Patent Description:
Conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns that use paintballs as non-lethal projectiles are well known and have been in use for a number of years by individuals and the military (e.g., for training). Regrettably, most such guns are unrealistic in terms of look and feel compared to actual guns that fire live ammunition such as the M4, M16 or their variants. Therefore, skills learned on such guns are generally not translated and applicable when using real guns.

Further, conventional magazines used by conventional air guns that use non-lethal projectiles require refill or reloading of the magazine through a slow, tedious process of individually hand-feeding or hand-loading each non-lethal projectile into the magazine.

Additionally, conventional magazines used by conventional air guns that use non-lethal projectiles require recharging of gas canister (e.g., CO<NUM> canister). It should be noted that with conventional magazines, the internal mechanics that drive the non-lethal projectiles into the chamber of a gun eventually wear out due to continuous reuse.

<CIT> describes an improved compressed gas operated pistol which maximizes use of compressed gas energy by minimizing loss of energy from the chamber into the magazine.

Accordingly, in light of the current state of the art and the drawbacks to current air guns, a need exists for a non-lethal gas-operated gun that would provide the users with similar look-and-feel of a real gun in most respects. Further, a need exists for a magazine of an air gun that would not require individual hand-feeding or hand-loading of each non-lethal projectile, separate recharging of gas, and that would not allow reuse of internal mechanical drives to a point where they would wear out and require individual replacement of parts.

Preferred embodiments are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

A non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a non-lethal weapon, comprising:.

Another non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a magazine, comprising:.

Still, another non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a pre-pack, comprising:.

A further non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a magazine, comprising:.

Yet a further non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a pre-pack, comprising:.

In a preferred implementation, the casing is comprised of a compartment positioned along an interior of a front side, with the compartment having a top end comprised of a feeder.

In another preferred implementation a bottom end of the casing has an assembly opening that receives a lower portion of a follow-er member of the projectile actuator assembly, with the assembly opening facilitating the assembly of the pre-pack.

In another preferred implementation the compartment houses non-lethal projectiles and the projectile actuator assembly.

In another preferred implementation the projectile actuator assembly is comprised of a follower member and a biasing mechanism comprised of a resilient member.

In another preferred implementation the follower member includes a top distal portion that engages to push and guide non- lethal projectiles within compartment and out from a feeder.

In another preferred implementation the follower member further includes a body around which a biasing mechanism is associated, with a first end of biasing mechanism supported by a set of transversely extending flanges of a top distal portion of the follower member, and a second end of the biasing mechanism sup-ported by a bottom end of the casing.

In another preferred implementation the follower member has a bottom distal portion that includes a flat surface with a protrusion that extends from a bottom end, and extends out of assembly opening of bottom end of the casing; wherein: the protrusion includes an opening that receives a removable pin that functions to maintain follower member at a loaded position, but without exertion of force onto non- lethal projectiles.

In another preferred implementation the casing is comprised of a first and a second pieces.

In another preferred implementation the first and the second pieces of the casing are connected together by a hinge.

In another preferred implementation the hinge is a living hinge.

In a preferred implementation the top side includes: a front opening that receives the feeder of a casing of the cartridge; and a gas seal.

In another preferred implementation the pre-pack includes a casing that houses a projectile actuator assembly, and accommodates a gas canister.

In another preferred implementation the casing includes a collar that secures the gas canister on a cradle portion of the casing.

In another preferred implementation the gas canister is fixed on a cradle portion of the casing.

These and other features and aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments, taken together with the drawings and the claims that follow.

It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposes of exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word "exemplary" may be used to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," but the absence of the term "exemplary" does not denote a limiting embodiment. Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In the drawings, like reference character(s) present corresponding part(s) throughout.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and or utilized.

It is to be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Stated otherwise, although the invention is described below in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and aspects described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention.

In the description given below and or the corresponding set of drawing figures, when it is necessary to distinguish the various members, elements, sections/portions, components, parts, or any other aspects (functional or otherwise) or features or concepts or operations of a device(s) or method(s) from each other, the description and or the corresponding drawing figures may follow reference numbers with a small alphabet character such as (for example) "magazine 108a, 108b, and etc." If the description is common to all of the various members, elements, sections/portions, components, parts, or any other aspects (functional or otherwise) or features or concepts or operations of a device(s) or method(s) such as (for example) to all magazines 108a, 108b, etc., then they may simply be referred to with reference number only and with no alphabet character such as (for example) "magazine <NUM>.

Throughout the disclosure, references to M4, M16, or other conventional rifles or variants thereof are meant as illustrative, for convenience of example, and for discussion purposes only and should not be limiting. Further, for ease of understanding, throughout the disclosure, the variant M4 will be mentioned as the one, non-limiting, non-exhaustive example of a conventional weapon for M4 and its variants, M16 and its variant or others instead of specifically mentioning each individually.

Throughout the disclosure the use of the term non-lethal projectile(s) is defined as a non-lethal object propelled through the air by the non-lethal gas-operated gun of the present invention, non-limiting, non-exhaustive listings of examples of non-lethal projectile(s) may include non-lethal round(s), BB(s), paintball(s), or the like.

The present invention defines the term "pre-pack" as a shortened version of the term "prepackaged.

The present invention has discovered that most conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns operate at a considerable lower pressure and as a result, require additional components for proper operation of the conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns. Further, most make inefficient management and usage of the gas. The present invention has discovered and recognized that it is this lack of proper pressure and inefficient gas usage that has lead most conventional non-lethal gas-operated guns to use additional components (such as a hammer reset) for proper basic operations of the gun.

Accordingly, as detailed below, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a non-lethal gas-operated gun that maintains the proper basic operation of the gun without the use of additional components such as the hammer reset by sufficiently pressurizing the chamber of the gun and the efficient use and management of gas.

Additionally, one or more embodiments of the present invention comprise a non-lethal gas-operated gun that provides users with similar look-and-feel and experience of use of a real gun (such as the M4) in most respects, however uses non-lethal projectiles instead of live ammunition.

Further, one or more embodiments of the present invention comprise a gas-operated gun with a magazine that does not require individual hand-feeding or hand-loading of each non-lethal projectile, separate recharging of gas, and that does not allow reuse of internal mechanical drives to a point where they would wear out and require individual replacement of parts.

<FIG> and <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a non-lethal gas-operated gun in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> that looks, feels, and provides a user experience similar to that of a conventional rifle, but fires spherical non-lethal projectiles instead of live ammunition.

Non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> is comprised of an upper receiver assembly <NUM> (includes bolt carrier group <NUM> and other components) and a lower receiver assembly <NUM> (which includes trigger group <NUM> and other components) that accommodate spherical non-lethal projectiles rather than live ammunition.

As further illustrated, non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> also includes a magazine <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, that holds and supplies non-lethal projectiles fed to the chamber of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> (located in the upper assembly <NUM>) through the cyclic action of the reciprocal bolt (detailed below). Housing <NUM> of magazine <NUM> is made to look, feel, and be experienced similar to a magazine of a conventional rifle such as the conventional live-fire M4 and its variants. As best illustrated in <FIG>, the lower receiver assembly <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> (also known as the "magazine well") through which magazine <NUM> is inserted and detachably secured with non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> in well known manner.

The look, feel, experience, and use of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> is very similar to that of an M4 or M16 rifle and their respective variants (such as the M4 carbine). For example, in order to use non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM>, magazine <NUM> is inserted into lower receiver <NUM> in the same manner as is done on an M4 rifle. The next operational act prior to firing non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> is to simply pull charging handle <NUM> of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM>, similar to a conventional M16 variant rifle. Once the charging handle <NUM> is pulled, user simply fires rifle <NUM> by pulling trigger <NUM> of trigger group <NUM>.

Regarding the actual feel and experience of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> when it does fire non-lethal projectiles, non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> provides the same feel and experience as a well-known conventional Gas Blow Back (GBB) rifle. However, as detailed below, with less parts compared to other conventional non-lethal guns while maintaining proper operation.

