APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR READILY CHANGING CALIBERS OF BLIND BOX MAGAZINE FIREARMS

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to blind box magazine firearms and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for readily changing calibers of blind box magazine firearms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For reference, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2010/0281737 (Cahill) taught and disclosed a “Rifle magazine”that was detachable from a rifle.

Whereas, an internal box, integral box, and/or fixed magazine—also known as, a blind box magazine (when lacking a floorplate)—may be built into firearms and not easily removable. These types of magazine may most often be found on bolt-action rifles. Usually, an internal box magazine may be charged by manual action, one round at a time, or by means of a stripper clip which may help to align the cartridges.

Firearms may have typically been designed and/or built with a single caliber in mind. Such firearms often may have featured critical geometries, such as, for example, in the geometries of feed lips that were cut into the receivers. Many such firearms may have been limited to a single caliber for the duration of their lives.

However, should a firearm (perhaps especially, for example, a modular firearm) be developed for the caliber to be changed in a matter of a few minutes, these geometries may become problematic. Among other things, the feed lips required for one caliber may greatly differ from those that would be suited to another caliber.

In very small frame receivers, many distinct sets of feed lip geometries could be required for consistent and/or reliable ammunition storage and/or feeding. For example, there may be seven (7) or more distinct sets of feed lip geometries that could be required for consistent and/or reliable ammunition storage and/or feeding in receivers suited for .223 Remington cartridges. In this platform size, these distinct sets of feed lip geometries may be required for functioning with more than a hundred (100+) different cartridge types that may be available.

For example, as an aside, the widely popular AR platform may have many different/variant cartridges available. Among other things, some companies may have created AR pattern rifles that departed from standard AR dimensions in order to accommodate other types of ammunition that did not fit into those standard dimensions. Also, some calibers may have used proprietary cases that were specific to given cartridges. Whereas, other cartridges may have been derived by reforming existing cases and/or trimming cartridge lengths in order to arrive at case-shapes that met certain standard/specified dimensions. Other platforms—such as, for example, the Tavor X95 platform offered by Israel Weapon Industries (I.W.I) Ltd. of Ramat Hasharon, Israel—may rely on AR15 pattern magazines, despite having a significantly different look and/or operation. However, rifles and pistols patterned after the AR15 platform may have tended to use detachable box magazines.

What may be needed is a technology which may preferably be extended to smaller and/or larger frame receivers, and/or which may preferably cover all ammunition types.

Background information provided herein is to share information which may be believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended (nor is it to be construed) that any of the preceding information constitutes “prior art”to the present invention.

What may be needed is an apparatus and method for readily changing calibers of blind box magazine firearms.

It may be an object according to one aspect of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for readily changing calibers of blind box magazine firearms.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more disadvantages and/or shortcomings associated with the prior art, to meet or provide for one or more desires, benefits, needs and/or advantages, and/or to achieve one or more objects of the invention—one or more of which may preferably be readily appreciable by and/or suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings and/or disclosures hereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for readily changing a caliber of cartridges in a firearm. The firearm preferably has a blind box magazine well with a retaining member. (The retaining member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided as part of a lower and/or upper receiver of the firearm.) The apparatus preferably includes at least one magazine, at least one follower, at least one floorplate member, and/or at least one spring. The magazine is preferably sized and/or adapted for a first aforesaid caliber. The magazine is preferably adapted to securely engage the retaining member, preferably in selectively detachable relation, within the blind box magazine well. The magazine preferably has a top magazine end portion that is preferably shaped to define a feed lip opening, and/or a bottom magazine end portion that is preferably shaped to define a bottom opening therethrough. The follower is preferably disposed in sliding relation within the magazine. The floorplate member is preferably adapted to securely engage the firearm and/or to securely enclose the magazine. The spring (e.g., coil spring, spiral spring, conical spring, torsion spring, leaf spring, and/or extension spring) preferably extends through the bottom opening and/or has a bottom spring end portion that preferably securely engages the floorplate member. The spring preferably has a top spring end portion that securely engages the follower and/or biases the follower towards the feed lip opening. Preferably, when a first aforesaid magazine is selectively detached from the retaining member and/or removed from the blind box magazine well, a second aforesaid magazine (that is sized and/or adapted for use with a second aforesaid caliber) preferably can securely engage the retaining member. Preferably, in this manner, the caliber of the cartridges can be readily changed in the firearm.

