Abstract:
A rapid action bullet reloading device for use in conjunction with any firearm utilizing a removable magazine is operable by either hand of the user with minimal effort. The device includes a sleeve, defining a main body, a lever hinged to the sleeve and a cam member operatively engaged with the lever. The sleeve is structured and disposed to receive the magazine in a releasably locked and registered position for the bullet reloading operation. The device is operated by squeezing the lever towards the sleeve body with one hand which rotates the cam member about a cam axis in a highly leveraged action. Rotation of the cam causes an integral finger extending from the cam member to engage and depress a properly positioned bullet into the magazine. A spring urges the cam member back to the relaxed position upon each release of the lever, whereupon a next successive bullet can be placed in registered position for loading. In several embodiments, a hood is hingedly fitted to the top end of the sleeve body and includes an axial bore, defining a loading chamber, through which the bullets are inserted, using the other hand to guide each bullet into the registered loading position.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/368,296, filed Feb. 13, 2003. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a bullet loader and, more particularly, to a device for reloading bullets into the magazine or clip of a firearm. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     Most semi-automatic and automatic weapons are provided with a removable magazine for holding a large number of bullets or rounds of ammunition. Additionally, some handguns, such as 9 mm pistols, are structured to receive a bullet-holding magazine, often referred to as a “clip.” Regardless of the particular type, make or model of the weapon, virtually all magazines are structured to function according to the same general principal of operation. Specifically, the magazine includes a generally elongate, vertical chamber with partially open ejection end at the top. Bullets are loaded, in sequence, into the magazine and against the compression force exerted by a compression spring, so that a stacked arrangement of bullets within the magazine is urged upwardly towards the top ejection end. When the loaded magazine is inserted into the firearm, the force of the compression spring causes the bullets to be individually fed, one at a time in succession, into the gun&#39;s firing chamber. 
     The use of a magazine in a firearm provides the convenience of holding a large number of bullets in position for loading in successive order into the firing chamber, thereby allowing for rapid fire of some or all of the loaded bullets. Once the bullets are expended, the empty magazine can be quickly removed and a new fully loaded magazine can be quickly inserted into the firearm to resume firing. 
     The use of magazines is a convenient and effective method of feeding bullets, in rapid succession, into a weapon&#39;s firing chamber. However, reloading bullets into the spent magazines is known to be problematic. Specifically, the structural design of the magazine requires each bullet to be individually loaded through the top ejection end and downwardly against the force of the compression spring in order to captivate the bullet within the magazine. As each bullet is loaded, in sequence, the compression spring becomes progressively compressed until the magazine is fully loaded with bullets Naturally, the resistance of the compression spring against the downward force of loading the bullets into the magazine becomes greater with each successive bullet loaded into the magazine. 
     For many years, bullets have been loaded into the magazines of firearms by hand, using the fingers to force each bullet downwardly against the force of the compression spring and into captured arrangement within the magazine. This process is time consuming, awkward, and often frustrating, particularly when the resistance of the compression spring begins to increase. And, in view of the fact that the entire load of bullets in the magazine can be expended in a matter of seconds, particularly in an automatic weapon, the task of reloading several empty magazines can be daunting. 
     In the past, others have proposed various devices for reloading bullets or “cartridges” into the clip of a handgun. And, while some of these devices have provided some improvement to the traditional reloading method of using ones fingers to force the bullets into the clip, they provide minimal mechanical advantage over the compressive force exerted by the spring in the clip. Moreover, the reloading devices known in the prior art require use of the thumb for operation. It has been found that successive operation of these devices, particularly when loading several clips, results in fatigue and possible strain or injury to the thumb and hand muscles. An example of a clip reloading device in the prior art which uses a thumb lever is shown in the U.S. patents to Switzer, Nos. 5,377,436 and 5,249,386. Additional examples of reloading devices for handgun clips are shown in the U.S. patents to Holmes, No. 4,829,693; Upchurch, No. 4,993,180; and Origoni, No. 5,355,606. All of these devices are limited to use with handgun clips. 