Non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> uses pressure-regulated carbon dioxide (CO<NUM>) gas, detailed below, to fire non-lethal projectiles (facilitated by GBB) and hence, users experience the same jerking or "kick" motion as for example, the conventional live-fire M4. It should be noted that GBB mechanism serves the purpose of providing recoil, but most importantly, a new round is chambered through the gun's GBB action.

<FIG> are non-limiting, illustrations of the various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiment the present invention. <FIG> progressively illustrate in various corresponding views the cyclic actions of trigger group <NUM> and bolt carrier group <NUM> for holding, supplying, and firing of non-lethal projectiles before trigger <NUM> is pulled (<FIG>), as trigger <NUM> is pulled (<FIG>), rocket valve <NUM> closing (<FIG>), bolt carrier group <NUM> beginning to reset primary hammer <NUM> (<FIG>), and bolt carrier group <NUM> moving back (<FIG>) after which, trigger group <NUM> and bolt carrier group <NUM> are cycled back to positions shown in <FIG>.

Accordingly, <FIG> are various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> of the present invention before pulling trigger <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> are various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> of the present invention when or as trigger <NUM> is pulled in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> are various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> of the present invention illustrating rocket valve <NUM> closing in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> are various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> of the present invention illustrating bolt carrier group <NUM> beginning to reset primary hammer <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> are various views of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> of the present invention illustrating back movement of the bolt carrier group <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

In particular, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary top views of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary side-plan sectional views taken from the respective <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM>, and are used to exemplary illustrate the progressive cyclic actions of the trigger and bolt carrier group for holding, supplying, and firing of non-lethal projectiles. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations that show an enlarged portion of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> indicated in respective <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, with <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> showing the same, but viewed at an angle.

As illustrated in <FIG>, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM>, comprising a trigger group <NUM> and a bolt carrier group <NUM> that provide cyclic actions of holding, supplying, and firing of non-lethal projectiles without the use of hammer reset component. As illustrated in <FIG>, prior to pulling trigger <NUM>, disconnector <NUM> holds (or maintains) primary hammer <NUM> in place.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when trigger <NUM> is pulled (shown by arrow <NUM>), disconnector <NUM> pivots free of primary hammer <NUM>, which also frees primary hammer <NUM> to swing forward (shown by arrow <NUM>) and strike against secondary hammer <NUM>. As secondary hammer <NUM> is struck by primary hammer <NUM>, it also swings forward and strikes against a poppet valve <NUM> of gas regulator system 512a of magazine <NUM>, releasing gas (shown by arrows <NUM>) into bolt carrier group <NUM> propelling a non-lethal projectile <NUM>. That is, when poppet valve <NUM> is actuated/depressed by secondary hammer <NUM>, pressurized gas <NUM> is released from magazine <NUM> and into bolt carrier group <NUM> via gas inlet <NUM> on bottom surface <NUM> of bolt <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, after non-lethal projectile <NUM> exits bolt <NUM>, rocket valve <NUM> pushes forward and blocks gas existing from front <NUM> of bolt <NUM> and through barrel <NUM>. This closure of front <NUM> of bolt <NUM> directs gas <NUM> to rear <NUM> of bolt carrier group <NUM>. The force of gas <NUM> against rear <NUM> of bolt carrier group <NUM> initiates the recoil process. That is, once a set volume "X" of pressurized gas is present in bolt <NUM>, non-lethal projectile <NUM> is shot forward and bolt carrier group <NUM> is pushed back. Gas <NUM> propels non-lethal projectile <NUM> out of barrel <NUM> and rear moving gas <NUM> pushes bolt carrier group <NUM> backwards creating recoil.

As indicated above, the present invention has discovered and recognized that it is lack of proper pressure and inefficient gas usage that has lead most conventional gas-operated guns to use additional components (such as a hammer reset component) for proper basic operations of the gun. Accordingly, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a gas-operated gun that maintains the proper basic operation of the gun without the use of additional components such as the hammer reset component by sufficiently pressurizing the chamber of the gun and the efficient use and management of gas. That is, the present invention provides a non-limiting, exemplary higher gas pressure of approximately <NUM> MPa (<NUM> psi) or higher, which provides sufficient gas flow in the momentary actuation of poppet valve <NUM> by secondary hammer <NUM>. Therefore, no lag or dwell time is required to provide more gas flow and therefore, no need for a hammer reset component.

In particular, most conventional gas-operated guns use a lower gas pressure of less than <NUM> MPa (<NUM> psi). This means that it may take "Y" millisecond to provide the required "X" volume of gas to bolt <NUM> for ejecting a non-lethal projectile <NUM> and moving bolt carrier group <NUM> back. Since "Y" milliseconds is longer than the momentary actuation of poppet valve <NUM> when struck by secondary hammer <NUM>, conventional systems require the addition of the hammer reset component, which when set, locks poppet valve <NUM> to open/pressed position to release more gas until sufficient pressure is achieved so that bolt <NUM> has successfully pushed backwards to reset the hammer reset component and poppet valve <NUM> (releasing /closing poppet valve <NUM> to shut off gas flow). With the present invention however, the non-limiting, exemplary higher pressure of greater than <NUM> MPa (<NUM> psi) means that it takes less than "Y" milliseconds to provide "X" volume of gas to bolt <NUM>. Indeed, "X" volume of gas is released the second poppet valve <NUM> has been actuated thereby obviating the need for a hammer reset component to hold poppet valve <NUM> to open position for "Y" milliseconds. Further details are provided with respect to efficient use of gas to maintain high pressure when discussing details of gas regulator system 512a below in relations to <FIG>) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As illustrated in <FIG>, as bolt carrier group <NUM> travels rearwards, it pushes against primary hammer <NUM>, releasing pressure on secondary hammer <NUM> and poppet valve <NUM>, and starting reset of the trigger group components, all without the use of reset hammer component.

As illustrated in <FIG>, as bolt carrier group <NUM> reaches the rear <NUM>, primary hammer <NUM> is fully pressed down and reset, ready to fire once bolt carrier group <NUM> returns to forward. The manner in which bolt carrier group <NUM> moves forward is well known and convention. That is, well-known recoil buffer <NUM> pushes bolt carrier group <NUM> by a well-known spring (not shown for clarity) back to start position (<FIG>).

<FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various views of a bolt of gas-operated gun shown in <FIG> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Bolt <NUM> of the present invention has been modified to enable a more efficient usage of gas while maintaining the proper basic operations of the gun. Accordingly, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide bolt <NUM> that includes a hood <NUM> with a generally greater thickness <NUM> (compared to conventional hoods of non-lethal gas-operated guns) to strengthen bolt <NUM> and provide a larger flat surface <NUM> to seal against hop-up <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>), which prevents potential gas leakage and hence, increases efficiency of gas usage.

As further illustrated, bolt <NUM> further includes an added filler <NUM> (configured as a beveled or slanted surface) to front bore <NUM> to better "cradle" non-lethal projectiles <NUM>, and includes a generally thickened pusher <NUM> (<FIG>) to strengthen bolt <NUM>. As further illustrated, bolt <NUM> now includes an integrated single piece gas-key that is shorter for a better fit within upper receiver <NUM>, and includes a gas inlet <NUM> moved back and angled to better interface with magazine <NUM> gas seal outlet <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>).

<FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various view of a fully assembled magazine that includes a pre-pack in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, with <FIG> a lateral view, <FIG> a front view, and <FIG> a rear view of the magazine. In addition, <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a lower receiver (and "magazine well" <NUM>) of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> shown in <FIG> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, with <FIG> illustrating lower receiver <NUM> without magazine <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrating the same but with an inserted magazine <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, magazine <NUM> looks, feels, and provides the same experience as a conventional magazine of a conventional rifle such as the M4. To use magazine <NUM>, a user may insert magazine <NUM> into magazine well <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and use non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> as if using a conventional rifle such as the M4. Magazine 108a includes a pre-pack 556a (detailed below) that supplies rounds to non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> through the action of the reciprocal bolt carrier group <NUM> as detailed above. Magazine <NUM> also includes a gas regulator system 512a (detailed below) for supply of gas (generally CO<NUM>) to non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, magazine <NUM> is comprised of a housing <NUM> that has an exterior <NUM> with a form-factor commensurate with a magazine well <NUM> of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM>. In other words, exterior <NUM> is shaped or configured and is adapted to be used with and fit non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM>.

