WO2018005290A1

WO2018005290A1 - Firearm magazine assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2018005290A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/039067
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher P. Bray; John R. Church
Original assignee: Polyone Corporation
Priority date: 2016-06-27
Filing date: 2017-06-23
Publication date: 2018-01-04

Abstract

A firearm magazine assembly includes a magazine body and a feed-lip component. The magazine body has a longitudinal axis and a surrounding wall defining an interior volume. The surrounding wall extends, in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, from a proximate end opening of the magazine body to a distal end opening of the magazine body. The feed-lip component is attachable to the proximate end opening. The magazine body is formed of a continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite and can be made by pultrusion or pullwinding.

Description

FIREARM MAGAZINE ASSEMBLIES CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 62/355,127 bearing Attorney Docket Number 12016022 and filed on June 27, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to firearm magazine assemblies, and, more particularly, firearm magazine assemblies which include a magazine body formed of a continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite. Such a magazine body can be made, for example, by pultrusion or pullwinding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Firearm magazines typically are used with repeating firearms. In general, a firearm magazine stores multiple rounds of ammunition and includes a feeding mechanism that feeds each round of ammunition into the firearm's firing chamber by the action of the firearm. The basic construction of a firearm magazine includes an elongated body component that is essentially a box or container in which the ammunition is stored.

[0004] Typically, components of firearm magazines are made from metal that is stamped into a desired shape, size, and/or design. Desirably, metal stamping provides thin-walled structures that have good strength properties. Undesirably, metal stamping requires unique and relatively expensive tooling for each different shape, size, and/or design of a part. Such requirements limit a manufacturer's ability to implement, at least without relatively long lead times and added costs, changes to the shape, size, and/or design of a firearm magazine. Such requirements also limit a manufacturer's ability to offer consumers with an opportunity to make customizations to the shape, size, and/or design of a firearm magazine.

[0005] More recently, some manufacturers have introduced firearm magazines in which the body component is made from a polymer material. For example, firearm magazines made from a polymer material are available under the PMAG brand from Magpul Industries Corp. Various firearm magazines made from polymer materials also are generally described in one or more of U.S. Patent Nos. 7,908,780; 7,958,660; 8,069,601; 8,635,796; 8,839,543; 8,991,086; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0241152; all of which are assigned to Magpul Industries Corp., Boulder, Colorado.

[0006] It is believed such currently available firearm magazines made from polymer materials are produced by injection molding. Although injection molding is useful for the production of parts with precise features, using injection molding to produce parts with elongated flat surfaces, such as the body of firearm magazines, disadvantageously can involve distortions or stresses building up in a part, which ultimately can lead to cracks or fracturing in the part. Moreover, injection molding suffers from disadvantages similar to those of metal stamping. That is, injection molding requires unique and relatively expensive tooling for each different shape, size, and/or design, which, in turn, limits a manufacturer's ability to make changes or offer consumers with an opportunity to make customizations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Consequently, a need exists for a firearm magazine assembly that can overcome the drawbacks and limitations of conventional firearm magazines made from stamped metal and more recently commercially available firearm magazines made from polymer materials. More specifically, a need exists for a firearm magazine assembly that can be produced with relatively lower tooling costs and/or relatively faster lead times, while still possessing suitable properties such as strength or other physical or mechanical properties. Additionally, a need exists for a firearm magazine assembly that increases a manufacturer's ability to make changes in shape, size, and/or design, or offer consumers with an opportunity to make customizations, without incurring relatively high tooling costs and/or relatively long lead times.

[0008] The aforementioned needs are met by one or more aspects of the present invention.

[0009] One aspect of the invention is a firearm magazine assembly that includes a magazine body and a feed-lip component. The magazine body has a longitudinal axis and a surrounding wall defining an interior volume. The surrounding wall extends, in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, from a proximate end opening of the magazine body to a distal end opening of the magazine body. The feed-lip component is attachable to the proximate end opening. The magazine body is formed of a continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite and can be made by pultrusion or pullwinding.

