Patent Publication Number: US-2015068088-A1

Title: Devices for locking and reducing the capacity of magazine-loaded firearms

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
     The present invention relates to firearm conversion and safety apparatuses and more particularly to an improved capacity-reducing conversion and magazine lock apparatuses for magazine-loaded firearms, and methods of using the same. 
     DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND  
     In light of the tragic and highly publicized acts of gun violence using semi-automatic firearms, there is political pressure on state and federal governments to change current gun laws. Because of the misuse of these rapid fire, high capacity weapons, political groups are seeking an outright ban of semi-automatic firearms, a reduction in the number of rounds that can be consecutively fired by a semi-automatic firearm, and other means of making firearms less deadly. Semi-automatic firearms capable of firing a large number of rounds in a short period of time are readily available at affordable prices to the general public. Most semi-automatic weapons can accept magazines holding twenty or more rounds, which provide potential lawbreakers with substantial firepower. It is likely that one or more aspects of the functionality of semi-automatic weapons (e.g., the cartridge capacity) will be impacted in the near future by changes in the gun laws in a number of states and, perhaps, federal gun laws. 
     It may soon be mandated that firearms (e.g., the AR-15, Glock handguns, etc.) will be limited to a capacity of only a few rounds. Thus, conversion apparatuses may soon be needed for converting high capacity firearms to a legal mode of operation. Appropriate gun locking mechanisms are also needed in order to prevent unauthorized use of a person&#39;s firearms by unauthorized users, such as children and thieves. 
     It is therefore desirable to provide firearm conversion and blocking apparatuses for improving gun safety and to comply with gun laws as they evolve. The present invention provides such apparatuses and methods of using the same, while at the same time accomplishing many of the desirable conditions described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
     The present invention provides an improved capacity-reducing conversion apparatuses and gun lock apparatuses for magazine-loaded firearms (e.g., high capacity firearms), and methods of using the same. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide apparatuses that can be inserted and reversibly locked into the magazine well of a semi-automatic weapon and reduce or eliminate the capability of the weapon to receive cartridges. It is also an object of the present invention to make it impractical to remove the apparatus locked into the magazine well during active use of the weapon. Removing the conversion or blocking apparatus of the present invention from a weapon to reconvert it into a high capacity weapon may be a time-consuming process. 
     In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a conversion apparatus, which replaces the magazine of a semi-automatic weapon. The conversion apparatus reversibly locks into the magazine well and has a capacity for a reduced number of cartridges (e.g., three or less). The present invention may also convert the firearm to manual reloading (e.g., loading through the ejection port) without adversely affecting the automatic ejection operation of the weapon. The conversion apparatus may be used to retrofit a firearm to comply with strict gun laws, and therefore may allow an owner of a semi-automatic weapon to keep his firearm that may otherwise be illegal to own. 
     In some embodiments, the conversion apparatuses of the present invention may be easily installed into a magazine well of an existing semi-automatic weapon (e.g., an AR-15, a glock pistol, and other magazine loaded firearms) to block the magazine well and limit the receiver to a reduced number of cartridges (e.g., 1 to 3). The conversion apparatus may be engaged with the interior structure of the magazine well or other internal structures of the firearm and may thereby be secured in position within the magazine well. The conversion apparatus may be reversibly installed using a separate tool capable of operating a securing mechanism of the conversion apparatus. The tool may be operable to engage and/or disengage the securing mechanism of the conversion apparatus, thereby securing or releasing the conversion apparatus from the magazine well. Thus, there is a tool-mediated process for removing the conversion apparatus, preventing the quick reconversion of the firearm from the converted, reduced capacity condition back into a high capacity firearm. 
     The conversion apparatus may have a body, a cartridge receiving structure (e.g., a cradle-like structure), a means for engaging the conversion apparatus with an interior portion of a magazine well or a structure housed within the magazine well, and a securing means for reversibly locking the conversion apparatus in the magazine well. In some implementations, the body may have a cartridge receiving structure (e.g., a seat) attached to a top portion thereof that may be located in the bolt guide channel of the firearm and may be operable to receive a single cartridge and align that cartridge with the bolt of the firearm. In such implementations, the cartridge receiving structure may have a recess therein that is complementary to the shape of at least a portion of a cartridge of a firearm. The recess may be aligned with the bolt and chamber of the firearm and run along the length of the receiving structure. The cartridge receiving structure and/or the recess may be angled slightly upward toward the firing chamber, in order to position a cartridge resting in the receiving structure at an upward angle toward the firing chamber to facilitate smooth loading. 
     In other implementations, the body may have a recess in an upper portion thereof into which a limited number of cartridges may be loaded (e.g., two to three rounds of ammunition), providing a firearm with a reduced capacity. In such embodiments, the cartridges may be loaded through the ejection port of the firearm, since the conversion apparatus may be locked into the magazine well to prevent magazine loading. The conversion apparatus may have a follower (e.g., a spring-loaded follower) to deliver the cartridges into the bolt guide channel of the firearm. 
     The conversion apparatus of the present invention may have various securing mechanisms for engaging with the interior of the magazine well of a firearm or structures therein. In some implementations, the securing mechanism may include an expandable pair of side walls and a wedge for displacing the sidewalls outward when the wedge is inserted and advanced between the side walls. As the sidewalls are displaced, they may engage with the interior of the magazine well, thereby frictionally securing the body of the conversion apparatus in the magazine well. 
     In other implementations, the securing mechanism may include a flat spring (e.g., a spring made from a flat steel strip, similar to a clockwork spring) nested in a compartment within the body of the conversion apparatus. The spring may have portions that protrude from the compartment on the sides of the body when the spring is relaxed. The spring may be compressed to allow the conversion apparatus to be inserted into the magazine well of a firearm, and then be relaxed once the conversion apparatus is inserted to thereby engage portions of the spring with the interior of the magazine well and secure the conversion apparatus in position. 