Housing <NUM> includes a top side <NUM> that interfaces with upper receiver <NUM> of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> and includes a front opening <NUM> that receives feeder <NUM> of a pre-pack 556a. Top side <NUM> further includes gas seal <NUM>, and has a top, rear lateral opening <NUM> for receiving a strike (or actuation or switch) member <NUM> of a poppet valve <NUM>.

Rear side <NUM> of magazine <NUM> includes a rear opening <NUM> for enabling access to an adjuster mechanism <NUM> (detailed below) of an adjustable stabilizer assembly <NUM> of outlet chamber <NUM> of pressure and flow stabilizer <NUM> of gas regulator system 512a (all of which are detailed below). The magazine further includes an enclosure assembly <NUM> to enable access into an interior <NUM> of housing <NUM> of magazine <NUM> to insert and remove pre-pack 556a.

<FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations, progressively illustrating a non-limiting, exemplary method of insertion (and removal, if reversed) of a pre-pack into the magazine housing of magazine <NUM> shown in <FIG> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, a pre-pack 556a may be inserted and removed from magazine <NUM> housing <NUM> with ease through enclosure assembly <NUM>. In the non-limiting exemplary instance illustrated in <FIG>, magazine <NUM> is empty with no pre-pack 556a.

Once a pre-pack 556a is used and emptied out of its non-lethal projectiles <NUM>, it may be removed and replaced with a new pre-pack 556a. A new pre-pack 556a may be inserted into magazine housing <NUM> by first opening enclosure assembly <NUM> (<FIG>), and inserting a new pre-pack 556a (<FIG> and <FIG>), and finally closing off the enclosure assembly <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). As detailed below, interior <NUM> of magazine housing <NUM> is keyed (or indexed) to receive pre-pack 556a in only a certain orientation so that a gas reservoir (e.g., a canister) <NUM> of pre-pack 556a is aligned and mates with and is pierced by gas regulator system 512a of magazine <NUM> as enclosure assembly <NUM> is fully latched (<FIG>).

<FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various views of the magazine illustrated in <FIG>, but with a pre-pack and with one lateral wall removed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

<FIG> is a partial sectional view taken from <FIG> (gas regulator system 512a is not shown as sectioned). <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various views of the magazine illustrated in <FIG>, but without a pre-pack and with one lateral wall removed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

<FIG> is non-limiting, exemplary exploded view illustration of the magazine illustrated in <FIG>, but without showing a pre-pack in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The exploded view shown in <FIG> illustrates disassembled, separated components that show the cooperative working relationship, orientation, positioning, and exemplary manner of assembly of the various components of the magazine in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, with each component detailed below.

As illustrated in <FIG>, interior <NUM> of magazine 108a includes lateral walls <NUM> and <NUM> that are mirror images and include outward extending bulge (convex) <NUM> (and corresponding inner concaved surface or "channel" <NUM>) to accommodate cylindrical body of canister <NUM>. Exterior convex or bulge <NUM> and corresponding interior concaved portion <NUM> may be used as an indexing feature, which aid in proper orientation of pre-pack 556a prior to insertion thereof into magazine 108a. Interior <NUM> of magazine 108a further accommodates gas regulator system 512a.

Magazine enclosure assembly <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> associated with a latch member 600a, and an enclosure 602a with a keeper portion 604a that enables latch member 600a to latch onto keeper 604a to maintain enclosure 602a at closed, latched position. Handle <NUM> is comprised of a first end <NUM> (<FIG>) that is used to move it and a second end <NUM> comprised of a yoke with first and second extensions <NUM> and <NUM>.

First and second extensions <NUM> and <NUM> of handle <NUM> include a first set of openings <NUM> that are aligned and a second set of openings <NUM> that are aligned. First set of openings <NUM> engage latch member 600a, while second set of openings <NUM> pivotally engage lateral sides walls <NUM> and <NUM> of magazine 108a via a first pivot pin <NUM>. Magazine has a first set of enclosure assembly openings <NUM> along lateral walls <NUM> and <NUM> that receive first pivot pin <NUM>.

Latch member 600a is comprised of a top portion <NUM> that includes a set of lateral projections <NUM> that extend transversely, forming pegs that pivotally engage (are inserted into) first set of openings <NUM> of handle <NUM>, enabling latch member 600a and handle <NUM> to independently rotate (pivot) with respect to one another. A lower portion <NUM> of latch member 600a has an opening <NUM> defined by a transversely extending interlock portion <NUM> connected with longitudinally extending support portions <NUM>, with opening <NUM> receiving keeper 604a of enclosure 602a to interlock keeper 604a with interlock portion <NUM> of latch member 600a.

Enclosure 602a is comprised of a first end that is configured as keeper 604a, and a second end (a hinge) <NUM> that pivotally engages a rear end of magazine 108a by a second pivot pin (a hinge pin) <NUM>. Magazine 108a has a second set of enclosure assembly openings <NUM> along lateral walls <NUM> and <NUM> thereof that receive second pivot pin <NUM>. Enclosure 602a rotates about second pivot pin <NUM>. In other words, enclosure 602a is a hinged door that includes a hinge pivot <NUM> that is inserted through a hinge barrel <NUM> and connected to second set of enclosure assembly openings <NUM> of magazine 108a.

The set up provides a rotating handle <NUM> as shown to allow latch 600a to lock or be released from keeper 604a. It should be noted that as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, initially latch 600a does not open fully just because handle <NUM> is at its resting, unlatched position. This provides a fail-safe feature in the event that canister <NUM> is accidentally released when still full of gas, which can cause it to "propel" towards the bottom of magazine 108a; with this fail-safe feature, latch 600a catches door 602a and allows gas to expel without the entire pre-pack 556a ejecting out of bottom of magazine 108a.

<FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various views of a pre-pack in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. <FIG> is non-limiting, exemplary exploded view illustration of the pre-pack illustrated in <FIG> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The exploded view shown in <FIG> illustrates disassembled, separated components that show the cooperative working relationship, orientation, positioning, and exemplary manner of assembly of the various components of the pre-pack in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, with each component detailed below. <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of various detailed views of a projectile drive assembly of the pre-pack illustrated in <FIG> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, magazine 108a accommodates and securely houses pre-pack 556a. Pre-pack 556a is a replaceable cartridge that includes a casing (or a container) 640a, with casing 640a housing a projectile actuator assembly <NUM> and accommodating a gas canister <NUM>. Casing 640a may comprise of two mirrored pieces (best shown in <FIG>) that may be connected together by a living hinge, solvent-bonded together, mechanically clipped together, ultrasonic welded together, or other well known methods of connections. Casing 640a includes an exterior front side <NUM> that has a configuration that is commensurate with interior configuration of a front side <NUM> (<FIG>) of magazine 108a.

Casing 640a further includes an exterior rear side <NUM> part of which is configured as a cradle portion <NUM> of casing 640a that accommodates gas canister <NUM>. Canister <NUM> may be secured to cradle portion <NUM> of casing 640a by a variety of mechanisms, a non-limiting example of which may include the use of adhesives such as a glue to fix canister <NUM> onto cradle portion <NUM> of casing 640a.

Casing 640a is comprised of a compartment <NUM> positioned along an interior of front side <NUM>, with compartment <NUM> having a top end <NUM> comprised of feeder <NUM>. Feeder <NUM> includes a loader opening <NUM> that enables bolt leg of bolt <NUM>, to clear it. Bolt <NUM> through its forward motion moves projectile <NUM> at ejector opening <NUM> into the inner barrel chamber.

