Patent Abstract:
A system facilitates one handed manipulation of a service pistol and includes a device having two components and related inserts that allow for single handed loading, cycling, firing, clearing and unloading of semi-automatic pistols. The present device includes a spine, a cover pivotally attached to the spine and operable under action of a user from a first normally closed position and a second open position, a spring connected to the cover and spine holding the cover without a first action of a user in the first normally closed position. A base is dimensioned to support a firearm magazine such that the firearm magazine is axially aligned to an axis of the spine; and a pair of retaining arms are attached to the spine for retaining the firearm magazine within the device without a second action of the user and releasing the firearm magazine under the second action of the user.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to firearms and more particularly to a magazine holder and a cycling holder, each allowing for quick and efficient cycling of a semi-automatic firearm with one hand. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Semi-automatic, or self-loading, firearms are firearms that perform all the steps necessary to prepare the weapon to fire again after an initial firing, assuming that cartridges remain in the weapon&#39;s feed device or magazine. Typically, these steps include extracting and ejecting the spent cartridge case from the weapon&#39;s firing chamber, re-cocking the firing mechanism, and loading a new cartridge into the firing chamber. Although automatic weapons and selective firearms do the same tasks, semi-automatic firearms do not automatically fire an additional round until the trigger is released and re-pressed by the person firing the weapon. However, semi-automatic firearms still require the action to be cycled manually before the first shot and when a new magazine is inserted. 
         [0003]    Considering a police officer who carries a semi-automatic firearm then under normal circumstances during the performance of their duties, the officer has free and full use of both hands for the drawing, loading, firing, unloading and clearing of their semi-automatic duty pistol. The training an officer receives on firearms handling and safety teaches them to load their pistol at the beginning of each duty shift. This involves removing the pistol from the duty holster, loading a magazine (sometimes called a clip) of ammunition into the pistol, cycling the pistol slide one time while using their primary hand (dominant hand) to hold the pistol grip then using their secondary hand to grip the sides of the pistol slide and move it in a rearward direction to manipulate a round out of the magazine and into the chamber or breach. This slide loading action can be accomplished using the secondary hand and either a “pinch grip”/“sling shot grip” at the rear end of the slide or an “overhand grip” over the top of the slide, behind the breach and pulling the slide mechanism rearward—then releasing the slide forward resulting in a chambered round and the pistol “in battery”. After the weapon is loaded for duty it is then placed back into the duty holster and secured. 
         [0004]    If a weapon is drawn by the officer during the performance of their duties and is actually discharged, several things can occur. One, when the weapon functions properly, a round of the ammunition is fired and the projectile proceeds out of the muzzle of the weapon in the direction it is aimed at by the officer. The semi-automatic design of the pistol sends the slide back allowing another round to be chambered and ready to fire so long as there is ammunition in the properly seated magazine. Alternatively, there can be a problem such as the ammunition misfiring, or not firing, leaving an un-discharged round of ammunition in the chamber or breach of the weapon which must be cleared out before the weapon can be fired properly. This is referred to by terms such as “live trigger stoppage”, “phase one stoppage” and other terms indicating an unintended interruption of fire. To clear such a blockage, the officer must ensure the magazine is seated properly by tapping it with the support hand, cycle the slide of the weapon back to eject the non-fired round of ammunition and allow the weapon&#39;s action to load a fresh round of ammunition into the chamber or breach from the magazine. As described previously, this is a two-handed operation. 
         [0005]    Another unintended interruption of fire that can occur is a “dead trigger stoppage”. This typically occurs when a round or casing fails to eject from the chamber due to faulty ammunition or a damaged extractor. A second round tries to feed into the chamber but is blocked by the initial round/casing that failed to eject. The pressure of the slide trying to fall forward into battery (but stopped by the “double feed”) seizes the pistol. As the extractor may not be able to properly grasp either round (the action can now only partially cycle), simply cycling the action will not clear the malfunction. A pistol in this state will not fire. In order to clear the pistol the magazine must be forcefully removed as pressure is holding the rounds in place. Ideally, the slide is placed in the locked back position releasing pressure on the double fed rounds. This allows the magazine to be stripped much easier. Once the magazine is stripped, the officer clears the port to ensure the chamber and magazine well are clear, then inserts a fresh magazine and cycles the action forward resulting in a fully loaded and ready (live round in chamber) pistol. Again, as described previously, this is a two-handed operation, if proper training regimens are followed. 
