Abstract:
This disclosure relates to a system and method for storage of a modular cartridge within a cavity formed in a portion of a firearm, wherein the cavity is not the magazine well of the firearm. The disclosure provides for a system for disengagebly retaining such modular cartridges, as well as multiple embodiments of cartridges which may be retained therein. Such embodiments of modular cartridges include: a miniature magazine (mini-mag) which may be used to store ammunition, and which may be operable as a magazine for the firearm; a dry box which may be used to store materials in a manner in which they are protected from the ambient environment; a monopod which may be used to help support a firearm; a flashlight; and a battery charger, which may provide for a usb output.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/204,642 filed Jul. 13, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The subject matter disclosed herein relates to firearms, and specifically to systems and methods for providing and storing modular firearm accessories within the structure of a firearm. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Firearms, firearm systems, firearm platforms, firearm structures, modular firearm components and structures, firearm accessories, modular firearm accessories, and methods for providing and storing modular firearm accessories within the structure of a firearm, firearm system or firearm platform are limited in utility, interchangeability, reliability, durability, features, and costliness. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
       [0004]    The purpose of this summary is to present integral concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed disclosure that is presented herein. 
         [0005]    Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
         [0006]    This disclosure relates to systems and methods for a modular cartridge retaining system (“modular cartridge retaining system” and “modular cartridge system” may be used herein interchangeably) that may be retained within a portion of a firearm. The modular cartridge system provides for a plurality of modular cartridges, each modular cartridge having different functionality. The modular cartridges, when engaged, may be retained inside of a recessed portion of the firearm, specifically a recessed portion that is different from the firearm&#39;s firing chamber. The modular cartridges may be disengageable from the recessed portion of the firearm upon actuation of an engagement/disengagement mechanism. The disclosure also relates to firearms and firearm systems including such modular cartridge retaining systems. The disclosure also relates to methods for firearms and firearm systems including modular cartridge systems as disclosed. 
         [0007]    Descriptions of certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the annexed Figures. These aspects are indicative of various non-limiting ways in which the disclosed subject matter may be utilized, all of which are intended to be within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Other advantages, emerging properties, and features will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure when considered in conjunction with the associated Figures that are also within the scope of the disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The disclosed subject matter itself, as well as further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be illustrated by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments of the device read in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  depicts a firearm system having a modular cartridge extending out of a pistol grip. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  depicts a side view of a pistol grip in which a modular cartridge retaining system may be located. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  depicts a perspective view of the pistol grip of  FIG. 2A  where in the bottom a modular cartridge may be seen through an opening in the bottom of the pistol grip. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict the same views of as  FIGS. 2A and 2B  wherein the modular cartridge has been removed from the interior volume of the cavity in the pistol grip. The modular cartridge depicted is a dry box embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 4A  and B depict the same views as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , wherein the modular cartridge being depicted is an embodiment of a flashlight modular cartridge. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a modular cartridge retaining system inside of a pistol grip, the modular cartridge retaining system having a modular cartridge retained therein. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a modular cartridge retaining system inside of a pistol grip, the modular cartridge retaining system having the modular cartridge ejected therefrom. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7A  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a modular cartridge retaining system inside of a pistol grip, the modular cartridge retaining system having a cartridge partially inserted therein. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7B  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a modular cartridge retaining system inside of a pistol grip, the modular cartridge retaining system having a cartridge fully retained therein. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  depicts an enlarged view of the biasing lever portion of of a cross-sectional view of a modular cartridge retaining system wherein a cartridge is retained therein via engagement with the biasing lever. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 9A-D  depict different perspective views of a monopod embodiment of a cartridge fully retained inside of a modular cartridge retaining system, wherein the extending portion of the monopod is extended. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 10A-D  depict a modular cartridge system having a monopod embodiment of a cartridge associated therewith, wherein the cartridge at different levels of insertion into the modular cartridge retaining system, and wherein the extending portion is at different levels of extension. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 11A-D  depict partial cross-sectional views of  FIGS. 10A-D . 
