Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine for holding cartridges, such as the magazine of a large caliber multi-shot weapon. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a cartridge receptacle disposed between a retention wheel and a knob. The knob is rotatably attached to the cartridge receptacle and fastened to the retention wheel. The knob has a locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the cartridges placed in the receptacle are engaged by the retention wheel. In the unlocked position, the cartridges are released from the retention wheel.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/704,744 filed Sep. 24, 2012 entitled “Speed loader for large caliber multi-shot weapon,” inventors David G. Kent, James W. Teetzel, and Mark J. Celona. The foregoing provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to man-portable, large caliber multi-shot weapons and, more particularly, to a speed loader which provides fast and reliable loading of ammunition rounds. Although the present invention will be described herein primarily by way of reference to a speed loader for a grenade launcher, it will be recognized that the present invention herein can be adapted for use with all manner of weapons and projectiles, including without limitation anti-riot rounds, less than lethal rounds, flares, pyrotechnics, tear gas or like irritant canisters, and the like. 
         [0003]    Large-caliber, multi-shot weapons employing a revolver-style magazine are generally known, such as the Milkor Multiple Grenade Launcher (MGL). These weapons offer an advantage over traditional single-shot weapons in that multiple rounds can rapidly be brought to bear on a target. However, the rounds must be manually loaded into the chambers  164  of the magazine  162  of a weapon  160  one at a time, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a time consuming process. Because time is of the essence in military, combat, law enforcement and like situations, it would be desirable to provide a loading device for large caliber weapon that substantially reduces the time required for a user to load rounds into the weapon. Although speed loader devices exist for small-caliber firearm revolvers, there still exists a need for a speed loader for the rapid loading and reloading of multi-shot grenade launchers and other large-caliber multi-shot weapons. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Apparatus and methods are provided for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine for holding cartridges. 
         [0005]    An embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine. The apparatus includes a cartridge receptacle having cavities for accommodating the plurality of cartridges such that the cavities surround a central area. A retention wheel has a shaft extending from the rearward facing side of the wheel and inserted through an opening in the central area, wherein the shaft defines an axis for rotation of the wheel. A knob is rotatably attached to the rearward facing side of the receptacle by a fastener engaging the shaft, such that the knob is movable and has a locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the cartridges placed in the receptacle are engaged by the retention wheel, and in the unlocked position, the cartridges are released from the retention wheel. For example, the magazine is a part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon; a machine for shooting flares, tear gas or like irritants, or other projectiles. 
         [0006]    In related embodiments of the invention, the retention wheel has a plurality of projections extending radially outward, the projections capable of engaging the plurality of cartridges. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus in which the projections of the shaft are capable of engaging the cartridges through a rim at the base of the cartridge. In other related embodiments, the fastener engages a complementary receptacle on the shaft. For example, the fastener is threaded and is capable of engaging a complementary threaded receptacle in the shaft. In further, more limited embodiments, the end of the shaft engaging with the fastener has a shape that fits into a complementary or keyed receptacle formed on the inward facing surface of the knob. 
         [0007]    According to other embodiments of the invention, the retention wheel is received in the central area of the cartridge receptacle. 
         [0008]    In various embodiments of the invention, the knob is notched, fluted, knurled, or otherwise textured to enhance the user&#39;s grip while rotating the knob. 
         [0009]    In other related embodiments, the cartridge receptacle has an upstanding boss on its rearward facing side, which is received within a like sized cavity on the forward facing side of the knob. For example, the boss has a central opening for receiving the shaft, and a plurality of openings surrounding the central opening. 
         [0010]    Other related embodiments of the invention include a plurality of springs, such that each spring has a proximal and a distal end, and is received into one of the plurality of openings in the boss through the proximal end. 
         [0011]    Related embodiments of the invention further include a detent attached to the distal end of each spring of the plurality of springs, and, for each spring, a pair of complementary recesses on the knob, the pair comprising first and second complementary recesses corresponding to each detent. For example, in the locked position of the knob each spring detent is received in the first complementary recess and the plurality of projections of the retention wheel engage the plurality of cartridges. Also, for example, in the unlocked position of the knob, each spring detent is received in the second complementary recess and the projections of the retention wheel occupy a position between the cavities of the cartridge receptacle, and are thereby moved out of engagement with the cartridges. In related embodiments, the detents and the complementary recesses are rounded to facilitate the movement of the detents in and out of the recesses. 
