MODULAR MAGAZINE RELEASE SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 63/714,644, titled “MODULAR MAGAZINE RELEASE SYSTEM,” filed by Hugh Nguyen on Oct. 31, 2024.

This application incorporates the entire contents of the foregoing application(s) herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate generally to firearm accessories.

BACKGROUND

Firearms are mechanical devices that launch projectiles by harnessing the rapid expansion of gas generated by burning propellant. Core subsystems include the barrel, action (the mechanism that loads, locks, fires, extracts, and ejects), firing system, and a feed system such as a magazine. Designs span handguns (revolvers and semi-automatic pistols), long guns (bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and semi-automatic rifles and shotguns), and specialized platforms (e.g., machine guns in military contexts). Modern trends emphasize modularity (swappable barrels, calibers, and accessories), materials engineering (polymers, aluminum alloys, surface treatments), improved ergonomics, and integration with optics and electronics such as red-dot sights and smart safeties in some research efforts. Magazine releases include the controls used to detach a firearm's magazine from the receiver or grip.

Firearms are used in a range of lawful contexts, including sporting and recreational shooting (target, competition, hunting), professional duty use by law enforcement and military, and civilian self-defense where permitted by law. Sporting applications focus on accuracy, consistency, and reliability over high round counts; hunting emphasizes terminal performance matched to game and environment; duty use prioritizes durability, handling under stress, and maintainability. Across contexts, safe handling practices, training, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations are foundational and non-optional.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system (MIFMRS) including a base mounting body with a stem and two or more protrusions along the stem, and an interchangeable actuator pad with a stem and corresponding two or more cavities along the stem and configured to receive the protrusions. The base mounting body may, for example, include a base portion configured to be inserted into a magazine release channel. The base portion may, for example, include two or more openings configured to receive an urging member. The interchangeable actuator pad may, for example, include an activation interface. The activation interface may, for example, come in various lengths. Various embodiments may advantageously enable rapid, secure adjustment of magazine release reach and handedness without tools.

Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example, some embodiments may provide rapid, tool-less adjustment of the magazine release button length to enable ergonomic customization. In some embodiments, the MIFMRS may, for example, advantageously enable ambidextrous operation by allowing the urging member to be selectively positioned for right-or left-handed use. In some implementations, the MIFMRS may, for example, advantageously enable a magazine release button to be interchanged to suit different hand sizes or operational needs. In some embodiments, the MIFMRS may, for example, advantageously utilize the magazine release channel to retain the interlocked assembly securely within the firearm. In some implementations, the MIFMRS may, for example, advantageously improve reliability and user comfort by providing a stable, customizable, and easily replaceable magazine release mechanism.

The details of various embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary modular interlocking firearm magazine release system (MIFMRS) employed in an illustrative use-case scenario.

FIGS. 2A-2C depict exemplary MIFMRSs with interchangeable actuator pads of different lengths.

FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of a base mounting body.

FIG. 3B depicts a top view of a base mounting body.

FIG. 3C depicts a bottom view of a base mounting body.

FIG. 3D. depicts a front view of a base mounting body.

FIG. 3E depicts a right side view of a base mounting body.

FIG. 3F depicts a perspective view of a base mounting body.

FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a hexagonal pattern textured surface.

FIG. 4B depicts a top view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a hexagonal pattern textured surface.

FIG. 4C depicts a rear view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a hexagonal pattern textured surface.

FIG. 4D depicts a bottom view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a hexagonal pattern textured surface.

FIG. 4E depicts a left side view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a hexagonal pattern textured surface.

FIG. 4F depicts a perspective view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a hexagonal pattern textured surface.

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a serrated pattern textured surface.

FIG. 5B depicts a top view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a serrated pattern textured surface.

FIG. 5C depicts a rear view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a serrated pattern textured surface.

FIG. 5D depicts a bottom view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a serrated pattern textured surface.

FIG. 5E depicts a left side view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a serrated pattern textured surface.

FIG. 5F depicts a perspective view of an interchangeable actuator pad with a serrated pattern textured surface.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

To aid understanding, this document is organized as follows. First, to help introduce discussion of various embodiments, a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system (MIFMRS) is introduced with reference to FIGS. 1-2C. Second, that introduction leads into a description with reference to FIGS. 3A-3F of some exemplary embodiments of a base mounting body. Third, a description with reference to FIGS. 4A-5F of some exemplary embodiments of an interchangeable actuator pad. Finally, the document discusses further embodiments, exemplary applications and aspects relating to a MIFMRS.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary modular interlocking firearm magazine release system (MIFMRS) 100 employed in an illustrative use-case scenario. The MIFMRS 100 may, for example, include a base mounting body 105. The base mounting body 105 may, for example, include a stem 110 extending along a substantially linear axis, which may define one or more side walls and two or more opposing terminal walls. The stem 110 may, for example, advantageously provide structural support for coupling components. The base mounting body 105 may, for example, include two or more protrusions 115 positioned along at least one of the two or more opposing terminal walls of the stem 110. The protrusions 115 may, for example, advantageously facilitate releasable interlocking with a corresponding actuator pad. The base mounting body 105 may also include a base portion 125 extending outwardly from the stem 110 along a transverse axis and configured to be inserted into a magazine release channel of a firearm 155. The base portion 125 may, for example, include two or more openings 120 positioned on opposing sides and configured to receive an urging member. The urging member may, for example, include a leaf spring. The two or more openings may, for example be defined by a pair of opposing members 120a and 120b within the base portion 125. The openings 120 may, for example, advantageously enable ambidextrous operation by enabling selective positioning of the urging member.

