Patent Description:
Firearms design involves many non-trivial challenges. Traditionally, semiautomatic handguns have been made with a metal frame that includes the grip. The grip portion defines a magazine well into which a magazine is installed. A slide mounts to and slides longitudinally along rails along the top of the frame as the action is cycled. The frame defines an open region adjacent and above the magazine well for the fire control group. Components of the fire control group are installed in the frame, often with a pin that extends laterally through the frame. More recently, the traditional semiautomatic pistol has been modified to include a polymer grip module that defines a well for a separate metal frame that houses the fire control group. The frame is installed into the grip module above the magazine well and includes rails for the slide. Some such handguns have become popular for their reduced weight and modularity. <CIT> discloses a handgun magazine, in which cartridges are configured in a criss-cross pattern. The object of the present invention is to provide a handgun magazine with a large ammunition capacity while providing the user with a good control over the handgun. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose a handgun magazine comprising a magazine tube having a front sidewall, a rear sidewall, a left sidewall, and a right sidewall, the magazine tube defining a single-stack portion and a double stack portion below the single-stack portion, a forward portion of the right sidewall and a forward portion of the left sidewall have a stepped shape between the double-stack portion and an upper tube end portion defining an upper tube opening, the stepped shape including a sloped portion, the sloped portion extending downward and laterally outward.

This object is achieved with a handgun magazine according to claim <NUM> or a handgun according to claim <NUM>.

These and other features of the present embodiments will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the Figures herein described. Furthermore, as will be appreciated, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale or intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific configurations shown. In short, the Figures are provided merely to show example structures.

With the introduction in recent years of handguns with polymer grip modules, much interest has developed in smaller, lighter handguns. Polymer grip modules have enabled handguns to be lighter in weight, even for full-size handguns. Additionally, handgun manufacturers have realized an increased interest in compact and subcompact semiautomatic handguns. For example, "carry" pistols, or handguns designed to be small and easy to conceal, have attracted the attention of many gun buyers due to their small size. However, handgun design presents many non-trivial challenges, especially with the combined goals of making an attractive handgun that exhibits good ergonomics, accurate shooting, a reliable fire control assembly, adequate ammunition capacity, the desired or required safety mechanisms, and a reasonable price to the consumer.

For carry pistols, added challenges include providing a compact size and shape for ease of concealment without undue sacrifices to ammunition capacity. To make a carry pistol less prone to imprint its shape on garments concealing it, the handgun and its components can include softened edges and fewer angular surfaces. However, the overall size and thickness of the handgun remains the primary challenge to concealment and comfort while carrying. Reducing the size of a handgun generally means a shorter barrel, a shorter grip, a reduced thickness, or a combination of these traits. As a general matter, each reduction in size has a corresponding tradeoff, such as increased felt recoil, increased muzzle flip, reduced accuracy, reduced ammunition capacity, and a change in the firearm's controls.

Depending on the intended use, ammunition capacity can be an important factor when selecting a handgun. Semiautomatic handguns use a box magazine that is received in the magazine well extending into the gun's grip. Box magazines for semiautomatic handguns traditionally have been available in two main configurations, namely, single stack and double stack. In single-stack magazines, all cartridges are aligned in a single column with each cartridge arranged on top of the cartridge below it. Single-stack box magazines enable the grip of some handguns to have a lateral thickness of about one inch (~<NUM>), sometimes slightly less, depending on chambering and the particular grips installed on the frame. A single-stack magazine is often found in handguns with a smaller thickness. Since the size of ammunition cartridges is fixed for a given caliber, the minimum size and thickness of a handgun grip is determined by the dimensions of a single stack of ammunition and the magazine used to contain it. For this reason, many carry pistols are configured for use with single-stack magazines due to the reduced lateral thickness of these magazines. For example, full-sized <NUM>-style handguns generally have a single-stack box magazine with a capacity of nine rounds of <NUM> ammunition, resulting in a grip thickness from about <NUM> to about <NUM> inches (<NUM> to <NUM>). Compact handguns, carry pistols, and "pocket" pistols chambered in <NUM> and. <NUM> ACP also feature single-stack box magazines often holding six to eight rounds with a grip thickness of about one inch (~<NUM>).

One factor relevant to grip size and concealability is the lateral thickness or width of the handgun, particularly as measured at the grip. Despite the potential advantages of a narrower grip, some shooters prefer semiautomatic handguns equipped with double-stack box magazines due to the increased ammunition capacity. For example, full-sized handguns often accommodate magazines that hold fifteen, seventeen, or even twenty rounds. Reducing the size of the handgun usually means a sacrifice in ammunition capacity. More compact handguns often have a reduced grip length that accommodates only the middle and ring fingers, and therefore accommodates a shorter magazine as well. Double-stack magazines for these compact handguns may hold ten to twelve rounds of <NUM> ammunition, for example. In either case, handguns configured for a double-stack magazine typically have an overall thickness of about <NUM> inches (<NUM>).

A thicker grip or frame that is configured for use with traditional double-stack magazines can result in a handgun being perceived as bulky, less comfortable to carry, and more difficult to conceal. A grip's lateral thickness depends in part on the size of the magazine well and in part on the thickness of the grip and the structural material surrounding the magazine well.

