Patent Publication Number: US-8122632-B2

Title: Dynamic magazine latch

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a front dynamic magazine latch for selectively retaining an ammunition magazine in the magazine port of a long gun. Specifically, the dynamic latch selectively retains a magazine within the magazine port of a shotgun and permits the magazine to be inserted into the magazine port by movement in a single direction. The dynamic latch eliminates the need to rotate the magazine to secure the magazine within the magazine port. The dynamic latch may also eliminate the need to add a magazine well to the shotgun receiver or long gun receiver. The dynamic latch may be used in a standard shotgun receiver and may also permit that attachment of a tube, such as a magazine tube, to the receiver. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the field of firearms, there is a need to improve the shell carrying capacity for long guns, including shotguns. One type of repeating shotgun is a pump-action shotgun. An example of a prior art pump-action shotgun  300  is shown in  FIG. 5 . The pump-action shotgun includes a receiver  310  into which a magazine tube  390  and a barrel  395  may be inserted. The receiver  310  of the shotgun  300  is the main component that houses the chamber and firing mechanism. The magazine tube  390  is a tube that generally runs parallel underneath the barrel  395  of the shotgun and that can hold shotgun shells. The number of shells that the magazine tube  390  is constrained to its length. Five shells is often the maximum number of shells that a magazine tube  390  can hold. The end of the magazine tube  390  that is inserted into the receiver  310  usually includes exterior threads  391  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) so that the magazine tube  390  can be secured to a threaded opening  311  of the receiver  310 . 
     The barrel  395  of the pump-action shotgun  300  is inserted into an upper opening  312  in the receiver  310  and includes a lug  396  that slides onto the front end (the far end from the receiver  310 ) of the magazine tube  390 . The front end of the magazine tube  390  includes threads  392  as shown in  FIG. 5  so that a nut (not shown) may be threaded onto the magazine tube  390  securely against the lug  396 . The nut threaded against the lug  396  retains the end of the barrel  395  within the receiver  310 . The pump-action shotgun  300  includes a pump grip  393  that is adapted to travel along the magazine tube  390 . As is known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as the pump grip  393  is cycled a carriage (not shown) connected to the pump grip  393  is adapted to load a shell from the magazine tube  390  into the chamber and property position the bolt. 
     The introduction of a detachable shotgun magazine may increase the carrying capacity of the shotgun.  FIG. 1  shows the side view of a typical configuration of a shotgun magazine  280 . The shotgun magazine  280  includes a tab or locking profile  281  that engages a corresponding profile within the magazine port  213  of a shotgun receiver  210  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). The corresponding profile is typically a static latching structure  282 , such as another tab or recess, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In order to lock the magazine  280  into the magazine port  213 , the operator first must align the locking tab  281  with the static latching structure  282 . Once aligned, the magazine  280  then is rotated about the locking tab  281  to engage a second locking feature that corresponds to a release lever  285  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Once the magazine is locked into the magazine port  213 , the release lever may be actuated to release the magazine  280  from the receiver  210 . The requirement to first align to static structures and then rotate the magazine  280  to engage a second locking feature may potentially cause a user to improperly insert the magazine  280  into the magazine port  213 . For example, if the locking profile  281  is not properly aligned with the static latching structure  282  the second locking feature may fail to properly lock the magazine  280  into the magazine port  213  instead causing the magazine  280  to fall out of the magazine port  213  when it is rotated to engage the second locking feature within the magazine port  213 . The failure to properly insert and load the magazine may be especially problematic in high pressure situations, such as in combat. 
     Another type of shotgun is a gas powered semiautomatic shotgun.  FIG. 2  shows a portion of a SAIGA® gas powered shotgun  200  with a magazine  280  being rotated to be inserted and locked into the magazine port  213  of the receiver  210 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the user of the gun is unable to view the mating of the static latching structures  281 ,  282  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) while inserting the magazine  280 , which may lead to misalignment prior to rotating the magazine  280  to engage the second locking profile on the release lever  285 . The magazine  280  will not properly lock within the magazine port  213  if it is misaligned potentially allowing the magazine  280  to fall out of the magazine port  213 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-section side view of a shotgun  200   a  having static latching structures  281 ,  282 .  FIG. 3  shows the magazine  280  partially inserted into the magazine port. A second static locking structure  286  has contacted the release latch  285   a , but the magazine  280  is not fully rotated and thus, locked into the magazine port  213   a .  FIG. 4  is a close up cross-section view showing the static locking structure  281  of the magazine  280  properly aligned and engaged by the static latching structure  282  of the receiver  210   a . In order to properly lock the magazine  280  into the magazine port  213   a , the static locking structure  282  must be properly positioned and aligned above the static latching structure  281  of the receiver  210   a . The engagement of latching structure  282  with locking structure  281  retains the magazine in the proper location within the magazine port  213   a . Otherwise, the magazine  280  may simply come out of the magazine port  213   a  when the magazine  280  is rotated to engage the locking feature of the release lever  285   a.    