The MIFMRS 100 may further include an interchangeable actuator pad 130. The interchangeable actuator pad 130 may, for example, include a stem 135 extending along a substantially linear axis, defining one or more side walls and two or more opposing terminal walls. The stem 135 may, for example, include two or more cavities 140 positioned along at least one of the two or more opposing terminal walls and configured to receive the two or more protrusions 115. The actuator pad 130 may, for example, include an activation interface 145 extending outwardly from the stem 135 along a transverse axis. The activation interface 145 may, for example, include a textured surface 150. The textured surface 150 may, for example, include a hexagonal pattern surface. The textured surface 150 may, for example, include a serrated surface. The textured surface 150 may, for example, advantageously enhance the grip of the interchangeable actuator pad 130. The firearm 155 may, for example, include a firearm channel 160 configured to receive and retain the base mounting body 105 and actuator pad 130.

In a use-case scenario, a user may select an interchangeable actuator pad 130 of desired length and texture. The user may, for example, interlock the interchangeable actuator pad 130 with the base mounting body 105 by inserting the two or more protrusions 115 into the two or more cavities 140 to define an assembly. The user may, for example, insert the assembly into the firearm channel 160. The urging member may, for example, be positioned by the user in at least one of the two or more openings 120 to configure the MIFMRS 100 for right-or left-handed operation. The user may, for example, press the activation interface 145, such that the interlocked assembly disengages a magazine catch of the firearm 155, allowing a magazine of the firearm 155 to be released.

For example, to configure the MIFMRS 100 for right-handed operation, the user may insert the urging member into one of the two or more openings 120 located on the left side of the base portion 125, such that pressing the activation interface 145 with the right thumb will compress the urging member and actuate the magazine release. Conversely, to configure the system for left-handed operation, the user may, for example, position the urging member in the one of the two or more openings 120 on the right side of the base portion 125, allowing the activation interface 145 to be pressed with the left thumb for actuation. This ability to selectively place the urging member may, for example, advantageously enable the modular magazine release system to be easily adapted for ambidextrous use, providing ergonomic flexibility for users of either hand preference.

The magazine release channel 160 may, for example, be dimensioned and shaped to receive the base mounting body 105 and the interchangeable actuator pad 130 as an integrated assembly. The user may, for example, insert the interlocked base mounting body 105 and the interchangeable actuator pad 130 into the magazine release channel 160, such that the channel's internal surfaces closely conform to the contours of the interchangeable actuator pad 130 and the base mounting body 105 into the magazine release channel 160. For example, the channel's internal surfaces may, for example, closely conform to the contours of the stem 110 and the stem 135. For example, the channel's internal surfaces may, for example, closely conform to the contours of the base portion 125 and the stem 135. The conforming of the contours of the interchangeable actuator pad 130 and the base mounting body 105 into the magazine release channel 160 may, for example, advantageously prevent unwanted movement, decoupling, or shifting of the interchangeable actuator pad 130 and the base mounting body 105 within the magazine release channel 160 during firearm operation. The magazine release channel 160 may, for example, advantageously provide lateral support, maintaining alignment between the two or more protrusions 115 and two or more cavities 140, advantageously ensuring that the activation interface 145 remains accessible and responsive. The MIFMRS 100 may, for example, advantageously remain securely retained within the firearm, delivering consistent, reliable performance and reducing the risk of accidental disassembly or malfunction during use.

FIGS. 2A-2C depict exemplary modular interlocking firearm magazine release systems (MIFMRSs) 100 with interchangeable actuator pads 130 of different lengths. The interchangeable actuator pads 130 may, for example, include a stem 135 and an activation interface 145. The activation interface 145 may, for example, include different lengths. By way of example, and not limitation, the different lengths may include a length less than or equal to 0.33 inches. By way of example, and not limitation, the different lengths may include a length less than or equal to 0.36 inches. By way of example, and not limitation, the different lengths may include a length less than or equal 0.423 inches. By way of example, and not limitation, the different lengths may include a length of 1 inch or less. The different lengths of the interchangeable actuator pads 130 may, for example, advantageously enable a user to select a distinct length, allowing for ergonomic customization to accommodate various user hand sizes and operational preferences. FIGS. 2A-C illustrate at least three different actuator pad lengths, for example, such as short, medium, and long. The operational preferences may for example, include concealed carry use. The operational preferences may for example, include duty use, such as a police officer or military member. The operational preferences may for example, include competition uses.