Grip thickness is a feature that also affects the user's control over the handgun when firing. A handgun grip that can be grasped firmly by the user generally provides better control and shooting accuracy to the user. Ergonomic principles suggest that the grip should be small enough to enable a "power grip" in which the user's fingers wrap firmly around the grip and can be overlapped by the thumb with the fingertips spaced slightly (e.g., ~<NUM>) from the palm. In the power grip, the forearm muscles are contracted about halfway through the range of contraction and therefore are at the most efficient stage of contraction. This muscular efficiency provides more strength and enables the user to exert better control over the pistol, such as in response to recoil forces.

In addition to the thickness and overall size of the grip, the grip's shape can be important. To prevent sliding or rotation of the handgun within the user's hand, the grip can be ergonomically shaped with a non-cylindrical shape, a non-uniform diameter, and/or a thickened central portion. Including one or more of these features can increase the user's control of the handgun during firing by enabling the user to more securely grip the handgun and therefore to prevent movement of the handgun in the user's hand(s).

Buyers choosing a handgun have been faced with the dilemma of selecting a handgun with the combination of overall size, grip thickness, ammunition capacity, and many other features best suited to the user's needs. In order to have a handgun with a reduced grip thickness, buyers have sacrificed the greater ammunition capacity of a double-stack magazine in favor of handguns configured for use with the slimmer single-stack magazines. Thus, a need exists for a handgun with a reduced grip thickness for improved concealability and control, but having increased ammunition capacity compared to single-stack designs. Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to an ammunition magazine for a firearm, particularly semiautomatic pistols.

A magazine in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure provides a double-stack portion and a single-stack portion, enabling the handgun to have a reduced overall thickness and a reduced grip thickness, but while retaining a higher ammunition capacity compared to single-stack magazines.

The magazine includes a magazine tube with a double-stack portion configured to contain ammunition in an offset, stacked configuration. Above the double-stack portion is a single-stack portion in which ammunition can be arranged with the projectile of each cartridge generally aligned one above the other when the magazine is upright. For example, the single-stack portion of the magazine contains two, three, or more cartridges with projectiles generally aligned in a vertical stack.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an ammunition magazine has a spring plate that is received in a recess defined in a floorplate that can be attached to and close a lower end of the magazine tube. In accordance with yet other embodiments of the present disclosure, a magazine includes a grip extension retained on the magazine tube by the floor plate. For example, the floorplate can be installed between the magazine tube and the grip extension on the lower end of the magazine tube, where the floorplate maintains the position of the grip extension on the magazine tube.

The present disclosure is also directed to a handgun configured for a magazine with single-stack and double-stack portions. Some embodiments of ammunition magazines according to the present disclosure advantageously enable the corresponding handgun to have an increased ammunition capacity while maintaining a reduced grip thickness along at least part of the grip. In some embodiments, the grip is narrower adjacent the user's index finger and thumb and has a region of greater thickness below. In one such embodiment, the thickness is increased in regions that extend down along the user's palm. Such features can result in improved ergonomics. Also, by utilizing features that reduce the vertical size of the magazine's components, ammunition magazines of the present disclosure advantageously provide increased ammunition capacity compared to traditional single-stack magazines while at the same time enabling a reduced grip thickness compared to pistols configured for traditional double-stack magazines. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

As will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, and in accordance with some embodiments, ammunition magazines configured as described herein are not limited for use with semiautomatic handguns, but can be utilized with any of a wide range of firearms that includes a pistol, a rifle, short-barreled rifle, machine gun, and shotgun. In accordance with some example embodiments, a magazine configured as described herein can be utilized with a semiautomatic handgun chambered in. <NUM> Auto, <NUM> Luger,. <NUM> SIG, <NUM> Auto,. <NUM> ACP ammunition, or other suitable ammunition. Other suitable host firearms and ammunition will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed apparatus may be detected, for example, by visual inspection of a firearm magazine having one or more features selected from a single-stack portion and a double-stack portion, a spring plate that partially recesses into the floorplate of the magazine tube, and a grip extension that is retained on the magazine tube by a floorplate.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in <FIG>. As discussed herein, terms referencing direction, such as upward, downward, vertical, horizontal, left, right, front, back, etc., are used for convenience to describe embodiments of a magazine in an upright orientation. Embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited by these directional references and it is contemplated that magazines of the present disclosure could be used in any orientation.

