CN110726330A

CN110726330A - Magazine loader

Info

Publication number: CN110726330A
Application number: CN201910639320.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: P·R·费希尔
Original assignee: Wei Shide Field Equipment Co Ltd
Current assignee: Wei Shide Field Equipment Co Ltd; Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
Priority date: 2018-07-16
Filing date: 2019-07-16
Publication date: 2020-01-24
Also published as: EP3598056A1; TW202016491A

Abstract

A magazine loader for loading a batch of rimmed projectiles into a tubular rifle magazine. In an embodiment, the magazine loader comprises: an elongated body comprising a hopper portion and a tubular magazine receiving portion having a circular aperture for receiving a tubular rifle magazine. In an embodiment, the body defines a feed channel extending between the hopper portion and the circular aperture of the tubular magazine receiving portion. The body extending along the feed channel may define: a first cartridge orientation channel defined by a first cartridge orientation section; a second cartridge orientation channel defined by a second cartridge orientation feature; a third projectile orientation channel defined by a third projectile orientation section; and a fourth bullet orientation channel defined by a fourth bullet orientation section.

Description

Magazine loader

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation of the united states patent application serial No.29/575, 016 filed 2016, 8, 22, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

In order to maintain proficiency with various types of firearms, military personnel, law enforcement, and hunters frequently participate in targeting exercises. In hunting sports, the shooter practice is such that shots can be taken with care to ensure a quick, clean and humane kill. For military personnel, good shooting techniques may create a difference between wins and losses on the battlefield. The practice of shooting is usually performed at a shooting range, and 300 or more bullets are fired at each practice. The cost of firing 300 rounds of ammunition can be reduced by using a firearm that can fire 22 caliber long rifle rim round ammunition. The design of such ammunition enables it to be manufactured at relatively low cost and millions of 22 caliber rifles have been produced to use it. Many popular 22 caliber rifles utilize a tubular magazine that extends below the barrel of the rifle. A magazine loader suitable for use with a tubular magazine for 22 caliber rifles would be welcomed by the market.

Disclosure of Invention

A magazine loader for loading a batch of rimmed projectiles into a tubular rifle magazine is disclosed. In an embodiment, the magazine loader comprises: an elongate body comprising a hopper portion and a tubular magazine receiving portion having a circular aperture for receiving a tubular rifle magazine. In an embodiment, the body defines a feed channel extending between the hopper portion and the circular aperture of the tubular rifle magazine receiving portion. The body extending along the feed channel may comprise: the device comprises a first bullet orientation part, a second bullet orientation part, a third bullet orientation part and a fourth bullet orientation part. The body extending along the feed channel may define: a first cartridge orientation channel defined by a first cartridge orientation section; a second cartridge orientation channel defined by a second cartridge orientation feature; a third projectile orientation channel defined by a third projectile orientation section; and a fourth bullet orientation channel defined by a fourth bullet orientation section.

In an embodiment, the magazine loader may include a closable hopper cover at the top of the hopper section, an adjustable shot size selector at the bottom of the hopper section, and a movable door positioned in the body between the second and third shot orientation sections. In an embodiment, the magazine loader is manually graspable, tiltable and shakable, and has a magazine loading position in which the magazine loader is positioned horizontally or slightly tilted at an acute angle to the horizontal; a passage loading and bullet orientation mode in which the magazine loader is rocked with the magazine loader at an oblique angle; and a magazine loading mode in which the loader is almost upright or at an acute angle to the vertical and a portion of the tubular magazine is inserted into the tubular magazine receiving portion.

In an embodiment, the hopper portion defines a hopper cavity sized to receive the unordered batch of gun projectiles. In an embodiment, the hopper chamber opens into a three-sided passage of the feed channel defined by two passage wall portions and a passage floor. In an embodiment, the body has a pair of opposing shoulders extending along the upward portion of the three-sided channel for holding the rimmed end of the bullet upward in the three-sided channel. At the three-sided passage, the body may define a first bullet-orienting feature. In an embodiment, the three-sided pathway has a first height, wherein when a plurality of unordered projectiles enter the three-sided pathway, the projectiles are directed toward a front first orientation and are arranged side-by-side in a side-by-side ordered upright first row in the three-sided pathway. In an embodiment, an adjustable shot size selector may be used to select the number of shots disposed in the three-sided passage.

In an embodiment, the three-sided channel extends into the second bullet-orienting channel at a second bullet-orienting portion of the body, wherein the second bullet-orienting portion has two opposing channel wall portions, a floor portion and a roof portion. In an embodiment, the second bullet-orienting channel has a second height that is less than the first height of the three-sided passage. In an embodiment, a pair of opposing shoulders extends into the second cartridge orientation channel, whereby a plurality of cartridges in a side-by-side ordered upright first row enter the second cartridge orientation channel, wherein each cartridge is tilted forward with the flanged end forward and side-by-side in an inclined row.