[00010] Another aspect of the invention is a method of making the aforementioned firearm magazine assembly. The method includes the steps of providing continuous fiber, polymer resin, and a die; impregnating the continuous fiber with the polymer resin to provide impregnated continuous fiber; pulling the impregnated continuous fiber through the die and curing to provide a pultruded or pullwound profile; cutting the pultruded or pullwound profile at a length to provide a magazine body; providing a feed-lip component; and attaching the feed- lip component to the proximate end of the magazine body to provide the aforementioned firearm magazine assembly.

[00011] Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of making customized or different versions of aforementioned firearm magazine assembly. The method includes the aforementioned steps, and further includes the steps of cutting the pultruded or pullwound profile at a first length to provide a first version of the magazine body; and cutting the pultruded or pullwound profile at a second length to provide a second version of the magazine body. [00012] Features of the invention will become apparent with reference to the following embodiments. There exist various refinements of the features noted in relation to the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention. Additional features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to any of the described aspects of the present invention may be incorporated into any of the described aspects of the present invention alone or in any combination.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly of the present invention.

[00014] Fig. 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly of the present invention.

[00015] Fig. 3 is front view of the first embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly of the present invention.

[00016] Fig. 4 is a top view of the first embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly of the present invention.

[00017] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly of the present invention.

[00018] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly of the present invention.

[00019] Fig. 7 is a side view of the second embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly of the present invention.

[00020] Fig. 8 is front view of the second embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly of the present invention.

[00021] Fig. 9 is a top view of the second embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly of the present invention.

[00022] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly of the present invention. EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[00023] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a firearm magazine assembly.

[00024] In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to a method of making a firearm magazine assembly.

[00025] Required and optional features of these and other embodiments of the present invention are described.

[00026] As used herein, the term "aspect ratio" means, with respect to a fiber, a ratio of the length of the fiber to the outer diameter of the fiber.

[00027] As used herein, the term "continuous fiber" means a fiber having a length that is at least substantially equal to and continuous along at least one dimension of an article or part formed of a fiber reinforced polymer composite including the fiber, it being understood that an article or part formed of the fiber reinforced polymer composite excludes an extruded pellet of the fiber reinforced polymer composite that is intended for further processing to form an article or part. It is also understood that "continuous fiber" does not literally mean a fiber of infinite length. Generally, a continuous fiber has an aspect ratio that is relatively high, for example, greater than 500, or greater than 800, or greater than 1000.

[00028] As used herein, the term "continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite" means a fiber reinforced polymer composite including at least one continuous fiber. In some embodiments, the continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite includes a plurality of continuous fibers in which, in some embodiments, the continuous fibers are aligned (i.e., oriented in a common direction) relative to each other.

[00029] As used herein, the term "discontinuous fiber" means a fiber other than a continuous fiber, for example, a short fiber or a long fiber. Generally, a discontinuous fiber has an aspect ratio that is relatively low. In some embodiments, the discontinuous fiber has an aspect ratio that is less than 1000, or less than 800, or less than 500. In other embodiments, the discontinuous fiber has an aspect ratio that is less than 100, or less than 75, or less than 50, but greater than 10, or greater than 15, or greater than 25.

[00030] As used herein, the term "discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite" means a fiber reinforced polymer composite including at least one discontinuous fiber. In some embodiments, the discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite is a short fiber reinforced polymer composite or a long fiber reinforced polymer composite.

[00031] As used herein, the term "essentially free of a certain feature or ingredient means that the feature or ingredient is not intentionally incorporated.

[00032] As used herein, the term "formed of means, with respect to an article or part and a material, that the article or part is shaped, molded, or otherwise made from the material. The term "formed of means the article or part can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, the material.