     In further implementations, the securing mechanism may include a protrusible tab that can be extended from the body of the conversion apparatus to engage with the interior of the magazine well or a structure therein. For example, the tab may be protruded from the anterior portion of the body by an actuating mechanism to engage with the magazine release mechanism of the firearm. The tab may engage with other internal structures of the firearm (e.g., structures within the magazine well) in other examples. 
     Each of the implementations of the securing mechanism may include a separate, disjoinable tool (i.e., an external tool that can be coupled with the securing mechanism of the conversion apparatus to engage and disengage the securing mechanism from the magazine well) that may be required to remove (and may also be required to install) the conversion apparatus into the magazine well of a firearm. The securing mechanism of the presently disclosed conversion apparatus cannot be disengaged from the magazine well of the firearm without the separate tool. Thus, an owner of a firearm can semi-permanently convert their firearm to a reduced capacity firearm. 
     In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for reducing the number of rounds that can be sequentially fired from a repeating firearm (e.g., a magazine-loaded firearm) without reloading, including a body configured to be inserted into the magazine well of the firearm, the body having a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the interior cross-sectional shape of the magazine well; a securing mechanism in the body for securing the body within the magazine well; a tool external to the body and the firearm, the tool operable to engage the securing mechanism; and a seat in a fixed position on an upper portion of the body for receiving and positioning at least one cartridge of the firearm. 
     In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of converting a repeating firearm capable of receiving a detachable magazine of cartridges in a magazine well into a firearm incapable of receiving the magazine, including inserting a conversion apparatus into the magazine well of the firearm, the conversion apparatus comprising a body having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the interior cross-sectional shape of the magazine well, a securing mechanism in the body for securing the body in the magazine well, and a seat for receiving and positioning not more than three cartridges of the firearm, the seat in fixed position on an upper portion of the body; and engaging a tool with the securing mechanism and securing the body within the magazine well, the tool external to the body and the firearm. 
     In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a firearm conversion apparatus, including a body having a cross-sectional shape complementary to the interior cross-sectional shape of a magazine well of a firearm; a seat in a fixed position on an upper portion of the body, the seat having a concave recess running along its length having a complementary shape to an exterior of a cartridge compatible with the firearm, wherein the seat sits within a guide channel of the firearm and the recess is aligned with a barrel of the firearm when the body is fully inserted into the magazine well of the firearm; a securing mechanism for securing the body in the magazine well, the securing mechanism having a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the securing mechanism is engaged with an interior wall of the magazine well and is the second position the securing mechanism is not engaged with the interior wall of the magazine well, wherein the securing mechanism reversibly locks the body in the magazine well when the securing mechanism is in the first position; and a detachable tool operable with the securing mechanism and position the securing mechanism in the first position and the second position. 
     In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a firearm conversion apparatus, including a body having a cross-sectional shape complementary to the interior cross-sectional shape of a magazine well of a firearm; a seat in a fixed position on an upper portion of the body, the seat having a concave recess running along its length having a complementary shape to an exterior of a cartridge compatible with the firearm; at least one tab having a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position each the tab is engaged with one of the group consisting of an inner wall of the magazine, a magazine release button assembly, and combinations thereof; and a detachable tool operable with the securing mechanism and position the securing mechanism in the first position and the second position. 
     In other related embodiments, the present invention relates to a gun locking apparatus that will block the magazine well and block a firearm from receiving cartridges, thereby preventing the firearm from being loaded. The locking apparatuses of the present invention may have a have a body having a shape that is complementary to the interior of a magazine well of a firearm and may be easily installed into the magazine well. The gun locking apparatus may have bolt blocker that extends over the body of the gun locking apparatus into the bolt guide channel space. The gun locking apparatus may include a securing mechanism as described above in reference to the firearm conversion apparatus of the present invention. The locking apparatus may be reversibly installed, but removal may require the use of a separate, disjoinable tool (an external tool) to disengage the locking apparatus from the magazine well. The presently disclosed gun locking apparatus is effective to render a firearm inoperable. Thus, the gun locking apparatus of the present invention may prevent a child, thief, or other unauthorized user of a firearm from loading the firearm or removing the gun locking apparatus. It is to be understood that the gun locking apparatus can be removed from a firearm with the use of the separate tool, and that the firearm is reversibly inactivated. 
     It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a conversion apparatus for a magazine-loaded firearm that prevents loading a cartridge magazine into the firearm. The conversion apparatus can be applied to various magazine-loaded firearm designs. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a conversion apparatus that allows a magazine-loaded firearm to operate by loading a small number of rounds (e.g., one to three cartridges) through an ejection port of the firearm. In some embodiments, the conversion apparatus may allow only a single cartridge to be loaded into the firearm. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a conversion apparatus for a magazine-loaded firearm that requires a separate, disjoinable tool to be removed, and that cannot be removed without the process of applying the separate tool to the securing apparatus, operating the tool to disengage the securing apparatus from the interior of the magazine well and/or a structure therein, and subsequently removing the conversion apparatus from the firearm. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a conversion apparatus for a magazine-loaded firearm that maintains functionality in the firearm for hunting, sport, and marksman without sacrificing the accuracy of the firearm. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide conversion apparatuses that will allow gun owner&#39;s to keep their magazine-loaded firearms while complying with strict laws regarding cartridge capacity of such firearms. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a reversible gun-locking apparatus that prevents the operation of a magazine-loaded firearm when it is installed in the magazine well of the firearm. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a gun-locking apparatus for a magazine-loaded firearm that requires a separate, disjoinable to tool to be removed. 
     Additional objects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed descriptions and the claims herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         FIG. 1  is an anterior view of a firearm conversion apparatus having a bolt and wedge mechanism for engaging the interior of a magazine well. 