It should also be noted that certain terminology is used herein for consistency and ease of understanding the present disclosure; however, the present disclosure is not limited to that specific terminology and alternate terms can be used to refer to the magazine and its components. For example, the disclosed magazine can alternately be referred to as a box magazine, an ammunition magazine, or other terms. Similarly, the disclosed floorplate can alternately be referred to, for example, as a bottom plate, a butt plate, a base plate, a magazine bottom, or other terms. Similarly, the disclosed spring plate can alternately be referred to as a magazine insert, a floorplate insert, a spring floorplate, a spring base plate, a floorplate lock, a magazine bottom holder, a magazine base lock, or other terms. As will be further appreciated, the particular configuration (e.g., materials, dimensions, etc.) of a magazine and its components configured as described herein may be varied, for example, depending on whether the intended use is military, law enforcement, civilian, tactical, or recreational in nature. Numerous configurations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a right and front perspective view of one embodiment of a pistol magazine <NUM> with a magazine tube <NUM> having a single-stack portion <NUM> and a double-stack portion <NUM>. Magazine <NUM> of <FIG> is shown with one embodiment of a floorplate assembly <NUM> that includes a grip extension <NUM> with a floorplate <NUM> that retains grip extension <NUM> on magazine tube <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a front elevational view of pistol magazine <NUM> of <FIG>, showing a stepped profile of front lateral margins <NUM>, <NUM> along single-stack portion <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a left-side and rear perspective view of pistol magazine <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a rear elevational view of pistol magazine <NUM>, showing the straight tapered profile of rear lateral margins <NUM>, <NUM> along single-stack portion <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a left-side elevational view of pistol magazine <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a bottom and front perspective view of pistol magazine <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a top view of pistol magazine <NUM> as viewed looking axially into a magazine tube <NUM> towards a spring plate <NUM>; and <FIG> illustrates an exploded, perspective view of pistol magazine <NUM> showing its components in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Not all features are shown in all figures.

Embodiments of magazine <NUM> are configured as a detachable box magazine for a semiautomatic handgun <NUM> (shown, for example, in <FIG>). Magazine <NUM> has a hollow magazine tube <NUM> extending longitudinally along a central axis <NUM> and having a bottom tube end portion <NUM> and an upper tube end portion <NUM>. Bottom tube end portion <NUM> defines a bottom tube opening <NUM> and upper tube end portion <NUM> defines an upper tube opening <NUM>. In embodiments, magazine <NUM> includes a floorplate assembly <NUM>, spring <NUM>, and a follower <NUM>. Follower <NUM> is biased by spring <NUM> toward upper tube end portion <NUM> and protrudes slightly from upper tube opening <NUM> when magazine <NUM> contains no ammunition. Floorplate assembly <NUM> is removably attached to bottom tube end portion <NUM> to selectively close bottom tube opening <NUM>. Embodiments of floorplate assembly <NUM> are discussed in more detail below.

Magazine tube <NUM> generally has a rectangular cross-sectional shape that can be bisected by a median plane <NUM> extending therethrough to define a left portion <NUM> and a right portion <NUM> that are generally symmetrical to each other. Magazine tube <NUM> includes a front tube sidewall <NUM>, a rear tube sidewall <NUM>, a left tube sidewall <NUM> on a first or left side of median plane <NUM>, and a right tube sidewall <NUM> on a second or right side of median plane <NUM>. Magazine tube <NUM> defines a single-stack portion <NUM> extending down from upper tube end portion <NUM>. A double-stack portion <NUM> is positioned below single-stack portion <NUM> and includes bottom tube end portion <NUM>.

Magazine tube <NUM> defines front lateral margins <NUM>, <NUM> between front tube sidewall <NUM> and each of left tube sidewall <NUM> and right tube sidewall <NUM>, respectively. Front lateral margins <NUM>, <NUM> can be rounded, flattened, or define a corner. Each of opposite front lateral margins <NUM>, <NUM> of front sidewall <NUM> has a stepped shape between upper tube end portion <NUM> and double-stack portion <NUM>. For example, the stepped shape has a first sloped portion <NUM> located adjacent upper tube end portion <NUM> and extending downward and laterally outward from median plane <NUM>. A vertical section <NUM> extends from first sloped portion <NUM> downward generally parallel to median plane <NUM> to a second sloped portion <NUM> extending from vertical section <NUM> downward and laterally outward from median plane <NUM> to double-stack portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each of first sloped portion <NUM>, vertical section <NUM>, and second sloped portion <NUM> has a vertical height H sufficient to accommodate one or more ammunition cartridge <NUM>. In other embodiments, vertical height H of any one or more of first sloped portion <NUM>, vertical section <NUM>, or second sloped portion <NUM> can be sized to accommodate more than one ammunition cartridge <NUM>. Accordingly, when loaded with two, three, or more ammunition cartridges <NUM>, single-stack portion <NUM> contains at least two ammunition cartridges <NUM> with projectiles <NUM> aligned vertically along median plane <NUM>. The stepped shape causes projectiles <NUM> of adjacent ammunition cartridges <NUM> to attain a vertically aligned position through single-stack portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, two projectiles <NUM>, three projectiles <NUM>, or other number of projectiles <NUM> are aligned vertically along median plane <NUM> through single-stack portion <NUM>.

