Smart magazine for simulated weapon

A smart magazine adapted to be releasably engaged with a simulated weapon is provided, the magazine comprising a housing, a valving mechanism disposed within the housing and a data module including an electronic storage medium for storing information concerning an amount of simulated ammunition “shots” present in the magazine, and a connection member operably connected to the data module and adapted to be operably connected to a control module in the weapon to transmit and receive signals in response to the firing of the weapon to adjust the number of “shots” stored in the storage medium. The magazine utilizes a compressed gas cartridge that releases gas to produce an audible “pop” when the weapon is fired and to reset the “shot” count for the magazine when the canister is replaced.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a weapon simulation system having simulated weapons with simulated ammunition magazines, and, more particularly, to a magazine for use with a simulated weapon system that will keep track of the number of simulated rounds of ammunition that have been expended from the magazine, which also provides an easy mechanism for replacing a compressed gas cartridge within the magazine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When military and/or police personnel or other individuals are engaged in tactical training situations, or playing games to simulate these types of situations, they use simulated weapons that are designed to imitate the size and feel of the actual firearms that are used in the field. Such firearms frequently use detachable magazines, which typically require that the operator carry a number of magazines loaded with ammunition so that they can rapidly re-load their weapon as needed.

To provide a realistic experience when individuals use weapon simulator systems incorporating simulated weapons with simulated detachable magazines, weapon simulator systems have been designed so that the trainee or individual is able to carry a number of simulated magazines to be used with the simulated weapon. By using various different magazines, the operator is able to interchange these magazines with the simulated weapon, as required with actual firearms.

Further, the magazine includes a mechanism capable of storing information on the number of “shots” available within the magazine, such as the electronic counter mechanism disclosed in UK Published Patent Application No. GB 2,259,559A, or the wireless module disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,291,014, which are each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Through various types connections formed between the mechanism in the magazine and the weapon, as the weapon tracks the number of shots fired from the weapon, the weapon can supply this information to the magazine to correspondingly adjust the available number of “shots” in the magazine until the available number of “shots” reaches zero. At that point the magazine becomes empty or depleted and the mechanism in the magazine prevents further operation of the weapon. This information can be retained in the mechanism by the magazine, such that the magazine cannot simply be removed and reinserted into the same or another weapon. Once depleted, the magazine must be recharged by connecting the magazine to a suitable charger. Other examples of magazines and weapons of this type are also shown in US Patent Application Publication No. US2008/0127538, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

However, while electronic-only weapon simulator systems of this type force the individual to exchange magazines during a training simulation or game environment based on criteria similar to that present when using real weapons (i.e., the limited number of rounds present in a given magazine), the simulated weapons suffer from certain drawbacks. First, the chargers required to recharge depleted magazines require an individual to remove themselves from the simulation to access a charger, which is necessarily connected to a power source, such as an electric outlet, outside of the simulation environment. Further, the weapons of this type do not provide any feedback to the individual in the manner of real weapons, or other simulated weapons designed to fire paintballs or other similar projectiles. Consequently, when the simulated weapons of the above types are fired, only electronically-generated sounds or movement, i.e., vibration, if any, are generated by the weapon as an indication of the simulated firing of the projectile. As a result of these issues, the realism of using the simulated weapon in these simulations is diminished.

To provide more realistic action to the individual using the simulated weapon, there are a number of prior art simulated weapons that include a supply of compressed gas, air or carbon dioxide (CO2) within the weapon. The compressed gas supply can be externally connected to the simulated weapon, disposed directly within the simulated weapon as a simulated round to be fired, or a container held a compartment in the weapon, or within a magazine designed to be removably engaged with the weapon. In each case, the compressed gas supply is present to provide a recoil effect to the simulated weapon via a recoil mechanism operated by the compressed gas supply in response to the operation of a trigger on the weapon. Examples of weapons of this type include those disclosed in: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,947,738; 6,146,141; 6,682,350; 6,869,285; and 7,306,462; US Patent Application Publication No. US 2008/0187888 and PCT Published Application No. WO 2010/065124 A1, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,285 a retrofit pistol is disclosed in which the compressed gas supply is provided by a canister that is positioned directly within the handle for the pistol. The canister is positioned within a housing located in the magazine well in the handle and held therein by a threaded clamp that is turned with respect to the handle to secure or disengage the canister from the recoil mechanism.