Feeder <NUM> also includes a restrictor opening <NUM> that prevents non-lethal projectiles <NUM> from falling out of feeder <NUM>. In other words, restrictor opening <NUM> is configured as a slit, which prevents further vertical motion of non-lethal projectiles <NUM> out of feeder <NUM>, prior to projectile <NUM> being horizontally driven by bolt <NUM> out of ejector opening <NUM>. It should be noted that there is constant load acting on non-lethal projectiles <NUM> prompting them to move upward towards restrictor opening <NUM>. The load originates from projectile actuator assembly <NUM> (detailed below).

A bottom end <NUM> of casing 640a has an assembly opening <NUM> that receives a lower portion of a follower member <NUM> of projectile actuator assembly <NUM>, with assembly opening <NUM> facilitating the assembly of pre-pack 556a. As illustrated, compartment <NUM> houses non-lethal projectiles <NUM> and projectile actuator assembly <NUM>.

Projectile actuator assembly <NUM> is comprised of follower member <NUM> and a biasing mechanism <NUM> comprised of a resilient member in a form of a spring. It should be noted that biasing mechanism <NUM> is active once pre-pack 556a is assembled, ready for use.

Follower member <NUM> includes a top distal portion <NUM> that engages to push and guide non-lethal projectiles <NUM> within compartment <NUM> and out from feeder <NUM>. Follower member <NUM> further includes a body <NUM> around which biasing mechanism <NUM> is wrapped, with a first end <NUM> of biasing mechanism <NUM> supported by a set of transversely extending flanges 670a of top distal portion <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> of biasing mechanism <NUM> supported by bottom end <NUM> of casing 640a.

Follower <NUM> has a bottom distal portion <NUM> that includes a flat surface with a protrusion <NUM> that extends from bottom end <NUM>, and extends out of assembly opening (through-hole) <NUM> of bottom end <NUM> of casing 640a. Protrusion <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that receives a pin <NUM> (<FIG>) that functions to capture/maintain follower <NUM> at its loaded position (at bottom of casing 640a, best shown in <FIG>), but without exertion of force onto non-lethal projectiles <NUM>. This facilitates shipping of pre-pack 556a without non-lethal projectiles <NUM> experiencing a constant compressive force. It should be noted that the protrusion <NUM> and pin <NUM> may be colored (e.g., orange), informing users that pin <NUM> should be removed prior to insertion of pre-pack 556a into magazine <NUM>.

Once pin <NUM> is removed out of opening <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>), follower <NUM> is pushed up due to the force of biasing mechanism <NUM>, which moves non-lethal projectiles <NUM> towards feeder <NUM>, with non-lethal projectiles remaining at the feeder <NUM> (and not falling or popping out) due to restrictor opening <NUM>. After which, bottom non-lethal projectiles <NUM> are moved up by the force of biasing mechanism <NUM> as top non-lethal projectiles <NUM> are fed into gun chamber.

As illustrated, non-lethal projectiles <NUM> (about <NUM> rounds or more) may optionally be positioned two-wide (double stack pattern) in a vertical channel <NUM> and are pushed into chamber of the gun via biasing mechanism <NUM>. Top surface <NUM> of follower <NUM> located between biasing mechanism <NUM> and the last non-lethal projectiles <NUM> in casing 640a has a geometry that preferentially pushed one projectile at a time into the chamber of the gun. The preferential geometry is comprised of offset top surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> that enable only one projectile <NUM> to be pushed into the chamber of the gun at any time.

As indicated above, magazine <NUM> further includes a gas regulator system 512a. <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary views of a gas regulator system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, gas regulator system 512a includes poppet valve <NUM> where gas is moved from poppet valve <NUM> and into bolt <NUM> as described above. Further included in gas regulator system 512a is a pressure regulator 688a.

Further included is a piercing portal 670a comprising a piercing cavity <NUM> that includes two sealing members <NUM> and <NUM> that seal gas canister <NUM> from external leakage prior to piercing of gas canister <NUM>, and an invasive probe <NUM> in the form of a needle to pierce canister <NUM>.

A first o-ring <NUM> seals canister <NUM> prior to being pierced, and as canister <NUM> is further driven into piercing portal 670a, a second o-ring <NUM> further seals canister <NUM>. It should be noted that once gas reservoir cartridge (or canister) <NUM> is pierced, the gas will flow from canister <NUM> and hence, it is a matter of regulating flow and pressure build-up within pressure regulator 688a to make efficient use of gas.

Pressure regulator 688a includes a pressure and flow stabilizer <NUM> as well as a pressure limiter 692a. Pressure and flow stabilizer <NUM> includes an inlet chamber <NUM> and an outlet chamber <NUM>, with inlet chamber <NUM> associated with outlet chamber <NUM> by a stabilizer opening <NUM>. Inlet chamber <NUM> includes an ingress opening <NUM> associated with piercing portal 670a, and an inlet valve assembly <NUM> positioned between ingress opening <NUM> and stabilizer opening <NUM>.

Inlet valve assembly <NUM> is comprised of a first biasing mechanism <NUM> and an inlet restrictor valve <NUM>. Inlet restrictor valve (or flow restrictor) <NUM> is a hex, enabling continuous, but controlled flow of gas around inlet restrictor valve <NUM> and into inlet chamber <NUM> via ingress opening <NUM>.

First biasing mechanism <NUM> biases inlet restrictor valve <NUM> to a closed position to close off stabilizer opening <NUM>. First biasing mechanism <NUM> is a resilient member comprised of a spring with one end pressing against fastener <NUM> while the other end pressing against inlet restrictor valve <NUM>.

Outlet chamber <NUM> is comprised of an outlet <NUM> that guides gas into poppet valve <NUM>, an opening <NUM> that leads into pressure limiter 692a, and an adjustable stabilizer assembly <NUM>. Adjustable stabilizer assembly <NUM> includes an actuator shaft <NUM> of inlet flow restrictor valve <NUM> and a second biasing mechanism <NUM> to adjustably move actuator shaft <NUM>. Further included is an adjuster mechanism <NUM> (further detailed below). Second biasing mechanism <NUM> biases (forces) actuator shaft <NUM> to move inlet flow restrictor valve <NUM> to a less restrictive position away from stabilizer opening <NUM> to allow greater flow of gas.

A first end <NUM> of the actuator shaft <NUM> is engaged with second biasing mechanism <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> of actuator shaft <NUM> is coupled with inlet flow restrictor valve <NUM>. Second biasing mechanism <NUM> is positioned in-between, and engaged with, adjuster mechanism <NUM> and actuator shaft <NUM>.

Adjuster mechanism <NUM> may be used to calibrate and set a desired stabilizing force required to be exerted by second biasing mechanism <NUM> to counter cumulative forces exerted by first biasing mechanism <NUM> and pressure from gas canister <NUM>. This adjusts the position of inlet flow restrictive valve <NUM> to adjust flow of gas.

The compression force of first and the second biasing mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM> are dynamically, and continuously changed in relation to one another to maintain stability (and desired gas flow rate) based on the desired calibrated stabilizing force commensurate with pressurized force of gas from canister <NUM>. In other words, biasing mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM> control the position of inlet flow restrictor valve <NUM> to control gas flow and hence, amount of pressure at a given time. As illustrated, adjuster mechanism <NUM> is a threaded plate that engages second biasing mechanism <NUM> and provides desired compression force to second biasing mechanism <NUM>.

Adjuster mechanism <NUM> may be rotated from outside magazine <NUM>, which would push on second biasing mechanism <NUM> and compress second biasing mechanism <NUM> to thereby apply force to actuator shaft <NUM>. Therefore, any time second biasing mechanism <NUM> is stronger than the combined force from the gas pressure and the first biasing mechanism <NUM>, inlet flow restrictor valve <NUM> moves to a less restrictive position away from stabilizer opening <NUM> to allow increased flow of gas. Adjuster mechanism may be adjusted prior to installation and assembly of magazine <NUM> or, alternatively, may be further adjusted by end user.