     The addition of a magazine well (not shown) may help to prevent misalignment when a magazine  280  is inserted into the magazine port  213   a  of a shotgun  200   a . However, the addition of a magazine well increases the complexity of the shotgun  200   a  as well as weight and cost. Additionally, the inclusion of a magazine well prevents the use of a standard shotgun receiver  210   a  requiring additional manufacturing costs. A magazine well typically provides a channel for the alignment of the magazine  280  as it is inserted into the magazine port with the locking profile of the release lever  285   a  securing the magazine  280  within the magazine port  213   a  and magazine well. 
     The present disclosure is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects, of one or more of the issues set forth above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of a latch to selectively secure a magazine to a magazine port of a shotgun receiver is disclosed. The latch may comprise a body having a first end, a second end, an inner cavity, an exterior shoulder at the first end, a first interior shoulder at the first end, and a second interior shoulder at the second end, and a piston having a first end and a second end. The piston may be positioned within the cavity. The first end may include a latch profile adapted to selectively retain a locking profile on the magazine. The latch may also comprise a spring which may be positioned in the cavity between the piston and the second interior shoulder. A portion of the latch profile may protrude out of an opening in the first end of the body when the spring is in an uncompressed state. The locking profile may engage the latch profile to compress the spring and move the piston towards the second end of the body as the magazine is inserted into the magazine port. After the locking profile has passed the latch profile, the spring may move the piston toward the first end of the body so that the latch profile selectively retains the locking profile. The first interior shoulder may retain a portion of the piston within the cavity. The second interior shoulder may further comprise a washer and fastener adapted to retain the spring within the cavity of body. The fastener may be a snap ring. The latch may further comprise exterior threads on the second end of the body. The exterior shoulder and exterior threads may be adapted to connect a tube to the shotgun receiver. The spring may be positioned within a recess within the piston. 
     A shotgun receiver system is also disclosed. The system may comprise a dynamic latch which may be connected to a shotgun receiver. The dynamic latch may be adapted to selectively retain a magazine in a magazine port of the shotgun receiver. The system may further comprise a tube. A portion of the dynamic latch may connect the tube to the shotgun receiver. The dynamic latch may comprise a housing, a spring, and a piston having a latch profile. The spring and piston may be positioned within the housing. The magazine may be inserted into the magazine port without the rotation of the magazine about the dynamic latch. The magazine may be moved in a single direction to insert the magazine into the magazine port. The system may further comprise a barrel, which may be inserted into a portion of the shotgun receiver, and a connector mechanism that may connect the magazine tube to the barrel. The connector mechanism may secure the barrel to the shotgun receiver. The connector mechanism may comprise a lug on the barrel and a nut threaded onto the tube adjacent to the lug. 
     A method of using a magazine with a shotgun receiver is disclosed. The method may comprise inserting the magazine in a first direction into a magazine port of the shotgun receiver, engaging a latch profile with a first locking profile on the magazine, moving the latch profile away from the magazine to permit the first locking profile to move in the first direction past the latch profile, and moving the latch profile back towards the magazine. The latch profile may engage the first locking profile, selectively retaining the magazine within the magazine port. Inserting the magazine into the magazine port may be done without rotation of the magazine about the latch profile. Inserting the magazine into the magazine port may further comprise movement in a single direction. The method may further comprise engaging with the magazine a second locking profile on a dynamic lever. The method may further comprise moving the dynamic lever to release the magazine from the magazine port. The method may further comprise moving the latch profile away from the magazine to permit the first locking profile to move in a second direction past the latch profile after moving the dynamic lever to release the magazine from the magazine port. 