According to one aspect of the invention, the floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, limit a size of the magazine that fits within the blind box magazine well. The floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, limit a maximum number of the aforesaid cartridges that can be held by the magazine.

According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, also include a limiting member. The limiting member may preferably, but need not necessarily, limit a maximum number of the aforesaid cartridges that can be held by the magazine.

According to one aspect of the invention, the limiting member may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a rod that extends within the spring. The rod may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage the follower. Preferably when the magazine holds the maximum number of the aforesaid cartridges, the spring may preferably, but need not necessarily, be at least partially compressed with the rod engaging the floorplate member. Preferably in this manner, the maximum number of the aforesaid cartridges that can be held by the magazine may preferably, but need not necessarily, be limited as aforesaid.

According to one aspect of the invention, the limiting member may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a rod that securely engages the follower. The rod may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend within the spring. Preferably as such, the rod may preferably, but need not necessarily, at least partially protect the spring against tumbling within the magazine.

According to one aspect of the invention, one or more side walls of the magazine may preferably, but need not necessarily, be formed (e.g., through crimping and/or riveting) to restrict motion of the follower. Preferably in this manner, the maximum number of the aforesaid cartridges that can be held by the magazine may preferably, but need not necessarily, be limited as aforesaid.

According to one aspect of the invention, the maximum number of the aforesaid cartridges that can be held by the magazine may preferably, but need not necessarily, be ten or fewer. And, according to another aspect of the invention, the maximum number of the aforesaid cartridges that can be held by the magazine may more preferably, but need not necessarily, be five or fewer.

According to one aspect of the invention, a first aforesaid follower may preferably, but need not necessarily, sized and/or adapted for use with the first aforesaid caliber. Preferably when the first aforesaid magazine is selectively detached from the retaining member and/or removed from the blind box magazine well, (i) the first aforesaid follower may preferably, but need not necessarily, be removed from the firearm, and/or (ii) a second aforesaid follower (sized and/or adapted for use with the second aforesaid caliber) may preferably, but need not necessarily, be disposed in sliding relation within the second aforesaid magazine.

According to one aspect of the invention, the floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, directly engage the firearm. The floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be further adapted to securely enclose the blind box magazine well.

According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, be further adapted for use with a spring-loaded boss as the retaining member, and/or with a button on the firearm. The button may preferably, but need not necessarily, be selectively actuable to adjust a location of the spring-loaded boss (i) into secure engagement with the aforesaid magazine, and/or (ii) to detach the aforesaid magazine and/or remove the aforesaid magazine from the blind box magazine well.

According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining member (alternately herein, the “spring-loaded boss” or “mag catch”) may preferably, but need not necessarily, accurately position the feed lip opening of the magazine relative to the firearm—e.g., relative to a lower receiver of the firearm. And, for example, an upper receiver of the firearm (which mates with the lower receiver) may preferably, but need not necessarily, have mating surfaces to accurately position moving parts of the firearm—such as, for example, a bolt carrier of the upper receiver—relative to the lower receiver and the magazine. In some preferred embodiments, the retaining member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided as part of the upper receiver.

According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, be further adapted for use with a bolt/carrier of the firearm. The magazine may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a bolt catch actuation member that is effective to securely hold the bolt/carrier in a rear position after the magazine has been depleted of the cartridges.

According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, be further adapted for use with a multi-part structure as the blind box magazine well.

According to one aspect of the invention, the floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided, integral with the firearm, adjacent to the bottom of the blind box magazine well.

According to one aspect of the invention, the floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be selectively fastenable to the firearm, such that the floorplate member securely engages the firearm as aforesaid. In some preferred embodiments, the floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be selectively removed—e.g., when the magazine and/or the follower are likewise removed.