Pressure limiter 692a is comprised of a pressure chamber 722a and an outlet relief valve assembly <NUM> (<FIG>) for venting excess built-up pressure to a maximum operating pressure. Relief valve assembly <NUM> is comprised of a biasing member <NUM> (resilient member such as a spring) that biases a valve <NUM> to a closed position, with valve <NUM> moved to an open position against biasing force of resilient member <NUM> under the pressure of the excess gas from pressure chamber 722a. That is, valve <NUM> opens when pressure exceeds a certain maximum point.

It should be noted that gas regulator system 512a and in particular, pressure regulator 688a in accordance with the present invention, enables the use of canister <NUM> for several days rather than hours. In most instances, the CO<NUM> from canister <NUM> continuously leaks out gas after it has been pierced and directs connects with poppet valve <NUM>. Pressure regulator 688a of the present invention extends the life and hence, the use of the same canister <NUM> over several days. Accordingly, pressure regulator 688a of the present invention very efficiently regulates flow rate and pressure of gas from canister <NUM>, including at poppet valve <NUM>.

Most CO<NUM> canisters operate at a much higher MPa (PSI) than the maximum operating MPa (PSI) required by the gun. This means that maximum required pressure to eject a non-lethal projectile <NUM> is less than that which may be generated by a canister.

Pressure limiter 692a restricts (or regulates) the amount of pressure applied to projectile <NUM> to below a maximum level pressure of canister. Gas first moves into regulator inlet chamber <NUM> and into pressure limiter 692a, which operates to limit and maintain the overall gas pressure at poppet valve <NUM> at no more than a maximum level required to operate the gun and eject projectile <NUM>.

Initial state of gas regulator system 512a - no gas:.

If force from second biasing mechanism <NUM> is adjusted by adjuster mechanism <NUM> to be greater than first biasing mechanism <NUM>, inlet flow restrictor valve <NUM> is less restrictive to flow of gas from stabilizer opening <NUM>.

If force from second biasing mechanism <NUM> is adjusted by adjuster mechanism <NUM> to be greater than first biasing mechanism <NUM> and the force of the pressure of the gas from canister <NUM>, inlet flow restrictor valve <NUM> moves to open position. That is, second biasing mechanism <NUM> will exert higher force "F2" greater than the combined force "F1" of first biasing mechanism <NUM> and the pressurized force from the gas. Accordingly, inlet flow restrictor valve <NUM> is moved to less restrictive position to allow controlled flow of gas from inlet chamber <NUM> to outlet chamber <NUM> via the stabilizer opening <NUM>. This further stabilizes the pressure between the inlet and outlet chamber <NUM> and <NUM> at desired pressures P1 (inlet chamber pressure) and P2 (outlet chamber pressure). The pressure "differential" between P1 and P2 sets the pressure by which gas moves to the feeding tube (first outlet) <NUM> to poppet valve <NUM>, thereby controlling the amount of gas flowing into and out of poppet valve <NUM> and into the chamber of the gun.

Gas continues to build-up (as the gas continues to move from canister <NUM> and into pressure and flow stabilizer <NUM>), but relief valve <NUM> of gas storage pressure chamber 722a regulates the pressure to maintain it at desired MPa (PSI).

When pulling trigger <NUM>, secondary hammer <NUM> of trigger group <NUM> opens poppet valve <NUM>; gas moves to the breach of the gun; this drops pressure in the pressure and flow stabilizer <NUM>; however, at the same time, gas continues to fill the pressure and flow stabilizer <NUM> from canister <NUM> as well as the storage chamber 722a, which provides additional sufficient volume of gas to maintain desired pressure.

Substantially consistent projectile velocity:.

The time for the pressure to recuperate within the pressure and flow stabilizer <NUM> and poppet valve <NUM> to maintain a substantially consistent projectile velocity is significantly shorter due to the use of a pressure limiter 692a. Without the use of pressure regulator 688a (and the pressure storage chamber 722a in particular) where canister <NUM> is directly connected to popper valve <NUM>, once a projectile <NUM> is fired, it would take significant amount of time to recuperate gas pressure to an appropriate level. The time required to recuperate the pressure to minimal required operating pressure depends on several variables, all of which are compensated by the use of pressure storage chamber 722a. For example, if non-lethal projectiles <NUM> are rapidly fired, there may not be sufficient time for pressure to recuperate for the next firing of projectile <NUM>.

Pressure storage chamber 722a of the pressure limiter 692a also enables rapid fire (ejections) of multiple non-lethal projectiles <NUM> in a short duration within a pressure range, enabling the gun to operate in automatic mode. The restricted volume of gas (and hence the pressure thereof) entering into poppet valve <NUM> and the chamber of the gun is not sufficient to propel and eject multiplicity of non-lethal projectiles <NUM> in a short duration. Accordingly, pressure chamber 722a also functions (as a "capacitor") to compensate with added pressure of gas to enable automatic mode of operation for the gun.

<NUM> to 20I are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a magazine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Magazine 108b illustrated in FIGS. <NUM> to 20I includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as the magazine 108a that is shown in <FIG>, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of FIGS. <NUM> to 20I will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to magazine 108a that is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a non-limiting, exemplary illustration of a magazine in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the magazine illustrated in <FIG>, but with no pre-pack in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the magazine illustrated in <FIG> with a pre-pack, but with one wall removed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the magazine illustrated in <FIG> without a pre-pack, but with wall removed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

<FIG> is non-limiting, exemplary exploded view illustration of the magazine illustrated in <FIG>, but without showing a pre-pack in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The exploded view shown in <FIG> illustrates disassembled, separated components that show the cooperative working relationship, orientation, positioning, and exemplary manner of assembly of the various components of the magazine in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, magazine 108b also includes walls <NUM> and <NUM> but with no exterior bulge <NUM>. Instead, walls <NUM> and <NUM> have exterior surfaces that are substantially flat while maintaining interior concaved portions ("channel") <NUM> for indexing or keying for proper guidance and insertion of pre-pack 556a. Accordingly, indexing is from outside and inside (convex <NUM> and concave <NUM>) for magazine 108a, but is only from inside (concave <NUM>) for magazine 108b. Therefore, removal of exterior bulge <NUM> has made magazine 108b more aesthetically realistic while still maintaining functionality of indexing or keying for proper insertion of pre-pack 556a.

As further illustrated (best shown in <FIG>), in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of magazine 108b, latch member 600b, enclosure 602b, and keeper 604b have simpler designs. The enclosure 602b is a bit thicker, having a bottom outer surface that may include a "bumper" material for protection of magazine housing. The thickened closure 602b increases the overall weight balance of magazine 108b to more closely match the overall weight balance of conventional magazines of guns that are used with ammunition. Pivot pins <NUM> and <NUM> of magazine 108a have been replaced by shoulder screws <NUM> and <NUM> (where the unthreaded portions thereof function as "pivot pins"), which reduce the number of parts used while maintaining pivot functionality of the various components.

<FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a pre-pack illustrated in <FIG> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. <FIG> is non-limiting, exemplary illustration of the pre-pack illustrated in <FIG>, but with the pre-pack open by living-hinge, illustrating its interior in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a pre-pack illustrated in <FIG>, with <FIG> illustrating a sectional view taken from <FIG> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, pre-pack 556b is comprised of casing 640b comprise of two identical pieces <NUM> and <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>) that are connected together by a living-hinge <NUM>. As with casing 640a, two pieces <NUM> and <NUM> of casing 640b may also be connected in a varity of different manners, non-limiting examples of which may include mechanical clips, sonic weld, solvent bonds, or other means of securing assembly. Casing 640b includes a first set of complementary interlocking features such as a set of projections <NUM> and recesses or opening <NUM> and a second set of complementary interlocking features such clips <NUM> and retainer openings <NUM> that enable first piece <NUM> to fold onto second piece <NUM> (similar to closing a book), with first and second pieces <NUM> and <NUM> snapping together to form pre-pack 556b.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, pre-pack 556b also includes a collar <NUM> for securing canister <NUM> onto cradle portion <NUM> of casing 640b. The use of collar <NUM> to hold canister <NUM> eliminates the need for use of adhesive to fix canister <NUM> to cradle portion <NUM> of casing 640b of pre-pack 556b, eliminating a manufacturing step. It should be noted that collar <NUM> maintains canister <NUM> in place within casing 640b, which necessitates damaging the injection molded parts in order to remove the canister <NUM>, thus preventing re-use of pre-pack 556b, which is preferred.

<FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustration of an embodiment of a gas regulator system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Gas regulator system 512b illustrated in <FIG> includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as the gas regulator system 512a that is shown in <FIG>, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of <FIG> will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to gas regulator system 512a that is shown in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, gas regulator system 512b has a smaller form-factor with a piercing portal 670b that may be unfastened and removed for cleaning of debris. Accordingly, piercing portal 670b is fixed onto a hex-fastener <NUM> where the entire portal 670b may be removed for cleaning and or replacement (if need be). As best illustrated in <FIG>, in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, piecing portal 670b includes piercing probe <NUM> as well as a mesh <NUM> (for protection against debris) assembled onto an inner diameter threaded hex fastener <NUM>.

Further, gas regulator system 512b includes pressure regulator 688b comprised of a pressure limiter 692b with a reduced size pressure chamber 722b without a relief valve that is machined directly into a body <NUM> of gas regulator system 512b. Accordingly, in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, relief valve of the pressure chamber has been eliminated.

<FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustration of an embodiment of a gas regulator system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Gas regulator system 512c illustrated in <FIG> includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as gas regulator system 512a and 512b that is shown in <FIG>, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of <FIG> will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to gas regulator system 512a and 512b that are shown in <FIG>.

As illustrated, in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, gas regulator system 512c includes pressure regulator 688c comprised of a pressure limiter 692c having an elongated pressure chamber 722c that may be threaded <NUM> (<FIG>) or machined (<FIG>) into body <NUM> of gas regulator system 512c. Further, as with gas regulator system 512b, relief valve of pressure chamber 722c has been eliminated.

<FIG> and <FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustration of an embodiment of a gas regulator system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Gas regulator system 512d illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as gas regulator system 512a, 512b, and 512c that are shown in <FIG>, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of <FIG> and <FIG> will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to gas regulator system 512a, 512b, 512c that are shown in <FIG>.

As illustrated, gas regulator system 512d is very similar to that of gas regulator 512b with the exception that body <NUM> of gas regulator system 512d is cast and then machined to include all cavities required to accommodate various components. In addition, fastener <NUM> would no longer be needed since body <NUM> is machined to include a blind-hole cavity as inlet chamber <NUM>. It should be noted that in this non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, piercing portal 670d may also be an integral part of body <NUM> rather than assembled onto a hex fastener and be removable.

<FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a magazine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Magazine 108c illustrated in <FIG> includes similar corresponding or equivalent components, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships as the magazine 108a that is shown in <FIG>, and described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, clarity, convenience, and to avoid duplication, the general description of <FIG> will not repeat every corresponding or equivalent component, interconnections, functional, operational, and or cooperative relationships that has already been described above in relation to magazines 108a and 108b that are shown in <FIG>.

In this non-limiting, exemplary instance, non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> also includes a magazine 108c in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention that holds and supplies non-lethal projectiles <NUM> fed to chamber of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM>. Magazine 108c includes an automatic projectile feeder mechanism, supplying rounds to non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> through the action of reciprocal bolt carrier group <NUM>.

As best illustrated in <FIG>, automatic projectile feeder mechanism includes a replaceable cartridge (or pre-pack bounded by dashed line <NUM>) that is comprised of a gas canister <NUM> and a projectile actuator module <NUM>. Further included is a drive mechanism (bounded by dashed line <NUM>) that delivers rotational motion to the projectile actuator module <NUM>, as well as a linear translation to the gas canister <NUM>, mating canister <NUM> with a gas regulator system <NUM> (bounded by dashed line <NUM>).

<FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of a replaceable cartridge or pre-pack <NUM>, which includes canister <NUM> and projectile actuator module <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, pre-pack <NUM> is comprised of a first compartment <NUM> that houses projectile actuator module <NUM>, and a second compartment <NUM> that houses canister <NUM>.

First compartment <NUM> of cartridge <NUM> is comprised of a first end <NUM> (best illustrated in detail in <FIG>) that is comprised of a first opening <NUM> for insertion and removal of projectile actuator module <NUM>. First opening <NUM> is caped by a removable enclosure <NUM> that secures projectile actuator module <NUM> within first compartment <NUM>, with enclosure <NUM> having an opening <NUM> through which a driver end <NUM> of projectile actuator module <NUM> is passed.

As further illustrated, first compartment <NUM> of cartridge <NUM> is further comprised of a second end <NUM> (best illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>) that is comprised of a channel <NUM> that guides non-lethal projectiles <NUM> pushed from projectile actuator module <NUM> to an ejector opening <NUM> (shown by arrow <NUM>). As best shown in <FIG>, a laterally extending protuberance <NUM> is also included that maintains or retains non-lethal projectiles <NUM> away from top distal end <NUM> in initial state (e.g., during shipping where there is no force applied to non-lethal projectiles <NUM>).

Second compartment <NUM> of cartridge <NUM> is comprised of a first opening <NUM> that receives piercing end <NUM> of gas canister <NUM> (best illustrated in <FIG>). Further included is a second opening <NUM>, located opposite the first opening <NUM>, which enables mating of the bottom end <NUM> of gas canister <NUM> with engagement end of piercing post of drive mechanism <NUM>. It should be noted that the second compartment <NUM> has a larger size than the actual canister itself, enabling smaller-sized canister <NUM> to move along direction <NUM>, while remaining within second compartment <NUM>. That is, gas canister <NUM> may move along direction <NUM> until wider outer diameter section <NUM> of gas canister <NUM> reaches smaller, inner diameter of opening <NUM>. This way, gas canister <NUM> is kept within second compartment <NUM> of cartridge <NUM> even during initial state (e.g., during shipping and handling).

As best illustrated in <FIG>, projectile actuator module <NUM> includes the illustrated auger <NUM> and associated components such as a latch member <NUM>, bolt stop member <NUM>, etc. Auger <NUM> moves non-lethal projectiles <NUM> within first compartment <NUM> from its first end <NUM> to second end <NUM>.

Auger <NUM> of the present invention includes a top distal end <NUM> that is comprised of a lateral recess or indentation <NUM>. Lateral recess <NUM> functions as a keeper that receives an engagement portion <NUM> of a latch member <NUM>. This prevents auger <NUM> from rotating when latch member <NUM> is in latch position (best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) where engagement portion <NUM> is positioned within the keeper <NUM>.

Top distal end <NUM> of auger <NUM> further includes a circumferential groove <NUM> for accommodating engagement portion <NUM> of latch member <NUM> when latch member <NUM> is in unlatched position to thereby allow rotation of auger <NUM>. As best illustrated in <FIG>, latch member <NUM> is moved from latched to unlatched position when magazine 108c is inserted into non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM>, where an added unlatching pin <NUM> (<FIG>) in non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> pushes latch member <NUM> from latched position (<FIG>) to the unlatched position (<FIG>). It should be noted that the added unlatching pin <NUM> is included and required only for magazine 108c. In other words, unlatching pin <NUM> is removed and in fact, need not be part of non-lethal gas-operated gun <NUM> when using magazines 108a and 108b.

