Magazine release

A magazine release assembly includes a first component. The first component includes at least one interlocking protrusion of an interlocking assembly and a button with a sloped surface. The first component is insertable into a first opening within a receiver frame of a handgun. The magazine release assembly includes an additional component. The additional component includes at least one interlocking recess of the interlocking assembly and a catch spring slot. The additional component is insertable into an additional opening with the receiver frame of the handgun. The at least one interlocking recess is configured to rotatably couple with the at least one interlocking protrusion within the receiver frame. The catch spring slot is configured to receive a catch spring following the rotatable coupling of the at least one interlocking recess and the at least one interlocking protrusion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to the field of handguns and, in particular, to a magazine release for handguns.

BACKGROUND

Handguns have a magazine release that are operated via a user's thumb or middle finger. On select handguns, the magazine release has been reduced to a slim-profile version with a user-contact surface nearly flush with a surface of the handgun receiver. These magazine releases are difficult to use, requiring a direction or magnitude of force and/or contact by the user that is either counter-intuitive and/or unnecessarily restrictive. In addition, a user may have to move their hand and/or rotate the handgun to actuate the slim-profile magazine release, which may cause the user to relinquish some amount of control over the direction in which the handgun is pointed.

As such, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus that addresses the shortcomings of the previous approaches listed above.

SUMMARY

A system is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the system includes a magazine release assembly. In another embodiment, the magazine release assembly includes a first component. In another embodiment, the first component includes at least one interlocking protrusion of an interlocking assembly and a button with a sloped surface. In another embodiment, the magazine release assembly includes an additional component. The additional component includes at least one interlocking recess of the interlocking assembly and a catch spring slot. In another embodiment, the system includes a handgun. The handgun includes a receiver frame. The receiver frame includes a first magazine release opening configured to receive the first component of the magazine release assembly. The receiver frame includes an additional magazine release opening configured to receive the additional component of the magazine release assembly. The receiver frame includes a catch spring retaining slot configured to hold a catch spring. In another embodiment, the at least one interlocking recess is configured to rotatably couple with the at least one interlocking protrusion within the receiver frame. In another embodiment, the catch spring slot is configured to receive the catch spring following the rotatable coupling of the at least one interlocking recess and the at least one interlocking protrusion.

A magazine release assembly is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the magazine release assembly includes a first component. In another embodiment, the first component includes at least one interlocking protrusion of an interlocking assembly and a button with a sloped surface. In another embodiment, the first component is insertable into a first opening within a receiver frame of a handgun. In another embodiment, the magazine release assembly includes an additional component. In another embodiment, the additional component includes at least one interlocking recess of the interlocking assembly and a catch spring slot. In another embodiment, the additional component is insertable into an additional opening with the receiver frame of the handgun. In another embodiment, the at least one interlocking recess is configured to rotatably couple with the at least one interlocking protrusion within the receiver frame. In another embodiment, the catch spring slot is configured to receive a catch spring following the rotatable coupling of the at least one interlocking recess and the at least one interlocking protrusion.

A method is disclosed, in accordance with one embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the method may include, but not limited to, inserting a first component of a magazine release assembly into a first opening within a receiver frame of a handgun. In another embodiment, the first component includes at least one interlocking protrusion of an interlocking assembly and a button with a sloped surface. In another embodiment, the method may include, but not limited to, inserting an additional component of the magazine release assembly into an additional opening within the receiver frame of the handgun. In another embodiment, the additional component includes at least one interlocking recess of the interlocking assembly and a catch spring slot. In another embodiment, the method may include, but not limited to, rotatably coupling the at least one interlocking recess with the at least one interlocking protrusion within the receiver frame. In another embodiment, the method may include, but not limited to, coupling a catch spring within the receiver frame of the handgun to the catch spring slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-4Ggenerally illustrate a magazine release for a handgun, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted herein that “magazine release” and “magazine release assembly” may be considered equivalent for purposes of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a magazine release for a handgun. Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a button of the magazine release configured to reduce an amount of force and/or direction of motion necessary to actuate the magazine release. Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to maintaining or lessening the potential for accidental release of the magazine by reducing the size and/or profile of a magazine release button while retaining intended functionality. Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a method of installing and rotatably coupling components of the magazine release together within the handgun.

FIGS. 1A and 1Bgenerally illustrate a handgun100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the handgun100includes a receiver frame102. In another embodiment, the handgun100includes a barrel104. In another embodiment, the handgun100includes an extractor106and an extractor depressor plunger108. For example, the extractor106and the extractor depressor plunger108may remove a casing (or entire cartridge) from the barrel104.