According to the invention, there is preferably also disclosed a method for readily changing a caliber of cartridges in a firearm. The firearm preferably has a blind box magazine well with a retaining member. The method preferably includes steps (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and/or (f). Preferably in step (a), the firearm is preferably provided with at least one magazine that is preferably sized and/or adapted for a first aforesaid caliber. Preferably, the magazine securely engages the retaining member, in selectively detachable relation, within the blind box magazine well. The magazine preferably has a top magazine end portion that is preferably shaped to define a feed lip opening, and/or a bottom magazine end portion that is preferably shaped to define a bottom opening therethrough. Preferably in step (b), the magazine is preferably provided with at least one follower. The follower is preferably disposed in sliding relation within the magazine. Preferably in step (c), at least one floorplate member is preferably provided that securely engages the firearm and/or securely encloses the magazine. Preferably in step (d), at least one spring is preferably provided that extends through the bottom opening and/or has a bottom spring end portion that preferably securely engages the floorplate member. The spring preferably has a top spring end portion that preferably securely engages the follower and/or biases the follower towards the feed lip opening. Preferably in step (e), a first aforesaid magazine is preferably selectively detached from the retaining member, and/or removed from the blind box magazine well. Preferably in step (f), a second aforesaid magazine is preferably provided that is sized and/or adapted for use with a second aforesaid caliber. The second aforesaid magazine preferably securely engages the retaining member. Preferably in this manner, the caliber of the cartridges may preferably be readily changed in the firearm.

According to one aspect of the invention, preferably in step (c), the floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, limit a size of the magazine that fits within the blind box magazine well, and/or limit a maximum number of the aforesaid cartridges that may preferably, but need not necessarily, be held by the magazine.

According to one aspect of the invention, the maximum number of the aforesaid cartridges that can be held by the magazine may preferably, but need not necessarily, be ten or fewer. And, according to another aspect of the invention, the maximum number of the aforesaid cartridges that can be held by the magazine may more preferably, but need not necessarily, be five or fewer.

According to one aspect of the invention, preferably in step (b), a first aforesaid follower may preferably, but need not necessarily, be sized and/or adapted for use with the first aforesaid caliber. Preferably in step (e), the first aforesaid follower may preferably, but need not necessarily, be removed from the firearm. Preferably in step (f), a second aforesaid follower (sized and/or adapted for use with the second aforesaid caliber) may preferably, but need not necessarily, be disposed in sliding relation within the second aforesaid magazine.

According to one aspect of the invention, preferably in step (c), the floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely enclose the blind box magazine well.

According to one aspect of the invention, preferably in step (c), the floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided integral with the firearm, and/or adjacent to the bottom of the blind box magazine well.

According to one aspect of the invention, preferably before step (c), the floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be selectively fastened to the firearm, such that the floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage the firearm in step (c) as aforesaid.

According to one aspect of the invention, preferably in steps (e) and/or (f), a first aforesaid spring may preferably, but need not necessarily, be removed from the firearm and replaced with a second aforesaid spring, for example, when the follower is likewise replaced. In some preferred embodiments, the floorplate member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be selectively removed—e.g., when the magazine and/or the follower are likewise removed.

Other advantages, features, and/or characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, operation, and/or the combination of parts, features, and/or economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of this detailed description with reference to the figures which accompany this application, and/or to any figures which may accompany any applications claiming priority herefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, and related devices, systems, and/or methods according to the present invention, as to their structure, organization, use, and/or method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be better understood from the figures which accompany this application, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that such figures have been provided for the purpose of illustration and/or description only, and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a right side elevational view of a lower receiver for a firearm, with a blind box magazine, that is provided with a floorplate member according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a right side partially sectional view of the lower receiver and floorplate member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side partially sectional view of a blind box magazine, a follower, and a spring according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the spring of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a right side partially sectional view of the blind box magazine, with the follower and spring, of FIG. 3 securely engaging the lower receiver and the floorplate member of FIG. 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the blind box magazine of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is rear, top, right side perspective view of a firearm receiver with a separate a blind box magazine well, with which a preferred embodiment of the invention is also adapted for use; and

FIG. 8 is a right side partially sectional view of a blind box magazine, similar to FIG. 5, with a round capacity limiter extending from the floorplate member, according another preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure, including the accompanying drawings, may include one or more numbers, words, phrases, sentences, arrangements, and/or configurations which may be included by way of example. It may bear repeating, in this respect specifically, that such drawings and/or this disclosure are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “comprising” as used herein will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may (or may not) include any other additional suitable items, for example one or more further feature(s), component(s) and/or element(s) as appropriate.