In an embodiment, the second projectile orientation channel extends into a third projectile orientation channel defined by a third projectile orientation portion of the body. In an embodiment, the third projectile orientation feature of the body defines a third projectile orientation channel having converging top and bottom plates. In an embodiment, the third projectile orientation portion of the body defines a third projectile orientation channel that converges to the third channel. In an embodiment, the third channel is smaller than the second height. In an embodiment, the third projectile orientation section of the body defines a third projectile orientation channel adapted and dimensioned such that a plurality of projectiles in a rimmed end forward and side by side inclined row rotate by gravity to form a rimmed end to nose end row. In an embodiment, the third projectile orientation channel extends into a fourth projectile orientation channel defined by a fourth projectile orientation portion of the body. In an embodiment, the fourth bullet orientation section of the body defines a fourth bullet orientation channel adapted and dimensioned such that gravity feeds, orients and/or guides the plurality of bullets into alignment with the tubular rifle magazine for loading the bullets into the tubular rifle magazine.

In an embodiment, the magazine loader comprises a spring having a first end seated against the movable door member and a second end seated against the body. The spring may apply a spring biasing force to the movable door member. The spring biasing force may bias the movable door member toward the closed position. In an embodiment, the moveable door member comprises a T-shaped portion. In an embodiment, the T-shaped portion has a downwardly extending leg and two finger-engaging tabs. In an embodiment, the first finger-engaging tab extends away from the downwardly extending leg in a first direction, the second finger-engaging tab extends away from the downwardly extending leg in a second direction, and the second direction is opposite the first direction. In an embodiment, the body of the magazine loader comprises a first cover part and a second cover part. In an embodiment, the first finger-engaging tab of the movable door member extends through the first cover portion and the second finger-engaging tab of the movable door member extends through the second cover portion.

In an embodiment, the magazine loader comprises an adjustable-shot-size selector slidably supported by the body and positioned at the bottom of the hopper cavity. In an embodiment, an adjustable shot size selector is positioned to selectively or continuously cover the upper open cover portion of the three-sided passage. The length of the cover portion may vary as the adjustable shot size selector slides relative to the body. In an embodiment, the hopper cavity defined by the hopper section is sized to receive an unordered batch of projectiles, and the hopper cavity opens into a three-sided passage at its bottom. In an embodiment, the bottom of the hopper portion is funnel shaped such that upon shaking of the hopper portion, a plurality of unordered projectiles enter the three-sided passage, wherein the projectiles are directed toward the front first orientation and are arranged side-by-side in a first row in the three-sided passage. In an embodiment, a first group of the projectiles that are arranged side-by-side in the first row in the three-sided passage are disposed below the adjustable projectile volume selector, and a second group of the projectiles that are arranged side-by-side in the first row in the three-sided passage are not disposed below the adjustable projectile volume selector. The magazine loader may be tilted toward a vertical orientation so that the cartridges in the second group that are not disposed below the adjustable cartridge size selector fall out of the three-sided passage and into the hopper cavity. The number of cartridges remaining in the three-sided path may be determined by the position of the adjustable cartridge tape amount selector when the magazine loader is tilted toward a vertical orientation. In an embodiment, the adjustable shot size selector includes a pointer and the body includes a size indicating indicia. In an embodiment, the quantity indicators are positioned such that a pointer of the adjustable shot quantity selector points to one of the quantity indicators corresponding to the number of shots remaining in the three-sided passage after the magazine loader is tilted toward the vertical orientation. Once the selected quantity of cartridges is placed in the three-sided access, the selected quantity of cartridges can be loaded into the tubular rifle magazine.

