Patent Publication Number: US-2016245610-A1

Title: Loaded Magazine Simulator

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 62/118,680 filed on Feb. 20, 2015 entitled “Loaded Magazine Simulator”. The 62/118,680 application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to firearm training systems and methods and, more particularly, to devices for simulating a loaded magazine for a firearm. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A magazine is a device for storing ammunition for a firearm and for feeding ammunition to a fully automatic or semi-automatic firearm. The magazine can be detachable from the firearm or integral to the firearm. The magazine can move ammunition rounds stored in the magazine into a position where they can be loaded into a chamber by the action of the firearm. 
     Firearm training requires a safe and efficient way to practice dry fire, malfunction clearing and emergency reloads. For dry fire drills with the magazine in place, an operator needs to rack the slide to reset the action without the slide or the bolt locking back. For malfunction clearing drills with the magazine in place, the operator needs to a) rack the slide to reset the action, and b) simulate loading a round into the chamber, without the slide or the bolt locking back. 
     One approach to the drills described above is to use one or more dummy rounds. A dummy round is a device that can be loaded in a conventional fully automatic or semi-automatic weapon, and configured in the same way as a standard round of live ammunition. The dummy is typically loaded, chambered and ejected from the firearm in the standard way. 
     A disadvantage of using dummy rounds is that the rounds must be loaded before dry firing and the ejected rounds must be retrieved after dry firing. In addition, there is a possibility that an operator can load and fire a live round by mistake. It is desirable that the operator can practice the drills without using dummy rounds and with no possibility of inadvertently loading a live round. 
     Another approach to the drills described above is to replace a loaded magazine in a gun having a magazine chamber with an inert magazine, the inert magazine resembling the loaded magazine in its size, shape and weight. 
     Yet another approach to the drills described above is to use a device that can be loaded in a magazine that allows the slide to operate without being locked back by the follower. When loaded, the device can position the follower such that the follower is unable to engage the slide stop. The device can have a low profile which allows the slide to pass over it without the device being ejected from the magazine. 
     One disadvantage of existing devices is that they can rotate in the magazine, thereby obstructing the slide. 
     Another disadvantage is that only one device can be loaded into the magazine at a time. It is desirable that a firearm training device simulate the weight of a loaded magazine. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A loaded magazine simulator includes: a channel wherein the channel is defined by a first top edge and a second top edge; a bottom feature; a lip; and at least one lower edge. The channel is configured to allow a slide of a firearm to move without causing the loaded magazine simulator, which is configured to be loaded into a magazine, to be ejected from the firearm. 
     In some embodiments, the lower edge is configured to prevent the loaded magazine simulator from rotating and/or to orient the loaded magazine simulator in the magazine. 
     In some embodiments the loaded magazine simulator is configured to stack with a second loaded magazine simulator in a magazine. 
     In some embodiments the weight, length, and/or height of the loaded magazine simulator is substantially equivalent to that of the live round the loaded magazine simulator is configured to replace. 
     In some embodiments the lip is configured to aid in removing the loaded magazine simulator from the magazine. 
     The loaded magazine simulator can be made of a variety of materials including zinc. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a loaded magazine simulator. 
         FIG. 1B  is a side view of the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is a plan view of the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1D  is an end view of the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a loaded magazine simulator. 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a plan view of the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2D  is an end view of the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a loaded magazine simulator. 
         FIG. 3B  is a side view of the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is a plan view of the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3D  is an end view of the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a stack of loaded magazine simulators. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating a method for preparing a loaded magazine simulator for firearm practice. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a loaded magazine simulator and a magazine. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 6A  placed in the magazine of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a firearm with the slide locked back and an empty magazine. 
         FIG. 7B  is perspective view of the firearm of  FIG. 7A  with the slide locked back and a loaded magazine simulator in the magazine. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a chamber plug. 
         FIG. 9  is a cutaway side view illustrating a chamber plug being used in a firearm. 
     
    
    