Generally, FIGS. 1 to 7 depict an apparatus 20 for readily changing a caliber of cartridges in a firearm 20 having a lower receiver 22 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. As perhaps best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the firearm 20 preferably has a blind box magazine well 24 with side walls 26 and a retaining member (in the form of a spring-loaded boss) 28. The blind box magazine well 24 may, in some preferred embodiments according to the invention, have a multi-part structure—e.g., as may be appreciated from FIG. 2. The four side walls 26 of the well 24 often may be differently shaped relative to each other. The side walls 26 may or may not be permanently attached, and/or the magazine well 24 may be used to support and/or locate one or more sections of the side walls 26.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 5, the apparatus 40 preferably includes a magazine 50, a follower 70, a floorplate member 80, and a spring 90. The apparatus 40 is preferably adapted for use with a button 30 on the firearm 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The button 30 is preferably selectively actuable to adjust a location of the spring-loaded boss 28 (i) into secure engagement with the magazine 50, and (ii) to detach and remove the magazine 50 from the blind box magazine well 24.

The magazine 50 is preferably sized and adapted for a particular caliber of cartridges. As may be best appreciated from FIGS. 2 and 5, the magazine 50 is preferably adapted to securely engage the retaining member 28, in selectively detachable relation, within the blind box magazine well 24. As best seen in FIG. 3, the magazine 50 preferably has a top magazine end portion 54 that is shaped to define a feed lip opening 56, and a bottom magazine end portion 58 that is preferably shaped to define a bottom opening 60 therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 3, the follower 70 is preferably in sliding relation within the magazine 50. The apparatus 40 preferably also includes a limiting member 72. The limiting member 72 preferably takes the form of a rod that extends within the spring 90. The rod 72 preferably securely engages the follower 70. (In some preferred embodiments, however, the limiting member or rod 72 may instead, or in addition, securely engage the floorplate member 80 and/or the sides. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus 40 may preferably include a round capacity limiter 72A that securely engages and extends upwardly from the floorplate member 80 within the spring 90.) As such, the rod 72 preferably protects the follower 70 and the spring 90 against tumbling within the magazine 50.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the floorplate member 80 is preferably adapted to directly and securely engage the firearm 20 and to securely enclose the blind box magazine well 24 and the magazine 50. The floorplate member 80 thus preferably limits a size of the magazine 50 that fits within the blind box magazine well 24.

In some preferred embodiments according to the invention, the floorplate member 80 is provided, integral with the firearm 20, adjacent to the bottom of the blind box magazine well 24. (For example, it may be part of the same metal that the remainder of the firearm 20 is made from.) In other preferred embodiments, the floorplate member 80 is selectively fastenable to the firearm 20 in the aforesaid secure engagement. (For example, it may be a slide-in component.)

When the magazine 50 holds the maximum number of cartridges, the spring 90 is preferably at least partially compressed, with the rod 72 engaging (or more closely engaging) the floorplate member 80. (As may be best appreciated from FIG. 8, in some preferred embodiments, when the magazine 50 holds the maximum number of cartridges, the spring 90 is preferably at least partially compressed with the round capacity limiter 72A then engaging the follower 70.) Preferably, the limiting member 72 and/or the round capacity limiter 72A, together with the floorplate member 80 thus limit the maximum number of cartridges that can be held by the magazine 50. The maximum number of cartridges that can be held by the magazine 50 is preferably ten (10) or fewer, and more preferably, in some preferred embodiments, five (5) or fewer.