Opposite rear lateral margins <NUM>, <NUM> of rear tube sidewall <NUM> have a linear taper between the upper tube end portion <NUM> and double-stack portion <NUM>. When magazine <NUM> is filled to capacity with ammunition cartridges <NUM>, heads <NUM> of adjacent cartridges <NUM> are laterally offset toward opposite sides of the median plane <NUM> along the single-stack portion <NUM> to varying amounts as dictated by rear lateral margins <NUM>, <NUM>. That is, as cartridges <NUM> approach upper tube end portion <NUM>, each cartridge <NUM> is closer to attaining an orientation with the head <NUM> and projectile <NUM> both being aligned along (or close to being aligned along) median plane <NUM>. In double-stack portion <NUM>, the heads <NUM> and projectiles <NUM> of adjacent cartridges <NUM> are laterally offset from median plane <NUM>, where ammunition cartridges <NUM> extend longitudinally generally parallel to median plane <NUM>. As cartridges <NUM> are fed to the handgun <NUM>, cartridges <NUM> are biased towards upper tube opening <NUM> by follower <NUM> and spring <NUM>.

In some embodiments, second sloped portion <NUM> is a transition portion between single-stack portion <NUM> and double-stack portion <NUM> in which projectiles <NUM> of ammunition cartridges <NUM> are not aligned along median plane <NUM> as in single-stack portion <NUM>, but also are not laterally offset on opposite sides of median plane <NUM> to the extent as in double-stack portion <NUM>. In other words, cartridges <NUM> moving through second sloped portion <NUM> are in the process of transitioning from a double-stack configuration to a single-stack configuration or vice versa. In one embodiment, magazine tube <NUM> has a tube width Wt of no more than <NUM>, a tube height Ht of no more than <NUM> as measured along the front tube sidewall <NUM>, and a capacity of <NUM> rounds of <NUM> Luger ammunition.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exploded, perspective view shows components of magazine <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Bottom tube end portion <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM> defines a left bottom lip <NUM> and a right bottom lip <NUM>. Right bottom lip <NUM> extends transversely inward toward median plane <NUM> from right tube sidewall <NUM>. Similarly, left bottom lip <NUM> (not visible) extends transversely inward toward median plane <NUM> from left tube sidewall <NUM>. Left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM> are useful to engage overhang <NUM> of floorplate <NUM> as discussed in more detail below. All or part of floorplate assembly <NUM> is configured for removable attachment to bottom tube end portion <NUM> to selectively close bottom tube opening <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, components of floorplate assembly <NUM> are illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates an exploded view of floorplate assembly <NUM> with other components of magazine <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a front, top, and left-side perspective view of one embodiment of grip extension <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a left-side perspective view of one embodiment of floorplate <NUM> usable with grip extension <NUM>; and <FIG> illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a lower portion of magazine <NUM> showing spring <NUM>, floorplate assembly <NUM>, and magazine tube <NUM> in an assembled position.

Floorplate <NUM> is configured to slidingly engage bottom tube end portion <NUM> to selectively close bottom tube opening <NUM>. Floorplate <NUM> also engages grip extension <NUM> to retain grip extension <NUM> on magazine tube <NUM>. For example, a first retaining structure <NUM> on floorplate <NUM> cooperates with a second retaining structure <NUM> on grip extension <NUM> and/or bottom tube end portion <NUM> to close bottom tube opening <NUM> and secure grip extension <NUM> to magazine tube <NUM>. In one embodiment, first retaining structure <NUM> is a protrusion or overhang <NUM> along and extending laterally from sidewall <NUM> of floorplate <NUM>. For example, overhang <NUM> can be a lip, rail, ridge, tab, plurality of tabs, or other feature that can mate with second retaining structure <NUM> on grip extension <NUM> and/or magazine tube <NUM>. In some embodiments, first retaining structure <NUM> is received by, interlocks with, overlaps, or engages second retaining structure <NUM>, or vice versa. In some embodiments, first retaining structure <NUM> on floorplate <NUM> cooperates with both grip extension <NUM> and bottom tube end portion <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM>. For example, first retaining structure <NUM> defines a recess, slot, or groove in sidewall <NUM> that receives rim <NUM> of grip extension <NUM> and left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM>. For example, the vertical height of the recess along the right sidewall portion 204b is the same or about the same as the combined vertical thickness of the right rim portion 334b and right bottom lip <NUM>; the left sidewall portion 204a can be similarly constructed.

In the example embodiment of <FIG>, second retaining structure <NUM> includes left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM> as well as toe portion <NUM> of grip extension <NUM> with opening <NUM> configured to mate with floorplate toe <NUM>. In one embodiment, second retaining structure <NUM> includes rim(s) <NUM> on grip extension <NUM> that extends inward towards median plane <NUM> to abut bottom tube end portion <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM>. For example, rims <NUM> extend transversely inward from grip sidewalls <NUM> and overlaps left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM> on bottom tube end portion <NUM>.