         [0006]    At the end of the officer&#39;s duty shift, the service weapon must be unloaded, cleared and visually checked to ensure it is unloaded and then secured appropriately. This is a reversal of the loading process described above where the magazine is removed, the slide cycled to eject any round that might be in the chamber or breach, the slide locked in the open position, an inspection of the chamber/breach conducted to “prove” the weapon unloaded and safe and then the proper securing of the weapon in the holster or carrying case, as dictated by policy/local laws. 
         [0007]    However, what does the officer do if their primary or secondary hand is injured, damaged, incapacitated or otherwise occupied in some way to make it impossible to use in the loading, firing, reloading and unloading of their weapon? 
         [0008]    Injuries to the primary, or secondary hand of an officer can occur in many different ways including, but not limited to, a struggle with a suspect, a knife wound, a gunshot wound, having the hand stepped on, impacted with a weapon including sticks, rocks, bricks or fixed objects or slammed in between objects such as car doors or structure doors and their frames, among others. The officer&#39;s secondary hand can, in addition to be injured, be otherwise occupied during the performance of their duties while holding another object, including but not limited to, a flashlight, a baton, a pepper spray can, a riot shield or the handling of a service dog. They could also be holding down one suspect while another is still considered a threat or could also be shielding a member of the public while still encountering a continued threat from a suspect. 
         [0009]    In these cases, current training regimens teach the officer to manipulate their weapon for loading using one hand only. Some police departments train for this situation, others do not. In cases where training is provided, the officer is shown techniques to cycle their weapon using techniques that are less than effective and involve fine motor skills, require improvisation and often deviate from police tactical principles, e.g. generally requiring the officer to become static. As many of these techniques involve less than ideal practices and are time consuming, e.g. many require the officer to seek cover first thereby completely removing them from the fight, no one tactic or system has become widely accepted in contrast to the two-handed manipulations drills. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, when the situation arises where an officer must clear a weapon malfunction as described above when using only one hand, a whole new set of problems arise. There are essentially two main techniques taught for clearing malfunctions with one hand in North America. The first for “live trigger” stoppages requires the officer to find a surface of opportunity to ensure the magazine is seated properly then find a surface suitable to balance the front of the weapon (often the sight—leading to other issues) in order to cycle the action rearward. In the second, for “dead trigger” or double feed stoppages as described above, an officer must find a surface suitable to balance the front of the weapon (often the sight—leading to other issues) in order to cycle the action rearward and lock it in place. With the action open and pressure somewhat eased on the rounds in the chamber/breach, the officer must find a hard and sharp surface to strip the magazine from the pistol. This requires focus and thought as this is often a surface of opportunity. With the magazine stripped the officer must ensure the breach, chamber and magazine well are clear. The officer must then find a place to semi-secure the pistol in an improvised position of opportunity, typically behind a leg or partially in a holster as the action is still open. With the pistol semi-secure the officer must then retrieve and try to seat a magazine in the pistol. Only then, with a seated magazine can the officer grasp the pistol and send the slide forward to cycle a round into the chamber. Should the action/slide have cycled forward by accident during the manipulation prior to the seating of the magazine, the officer would be required to find a surface suitable to balance the front of the weapon in order to cycle the action rearward. Placing such pressure on the front sight can affect the alignment of the sights and greatly affect the ability of the pistol to be aimed properly. Pressure on the sight can also damage the front sights or post to a degree where the weapon cannot be aimed at all. 
         [0011]    These prior art options involving one handed manipulations are time consuming and can take even a well-trained officer 35-45 seconds under range situations. This does not include the time it could take the officer to seek cover in order to complete these “static” tasks nor their trying to complete these actions whilst protecting an individual, holding a struggling individual, trying to stay under cover, etc. Under these circumstances and others where an officer was trying to complete the above clearing procedures one handed in a situation where they were under fire, involved in a hand to hand confrontation or injured, with stress levels at the highest possible levels, such a procedure could very well take considerably longer. Further, depending on variables such as surfaces in the immediate area, and no standard procedure, there is also limited guarantee of success. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, the inventors have established a solution to address the problems associated with one handed manipulation of a service pistol. The “Taelin Tactical System” established by the inventors is based upon two components and their related inserts that form a complete “system” allowing for single handed loading, cycling, firing, clearing and unloading of hand held semi-automatic pistols. The system is adaptable to various types of semi-automatic pistols and other firearms. 
         [0013]    Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to address problems associated with one-handed manipulation of a service pistol. 