As shown in FIG. 5, the spring 90 extends through the bottom opening 60 and has a bottom spring end portion 94 that securely engages the floorplate member 80. The spring 90 preferably has a top spring end portion 92 that securely engages the follower 70 and biases the follower 70 towards the feed lip opening 56.

Preferably, when a first magazine 50 is selectively detached from the retaining member 28 and removed from the blind box magazine well 24, a second magazine 50 (that is sized and adapted for use with a different caliber of cartridges) can securely engage the retaining member 28. Each magazine 50 has a follower 70 that is preferably sized and adapted for use with a particular caliber of cartridges. So, after the first magazine 50 is selectively detached from the retaining member 28 and removed from the blind box magazine well 24, (i) the first follower 70 is preferably also removed from the firearm 20, and (ii) a second follower 70 (sized and adapted for use with a different caliber) is disposed in sliding relation within the second magazine 50. In this manner, the caliber of the cartridges can be readily changed in the firearm 20.

The apparatus 40 is preferably also adapted for use with a bolt/carrier (not shown) of the firearm 20. The magazine 50 preferably includes a bolt catch actuation member 57 that is effective—e.g., indirectly, via action of another member (not shown)—to securely hold the bolt/carrier in a rear position after the magazine 50 has been depleted of cartridges.

In a corresponding method, the caliber of cartridges in the firearm 20 can be readily changed. In step (a) of the method, the firearm 20 is provided with the magazine 50. The magazine 50 securely engages the retaining member 28, in selectively detachable relation, within the blind box magazine well 24, as shown in FIG. 5.

In step (b) of the method, the magazine 50 is preferably provided with the follower 70 in sliding relation therewithin, as shown in FIG. 3. This first follower 70 is sized and adapted for use with a first caliber of cartridges.

In step (c), the floorplate member 80 is preferably in secure engagement with the firearm 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The floorplate member 80 securely encloses the blind box magazine well 24 and the magazine 50, as shown in FIG. 5. The floorplate member 80 limits a size of the magazine 50 that fits within the blind box magazine well 24 and, thus, limits the maximum number of cartridges that can be held by the magazine 50. The maximum number of cartridges that can be held by the magazine 50 is preferably ten (10) or fewer, and more preferably, in some preferred embodiments, five (5) or fewer.

In step (c), the floorplate member 80 can be provided integrally with the firearm 20, adjacent to the bottom of the blind box magazine well 24. Or, before step (c), the floorplate member 80 can be selectively fastened to the firearm 20, such that the floorplate member 80 then securely engages the firearm 20 in step (c) as aforesaid.

In step (d) of the method, the spring 90 preferably extends through the bottom opening 60 of the magazine 50, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The bottom spring end portion 94 securely engages the floorplate member 80. As shown in FIG. 5, the top spring end portion 92 securely engages and biases the follower 70 towards the feed lip opening 56.

In step (e), the first magazine 50 is selectively detached from the retaining member 28. The first magazine 50 and the first follower 70—both sized and adapted for use with a first caliber of cartridges—are selectively removed from the blind box magazine well 24.

Finally, in step (f) of the method, a second follower 70 is disposed in sliding relation within the second magazine 50. The second magazine 50 and the second follower 70—both sized and adapted for use with a different caliber-are inserted into the magazine well 24, with the second magazine 50 securely engaging the retaining member 28. In this manner, the caliber of the cartridges may preferably be readily changed in the firearm. This said, some follower and magazine/feed lip combinations work with multiple calibers, and ordinarily skilled persons will readily appreciate (in view of the teachings and disclosures herein) that the present invention is broad enough to encompass such embodiments.

As used herein, the term “blind box magazine” 50 may preferably refer to a cartridge storage device that holds any number of cartridges (not shown) in a vertically stacked type orientation. Preferably, it typically does not have an enclosed bottom to support any follower spring(s) 90. The blind box magazine 50 is held into position by retaining features 28 in the receiver 20 or stock of the firearm. The spatial location of the magazine 50 may be somewhat critical, for example, so the cartridges are in the correct location for feeding into the chamber of the firearms. This positioning may affect semi-automatic, slide action, bolt action, and/or all other firearm's action during feeding from a box style magazine 50.

