FIREARM MAGAZINE LOADING SYSTEM

Abstract

A firearm magazine reloading system is presented that includes a body having a back, a front, and sides and having a fastening component. A canting surface affixed to the front of the body and outward of a magnetic surface. The body further including one or more magnets that provides a magnetic force to magnetize the magnetic surface to hold and retain a loaded magazine that can be inserted into the magazine well of a firearm. The body further includes a ledge that provides a hard stop and bearing surface for the base plate of the loaded magazine so that the firearm magazine well can fully accept and lock the loaded magazine into the firearm. A method is also provided where only a single hand of user is needed to insert the loaded magazine into the firearm.

Claims

1. A firearm magazine reloading system comprising: a) a body having a back, a front, and sides; b) a fastening component provided on the body; c) a canting surface affixed to the front of the body; d) a magnetic surface; and e) one or more magnets affixed to the body.

2. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, wherein the fastening component comprises of one or more through holes provided on the sides of the body to engage with a secondary fastening component.

3. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, wherein one or more wings are provided on the sides of the body to retain position of the body relative to a user.

4. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 3, wherein the fastening component comprises of one or more through holes are provided on the wings.

5. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, wherein the canting surface is positioned in an upper half portion of the front of the body.

6. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a curved lip.

7. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 7, wherein the canting surface is adjustably affixed to the body such that the canting surface can be moved toward or away from the curved lip and can be moved outwardly from the front of the body

8. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, further comprising of a ledge protruding outwardly from a lower portion of the body.

9. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, further comprising of a cushion adhered to the back of the body.

10. A firearm magazine reloading system comprising: a) a body having a back, a front, and sides; b) a fastening component provided on the body; c) a magnetic surface affixed to the front of the body; d) a canting surface fixed to the magnetic surface; and e) one or more magnets affixed to the body, wherein the magnetic surface comprises an upper curved surface.

11. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10 where the body further comprises a curved lip on an upper portion that curves in the same direction as the upper curved surface.

12. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 11 where the curved lip and upper curved surface are adjacent and abutting each other.

13. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, wherein the fastening component comprises of one or more through holes provided on the sides of the body to engage with a secondary fastening component.

14. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, wherein one or more wings are provided on the sides of the body to retain position of the body relative to a user.

15. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 14, wherein the fastening component comprises of one or more through holes are provided on the wings.

16. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, wherein the canting surface is positioned in an upper half portion of the front of the body.

17. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, wherein the canting surface is positioned in an upper half portion of the front of the body.

18. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, wherein the canting surface is adjustably affixed to the magnetic surface such that the canting surface can be moved toward or away from the curved lip and can be moved outwardly from the front of the magnetic surface

19. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10, further comprising of a ledge protruding outwardly from a lower portion of the body.

20. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1, further comprising of a cushion adhered to the back of the body.

21. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10 does not comprise a magazine spacer.

22. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 10 does not comprise curved side ramps projecting outward relative to the front of the body.

23. The firearm magazine reloading system of claim 1 further comprising at least two orienting nibs on the canting surface.

24. A method using a firearm magazine reloading system to load a magazine into a firearm comprising: a) fastening the body of the firearm magazine reloading system onto a user's body, a worn accessory or item of clothing; b) placing a loaded magazine having a base onto magnetic surface affixed the body such that a canting surface is positioned between the magnetic surface and the loaded magazine and so that magnets within the body will attract and hold the loaded magazine against the magnetic surface; c) placing the magazine receiving end of the firearm onto the loaded magazine being retained against the magnetic surface; d) pressing the base of the loaded magazine against a ledge projecting outwardly from body until the loaded magazine locks into the receiving end of the firearm; e) rotating the firearm out and away from the magnetic surface into a firing position.

25. The method of claim 24 further comprising that steps b) through e) are performed using only a single hand of a user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the firearm magazine reloading system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 having attached a magazine;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the firearm magazine reloading system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the firearm magazine reloading system of the present invention having a magazine attached thereto;

[0023] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A with a firearm magazine attached;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a firearm showing the magazine well.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-5, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0026] FIGS. 1-3 present one possible embodiment of the firearm magazine loading system 100 of the present invention. This embodiment has a body 101 configured to be worn or attached near the waist of a user, preferably attached to a belt, strap, or tactical equipment worn by the user. Belt loops 104a and 104b (see FIG. 2) are provided so a belt or other strapping device may be passed through the body 101 to fix the magazine loading system, also referred to herein as the “reloading system,” at or near the waist of the user or at any position that user of the reloading system finds convenient and accessible to load an attached magazine into a firearm. One or more wings 102 extend from the body to help provide support and prevent rotational movement the body 101 from torsion forces applied during use of the reloading system. In an embodiment, the belt loops 104b are provided on the wings of the body. In an embodiment, foam or another soft material may be adhered or attached to the back of the wings 102 to provide a more comfortable fit to the user. Likewise, a hook & loop fastening material 160, such as Velcro®, can be included on the back side 125 of body 101 (see FIG. 3).