In each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,146,141 and 6,682,350, weapons are disclosed in which the supply of compressed gas is held within a magazine engaged with the weapon. However, in each of these references the canister is omitted and the compressed gas is stored directly within a compartment of the magazine. When depleted, the magazine is removed from the weapon and connected to a separate gas supply in order to recharge the canister with the compressed gas used to operate the recoil mechanism.

While each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,146,141; 6,682,350 and 6,869,285 provides more realistic feedback to the individual as a result of the recoil provided by the compressed gas supply and recoil mechanism, each of these references omits any mechanism where the number of shots fired by the weapon can be recorded and retained in a storage mechanism within the magazine. Further, similar to the electronic-only weapons discussed previously, when the compressed gas supply for each of these references is depleted, the construction of the weapon does not allow for a ready resupply of the compressed gas to the weapon.

In PCT Published Application No. WO 2010/065124, the disclosure shows a simulated weapon with a compressed gas canister positioned within a magazine that is removable from the magazine well. To hold the canister within the magazine, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,285, a cartridge engagement means including a threaded clamp is provided to secure or disengage the canister from a valve mechanism operated when the trigger of the weapon is depressed to supply gas from the canister to the recoil mechanism. Further, the magazine in this reference also includes a mechanism within the magazine that counts the number of “shots” fired by the weapon, and can operate to lock the weapon in an inoperable state when a predetermined number of “shots” has been reached. The magazine must then be removed from the weapon to reset the counting mechanism by depressing a switch on the magazine, such that the magazine can be returned to the weapon for continued use.

However, in this reference, similar to U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,285, the construction of the cartridge engagement means prevents the magazine from being readily recharged with compressed gas. Therefore, with regard to each of prior art simulated weapons discussed here, the individual is limited to the simulated ammunition supply held within the total number of magazines that are carried by the individual.

Therefore, it is desirable to develop a detachable simulated magazine for use in connection with a simulated weapon for use in various combat simulations that provides a realistic look, sound and feel to the operation of the magazine and weapon, as well as providing a more efficient and realistic manner for reloading the simulated magazine with simulated ammunition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a simulated magazine for a simulated weapon is provided that includes a compartment therein for a compressed gas canister. The canister is operably and releasably interconnected to a memory module contained within the magazine that stores information relating to the simulated ammunition supplied by the canister present in the magazine. The memory module includes a reset switch that can be selectively operated by the replacement of the compressed gas canister to enable the memory module and magazine to be reset for additional use. The memory module is additionally operably connected to a control module within the simulated weapon when the magazine is engaged with the weapon in order to receive signals from the control module regarding the simulated shots fired, to correspondingly update the information in the memory module concerning the amount of simulated ammunition remaining in the magazine.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the simulated magazine includes a valving mechanism operably connected to the compressed gas canister. When the magazine is engaged with the weapon the valving mechanism is engaged with an operating mechanism for the weapon, including the trigger. As the trigger is operated and the simulated weapon is fired, the movement of the trigger operates the valving mechanism to dispense an amount of the gas from the canister to provide a popping sound corresponding to the firing of the weapon, similar to the sounds created by the firing of a conventional paintball marker or gun. In addition, the control module for the weapon transmits a signal to the memory module in the magazine to change the count of ammunition remaining in the magazine.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the magazine includes a lever connected to the magazine that functions to both enclose the compressed gas cartridge within the magazine and to quickly engage/disengage the cartridge from the valving mechanism within the magazine in order to replace an empty cartridge with a full cartridge.