         [0012]    In a related embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a stopping mechanism for limiting the degree of rotation of the knob relative to the cartridge receptacle, the stopping mechanism having at least one pin on the forward facing side of the knob which runs in a corresponding arcuate groove or channel on the rearward facing side of the cartridge receptacle. 
         [0013]    In various embodiments of the invention, the number of cavities in the cartridge receptacle of the apparatus is in the range of 2-12. 
         [0014]    In preferred embodiments of the invention, the cavities of the cartridge receptacle are capable of accommodating cartridges that hold ammunition rounds having a caliber of about 30-40 millimeter, although other caliber ammunition rounds are also contemplated. 
         [0015]    Other embodiments of the invention are methods of using the apparatus of any of the embodiments above for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine. The method includes inserting a plurality of cartridges into the cartridge receptacle and turning the knob to a locked position thereby engaging the plurality of cartridges with the plurality of projections of the retention wheel. The plurality of cartridges is aligned with a corresponding plurality of chambers in the magazine and the plurality of cartridges is slidably inserted into the corresponding aligned chamber of the magazine drum of the weapon. The knob is turned to an unlocked position to disengage each of the plurality of cartridges from the plurality of projections of the retention wheel. The cartridge receptacle is moved away from the weapon, thereby fast loading the cartridges into the weapon. In related embodiments of the invention, the magazine is part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon. 
         [0016]    In related embodiments, turning the knob into the locked position further includes receiving the detent on the distal end of each of the plurality of springs in the first complementary recesses provided on the knob. Also, turning the knob into the unlocked position further comprises receiving the detent on the distal end of each of the plurality of springs in second complementary recesses provided on the knob. 
         [0017]    Another embodiment of the invention is a method for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine, the method including inserting a plurality of cartridges into the cavities of a cartridge receptacle disposed between a turning knob and a rotating wheel. Each cartridge has a base end and a tip end, the base end leading the tip end during insertion, such that the retention wheel is capable of engaging the base end of the cartridge. The knob is turned to a locked position, thereby engaging the plurality of cartridges by the retention wheel. The plurality of cartridges is aligned with a corresponding plurality of chambers in the magazine and the plurality of cartridges is slidably inserted into the corresponding aligned chamber of the magazine drum of the weapon. The knob is turned to an unlocked position to disengage each of the plurality of cartridges from the plurality of projections of the retention wheel. The cartridge receptacle is moved away from the weapon, thereby fast loading the cartridges into the weapon. In related embodiments of the invention, the magazine is part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon. In other related embodiment of the invention, engaging the plurality of cartridges by the retention wheel includes engaging the rim present at the base end of each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges by one of a plurality of projections extending radially outward from the retention wheel. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary speed loader embodiment, taken generally from the rear. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 1 , taken generally from the front. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , taken generally from the front and side. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , taken generally from the side and rear. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the speed loader embodiment appearing in  FIG. 1 , with rounds loaded and secured therein. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C illustrate the speed loader embodiment of  FIG. 1  with a round locked, unlocked, and removed from the speed loader, respectively. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 7A-7D  illustrate the sequence of steps for loading a magazine of a weapon using the speed loader embodiment appearing in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a photograph illustrating the manual loading of a multi-shot grenade launcher. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , there is shown an exemplary speed loader  100 , which includes a cartridge receptacle member A, a retention wheel member B, and a knob member C. As used herein, the terms “front” and “forward” refer to the forward direction relative to the direction of travel of the projectile to be fired and the terms “rear” and “rearward” refer to the rearward direction relative to the direction of travel of the projectile to be fired. 
         [0028]    The cartridge receptacle A includes a plurality of cylindrical cavities  102  on the forward facing side of the cartridge receptacle A for receiving the base ends  106  of the grenade cartridges  104  or other projectiles to be fired. In preferred embodiments, the rounds are preferably in the range of 30-40 millimeter caliber rounds, although other round calibers are also contemplated. The depicted embodiment illustrates a speed loader embodiment for use with a Milkor MGL, which has a six round cylinder or magazine. A “magazine” or “cylinder” as used herein refers to a rotating, revolver style cylinder or drum having a number of chambers for receiving munitions cartridges. Although the present invention will be described by way of reference to a six-chamber magazine, it will be recognized that the speed loader herein could be adapted for a weapon magazine having any other number of rounds, including 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and other numbers of chambers. 