           [0022]      FIGS. 12A  and B depict different perspective views of a mini-mag embodiment of a cartridge. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 13A-F  depict different perspective views of a dry box embodiment of a cartridge ( FIGS. 13E  and F show the lid removed from the body of the dry box embodiment of a cartridge). 
           [0024]      FIG. 14A-I  depict different perspective views of an alternate embodiment of a monopod embodiment of a cartridge (one made for use with a cavity not having a modular cartridge retaining system therein), wherein the extending portion is extended. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Reference now should be made to the Figures in which the same reference numbers are used throughout the multiple Figures to designate the same components. 
         [0026]    It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         [0027]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0028]    It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the implementations described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the implementations described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the implementations described herein. 
         [0029]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations which may be practiced. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations, and it is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the implementations. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
         [0030]    While the descriptions of embodiments contained herein may refer to particular firearm  100  types (such as the AR-15 platform as depicted in  FIG. 1 ) any such description is to be for the purposes of providing an exemplar of particular embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the teachings included herein in any way. As used herein, in embodiments, “firearm” may include any firearm system, firearm platform or firearm structure having a magazine well  106  external of the grip portion  178 , such as a pistol grip, of the firearm. 
         [0031]    One having skill in the art will be aware that some firearms (mainly pistols) have a system for retaining a magazine within their grip. For such firearms the magazine well (the portion of the firearm that retains the magazine while ammunition from the magazine is fed into the firing system of the firearm) is located in the grip itself. Such a configuration wherein the magazine well is located in the grip is different from that being taught herein, Referring to  FIG. 1 , the teachings of the present disclosure are directed to a firearm  100  including a magazine well  106  external of a pistol grip or other grip portion  178  of the firearm  100 . As shown, in embodiments, firearm  100  may include a cavity  114  and its associated interior volume  114 , modular cartridge retaining system  104 , and cartridge  102  located and incorporated into a portion of a firearm  100  other than a magazine well  106 . According to the present disclosure and as also more particularly shown in  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments a firearm  100  may include a cavity  114  and its associated interior volume  114 , modular cartridge system  104 , and cartridge  102  located and incorporated into a grip portion  178  of the firearm  100 , whether integral or detachable, which do not comprise the magazine well  106 . 
         [0032]    While depicted in a pistol grip throughout the associated figures it should be understood that embodiments of the modular cartridge retaining system  104  may be built into, or included in, any grip portion  178  of a firearm  100 , including a fore-grip, stock, pistol grip as seen in  FIGS. 2A  and B, or butt, (collectively, “grip portion ”  178 ). In some embodiments (not shown), a modular cartridge retaining system  104  may be built into, or included in, any other structural portion of a firearm  100  that may provide for a suitable cavity without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0033]    With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7A  and B, embodiments of the modular cartridge retaining system  104  may comprise a cavity  114  comprising a top surface, a plurality of lateral surfaces, and an opening, the cavity  114  defining an interior volume  114 . At least one of the plurality of lateral surfaces of the cavity  114  may have a recessed portion  146 . A biasing lever  138  may have an engaging end  140  on one side and a release  108  on the other. The biasing lever  138  may be predominantly retained within the recessed portion  146  of one of the plurality of lateral surfaces of the cavity  114 . The biasing lever  138  may be pivotable about a pivot  144  from a default engaged position to a disengaged position. The biasing lever  138  may be maintained in the default position via application of force on the engaging end  140  of the biasing lever  138  by a biasing spring  142 , or by any other mechanism suitable for urging or biasing the engaging end  140  to the default position. In the particular embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7B and 8 , while in the default position the engaging end  140  of the biasing lever  138  extends out of the recessed portion  146  of the lateral surface of the cavity  114  into the interior volume  114 . Actuation of the release  108  causes the pivoting of the biasing lever  138  about the pivot  144 , thereby compressing the biasing spring  142  and transitioning the biasing lever  138  from the default engaged position to the disengaged position (see  FIG. 7A ). In the disengaged position the engaging end  140  of the biasing lever  138  is seated within the recessed portion  146  of the lateral surface. It will be understood that the biasing lever  138  may be transitioned to the disengaged position by functioning of any suitable mechanism. 