In an embodiment, a method for loading a batch of rimmed cartridges into a tubular rifle magazine may include providing a magazine loader including an adjustable cartridge size selector slidably supported by a body and positioned at a bottom of a hopper cavity defined by the body. In an embodiment, the adjustable shot size selector is positioned to selectively or continuously cover a three-sided access cover portion that opens to an upper opening of the hopper cavity. The length of the cover portion may vary as the adjustable shot size selector slides relative to the body. In an embodiment, the bottom of the hopper portion is funnel shaped such that upon shaking the hopper portion, a plurality of unordered projectiles enter the three-sided passage, wherein the projectiles are directed toward the front end first orientation and are arranged side-by-side in a first row in the three-sided passage. In an embodiment, a first group of the bullets in the three-sided pathway arranged side-by-side in a first row is disposed below the adjustable shot size selector, and a second group of the bullets in the three-sided pathway arranged side-by-side in the first row is not disposed below the adjustable shot size selector. The magazine loader may be tilted away from the vertical orientation so that the cartridges in the second group that are not disposed below the adjustable shot size selector fall out of the three-sided passage and into the hopper cavity. The number of rounds remaining in the three-sided path may be determined by the position of the adjustable round selector when the magazine loader is tilted away from the vertical orientation. In an embodiment, the adjustable shot size selector includes a pointer and the body includes an amount indicating indicia. In an embodiment, the quantity indicating indicia are positioned such that a pointer of the adjustable shot quantity selector points to one of the quantity indicating indicia corresponding to the number of shots remaining in the three-sided passage after the magazine loader is tilted toward the vertical orientation. Once the selected quantity of cartridges is placed in the three-sided access, the selected quantity of cartridges can be loaded into the tubular rifle magazine.

A feature and advantage of an embodiment is a magazine loader including an adjustable shot size selector. An adjustable shot size selector may be used to select the number of shots to be loaded into the tubular magazine.

A feature and advantage of an embodiment is a magazine loader including a movable door with left and right finger engagement tabs. The door can be selectively opened to begin loading the cartridge into the tubular magazine.

A feature and advantage of an embodiment is a magazine loader that cooperates with a tubular rifle magazine. Features and advantages of embodiments relate to providing a magazine loader capable of receiving tubular magazines from a variety of makes and models of firearms without requiring user adjustment of the magazine loader. The cavity of the magazine loader has sufficient clearance around each tubular magazine to provide multiple magazine fits. For example, a user may load magazines on multiple firearms of different makes and/or models during an access range.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a magazine loader including a gravity operated mechanism that feeds and orients projectiles from an unordered batch into a row of projectiles arranged in an end-to-end arrangement.

A magazine loader for loading rimmed rounds into tubular rifle magazines of rifles is provided. In an embodiment, a magazine loader comprises a body including a hopper portion, a magazine receiving portion, a first bullet orienting portion, a second bullet orienting portion, a third bullet orienting portion, and a fourth bullet orienting portion. In an embodiment, the magazine receiving portion defines a cylindrical magazine receiving bore extending along the magazine insertion and withdrawal axis. In an embodiment, the magazine insertion and ejection axis extends in a rearward direction and a forward direction relative to the body. The body is rotatable between a horizontal position and a vertical position, the insertion and withdrawal axis extends horizontally when the body is in the horizontal position, and the hopper portion is located above the first bullet-directing portion; and when the body is in the vertical position, the hopper portion is located above the magazine receiving portion and the insertion and withdrawal axis is slightly extended.

In an embodiment, the hopper portion defines a hopper cavity sized to receive the unordered batch of gun projectiles. In an embodiment, the hopper cavity opens into a first passage defined by the first bullet orienting portion. In an embodiment, the hopper portion defines a hopper cavity sized to receive an unordered batch of bullets. In an embodiment, the hopper portion has a V-shape such that, when the hopper portion is agitated, a plurality of disordered projectiles enter the first projectile orientation portion in a leading first orientation and are sequentially arranged in a row along the first projectile orientation portion.

In an embodiment, the first bullet orienting portion includes two opposing passage wall portions, the first passage wall portion defining a first passage to the funnel cavity. In an embodiment, the width of the first passage is selected such that the projectile portion of each projectile enters the first passage but the edge portion of each projectile does not enter the first passage. In this case, each bullet may be suspended vertically by its edge when the body assumes a horizontal orientation.

In an embodiment, the second projectile orientation feature includes two opposing passage wall portions defining a second passage leading to the first passage defined by the first projectile orientation feature. In an embodiment, each cartridge drops by gravity from the first passage into the second passage when the body is rotated to the vertical orientation. In an embodiment, the depth of the second passage is selected such that the projectile portion of each projectile contacts the second projectile orientation surface when the body is rotated to a vertical orientation. In an embodiment, each cartridge drops by gravity from the first passage into the second passage and rotates to an inclined orientation when the projectile portion of each cartridge contacts the second cartridge orientation surface.

In an embodiment, the third projectile orientation feature is sized and configured such that when each projectile falls out of the second passage by gravity, an edge of each projectile contacts an edge engagement and orientation surface of the third projectile orientation feature. In an embodiment, the fourth projectile orientation feature comprises a fourth orientation surface oriented such that when the projectiles contact the fourth orientation surface, the projectiles rotate to an orientation in which the longitudinal axes of the projectiles are parallel to the insertion and withdrawal axis, whereby each projectile falls by gravity in an edge first orientation through the projectile receiving aperture.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a magazine loader according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a stylized perspective view of a magazine loader according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3A is a front view of a rifle and magazine loader according to a specific embodiment.

Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of a magazine loader according to an embodiment.

Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of a magazine loader according to an embodiment.

Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of a magazine loader according to an embodiment.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of a magazine loader according to an embodiment.

Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a magazine loader according to a particular embodiment.

Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a magazine loader according to a particular embodiment.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a magazine loader according to an embodiment.

Figure 9 is a front view of the magazine loader shown in figure 8 with the magazine loader oriented vertically.

Figure 10 is a rear view of the magazine loader shown in figure 8 with the magazine loader oriented vertically.

Figure 11 is a left side view of the magazine loader shown in figure 8 with the magazine loader oriented vertically.

Figure 12 is a right side view of the magazine loader shown in figure 8 with the magazine loader oriented vertically.

Figure 13 is a bottom view of the magazine loader shown in figure 8 with the magazine loader oriented vertically.

Figure 14 is a top view of the magazine loader shown in figure 8 with the magazine loader oriented vertically.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a magazine loader according to an embodiment. In the embodiment of fig. 15, the closable cover of the magazine loader has been removed for illustrative purposes.

While embodiments of the disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1-3B, a magazine loader 100 for loading a batch of rimmed projectiles 102 into a tubular rifle magazine 104 is disclosed. In an embodiment, the magazine loader 100 comprises an elongated body 106, the elongated body 106 comprising a hopper portion 108 and a tubular magazine receiving portion 110, the tubular magazine receiving portion 110 having a circular aperture 112 for receiving the tubular rifle magazine 104. In an embodiment, the body 106 defines a feed channel 114 extending between the hopper section 108 and the circular aperture 112 of the tubular hopper receiving section 110. The body 106 extends along the feed channel 114 and may include a first shot orientation portion 116, a second shot orientation portion 118, a third shot orientation portion 120, and a fourth shot orientation portion 122. Extending along the feed channel 114, the body 106 may define a first bullet orientation channel 124 defined by the first bullet orientation feature 116, a second bullet orientation channel 126 defined by the second bullet orientation feature 118, a third bullet orientation channel 128 defined by the third bullet orientation feature 120, and a fourth bullet orientation channel 130 defined by the fourth bullet orientation feature 122.

Referring to fig. 1-3B and 9, the magazine loader 100 may include a closable hopper cover 132 at the top of the hopper section 108, an adjustable shot size selector 134 at the bottom of the hopper section 108, and a movable door 136 positioned in the body between the second shot orientation 118 and the third shot orientation 120. In an embodiment, the magazine loader 100 is manually retainable, tiltable and shakable, and has a magazine loading position in which the magazine loader 100 is positioned horizontally or at an acute angle to the horizontal with a slight tilt; a passage loading and bullet orientation mode in which the magazine loader is rocked with the magazine loader at an inclined angle; and a magazine loading mode in which the loader is generally upright or at an acute angle to the upright and a portion of the tubular magazine is inserted into the tubular magazine receiving portion.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3A, in an embodiment, the hopper portion 108 defines a hopper cavity 138, the hopper cavity 138 sized to receive an unordered batch of bullets 102. In an embodiment, the hopper chamber 138 leads to a three-sided passageway 140 of the feed channel 114 defined by two passageway wall portions 142 and a passageway floor 144. In an embodiment, body 106 has a pair of opposing shoulders 146 that extend along an upward portion of three-sided channel 140 for holding an flanged end of bullet 102 upward in three-sided channel 140. At the three-sided passage 140, the body 106 may define a first bullet-orienting feature 116. In an embodiment, three-sided passage 140 has a first height 148 wherein when a plurality of disordered projectiles 102 enter three-sided passage 140, projectiles 102 are directed toward a front first orientation and are arranged side-by-side in a side-by-side orderly upright first row 158 in three-sided passage 140. In an embodiment, the number of bullets 102 disposed in three-sided passage 140 may be selected using adjustable bullet amount selector 134.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, in an embodiment, a three-sided passage 140 extends into a second cartridge orientation channel 126 at the second cartridge orientation portion 118 of the body 106, the second cartridge orientation channel 126 having two opposing channel wall portions 150, a floor portion 152, and a roof portion 154. In an embodiment, the second bullet-orienting channel 126 has a second height 156, the second height 156 being less than the first height 148 of the three-sided channel 140. In an embodiment, a pair of opposing shoulders 146 extend into the second projectile orientation channel 126, whereby a plurality of projectiles in a side-by-side ordered upright first row 158 enter the second projectile orientation channel 126, each of the projectiles being inclined forwardly into a rim-end forward and side-by-side inclined row 160.