[0027] Body 101 is further provided with one or more magnets 103 that are position on or within body 101 such that a magnetic force is applied to the front 124 of the body. The magnet(s) can be co-molded into body 101 or position within a cavity 122 (see FIG. 3) in the rear or backside 125 of the body. The magnetic force must be strong enough to hold a fully loaded magazine 126 held securely to the front of the body or to the front surface 127 of a magnetic surface 128. Magnetic surface 128 is provided to increase the surface area of the magnetic force provided by magnet(s) 103. By increasing the available surface area of the magnetic force across the magnetic surface 128 allows the user to attach a magazine in the most desirable and efficient accessible position relative to the body 101. In other words, the magazine can be positioned at an angle less than 90 degrees relative the longitudinal axis 150 of the system. The number or strength of the magnets should be sufficient to keep the magazine of a firearm in place even during aggressive movements by the user, such, as running, jumping, crawling, and climbing. In an embodiment of the system, the magnets may be neodymium, ceramic, ferrite, cobalt, alnico, or another type of magnet deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art.

[0028] In one possible embodiment of the inventive system, a magnetic surface 128 is provided in front of the magnet. The magnetic surface 128 can be incorporated directly and integrally with the front 124 of the body or it can constitute a separate component as illustrated in the Drawings. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic surface 128 is attached to the body 101 via rivets 106. In another embodiment, the magnetic surface 128 is attached to the body via screws, weld, or another means of fastening, as known in the art. When the magnetic surface is a separate component, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, it is preferable to position the magnetic surface outwardly from the front 124 of the body by a distance D1 and to provide a distance D2 between the bottom edge 128a of magnetic surface 128, both D1 and D2 defining a recess 110. D1 provides a distance for the floor plate 130 of the magazine 126. The recess 110 also provides space for the floor plate or base 130 of magazine 126. Furthermore, the recess 110 allows the magazine to be rotated away from the body without pushing the base of the magazine away and off the ledge 107 during the final insertion and locking of the magazine into the firearm. In an embodiment, ledge 107 protrudes from the bottom of the body 101. The ledge 107 is provided to provide a support for the magazine as it is inserted into the firearm and to provide a hard stop surface for the floor plate or base 130 of magazine 126 so that magazine becomes fully inserted into the firearm before the loaded firearm is removed from the system 100. Preferably, ledge 107 is co-molded with body 101.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, a curved lip 109 is provided as part of body 101. This curved lip curves inward towards the backside 125 of the body. The curved lip does not protrude or extend outward beyond a vertical plane define by the front surface 124 of the body 101. Curved lip 109 helps to guide the receiving end of the firearm onto the magazine 126 when retained on the body 101. The guide lip 109 will allow the user to load the provided magazine into the firearm quickly and without looking away from a target. Preferably, the curved lip is co-molded with body 101. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, where a separate magnetic surface 128 is positioned on the front 124 of the body, it is preferable that the magnetic surface 128 have an upper curved surface 135. The upper curved surface 135 matches the direction and radius of curvature of the curved lip 109 to provide a continuous, uninterrupted guiding surface for the firearm during the initial insertion of the magazine into the firearm. The upper curved surface does not protrude or extend beyond a vertical plane defined by the front surface 127 of the magnetic surface 128.

[0030] In an embodiment, the body 101 and its components may be comprised of metal, plastic, composite, or other material deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. The body 101 and provided belt loops 104a/104b are configured to be attached to a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system, as is known in the art, so that it may be incorporated as part of military or other tactical equipment.