The bottomless internal magazine 50 is preferably retained in lateral position through the use of one or more locating features such as bosses 28 extending from the inside of the magazine well 24 and or the walls 26 of the magazine well 24 itself. These bosses 28 can be permanently attached into the magazine well 24 through initial manufacturing (for example, either machining or molding). A more common strategy may be to have the features attached to a spring loaded shaft that is constantly working to maintain position. Conversely, the features can be functionally fixed in place through the use of secondary parts to block the motion of the spring loaded shaft. The sides of the magazine 50 can be a variety of lengths so long as they are always shorter than the maximum magazine well 24 depth.

The magazine well 24 assembly can comprise of one or more pieces. One notable method to make such an assembly may involve using a single piece, such as, for example, billet aluminum or molded plastic. Another common method might be to use two or more pieces that attach together via attachment means, such as, for example, screws, bolts, pins, and/or other locking features (such as, for example, dovetails). Such an assembly of parts could preferably comprise the magazine well 24.

The blind box magazine 50 can potentially be changed by sliding through the top of the receiver 20 once the locking, locating features 28 are adjusted to facilitate such motion. Conversely, in the case of a multi-piece design, the magazine 50 insert can be changed by separating the pieces of the multi-piece design to access the inside of the magazine well 24.

A limiting rod 72 or feature can be inserted into the magazine 50 to limit the maximum number of cartridges it is capable of holding.

The magazine 50 can feature many types of followers 70 or pusher to move the cartridges to the feed lip area 56. These may preferably include, but are not limited to, standard, anti-tilt, and/or sled type followers 70 as may be common in the firearms industry. A standard follower 70 keeps upwards pressure on the cartridges and may also help to arrange the cartridges in a multi-column stack design. An anti-tilt follower 70 may preferably reduce, minimize, and/or eliminate any potential for the follower 70 to tumble in the magazine 50 thus spilling the cartridges internally and jamming. A sled type follower is used in some large cartridge designs, and/or for reducing or minimizing any damage potential to cartridges during loading.

The magazine 50 may or may not feature geometries to activate a bolt catch mechanism. This mechanism preferably holds the bolt/carrier in a rear position, after the magazine 50 is depleted of cartridges. This preferably creates a highly visible queue that the cartridges are depleted from the magazine 50.

Cartridges can preferably be loaded into the magazine through opening the action of the firearm or in some cases separating the upper and lower receivers 20 of a firearm to get access to the feed lip area 56. The cartridges are pressed through the feed lips 56 into an interior storage area of the magazine 50. Cartridges can be loaded one at a time, or via a stripper clip device such that several cartridges are connected on an intermediate rail of sorts and are capable of rapidly being inserted into the magazine 50.

The apparatus 40 according to the invention is for a new type of blind box magazine 50 firearm that is readily multi-caliber capable. Further, although the operation of certain embodiments has been described in detail using specific equipment resources and certain detailed process steps, different equipment resources, machines, and/or robotic resources may be used, and some of the steps may be omitted or other similar steps may be substituted, without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments incorporating the inventive features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

A high level description of the method is detailed in association with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 depicts a modular type firearm receiver featuring a blind box magazine 50. From FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that most other features of the firearm—i.e., apart from the receiver 20 and ammunition source—can be built from standard components. The entire apparatus shown in FIG. 1 comprises the lower receiver 20.

The well 24 of the lower receiver 20 has side walls 26, 26. A button 30 may be used to activate a spring loaded boss 28 to position the magazine 50 vertically within the magazine well 24.

FIG. 2 depicts the lower receiver 20 in partial section. The magazine well walls 26, 26 and a floorplate member 80 will preferably support the blind box magazine 50.

A spring 90 inside the blind box magazine 50 preferably pushes off the floorplate member 80 to apply vertical pressure to the follower 70 and thus the cartridges. The locating boss 28 preferably positions the magazine 50 vertically within the magazine well 24.