[00033] As used herein, the term "long fiber" means a fiber having a length that is substantially equal to the largest dimension of an extruded pellet of a fiber reinforced polymer composite that includes the fiber, the extruded pellet being intended for further processing to form an article or part that has a dimension greater than the largest dimension of the extruded pellet. The long fiber and the extruded pellet each can have a length that is, in some embodiments, from about 0.25 inches (i.e., about 6 mm) to about 0.75 inches (i.e., about 19 mm), and, in other embodiments, from about 0.4 inches (i.e., about 10 mm) to about 0.6 inches (i.e., about 15 mm), and, in further embodiments, about 0.5 inches (i.e., 13 mm). In some embodiments, the long fiber and the extruded pellet each can have a length that is greater than about 0.5 inches (i.e., 13 mm) but less than about 1 inch (i.e., about 25 mm).

[00034] As used herein, the term "long fiber reinforced polymer composite" means a fiber reinforced polymer composite including at least one long fiber. In some embodiments, the long fiber reinforced polymer composite includes a plurality of long fibers in which, in some embodiments, the long fibers are aligned (i.e., oriented in a common direction) relative to each other, and, in other embodiments, the long fibers are randomly oriented relative to each other.

[00035] As used herein, the term "short fiber" means a fiber having a length that is less than all dimensions of an extruded pellet of a fiber reinforced polymer composite that includes the fiber, the extruded pellet being intended for further processing to form an article or part that has a dimension greater than all dimensions of the extruded pellet.

[00036] As used herein, the term "short fiber reinforced polymer composite" means a fiber reinforced polymer composite including at least one short fiber. In some embodiments, the long fiber reinforced polymer composite includes a plurality of short fibers in which the short fibers are randomly oriented relative to each other.

[00037] Firearm Magazine Assembly

[00038] The firearm magazine assembly of the present invention includes a magazine body and a feed-lip component. In some embodiments, the firearm magazine assembly of the present invention further includes one or more of a floorplate component, a follower component, and an internal spring.

[00039] Magazine Body

[00040] The firearm magazine assembly of the present invention includes a magazine body. According to the present invention, the magazine body is formed of a continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite.

[00041] Generally, the magazine body has a longitudinal axis and a surrounding wall defining an interior volume. The surrounding wall extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The surrounding wall also extends from a proximate end opening to a distal end opening. The interior volume provides a space in which one or more ammunition cartridges can be stored. The proximate end opening provides a space through which one or more ammunition cartridges can pass.

[00042] In some embodiments, the surrounding wall includes a frontwall portion, a backwall portion opposing the front wall portion, a first sidewall portion adjoined to each of the frontwall portion and the backwall portion, and a second sidewall portion opposing the first sidewall portion and adjoined to each of the frontwall portion and the backwall portion.

[00043] In some embodiments, the surrounding wall has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Further, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape is substantially constant in the direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Even further, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the magazine body is substantially quadrilateral.

[00044] Without undue experimentation, those of ordinary skill in the art can select a suitable shape and/or size for the magazine body based on considerations such as the type or size of ammunition cartridge (e.g., caliber) and/or the number of ammunition cartridges to be stored by the firearm magazine assembly. For example, a first magazine body having a first length can be used for a first firearm magazine assembly intended to store a first number of ammunition cartridges, and a second magazine body having a second length can be used for a second firearm magazine assembly intended to store a second number of ammunition cartridges.

[00045] According to the present invention, the magazine body is formed of a continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite. The magazine body of the present invention can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, the continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite.

[00046] Continuous fiber reinforced composites are described in available references, for example, F.C. Campbell, Structural Composite Materials (ASM International 2010), and P.K. Mallick, Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Materials, Manufacturing, and Design (3d ed., CRC Press 2007), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[00047] In some embodiments, the continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite includes a fiber selected from carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, and combinations thereof. [00048] In the continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite, the orientation of the fiber can be unidirectional (i.e., one direction), bidirectional (i.e., two directions), or multidirectional (i.e., more than two directions).

[00049] In some embodiments, the continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite includes a thermoset polymer resin. Such thermoset resins can be selected from, for example, epoxies, polyesters, polyurethanes, vinyl esters, and other thermoset resins as selected without undue experimentation by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[00050] In other embodiments, the continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite includes a thermoplastic polymer resin. Such thermoplastic polymer resins can be selected from, for example, polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefins such as polypropylene, polyamides, polyurethanes, and other thermoplastic resins as selected without undue experimentation by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[00051] In some embodiments, a continuous manufacturing process such as pultrusion or pullwinding can be used to form the magazine body of the continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite. That is, in some embodiments, the magazine body is a pultruded part or a pullwound part.