[0031] An important feature of the present invention is the incorporation into the system of a canting surface. This canting surface is needed to cause the upper portion or top end of an attached magazine to cant outward from the magnetic surface a distance D3 in a direction away from the user. This distance is predetermined to provide a small space between the upper portion of the magazine and the magnetic surface such that the thickness 502 (see FIG. 5), defined as the distance between the outer surface of a firearm 500 grip 503 and the inside surface 501a of the magazine well 501. In other words, D3 is preferably equal to or greater than thickness 502. Providing D3 ensures that the firearm magazine well will slide down and over the attached magazine smoothly, without getting hung-up or stopped by any surface of the system. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 the canting surface 140 is a separate component affixed to the upper portion 128b/228b of the front face of the magnetic surface 128/228. Preferably, the canting surface is composed of a material that is magnetic, such that the magnets 103 will impart a magnetic force to the canting surface. The canting surface 140 can be attached through screws, rivets (142), or any other known type of fastener. Canting surface 140 does not have to be a separate component, but instead could be incorporated directly into (integral to) magnetic surface 128/228 as a horizontal protrusion, bump, rib, ridge, or like structure. When the canting surface is a separate component, it is also possible to attach the canting surface to the system such that the angle of cant a and/or the distance D3 is adjustable to accommodate different magazine and/or firearm type and models. In an embodiment of the loading system, the canting surface may include magazine orienting nibs 140a/140b. These orienting nibs are small projections facing outward away from canting surface and the user, however, the nibs do not act as a guide for the firearm. Instead, the nibs provide spatial boundaries to ensure that a magazine is properly positioned on the loading system. The nibs can also deter or prevent excessive sideways movement of a positioned magazine, basically keep the magazine positioned relatively vertical.

[0032] In reference to FIGS. 4A & 4B, an embodiment of the present invention is shown, that is configured to hold one or more magazines 126 and comprising a body 201 designed to be worn on the chest of a user or equipment worn on the chest of a user. Belt loops 204 are provided so a belt 205 may be passed through the body 201 and fix the body on to the chest of the user. In an embodiment, the top front edge 201a does not have a curved lip and the back side 201b of the body 204 is provided with a foam pad or cushion adhered to the back of the body. The cushion may provide added comfort for the user and keep the body in place when fastened to the user's chest. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a hook and loop fastening system may be included on the back side 201b. The cushion may be polyurethane, polyethylene, or another type of foam deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the body 201 is further provided with one or more magnets to apply a magnetic force, to keep the magazine of a firearm in place. In this embodiment of FIGS. 4A & 4B a separate magnetic surface 228 is provided that is larger in size in order that more than one magazine can be attached. Because the magnetic surface 228 is larger and occupies more of the surface area of the front of body 201, there is no need to have a curved lip as part of body 201. The magnetic surface 228 does have a curved upper surface 235. A ledge 207 is provided to retain the magazine and provide a support for the magazine as it is inserted into the firearm. In an embodiment, the body is further provided with a recess 210 located between the ledge and the lower edge of the magnetic surface 228. The recess 210 provides space for a floor plate 130 of magazine 126.

[0033] In an embodiment, the body 201 is adapted to fit a large magazine of an assault rifle. The body 201 and its components may be comprised of metal, plastic, composite, or other material deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. The body 201 and provided belt loops 204 are configured to be attached to a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system, as is known in the art, so that it may be incorporated as military equipment.

[0034] In another embodiment, the firearm magazine loading system may be configured to attach to the stomach, hip, arm, thigh, leg, or ankle of a user. In another embodiment, the present invention will be able to attach to the back of a user, in a manner such that a member of his team could use the body to reload their firearm.

[0035] A method of using the firearm magazine reloading system of the present invention will now be described. A first step involves fastening the body of the firearm magazine reloading system onto a user's body, a worn accessory or item of clothing, then placing a loaded magazine having a base onto magnetic surface affixed the body such that a canting surface is positioned between the magnetic surface and the loaded magazine and so that magnets within the body will attract and hold the loaded magazine against the magnetic surface. Next, placing the magazine receiving end (i.e., a magazine well) of a firearm onto the loaded magazine being retained against the magnetic surface and pressing the base of the loaded magazine against a ledge projecting outwardly from body until the loaded magazine locks into the magazine well of the firearm. Preferably, the magazine is positioned so that the canting surface cants the upper portion of the magazine out and away from the canting surface by a distance equal to or greater than the thickness 502. Most preferably, the magazine is positioned between two orienting nibs located on the canting surface. Once the magazine is positioned on the system, a firearm receiving end (i.e., a magazine well) is positioned over the top end of the loaded magazine and then slide down over the magazine to insert the magazine into the firearm. Then, rotating the firearm out and away from the magnetic surface into a firing position.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the magazine is received by the body, such that the floor plate 130 of the magazine contacts the ledge 107/207 and fits within the recess 110/210. In another embodiment, the magazine is received by the body 101/201, such that the floor plate 130 is suspended above the ledge 107/207 by one or more magnets (not shown) provided within the body 101/201. Preferably, method of using the firearm magazine reloading system requires only the use of a single hand of the user, with the possible exception of fastening the system to the user.

[0037] The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.