Numerous other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description together with the drawings figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawing figures in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the disclosure, inFIG. 1a simulated magazine10is shown engaged with a simulated weapon100. The weapon100can have any shape desired to simulate an actual weapon, and the magazine10can have a corresponding shape for use with the particular weapon100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the weapon100includes a body102, a barrel or muzzle104extending outwardly from one end of the body102and a handle106disposed on the body102generally opposite the barrel104. Adjacent the handle106is a trigger108used to operate the weapon100. The weapon100can be configured to fire any type of simulated or non-lethal ammunition, such as a line-of-sight signal, e.g., an infrared, LED or laser light beam, or a paintball, among other types of simulated ammunition.

The trigger108is operably connected to a control module110disposed within the body102that monitors the operation of the weapon100in order to provide signals of any suitable type to the user, optionally such as visual signals via a display109on the body102, and to other individuals or systems regarding the status of the weapon100, such as wireless signals sent to a remote CPU, among others. The control module110also is connected to a firing mechanism112located within the body102. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing mechanism112operates the control module110when the trigger108is operated to “fire” a round of simulated ammunition from the weapon100through the barrel104. The firing mechanism112can be formed as desired, and in the illustrated embodiment includes a sear111connected to the trigger108, and a hammer113engaged with the sear111. In operation, the activation of the trigger108causes the sear111and hammer113to move and operate the control module110. When operated by the trigger108, the control module110consequently and simultaneously sends out signals to a valve116having a stem118that extends outwardly from the valve116into a magazine sleeve or well120formed on the body102for interconnection with the magazine10, and to a firing mechanism (not shown) of the weapon100, which causes the line-of-sight signal or other simulated round to be “fired” out of the weapon100. The sleeve120is shaped to correspond to the configuration for the magazine10to enable a secure fit between the sleeve120and the magazine10. The sleeve120can also include a suitable locking mechanism (not shown) that is operable to lock the magazine10in place within the sleeve120until manually disengaged by the user when it is desired to remove the magazine10from the sleeve120.

Looking now atFIGS. 1-6, in the illustrated embodiment the magazine10is constructed as a housing or shell13formed with a pair of halves12and14formed with apertures15therein, such as within channels17integrally formed on each half12and14. The halves12and14can be formed from any suitable material, such as a metal or hard plastic, in order to withstand the repeated uses, similar to actual weapon magazines. To secure the halves12and14together to form the shell13, the halves12and14can be positioned with the apertures15and channels17in each half12and14aligned with one another. In this position a number of fasteners16can be inserted through the apertures15and engaged with suitable engaging structures (not shown) located within the channels17in the halves12and14in any suitable manner. Alternatively, the shell13for the magazine10can be formed from a single component formed into the desired shape for the magazine10in any suitable manner.

One or both of the halves12and14may also include a display30. The display30is operably connected to a data module22disposed within the magazine10and is operable to visually display the amount of simulated ammunition remaining within the magazine10. While the display30can be disposed where desired on the magazine10, in the illustrated embodiment the display30is located in a recessed position adjacent an engagement end31of the magazine10that is configured to be inserted within the sleeve120on the body102of the weapon100. In this position, prior to insertion of the engagement end31within the magazine sleeve120, the display30can illustrate to the user the amount of simulated ammunition remaining within the magazine10. Once inserted within the sleeve120, the display30is covered by the sleeve120, preventing the display30from indicating the location of the weapon100and the user. Alternatively, the display30can be position where it is visible regardless of the engagement of the magazine10within the weapon100, or the sleeve120can include a window (not shown) allowing the user to view the display30through the sleeve120.

When assembled to form the magazine10, the halves12and14define an interior18within which is disposed a compressed gas canister20, and the data module22. The canister20, in one embodiment, is a standard carbon dioxide (CO2) canister utilized in conventional paintball markers or guns. Different sized magazines10for different weapons110will allow the loading of between one (1) to four (4) standard twelve (12) gram canisters20containing liquefied CO2at a pressure of 600 psi to 1200 psi. The canister20includes a spout60at one end that can be punctured to enable the compressed gas in the canister20to exit the canister20.