     In view of the numerous problems associated with loading bullets into the magazines of automatic and semi-automatic weapons, as well as handguns, and the limitations of the loading devices in the present state of the art, there remains an urgent need for a rapid action bullet reloading device for use in conjunction with any magazine style of all types of firearms and which is operable by either hand of the user with minimal effort. Moreover, there remains a need for a bullet loading device which provides a sufficient mechanical advantage to overcome the counter-acting force of the compression spring within a magazine so that each bullet, from the first to the last, can be loaded into the magazine with the same minimal effort. Additionally, there remains a need for a bullet reloading device which is structured to properly position each bullet into registered alignment with the top of the magazine and a cam depression finger of the device, thereby allowing the user to easily operate the device with either hand, while allowing the user to place bullets into the device for loading into the magazine using the other hand. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a rapid action bullet reloading device for use in conjunction with any firearm utilizing a removable magazine is operable by either hand of the user with minimal effort. The device includes a sleeve, defining a main body, a lever hinged to the sleeve and a cam member operatively engaged with the lever. The sleeve is structured and disposed to receive the magazine in a releasably locked and registered position for the bullet reloading operation. The device is operated by squeezing the lever towards the sleeve body with one hand which rotates the cam member about a cam axis in a highly leveraged action. Rotation of the cam causes an integral finger extending from the cam member to engage and depress a properly positioned bullet into the magazine. A spring urges the cam member back to the relaxed position upon each release of the lever, whereupon a next successive bullet can be placed in registered position for loading. In a preferred embodiment, the top end of the lever and cam member are each provided with intermeshing teeth to provide positive traction with minimal friction, thereby reducing wear and slippage between the lever and cam. In several embodiments, a hood is hingedly fitted to the top end of the sleeve body and includes an axial bore, defining a loading chamber through which the bullets are inserted, using the other hand, for individual positioning in registered alignment for loading into the magazine. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
     Considering the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a rapid action bullet loading device for use in conjunction with any firearm utilizing a removably magazine, and wherein the device is easily operable by a single hand of the user, either the left hand or the right hand, with minimal effort to effectively load bullets into the magazine. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a bullet loading device which provides a highly leveraged action to depress each bullet into the magazine, with minimal effort and using only one hand. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a bullet loading device which provides for a highly leveraged action to depress bullets into a magazine, and wherein the leveraged loading mechanism provides sufficient mechanical advantage to overcome the counteracting force of the compression spring within the magazine so that each bullet, from the first loaded bullet to the last loaded bullet, can be loaded into the magazine with the same minimal effort. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a bullet loading device which employs a cam action to provide substantial mechanical advantage when loading bullets into a magazine, thereby allowing for ease of operation, with a single hand, while preventing fatigue during extended loading operations. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a bullet loading device which provides a loading chamber for guiding each bullet into registered loading position, thereby allowing bullets to be loaded even in dark conditions. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a bullet loading device which allows for operation with a single hand while allowing the other hand to feed bullets into a registered loading position with each operation of the device. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a bullet loading device which is adapted for use with any and all makes, models and types of handgun magazines. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a bullet loading device which can be manufactured in various models to accommodate all types of firearm magazines, including magazines for automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons and handguns. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a rapid action bullet loading device, as set forth above, and wherein the leveraged cam action is adjustable to accommodate for different types and models of firearm magazines having varying compression spring tensions. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a rapid action bullet loading device wherein the mechanical leverage for depressing bullets into the magazine, against the compression spring, can be adjustably varied by changing the configuration of the cam and the throw of the cam finger. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a rapid action bullet loading device which employs a cam action to provide substantial mechanical advantage when loading bullets into a magazine, and wherein a pivoting lever and cam member are each provided with intermeshing gripping teeth, thereby providing a positive traction driving movement of the cam member upon squeezing the lever with minimal friction. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a rapid action bullet loading device, as set forth above, wherein the intermeshing gripping teeth on the lever and cam are structured to provide a positive drive between the lever and cam with minimal friction, thereby eliminating wear and increasing longevity of the device. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a device for loading bullets into a handgun which provides all of the objects and advantages set forth above, and which can be manufactured of a variety of materials, including ferrous, non-ferrous and/or plastic compositions. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will be more readily apparent with reference to the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a bullet loading device for use in conjunction with a magazine or clip of a handgun, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 a  is a side elevational view, in partial cross-section, illustrating the bullet loading device of FIG. 1 with a handgun magazine being inserted, as indicated by the dotted line, for seated position within the sleeve of the device and in registered alignment with a pivoting cam member; 