         [0015]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a device comprising: a spine; a cover pivotally attached to the spine and operable under action of a user from a first normally closed position and a second open position; a spring connected to the cover and spine holding the cover without a first action of a user in the first normally closed position; a base dimensioned to support a firearm magazine such that the firearm magazine is axially aligned to an axis of the spine; and a pair of retaining arms attached to the spine for retaining the firearm magazine within the device without a second action of the user and releasing the firearm magazine under the second action of the user. 
         [0016]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a device comprising: a spine; and a retainer attached to the spine wherein the retainer comprises at least a first groove tapering from a first width towards the pivotal attachment between the cover and spine to a second width towards the front edge of the cover. 
         [0017]    Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  depicts the different elements of a semi-automatic firearm; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  depicts the two-handed procedure for loading a new magazine for a semi-automatic firearm; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  depicts an exploded assembly for a magazine/clip retainer (MAGRET) according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  depicts a MAGRET according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed position without magazine/clip inserted; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  depicts a MAGRET according to an embodiment of the invention in an open position without magazine/clip inserted; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  depicts a MAGRET according to an embodiment of the invention in unassembled and assembled views in open position with magazine/clip; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  depicts a MAGRET according to an embodiment of the invention in unassembled and assembled views in closed position with magazine/clip; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  depicts a slide CYCLER (CYCLER) according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  depicts a user using a MAGRET according to an embodiment of the invention with one-hand; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  depicts a dual MAGRET with integral receiver according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  depicts a MAGRET with sprung loaded base according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The present invention is directed to firearms and more particularly towards a magazine holder and a cycling holder, each allowing for quick and efficient cycling of a semi-automatic firearm with one hand. 
         [0031]    The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope as set forth in the appended claims. 
         [0032]    As described below in respect of  FIGS. 2 through 9  the “Taelin Tactical System” (hereinafter TTS) established by the inventors is based upon two components and their related inserts that form a complete “system” allowing for single handed loading, cycling, firing, clearing and unloading of hand held semi-automatic pistols. The TTS is adaptable to various types of semi-automatic pistols and other firearms and comprises a MAGRET  300  (MAGRET) and the Slide CYCLER (CYCLER). These, may within an embodiment of the invention, be designed so that they can be worn on a regulation police style or military duty holster, a plain clothes 1½″ wide dress belt or attached to a Modular, Lightweight, Loadbearing, Equipment (MOLLE) tactical system vest. These systems can also be mounted to police tactical ballistic or riot shields, armoured cars or any surface where a firearm could be in use nearby. 
         [0033]    The MAGRET  300  (MAGRET) permits one handed access to a fully loaded magazine of ammunition held in an upright position, facing forward, where the officer uses the butt of their service weapon to flip up the spring (or lever/friction) loaded protective cover/lid, places the handle of the weapon directly over the loaded magazine (where it naturally will want to fall), slides the weapon down over top of the magazine, tilts or rotates the magazine out of the holder while continuing the downward motion thus loading the pistol. The user then taps/seats the magazine on the top of the spring loaded protective clip cover/lid, to give the officer a fully loaded weapon in just a few seconds. 
         [0034]    The CYCLER then allows the officer to place the muzzle of the weapon in the gross opening groove of the CYCLER and push downward. The groove narrows, catching the slide safely allowing the pistol to load a round of ammunition into the chamber of the weapon to easily provide the officer with a ready-to-fire weapon. This motion is completed quickly, smoothly and in an ergonomically economical, flowing manner. This system is based on tactile feedback (feel) and a user (who is familiar with a semi-automatic pistol) can become proficient with very little practice. The TTS is designed to provide tactile feedback (the feel) consistent with two handed operation thus promoting a familiarity when using the system. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there are depicted in first and second views  100 A and  100 B the different elements of a semi-automatic firearm. As depicted in second view  100 B a firearm generally comprises in assembled state a firearm body  170  and a magazine/clip  160 . The firearm body  170  as depicted in first view  100 A comprises a front sight  105 , a slide  110  which must be cycled to load the first bullet (shell) or clear a live round jam by moving it relative to case  165  and hand grip  155 , an ejection port  115  through which spent bullets (shells) are ejected, a rear sight  120 , and a hammer  125 . There is also a safety  130 , which may be for left handed user, right handed user, or a pair for one-for-all-users. Additionally, there are slide release  140 , trigger guard  145 , trigger  175 , and magazine release  150  which releases the loaded magazine/clip allowing it to be replaced with a full or partially loaded magazine or stored without a magazine/clip. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  depicts the two-handed procedure for loading a new magazine for a semi-automatic firearm. These are depicted as: 
         [0037]    Step  200 A—Identify the Need: An emergency reload or standard reload is needed when you have spent all the rounds from your magazine  160  and your slide  110  is locked back 
         [0038]    Step  200 B—Get Fresh Magazine: Grab a fresh magazine  160  (likely from a magazine pouch) after the slide has locked back on an empty magazine  160 , and move the fresh magazine  160  toward the gun. 