Top distal end <NUM> of auger <NUM> further includes a central opening <NUM> that leads to final flighting <NUM> of the auger <NUM> via an angled conduit, or canal, <NUM>, through which non-lethal projectiles <NUM> are moved from the final auger flighting <NUM> to the channel <NUM> of first compartment <NUM> of cartridge <NUM>. Therefore, non-lethal projectiles move along the outer periphery of the auger <NUM>, moved by flighting <NUM> of the auger, but exit through central opening <NUM> without being jammed. As further illustrated, a bottom distal end of auger <NUM> includes driver end <NUM> that is configured to engage with drive mechanism <NUM>.

Auger <NUM> provides efficient packaging in that it provides narrowest (smallest diameter) for packing non-lethal projectiles. In general, viewed in the cross-sectional, auger <NUM> has four pillars of non-lethal projectiles <NUM> that are moved by auger <NUM>.

The limitation of size of auger <NUM> to include optimal number of non-lethal projectiles <NUM> is not a limitation of capability, but one that provides the same number of ammunition as conventional M4 rifle magazine. The number of flightings <NUM>, and flight angle for each flighting <NUM> of auger <NUM> is selected in accordance with the number of auger rotations required based on the energy that may be stored in biasing mechanism <NUM> (detailed below).

Projectile actuator module <NUM> further accommodates a bolt stop member <NUM> (best illustrated in <FIG>) that indicates to a user that magazine 108c is out of non-lethal projectiles <NUM>. Bolt stop member <NUM> includes a drive engagement section <NUM> that slides in-between fligthings <NUM> of auger <NUM> until toggle actuator section <NUM> of bolt stop <NUM> reaches a set of toggle levers <NUM>, which in turn, push a "catch" (or metal bolt stop on the gun). The "catch" maintains bolt carrier group <NUM> open, which indicates to the user that magazine 108c is empty. Bolt stop <NUM> slides up auger <NUM> as auger <NUM> is rotated. Toggle actuator section <NUM> is longer than at least one flighting space and hence, not all non-lethal projectiles are emptied prior to indication of empty magazine 108c.

<FIG> are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of the various views of a drive mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, drive mechanism <NUM> of magazine <NUM> is comprised of a piercing shaft assembly <NUM> that includes a piercing shaft <NUM> that moves gas canister <NUM> to engage with a piercing portal of gas regulator system <NUM>.

Drive mechanism <NUM> further includes a projectile actuator shaft assembly <NUM> that includes a projectile shaft <NUM> that rotates auger <NUM> of projectile actuator module <NUM> to feed non-lethal projectiles <NUM> into chamber of gun. Drive mechanism <NUM> also includes mechanical components (e.g., one-way bearings, crank, adapter, torsion spring, etc. detailed below) that enables selective actuation of piercing shaft <NUM> and projectile actuator shaft <NUM>.

Piercing shaft assembly <NUM> is comprised of a seat <NUM> that is moveably (rotates or spins) secured to a first distal end <NUM> of piercing shaft <NUM> by a fastener <NUM>, with seat <NUM> engaging canister <NUM>. Piercing shaft <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> that has an outer diameter threading <NUM> that engages an inner diameter threading <NUM> of a hollow support post <NUM> of a support base <NUM> of drive mechanism <NUM>.

Further, piercing shaft assembly <NUM> also accommodates a second end of a biasing mechanism (or resilient member) <NUM> comprised of a torsion spring, near first end <NUM> of piercing shaft <NUM>. Piercing shaft <NUM> also includes a second distal end <NUM> that is adapted and configured to slide within a central double D internal feature of an adapter <NUM> associated with crank assembly <NUM>.

Piercing shaft assembly <NUM> is further comprised of a first one-way roller bearing (or one-way needle clutch bearing) <NUM> comprised of outer race <NUM> and roller pins <NUM>. First one-way roller bearing <NUM> is associated with piercing shaft <NUM> by adapter (double D lock profile) <NUM> and a first driver gear <NUM> of the gear train, with the first one-way roller bearing <NUM> positioned in-between first driver gear <NUM> and the adapter <NUM>. Outer race <NUM> of first one-way roller bearing <NUM> is connected to inner circumference <NUM> of first drive gear <NUM>, while roller pins <NUM> roller over outer circumference <NUM> of adapter <NUM>, enable one-way rotation of piercing shaft <NUM> in first direction <NUM>. As detailed below, first one-way bearing <NUM> enables one-way transfer of torque from rotating piercing shaft <NUM> to a spool <NUM> associated with projectile actuator shaft assembly <NUM> via the gear train in the initial mode of operation. However, as detailed below, first one-way bearing <NUM> prevents rotation of adapter <NUM> (and hence piercing shaft <NUM>) in second direction <NUM> while first driver gear <NUM> freely rotates in second direction <NUM> under the torsion force of biasing mechanism <NUM>.

First one-way roller bearing <NUM> locks in relation to adapter <NUM> (and hence, the piercing shaft <NUM>) when rotated along a first direction <NUM>, including rotating the first driver gear <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>. As first driver gear <NUM> turns, it rotates an idle gear <NUM> of the gear train, which, in turn, rotates a second driver gear <NUM> (detailed below) of the gear train in the first direction <NUM>. First one-way roller bearing <NUM> freely rotates in relation to the adapter (and hence, piercing shaft <NUM>) when rotated along a second direction <NUM> (roller pins <NUM> simply roll over the outer circumference <NUM> of adapter <NUM>), which enables rotation of the first drive gear <NUM> in the second direction, while piercing shaft <NUM> is not rotated. It should be noted that a plate gear <NUM> supports the first drive gear <NUM>.

Piercing shaft assembly <NUM> further includes crank assembly <NUM> that includes a handle base <NUM>, a handle toggle <NUM>, with pin <NUM> connecting handle base <NUM> and handle toggle <NUM> together. The pin <NUM> slips into the opening of handle toggle <NUM>, and is press fit in the opening of handle base <NUM>. Crank assembly <NUM> is connected to adapter <NUM> via a first and second roll-pin fasteners <NUM> and <NUM>. Crank assembly <NUM> converts application of torque into a reciprocal (or linear) motion for piercing shaft <NUM> and further, for application of a torsion load to biasing mechanism <NUM> for storing mechanical energy.

As crank assembly <NUM> is rotated, torque from crank assembly <NUM> rotates piercing shaft <NUM> that has its outer diameter (OD) threading <NUM> engaged with inner diameter (ID) threading <NUM> of hollow support post <NUM> of base <NUM> to axially move (vertically) the piercing shaft <NUM>. In other words, the threads enable translational movement of the rotating piercing shaft <NUM> along its longitudinal axis. The threaded shaft <NUM> pivots about its longitudinal axis, rotating through hollow support post <NUM>, enabling both translational and rotational movement of shaft <NUM> through the threaded hollow support post <NUM>. As indicated above, seat <NUM> is free to rotate due to fastener <NUM> connection.

Projectile actuator shaft assembly <NUM> is comprised of a driver engagement member <NUM> associated with a first distal end <NUM> of projectile actuator shaft <NUM> via a first spacer washer <NUM> to ensure relative movement of both in relation to one another. A snap ring <NUM> secures driver engagement member <NUM> onto projectile actuator shaft <NUM>. Driver engagement member <NUM> latches onto driver end <NUM> of auger <NUM> to rotate auger <NUM>.

Projectile actuator shaft assembly <NUM> is further comprised of a second one-way roller bearing (or one-way needle clutch bearing) <NUM> that is identical to first one-way roller bearing <NUM>, but installed to have an opposite mode of operation in relation to bearing <NUM>. Second one-way roller bearing <NUM> is illustrated as an "interface view" for simplicity.

Second one-way roller bearing <NUM> is associated with projectile actuator shaft <NUM> and driver engagement member <NUM>, with second one-way roller bearing <NUM> positioned in-between projectile actuator shaft <NUM> and driver engagement member <NUM>. Outer race (not shown) of second one-way roller bearing <NUM> is connected (press-fit) to inner circumference of driver engagement member <NUM>, while roller pins (not shown) roll over outer circumference of projectile actuator shaft <NUM>, enable one-way rotation of driver engagement member <NUM> in second direction <NUM> (detailed below). In other words, second one-way bearing <NUM> and driver engagement member <NUM> are fixed relative to one another.