         FIG. 2  is another anterior view of a firearm conversion apparatus having a bolt and wedge mechanism for engaging the interior of a magazine well. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a firearm conversion apparatus having a spring mechanism for engaging the interior of a magazine well. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional perspective view of a firearm conversion apparatus having a spring mechanism for engaging the interior of a magazine well. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a firearm conversion apparatus having a spring mechanism for engaging the interior of a magazine well. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a firearm conversion apparatus having a rotating lock mechanism for engaging the interior of a magazine well. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a firearm conversion apparatus having a rotating lock mechanism for engaging the interior of a magazine well. 
         FIG. 8  is an anterior view of a firearm locking apparatus having a bolt and wedge mechanism for engaging the interior of a magazine well. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a firearm locking apparatus having a spring mechanism for engaging the interior of a magazine well. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a firearm locking apparatus having a rotating lock mechanism for engaging the interior of a magazine well. 
         FIG. 11  shows a side view of a magazine-loaded pistol with a firearm conversion apparatus installed in the magazine well of the pistol. Portions of the pistol have been omitted to facilitate a view of the firearm conversion apparatus. 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a magazine-loaded pistol with a firearm conversion apparatus installed in the magazine well of the pistol. Portions of the pistol have been omitted to facilitate a view of the firearm conversion apparatus. 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a magazine-loaded rifle with a firearm conversion apparatus installed in the magazine well of the rifle. Portions of the rifle have been omitted to facilitate a view of the firearm conversion apparatus. 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a disjoinable tool for operating the securing mechanism of a conversion apparatus according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows a side view of a magazine-loaded pistol with a firearm conversion apparatus installed in the magazine well of the pistol, and a disjoinable tool insertable into the magazine well for engagement with the conversion apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
     Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and referring particularly to  FIGS. 1-15 , it is seen that the present invention includes various embodiments of an apparatus that is configured to replace a conventional magazine of a magazine-loaded firearm. Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a firearm conversion apparatus configured to allow a limited number of cartridges to be loaded into a magazine loaded firearm (e.g., 1 to 3 rounds) and to allow the firearm to be fired (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1-7 ). In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a firearm locking apparatus configured to prevent the firearm from receiving cartridges and to prevent the firearm from being fired (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8-10 ). 
     The embodiments of the firearm conversion apparatus of the present invention may include a body having a cross-sectional shape complementary to the interior cross-sectional shape of a magazine well of a firearm, a seat in a fixed position on an upper portion of the body, the seat having a recess running along its length, a securing mechanism for securing the body in the magazine well, the securing mechanism having a first position and a second position. In the first position the securing mechanism is engaged with a portion of the firearm (e.g., the magazine well) such that the conversion apparatus cannot be removed from the firearm and in the second position the securing mechanism is not engaged with the firearm and the conversion apparatus can be removed, and a separate, disjoinable tool operable with the securing mechanism to position the securing mechanism in the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the recess may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of an exterior of a cartridge compatible with the firearm (e.g., the recess may be a concave recess structure). The seat may sit within a bolt guide channel of the firearm and the recess may be aligned with a barrel of the firearm when the body is fully inserted into the magazine well of the firearm. This arrangement allows a cartridge placed in the seat to be reliably loaded into the firing chamber of the firearm. The securing mechanism may include various mechanisms for reversibly locking the body of the conversion apparatus in the magazine well, as discussed below. 
     The embodiments of the firearm locking apparatus of the present invention may include a body having a cross-sectional shape complementary to the interior cross-sectional shape of a magazine well of a firearm, a protrusion in a fixed position on an upper portion of the body, the protrusion positioned within the firearm (e.g., in a bolt channel) to prevent a cartridge from being loaded or fired when the body is fully inserted into the magazine well of the firearm, a securing mechanism for securing the body in the magazine well, the securing mechanism having a first position and a second position. In the first position the securing mechanism is engaged with a portion of the firearm (e.g., the magazine well) such that the locking apparatus cannot be removed from the firearm and in the second position the securing mechanism is not engaged with the firearm and the locking apparatus can be removed, and a separate, disjoinable tool operable with the securing mechanism to position the securing mechanism in the first position and the second position. The securing mechanism may be configured to reversibly lock the body in the magazine well when in the first position, and the detachable tool may be used to position the securing mechanism in the first position and the second position. 
     Firearm Conversion Apparatuses  
     Some embodiments of the present invention are drawn to a conversion apparatus for reversibly converting a magazine-loaded firearm into a firearm that is limited to ejection port loading and a reduced round capacity. The conversion apparatus may limit the capacity of the firearm to a small number of rounds (e.g., 1 to 3 rounds, and particularly 1 round) by blocking the insertion of a high capacity magazine into the firearm. The conversion apparatus of the present invention may be used to limit the number of rounds that may be loaded into a magazine-loaded firearm in order to comply with regulations limiting the capacity of such weapons. 
     The conversion apparatus may have a securing mechanism for engaging the conversion apparatus within the magazine well of the firearm (e.g., an interior structure of the firearm). Additionally, the conversion apparatus may include a locking mechanism that requires a separate, disjoinable tool (e.g., a key, a wrench, a chuck, etc.) to disengage the conversion apparatus from the firearm. Thus, the conversion apparatus of the present invention provides a firearm conversion apparatus that may be reversibly installed in the firearm. In some embodiments, the conversion apparatus cannot be quickly removed due to the requirement that a separate tool must be used to unlock the conversion apparatus and disengage the conversion apparatus from the interior of the magazine well of the firearm. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , exemplary conversion apparatuses  100 ,  200 , and  300  may each include a body (e.g., bodies  101 ,  201 , and  301 , respectively). The body may be a structure that is complementary to the interior of the magazine well of a firearm. For example, the body may have a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of an interior of the magazine well. Thus, the body may fit snuggly into the magazine well, like a magazine of the firearm. The body may be configured to be fully inserted into the magazine well, like a conventional magazine, such that a seat (e.g., seat  110 ,  210 , or  310 ) attached to or integrally formed with a top side of the body sits within the bolt channel of the firearm. The body may have a length that is shorter than, longer than, or equal to the length of the magazine well of the firearm, depending on factors such as the particular firearm, the internal structures of the magazine well, the securing mechanism of the conversion apparatus, etc. 
