magazine into the rounds cavity 120; the first magazine opening can be removed from first rounds cavity end; the magazine opening of a second magazine can be positioned adjacent to a first rounds cavity end 121; and the rounds positioned in the rounds cavity can be loaded into the second magazine through the first rounds cavity end.
In another exemplary aspect, the magazine opening of a loaded first magazine can be positioned adjacent to a first rounds cavity end 121; the magazine unloading structure can be moved into an engaged position and unload one or more preloaded rounds from the magazine through a first rounds cavity end and into at least one of a rounds cavity 120 and a rounds retention structure 140; the rounds can exit the loader through at least one of a second rounds cavity end 122 and a rounds retention structure end 1400; additional rounds can be introduced into the rounds cavity; the additional rounds can be inserted into the previously unloaded magazine through the first rounds cavity end 121, for example and not in limitation.
In another exemplary aspect, at least a portion of the magazine unloading structure 191 can have a round displacement structure; as illustrated in FIG. 29A, at least a portion of the magazine unloading structure 191 can be configured to displace a preloaded round 3 when the magazine 1 is positioned adjacent to the magazine unloading structure.
In another exemplary aspect, as illustrated in FIGS. 34-34B, a magazine loader can be configured to load rounds 3 into a magazine 1 by retracting a magazine follower 1a. The magazine loader can include a rounds cavity 120 formed within the main body and having a rounds cavity aperture 121, and the rounds cavity can be defined by an inner main body surface and further include a first downwardly angled portion 125 and a second downwardly angled portion 124, and each downwardly angled portion can be positioned at the rounds cavity aperture 121, and with a magazine 1 positioned adjacent to the rounds aperture 121, and with rounds 3 positioned in the rounds cavity 120, as the magazine follower 1a is retracted, the rounds are pulled through the rounds cavity, and as each round moves towards the rounds aperture 121, the second case end 5 can pass over the first downwardly angled portion, and the pivot point 6 of each round can contact the second downwardly angled portion and cause the second case end to pivot towards and into the magazine through the magazine opening. Notably, as illustratively shown in FIG. 40, a loader main body 110 can be configured to receive a drum style magazine 1 having a magazine follower manipulating lever 1b.
In another exemplary aspect, as illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, a magazine loader can further include a follower displacement structure 139. The follower displacement structure can be configured to abut a magazine follower 1a, and can be positioned adjacent to a rounds aperture 121, for example and not limitation. Notably, when a magazine is positioned adjacent to a rounds aperture 121, follower displacement structure can move the follower at least partially into the magazine. Further notably, the follower displacement structure can be provided with any functionally compatible shape, and can be formed by any portion of the loader main body 110 or provided as a separate structure, for example and not in limitation.
In another exemplary aspect, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-11A and 23A-25B, a magazine loader can further include a magazine retention system that can further comprise one or more magazine retention structures 200. The magazine retention system can be positioned on at least a portion of the magazine loader, including but not limitation, in a magazine cavity 130. The magazine retention structure can further comprise a magazine release button 210 and a magazine retention protrusion 234, with the magazine retention structure configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged positioned, for example and not in limitation. The magazine retention system can further include a retention system spring 250, a spring contact structure 221, a capture structure 222, a travel limit structure 220, a main body retention abutment 138, and a main body travel abutment 137. Spring 250 can bias the magazine retention structure 200 in an engaged position and position a magazine retention protrusion 234 at least partially into a magazine cavity. Notably, the magazine retention structure 200 can be moved to at least one of an engaged position and a disengaged position. In an exemplary aspect, the magazine retention system can be positioned in an engaged position; a magazine can be inserted into the magazine cavity 130; the magazine can abut at least a portion of the magazine retention structure 200, for example and not in limitation a magazine retention protrusion 234, against the spring bias of spring 250 and move the magazine retention structure 200 to a disengaged position; when the magazine is fully inserted into the magazine cavity, the magazine retention protrusion can move into a compatible portion of the magazine 1, for example and not in limitation a notch; the spring 250 can move the magazine retention structure into the engaged position, wherein the magazine is retained in the magazine cavity 130, at least in part, by at least a portion of the magazine retention structure 200. In another exemplary aspect, the magazine retention structure 200 can be in an engaged position; a magazine 1 can be positioned in a magazine cavity 130; the magazine release button 210 can be moved and move the magazine retention structure 200 against the spring bias of spring 250 into a disengaged position; when the magazine retention structure is moved, a magazine retention protrusion 234 can move out of a compatible portion of the magazine 1, for example and not in limitation a notch; and the magazine can be removed from the magazine cavity. In another exemplary aspect, the magazine release button 210 can be moved and move the magazine release structure 200; the travel limit structure 220 can contact a main body travel abutment 137 and can limit the movement of the magazine retention structure in at least one direction. In another exemplary aspect, the spring 250 can bias the rounds retention structure 200 in at least one direction; the capture structure 221 can be positioned on the rounds retention structure and can contact a main body retention abutment 138 positioned on the loader main body and can prevent movement of the magazine retention structure in at least one direction. Notably, a magazine retention structure can be retained by magazine loader by positioning a spring adjacent to a spring abutment, positioning magazine structure into the loader body, and moving a capture structure positioned the magazine retention structure past a main body retention abutment on the loader body. Further notably, a magazine retention structure can be released from a magazine loader by depressing a capture structure positioned on the magazine retention structure, moving the capture structure past a main body retention abutment on the loader body, and removing the magazine retention structure form the loader body. Further notably, while the magazine retention spring 250 is illustrated with a coil spring, spring 250 can be provided with any functionality compatible biasing element, which could be, for example and not in limitation, a flexible spring tongue integral with the loader main body or unloader structure.
Therefore, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the manner of making and using the claimed invention has been adequately disclosed in the above-written description of the exemplary embodiments and aspects. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific embodiments, aspects, arrangement, and components shown and described above, but may be susceptible to numerous variations within the scope of the invention. For example, while the present invention is illustratively shown used with a curved magazine, loader 100 can be configured for use with any shaped magazine, including straight, curved, etc. Further, rounds cavity 120 is generally shown to be linear along the main body length 113, however, can be provided with any functionally compatible shape or shapes to the extent desired.
Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative and enabling, rather than a restrictive, sense.
Accordingly, it will be understood that the above description of the embodiments of the present invention are susceptible to various modifications, changes, and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.