         [0029]    The cavities  102  surround a central area  110  receiving the cartridge retention wheel B. The retention wheel B includes a shaft  112  defining an axis of rotation and a plurality of projections  114  extending radially outward therefrom. The shaft  112  extends through a central opening  116  in the cartridge receptacle member A. 
         [0030]    The knob C is rotatably attached on the rearward facing side of the cartridge receptacle A by a threaded fastener  120  engaging a complementary threaded receptacle  122  on the shaft  112 . The distal end of the shaft  124  has a shape that mates with a complementary or keyed receptacle  126  formed on the inward facing surface of the knob C. In this manner, rotation of the knob C relative to the cartridge receptacle A serves to rotate the retention member B. The knob C may be notched, fluted, knurled, or otherwise textured to enhance the user&#39;s grip when manually rotating the knob C. 
         [0031]    An upstanding boss  130  on the outward facing surface of the receptacle A is received within a like sized cavity  132  on the inward facing surface of the knob C. The boss  130  includes a central opening  134  receiving the shaft  112  and a plurality of openings  136  for receiving proximal ends of springs  140 . A detent  142  is attached to the distal end of each spring  140 . Four springs are shown in the illustrated embodiment, although other numbers of springs could be employed. 
         [0032]    For each spring biased detent  142  on the boss  130 , there is a corresponding pair of complementary recesses  144   a ,  144   b . When knob C is turned such that each spring detent  142  is received in the corresponding recess  144   a , the spokes  114  of the retention wheel B engage the rim  108  formed at the base end  106  of the munitions cartridge  104 , such that the cartridges  104  will be locked into position within the receptacle A.  FIGS. 5 and 6A  illustrate the speed loader  100  herein with the spokes  114  engaging the rims  108  of the munitions rounds  104  and securing them within the unit  100 . 
         [0033]    When the knob C is turned such that each spring detent  142  is received in the corresponding recess  144   b , the spokes  114  of the retention wheel B are moved to a position midway between the cartridge receptacles  102 , such that the spokes  114  move out of engagement with the rims  108  of the munitions cartridges  104 , to release the cartridges  104  from the receptacle A.  FIGS. 6B and 6C  illustrate the speed loader  100  herein with the spokes  114  moved to a position disengaging from the rims  108  of the munitions rounds  104  to release them from the unit  100 . By providing spring biased detents  142  and complementary depressions  144   a ,  144   b , the knob C will click solidly into the desired locked or unlocked position. In preferred embodiments, rounded detents  150  and complementary rounded depressions are employed to facilitate the movement of the detents  150  out of and into engagement with the depressions  144   a ,  144   b.    
         [0034]    A mechanical stop limiting the degree of rotation of the knob C relative to the cartridge receptacle member A is provided by pins  150  carried on the knob  130  and corresponding, aligned arcuate grooves or channels  152  formed on the cartridge receptacle A. The pins  150  run in the corresponding aligned grooves  152  to limit the movement of the knob C. 
         [0035]    The operation of the speed loader  100  is illustrated by the sequence outlined in  FIGS. 7A-7D . In operation, the knob C is rotated until the spokes  114  are at a position intermediate the receptacle  102  and cartridges are placed in each receptacle  102 . The knob C is then turned until the spokes  114  engage the rims  108  of the corresponding aligned cartridges  104 , retaining them in the receptacles  102 . When the spokes  114  engage the cartridge rims  108 , each of the detents  142  is aligned with the corresponding one of the depressions  144   a . The bias of the springs  140  urges the detents  142  into the complementary depressions  144   a  to secure the knob C in the locked position. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 7A , the unit  100  with attached rounds  104  is then lined up with the magazine drum or cylinder  162  of the weapon  160  (see  FIG. 8 ). The cartridges  104  with the speed loader attached are then inserted into the munitions chambers  164  of the magazine  162  (see  FIG. 7B ). The knob C is then manually rotated relative to the cartridge receptacle member A (see  FIG. 7C ) and the munitions rounds  104  are released into the respective chambers of the magazine  162 . When the knob C is moved into the unlocked position, the spokes  114  are moved to a position intermediate the receptacles  102  and out of engagement with the cartridges  104 . The bias of the springs  140  urges the detents  142  into the complementary depressions  144   b  to secure the knob C in the unlocked position. The speed loader assembly  100  is then removed from the magazine  162  ( FIG. 7D ). 
         [0037]    The description above should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations to some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. In light of the above description and examples, various other modifications and variations will now become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.