         [0039]    Step  200 C—Eject the Empty Magazine  160 : Be sure not to lose your old magazine  160 , and bring your new magazine  160  into place below the magazine  160  opening. With well-trained users these should essentially pass each other during the reloading close to the bottom of the firearm. Ejecting the magazine  160  requires the user push the magazine release  150  and having the bottom of the hand grip  155  clear to allow the magazine  160  to come out. 
         [0040]    Step  200 D—Insert the Magazine  160 : Place the rear of the magazine  160  against the rear of the magazine  160  well of the firearm body  170 , align the two, and with some force (though there should be little resistance) insert. 
         [0041]    Step  200 E—Seat the Magazine  160 : Using the heel of their palm the user must give the magazine  160  a tap such that the magazine  160  clicks into place within the firearm body  170 . 
         [0042]    Step  200 F—Cycle the Slide  110 : Placing one hand over the top of the slide  110  and holding the firearm grip  155  pull the slide  110  back towards their chest. Care must be exercised at this point to ensure that the user&#39;s finger(s) are not caught in the slide opening, or that anything else such as clothing might get caught. 
         [0043]    Step  200 G—Release: Now the slide is released, so it can go forward with full force. This will seat the next round in the chamber, preparing it for discharge. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  depicts an exploded assembly for a magazine/clip retainer (MAGRET)  300  according to an embodiment of the invention. The MAGRET  300  is assembled upon a spine  310 , which may for example be made from impact resistant Delrin™, polyoxymethylene, although other impact resistant polymers, fiber reinforced polymers, etc. may be employed as well as lightweight composites and metals, e.g. aluminum. Beneficially, in some circumstances selection of Delrin™ or another plastic material also permits the use of the system in cold weather climates where metals would stick to exposed flesh as well as potentially scratch and damage parts of the weapon during use. 
         [0045]    The spine  310  is designed to permit attachment to a standard police or military style duty belt measuring approximately 2¼″ high and ¼″ thick through a slot  310 A, for example, or alternatively by deploying an alternative spine, insert, attachment and/or conversion for use on a plain clothes dress belt, such as the BlackHawk CQC carbon fibre belt model 4113PBK for example measuring approximately 1½″ high and ¼″ thick, or for attachment on a MOLLE style tactical vest such as currently in use by law enforcement and military around the world. It would be evident that through variations of an insert  325  which may be retained within the spine  310  through screw fittings (not shown for clarity) that the spine  310  may be fitted to a wide variety of belts, straps etc. Alternatively, the slot  310 A discretely and/or in combination with other mounting fixtures not shown for clarity may allow for the spine  310  to be mounted through a variety of mounting fixtures such that the MAGRET  300  may be easily adapted to mount onto not only a wide range of vests, protective wear, equipment etc. but also that the MAGRET  300  may also be attached to a variety of surface mounting systems, e.g. the inside of a police shield or an interior surface of an urban protection vehicle. 
         [0046]    The spine  310  and insert  325  may themselves be secured to the duty belt, for example by using two 8-32 socket head set screws for the Police 2¼″ duty belt for example, or one 8-32 socket head set screw for the plain clothes duty belt rather than relying upon a friction fit or interference fit so that the spine stays in position and does not shift when the officer comes to apply pressure/force to it. The spine  310  and other components of the MAGRET  300  may be coloured black, for example, to blend in with current material colouring of tactical and police duty equipment as well as providing long service life and durability. However, the colour can be adapted to match operational environment included, but not limited to, pixelated patterns etc. as commonly found in military camouflage. As the TTS is based upon tactile feedback (feel) such that the user can quickly landmark and use the system this makes finding the unit based on color flexible according to the environment. 