As detailed below, second one-way bearing <NUM> enables one-way transfer of torque from rotating projectile actuator shaft <NUM> to driver engagement member <NUM> in second direction. However, as detailed below, second one-way bearing <NUM> prevents rotation of driver engagement member <NUM> in first direction <NUM> while projectile actuator shaft <NUM> freely rotates in first or second directions <NUM>.

As further illustrated, projectile actuator shaft assembly <NUM> further includes a spool <NUM> that accommodates torsion spring <NUM>, a first end of which is secured to spool <NUM> by pin <NUM> within space <NUM>. Spool <NUM> is associated with a simple bearing <NUM> via washer <NUM> to ensure that the adjacent parts move one relative to the other, with bearing <NUM> allowing projectile actuator shaft <NUM> to rotate freely within base <NUM>.

Projectile actuator shaft <NUM> also includes a second end <NUM> that is coupled with second driver gear <NUM> via an E-ring <NUM>, which prevents projectile actuator shaft <NUM> from being pulled out through bearing <NUM>. E-ring <NUM> in cooperation with washer <NUM> allow projectile actuator shaft <NUM> to rotate freely.

Drive mechanism <NUM> has an initial mode of operation that enables engagement of canister <NUM> with piercing portal of gas regulator system <NUM> and stores mechanical energy within biasing mechanism <NUM>. Drive mechanism <NUM> has an operation mode function that rotates auger <NUM> of projectile actuator module <NUM> by stored mechanical energy of biasing mechanism <NUM>. A final mode of drive mechanism <NUM> enables disengagement of canister <NUM> from piercing portal of gas regulator system <NUM> for replacing cartridge <NUM>.

As indicated above, crank assembly <NUM> converts application of torque into a reciprocal (or linear) motion for piercing shaft <NUM> and further, for application of a torsion load to biasing mechanism <NUM> for storing mechanical energy. First one-way roller bearing <NUM> enables transfer of torque from rotating piercing shaft <NUM> to spool <NUM> associated with projectile actuator shaft <NUM> via a gear train in the initial mode of operation. Second one-way roller bearing <NUM> enables transfer of stored energy from biasing mechanism <NUM> (wound on piercing shaft assembly <NUM>) back onto spool <NUM> on projectile actuator shaft <NUM>, rotating projectile actuator shaft <NUM>. The first and the second one-way bearings <NUM> and <NUM> are set to operate in opposite modes (e.g., opposite one-way directions).

The second one-way roller bearing <NUM> allows free rotation of the projectile actuator shaft <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> as shown but without the rotation of driver engagement member <NUM> when second driver gear <NUM> is rotated in the first direction <NUM>. This means that as projectile actuator shaft <NUM> rotates in first direction <NUM>, driver engagement member <NUM> does not rotate to rotate an attached auger <NUM>. It should be noted that if driver engagement member <NUM> is rotated in the first direction <NUM> to rotate auger <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>, non-lethal projectiles <NUM> would be pushed downwards towards the drive mechanism <NUM> and hence, they would jam. Accordingly, driver engagement member <NUM> does not rotate when projectile actuator shaft <NUM> rotates in first direction <NUM> (due to second one-way bearing <NUM>).

The rotation of second driver gear <NUM> in first direction <NUM> rotates projectile actuator shaft <NUM> in first direction <NUM> to rotate the connected spool <NUM> in first direction <NUM> to unwind biasing mechanism <NUM> onto outer circumference of hollow support post <NUM> associated with piercing shaft <NUM> while second one-way roller bearing <NUM> prevents driver engagement member <NUM> from rotating. Once wound onto hollow support post <NUM>, as non-lethal projectiles <NUM> are ejected (in operation mode), biasing mechanism <NUM> unwinds from hollow support post <NUM> back onto spool <NUM>, applying a stored torsion energy to rotate projectile actuator shaft <NUM> in a second direction <NUM>. Rotation of first driver gear <NUM> in second direction <NUM> rotates idle gear <NUM> in second direction <NUM> to rotate second driver gear <NUM> in second direction <NUM>.

The piercing shaft <NUM> is locked out of rotation in second direction <NUM> due to first one-way roller bearing <NUM>, which allows piercing shaft <NUM> to rotate in first direction <NUM> only. In other words, as first driver gear <NUM> rotates in second direction <NUM>, one-way roller bearing <NUM> rotates in second direction <NUM> with bearings freely rotating and rolling over the piercing shaft <NUM> rather than locking shaft <NUM> in tandem motion with first driver gear <NUM>.

Rotation of second driver gear <NUM> in second direction <NUM> rotates the projectile actuator shaft <NUM> in second direction <NUM>, which rotates second one-way roller bearing <NUM> in second direction <NUM>. This allows driver engagement member <NUM> to rotate in second direction <NUM>, which rotate auger <NUM> to move non-lethal projectiles <NUM> into the chamber of the gun. In other words, in second direction <NUM>, projectile actuator shaft <NUM> and driver engagement member <NUM> move in tandem due to second one-way roller bearing <NUM>. That is, second one-way roller bearing <NUM> locks with the motion of projectile actuator shaft <NUM> together with engagement member <NUM>.

At the final mode of operation, drive mechanism <NUM> may be used to facilitate disengagement of canister <NUM> from gas system <NUM>. Rotating crank <NUM> in a second direction <NUM> rotates piercing shaft <NUM> to lower canister <NUM> away from the piercing portal, regardless of the state of the first and second one-way bearings <NUM> and <NUM>. It should be noted that the biasing mechanism (e.g., torsion spring) <NUM> and piercing shaft <NUM> have no direct mechanical connection to affect one another in final mode. Further, first one-way bearing shaft <NUM> enables tandem rotation of drive gear <NUM> and piercing shaft <NUM> in only one direction (first direction <NUM>), but not the second <NUM>. Hence, when rotating crank assembly <NUM> in second direction <NUM>, piercing shaft <NUM> rotates in second direction <NUM> since crank assembly <NUM> is connected to piercing shaft <NUM> by means of adapter <NUM>, but first drive gear <NUM> is not rotated due to bearing <NUM>.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, the specification is not confined to the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, pre-pack <NUM> may comprise of single piece rather than two pieces. As another example, the path of the non-lethal projectiles within casings <NUM> could be purely linear (as shown) or cured in geometries similar to a "j" or a "U" shape to maximize the total number of non-lethal projectiles that could be housed in the allowed space. As yet another example, the two pieces of casing 640b or casing 640a may also be assembled so that the pieces are separated with ease (e.g., using well known detachable connection mechanisms) so that canister <NUM> or even their respective internally housed projectile actuator modules may be replaced without damaging the respective pre-packs 556a or 556b. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, inside, outside, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction, orientation, or position. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations/positions and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

In addition, reference to "first," "second," "third," and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.

Claim 1:
A pre-pack (556a), comprising:
a replaceable cartridge that includes a casing (640a); wherein
the casing (640a) houses a projectile actuator assembly (<NUM>) and accommodates a gas canister (<NUM>),
the projectile actuator assembly (<NUM>) is comprised of a follower member (<NUM>) and a biasing mechanism (<NUM>) comprised of a resilient member;
the follower member (<NUM>) has a bottom distal portion (<NUM>) that includes a protrusion (<NUM>); characterized in that the protrusion (<NUM>)
extends from a bottom end (<NUM>), and extends out of assembly opening (<NUM>) of the bottom end (<NUM>) of the casing (640a); and
the protrusion (<NUM>) includes an opening (<NUM>) that receives a removable pin (<NUM>) that functions to maintain the follower member (<NUM>) at a loaded position (<NUM>), but without exertion of force onto non-lethal projectiles (<NUM>).