[00052] Suitable continuous manufacturing processes such as pultrusion processes and pullwinding processes are described in available references, for example, Suresh G. Advani and Kuang-Ting Hsiao (editors), Manufacturing Techniques for Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) (Woodhead Publishing 2012), Guneri Akovali (editor), Handbook of Composite Fabrication (Rapra Technology 2001), Raymond W. Meyer, Handbook of Pultrusion Technology (Chapman and Hall 1985), S.T. Peters (editor), Handbook of Composites, 2nd edition (Springer Science+Business Media 1998), and Trevor F. Starr (editor), Pultrusion for Engineers (CRC Press 2000), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[00053] Examples of commercially available continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite pultruded profiles suitable for use in forming the magazine body of the present invention include those available under the GLASFORMS brand from Glasforms, Inc. (San Jose, California, USA), for example, GLASFORMS brand carbon fiber reinforced pultruded profiles. Typical properties of such continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite pultruded profiles include one or more of the following: fiber content (per ASTM D2584) of about 75 weight percent; tensile strength (per ASTM D3916 / D638) of about 405 ksi (about 2800 MPa); tensile modulus (per ASTM D3916 / D638) of about 24 Msi (about 165 GPa); flexural strength (per ASTM D4476 / D790) of about 180 ksi (about 1200 MPa); flexural modulus (per ASTM D4476 / D790) of about 21 Msi (about 145 (GPa); compressive strength (per ASTM D695) of about 150 ksi (about 1000 MPa); density (per ASTM D792) of about 0.058 lbs/in³ (about 1.6 g/cm³); and Barcol hardness (per ASTM D2583) of about 50 to about 60.

[00054] In some embodiments, the magazine body further includes a fabric wrap applied to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the surrounding wall.

[00055] In some embodiments, the magazine body is essentially free of metal, such steel or aluminum.

[00056] In some embodiments, the magazine body is essentially free of a support guard or reinforcement component, such as a metal support guard or reinforcement component.

[00057] In some embodiments, the magazine body is essentially free of discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composites, such as short fiber reinforced polymer composites and long fiber reinforced polymer composites.

[00058] Feed-Lip Component

[00059] The firearm magazine assembly of the present invention includes a feed-lip component. According to the present invention, the feed-lip component is a separate component from the magazine body and is attachable to the proximate end opening of the magazine body.

[00060] Generally, the feed-lip component is configured to be, at a first portion, attachable to the proximate end opening of the magazine body, and, at a second portion, capable of guiding an ammunition cartridge into the chamber of the firearm from the interior volume of the magazine body in which the cartridge is stored.

[00061] In some embodiments, the feed-lip component is removably attachable to the proximate end opening.

[00062] The feed-lip component can be formed of a suitable material selected based on considerations such as requirements for strength and other physical properties, processability, cost, and the like. Advantageously, the feed- lip component can be made using material(s) and/or process(es) that are different from those used to make the magazine body because the feed-lip component is a separate part from the magazine body.

[00063] In some embodiments, the feed-lip component can be formed of metal and made by a stamping process. That is, in some embodiments, the feed- lip component is a stamped metal part.

[00064] In other embodiments, the feed-lip component can be formed of a polymeric material, such as a discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite. The feed-lip component can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, the polymeric material, such as the discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite.

[00065] In some embodiments, the discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite is selected from a long fiber reinforced polymer composite, a short fiber reinforced polymer composite, and combinations thereof.

[00066] In some embodiments, the discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite includes fiber selected from carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, and combinations thereof.

[00067] In some embodiments, the discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite includes a thermoplastic polymer resin selected from polyamides, polyolefins, polyurethanes, and combinations thereof.