         [0047]    The spine  310  has two flexible arms, first and second arms  315  and  320  respectively, attached to the right and left sides respectively as viewed from the front which orient and lock the ammunition clip (magazine  160 ) in position within the MAGRET  300 , leaving it standing upright, straight and facing forward. The first and second arms  315  and  320  respectively are designed to flex outward whenever a magazine  160  is rotated into or out of the retainer and flex back into normal position when the magazine  160  is in place thereby holding it correctly oriented and secure. The top surfaces of each MAGRET  300  arm are rounded downward toward the outer edges so that a downward motion for loading the magazine  160  can still occur as the magazine  160  undergoes simultaneous rotational motion during its removal from the MAGRET  300 . Accordingly, the user in loading a new magazine can place the well within the firearm handle  155  over the top of the magazine  160  such that subsequently as they begin pushing downwards they pivot the firearm from their body so that the magazine is removed from the first and second arms  315  and  320  respectively and continues insertion into the firearm. 
         [0048]    The first and second arms  315  and  320  respectively of the MAGRET  300  may each be secured to the spine  310  with two 6-23 flat head machine screws on each side to permit the arms to be replaced quickly and easily should they become damaged through use or abuse. These are depicted as first screw pair  350 A/ 350 B and second screw pair  350 C/ 350 D respectively. The first and second arms  315  and  320  respectively are also replaceable to permit exchanging of these MAGRET  300  arms for retaining arms suited to a different width of magazine  160 , for example. Accordingly, the first and second arms  315  and  320  respectively can be quickly and easily changed such that a common spine is employed. Similarly, an array of spines  310  may be disposed as a single unit, an array of multiple units, or an array of discrete units wherein different spines  310  are provided with different first and second arms  315  and  320  respectively (and possibly base  330 ) allowing multiple magazines  160  to be stored and rapidly accessed, e.g. upon the inner surface of a lid of a police cruiser trunk, allowing multiple firearms to be accommodated. In such instances, a colour coding or text identifier may be applied to the first and second arms  315  and  320  respectively or the outer exposed surface of the cover  305 . 
         [0049]    Between the first and second arms  315  and  320  respectively of the MAGRET  300  and attaching to the spine  310  is an adjustable spacer  345 , or standoff, which can be quickly changed to accommodate different thicknesses of magazines  160  from various firearms manufacturers much like the first and second arms  315  and  320  respectively provide for accommodation of different magazine  160  widths. To fit and adjust the MAGRET  300  to a different size magazine  160 , a 6-32 socket head set screw  350 E used to attach the spacer  345  to the spine  310  is loosened on the spacer  345 . The spacer  345  forms a second part of an assembly of two pieces, the other being element  310 C forming part of the spine  310  which are each stepped in increments of approximately 0.031″. The spacer  345  can be adjusted upwards or downwards before being screwed into position via screw  350 E. The spacer  345  may be visually slid until the surface of the spacer  345  just touches the inner surface of the magazine  160  when held in position inside the MAGRET  300 . Once the socket head screw is re-tightened, the spacer  345  is locked into position and properly supports the inside edge of the magazine  160  from movement. 
         [0050]    This spacer  345  also performs the function of a standoff to ensure that the inside edge of the magazine  160  is far enough away from the spine  310  and protective cover  305  so as not to catch the officers&#39; fingers on the spine  310  or cover  305  when performing the loading function. Alternative means of providing adjustably positioned spacer  345  may be envisioned in other embodiments of the invention whilst in other embodiments the spacer  345  may be integrally formed with the spine  310  such that the MAGRET  300  is dimensioned and not adjustable. Such a design may be employed for example where a single firearm is deployed for police officers within a police force and only a single magazine  160  design is employed. In a similar manner, as different first and second arms  315  and  320  respectively may be employed colour coded and/or labelled for particular firearms  170 /magazines  160  then the same may be applied to spacer  345 . Optionally, spacer  345  may be varied in thickness and fixed in the same position rather than being slidable. 
         [0051]    The top of the magazine  160  and the ammunition rounds within it are protected when held inside the MAGRET  300  by a spring loaded protective magazine cover  305 , or lid, which is attached to the spine  310  and held in place with a ⅛″ diameter hinge pin approximately 1¾″ long whilst spring loading is provided via spring  335 . Fitting over the hinge pin and within the inner diameter of spring  335  is hinge pin cover  340 . The underside of this protective cover/lid may have a machined relief  305 A in it that has been filled with a soft, open cell foam which protects the top of the clip and rounds of ammunition from damage. Alternatively, a soft material, such as rubber, foam, etc. may be applied to the underside of the cover  305 . On the underside of the protective magazine cover  305 , running from left to right on the front edge of the cover  305 , is a slot  305 B machined into the surface to permit positive catching of the protective cover/lid by the bottom edge of the hand grip  155  when the firearm is used to flip the cover  305  open to access the magazine  160  within the MAGRET  300  for loading. The protective cover  305  also acts as a deflector to stop the top of the magazine from catching on clothing or equipment or being grabbed and pulled out of the MAGRET  300  during a struggle by the officer. Further, protective cover  305  may provide a resilient flat surface for the officer to push the bottom of the magazine  160  against to ensure that it is seated and secured within the hand grip  155 . 