Referring to fig. 1-4, in an embodiment, the second projectile orientation channel 126 extends into a third projectile orientation channel 128 defined by the third projectile orientation feature 120 of the body 106. In an embodiment, the third projectile orientation feature 120 of the body 106 defines a third projectile orientation channel 128. The cartridge orientation channel 128 has converging top and bottom plates. In an embodiment, the third projectile orientation feature 120 of the body 106 defines a third projectile orientation channel 128 that converges to a third channel 162. In an embodiment, the third channel 162 is smaller than the second height 156. In an embodiment, the third projectile orientation feature 120 of the body 106 defines a third projectile orientation channel 128 that is adapted and dimensioned such that a plurality of projectiles in the rimmed end forward and side-by-side inclined row 160 rotate by gravity to form a rimmed end-to-nose end row 164. In an embodiment, the third projectile orientation channel 128 extends to a fourth projectile orientation channel 130 defined by the fourth projectile orientation portion 122 of the body 106. In an embodiment, the fourth bullet orientation portion 122 of the body 106 defines a fourth bullet orientation channel 130 that is adapted and dimensioned such that gravity feeds, orients, and/or guides a plurality of bullets into alignment with the tubular rifle orientation 104 to load the bullets 102 into the tubular rifle magazine 104.

Referring to fig. 2,5 and 6, in an embodiment, the magazine loader 100 includes a spring 168, the spring 168 having a first end seated against the movable door member 136 and a second end seated against the body 106. The spring 168 may apply a spring biasing force to the movable door member 136. The spring biasing force may bias the movable door toward the closed position. In an embodiment, the movable door member 136 includes a T-shaped portion 172. In an embodiment, the T-shaped portion 172 has a downwardly extending leg 174 and two finger engaging tabs 176. In an embodiment, the first finger-engaging tab 176 extends away from the downwardly extending leg 174 in a first direction, and the second finger-engaging tab 176 extends away from the downwardly extending leg 174 in a second direction, and the second direction is opposite the first direction. In an embodiment, the body 106 of the magazine loader 100 includes a first cover portion 178 and a second cover portion 178. In an embodiment, the first finger-engaging tab 176 of the movable door member 136 extends through the first cover portion 178 and the second finger-engaging tab 176 of the movable door member 136 extends through the second cover portion 178.

Referring to fig. 2, 3A, 3B, 6 and 7, in an embodiment, the magazine loader 100 includes an adjustable shot size selector 134 slidably supported by the body 106 and positioned at the bottom of a hopper cavity 138. In an embodiment, adjustable shot size selector 134 is positioned to selectively or continuously cover the upper open cover portion 180 of three-sided channel 140. The length of the cover portion 180 may vary as the adjustable shot size selector 134 slides relative to the body 106. In some embodiments, a hopper cavity 138 defined by the hopper section 108 is sized to receive an unordered batch of bullets 102, and the hopper cavity 138 leads to a three-sided passage 140 at its bottom. In an embodiment, the bottom of the hopper portion 108 is funnel shaped such that as the hopper portion 108 rocks, a plurality of disordered projectiles 102 enter the three-sided passage 140, the projectiles 102 are guided in a forward first orientation and are arranged side-by-side in a first row in the three-sided passage 140. In an embodiment, a first group 182 of the bullets 102 arranged side-by-side in the three-sided passage 140 in a first row is disposed below the adjustable shot size selector 134, while a second group 184 of the bullets 102 arranged side-by-side in the three-sided passage 140 in the first row is not disposed below the adjustable shot size selector 134. The magazine loader may be tilted toward a vertical orientation such that the cartridges 102 in the second group 184 that are not disposed below the adjustable shot size selector 134 fall out of the three-sided passage 140 and into the hopper cavity 138. The number of projectiles 102 remaining in the three-sided channel 140 may be determined by the position of the adjustable projectile volume selector 134 when the magazine loader 100 is tilted toward the vertical orientation. In an embodiment, the adjustable shot size selector 134 includes a pointer 166 and the body 106 includes a size indicator mark 170. In an embodiment, the quantity indicators 170 are positioned such that the pointer 166 of the adjustable shot quantity selector 134 points to one of the quantity indicators 170 corresponding to the number of shots 102 remaining in the three-sided channel 140 after the magazine loader 100 is tilted toward the vertical orientation. Once the selected quantity of cartridges 102 is placed in three-sided access 140, the selected quantity of cartridges 102 can be loaded into tubular rifle cartridge magazine 104.