The data module22is formed in any desired manner and in any suitable configuration, and includes a circuit board24containing the operating circuitry for the module22that interconnects a suitable electronic memory or storage medium25, such as a flash drive, a replaceable power supply26, a reset switch28and a data connector30. The board24is secured within the interior18of the magazine10by engaging opposed ends and sides of the board24within slots32formed on the interior portions of each half12and14. When inserted within the slots32, the switch28is positioned within an opening33in a peripheral wall34of the magazine10formed by the halves12and14. The switch28includes a base35positioned on and operably connected to the circuitry on the board24and an arm36that extend though the opening33into a canister compartment38. The remainder of the module22is maintained within the peripheral wall34, such that the module22is protected from the elements within which the magazine10can be used.

The arm36of the reset switch28is physically contacted and activated by the removal and/or insertion of a compressed gas canister20into the compartment38. When a new canister20is inserted into the compartment38, the canister20engages the arm36of the switch28, which sends a signal to the storage medium25on the data module22. This signal indicates the presence of a new canister20, which causes the storage medium25to reset to the maximum number of simulated “shots” allowed for the magazine10. However, the reset switch28can alternatively be activated by other means, such as an electronic signal (wired or wireless) received by the data module22and storage medium25or the engagement of a special key (not shown) with the switch28among others.

The storage medium25is capable of storing and rewriting the number of simulated “shots” remaining in the magazine10during usage of the magazine10. The storage medium25is formed from any suitable type of high usage, durable memory device, such as inexpensive devices that can powered by a separate power source or that do not require a separate power source, including, but not limited to flash memory devices, EEPORM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) devices or FRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) devices, among others. The storage medium25can be set each game to have a certain maximum amount of shots per full magazine10, e.g., an M-16 would have a maximum of thirty (30) simulated shots in the full magazine10. Every time the simulated weapon100utilizing the magazine10fires a simulated “shot”, the storage medium25subtracts one “shot” from this maximum amount. The storage medium25is also capable of maintain the stored data on the number of simulated “shots” fired from the magazine10when the magazine10is taken out of one weapon and put into another to use the remaining ammunition, as in a real life situation.

The data coupling or connector30is positioned within the magazine10adjacent the engagement end31and serves to relay signals between the storage medium25on the data module22and the control module110of the weapon100. The connector30can take any suitable form, but in the illustrated embodiment is formed as a magnetic connector, capable of creating an electronic connection for transferring data between the data module22and the control module110. The use of the magnetic data connector30enables the connector30to be housed entirely within the peripheral wall34of the magazine10, preventing damage to the connector30by the elements or by the repeated engagement of the magazine10with the weapon100. Signals identifying the number of simulated “shots” fired from the weapon100are transmitted from the control module110to the storage medium25on the data module22via the connector30. The connector30is disposed adjacent the engagement end31of the magazine10that is inserted into the magazine sleeve120of the associated weapon100, and is capable of transmitting and receiving signals from the control module110disposed within the weapon100that is used to monitor and control operation of the simulated weapon100. For example, among other connections, the control module110is in communication with the trigger108to determine when the operator has attempted to fire the simulated weapon100, as well as other electronics that may be used on or with the weapon100, such as a laser emitter (not shown), a display (not shown) and a signal transceiver (not shown), among others. As a result, when the simulated magazine10is inserted into the weapon100, the storage medium25and the data module22will be in electrical communication with the control module110in the simulated weapon110via the connector30. The connector30is selected to be a very high use connection that will allow information to be read and written from the control module110to the storage medium25and vice versa. In addition, the magazines10, in their intended usage, are often slammed into the weapon sleeve120, so the magazines10and the components of the magazines10need to be very durable. In one embodiment, to provide enhanced durability, the connector30is formed as a magnetic connector so there is essentially no wear or tear on the connector30as it does not need to be in physical contact to operate, and thus does not need to be exposed in a potentially damaging position.