In one embodiment, floorplate <NUM> is slidingly received through an opening <NUM> defined in toe portion <NUM> of grip extension <NUM>. First retaining structure <NUM> includes overhangs <NUM> on opposite sides of floorplate <NUM> that are constructed to overlap right bottom lip <NUM> and left bottom lip <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM>. When grip extension <NUM> is on magazine tube <NUM>, left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM> abut and/or overlap left rim portion 334a and right rim portion 334b of grip extension <NUM>, respectively. Such engagement can prevent grip extension <NUM> from sliding up further onto magazine tube <NUM>. When assembled as shown in <FIG>, for example, floorplate toe <NUM> occupies and closes opening <NUM> of grip extension <NUM>. In doing so, floorplate toe <NUM> overlaps and mates with toe portion <NUM> of grip extension <NUM> to prevent grip extension <NUM> from moving downward on magazine tube <NUM>. Floorplate heel <NUM> may also overlap and/or engage heel portion <NUM> of grip extension <NUM>. When assembled, these overlapping surfaces secure grip extension <NUM> to magazine tube <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, spring <NUM> is generally configured as a coil spring with a lower spring portion <NUM> and an upper spring portion <NUM>. Spring <NUM> is shaped and configured to be disposed in magazine tube <NUM> and compressible between an expanded state (or less compressed state) and a compressed state. When assembled with magazine tube <NUM>, spring <NUM> extends between floorplate <NUM> and follower <NUM> with a spring bottom end <NUM> engaging spring plate <NUM> and a spring top end <NUM> engaging follower <NUM>. For example, spring bottom end <NUM> defines a generally flat end coil that wraps around and grips spring plate <NUM>. In another example, spring top end <NUM> defines a coil, at least a portion of which is received in a recess or hollow in a bottom of follower <NUM>.

Spring <NUM> exerts a spring force axially between follower <NUM> and floorplate <NUM>, thereby biasing follower <NUM> towards upper tube opening <NUM>. Lower spring portion <NUM> includes a plurality of larger spring coils commensurate in size and shape with double-stack portion <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM>. Upper spring portion <NUM> includes a plurality of smaller spring coils <NUM> commensurate in size and shape with single-stack portion <NUM>. In one embodiment, spring <NUM> includes three, four, or more smaller spring coils <NUM> and two, three, or more larger spring coils <NUM>. In some embodiments, spring <NUM> has more smaller spring coils <NUM> than larger spring coils <NUM>. In some embodiments, larger spring coils <NUM> of lower spring portion <NUM> have a greater pitch than smaller spring coils <NUM> of upper spring portion <NUM>. Unlike other springs that generally have a consistent pitch and consistent coil size along the spring length, embodiments of spring <NUM> having smaller spring coils <NUM> and larger spring coils <NUM> enables spring <NUM> to have a reduced solid height when fully compressed since smaller spring coils <NUM> can compress into larger spring coils <NUM>. This feature reduces the overall vertical size of spring <NUM> in a fully compressed state, thereby reducing the required vertical space for magazine <NUM> with capacity for a given number of rounds.

<FIG> illustrates a front and top perspective view of grip extension <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Grip extension <NUM> is configured to be removably installed over double-stack portion <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM> adjacent bottom tube opening <NUM> with left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM> abutting rim <NUM>. Grip extension <NUM> extends between a bottom grip end portion <NUM> and a top grip end portion <NUM> with a generally annular shape sized and configured to receive bottom tube end portion <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM>. In some embodiments, top grip end portion <NUM> is shaped to mate with and/or align with handgrip <NUM> of handgun <NUM> when magazine <NUM> is seated in the magazine well as shown, for example, in <FIG>. In one embodiment, bottom grip end portion <NUM> defines second retaining structure <NUM> that mates with first retaining structure <NUM> on floorplate <NUM>. Grip extension <NUM> and floorplate <NUM> can be made of a variety of materials, including molded polymers, wood, metal, and other suitable materials. In some embodiments, grip extension <NUM> comprises a substrate made of a rigid material (e.g., metal) and a grip material molded over the substrate (e.g., rubber or plastic). Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a front sectional view of a lower part of magazine <NUM> showing floorplate assembly <NUM> and grip extension <NUM> installed on magazine tube <NUM>. Overhangs <NUM> along floorplate sidewalls <NUM> overlap rim <NUM> and engage left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM>. Left rim portion 334a and right rim portion 334b of grip extension <NUM> extend together with and overlap left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM>, respectively. Spring plate protrusion <NUM> extends into protrusion opening <NUM> of floorplate <NUM>, thereby preventing floorplate <NUM> from moving forward or backward with respect to grip extension <NUM>. To remove floorplate <NUM>, the user may push spring plate protrusion <NUM> up through protrusion opening <NUM> and out of engagement with floorplate <NUM>, thereby permitting floorplate <NUM> to slide out from magazine tube <NUM> and grip extension <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and with continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, spring plate <NUM> is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> shows spring plate <NUM> in an exploded view with other components of magazine <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a front cross-sectional view of spring plate <NUM> assembled with grip extension <NUM> and magazine tube <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a front and top perspective view of spring plate <NUM>; <FIG> illustrates a front, top, and left-side perspective view of spring plate <NUM>; and <FIG> illustrates a bottom, rear, and left-side perspective view of spring plate <NUM>.

In one embodiment, spring plate <NUM> is configured to abut a floorplate top surface <NUM> with a spring plate protrusion <NUM> extending into a protrusion opening <NUM> defined in floorplate <NUM>. Spring bottom end <NUM> can be wrapped partially around spring plate <NUM> and retained by one or more wire catches <NUM>. A spring top end <NUM> engages follower <NUM>. When installed in magazine tube <NUM> and assembled with floorplate assembly <NUM>, spring <NUM> is at least partially compressed to bias spring plate <NUM> against floorplate <NUM> with spring plate protrusion <NUM> extending into protrusion opening <NUM> in floorplate <NUM>. Features of the components shown in <FIG> are discussed in more detail below.