     These and other embodiments of the present application will be discussed more fully in the description. The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the claimed invention, or may be combined in yet other embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a shotgun magazine with a locking profile. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial side view of a shotgun magazine being inserted into the receiver of a SAIGA® shotgun. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of a magazine being inserted into shotgun receiver having a static latch mechanism. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-section close up view of the locking profile of the magazine engaging the static latch mechanism shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of some of the components of a prior art shotgun. 
         FIG. 6  is a close up view of the receiver and the end of the magazine tube of the shotgun of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of a shotgun including an embodiment of a dynamic latch that may be used to selectively secure a magazine within the magazine port of the receiver. 
         FIG. 8  is a close up cross-section view of the dynamic latch of  FIG. 7  engaging the locking profile on the magazine. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of an embodiment of a dynamic latch. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-section view of an embodiment of a housing that may be a component of a dynamic latch. 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the housing of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-section view of an embodiment of a piston that may be a component of a dynamic latch. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the dynamic latch and shotgun receiver. 
         FIG. 14  shows an embodiment of a carrier that may be used in connection with the dynamic latch disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims. 
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Illustrative embodiments are described below as they might be employed in a dynamic latch for use in a standard shotgun receiver. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers&#39; specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Further aspects and advantages of the various embodiments will become apparent from consideration of the following description and drawings. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that modifications to the various disclosed embodiments may be made, and other embodiments may be utilized, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
       FIG. 7  shows a shotgun  100  that includes an embodiment of a dynamic front latch  20  connected to the receiver  10 . The dynamic latch  20  selectively retains a magazine  80  within the magazine port  13  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) of the receiver  10  in combination with a dynamic lever  85 . The lever  85  may be actuated to release the magazine  80  from the magazine port  13 . Upon actuating the lever  85 , which releases the magazine  80  from the rear locking profile, the downward movement of the magazine  80  causes the dynamic latch  20  to also release the magazine  80  because of the dynamic nature of the latch profile, as discussed below. A tube  90 , such as a magazine tube, is connected to a portion of the dynamic latch  20 . As discussed below, the tube  90  may be threaded onto an end of the dynamic latch  20  securing both the dynamic latch  20  and the tube  90  to the receiver  10 . A barrel  95  is inserted into a bore in the receiver  10  so that the bore of the barrel  95  is aligned with the chamber of the receiver  10 . A connection mechanism, such as the lug  396  shown in  FIG. 5  and a nut, may be used to connect the barrel  95  to tube  90 . The lug  396  may be inserted over the end of the tube  90  as the barrel  95  is inserted into the bore in the receiver  10 . The end of the tube  90  may include a threaded section such that a nut may be tightened onto the tube  90  against the lug  396  thus, securing the barrel  95  against the receiver  10 . 
     The dynamic latch  20  permits the insertion of the magazine  80  into the magazine port  13  in substantially a single direction as opposed to the prior art latching mechanisms, which first require alignment of a latching profile and then rotation of the magazine  80  to engage a dynamic release lever. Specifically, the prior art requires a magazine tab, or locking profile, to be first inserted into a static latching mechanism, such as a corresponding recess, and requires that the magazine then be rotated about the tab until a profile on the release lever engages a second locking profile on the magazine. As discussed above if the tab is not properly aligned prior to rotation, the magazine may not properly lock within the magazine port. This may require repeated attempts for a user to properly secure the magazine within the magazine port. This may be problematic in various stressful situations, such as in combat. The dynamic latch  20  potentially prevents this problem by eliminating the need to rotate the magazine  80  to secure it within the magazine port  13 . The dynamic latch  20  may be adapted to be used in connection with a standard shotgun receiver  110 , potentially reducing manufacturing costs. 