Referring to fig. 2,5 and 6, in an embodiment, a method for loading a batch of rimmed bullets 102 into a tubular rifle magazine 104 may include providing a magazine loader 100 including an adjustable shot size selector 134, the shot size selector 134 being slidably supported by the body 106 and positioned at the bottom of a hopper cavity 138 defined by the body. In an embodiment, the adjustable shot size selector 134 is positioned to selectively or continuously cover a cover portion 180 of an upper opening of the three-sided passage 140 to the hopper cavity 138. The length of the cover portion 180 may vary as the adjustable shot size selector 134 slides relative to the body 106. In an embodiment, the bottom of the hopper portion 108 is funnel shaped such that as the hopper portion 108 rocks, a plurality of unordered cartridges 102 enter the three-sided passage 140 such that the cartridges 102 are directed toward a front first orientation and are arranged side-by-side in a first row in the three-sided passage 104. In an embodiment, a first group of the bullets 102 in the three-sided passage 140 that are arranged side-by-side in a first row are disposed below the adjustable shot size selector 134, while a second group of the bullets 102 in the three-sided passage 140 that are arranged side-by-side in a first row are not disposed below the adjustable shot size selector 134. The magazine loader may be tilted away from the vertical orientation so that the cartridges 102 in the second group that are not disposed below the adjustable shot size selector 134 fall out of the three-sided passage 140 and into the hopper cavity 138. The number of projectiles 102 remaining in the three-sided channel 140 may be determined by the position of the adjustable projectile volume selector 134 when the magazine loader 100 is tilted toward the upright orientation. In an embodiment, the adjustable shot size selector 134 includes a pointer 166 and the body 106 includes a size indicator mark 170. In an embodiment, the quantity indicators 170 are positioned such that the pointer 166 of the adjustable shot size selector 134 points to one of the quantity indicators 170 corresponding to the number of shots 102 remaining in the three-sided channel 140 after the magazine loader 100 is tilted toward the vertical orientation. Once the selected quantity of cartridges 102 is placed in the three-sided passage 140, the selected quantity of cartridges 102 may be loaded into the tubular rifle magazine 104.

Referring to fig. 3B, a plurality of axes are shown using dashed lines. The shaft shown in fig. 3B includes a hopper axis 190 extending along the hopper portion 108 of the body 106 and the hopper cavity 138 defined by the hopper portion. The shaft shown in fig. 3B also shows an axis 192 extending along the first cartridge orientation channel 124 defined by the first cartridge orientation feature 116. An axis 194 extending along the second cartridge orientation channel 126 defined by the second cartridge orientation feature 118 is also shown in fig. 3B. The shaft shown in fig. 3B also includes an axis 196 extending along the third projectile orientation channel 128 defined by the third projectile orientation feature 120. An axis 198 extending along the fourth bullet oriented channel 130 defined by the fourth bullet oriented portion 122 is also shown in fig. 3B.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the forward direction Y and the rearward direction-Y are shown using arrows labeled "Y" and "-Y", respectively. Starboard direction X and port direction-X are shown using arrows labeled "X" and "-X", respectively. The lateral direction Z and the medial direction-Z are shown using arrows labeled "Z" and "-Z", respectively. The directions shown using these arrows apply to the devices shown and discussed in this application. The port direction may also be referred to as the leftward direction. In one or more embodiments, the lateral direction is generally opposite the medial direction. In one or more embodiments, the lateral direction and the medial direction are both substantially orthogonal to an XY plane defined by the forward direction and the starboard direction. In one or more embodiments, the forward direction is generally opposite the rearward direction. In one or more embodiments, the forward direction and the aft direction are both substantially orthogonal to a ZX plane defined by the outboard direction and the starboard direction. In one or more embodiments, the starboard direction is generally opposite the port direction. In one or more embodiments, the starboard and port directions are generally orthogonal to a ZY plane defined by the outboard and forward directions. Various directional terms are used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shown in the figures. It should be understood that many directional terms are associated with the instantaneous orientation of the object being described. It should also be understood that the objects described herein may take on a variety of orientations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present detailed description. Accordingly, directional indicators such as "outward," "inward," "forward," "rearward," "rightward," and "rightward" should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

The following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference, US3628273, US4392321, US4736667 and US 5301449. The documents identified by the following U.S. publication numbers are incorporated herein by reference: US2003/0046854 and US 2014/0033592.

The above references in all sections of this application are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. The components described in these patents may be used with the embodiments herein. Incorporation by reference is discussed, for example, in MPEP section 2163.07 (B).