     DEFINITIONS 
     As used herein the term “firearm” is intended to mean a fully automatic or semi-automatic weapon. The term “operator” is used to mean the person handling the weapon and the user of the loaded magazine simulator. 
     Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a loaded magazine simulator  100 . Loaded magazine simulator  100  includes channel  110 , two top edges  120  and  125 , two lower edges  130  (see  FIG. 1D ) and  135 , bottom feature  140  and lip  150 . 
     Channel  110  allows the slide to move without causing loaded magazine simulator  100  to be ejected from the firearm. 
     Loaded magazine simulator  100  can be loaded into a magazine (not shown in  FIG. 1A ). Top edges  120  and  125  prevent, or at least reduce the chance of, loaded magazine simulator  100  from coining out of the top of the magazine. 
     Lower edges  130  and  135  can be used to orient loaded magazine simulator  100  in the magazine, and to prevent, or at least reduce the chance of, loaded magazine simulator  100  from rotating and coining out of the magazine. 
     Bottom feature  140  can facilitate the stacking of two or more loaded magazine simulators in the magazine. A stack of two or more loaded magazine simulators is illustrated in  FIG. 4  (see description below), and can be used to simulate the weight of live rounds in the magazine. Bottom feature  140  can also assist in retaining loaded magazine simulator  100  in the magazine. 
     Lip  150  can be used to assist in removing loaded magazine simulator  100  from the magazine. Lip  150  also simulates the front of a bullet to allow for proper indexing of the magazine in and out of the firearm. In some embodiments, lip  150  can be made or encased in a material, such as rubber, that increases traction. 
       FIG. 1B  is a side view of loaded magazine simulator  100  of  FIG. 1A . As described with reference to  FIG. 1A , loaded magazine simulator  100  includes top edge  125 , lower edge  135 , bottom feature  140  and lip  150 . 
     Length L of loaded magazine simulator  100  can be selected to match the length of a live round that a firearm is configured to fire. Length L of loaded magazine simulator  100  can be selected to fit the magazine and to allow an operator of the firearm to fully rack the slide to reset the action (trigger) without the slide or bolt locking back or the loaded magazine simulator being ejected from the firearm. 
     Height H of loaded magazine simulator  100  can be selected to fit the magazine. Height H of loaded magazine simulator  100  can be selected to prevent, or at least reduce, rotation of loaded magazine simulator  100  in the magazine. Height H of loaded magazine simulator  100  can be selected to prevent, or at least reduce, the follower from engaging the slide lock. 
       FIG. 1C  is a plan view of loaded magazine simulator  100  of  FIG. 1A . As described with reference to  FIG. 1A , loaded magazine simulator  100  includes channel  110 , and two top edges  120  and  125 . 
       FIG. 1D  is an end view of loaded magazine simulator  100  of  FIG. 1A . As described with reference to  FIG. 1A , loaded magazine simulator  100  includes channel  110 , two top edges  120  and  125 , two lower edges  130  and  135 , bottom feature  140  and lip  150 . 
       FIG. 2A-2D  illustrate another embodiment of a loaded magazine simulator  200 . Loaded magazine simulator  200  includes channel  210 , two top edges  220  and  225 , two lower edges  230  (see  FIG. 2D ) and  235 , bottom feature  240  and lip  250 . In certain embodiments, notch  280  is a relief that accommodates a slide lock lever of a firearm. 
       FIG. 3A-3D  illustrate another embodiment of loaded magazine simulator  300 . Loaded magazine simulator  300  includes channel  310 , two top edges  320  and  325 , and two lower edges  330  (see  FIG. 2D ) and  335 . Grip surface  390  assists in removal of loaded magazine simulator  300  from a magazine. In some embodiments, grip surface  390  is recessed into loaded magazine simulator  300 . 
     Loaded magazine simulator  300  is configured to work with 0.223 and 5.56 magazines. In the shown embodiment, loaded magazine simulator weighs approximately the same as two live rounds of ammunition and occupies approximately the space of two live rounds. Height H′ is determined by the size of the firearm&#39;s ejection port. This allows loaded magazine simulator  300  to simulate a spent casing trapped in the ejection port. 
     In some embodiments loaded magazine simulator  300  includes identifier  360 . Identifier  360  can indicate what type of ammunition loaded magazine simulator  300  is meant to replace. In some embodiments, identifier  360  is recessed into loaded magazine simulator  300  so as to not interfere with the operation of the firearm. In other embodiments, identifier  360  is a sticker. In some embodiments, identifier  360  is printed directly onto loaded magazine simulator  300 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a stack of loaded magazine simulators such as the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 1A . Two or more loaded magazine simulators can be stacked, one on top of another. In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , the stack includes four loaded magazine simulators  100 A through  100 D. 
     Construction of the Loaded Magazine Simulator 
     The loaded magazine simulators  100 ,  200 , and/or  300  can be made of various sufficiently durable materials. The material can be selected to be hard enough not to fail under use, yet softer than the material used to construct the magazine and the firearm. When made from material selected accordingly to the latter criterion, the loaded magazine simulator will be less likely to cause damage to the magazine or the firearm. Ideally, the material should be selected such that the loaded magazine simulator is sufficiently heavy to simulate the weight of a live round. 
     One suitable material for the loaded magazine simulator is a soft, non-ferrous metal. In one embodiment, the loaded magazine simulator is made of zinc. 
     Other suitable materials can include:
         Plastic (including suitable acrylic, hard rubber or epoxy)   Tin or tin alloy (such as pewter)   Zinc or zinc alloy   Copper or copper alloy   Lead or lead alloy       