       FIG. 8  is a close up cross-section view showing the locking profile  81 , or tab, of the magazine  80  engaged and thus, retained within the magazine port  13  by the latching profile  42  of the dynamic latch  20 .  FIG. 9  shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the dynamic latch  20 . The dynamic latch  20  includes an outer housing  30  having an inner cavity  31  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). A piston  40  having a latch profile  42  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) is positioned within the cavity  31  of the housing  30 . The piston  40  includes a cavity  41  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) in which a spring  50  is positioned. The housing  30  includes an opening  33  at a first end that is sized to permit only a portion of the piston  40 , such as at least the latch profile  42 , to protrude out of the opening  33 . A portion of the piston  40  may abut a first interior shoulder  36  when the latch profile  42  protrudes out of the opening  33 . A retaining device is used at the second end of the housing  30  to retain the piston  40  and the spring  50  within the cavity  31 . For example, a washer  60  and snap ring  70  may be used in combination to retain the piston  40  and spring  50  within the housing  30 . The snap ring  70  may engage a groove  37 , or interior shoulder, within the inner surface of the housing  30 . The washer  60  and snap ring  70  are shown for illustrative purposes only as various fasteners and configurations may be used to retain the piston  40  and spring  50  within the housing  30  as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The spring  50  may be adapted to be in an initial substantially uncompressed state when assembled within the piston  40  in the housing  30  of the dynamic latch  20 . The piston  40 , spring  50 , and housing  30  are adapted so that the latch profile  42  of the piston  40  protrudes out of the opening  33  when the spring  50  is in a substantially uncompressed state. As a magazine  80  is inserted into the magazine port  13  of the receiver  10 , the locking profile  81  engages the latch profile  42 . The movement of the magazine  80  will cause the locking profile  81  to push against the latch profile  42  compressing the spring  50  moving the piston  40  away from magazine  80 . The movement of the piston  40  permits the locking profile  81  to move past the latch profile  42  into the loaded position within the magazine port  13 . Once the locking profile  81  has moved past the latch profile  42 , the spring  50  will return to its initial substantially uncompressed state moving the piston  40  outward so that the latch profile  42  engages the locking profile  81  locking the magazine  80  in the magazine port  13 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     The dynamic latch  20  permits the magazine  80  to be locked in the magazine port  13  by movement in a single direction rather than requiring the alignment and rotation required to load prior long gun magazine mechanisms, such as the shotgun magazine latches discussed above. When unloading the magazine  80  from the magazine port  13 , the spring  50  compresses permitting the locking profile  81  to move past the latch profile  42  after the release lever  85  has been actuated releasing the magazine  80  from the lock profile (not shown) at the rear of the magazine  80 . 
     The housing  30  of the dynamic latch  20  may be adapted to connect a tube  90 , such as a magazine tube that is often connected to standard shotgun receivers  10 . The housing includes an exterior shoulder  34  on one end and external threads  32  on the other end as shown in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 13  shows the front end portion of the receiver  10  with an exploded view of the components of an embodiment of the dynamic latch  20 . The dynamic latch  20  may be assembled by inserting the spring  50  into the cavity  41  of the piston  40 . The piston  40  and spring  50  assembly may then be inserted into the cavity  31  of housing  30  with the washer  60  and snap ring  70  inserted to retain the piston  40  and spring  50  within the housing  30 . The dynamic latch assembly  20  may then be inserted through the magazine port  13  into a tube opening  11  of the receiver  10 , which may be a magazine tube opening of a standard receiver. The exterior shoulder  34  of the housing  30  will abut against the receiver  10  preventing the entire dynamic latch assembly  20  from moving through the opening  11 . The threaded portion  32  of the housing  30  will protrude from the tube opening  11  permitting a tube  90  having internal threads to be threaded onto the housing  30 . The tube  90  will be threaded onto the housing  30  until the end of the tube  90  is against the receiver  10  thus, securing both the dynamic latch  20  and the tube  90  to the receiver  10 . 
     The receiver  10  includes an opening  12  for the insertion of a barrel  95  as well as for the travel of a carrier that is attached to a pump grip  96 . The pump grip  96  is adapted to travel along the tube  90  and may be actuated to cycle the firing chamber of the shotgun. As is well known by one of ordinary skill in the art, a carrier may be connected to the pump grip  96  such that upon pumping the pump grip  96  the carrier assists in ejecting a shell, if any, in the chamber, moving a shell into the chamber, and properly positioning the bolt so that the chambered shell may be fired. For illustrative purposes, a carrier  120  is shown in  FIG. 14  that may be used in conjunction with the dynamic latch  20  disclosed herein. 
     Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the invention is not so limited and will be understood to include all such modifications and variations as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, equivalent elements may be substituted for those specifically shown and described, certain features may be used independently of other features, and the number and configuration of various vehicle components described above may be altered, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 
     Such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes, modifications, and/or adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.