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any references incorporated by reference, any appended claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, incorporated by reference) or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the methods or steps so disclosed. The above-referenced documents in all sections of this application are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be defined by the following claims and their legal equivalents as well as by the following illustrative aspects. The above-described aspect embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative of the principles thereof and should not be considered as limiting. Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the art and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A magazine loader for loading a batch of rimmed projectiles into a tubular rifle magazine, comprising:

an elongated body including a hopper portion and a tubular magazine receiving portion having a circular aperture for receiving the tubular rifle magazine, the body defining a feed channel extending between the hopper portion and the circular aperture of the tubular magazine receiving portion, the body including a first bullet orientation portion, a second bullet orientation portion, a third bullet orientation portion, and a fourth bullet orientation portion along the feed channel;

the magazine loader further comprising a closable hopper cover at the top of the hopper section, an adjustable shot size selector at the bottom of the hopper section, and a movable door member positioned in the body between the second and third shot orientation sections;

the magazine loader is manually graspable, tiltable and rockable and has a magazine loading position in which the magazine loader is positioned horizontally or slightly tilted at an acute angle to the horizontal; a passage loading and bullet orientation mode in which the magazine loader is rocked with the magazine loader at an oblique angle; and a magazine loading mode in which the loader is almost upright or at an acute angle to the vertical and a portion of the tubular magazine is inserted into the tubular magazine receiving portion;

the hopper portion defining a hopper cavity sized to receive an unordered batch of projectiles, the hopper cavity leading to a three-sided passage of the feed channel defined by two passage walls and a passage floor, the body having a pair of opposing shoulders extending along an upward portion of the passage for holding an rimmed end of the projectiles upward in the passage, wherein the body defines a first projectile orientation at the passage, the three-sided passage having a first height, wherein when a plurality of unordered projectiles enter the three-sided passage, the projectiles are directed toward a front first orientation and are arranged side-by-side in the three-sided passage in a first row, the number of projectiles disposed in the three-sided passage being selectable by the adjustable projectile amount selector;

the three-sided passage extending into a second round orientation channel at the second round orientation portion of the body, wherein the second round orientation channel has two opposing channel wall portions, a floor portion and a roof portion, the second round orientation channel having a second height that is less than the first height, the pair of opposing shoulders extending into the second round orientation channel, whereby a plurality of rounds in a side-by-side ordered upright first row enter the second round orientation channel, wherein each round is tilted forward with a marginal end forward and side-by-side slanted row;

the second projectile orientation channel extending into a third projectile orientation channel defined by the third projectile orientation section of the body where the body has converging top and bottom plates, the third projectile orientation channel converging to a third channel height that is less than the second height, wherein a plurality of projectiles in the rimmed end forward and side-by-side inclined row are rotated by gravity to form a rimmed end to nose row;

the third cartridge orientation channel extends to a fourth cartridge orientation channel defined by the fourth cartridge orientation portion of the body, wherein gravity guides the plurality of cartridges into alignment with the tubular rifle magazine for loading the tubular rifle magazine.

2. The magazine loader of claim 1, further comprising a spring having a first end seated against the movable door member and a second end seated against the body, the spring applying a spring biasing force to the movable door member, the spring biasing force biasing the door toward a closed position.

3. The magazine loader of claim 2, wherein the movable door member comprises a T-shaped portion having a downwardly extending leg and two finger engaging tabs, a first finger engaging tab extending away from the downwardly extending leg in a first direction, a second finger engaging tab extending away from the downwardly extending leg in a second direction, and the second direction is opposite the first direction.

4. The magazine loader of claim 3, wherein the body comprises a first cover portion and a second cover portion, the first finger engagement tab extending through the first cover portion and the second finger engagement tab extending through the second cover portion.

5. The magazine loader of claim 4, wherein said hopper section comprises a pair of sloped walls that converge toward each other as said sloped walls extend toward said passage and away from said closable hopper cover.

6. The magazine loader of claim 1, wherein the adjustable shot size selector is slidably supported by the bottom and covers a cover portion of the upper opening of the three-sided passage, wherein a length of the cover portion varies as the adjustable shot size selector slides relative to the body.

7. The magazine loader of claim 8, wherein said adjustable shot size selector comprises a pointer and said body comprises a size indicating marker positioned such that said pointer of said adjustable shot size selector points to said size indicating marker.