         [0052]    The base  330  of the MAGRET  300  has been designed to be changeable from one firearm magazine  160  to another by removing one 6-32 socket head cap screw, then sliding the base  330  upward to disengage from tongue  310 D of spine  310 . Alternative fixing and/or mounting means may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. The base  330  used on any particular magazine is determined by the firearm manufacturer of the firearm the officer will be using. Each manufacturer&#39;s weapon magazine is slightly different from another even though they follow similar design and manufacturing principles. For example, the size of the magazine base may vary, the angle of the magazine base relative to the magazine body may vary, and the overall length may also vary. As a result, the base  330  for any given spine  310  may be specifically designed to accommodate and fit a particular weapon. For example, a base  330  may be designed specifically for a Smith &amp; Wesson (S&amp;W) 500. Each base  330  is designed and may be manufactured in both a right hand (RH) and left hand (LH) version to suit both right and left handed shooters so that independent of hand configuration installed, the nose of the ammunition rounds loaded into a magazine  160  face forward when mounted on the officers duty belt, to allow for correct loading of the weapon. 
         [0053]    In order for the MAGRET  300  base  330  to handle the stresses and forces exerted on it during the loading process, a compound dovetail design is depicted within  FIG. 3  which causes the base  330  to press into and hold tighter to the groove  310 D of the spine  310  as more force is exerted on it. The socket head cap screw retains the base  330  in place and stops it from falling off the spine  310 . In the case of the S&amp;W model 5946 the base  330  also incorporates an angle of approximately 18° towards the rear of the base  330  which makes use of gravity to push the clip downward and backward in the base  330  thereby holding it securely in position and spreading out any forces exerted on the base  330 , through the magazine  160 , during the loading process. This 18° angle represents the angle of the firearm handle  155  relative to the perpendicular of the slide for an S&amp;W model 5846 firearm. This angular dimension for the MAGRET  300  may differ for each model of firearm it is adapted to. 
         [0054]    The MAGRET  300  base  330  is also designed to have a tolerance around the actual base  330  of the clip itself in a pocket  330 A to permit the clip to be placed into the base  330  and then rotated into position and locked in by the first and second retainer arms  315  and  320  respectively without catching on the base  330  pocket edges. Each MAGRET  300  base  330  may be engraved/cast on the underside with the angular information for the base  330 , manufacturers name and weapon model number as well as the hand of orientation (i.e.: right hand RH and left hand LH). 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 4  there are depicted first to third views  400 A to  400 C respectively for a MAGRET according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed position without magazine  160  inserted. Such a MAGRET being, for example, MAGRET  300  such as described supra in respect of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 5  there are depicted first to third views  500 A to  500 C respectively for a MAGRET according to an embodiment of the invention in an open position without magazine  160  inserted. Such a MAGRET being, for example, MAGRET  300  such as described supra in respect of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 6  there are depicted first to third views  600 A to  600 C respectively for a MAGRET according to an embodiment of the invention in an open position with magazine  160 . Such a MAGRET being, for example, MAGRET  300  such as described supra in respect of  FIG. 3 . In first view  600 A the magazine  160  is shown unassembled from MAGRET  300  whereas in second view  600 B the magazine  160  is depicted tilted such as it would be during insertion into a firearm as the officer pushes the firearm down and pivots it away from the MAGRET  300  spine  310  and base  330 . In third view  600 C the magazine  160  is depicted mounted such as it would be during normal storage within the MAGRET  300  wherein it is seated within the base  330  and the magazine  160  is parallel to the spine  310 . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 7  there are depicted first to third views  700 A to  700 C respectively for a MAGRET according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed position with magazine  160 . Such a MAGRET being, for example, MAGRET  300  such as described supra in respect of  FIG. 3 . In first and second views  700 A and  700 B respectively the magazine  160  is shown assembled within the MAGRET  300  from rear and side perspectives. In third view  700 C the magazine  160  is depicted mounted within the MAGRET  300  from the front with the lid  305  closed and the magazine  160  seated within the RH base  730 RH. Also depicted discretely is LH base  730 LH. 