         [0034]    Further referencing  FIGS. 7A  and B, embodiments of the modular cartridge retaining system  104  may comprise an ejection mechanism  126 . The ejection mechanism  126  may comprise an anchor plate  130 , an ejection sled  134 , one or more ejection sled connectors  136 , and an ejection spring  132 . The anchor plate  130  may have a top surface which may abut and be secured to the top surface of the cavity  114  via an anchor screw  128 . The bottom surface of the anchor plate  130  may mechanically engage a first end of the ejection spring  132 . The second end of the ejection spring  132  may mechanically engage a top surface of the ejection sled  134 . The one or more ejection sled connectors  136  may be configured to connect the anchor plate  130  to the ejection sled  134  in such a manner as to allow for travel of the ejection sled  134  relative to the anchor plate  130  relative to a longitudinal axis of the cavity  114  due to a force imparted by the ejection spring  132 . The transition of the ejection sled  134  may be from a first position in which the ejection spring  132  is less compressed to a second position in which the ejection spring  132  is more compressed. A bottom surface of the ejection sled  134  may abut a top surface of a cartridge  102  when the cartridge  102  is retained within the cavity  114 . The force resultant from the compression of the ejection spring  132  may hold a stop  118  portion of a depression  116  of the cartridge  102  in mechanical contact with the engaging end  140  of the biasing lever  138  while the biasing lever  138  is in the default engaged position. The same force resultant from the compression of the ejection spring  132  may also provide a force which may be used to eject the cartridge  102  from the interior volume  114  of the cavity  114  when the release  108  is actuated and the engaging end  140  of the biasing lever  138  is disengaged from mechanical contact with the stop  118  portion of the depression  116  of the cartridge  102 . 
         [0035]    A multitude of embodiments of cartridges  102  which may be used with the modular cartridge retaining system  104  are described herein. The different embodiments of the cartridge  102  may provide for different utility. Several of these different embodiments of the cartridge  102  usable with cartridge retaining system. Each of the cartridges  102  may comprise the features required for use with and integration into the modular cartridge retaining system  104 , as well as other features which may vary among embodiments in order to provide for the differing utility associated therewith. 
         [0036]    Embodiments of the cartridge, as can be seen in all FIGs associated herewith,  102  may comprise a depression  116  in one of the lateral surfaces of the cartridge  102 . The depression  116  may comprise a bevel  122 , a floor  120 , and a stop  118 . The depression  116  may be configured such that when the cartridge  102  is retained within the interior volume  114  of the cavity  114  the depression  116  lines up with the engaging end  140  of the biasing lever  138 . The stop  118  may interface with the engaging end  140  of the biasing lever  138  while the biasing lever  138  is in the default engaged position (see  FIGS. 7B and 8 ) so as to prevent the ejection of the cartridge  102  from within the interior volume  114 . As the release  108  is actuated and the biasing lever  138  transitions from the default engaged position to the disengaged position the engaging end  140  of the biasing lever  138  recedes from the depression  116  into the recessed portion  146  of the lateral surface of the cavity  114  and thus disengages from mechanical interaction with the stop  118  portion of the depression  116  of cartridge  102 , thereby allowing for the cartridge  102  to be ejected from the interior volume  114  of the cavity  114 . 
         [0037]    Embodiments of a cartridge  102  may be shaped and sized to be insertable into the interior volume  114  of the cavity  114 . 
         [0038]    Embodiments of a cartridge  102  may comprise a stop  118  whose surface is at a  90  degree or smaller angle relative to the lateral surface of the cartridge  102 . Such an angle may assist with the mechanical interaction between the stop  118  and the engaging end  140  of the biasing lever  138  when the cartridge  102  is retained inside of the interior volume  114  of the cavity  114 . A smaller angle may allow for slippage or other unintentional disengagement of the engaging end  140  of the biasing lever  138  without actuation of the release  108 . 