To provide power to the data module22and electronic storage medium25, in the illustrated embodiment the power supply26for the board24is formed with a receptacle40for receiving a battery42therein. The battery42can be any suitable type of battery capable of providing the necessary voltage to the board24, and can be selected to be easily replaceable when necessary. Further, the battery42supplies power to the data module22only when the magazine10is not connected with any weapon100, as power can be supplied to the data module22from the weapon100via the connector30when the magazine10is engaged with the weapon100. Thus, the effective useful life of the battery42is greatly extended. Additionally, other types of power supplied26can be used, such as by using supercapacitors or radio frequency induction processes and associated power storage mechanisms (not shown), among others.

Referring now toFIGS. 1,2, and4-6, the canister compartment38is selectively opened and closed by the operation of a pivoting cover44attached to the peripheral wall34of the magazine10. The cover44has a first end46including an aperture48formed therein in which a pivot pin50is disposed. Opposite ends of the pin50are engaged within aligned apertures (not shown) in the compartment38to secure the pin50to the magazine10.

The first end46is formed with a cam52adjacent the pin50. The cam52in the illustrated embodiment is formed as a wheel54pivotally disposed within a slot56formed in the first end46above the aperture48, as best shown inFIG. 5, but could be formed as a static member, or as a curved portion of the cover44adjacent the first end46. The wheel54is rotatably mounted on a shaft58extending across the slot56, such that the wheel54can rotate freely within the slot56. In the open position shown inFIG. 6, the compressed gas canister20can be positioned within the compartment38and engaged with the arm36of the reset switch28. When the cover44is pivoted to the closed position shown inFIGS. 3-5, the wheel54is urged upwardly into contact with the bottom of the cartridge20. Continued movement of the cover44towards the magazine10simultaneously presses the canister20against the arm36of the switch28and moves the spout60of the canister20into engagement with a valve mechanism62disposed within the compartment38. In the closed position for the cover44shown inFIG. 5, a locking arm64on the cover44spaced near a second end47engages a complementary structure disposed within the compartment38in order to hold the cover44securely over the compartment38, and the wheel54functions to maintain the canister20in secure engagement with the valve mechanism62and the arm36during use of the magazine10, whether engaged with a weapon100or not.

As the cover44is closed over the compartment38, the spout60of the canister20is urged into the inlet61of a housing63for the valve mechanism62for engagement with a piercing device64and a surrounding seal66to open the canister20and prevent gas from escaping out of the valve mechanism62. Above the piercing device64, the valve mechanism62includes shuttle valve68that can move along a channel70formed in the housing63between the piercing device64and an outlet72located opposite the inlet61. The outlet72includes a pair of sealing members73therein which are engaged by the valve stem118of the weapon100when the magazine10is engaged within the sleeve120of the weapon100. When the stem118is inserted into the outlet72, the stem118is sealingly engaged with the sealing members73and presses the shuttle valve68towards the canister20against the pressure of the gas in the canister20to fluidly connect the canister20to the valve116in the weapon100.

To hold the housing63in position within the compartment38, the housing63includes a wide lower section74in which the inlet61is located, and a narrow upper section76that seats within an opening77formed in the compartment38at the engagement end31of the magazine10. The upper section76includes a peripheral flange78that is positioned against the exterior of the magazine10to align the housing63within the compartment38.

When the weapon100is fired, the actuation of the trigger108causes the control module110to operate the valve116to release an amount of the compressed gas from the canister20through the valve116, providing an audible “pop” to signal the firing of the simulated ammunition round. The activation of the valve116can be done in a single shot, semi-automatic or fully automatic manner, depending upon the type of simulated weapon100being used. In an alternative embodiment for the magazine10, the “pops” from the release of the compressed gas from the canister20can be generated directly by the valve mechanism62in the magazine10, as opposed to by the mechanism116in the weapon100, such that the mechanism116is not required and can be omitted.

In use, during assembly of the magazine10, the storage medium25is formatted for use with a particular type of weapon100, such that upon any reset of the data module22, the storage medium25will be reset to the selected value for the maximum number of “shots” available in the magazine10. Power to enable the storage medium25to store and retain this information when the magazine30is not connected to the weapon100is provided by the battery42engaged with the storage medium25via the board24. The magazine10can then be loaded with the cartridge20. To do so, the cover44is pivoted away from the magazine10to expose the compartment38, as shown inFIG. 6. The cartridge20is subsequently positioned within the compartment38with the spout60adjacent the valve mechanism62and the cover44is moved to the closed position, as shown inFIGS. 3-5.