FIGS. 3A-3F depict exemplary views of a base mounting body 105. The base mounting body 105 may, for example, include a stem 110. The base mounting body 105 may, for example, include two or more protrusions 115. The base mounting body 105 may, for example, include a base portion 125. The base portion 125 may, for example, include an extended member 165 configured to be housed within the magazine release channel 160. The base mounting body 105 may, for example, include two or more openings 120 defined by opposing members 120a and 120b within the base portion 125. The two or more openings 120 may, for example, be configured to receive an urging member. The urging member may, for example, include as a leaf spring of an existing firearm. The two or more openings 120 may, for example, advantageously enable ambidextrous operation and reliable actuation of the magazine release mechanism.

FIGS. 4A-4F depict exemplary views of an interchangeable actuator pad 130 with a hexagonal pattern textured surface 150. The interchangeable actuator pad 130 may, for example, include a stem 135. The interchangeable actuator pad 130 may, for example, include two or more cavities 140. The interchangeable actuator pad 130 may, for example, include an activation interface 145. The activation interface 145 may, for example, include a hexagonal pattern as its textured surface 150, as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4F. The textured surface 150 and the hexagonal pattern may, for example, advantageously enhance grip and tactile feedback for the user during operation.

FIGS. 5A-5F depict exemplary views of an interchangeable actuator pad 130 with a serrated pattern textured surface 150. The textured surface 150 and the serrated texture may, for example, advantageously provide improved traction and control when actuating the magazine release.

Although various embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, other embodiments are possible.

Although an exemplary system has been described with reference to FIGS. 1-5F, other implementations may be deployed in other industrial, scientific, medical, commercial, and/or residential applications.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system including: a base mounting body including: a stem extending along a substantially linear axis defining one or more side walls and two or more opposing terminal walls; two or more protrusions positioned along at least one of the two or more opposing terminal walls; a base portion extending outwardly from the stem along a transverse axis, the base portion including: a main body configured to be inserted into a magazine release channel of a firearm; two or more openings positioned on opposing sides of the main body and configured to receive an urging member of the firearm, wherein the urging member is configured to be selectively positioned on either side of the main body through insertion into at least one of the two or more openings, such that the system is ambidextrous and operable by both right-and left-handed users; and, an interchangeable actuator pad including: a stem extending along a substantially linear axis defining one or more side walls and two or more opposing terminal walls; two or more cavities positioned along at least one of the two or more opposing terminal walls and configured to receive the two or more protrusions; and, an activation interface extending outwardly from the stem along a transverse axis, wherein, the base mounting body and the interchangeable actuator pad are configured to be releasably interlocked through insertion of the two or more protrusions into the two or more cavities to form an assembly, such that the interchangeable actuator pad is interchangeable, wherein, when the base mounting body and actuator pad are interlocked through insertion of the two or more protrusions into the two or more cavities and positioned within the magazine release channel, the magazine release channel cooperates with the interlocked stems of the base mounting body and actuator pad to retain the assembly within the firearm, such that actuation of the activation interface causes the interlocked assembly to disengage a magazine catch of the firearm and release the magazine from the firearm when the base mounting body and actuator pad are interlocked through insertion of the two or more protrusions into the two or more cavities and positioned within the magazine release channel and the urging member is positioned within at least one of the two or more openings.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, further including two or more interchangeable actuator pads with each of the two or more interchangeable actuator pads including activation interfaces of different lengths.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein the different lengths of the activation interfaces include at least three different lengths.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein at least one of the different lengths includes at most 0.33 inches.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein at least one of the different lengths includes at most 0.36 inches.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein at least one of the different lengths includes at most 0.423 inches.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein the urging member includes a leaf spring.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein the activation interface includes a textured surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein the textured surface includes a serrated pattern.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein the textured surface includes a hexagonal pattern.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system including: a base mounting body including: a stem extending along a substantially linear axis defining one or more side walls and two or more opposing terminal walls; two or more protrusions positioned along at least one of the two or more opposing terminal walls; a base portion extending outwardly from the stem along a transverse axis, the base portion including: a main body configured to be inserted into a magazine release channel of a firearm; two or more openings positioned on opposing sides of the main body and configured to receive an urging member of the firearm; and, an interchangeable actuator pad including: a stem extending along a substantially linear axis defining one or more side walls and two or more opposing terminal walls; two or more cavities positioned along at least one of the two or more opposing terminal walls and configured to receive the two or more protrusions; and, an activation interface extending outwardly from the stem along a transverse axis.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, further including two or more interchangeable actuator pads with each of the two or more interchangeable actuator pads including activation interfaces of different lengths.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein the different lengths of the activation interfaces include at least three different lengths.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein at least one of the different lengths includes at most 0.33 inches.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein at least one of the different lengths includes at most 0.36 inches.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein at least one of the different lengths includes at most 0.423 inches.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein the urging member includes a leaf spring.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein the activation interface includes a textured surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein the textured surface includes a serrated pattern.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular interlocking firearm magazine release system, wherein the textured surface includes a hexagonal pattern.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, advantageous results may be achieved if the steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different sequence, or if components of the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner, or if the components were supplemented with other components. Accordingly, other implementations are contemplated within the scope of the following claims.