     The body may comprise a number of different materials and have a number of different constructions. The material of the body must have at least an upper surface that can withstand repeated exposures to the pressure and chemical exposure that results from firing the firearm. For example, the body may comprise a single material that can withstand the operation of the firearm, such as a metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, gunmetal, and various alloys used in gun manufacturing), a plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene [ABS]), a composite material, etc. Alternatively, the upper portion of the body (the portion exposed to the firing chamber) may comprise a material that can withstand the operation of the firearm, while the rest of the body  101  may comprise a different material, such as a light weight plastic or composite. 
     The various embodiments of the conversion apparatus may also include a seat structure (e.g., seat  110 ,  210 , or  310 ) attached to an upper surface of the body. The seat may sit within a bolt guide channel of the firearm when the conversion apparatus (e.g., conversion apparatus  100 ,  200 , or  300 ) is fully inserted into the magazine well of the firearm. The seat structure may be centered on the body, with a recess (e.g., recess  111 ,  211 , or  311 ) aligned with the barrel and chamber of the firearm. The recess may run along the length of the seat structure, providing a cradle-like, concave structure for holding a cartridge. The recess may be complementary to at least a portion of the cartridge. In other implementations, the seat structure may comprise a somewhat different structure. For instance, in one implementation the seat structure may include separate front and back cradles each supporting a different portion of the cartridge. In all implementations, the seat structure is configured to receive a cartridge and hold it in a position from which the bolt of the firearm can engage it. 
     The seat structure may be configured to receive a cartridge thereon in the bolt guide channel when the ejection port of the firearm is open. A cartridge may be introduced through the ejection port and placed on the seat structure by the operator of the firearm. As the operator of the firearm closes the ejection port, the bolt of the firearm may be drawn forward and engage the cartridge resting on the seat structure and drive the cartridge into the firing chamber of the firearm. The recess may be angled slightly upward such the nose of the cartridge has an upward angle and can be smoothly loaded into the chamber of the firearm. 
     The seat structure may be a part of the body (e.g., it may be part of one cast piece with the body), or it may be attached to the body by welding, screws (in the case of screws, the screws may be counter sunk into the body), or any other appropriate method. The seat structure may comprise a single material that can withstand the operation of the firearm, such as a metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, gunmetal, and various alloys used in gun manufacturing). 
     The conversion apparatus of the present invention may have various securing mechanisms. For example, each of the exemplary embodiments of the conversion apparatus ( 100 ,  200 , and  300  shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ,  3 - 4 , and  5 - 6 ) have a different securing mechanism. The various exemplary embodiments of the conversion apparatus and their respective securing members are discussed below with reference to the figures. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , conversion apparatus  100  has a body  101  that includes an upper central member on which a seat  111  is located, and displaceable sidewalls  105 . The body  101 , including the displaceable sidewalls  105 , has a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to interior of a magazine well of a firearm when the displaceable sidewalls  105  are in a non-displaced position (i.e., where they have not been pushed laterally outward away from the midline of the body  101 ).  FIG. 1  shows the conversion apparatus with the displaceable sidewalls  105  in the non-displaced position.  FIG. 2  shows the displaceable sidewalls in the laterally displaced position. The securing mechanism of conversion apparatus  100  is configured to displace the displaceable sidewalls  105  laterally outward when the conversion apparatus  100  is inserted in the magazine well of the firearm, thereby engaging the displaceable arms  105  with the interior walls of the magazine well and locking the conversion apparatus  100  into the magazine well. 
     The securing mechanism of securing mechanism  100  includes a bolt  103 , a spreading member  104 , the laterally displaceable sidewalls  105 , and a receiving nut  107 . The bolt  103  may be inserted through the spreading member  104  and then threaded into a receiving nut  107  connected to or within the body  101 . The conversion apparatus  100  may also include a separate, disjoinable tool (not shown, see, e.g.,  FIG. 15 ) for advancing the bolt  103  through the spreading member  104  and engaging the bolt  103  with the connecting nut  107 . The connecting nut may have various configurations. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the connecting nut  107  may have an elongated cylindrical structure that passes between the displaceable sidewalls  105 . In other implementations, the connecting nut  107  may be completely embedded within body  101 . In other implementations, the body  101  may have a threaded recess that is complementary to threading on bolt  103 . In further implementations, the wedge may be a conical structure connected to a proximal end (an upper end) of the bolt  103  that is advanced between the displaceable sidewalls  105  as the bolt is advanced through the connecting nut  107 . In such embodiments, the connecting nut may be housed in an extension of the body  101  that passes below the displaceable sidewalls  105 . It is to be understood that the configuration of the connecting nut, bolt, and wedge structures discussed above are exemplary, and that the present invention encompasses additional configurations and arrangements of those structures. 
     The displaceable sidewalls  105  may form a recess  106  therebetween that may have a complementary shape or a substantially complementary shape to an upper portion of the spreading member  104  (e.g., complementary to a wedge). The bolt  103  may advance the spreading member  104  into the recess  106  using the separate tool. In some embodiments, the spreading member  104  may be designed to spread the displaceable sidewalls  105  such that the sidewalls  105  exert pressure on an interior of a magazine well when the conversion apparatus  100  is inserted into the magazine well. The pressure exerted by the sidewalls  105  on the interior of the magazine well creates friction between the body  101  and the magazine well, thereby preventing the removal of the conversion apparatus  100  from the magazine well. 
     The sidewalls  105  may be connected to the upper central member of the body  101  by joints that allow the sidewalls  105  to be laterally displaced as the spreading member  104  is advance between the sidewalls  105 . For example, the sidewalls  105  maybe each attached to the upper central member of the body  101  by one or more hinge joints, one or more slidable joints, etc. The joints may facilitate refraction of the sidewalls  105  when the spreading member  104  is disengaged from the sidewalls  105  (e.g., they may have a retracting spring). 