         [0039]    Now referencing  FIGS. 9A-D ,  10 A-D, and  11 A-D, embodiments of a monopod  148  embodiment of the cartridge  102  may comprise an extending portion  154 , an aperture  174  in the bottom surface of the cartridge  102  through which the extending portion  154  may extend, an extending spring  158  positioned between the top surface of the cartridge  102  and the extending portion  154  and configured to impart a force on the extending portion  154  in the direction of the aperture  174 , a thumbwheel  150  having a tooth  160 , and a quick release  152 . The thumbwheel  150  may mechanically engage the extending portion  154  via the tooth  160  in such a manner as to facilitate extension and retraction of the extending portion  154  responsive to the rotation of the thumbwheel  150 . The mechanical engagement between the tooth  160  and the extending portion  154  may prevent the extension or retraction of the extending portion  154  except for when the thumbwheel  150  is rotated. The quick release  152  may allow for disengagement of the tooth  160  from the extending portion  154 , thereby allowing for rapid extension of the extending portion  154  responsive to the force imparted thereto by the extending spring  158 , or allowing for rapid retraction of the extending portion  154  responsive to a force opposite the force provided by the extending spring  158  imparted thereto by an object external to the monopod cartridge  148  (e.g. a person&#39;s hand or other solid surface). 
         [0040]    In embodiments, the monopod  148  embodiment of the cartridge  102  may comprise a bottom portion  176  that extends below the opening of the cavity  114 . Such a bottom portion  176  extending below the opening of the cavity  114  may comprise the the thumbwheel  150  and the quick release  152  so as to provide the operator manual access thereto. 
         [0041]    In embodiments, the extending portion  154  may be threaded, and the tooth  160  may engage and traverse the threading of the extending portion  154  so as to facilitate extension/retraction of the extending portion  154  responsive to rotation of the thumbwheel  150 , and so as to prevent extension/retraction of the extending portion  154  when the thumbwheel  150  is not being rotated. 
         [0042]    In embodiments, the quick release  152  may be integrated into a portion of the thumbwheel  150 , and may allow for disengagement of the tooth  160  through depression of the quick release  152  portion of the thumbwheel  150 . 
         [0043]    The quick release  152  is designed to provide for rapid extension and retraction of the extending portion  154  to a general desired length, while rotation of the thumbwheel  150  is designed for allowing an operator to make fine adjustments to the length of the extension of the extending portion  154 . 
         [0044]    In embodiments there may be a foot  156  attached to the distal end of the extending portion  154 . The foot  156  may made of materials or textured to prevent slippage of the foot  156  when resting on a surface. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 12A  and B depict a mini-mag embodiment  162  of the cartridge  102 . It is important to note, and one having skill in the art will understand, that for the mini-mag cartridge embodiment  162  comprising a firearm magazine it is essential for the mini-mag cartridge  162 , once removed from the recessed volume  114 , to be operably compatible with the firing system of the firearm  100  so as to operate as a functional magazine. Such mini-mag embodiments  162  of the cartridge  102  should therefore be configured to retain and allow for functional use of the type of ammunition that the firearm  100  uses. Therefore, different embodiments of the mini-mag embodiment  162  of the cartridge  102  may be configured for different ammunition types. Those having skill in the art will recognize that there are a multitude of different ammunition calibers and designs, none of which are intended to be excluded from the teachings of this disclosure. 
         [0046]    In embodiments, the mini-mag embodiment  162  of the cartridge  012  may or may not be configured to function with the firearm  100  that comprises the modular cartridge retaining system  104  (it may provide a magazine for a sidearm, or another firearm platform). 
         [0047]    In embodiments, the mini-mag embodiment  162  of the cartridge  012  may be retained within the modular cartridge retaining system  104  in a first orientation and may have to be removed from the cavity  114  and rotated to a second orientation in order to be operably inserted into the magazine well  106  of the firearm  100 . 