[00068] Examples of commercially available long fiber reinforced polymer composites suitable for use in forming the feed-lip component of the present invention include those available under the O FORCE LFT brand from PolyOne Corporation (Avon Lake, Ohio, USA).

[00069] Typical properties of such ONFORCE LFT brand long fiber reinforced polymer composites based on polyamide resins include one or more of the following: specific gravity (per ASTM D792) of about 1.37 to about 1.69 g/cm³; mold shrink, flow (per ASTM D955) of about 0.0010 to about 0.0030 in/in; tensile modulus (per ASTM D638) of about 1.5 million to about 3.2 million psi; tensile strength at yield (per ASTM D638) of about 26,500 to about 43,000 psi; tensile elongation at break (per ASTM D638) of about 1.0 to about 3.0; flexural modulus (per ASTM D790) of about 1.4 million to about 2.7 million psi; flexural strength (per ASTM D790) of about 41,000 to about 65,000 psi; notched Izod impact (per ASTM D256) of about 5.0 to about 9.8 ft*lb/in; unnotched Izod impact (per ASTM D790) of about 26.0 to about 30.0 ft*lb/in; and heat deflection temperature (HDT) (264 psi, unannealed) (per ASTM D648) of about 480 to about 500 °F.

[00070] Typical properties of such ONFORCE LFT brand long fiber reinforced polymer composites based on polypropylene resins include one or more of the following: specific gravity (per ASTM D792) of about 1.12 to about 1.48 g/cm³; mold shrink, flow (per ASTM D955) of about 0.0010 to about 0.0030 in/in; tensile modulus (per ASTM D638) of about 800,000 to about 1.6 million psi; tensile strength at yield (per ASTM D638) of about 14,100 to about 17,000 psi; tensile elongation at break (per ASTM D638) of about 1.0 to about 2.4; flexural modulus (per ASTM D790) of about 730,000 to about 1.5 million psi; flexural strength (per ASTM D790) of about 22,800 to about 27,500 psi; notched Izod impact (per ASTM D256) of about 4.5 to about 6.4 ft*lb/in; unnotched Izod impact (per ASTM D790) of about 20.0 to about 24.0 ft*lb/in; and heat deflection temperature (HDT) (264 psi, unannealed) (per ASTM D648) of about 305 to about 307 °F.

[00071] Typical properties of such ONFORCE LFT brand long fiber reinforced polymer composites based on polyurethane resins include one or more of the following: specific gravity (per ASTM D792) of about 1.43 to about 1.71 g/cm³; mold shrink, flow (per ASTM D955) of about 0.0005 to about 0.0020 in/in; tensile modulus (per ASTM D638) of about 1.4 million to about 2.3 million psi; tensile strength at yield (per ASTM D638) of about 2,600 to about 37,000 psi; tensile elongation at break (per ASTM D638) of about 2.0 to about 3.0; flexural modulus (per ASTM D790) of about 1.1 million to about 2.8 million psi; flexural strength (per ASTM D790) of about 39,000 to about 52,500 psi; notched Izod impact (per ASTM D256) of about 6.8 to about 9.0 ft*lb/in; unnotched Izod impact (per ASTM D790) of about 25.0 to about 31.0 ft*lb/in; and heat deflection temperature (HDT) (264 psi, unannealed) (per ASTM D648) of about 230 to about 238 °F.

[00072] In some embodiments, the feed-lip component can be made by injection molding. That is, in some embodiments, the feed-lip component is an injection molded part. The feed-lip component can be made by injection molding without the same drawbacks that exist when injection molding is used to make a part such as a magazine body at least because the feed-lip component lacks elongated flat surfaces like those of a magazine body.

[00073] Floorplate Component

[00074] In some embodiments, the firearm magazine assembly of the present invention includes a floorplate component. The floorplate component is a separate component from the magazine body and is attachable to the distal end opening of the magazine body.

[00075] Generally, the floorplate component is configured to enclose the distal end opening of the magazine body. The floorplate component also can be configured to provide a portion for contacting the internal spring which in turn biases the follower component away from the floorplate component and toward the proximate end opening of the magazine body and the feed-lip component.