     FIG. 2 b  is a front elevational view of the bullet loading device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 a  is a side elevational view, in partial section, illustrating operation of the bullet loading device of FIG. 1 to load bullets into the magazine of a handgun; 
     FIG. 3 b  is a front elevational view of the bullet loading device and magazine of FIG. 3 a;    
     FIG. 4 a  is a side elevational view, in partial section, illustrating operation of a cam action loading mechanism, wherein a lever of the device is squeezed towards the sleeve of the device, as shown by the arrow, to urge a cam member about a pivot axis and an integral cam finger downwardly against the top positioned bullet, as indicated by the arrows, resulting in the bullet being forced downwardly against the compression spring of the magazine and into captivated relation within the magazine; 
     FIG. 4 b  is a front elevational view of the bullet loading device and magazine of FIG. 4 a;    
     FIG. 5 is a side elevational view, in partial section, illustrating a bullet loading device with a pivoting hood to facilitate insertion and registered alignment of bullets with the device for loading into the magazine, and wherein the bullet loading device is particularly adapted for use with an M-16 rifle; 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 5, shown in partial section, illustrating pivoting movement of the hood and positioning of the device on an M-16 magazine, as illustrated in phantom lines; 
     FIGS. 7 a - 7   c  show the bullet loading device of FIG. 5, in partial section, operatively attached to an M-16 magazine, illustrating a sequence of operation to load bullets into the magazine; 
     FIGS. 7 d - 7   e  show a side elevational view, in partial section, illustrating a sequence of operation to load bullets into a magazine, such as an M-16 magazine, and wherein the pivoting lever and cam member are provided with intermeshing gripping teeth for positive driven movement of the cam member, with reduced friction, upon squeezing the lever, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 f  is an isolated view taken from the area indicated as  7   f  in FIG. 7 d , illustrating the intermeshing arrangement of the gripping teeth on the top end of the lever and on the lower portion of the cam member, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the bullet loading device of FIG. 5 with an attached M-16 magazine shown in phantom; 
     FIGS. 9 a  and  9   b  show a bullet loading device of FIGS. 9 a  and  9   b  wherein a sequence of operation of the device is shown for loading bullets into the magazine; 
     FIGS. 9 c  and  9   d  show a bullet loading device, in partial cross section, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention for use in conjunction with an MP-5 magazine, wherein the lever and cam member are provided with intermeshing gripping teeth similar to that shown in FIG. 7 f;    
     FIGS. 10 a  and  10   b  show a bullet loading device, in partial section, illustrating yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention for use in conjunction with an Uzi or AR-15 magazine, and wherein an operational sequence is shown for loading bullets into the magazine; and 
     FIG. 11 is an isolated side elevational view, in partial section, illustrating an inner side wall of a sleeve of the device of FIGS. 10 a  and  10   b , to illustrate locking tabs on the sleeve for releasably locking the sleeve onto a variety of style magazines of different manufacturers. 
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the several views of the drawings, the bullet loading device of the present invention is shown in accordance with several embodiments thereof. 
     Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4 b , a first preferred embodiment of the bullet loading device is shown and is generally indicated as  10   a . Other preferred embodiments of the bullet loading device are shown throughout the drawings, including the bullet loading device  10   b  in FIGS. 5-8, the bullet loading device  10   c  in FIGS. 9 a  and  9   b , and the bullet loading device  10   d  in FIGS. 10 a - 11 . 
     In each embodiment shown throughout the drawings, the device  10   a - 10   d  includes a sleeve  12  defining a main body, a lever  16  hinged to a back portion of the main body  14  and a cam member  20  pivotally fitted to the sleeve body  12  and in operative engagement with a top end  18  of the lever  16 . The sleeve body  12  includes opposing side walls  30 ,  32  and rear wall  34 . In each of the various embodiments, as shown throughout the drawings, the configuration of the sleeve body  12 , including the shape of the side walls  30 ,  32  and the space between the side walls  30 ,  32  is varied to accommodate magazines of different types of firearms, as well as various makes and models of magazines for the same type of firearm. 
     In each embodiment, shown throughout the drawings, the device is structured and disposed to apply a downward depressing force against a bullet B in order to force the bullet B down against a force exerted by a compression spring within the firearm magazine in order to load the bullet B into the magazine. To accomplish this, in a highly leveraged action, the lever  16  and cam member  20  are pivotally mounted to the rear portion  14  of the sleeve body  12  using pivot pins  36 ,  38 , respectively. The pivot pins  36 ,  38  may be any of a variety of materials such as stainless steel roll pins, aluminum, or a plastic or nylon composition. The lever  16  and cam member  20  are specifically positioned and arranged in operative engagement to provide the desired mechanical advantage. 