In closing the cover44over the cartridge20, the wheel54engages the cartridge20opposite the spout60and presses the cartridge both upwardly into the inlet61of the valve mechanism62and inwardly against the arm36of the reset switch28. By depressing the arm36, the data module22and storage medium25are reset/activated to indicate that the magazine10has a full amount of “shots” corresponding to the value written to the storage medium25. This amount can be viewed on the display30on the magazine10. When the cover44is locked into engagement with the compartment38via the arm64, the canister20is fully compressed against the switch arm36and inserted into the valve mechanism inlet61. In this position, the compressed gas in the canister20urges the shuttle valve68upwardly to close the mechanism62and prevent gas from escaping the magazine10.

After loading the cartridge20, the magazine10can be inserted within the sleeve120of the weapon100. When inserted, the stem118of the valve mechanism116in the weapon100enters the outlet72to move the shuttle valve68against the pressure of the compressed gas to enable the gas to flow past the shuttle valve68and into the mechanism116. Additionally, the connector30is positioned in magnetic connection with a suitable member (not shown) in the sleeve120to operably connect the connector30and data module20with the control module110within the weapon100. The magazine10can be held in the engaged position within the sleeve120by the locking mechanism (not shown) disposed on the sleeve120that releasably engages the magazine10.

When the weapon100is in use, the individual depresses the trigger108to fire one or more “shots” from the weapon100. In doing so, the individual operates the control module110which send a signal to the data module22via the magnetic connector30. This signal modifies the storage medium25to change the number of remaining “shots” in the magazine in accordance with the number of “shots” that have been fired. As the storage medium25is rewritten with the “shots” that have been fired by the weapon100, the data module22sends return signals to the control module110such that the control module110can illustrate the number of “shots” remaining in the magazine10on a suitable display (not shown) on the weapon100. If the number of “shots” remaining within the magazine10as stored in the storage medium reaches zero, then the control module110in the weapon100receives a corresponding signal from the data module22that causes the control module110to prevent further operation of the weapon100.

Once empty, the magazine10needs to be removed from the weapon100and either replaced with another magazine10or by removing and replacing the canister20in the empty magazine10. To do so, the cover44is pivoted away from the compartment38to enable the empty canister20to be pulled out of the valve mechanism62and removed from the compartment38in order to be replaced by a fresh or full cartridge20. Once the empty cartridge20is removed, the arm36of the reset switch28is allowed to extend away from the switch28. The switch28can be reset when the full cartridge20is placed within the compartment38and engaged by the cover44as described previously. This sends a signal to the data module22to reset the value of the number of “shots” remaining in the magazine to the full predetermined amount for the magazine10as contained in the storage medium25, thereby rendering the magazine10fully loaded.

Further, if the magazine10is removed from the weapon100prior to having all of the “shots” fired, the number of “shots” remaining in the magazine10is maintained on the storage medium25as a result of the power supplied by the battery42to the data module22. Therefore, the magazine10can be reinserted into the weapon100or into another weapon100and provide the same number of “shots” that remained when the magazine10was initially removed from the weapon100.

As the weapon100is fired using the trigger108, the control module110operates the valve mechanism116in the weapon100. The mechanism116allows for an amount of compressed gas to escape the magazine10in a manner that produces an audible “pop” corresponding to the “shot” that was fired. In one embodiment of the magazine10, the maximum number of “shots” contained in the magazine10is less than the number of “pops” that can be obtained from the cartridge20. In this manner, the magazine10ensures a full number of “pops” to accompany each “shot” that is taken.

In still another embodiment, the magazine10can be constructed to accommodate multiple cartridges20within one or more compartments38having one or more switches28and valve mechanisms62therein to be engaged by the cartridges20for use with weapons100having larger ammunition capacities.

Various other embodiments of the present invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the filed claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.