[00076] In some embodiments, the floorplate component is removably attachable to the distal end opening. [00077] In some embodiments, the floorplate component has a base and one or more resiliently flexible members extending away from the base. In such embodiments, the floorplate component is attachable to the distal end opening of the magazine body by the one or more resiliently flexible members contacting at least a portion of an interior surface of the surrounding wall of the magazine body.

[00078] The floorplate component can be formed of any suitable material or materials selected based on considerations such as requirements for strength and other physical properties, processability, cost, and the like.

[00079] In some embodiments, the floorplate component or subcomponents thereof can be formed of metal and made by a stamping process. That is, in some embodiments, the floorplate component includes one or more stamped metal parts.

[00080] In other embodiments, the floorplate component or subcomponents thereof can be formed of a polymeric material and can be made by injection molding. That is, in some embodiments, the floorplate component includes one or more injection molded parts.

[00081] In further embodiments, the floorplate component includes a combination of one or more metal parts and one or more polymeric parts. For example, the base of the floorplate component can be formed of a polymeric material and the one or more resiliently flexible members can be formed of a metal such as spring steel.

[00082] Follower Component

[00083] In some embodiments, the firearm magazine assembly of the present invention further includes a follower component.

[00084] The follower component is configured to be fittable, such as moveably fittable, within at least a portion of the interior volume of the magazine body. The follower component also can be configured, in a first portion, to contact one or more ammunition cartridges stored within the interior volume of the magazine body, and, in a second portion, to contact the internal spring which in turn biases the follower component and any ammunition cartridges contacted by the first portion toward the proximate end opening of the magazine body and the feed-lip component.

[00085] The follower component can be formed of any suitable material or materials selected based on considerations such as requirements for strength and other physical properties, processability, cost, and the like.

[00086] In some embodiments, the follower component can be formed of metal and made by a stamping process. That is, in some embodiments, the follower component is one or more stamped metal parts.

[00087] In other embodiments, the follower component is formed of a polymeric material and can be made by injection molding. That is, in some embodiments, the follower component is one or more injection molded parts.

[00088] Internal Spring

[00089] In some embodiments, the firearm magazine assembly of the present invention further includes an internal spring.

[00090] The internal spring is received within at least a portion of the interior volume of the magazine body. The internal spring is configured to contact, with a proximate end, a portion of the follower component, and, with a distal end, a portion of the floorplate component. The internal spring thereby biases the follower component and any ammunition cartridges stored within the magazine body toward the proximate end opening of the magazine body and the feed-lip component.

[00091] The internal spring component can be formed of any suitable material or materials selected based on considerations such as requirements for strength and other physical properties, processability, cost, and the like. For example, the internal spring can be formed of a metal such as steel.

[00092] Exemplary Embodiments

[00093] With reference to Figs. 1 to 5, a first exemplary embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly 100 according to the present invention is described.

[00094] The firearm magazine assembly 100 includes a magazine body

110, as depicted in Figs. 1-3 and 5. More particularly, the magazine body 110 has a longitudinal axis 111, as depicted in Fig. 3, and a surrounding wall 1 12, as depicted in Fig. 5, defining an interior volume 1 13, as depicted in Fig. 5. As depicted in Figs. 1-3 and 5, the surrounding wall 112 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 111 from a proximate end opening 114, as depicted in Fig. 5, to a distal end opening 115, as depicted in Fig. 5.

[00095] The firearm magazine assembly 100 also includes a feed-lip component 120, as depicted in Figs. 1-5. The feed-lip component 120 is attachable to the proximate end opening 114, as depicted in Fig. 5.

[00096] The firearm magazine assembly 100 further includes a floorplate component 130, as depicted in Figs. 1-3 and 5. More particularly, as depicted in Fig. 5, the floorplate component 130 includes a base 131, a lock plate 132, and an end cap 133, all of which fit together to make the floorplate component 130 attachable to the distal end opening 115.

[00097] The firearm magazine assembly 100 even further includes a follower component 140, as depicted in Fig. 5. The follower component 140 is fittable within at least a portion of the interior volume 113, as depicted in Fig. 5.