Spring plate <NUM> is configured to be attached to or coupled to spring bottom end <NUM> and also configured to abut floorplate top surface <NUM>. In embodiments, spring plate <NUM> has a plate base <NUM> with a generally flat bottom surface <NUM> (except for protrusion <NUM>) shaped to correspond with that of floorplate <NUM>. In one embodiment, a spring plate body <NUM> extends axially upward from plate base <NUM> and is shaped and configured to engage spring bottom end <NUM>. For example, a spring plate body <NUM> generally has an oval shape around which wraps a flat coil of spring bottom end <NUM>. In some embodiments, spring plate body <NUM> defines one or more wire catches <NUM> extending laterally therefrom and configured to overlap or otherwise engage wire of spring bottom end <NUM> to maintain spring <NUM> coupled to spring plate <NUM>. For example, wire of spring bottom end <NUM> wraps around spring plate body <NUM> and is positioned axially between plate body <NUM> and wire catches <NUM>. In one embodiment, spring plate body <NUM> defines a body recess <NUM> sized to receive at least one smaller spring coils <NUM> when spring <NUM> is fully compressed. For example, as spring <NUM> is compressed, larger spring coils <NUM> flatten against one another while wrapping around spring plate body <NUM>. As spring <NUM> transitions to smaller spring coils <NUM>, the wire of spring <NUM> enters an open end <NUM> of spring plate body <NUM>, followed by smaller spring coils <NUM> stacking within body recess <NUM>. Features of spring plate <NUM> reduce the overall vertical size of spring plate <NUM> when assembled with floorplate <NUM> and when spring <NUM> is in a fully compressed state, thereby providing increased vertical space for ammunition in magazine <NUM> with a given tube height Ht.

Referring now to <FIG>, another embodiment of floorplate <NUM>'is illustrated. <FIG> illustrates a right-side elevational view; <FIG> illustrates a top, rear, and right-side view; and <FIG> illustrates a rear elevational view of floorplate <NUM>'. When floorplate <NUM>' is part of floorplate assembly <NUM>, grip extension <NUM> is omitted. Similar to embodiments of floorplate <NUM> discussed above, when assembled with magazine tube <NUM>, floorplate <NUM>' slidably engages bottom tube end portion <NUM> to close bottom tube opening <NUM>.

Floorplate <NUM>' has a floorplate sidewall <NUM> extending along sides and front <NUM> of floorplate <NUM>'. Sidewall <NUM> includes left sidewall portion 204a and a right sidewall portion, and a front sidewall portion 204c each extending transversely up from (e.g., perpendicular to) a floorplate base <NUM> constructed to receive bottom tube end portion <NUM>. Floorplate base <NUM> defines a spring plate region <NUM> recessed below sidewall <NUM>.

In one embodiment, spring plate region <NUM> generally has an I-shape with a depth to accommodate plate base <NUM> of spring plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, plate base <NUM> is flush with or recessed below top surface <NUM> of shelves <NUM> and front sidewall portion 204c. By being recessed below front sidewall portion 204c, spring plate region <NUM> reduces the overall vertical size of floorplate assembly <NUM>, thereby requiring less vertical space for a given number of rounds in magazine <NUM>. In some embodiments, spring plate region <NUM> has a shape corresponding to that of plate base <NUM> as discussed above, for example. Accordingly, plate base <NUM> is received in spring plate region <NUM>, where the structures interlock to prevent movement of spring plate <NUM> on floorplate top surface <NUM>. For example, plate base <NUM> has an I-shape that is received in spring plate region <NUM> also having an I-shape. Other shapes are acceptable.

Floorplate base <NUM> defines an outer channel <NUM> recessed below and extending between spring plate region <NUM> and sidewall <NUM>. In one embodiment, outer channel <NUM> has a U-shape extending along left and right sidewall portions 204a, 204b and rear <NUM> of floorplate <NUM>. Outer channel <NUM> of floorplate <NUM> defines a left channel portion 210a along left sidewall portion 204a and a right channel portion 210b along right sidewall portion 204b, each configured to slidingly receive left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM>, respectively. Shelves <NUM> extend up from top surface <NUM> of spring plate region <NUM> and laterally over part of outer channel <NUM> to define a catch to engage each of left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM> and maintain floorplate <NUM> attached to bottom tube end portion <NUM>. In other words, outer channel <NUM> undercuts shelves <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when floorplate <NUM> is attached to bottom tube end portion <NUM>, floorplate <NUM> slidingly engages left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM> with left sidewall portion 204a adjacent the left tube sidewall <NUM> and right sidewall portion 204b adjacent right tube sidewall <NUM>. For example, a left shelf 212a extends from spring plate region <NUM> toward left sidewall portion 204a and partially over the left channel 210a and a right shelf 212b extends from spring plate region <NUM> toward right sidewall portion 204b and partially over right channel 210b. Left bottom lip <NUM> is captured in left channel 210a and right bottom lip <NUM> is captured in right channel 210b, thereby preventing removal of floorplate <NUM> from magazine tube <NUM> in an axial direction (e.g., downward). Compared to magazines that have an outward-extending flange or lip at the bottom end of the magazine tube, magazine tube <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can have a reduced lateral thickness due to left bottom lip <NUM> and right bottom lip <NUM> extending inward towards median plane <NUM>, rather than outward.