In another embodiment, the handgun100includes a slide110. For example, the casing removed from the barrel104by the extractor106may be ejected from the slide110via an ejector. In another embodiment, the handgun100includes a slide stop lever112configured to allow the slide110to engage a slide lock114. In another embodiment, the handgun100includes a trigger.

In another embodiment, the receiver frame102includes an opening for a magazine116through a bottom surface of the receiver frame102. In another embodiment, the receiver frame102includes an opening118through a left surface of the receiver frame102. In another embodiment, the receiver frame102includes an opening120through a right surface of the receiver frame102.

FIGS. 2A-2Igenerally illustrate a magazine release200, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the magazine release200includes one or more components. For example, the magazine release200may include a first component202(or left component, relative to the receiver frame102) and an additional component204(or right component, relative to the receiver frame102). In another embodiment the first component202and the additional component204are substantially the same thickness, such that the magazine release200includes a set of substantially flat surfaces along a majority of the length of the magazine release200.

In another embodiment, the first component202and the additional component204are configured to couple via one or more interlocking assemblies. In another embodiment, an interlocking assembly includes one or more protrusions206(e.g., male connector) and one or more recesses208(e.g., female connector). For example, a protrusion206may be an extension coupled to the first component202, and a recess208may be a depression in the additional component204. In another embodiment, a recess208is configured to receive and mate with a protrusion206. For example, the recess208may be configured to rotatably couple to the protrusion206.

In another embodiment, the recess208includes a limiting surface210. For example, the limiting surface210is set a selected depth into a component of the magazine release (e.g., the additional component204). In another embodiment, the protrusion206contacts the limiting surface210after being inserted into the recess208. For example, the limiting surface210may provide a stop point for the protrusion206when coupled to the recess208. It is noted herein that the limiting surface210may provide reinforcement of the interlocking assembly against moment and/or tension forces.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the recess208including the limiting surface210, it is noted herein that the recess may be a cut-out or hole within a component of the magazine release200, such that a corresponding protrusion206may pass through the recess208. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure, but merely an illustration.

In another embodiment, the interlocking assembly includes a dovetail-based interlocking assembly. For example, the recess208may include one or more dovetail protrusions212that conform to one or more dovetail recesses in the protrusion206. For instance, the protrusion206may resist moment and/or tension forces, where tension forces may cause the protrusions212to expand and further engage the recess208. It is noted herein the dovetail-based interlocking assembly may prevent tear-apart of the magazine release200should either the first component202or the additional component204get caught when removing the handgun100from a holster.

Generally, the interlocking assembly may include any locking configuration known in the art including, but not limited to a dovetail, a peg of a select shape and a corresponding hole or recess, or any other design that may be rotatably coupled together. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the first component202including the protrusion206and the additional component204including the recess208, it is noted herein that the first component202may include the recess208and the additional component204may include the protrusion206. In addition, it is noted herein that the first component202and the additional component204may each include a portion of an interlocking protrusion and recess assembly. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

In another embodiment, the first component202includes a button. In another embodiment, the button is configured to maintaining or lessening the potential for accidental release of the magazine through reduction of the size and/or profile while retaining intended functionality. In another embodiment, the button includes a sloped surface214. For example, the sloped surface214may be based on an angle relative to an axis (e.g., z-axis) through the receiver frame102. By way of another example, the sloped surface214may be based on an angle ranging from ten to thirty-five degrees. For instance, the sloped surface214may be based on an angle of twenty degrees.

In another embodiment, the button includes an extension surface216. For example, the extension surface216may be curved or rounded. It is noted herein that, where the first component202is inserted into an opening of the receiver frame102, the button may be larger than the opening such that the extension surface216may extend below the opening (e.g., the opening118) within the receiver frame102.

In another embodiment, the button includes a flare protrusion surface218. For example, the flare protrusion surface218may include a sloped surface based on an angle relative to an axis (e.g., y axis) of the receiver frame102. By way of another example, the flare protrusion surface218may be based on an angle ranging from five to sixty degrees. For instance, the flare protrusion surface218may be based on an angle of fifteen degrees. In another embodiment, the button includes a contour profile surface220. For example, the contour profile surface220may substantially map or conform to the profile of a side (e.g., left side) of the receiver frame102when the button is fully depressed.

Generally, it is noted herein that the button and its various surfaces214,216,218provide a user with increased or improved means to actuate the magazine release200. Select handguns known in the art include magazine releases that have a button that has a slim-line profile corresponding with the surface of the receiver frame102. The slim-line profile requires direct force to be applied through the central axis of the magazine release with a tip of a finger, which may not have the full strength of the hand when gripping a handgun and/or may be injured through continued actuation.