     The spreading member  104  may have a shape of a wedge, a pyramid (e.g., a triangular pyramid, a square pyramid, a rhombic pyramid, a truncated pyramid, etc.), a cone (e.g., a symmetrical cone, an oval cone, etc.), a spherical cap, an ellipsoid cap, and other shapes. The recess  106  may have complementary shape to the spreading member  104 , whether the spreading member is a wedge, a cone, or other tapering shape. In some examples, the recess  106  may be configured to have a complementary shape to the spreading member so that the spreading member  104  may be advanced completely into the recess  102 . In other examples, the spreading member  104  may have a substantially complementary shape to the recess  106 , but may be slightly larger than the recess  106  to increase the outward pressure on the body  101 . In still further examples, the spreading member  104  may have a substantially complementary shape to the recess  106 , but the slope of the outer sides of the spreading member  104  may have a lesser slope than the slope of the corresponding interior surface of the recess  106  in order to increase the outward pressure on the body  101 . 
     The spreading member  104  may also have a hole running through a portion thereof for receiving the bolt  103 . The bolt  103  may be inserted through the bottom of the spreading member  104  and into the connecting nut  107  or a threaded recess in the body  101 . The hole may have a diameter that is large enough to allow passage bolt  103  therethrough. In some examples, the hole may have a diameter that is only slightly larger than the diameter of the bolt  103 , providing little room for the bolt  103  to shift. 
     The spreading member  104  may also have a recess on a bottom side thereof for receiving a head of the bolt  103 . In some examples, the recess may have a round perimeter to allow access to the head of the bolt  103  when the bolt  103  is inserted into the spreading member  104 . In other examples, the recess may have a polygonal, star, elliptical, irregular, or some other non-circular shape such that conventional wrenches (e.g., a socket wrench) cannot be used to access or remove the bolt  103  when the bolt  103  is fully inserted into the spreading member  104 . The recess in the spreading member may also have a substantial depth to prevent access to the bolt with other conventional tools, such as pliers, vice grips, etc. The separate tool may have a head section that has a shape and length that is complementary to the depth and shape of the recess in the spreading member  104 , allowing it to access the head of bolt  103  therein. The tool may also have a socket portion within the head section that is configured to engaged and rotate the bolt  103  in either direction. The socket portion of the disjoined tool may have a complementary shape to the head of the bolt  103 , allowing it to tightly grip the head of the bolt  103  and enable the disjoined tool to rotate the bolt  103 . The bolt  103  may have a number of different head designs (e.g., Phillips head, socket head, etc.), but the bolt  103  may preferably have a head that does not have a socket or grooves in its upper surface. For example, the bolt  103  may preferably have a hex head design or a special polygonal design, such that the tool must engage with the perimeter of the bolt head in order to remove the bolt  103 . The combination of the recess in the spreading member  104  and the head design of the bolt  103  may prevent the bolt  103  from being removed with conventional tools from the conversion apparatus  100  when it is secured in the magazine well of a firearm. In such implementations, the separate tool must be used to remove the conversion apparatus  100  from the firearm. 
     In other examples, the bolt  103  may be a locking pin having one or more protrusions thereon (e.g., teeth, pegs, fins, etc.) that are configured to engage and fasten bolt  103  within a recess or hole in the body  101 . In such examples, the hole in the spreading member  104  and the hole in the body may have the same or similar first patterns of recesses running along their lengths that are complementary to the pattern of protrusions on the bolt  103 . There may also be an additional second set of recesses at a distal end of the hole in the body  101  that are complementary to the pattern of protrusions on bolt  105 , and that are staggered from the first pattern of recesses in the hole. The additional recesses can engage the protrusions on the bolt  103  when the bolt  103  is advanced sufficiently into the hole and turned such that the protrusions align and engage with the recesses. The bolt  103  may thereby lock the spreading member  104  into the recess  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the spreading member  104  may be advanced into the recess  106  by inserting and driving the bolt  103  into the nut  107  or a threaded recess in the body  101  using the separate tool. The advancement of the bolt  103  drives the spreading member into the recess  106 , thereby applying outward pressure on displaceable side walls  105 . As the sidewalls  105  spread within the magazine well, the conversion apparatus  100  becomes fixed in the magazine well by the friction between the outer surfaces of the displaceable sidewalls  105  and the magazine well. Subsequently, the spreading member  104  may be removed by using the separate tool to unscrew the bolt  103 . Thus, the conversion apparatus  100  can be reversibly locked into the magazine well of a firearm. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses additional securing mechanisms that are similar in function to the wedge securing mechanism discussed above. For example, the securing mechanism of conversion apparatus  100  may be a wedge that is inserted between the laterally displaceable sidewalls  105  and is locked into position with a keyed locking mechanism. In other embodiments, the body may include a bolt mechanism that pushes outward on the displaceable sidewalls when a tool (e.g., a key or chuck) is turned to extend one or more bolts laterally. Other related mechanisms also fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , some embodiments of the conversion apparatus may have a spring mechanism for locking the body into a magazine well. The conversion apparatus  200  has a spring mechanism  202  that is nested in a compartment within the conversion apparatus  200 . The spring mechanism has protruding portions (e.g., bow-shaped portions)  204  and  205  that protrude laterally from the compartment in body  201  to engage with the interior of a magazine well or structures therein. The portions  204  and  205  protrude from slots in the lateral sides of the body  201 , as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . The portions  204  and  205  may have a shape that allows them to be pushed (refracted) into slots on the side of the body  201  as the conversion apparatus  200  is inserted into a magazine well. For example, the protrusions  204  and  205  may have a semi-circular shape, a bow shape, a wedge shape, a partial ellipse shape, etc. The protrusions may be part of a flat spring structure (e.g., a spring made from a flat steel strip, as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 ). Other spring operated securing mechanisms are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and the spring mechanism is not limited to the flat spring shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . For example, the spring mechanism  202  may include wedges, elliptical tabs, rectangular protrusions, or other protrusible structures that are spring-loaded with coil springs, volute springs, torsion springs, etc. For example, coil springs may be located within the spring mechanism such that the put outward pressure on the protrusible structures (e.g., attached to the protrusible structure or between the tabs  207  and  208 ). 