When assembled with magazine tube <NUM>, spring <NUM> is somewhat compressed and exerts a force on floorplate <NUM> with spring plate <NUM> seated in spring plate region <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments. To secure floorplate assembly <NUM> to magazine tube <NUM> and prevent inadvertent disassembly, spring plate <NUM> defines a spring plate protrusion <NUM> that extends into an opening <NUM> through floorplate <NUM> when in the seated position. Spring plate <NUM> prevents floor plate <NUM> from being removed from magazine tube <NUM> since plate base <NUM> would be blocked by contact with magazine tube <NUM>. However, pushing spring plate <NUM> upward to disengage spring plate protrusion <NUM> from protrusion opening <NUM> would allow floor plate <NUM> to be slidingly removed. Thus, to disassemble magazine <NUM>, the user can press spring plate protrusion <NUM> (and spring plate <NUM> as a whole) axially into magazine tube <NUM> so that protrusion <NUM> clears floorplate <NUM> and permits floorplate <NUM> to slide off of bottom tube end portion <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, magazine <NUM> is illustrated fully loaded with cartridges <NUM> in front, rear, and side views, respectively, and show example positions of cartridges <NUM> in the single-stack portion <NUM> and double-stack portion <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a front elevational view of magazine <NUM> showing projectiles <NUM> aligned along single-stack portion <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM>. The top three projectiles <NUM> are aligned tightly along median plane <NUM> in the single-stack portion <NUM>. Projectile <NUM> of the fourth cartridge is still generally aligned with the top three projectiles <NUM>, but is transitioning towards the offset stacked arrangement of double-stack portion <NUM>. Note that front lateral margins <NUM>, <NUM> along single-stack portion <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM> have a stepped shape between double-stack portion <NUM> and upper tube opening <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a rear elevational view of magazine <NUM> showing heads <NUM> of cartridges <NUM> in an offset stack through the double-stack portion <NUM> and moving into alignment along medial plane <NUM> going through single-stack portion <NUM>. Note that heads <NUM> may be less aligned than projectiles <NUM> in the lower portion of the single-stack portion <NUM>, for example. Also note that rear lateral margins <NUM>, <NUM> of magazine tube <NUM> along single-stack portion <NUM> can have a straight taper between double-stack portion <NUM> and upper tube opening <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view showing an example of cartridges <NUM> in fully-loaded magazine <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a left side and rear perspective view of an embodiment of a handgun <NUM> assembled with magazine <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With magazine <NUM> seated in the magazine well, grip extension <NUM> mates with the bottom end of handgrip <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a rear elevational view of handgun <NUM> of <FIG> and shows first lateral thickness T<NUM> at web region <NUM> of handgun <NUM> where the web between one's thumb and index finger engage the backstrap <NUM> of the handgrip <NUM>. Handgrip <NUM> has a second lateral thickness T<NUM> along palm region <NUM> as handgrip <NUM> extends towards grip extension <NUM>. First lateral thickness T<NUM> at web region <NUM> is reduced compared to second lateral thickness T<NUM> at palm region <NUM> in some embodiments. First lateral thickness T<NUM> at web region <NUM> is reduced compared to the web region of other handguns utilizing a double-stack magazine. Overall, due to the magazine <NUM> having single-stack portion <NUM> and double stack portion <NUM> as described herein, handgun <NUM> includes the combined benefit of increased ammunition capacity and reduced width along at least part of the grip length compared to other designs utilizing a traditional double-stack magazine. The reduced first lateral thickness T<NUM> of the web region <NUM> further provides comfort and ergonomic benefits by enabling a power grip and profile conducive to increased control on the handgun <NUM>. In one example, a grip module <NUM> of handgun <NUM> is configured to be grasped by a user with web region <NUM> between a thumb and index finger and a palm region <NUM> abutting the user's palm with at least some of the user's fingers wrapped around the handgrip <NUM>. In one example, the second lateral thickness T<NUM> along the palm region <NUM> is no greater than <NUM>, such as no more than <NUM>, no more than <NUM>, no more than <NUM>, no more than <NUM>, or no more than <NUM>. In some embodiments, first lateral thickness T<NUM> of the web region is less than second lateral thickness T2. For example, first lateral thickness T<NUM> is no more than <NUM>, such as no more than <NUM>, no more than <NUM>, no more than <NUM>, or no more than <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a left side perspective view of another embodiment of handgun <NUM> with magazine <NUM> seated in the magazine well, where magazine <NUM> is equipped with a flush floorplate <NUM>' as shown, for example, in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a side elevational view of an embodiment of magazine <NUM> shown in <FIG> with the flush floorplate <NUM>' (omitting grip extension <NUM>).