         [0048]    One skilled in the relevant art will understand the manner in which a firearm magazine operates and may understand how the teachings included herein may be applied to enable a modular cartridge  102  as described and shown to be used as a detachable magazine capable of operable use with the magazine well  106  of a firearm  100  when in the correct orientation. 
         [0049]    As depicted in  FIGS. 3A  and B,  7 A and B, and  13 A-F, embodiments of the cartridge  102  may provide for a dry box cartridge  110 . A dry box cartridge  110  is a storage container designed to keep the interior at a low level of humidity. Dry boxes are used to safely store items that would otherwise be damaged or adversely affected by excessive humidity. The dry box embodiment  110  of the cartridge  102  may be an airtight or watertight enclosure. The airtight/watertight capability of the dry box cartridge  110  may be provided via the use of a deformable gasket  166  provided between a lid  164  and a body  112  of the dry box cartridge  110 . The gasket  166  may be deformed as the lid  164  is engaged with the body  112  so as to create a seal. 
         [0050]    In embodiments a desiccant may be provided inside of the dry box embodiment  110  of the cartridge  102  so as to reduce the humidity therein. 
         [0051]    In embodiments the cartridge may provide a flashlight, see  FIGS. 4A  and B. 
         [0052]    In embodiments the cartridge may provide for a battery charger. In such embodiments there may be a usb or other power output connection integrated into the cartridge so that a power storage component inside of the battery charger embodiment of the cartridge may be electrically connected to an electronic device such that the electronic device may receive electrical power therefrom. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 14A-I  show multiple perspectives of an alternate embodiment of the monopod cartridge  168  which may be configured for use with a generic A2 style grip or other suitable cavity  114  in a firearm  100  which does not possess the modular cartridge retaining system  104  (i.e. has a cavity  114  with an interior volume  114 , but may not possess the ejection mechanism  126 , the biasing lever  138 , etc.). In such embodiments, the cartridge  102  may not comprise a depression  116 , and may instead comprise a friction lock  172  and a control knob  170  for the friction lock  172 . The friction lock  172  may be a movable piece that extends out of a lateral side of the alternative embodiment of the monopod cartridge  168 . The friction lock  172  may be extended or retracted through rotation of the control knob  170 . Once inserted into the A2 style grip the control knob  170  may be rotated in a first direction, thereby extending the friction lock  172  outwards from the external lateral side of the alternate embodiment of the monopod cartridge  168  until the friction lock  172  mechanically engages with the opposing interior lateral side of the cavity  114  in a friction fit with sufficient force to mechanically interfere with the egress of the alternate embodiment of the monopod cartridge  168  from the interior volume  114  of the cavity  114 , It will be understood that the friction lock  172  may be extended for the cartridge to be mechanically engaged in a friction fit with the lateral wall in cavities of different widths, where the space between the cartridge exterior and lateral walls of the cavity can be bridged by extending the friction lock  172 . To remove the alternate embodiment of the monopod cartridge  168  from the generic A2 style grip, the control knob  170  may be rotated in a second direction (opposite the first direction) to cause the friction lock  172  to be retracted until it no longer mechanically interferes with the egress of the alternate embodiment of the monopod cartridge  168  from the interior volume  114  of the cavity  114 . The control knob  170  may extend beyond the bottom opening of the cavity  114  so that it may be accessed by the operator while the alternate embodiment of the monopod cartridge  168  is fully inserted into the interior volume  114  of the cavity  114 . 
         [0054]    Further, although exemplary devices and figures to implement the elements of the disclosed subject matter have been provided, one skilled in the art, using this disclosure, could develop additional hardware to practice the disclosed subject matter and each is intended to be included herein. In addition to the above described embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that this disclosure has application in a variety of arts and situations and this disclosure is intended to include the same. 
         [0055]    All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein. 
         [0056]    The detailed description set forth herein in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed apparatus and system can be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.