     In several embodiments of the invention, a cam surface  40  on the cam member  20  maintains operative engagement against a top distal end  42  on the top end  18  of the lever  16 . The top distal end  42  may be rounded to provide a smooth engagement with the cam surface  40  upon pivoting movement of the lever  16  and cam member  20 . Upon squeezing lever  16 , with the use of one hand, the top end of the lever  16  rotates about pivot pin  36 , causing the top distal end  42  of the lever to forcibly engage the cam surface  40  on the cam member  20 . This results in forced rotation of the cam member  20  about pivot pin  38 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the top end of the lever  16  is provided with radially projecting teeth  46  for intermeshing engagement with correspondingly positioned radially projecting teeth  44  on the cam member  20 . The intermeshing teeth  46 ,  44  provide a positive traction between the lever  16  and the cam member  20  so that as the lever  16  is squeezed and the top end of the lever rotates about pivot pin  36 , the intermeshing teeth drivingly rotate the cam member  20  about pivot pin  38 . The intermeshing teeth  46 ,  44  are specifically structured and configured to reduce wear and friction between the moving lever  16  and moving cam member  20 . A spring  50  seated within the rear of the sleeve body  12  applies an upward force against a knee  52  of the cam member  20  to urge the cam member  20  to a normally relaxed position, as seen in FIGS. 2 a ,  3   a ,  5 - 7   b  and  10   a . In this position, an integral finger  60  extending from the cam member  20  is in a raised position. Upon squeezing the lever  16 , with the use of one hand, towards the back wall  34  of the sleeve body  12 , the top end  18  of the lever  16  rotates about the pivot pin  36 , to cause driving rotation of the cam member  20  about pivot pin  38 , as described above in connection with the various embodiments. Driving rotation of the cam member  20  results in driving finger  60  downwardly so that the end  62  of the finger  60  operatively engages a top bullet B aligned on the top of the magazine for loading therein. Upon continued downward movement of the finger  60  the end  62  of the finger  60  exerts a force to depress the bullet B into the magazine. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 b , the bullet loading device  10   a  is specifically adapted for use in conjunction with handgun magazines or clips M 1 . In operation, the cam lever  16  is squeezed, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4 a  to move the cam member  20  about the pin  38  thereby causing the end  62  of finger  60  to apply the downward force on the top bullet B within the magazine M 1 . This then allows a next successive bullet to be loaded within the magazine M 1  to be slipped into position, as seen in FIG. 3 a . Depending upon the particular model of the handgun and the style of the magazine M 1 , the bullet B may be inserted into the top of the magazine M 1  or, alternatively, placed on the top of the magazine M 1  and forced down into the magazine by the end  62  of the finger  60 . 
     In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 b , the bullet loading device  10   a , which is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with handgun magazines M 1 , provides for the ability to adapt to all sizes, styles, makes and models of handgun magazines. In particular, a bottom support member  70  is structured and disposed to engage the bottom of the magazine M 1  so that the magazine M 1  is properly positioned in registered alignment within the sleeve body  12 , between the side walls  30 ,  32  and at a proper height relative to the cam member  20  and finger  60  so that the end  62  of the finger  60  engages the top bullet B when positioned on the top of the magazine M 1 . The support member  70  is adjustably positionable throughout a range of heights between the side walls  30 ,  32  of the sleeve body  12  with the use of a knob  72  which connects to the support member  70  by a threaded rod or stem  74 . As seen in FIGS. 1,  3   a  and  3   b , the threaded rod  74  extends from the knob  72  and through a slot  76  in the rear wall  34 , and into threaded engagement within the support member  70 . Rotating the knob  72  in one direction serves to loosen the knob from the rear surface of the wall  34 , thereby allowing the knob  72  and support member  70  to be moved upwardly or downwardly relative to the sleeve body. When the support member  70  is properly positioned, at the desired height, between the walls  30 ,  32  of the sleeve body, the knob  72  is tightened, by rotating, to frictionally engage the rear surface of the wall  34  of the sleeve body  12 , thereby holding the support member  70  at the desired position. 
     The embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 b  further provides for the adaptability to varying widths or thicknesses of magazines M 1 . As seen throughout FIGS. 1-4 b , a sleeve insert  80  is provided. The sleeve insert  80  is specifically structured and disposed to be received between the walls  30 ,  32  of the sleeve body  12  to provide a smaller transverse dimension so that the magazine M 1  is held snugly within the sleeve body. Specifically, the sleeve insert  80  includes opposing walls  82 ,  84  which mate with the corresponding opposing walls  30 ,  32 , respectively, of the sleeve body  12 . The transverse space between the walls  82 ,  84  is less than the space between walls  30 ,  32 , thereby reducing the overall transverse dimension of the sleeve body  12  for snug fitting receipt of the magazine M 1  therein. It should be noted that several sleeve inserts  80  of varying size and wall thickness may be provided to accommodate a full range of magazine makes, styles, models and/or designs. To insure proper alignment and receipt of the sleeve insert  80  within the sleeve body  12 , a hole  86  is formed through a top portion of the rear wall  85  of the sleeve insert  80  for receipt of a screw, peg or other member  88  on the rear wall  34  of the sleeve body  12 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the bullet loading device  10   b  is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with the magazine M 2  of an M-16 rifle for loading bullets B 1  into the magazine M 2 . 