In contrast, the button and its various surfaces214,216,218may be configured to alter the amount of force and/or direction of motion necessary to actuate the magazine release200. For example, the sloped surface214may provide a contact point for a user's thumb or finger (e.g., middle finger). For instance, the sloped surface214may provide a surface area for a user to utilize when actuating the magazine release200via a downstroke of the thumb, changing the direction of motion when applying force down or perpendicular to a central axis through the magazine release200. In this regard, forces caused by a catch spring pin within the receiver frame102of the handgun100, which causes a depressed magazine release200to return to rest from a depressed position, do not affect the actuation of the magazine release200. Also, in this regard a different set of muscle groups in the hand may be utilized when actuating the magazine release200.

By way of another example, the extension surface216may provide a contact point for a user's thumb or finger (e.g., middle finger). For instance, the extension surface216may provide a surface area for a user to utilize when actuating the magazine release200via a push with a middle finger. For example, the flare protrusion surface218may provide a contact point for a user's thumb or finger (e.g., middle finger) during actuation of the magazine release200. For instance, the flare protrusion surface218may provide an increased reachability and/or increased surface area for a user to utilize when actuating the magazine release200via a downstroke of the thumb. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

In another embodiment, the button includes a pry tool slot222. For example, the pry tool slot222may be rectangular, circular, elliptic, and/or hexagonal. Generally, the pry tool slot222may be any shape known in the art. In another embodiment, the pry tool slot222provides a point for a user to interact with (e.g., provide a force to) when uncoupling the first component202(e.g., the protrusion206) and the additional component204(e.g., the recess208). By way of another example, the pry tool slot222is configured to receive a pry tool. For instance, the pry tool may include, but is not limited to, a flat screwdriver blade, a small-diameter round metal rod, and/or a knife tip. Generally, the pry tool may include any tool configured to fit within the pry tool slot222.

In another embodiment, the additional component204includes a limit protrusion224. For example, the limit protrusion224may interact (e.g., couple to, make contact with, or the like) with a portion of the receiver frame102. For instance, the portion of the receiver frame102may include, but is not limited to, a limit cut in the right side of the receiver frame102below the opening120. It is noted herein that interacting with the portion of the receiver frame102may prevent the magazine release200from entering the receiver frame102when returning to a rest (or un-depressed) position.

In another embodiment, the additional component204includes a catch spring slot226. For example, a catch spring may be inserted into the catch spring slot226following installation of the magazine release200within the receiver frame102. In this regard, a force may be exerted on the magazine release200by the catch spring via the catch spring slot226that causes a depressed magazine release200to return to a rest position.

In another embodiment, the additional component204includes a magazine catch228. For example, the magazine catch228may interact with (e.g., couple to, make contact with, or the like) a tab molded to the magazine116. By way of another example, the magazine catch228may provide a retaining force to the magazine116, thus keeping the magazine116to stay seated within the receiver frame102until the magazine release200is depressed.

In another embodiment, the additional component204includes a logo or product indicator. For example, the logo or product indicator is a fabricated portion of the additional component204. By way of another example, the logo or product indicator is adhered to the additional component204(e.g., a sticker). By way of another example, the logo or product indicator is painted on the additional component204.

The magazine release200may be dimensioned to couple to one or more components of a first-generation, second-generation, or third-generation Glock handgun (e.g., the receiver frame102may include, but is not limited to, a first-generation, second-generation, or third-generation Glock polymer receiver frame). Generally, the magazine release200may be coupled to one or more components of any handgun100known in the art capable of receiving the magazine release200. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

It is noted herein the dimensions of the one or more components of the magazine release200may change based on a particular fabrication method and tolerances associated with the particular fabrication method. For example, the particular fabrication method may produce a finished and/or fully-processed part. By way of another example, the particular fabrication method may produce a part requiring post-fabrication finish processing. In addition, corners and/or edges may be rounded or clean depending on the particular fabrication method. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

FIG. 3illustrates a method300for coupling together the first component202and the additional component204of the magazine release200, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted herein the method300is not limited to the steps provided. For example, the method300may instead include more or fewer steps. By way of another example, the method300may perform the steps in an order other than provided. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure, but merely an illustration.

It is noted herein that method300, as depicted inFIG. 3, may be more readily understood with reference toFIGS. 4A-4G.FIGS. 4A-4Ggenerally illustrate the coupling together of the first component202and the additional component204of the magazine release200within the receiver frame102of the handgun100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In step302, a first component of a magazine release is inserted into a receiver frame of a handgun. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4A, the first component202is inserted into the opening118of the receiver frame102of the handgun100. In another embodiment, the first component202is inserted into its fully depressed position, such that a break or separation point of the first component202is even with or beyond a frame edge402.