In use, magazine <NUM> in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure includes a magazine tube with both single-stack portion <NUM> and double-stack portion <NUM>. Additional features of some embodiments include grip extension <NUM>, spring plate <NUM> recessed at least partially into floorplate <NUM>, and a spring <NUM> with a section of smaller spring coils <NUM> and a section of larger spring coils <NUM>. Embodiments of magazine <NUM> advantageously enable handgun <NUM> to provide increased magazine capacity compared to guns with single-stack magazines while also providing a reduced grip thickness compared to guns with conventional double-stack magazines. Embodiments of magazine <NUM> enable first lateral thickness T<NUM> of handgrip <NUM> where the user grips the handgrip <NUM> with the thumb and index finger to be reduced compared to second lateral thickness T<NUM> along the user's palm. Such a feature can provide improved comfort and greater control over the handgun <NUM> during firing. Further, handgun <NUM> can be formed with and ergonomic grip shape to reduce sliding or rotation of the handgun within the user's hand, such as a non-cylindrical shape, a non-uniform diameter, a relatively greater thickness along the central portion, or other features facilitated by magazine <NUM>.

In addition, some embodiments of magazine <NUM> provide a reduced vertical size required for a given ammunition capacity, thereby facilitating a reduced grip length of handgun <NUM> for a given magazine capacity. For example, spring plate <NUM> is at least partially recessed into base plate <NUM>. In another example, smaller spring coils <NUM> of spring <NUM> can be received in body recess <NUM> of spring plate <NUM>. Such features reduce the required vertical height of magazine <NUM> and therefore enable a greater ammunition capacity for a given magazine length.

Embodiments of magazine <NUM> of the present disclosure also enable a handgun <NUM> to have improved ergonomics compared to handguns designed for conventional double-stack magazines. Some embodiments of magazines <NUM> of the present disclosure enable handgrip <NUM> to have a narrow web region <NUM> with first lateral thickness T<NUM> where gripped by the user's thumb and index finger, and a thicker grip body or palm region <NUM> with second lateral thickness T<NUM>. Such a grip allows the user to employ a "power grip" with the user's fingers wrapped around the grip where the user better prevents rotation or sliding of the grip in the hand. The narrower web region <NUM> also enables an intermediate grip circumference that facilitates fine motor skills of the index finger while using the forearm strength of a power grip. The thicker palm region <NUM> can have a circumference sized for a power grip and increased surface area against the user's hand for reduced slip and increased torsional control of the handgun. Further, the change in grip thickness along the grip from the web region <NUM> to the palm region <NUM> provides a varied profile that is less prone to slip or move in the user's hand. These and other ergonomic features enhance the user's grip on the handgun and therefore control of the handgun while shooting.

As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, embodiments of magazine <NUM> described herein are not limited to use with handguns and may also be utilized with any of a wide variety of host firearms <NUM> including long guns, short-barreled rifles, machine guns, and shotguns. Magazine <NUM> can be configured for pistol ammunition, rifle ammunition, nonlethal ammunition (e.g., Simunition® training ammunition), ammunition blanks, starter rounds, and other ammunition ranging from. <NUM> LR to <NUM> NATO and everything in between (e.g.,. <NUM> Remington,. <NUM> Remington,. <NUM> Auto,. <NUM> Auto,. <NUM> BMG, <NUM>×<NUM> NATO, <NUM>. 62x39 mm, <NUM>. 62x51 mm, <NUM>. 62x54 mm, 9x19 mm, 10x25 mm, 30x173 mm NATO, etc.). Other embodiments of magazine <NUM> can be constructed for shotgun ammunition or other rimmed cartridges. Magazine <NUM> may be utilized with other suitable host weapons <NUM> and ammunition sizes and types as will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

Magazine <NUM> and its components may be constructed from any suitable material(s), as will be apparent in light of this disclosure. For example, some embodiments of magazine <NUM> are constructed from steel, polymers, composites, aluminum, or other materials. More generally, magazine <NUM> and its components can be constructed from any suitable material compliant, for example, with United States Defense Standard MIL-W-<NUM> (Weapons: Small Arms and Aircraft Armament Subsystems, General Specification For). Other suitable materials for magazine <NUM> will depend on a given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

Claim 1:
A handgun magazine (<NUM>) comprising:
a magazine tube (<NUM>) having a front sidewall (<NUM>), a rear sidewall (<NUM>), a left sidewall (<NUM>), and a right sidewall (<NUM>), the magazine tube (<NUM>) defining a single-stack portion (<NUM>) and a double stack portion (<NUM>) below the single-stack portion (<NUM>); wherein
a forward portion of the right sidewall and a forward portion of the left sidewall have a stepped shape between the double-stack portion (<NUM>) and an upper tube end portion (<NUM>) defining an upper tube opening (<NUM>), the stepped shape including a first sloped portion (<NUM>) adjacent the upper tube end, the first sloped portion extending downward and laterally outward, a vertical section (<NUM>) extending downward from the first sloped portion (<NUM>), and a second sloped portion (<NUM>) extending downward and laterally outward from the vertical section (<NUM>);
and wherein when the magazine tube (<NUM>) is loaded to capacity, the magazine retains at least three and no more than four cartridges between a bottom of the stepped shape and the upper tube end portion (<NUM>).