[00098] With reference to Figs. 6 to 10, a second exemplary embodiment of a firearm magazine assembly 200 according to the present invention is described.

[00099] The firearm magazine assembly 200 includes a magazine body

210, as depicted in Figs. 6-8 and 10. More particularly, the magazine body 210 has a longitudinal axis 211, as depicted in Fig. 8, and a surrounding wall 212, as depicted in Fig. 10, defining an interior volume 213, as depicted in Fig. 10. As depicted in Figs. 6-8 and 10, the surrounding wall 212 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 211 from a proximate end opening 214, as depicted in Fig. 10, to a distal end opening 215, as depicted in Fig. 10.

[000100] The firearm magazine assembly 200 also includes a feed-lip component 220, as depicted in Figs. 6-10. The feed-lip component 220 is attachable to the proximate end opening 214, as depicted in Fig. 10. [000101] The firearm magazine assembly 200 further includes a floorplate component 230, as depicted in Figs. 6-8 and 10. More particularly, as depicted in Fig. 10, the floorplate component 230 includes a base 231 and resiliently flexible members 234a, 234b extending away from the base 231. As depicted in Fig. 10, the floorplate component 230 is attachable to the distal end opening 215 by the resiliently flexible members 234a, 234b contacting at least a portion of an interior surface of the surrounding wall 212.

[000102] The firearm magazine assembly 200 even further includes a follower component 240, as depicted in Fig. 10. The follower component 240 is fittable within at least a portion of the interior volume 213, as depicted in Fig. 5.

[000103] Methods of Making a Firearm Magazine Assembly

[000104] Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of making a firearm magazine assembly.

[000105] In some embodiments, a method of making a firearm magazine assembly includes the steps of: (a) providing continuous fiber, polymer resin, and a die; (b) impregnating the continuous fiber with the polymer resin to provide impregnated continuous fiber; (c) pulling the impregnated continuous fiber through the die and curing to provide a pultruded or pullwound profile; (d) cutting the pultruded or pullwound profile at a length to provide a magazine body; (e) providing a feed-lip component; and (e) attaching the feed-lip component to the proximate end of the magazine body to provide the firearm magazine assembly. Optionally, the method can further include the steps of providing a fabric wrap, and, before the pultruded or pullwound profile is cut, applying the fabric wrap to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the pultruded or pullwound profile.

[000106] Further embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of making a plurality of customized or different versions a firearm magazine assembly.

[000107] In some embodiments, a method of making a plurality of customized or different versions of a firearm magazine assembly includes the steps of: (a) providing continuous fiber, polymer resin, and a die; (b) impregnating the continuous fiber with the polymer resin to provide impregnated continuous fiber; (c) pulling the impregnated continuous fiber through the die and curing to provide a pultruded or pullwound profile; (d) cutting the pultruded or pullwound profile at two or more lengths, for example, at a first length to provide a first version of a magazine body and at a second length to provide a second version of a magazine body; (e) providing a feed-lip component for each of the magazine bodies; and (f) attaching each of the feed-lip components to the proximate end of each of the magazine bodies to provide the plurality of customized or different versions of the firearm magazine assembly. Optionally, the method can further include the steps of providing a fabric wrap, and, before the pultruded or pullwound profile is cut, applying the fabric wrap to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the pultruded or pullwound profile.

[000108] Firearm magazine assemblies made according to any of the methods of the present invention can include any combination of the features described herein above for the firearm magazine assemblies of the present inventions.

USEFULNESS OF THE INVENTION

[000109] Firearm magazine assemblies of the present invention can be used with one or more of any commercially available repeating firearms.

[000110] Advantageously, the firearm magazine assemblies of the present invention can be produced with relatively lower tooling costs and/or relatively faster lead times, while still possessing suitable properties such as strength or other physical or mechanical properties. Beneficially, firearm magazine assemblies of the present invention also can enable a manufacturer to make changes in shape, size, and/or design, or offer consumers with an opportunity to make customizations, without incurring relatively high tooling costs and/or relatively long lead times.