In another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4E, the interlocking assembly is integrated into the magazine release200such that the frame edge402is in line with the break or separation point between the first component202and the additional component204when the magazine release200is depressed. In this regard, the first component202and the additional component204may be coupled together without interference by the receiver frame102. It is noted herein thatFIG. 4Dillustrates a top view of a depressed magazine release200, whileFIG. 4Eillustrates a rear view of the depressed magazine release200.

In another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4G, the interlocking assembly is integrated into the magazine release200such that the frame edge402covers at least a portion of the break or separation point between the first component202and the additional component204when the magazine release200is in a rest position. In this regard, the frame edge402restrains the magazine release200and prevents the first component202and the additional component204from uncoupling when in the rest position. It is noted herein thatFIG. 4Fillustrates a top view of a magazine release200in a rest position, whileFIG. 4Gillustrates a rear view of the magazine release200in the rest position.

Although the frame edge402may not provide retention support when the magazine release200is depressed, it is noted herein that retention support is provided by the catch spring408and/or the magazine116when the magazine release200is depressed. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

In step304, an additional component of the magazine release is inserted into the receiver frame of the handgun. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4B, the additional component204is inserted into the opening120of the receiver frame102at an angle404. For example, the angle404may range from twenty to forty degrees. For instance, the angle404may be thirty degrees. In another embodiment, the additional component204is inserted into the opening120to a depth that the additional component204may be coupled to the first component202.

In step306, the additional component is rotatably coupled to the first component to form the magazine release. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4C, the additional component204is rotated around at least one axis within the opening120until it couples to the first component202. For example, the recess208may be aligned to receive the protrusion206of the first component202via a rotational motion about a first axis. By way of another example, the recess208may encompass the protrusion206of the first component202via a rotation motion about the first axis or an additional axis. In another embodiment, the recess208encompasses the protrusion206until a selected depth is reached, the selected depth defined by the depth of the limiting surface210within the recess208. In another embodiment, expansion of the interlocking assembly is limited by a channel of the receiver frame102in which the magazine release200is inserted, the channel accessible via at least the opening118of the receiver frame102.

In step308, a catch spring is coupled to the magazine release. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 4A, 4E, and 4G, the receiver frame102includes a catch spring retainer406. In another embodiment, the catch spring retainer406is configured to receive a catch spring408. For example, the catch spring408may include, but is not limited to, a rounded, spring steel pin. In another embodiment, the catch spring408is coupled to the catch spring slot226on the additional component204of the magazine release200. For example, the catch spring408may be coupled to the catch spring slot226when the magazine release200is either in any position (e.g., a depressed position, a rest position, or the like). By way of another example, the catch spring408may be manipulated with a guider tool (e.g., screwdriver) or pry tool to couple to the catch spring slot226after the catch spring408is installed within the catch spring retainer406. In this regard, the catch spring408may provide a tension force to return the magazine release200to a rest position after the magazine release200has been depressed by a user.

In one embodiment, the receiver frame102includes a limit cut410in the receiver frame102. For example, the limit cut410may interact (e.g., couple to, make contact with, or the like) with the limit protrusion224. For instance, interacting with the portion of the limit cut410may prevent the magazine release200from entering the receiver frame102when returning to a rest position.

While embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate that the handgun100may receive the magazine release200and/or the magazine release200may be integrated into the handgun100, it should be understood that the handgun100or components of the handgun100may not form part of the claimed invention or design but rather is only a portion of an environment in which the claimed invention or design operates. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

Advantages of the present disclosure include a magazine release for a handgun. Advantages of the present disclosure also include a button of the magazine release configured to reduce an amount of force and/or direction of motion necessary to actuate the magazine release. Advantages of the present disclosure also include maintaining or lessening the potential for accidental release of the magazine by reducing the size and/or profile of a magazine release button while retaining intended functionality. Advantages of the present disclosure also include a method of installing and rotatably coupling the components of the magazine release together within the handgun.

Although a user is described herein as a single figure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the user may be representative of a human user, a robotic user (e.g., computational entity), and/or substantially any combination thereof (e.g., a user may be assisted by one or more robotic agents) unless context dictates otherwise. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in general, the same may be said of “sender” and/or other entity-oriented terms as such terms are used herein unless context dictates otherwise.

Although particular embodiments of this invention have been illustrated, it is apparent that various modifications and embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure. It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the claims appended hereto.