         [0059]    Now referring to  FIG. 8  there are depicted first and second views  800 A and  800 B of a CYCLER according to an embodiment of the invention. The CYCLER comprises two components within this embodiment, the CYCLER spine  820  and receiver  810 . As with the spine  310  of the MAGRET the CYCLER spine  820  may be made of impact resistant Delrin™, for example, and be designed to permit attachment to a standard police or military style duty belt measuring approximately 2¼″ high and ¼″ thick or, by deploying an insert, similar to insert  325  of the MAGRET  300  which fits within slot  825 , attachment and conversion for use on a plain clothes dress belt such as the BlackHawk CQC carbon fibre belt model 4113PBK measuring approximately 1½″ high and ¼″ thick or attachment on a MOLLE style tactical vest currently in use by law enforcement and military around the world. Within other embodiments of the invention the CYCLER may be mounted through other fittings that fit the slot  825  in order that the CYCLER may be mount onto not only a wide range of vests, protective wear, equipment etc. but also that the CYCLER may also be attached to a variety of surface mounting systems, e.g. the inside of a police shield or an interior surface of an urban protection vehicle. 
         [0060]    The CYCLER spine  820  may be secured to the duty belt by two 8-32 socket head set screws for the Police or Military 2¼″ duty belt for example or one 8-32 socket head set screw for the plain clothes duty belt with an insert within the slot  825  within the CYCLER spine  820 . In this latter instance the other 8-32 screw secures the insert into the slot  825  within the CYCLER spine  820 . As with the MAGRET  300  the selection of Delrin™ as the material also permits the use of the system in cold weather climates where metals would stick to exposed flesh as well as potentially scratch and damage parts of the weapon during use. Similarly, a black colour for the Delrin™ may be chosen to blend in with current material colouring of tactical and police duty equipment as well as providing long service life and durability. Color can be adapted to match operational environment such as described supra in respect of MAGRET  300  which may also include pixelated patterns. The TTS concept exploiting the CYCLER is based upon tactile feedback (feel) such that the user can quickly landmark and use the system. This makes finding the unit based on color flexible such that the receiver  810  may be colour coded according to the firearm or firearms it is intended to work with. 
         [0061]    Within an embodiment of the invention the CYCLER spine  820  is machined such that there are three positions for mounting the receiver  810  which attaches to it. The main position is vertical down (VD) but the CYCLER spine  820  can also align the receiver  810  30° to the left or right to permit mounting for both right and left handed shooters. This provides exceptional adaptability to placement on the belt or vest/arm or leg harnesses including those with MOLLE systems. It would be evident that other designs may provide more or less predetermined orientations as well as continuously variable designs. 
         [0062]    In order for the CYCLER spine  820  and receiver  810  to handle the stresses and forces exerted during their use a similar round dovetail slot design may be used as with the MAGRET  300  such that pressure applied to the CYCLER spine  820  causes it to press into and hold tighter within the receiver  810 . Mounting of the CYCLER spine  820  and receiver  810  in  FIG. 8  is achieved through a single 6-32 flat head machine screw to hold the receiver  810  in place and stop it from falling off the CYCLER spine  820  during use or changing angle orientation. Accordingly, the receiver  810  is provided with a single, round, dovetail protrusion on the back surface that fits into one of the three dovetail orientation slots for VD, 30° RH or 30° LH machined into the CYCLER spine  820 . 
         [0063]    The exposed accessible surface of the receiver  810  is, according to an embodiment of the invention, a slot  815  approximately 0.350″ wide and 0.190″ deep running along the CYCLER vertical centerline from the top edge of the receiver  810  downwards for approximately 2.544″ in which the front sights of the weapon are guided and protected from impact that might cause misalignment or damage during the cycling process of the weapons slide. The left and right walls of the receiver  810  create a tapered region  825  which is wide at the top edge of the receiver  810  and tapers inward to create the required tapering profile as the walls progress down the receiver  810 . These tapered walls grip the sides of the weapon as force is applied downward thereby stopping the downward motion of the slide but allowing the frame and barrel of the weapon to continue downward motion that will result in a round of ammunition being loaded into the weapons chamber or breach. This loading or cycling action brings the officers weapon to ready-to-fire status in a matter of seconds with just the use of one hand. The slot  815  and tapered region  825  within receiver  810  are depicted within the cross-sections A-A and B-B. 