     In another embodiment, the loaded magazine simulator can include a plastic shell with a heavy core or ballast. The heavy core can include a sufficiently heavy material (such as the materials listed above). In some embodiments, ballast material can be added or removed, or otherwise changed, for example to simulate the weight of a live round. 
     In one embodiment, the loaded magazine simulator can be manufactured by casting, that is, by pouring molten metal or a liquid resin into a mold. In other embodiments, the loaded magazine simulator can be manufactured by machining, forging, printing or any other suitable manufacturing process. 
     Operation of a Firearm with the Loaded Magazine Simulator 
     In certain embodiments, for dry practice (dry fire), a chamber plug, such as the one described below, or another object that substantially obstructs the chamber so that a live round cannot be chambered and is intended to remain in the chamber while the slide or bolt moves through its normal range, can be inserted into the barrel from the ejection port or chamber end. 
     For dry practice (dry fire), a magazine containing one or more loaded magazine simulators can be loaded into the firearm. The operator can fully rack the slide to reset the action (trigger) without the slide or bolt locking back or the loaded magazine simulator being ejected from the firearm. 
     For practicing type 1 and type 2 malfunction clearing, a magazine containing one or more loaded magazine simulators can be loaded into the firearm. The operator can fully rack the slide to reset the action (trigger) and can simulate loading a round into the chamber without the slide or bolt locking back or the loaded magazine simulator from being ejected from the firearm. 
     For practicing type 3 malfunction clearing, the operator can insert a magazine containing one or more loaded magazine simulators into the firearm, and then fully rack the slide to simulate loading a round into the chamber without the slide or bolt locking back or the loaded magazine simulator being ejected from the firearm. 
     For practicing emergency reloads, the operator can a) release the slide and b) to simulate loading a round into the chamber. 
     Preparing a Firearm for Practice Using the Loaded Magazine Simulator 
       FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating method  500  for preparing an unloaded firearm for firearm practice by loading one or more loaded magazine simulators, such as the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 1A . 
     At  510 , a loaded magazine simulator (such as the loaded magazine simulator of  FIG. 1A ) is loaded into a magazine. In certain embodiments a chamber plug is inserted into the barrel of the firearm. 
     At  520 , an operator of the firearm decides whether to load another loaded magazine simulator into the magazine. If yes, then method  500  proceeds to  510 . If no, then method  500  proceeds to  530 . 
     At  530 , the operator loads the magazine comprising one or more loaded magazine simulators into the unloaded firearm. 
     At  540 , the operator begins firearm practice with the loaded firearm comprising the magazine and one or more magazine simulators. 
       FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of loaded magazine simulator  610  and magazine  620  in which loaded magazine simulator is not placed in magazine  620 . 
       FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of loaded magazine simulator  610  and magazine  620  in which loaded magazine simulator is placed in magazine  620 . 
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of firearm  710  with the slide locked back and empty magazine  720 . 
       FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of firearm  710  of  FIG. 7A  with the slide locked back and loaded magazine simulator  715  in magazine  720 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of chamber plug  800 . Chamber plug  800  includes flag end  840  and chamber end  850 . Chamber plug  800  is inserted into the barrel of firearm  810  from the chamber side with flag end  840  sticking out the muzzle end of firearm  810 . 
     In at least some embodiments, chamber plug  800  is extracted without working the slide and/or bolt of a firearm. 
     Chamber plug  800  serves two purposes. Chamber plug  800  acts as a safety feature. It reduces the likelihood of chambering a live round during dry practice. It addition, flag end  840  sticks out the muzzle of firearm  810  to provide a visible indicator of the condition of firearm  810 . In addition, flag end  840  doubles as a handle to seat chamber plug  800  in position and to remove it from firearm  810 . 
     Chamber plug  800  can be made of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to acrylics, rubbers and/or epoxies. In some embodiments, chamber plug  800 , or at least a part of chamber plug  800  is a visually enhancing color, such as but not limited to, orange, yellow, or green. In some embodiments, chamber plug  800 , or at least a part of chamber plug  800 , contains a visually enhancing pattern. In one embodiment, flag end  840  is red-and-white striped and chamber end  850  is blue. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of firearm  810  with chamber plug  800  of  FIG. 8  being utilized. Loaded magazine simulator  815  is shown in the magazine. 
     Benefits of the Loaded Magazine Simulator 
     The loaded magazine simulator can be loaded into a magazine in the same way as a live round. One or more loaded magazine simulators can be loaded into an empty magazine. The number of loaded magazine simulators loaded into an empty magazine can be selected to simulate the weight of a magazine containing live rounds. 
     A firearm empty of live rounds and loaded with a magazine containing one or more loaded magazine simulators can behave in a similar manner as a firearm loaded with a magazine containing live rounds, with the following exceptions: a) the firearm will not fire, b) the loaded magazine simulator will not be loaded into the chamber, and c) the loaded magazine simulator will not be ejected when the slide or bolt is manipulated. 
     As described with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the loaded magazine simulator can be configured not to rotate sufficiently in the magazine to cause the loaded magazine simulator to come out the top of the magazine. The loaded magazine simulator can be configured to be loaded or unloaded in the same way as a live round. The loaded magazine simulator can be configured to remain in the firearm during a practice session, and not be ejected during operation of the firearm as described above. 
     The apparatus and methods described above can be applied in a variety of situations related to firearms training and practice including, but not limited to, the following:
         Firearms instruction and training   Dry fire practice   Malfunction practice   Reloading practice       

     While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.