     FIGS. 9 a - 9   b  illustrate yet a further embodiment of the bullet loading device  10   c  which is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with the magazine M 3  of an MP-5 rifle. 
     FIGS. 10 a - 11  illustrate yet a further embodiment of the bullet loading device  10   d  which is particularly adapted for use for loading bullets B into the magazine M 4  of an Uzi or AR-15 firearm. 
     In each of the embodiments  10   b - 10   d , as shown throughout FIGS. 5-11, the respective bullet loading devices operate in the same general manner as that described above. Specifically, the lever  16  is squeezed inwardly towards the rear wall  34  of the sleeve body  12 , with the use of a single hand, to pivot the top end  18  of the lever  16  about pivot pin  36  resulting in driving rotation of the cam member  20  about pivot pin  38 . In at least one preferred embodiment, the intermeshing gripping teeth  44 ,  46 , on the cam member  20  and lever, respectively, provide for driving rotation of the cam member  20  upon squeezing the lever  16 . In other embodiments, as described above, the top distal end  42  of the lever  16  applies a force to a cam surface  40  on the cam member  20 , upon squeezing the lever  16 , to drivingly rotate the cam member  20  about the pivot pin  38 . It should be noted that the specific shape of the distal end  42  of the lever  16 , as well as the configuration of the cam surface  40  may be varied to achieve the desired leverage action and mechanical advantage. This is largely dependent upon the particular type of magazine and the compression force of the compression spring within the magazine. Also, the throw of the finger  60  is varied according to the particular type of magazine and bullets being loaded. In referring to the various embodiments shown throughout the drawings, it will be noted that the configurations of the distal end  42  and cam surface  40  are varied, along with the throw and shape of the cam finger  60 , to accommodate for the particular type of magazine and bullets being loaded, as well as to achieve the desired mechanical advantage to overcome the compression force of the compression spring within the magazine. 
     Each of the embodiments  10   b - 10   d , shown throughout FIGS. 5-11, are further provided with a hood  90  pivotally fitted to a top end of the sleeve body  12 . The hood  90  is structured to pivot open in order to permit placement and removal of the magazine within the sleeve body. Once the magazine is received within the sleeve body and properly positioned in registered, releasably locked alignment, the hood  90  is lowered over the top of the magazine. Preferably, the hood  90  is structured to releasably snap into place on the top of the magazine to insure proper alignment as well as to secure the device on the magazine, in proper registered position for loading operations. 
     In each of the embodiments, the hood  90  includes a bore  92  formed therethrough. The bore  92  is specifically sized and configured for receipt of a particular caliber bullet therethrough for registered positioning relative to the finger  60  and magazine. Specifically, the bore  92  acts as a loading chamber for guiding each bullet into proper position below the finger  60  so that when the lever  16  is squeezed and the end  62  of the finger  60  engages the bullet, the bullet is depressed down into the magazine without failure. Accordingly, the loading chamber, defined by the bore  92  of the hood  90  allows the user to easily insert bullets to be loaded into the magazine with one hand, while operating the device with the other hand. Moreover, the loading chamber of the hood  90  allows for ease of loading bullets even in poorly lit or dark conditions and without the need of actually viewing the magazine or loading device. As seen throughout the several embodiments, the hood  90  may be provided with downwardly extending side walls  94  and a front wall  95  for snug fitted, locking engagement on the top end of the magazine, thereby securing the loading device  10   b - 10   d  to the respective magazine in proper registered alignment therewith. 
     Referring to FIG. 11, the inner surface of either of the side walls  30 ,  32  of the sleeve body  12  is shown in accordance with a particular embodiment, wherein flexible tab members  98  on the side walls  30 ,  32  are provided with protrusions  99  for releasable, locking receipt within detents formed in the sides of the magazine to insure proper registered position and alignment of the sleeve body  12  on the magazine. The flexible tabs  98  and protrusions  99  are shown on the embodiments of FIGS. 10 a  and  10   b . However, it is noted that this same or similar structure may be employed on the other embodiments of the bullet loading device, as shown in the previous drawing figures, for interlocking receipt with the particular type of make and model of the magazine. 
     While the instant invention has been shown and described in accordance with a preferred and practical embodiment thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention which, therefore, should not be limited except as set forth in the following claims as interpreted under the doctrine of equivalents.