8. A method for loading a batch of rimmed projectiles into a tubular rifle magazine, wherein the method comprises:

placing a plurality of unordered cartridges in a hopper cavity defined by a hopper portion of a body of a magazine loader;

shaking the magazine loader, wherein, upon shaking the magazine loader, a plurality of unordered cartridges enters a three-sided passage leading to the hopper cavity, the cartridges being guided in a front first orientation and arranged side-by-side in a first row in the three-sided passage, a first group of the cartridges arranged side-by-side in the first row in the three-sided passage being disposed below an adjustable cartridge size selector, and a second group of the cartridges arranged side-by-side in the first row in the three-sided passage not being disposed below the adjustable cartridge size selector;

tilting the magazine loader such that the cartridges in the second group not disposed below the adjustable cartridge load selector fall out of the three-sided path and into the hopper cavity, wherein the number of cartridges remaining in the three-sided path can be determined by the position of the adjustable cartridge tape load selector when the magazine loader is tilted;

pushing the door toward an unblocking position and allowing the projectiles in the first group to pass through a feed channel defined by the body of the magazine loader and into the tubular rifle magazine.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising providing a magazine loader comprising an adjustable shot size selector slidably supported by a body of the magazine loader and positioned at a bottom of a hopper cavity defined by a hopper portion of the body, the adjustable shot size selector positioned to selectively or continuously cover a cover portion of a three-sided passage leading to an upper opening of the hopper cavity, a length of the cover portion varying as the adjustable shot size selector slides relative to the body.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising providing a magazine loader comprising:

11. A magazine loader for loading a batch of rimmed projectiles into a tubular rifle magazine, said magazine loader comprising:

an elongate body including a hopper portion and a tubular magazine receiving portion having a circular aperture for receiving the tubular rifle magazine, the body defining a feed channel extending between the hopper portion and the circular aperture of the tubular magazine receiving portion, the body defining along the feed channel a first bullet orientation portion, a second bullet orientation portion located before the first bullet orientation portion, a third bullet orientation portion located before the second bullet orientation portion, and a fourth bullet orientation portion located before the third bullet orientation portion;

the hopper portion defining a hopper cavity sized to receive an unordered batch of projectiles, the hopper cavity leading to a three-sided passage of the feed channel defined by two passage walls and a passage floor, the body having a pair of opposing shoulders extending along an upward portion of the passage for holding an rimmed end of the projectiles upward in the passage, wherein the body defines a first projectile orientation at the passage, the three-sided passage having a first height, wherein when a plurality of unordered projectiles enter the three-sided passage, the projectiles are directed toward a front first orientation and are arranged side-by-side in a first row in the three-sided passage;

the second projectile orientation channel extending into a third projectile orientation channel defined by the third projectile orientation section of the body where the body has converging top and bottom plates, the third projectile channel converging to a third channel height that is less than the second height, wherein a plurality of projectiles in the rimmed end forward and side-by-side inclined row are rotated by gravity to form a rimmed end to nose row;

the magazine loader further comprises an adjustable shot size selector located at a bottom of the hopper section, the adjustable shot size selector being slidingly supported by the bottom section and covering a cover section of the upper opening of the three-sided passage, wherein a length of the cover section varies as the adjustable shot size selector slides relative to the body.

12. The magazine loader of claim 11, wherein said adjustable shot size selector comprises a pointer.

13. The magazine loader of claim 12, wherein said body includes a quantity indicating marker positioned such that said pointer of said adjustable shot size selector points to said quantity indicating marker.

14. The magazine loader of claim 11, further comprising a closable hopper cover located at a top of the hopper section and a movable door member positioned in the body between the second and third bullet orientations.

15. The magazine loader of claim 14, further comprising a spring having a first end seated against the movable door member and a second end seated against the body, the spring applying a spring biasing force to the movable door member, the spring biasing force biasing the door toward a closed position.

16. The magazine loader of claim 15, wherein the movable door member comprises a T-shaped portion having a downwardly extending leg and two finger engaging tabs, a first finger engaging tab extending away from the downwardly extending leg in a first direction, a second finger engaging tab extending away from the downwardly extending leg in a second direction, and the second direction is opposite the first direction.

17. The magazine loader of claim 16, wherein the body comprises a first cover portion and a second cover portion, the first finger engagement tab extending through the first cover portion and the second finger engagement tab extending through the second cover portion.

18. The magazine loader of claim 16, wherein the third bullet orientation channel extends to a fourth bullet orientation channel defined by the fourth bullet orientation portion of the body, wherein gravity guides the plurality of bullets into alignment with the tubular rifle magazine for loading the tubular rifle magazine.

19. The magazine loader of claim 16, wherein said hopper section comprises a pair of sloped walls that diverge from one another as said sloped walls extend away from said passage and toward said closable hopper cover.

20. The magazine loader of claim 14, wherein said magazine loader is manually graspable, tiltable and rockable, and has a magazine loading position in which said magazine loader is positioned horizontally or slightly tilted at an acute horizontal angle; a passage loading and bullet orientation mode in which the magazine loader is rocked with the magazine loader at an oblique angle; and a magazine loading mode in which the loader is almost upright or at an acute angle to the vertical and a portion of the tubular magazine is inserted into the tubular magazine receiving portion.