It may be appreciated that, in its entirety, FIG. 2 depicts a potential example of one half of a multi-part magazine well 24 attached to a lower 20 that might be connected through welding or brazing.

FIG. 3 is a partially sectional view of a blind box magazine 50. The follower 70 preferably makes contact with the cartridges. The depicted follower 70, for example, preferably has an anti-tilt design showing trailing front and back features to interface with the magazine walls 52. The magazine walls 52 preferably have features to assist the follower 70 in following the ideal motion path and for stiffening the magazine 50. It may be worthwhile to note that the magazine walls 52 preferably do not connect at the bottom 58. The spring 90 that pushes between follower 70 and the floorplate member 80.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a magazine capacity limiting device 72 that can be inserted inside the magazine 50 body to limit the motion of the follower 70. The limiting device 72 is preferably wrapped by the spring 90.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view example of the blind box magazine 50 secured into the magazine well 24. The positioning bosses 28 of the magazine well 24 interface with the blind box magazine 50. The bottom portion 58 of the walls 52 of the blind box magazine 50 stop short of the floorplate member 80. A bottom portion 94 of the spring 90 inside the magazine 50 extends past the bottom portion 58 of the blind box magazine 50 to make contact with the floorplate member 80. A top portion 54 of the blind box magazine 50 extends past the top of the magazine well 24 to position cartridges for chambering.

FIG. 6 depicts the blind bottom magazine 50 removed from the firearm. The feed lip region 56 of the magazine 50 has geometries and requirements which can change depending on the cartridge geometries including overall length, projectile profile, projectile diameter, case taper, et al.

FIG. 7 shows a blind box magazine well 24 that is not integral to the firearms receiver 20. In this case, the magazine well 24 is part of a trigger guard 32. The firearm in FIG. 1 does not have a trigger guard 32 as that is optional equipment in that firearm design. The firearm 20 shown in FIG. 7 has a barrel portion 34 and a separate trigger guard 32 which has side walls 26. The feed lips 56 are integral with the blind box magazine 50 and are thus not part of the receiver 20.

A method and apparatus for readily changing the caliber of an internal box magazine firearm has been described. Numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Other variations and modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and therefore it is understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented merely as exemplary to enable a complete understanding of the invention. Such variations and modifications as are embraced by the scope of the description are contemplated as within the purview of the present invention.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains and are herein incorporated by reference. The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

According to the invention, the devices, systems, and/or methods preferably offer new, inventive, and advantageous utilities and functionalities.

Methods according to the invention may preferably, but need not necessarily, include one or more of the above steps (preferably, but not necessarily, performed in the above order).

The invention is contemplated for use by or in association with blind box magazine firearms. The invention, however, is not so limited. Other embodiments, which fall within the scope of the invention, may be provided.

Preferably, devices, systems, and/or methods according to the invention may be used for, and afford advantageous utilities with, applications and/or environments other than those associated with blind box magazine firearms.

The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.

Naturally, in view of the teachings and disclosures herein, persons having ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that alternate designs and/or embodiments of the invention may be possible (e.g., with substitution of one or more components for others, with alternate configurations of components, etc). Although some of the components, relations, configurations and/or steps according to the invention are not specifically referenced in the accompanying drawings or in association with one another, they may be used, and/or adapted for use, in association therewith. For example, features may be depicted or discussed herein in the context of the apparatus or device, which clearly could be recast as the steps of a method. (And, vice-versa.) All of the depicted and aforementioned and various other features, steps, inter-workings, structures, configurations, relationships, utilities, and/or the like (any of which may be depicted and/or based hereon) may be, but are not necessarily, incorporated into and/or achieved by the invention. Any one or more of the depicted and aforementioned features, steps, inter-workings, structures, configurations, relationships, utilities and the like may be implemented in and/or by the invention, on their own, and/or without reference, regard or likewise implementation of any of the other depicted or aforementioned features, steps, inter-workings, structures, configurations, relationships, utilities and the like, in various permutations and combinations, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the pith, marrow, and spirit of the disclosed invention.

Other modifications and alterations may be used in the design, manufacture, and/or implementation of other embodiments according to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the claims hereof.