         [0064]    The receiver  810  depicted with a wide tapered slot permits the receiver  810  to be utilized with a large selection of firearms currently manufactured and on the market without having to change parts or customize the receiver  810  to a specific weapon or manufacturer. The tapering of the slot also permits for a gross motor action in finding and using the CYCLER with the semi-automatic firearm. The user must only index one side or part of the opening then follow the motion through as the taper will guide the slide to proper orientation and then grip it, allowing the pistol to be cycled. In some instances, due to particular characteristics of the firearm sights, barrel, slide etc. the receiver  810  may be customized to the firearm or perhaps the user due to a peculiarity of their action. 
         [0065]    According to an embodiment of the invention, a user has a CYCLER  800 A,  800 B, a holster, and a MAGRET  300  upon their belt, and has within their right hand a firearm  170  from which they have just released a magazine  160 . The user moves the firearm  170  back to the CYCLER and pushes the slide down into the CYCLER such that it is retained and the user&#39;s continued action on the firearm  170  cycles the action. The user brings the firearm  170  forward, which is now cycled with the slide pushed back, and the ejection port is open allowing the user to visually check that the firearm  170  is cleared. 
         [0066]      FIG. 9  depicts a user using a MAGRET according to an embodiment of the invention with one-hand in first to fourth images  1000 A to  1000 D respectively. In first image  1000 A the user brings their firearm  170  to the MAGRET  300 , then in second image  1000 B they engage the cover with the bottom edge of the firearm handle lifting it before pushing the well in the firearm handle down over the magazine. As depicted in third image  1000 C as they continue pushing down they pivot the firearm away from their bodies removing it from the retaining arms of the MAGRET  300  until the magazine is inserted into the firearm. Next in fourth image  1000 D the user brings the firearm with the newly installed magazine back to the top of the MAGRET  300  allowing them to push the firearm down against the cover of the MAGRET  300  to ensure the magazine is fully seated. 
         [0067]    Now referring to  FIG. 10 , there is depicted a dual MAGRET assembly with integral receiver according to an embodiment of the invention. As depicted in first and second views  1100 A and  1100 B respectively there are a pair of MAGRET, first and second MAGRET  1110 A and  1110 B, that share a common cover  1110 D atop of which is a receiver  1110 C such as described supra in respect of receiver  810  in  FIG. 8 . Accordingly, the user of the dual MAGRET assembly has available two spare magazines when loaded into the dual MAGRET assembly whilst still being able to use the receiver  1110 C to cycle the slide of the firearm and the other portion of the cover  1110 D to ensure a newly loaded magazine is seated into the handle of the firearm. 
         [0068]    Now referring to  FIG. 11  there is depicted a MAGRET with sprung loaded based according to an embodiment of the invention. As depicted in first view  1200 A a MAGRET spine  310  has attached a base  1210  which is depicted in “closed” position as if the magazine were loaded but the magazine has been omitted for clarity. Subsequently, in use a user is loading the magazine into a firearm with the motion defined above wherein the user in pushing the firearm down over magazine has also started an arcuate motion pivoting the top of the firearm away from their body. Accordingly, in the embodiment of the invention described supra in respect of  FIGS. 3 through 7  this action pivots the magazine off the base  330  of MAGRET  300 . In contrast as depicted within  FIG. 11  the base  1210  comprises upper and lower sections  1210 A and  1210 B respectively which are coupled via a pivot  1210 D at one end and have a spring  1210 C mounted between them at the other end towards the spine  310 . Accordingly, as the user pivots the magazine then the upper section  1210 A pivots away with it. Optionally, the spring  1210 C may be replaced with another element providing pressure to maintain the upper section  1210 A in contact with the magazine or removed wherein contact between the upper section  1210 A and magazine is maintained through the pressure applied to the firearm and magazine by the user in performing the action. 
         [0069]    Whilst embodiments of the invention in respect of the MAGRET have been described from the viewpoint of an assembly in respect of  FIGS. 3 through 11  it would be evident to one skilled in the art that multiple elements of the assembly may be machined and/or molded as a single piece-part to which other elements may be assembled. Accordingly, it would be evident that the spine and base may be formed together or that the spine, base and retainer arms may be formed together such that design aspects of the retainer arms provide the required degree of flexibility even if formed from a material otherwise considered to be resilient. 
         [0070]    The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents. 
         [0071]    Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5