[000111] Firearm magazine assemblies of the present invention can be provided as original manufacturer equipment or as a secondary or aftermarket component, part, or accessory. [000112] Without undue experimentation, those having ordinary skill in the art can utilize the present disclosure to make firearm magazine assemblies of the present invention.

[000113] All documents cited in the Embodiments of the Invention are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety unless expressly stated otherwise; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.

[000114] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A firearm magazine assembly comprising:

a magazine body having a longitudinal axis and a surrounding wall defining an interior volume, the surrounding wall extending, in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, from a proximate end opening to a distal end opening; and

a feed-lip component attachable to the proximate end opening;

wherein the magazine body is formed of a continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite.

2. The firearm magazine assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite comprises a fiber selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, and combinations thereof.

3. The firearm magazine assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the continuous fiber reinforced polymer composite comprises a thermoset polymer resin selected from the group consisting of epoxies, polyesters, polyurethanes, and vinyl esters.

4. The firearm magazine assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the surrounding wall comprises a frontwall portion, a backwall portion opposing the frontwall portion, a first sidewall portion adjoined to each of the frontwall portion and the backwall portion, and a second sidewall portion opposing the first sidewall portion and adjoined to each of the frontwall portion and the backwall portion.

5. The firearm magazine assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the surrounding wall has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the cross-sectional shape is substantially constant in the direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

6. The firearm magazine assembly according to Claim 5, wherein the cross- sectional shape of the magazine body is substantially quadrilateral.

7. The firearm magazine assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the feed-lip component is formed of a discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite.

8. The firearm magazine assembly according to Claim 7, wherein the discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite is selected from the group consisting of long fiber reinforced polymer composites, short fiber reinforced polymer composites, and combinations thereof.

9. The firearm magazine assembly according to Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite is a long fiber reinforced polymer composite, and the long fiber reinforced polymer composite comprises fiber selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, and combinations thereof.

10. The firearm magazine assembly according to any one of Claims 7-9, wherein the discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite comprises a thermoplastic polymer resin selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyolefins, polyurethanes, and combinations thereof.

11. The firearm magazine assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, further comprising a floorplate component attachable to the distal end opening of the magazine body.

12. The firearm magazine assembly according to Claim 13, wherein the floorplate component has a base and one or more resiliently flexible members extending away from the base, wherein the floorplate component is attachable to the distal end opening of the magazine body by the one or more resiliently flexible members contacting at least a portion of an interior surface of the surrounding wall of the magazine body.

13. The firearm magazine assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, further comprising a follower component fittable within at least a portion of the interior volume of the magazine body.

14. The firearm magazine assembly according to Claim 13, wherein at least one of the floorplate component and the follower component comprises an injection molded part.

15. The firearm magazine assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the feed-lip component comprises an injection molded part.

16. The firearm magazine assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the magazine body comprises a pultruded or pullwound part.

17. The firearm magazine assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the magazine body further comprises a fabric wrap applied to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the surrounding wall.

18. A method of making the firearm magazine assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, the method comprising the steps of:

providing continuous fiber, polymer resin, and a die; impregnating the continuous fiber with the polymer resin to provide impregnated continuous fiber;

pulling the impregnated continuous fiber through the die and curing to provide a pultruded or pullwound profile;

cutting the pultruded or pullwound profile at a length to provide a magazine body;

providing a feed-lip component; and

attaching the feed-lip component to the proximate end of the magazine body to provide the firearm magazine assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims.

19. The method according to Claim 18, wherein the feed-lip component comprises a discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite and the step of providing the feed-lip component comprises injection molding the discontinuous fiber reinforced polymer composite to provide the feed-lip component.

20. The method according to Claim 18 or Claim 19, wherein the step of cutting the pultruded or pullwound profile comprises:

cutting the pultruded or pullwound profile at a first length to provide a first version of the magazine body; and

cutting the pultruded or pullwound profile at a second length to provide a second version of the magazine body.