     When the conversion apparatus  200  is sufficiently inserted into the magazine well, the protrusions  204  and  205  may pop back out of the slots and engage with the interior of the magazine well. Once the conversion apparatus is fully inserted into the magazine well, it cannot be removed without activating or operating a release mechanism  206 . In some implementations, the protrusions  204  and  205  may have a texture, material, or other means thereon for increasing the coefficient of friction at the area of contact between the magazine well and the protrusions  204  and  205 . For example, the protrusions  204  and  205  may have a layer of various rubber materials. 
     The release mechanism  206  for conversion apparatus  200  may be a mechanism for drawing the two protruding portions  204  and  205  into the body  201  so that the conversion apparatus  200  can be removed from the magazine well. For example, the release mechanism  206  may include a retracting mechanism, such as tabs  207  and  208  that are configured to draw the protruding portions  204  and  205  into the body  201  when they are drawn medially in toward the center of body  201 . The tabs  207  and  208  may be shielded or protected from easy access (e.g., preventing access to the tabs  207  and  208  by fingers). In some implementations, the tabs  207  and  208  may be within a recess in the bottom of the body  201  of conversion apparatus  200  to prevent easy access to the tabs. In such implementations, a tool may be required to draw in the tabs  207  and  208 , such as a clamp, pliers, or other tool capable of pulling the two tabs  207  and  208  medially. In other implementations, the spring  202  may exert sufficient outward tension such that the tabs  207  and  208  may not be drawn medially without the use of a tool. For example, there may be addition outward force created by one or more additional springs (e.g., compression springs, such as coil springs) located between the tabs  207  and  208 . 
     In other embodiments, the release mechanism  206  may include a mechanical retracting device that pulls the tabs  207  and  208  medially to release the conversion apparatus  200  when operated by a specially fitted separate tool. In one example, the mechanical retracting mechanism may include a crank device connected to each of the refractor tabs  207  and  208  that draws the tabs medially as it is cranked. The separate tool may be used to turn the crank thereby applying tension to the refractors  207  and  208  medially in toward the body  201 . Access to the crank may be shielded within a recessed area in the body  201  that the separate tool is specially designed to access. The mechanical refracting device may have a release button or activator that releases the spring  202  when the conversion apparatus  200  is inserted into a magazine well, thereby allowing the protruding portions  204  and  205  to engage with the interior of the magazine well. In such embodiments, the separate tool may have a specially designed structure for engaging with the mechanical refracting device (e.g., a specially shaped or designed head), providing a lock and key fit between the separate tool and the refracting device. In such implementations, the conversion apparatus may not be removed without the separate tool. 
     In another implementation, the tabs  207  and  208  may each be connected to a double threaded stud. The retractors  207  and  208  may each have a threaded hole, nut, or similar structure through which the double threaded stud is threaded. The tool may be capable of being engaged with the double threaded stud and operable to turn the double threaded stud, which draws the retractors  207  and  208  inward toward the body  201 . Access to the stud may be shielded within a recessed area in the body  201  that the separate tool is specially designed to access. In such examples, the securing mechanism  206  may be configured to have a release setting that allows the stud to spin freely and release the tabs  207  and  208  so that they can move laterally. The free spinning of the double-threaded stud allows the tabs  207  and  208  to move outwardly along the stud without impediment, thereby allowing the portions  204  and  205  of the spring  202  to protrude from the body  201  and engage with the interior of the magazine well. It should be understood that the present invention encompasses other mechanisms for retracting the spring of conversion apparatus  200 , and that the conversion apparatus  200  is not confined to those embodiments and implementations described herein. 
       FIGS. 6-7  show a conversion apparatus  300  that has a body  301 , a seat  310  with a recess  311 , and a securing mechanism  302  housed in a compartment  304  within the body  301 . The securing mechanism  302  may have a protrusible plate or tab  305  to engage with the interior of the magazine well or a structure within a firearm. The position of the tab  305  may be controlled by an actuating mechanism  303 . The tab  305  may be positioned by rotation of the actuating mechanism  303 . Rotation of the actuating mechanism  303  may be accomplished with separate tool (e.g., a key, a chuck, etc.) that engages with a recess (e.g., a keyhole) in the actuating mechanism  303  located in the bottom of the conversion apparatus  300 . When the tool is inserted into the actuating mechanism  303  and turned to a certain position (e.g., 90° from starting position), the tab  305  may project from the body  301  of the conversion apparatus  300 . The tab  305  may protrude from a slot  306  in a side of the body  301  of the conversion apparatus  300 . The location of the slot  306  and the range of positions of the tab  305  may vary depending on the particular implementation of the conversion apparatus  300  and the particular firearm for which the conversion apparatus  300  is designed. For example, the conversion apparatus  300  may have a securing mechanism  302  positioned such that the tab  305  protrudes from the anterior side of the body  301 . The tab  305  may have a refracted position within the body  301 , and may be rotated through a channel (not shown) in the body  301  until it protrudes from the anterior of the body  301  and engages with the magazine well or structures within the firearm (see, e.g.,  FIG. 7 ). In other implementations, the tab  305 , the channel (not shown), and the slot  306  may be positioned elsewhere (e.g., such that the tab  305  protrudes from a lateral side of the body  301  when it is engaged with the interior of the firearm). Various arrangements of the securing mechanism are encompassed by the present invention. 
     As an illustrative example,  FIG. 12  shows a view of a handgun  1100  with certain portions of the handgun  1100  removed to expose the magazine release mechanism  1102  and the conversion apparatus  300  in the fully inserted position in the magazine well (not shown). In this implementation, the tab  305  is positioned such that when it is in the protruded position, it sits over the top of the magazine release mechanism  1102 , preventing the conversion apparatus  300  from being removed from the magazine well without the tab  305  being refracted into the body  301  by the actuating mechanism  303 . As this example demonstrates, the conversion apparatus  300  may not be removed from the magazine well without using the separate tool to disengage (rotate) the tab  305  from the interior of the firearm (in this example, the magazine release mechanism). 
     In some embodiments, the tab  305  may have a particular position and a particular shape such that the tab  305  engages with a magazine releasing mechanism of the firearm such that the magazine release mechanism cannot be operated. In such examples, when the tab  305  is engaged with the magazine releasing mechanism, the magazine release switch, button, or other release device may be immobilized and may not be depressed to release the conversion apparatus  300 . In other examples, the tab  305  engages with the interior wall of the magazine well or other structures in the interior of the firearm (e.g., the interior of the bolt guide channel) when the tab  305  projects from the body  301 . 
     It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses additional securing mechanisms that are similar in function to the protrusible tab securing mechanism discussed above. Additionally, it is to be understood that the protrusible tab can be located on various areas on the surface of the conversion apparatus to accommodate particular firearm models and their unique inner structures. 
     As discussed above, the conversion apparatus of the present invention may be used to convert various high capacity magazine loaded firearms to low capacity firearms (e.g., having a capacity of 1 to 3 cartridges). The shapes, locations, and configurations of the magazine wells, bolt guide chambers, ejection ports, and firing chambers of different firearms (e.g., handguns, rifles, etc.) can vary. Thus, it is contemplated in the present invention to design the conversion apparatus (e.g., apparatus  100 ,  200 , and  300 ) for a number of different firearms. The shape of the body and the location and arrangement of the securing mechanisms and the other parts of the conversion apparatus can be adjusted for a specific firearm without straying outside of the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  shows an exemplary implementation of a conversion apparatus  100  of the present invention designed to be engaged within a magazine-loaded handgun  1100 . The body  101  of a conversion apparatus is fully inserted into the magazine well  1101  of the handgun  1100 , such that the top surface of the body  101  is at an uppermost end of the magazine well  1101 . The conversion apparatus may be designed to be fully inserted so that the seat may be sufficiently inserted into the bolt guide chamber of the handgun  1100  to allow for functional loading of cartridges through the ejection port. 
       FIG. 13  shows an exemplary implementation of a conversion apparatus  300  of the present invention designed to be engaged within a magazine-loaded rifle  1300 . The body  301  of the conversion apparatus  300  is fully inserted into the magazine well of the rifle  1300 , such that the top surface of the body  301  is at an uppermost end of the magazine well. The conversion apparatus  300  may be designed to be fully inserted so that the seat may be sufficiently inserted into the bolt guide chamber of the rifle  1300  to allow for functional loading of cartridges through the ejection port. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , the body of the conversion apparatus may be shorter than the magazine well. The shortened length of the body may restrict access to the securing mechanism of the conversion apparatus, and thereby prevent the conversion apparatus from being removed from the magazine well without a tool. Magazine wells are generally narrow spaces that cannot be effectively accessed by either human fingers or several kinds of conventional tools. As a result, the conversion apparatus may be effectively protected from tampering or unauthorized removal. The shortened body may alleviate the need for including a recess in the body to protect the securing mechanism (e.g., recesses for protecting the bolt  103  of conversion apparatus  100  and the tabs  206  and  207  of conversion apparatus  200 , as discussed above). However, the present invention also encompasses embodiments in which the body  101  may have a length that is equal to or longer than the magazine well. 
       FIG. 14  shows an exemplary tool  1400  for operating a securing mechanism of the conversion apparatus of the present invention. The tool may include a handle  1401  and a head  1402  having a design that is complementary to a receiving portion of a securing mechanism of the conversion apparatus. For example, the head  1402  may have a socket structure, a protruding pattern (e.g., like a hex-head wrench [e.g., an Allen wrench], a screw driver or chuck), a key structure, or other various structures. The tool  1400  may include other features and functions as well, such as racheting action, a motor for spinning head  1402 , etc. The head  1402  may be inserted into the securing mechanism to operate the securing mechanism to either engage or disengage the conversion apparatus from the magazine well of a firearm, as described above. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the tool  1400  can be inserted into the magazine well of a firearm to be engaged with the conversion apparatus of the present invention.  FIG. 15  shows an exemplary implementation of a conversion apparatus  100  of the present invention engaged within the magazine well  1501  of a magazine-loaded handgun  1500 . The tool  1400  may be inserted into the magazine well  1501  to access the securing mechanism located in the body  101  of conversion apparatus. The design of the tool  1400  allows access to and removal of the conversion apparatus within the magazine well  1501 . In some implementations, the tool  1400  may have a specialized head  1402  (e.g., having a non-conventional shape) that is complementary to a receiving portion of the securing mechanism. The specialized design of the head  1402  may prevent removal of the conversion apparatus from the magazine well  1501  without the tool  1400 . 
     Firearm Locking Apparatuses  
     Some embodiments of the present invention are drawn to a locking apparatus for reversibly preventing a magazine-loaded firearm from receiving or firing a cartridge. The locking apparatus may block the magazine well of the firearm and/or the chamber of the firearm to prevent the loading of a magazine in the firearm and/or the loading of a cartridge through the ejection port of the firearm. The locking apparatus may be inserted into the magazine well of the magazine-loaded firearm and locked into position in the magazine well similarly to the embodiments of the conversion apparatus (e.g., conversion apparatuses  100 ,  200 , and  300 ) described above. Like the embodiments of the conversion apparatus, a securing mechanism may be provided for engaging the locking apparatus with an interior structure of the magazine well. The securing mechanism of the locking apparatus may be the same or similar to securing mechanisms in the above-described embodiments of the conversion apparatus (see, e.g., examples of the securing mechanisms in  FIGS. 1-6 ). As described above, the locking apparatus may include a locking mechanism that requires a separate tool (e.g., a key, a wrench, a chuck, etc.) to disengage the locking apparatus from the magazine well (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ). Thus, the firearm locking apparatus of the present invention may be reversibly installed in the firearm, and must be disengaged by the associated tool to be removed from the magazine well of the firearm. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , embodiments of the locking apparatus may include a body (e.g., body  801 ,  901 , or  1001 ) similar to that discussed above in reference to the conversion apparatus. The body may be a structure that is complementary to the interior of the magazine well of a firearm. For example, the body may have a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of interior of the magazine well. Thus, the body may fit snuggly into the magazine well, like a magazine of the firearm. 
     The various embodiments of the locking apparatus may include a chamber block attached to an upper surface of the body (see, e.g., chamber block structures  810 ,  910 , and  1010  in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  10 , respectively). The chamber block may be a protruding and/or convex block structure of various shapes (e.g., square or rectangular cuboid, a half cylinder, etc.) that in use may be positioned in the bolt guide channel of a magazine loaded firearm to prevent a cartridge from being loaded into a chamber of the firearm when the locking apparatus is fully inserted into the magazine well of the firearm. The block structure may have a shape and size that will fit easily into a bolt guide channel of the firearm and block the introduction of a cartridge into the firearm through the ejection port. The chamber block may be centered on the body, with the block structure aligned with the barrel and chamber of the firearm. 
     The chamber block may be a part of the body (e.g., it may be part of one cast piece with the body), or it may be attached to or integrally formed with the body by welding or screws (in the case of screws, the screws may be counter sunk into the body). The chamber block may comprise a rigid material that may be difficult to remove by an unauthorized user, such as a metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, gunmetal, and various alloys used in gun manufacturing), composite material, ceramic material, etc. 
     The locking apparatus of the present invention may have various securing mechanisms. For example, the embodiments of the locking apparatus ( 800 ,  900 , and  1000 ) shown in  FIGS. 8-10  have different securing mechanisms. The securing mechanisms of the various embodiments of locking apparatus may be similar to or the same as those described above in reference to the securing mechanisms of the various embodiments of the conversion apparatus. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , locking apparatus  800  may have a securing mechanism that is the same or similar to the securing mechanism of conversion apparatus  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . The securing mechanism may include a bolt  803 , a spreading member  804 , a nut  807 , and laterally displaceable sidewalls  805 , all of which may be operated as described above with regard to conversion apparatus  100 . The securing mechanism of locking apparatus  800  may also include an associated, but separate tool for advancing the bolt  803  through the spreading member  804  and the nut  807 . The bolt  803  may advance the spreading member  804  in a recess  806  between the sidewalls  805 , and thereby spread the sidewalls  805  laterally to reversibly engage with the interior of a magazine well of a firearm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , locking apparatus  900  may have a securing mechanism that is the same or similar to the securing mechanism of conversion apparatus  200  shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . The securing mechanism may include a spring mechanism that is housed within a compartment within the body  901  of the locking apparatus  900 . The spring mechanism may include protruding portions  904  and  905  that protrude from slots in the side of the body  901 , and tabs  907  and  908  for retracting the protruding portions  904  and  905 . The spring mechanism shown in  FIG. 9  may be operated as described above with regard to conversion apparatus  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . The securing mechanism of locking apparatus  900  may also include an associated, but separate tool for engaging and moving the tabs  907  and  908  medially, which thereby retracts the protruding portions  904  and  905  into the body  901 . The retractable spring mechanism allows the locking apparatus  900  to be reversibly engaged with the interior of a magazine well or other structures within a firearm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , locking apparatus  1000  may have a securing mechanism that is the same or similar to the securing mechanism of conversion apparatus  300  shown in  FIGS. 6-7 . The securing mechanism  1002  may include a plate or tab  1005  to engage with the interior of the magazine well or a structure within a firearm. The position of the tab  1005  may be rotated and controlled by an actuating mechanism  1003  housed within a compartment  1004  in the body  1001 . Rotation of the actuating mechanism  1003  may be accomplished with separate tool (e.g., a key, a chuck, etc.) that engages with a recess (e.g., a keyhole) of the actuating mechanism  1003  in the bottom of the conversion apparatus  1000 . When the tool is inserted into the actuating mechanism  1003  and turned to a certain position (e.g., 90° from starting position), the tab may project from the body  1001  of the conversion apparatus through slot  1006 . The tab  1005  may have a refracted position within the body  1001 , and may be rotated through a channel (not shown) in the body  1001  until it protrudes from the body  1001  and engages with the magazine well or structures within the firearm (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10 ). It should be understood that various other arrangements of the securing mechanism  1002  are encompassed by the present invention (e.g., the tab  1005  may protrude from the anterior, posterior, or a lateral side of body  101  in various implementations). The securing mechanism  1002  shown in  FIG. 10  may be operated as described above with regard to conversion apparatus  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 . The securing mechanism  1002  allows the locking apparatus  1000  to be reversibly engages with the interior of a magazine well or other structures within a firearm. 
     The locking apparatus of the present invention may be used to block the magazine well and the bolt of a magazine loaded firearm. It is contemplated in the present invention to design the locking apparatus (e.g., apparatus  800 ,  900 , and  1000 ) for a number of different firearms. The shapes, locations, and configurations of the magazine wells, bolt guide chambers, ejection ports, and firing chambers of different firearms can vary. The shape of the body, the shape and location of the chamber block, the location and arrangement of the securing mechanisms, and other aspects of the locking apparatus can be adjusted for a specific firearm without straying outside of the scope of the present invention. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.