Speed loader for large caliber multi-shot weapon

RELATED APPLICATION

0001This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/704,744 filed Sep. 24, 2012 entitled “Speed loader for large caliber multi-shot weapon,” inventors David G. Kent, James W. Teetzel, and Mark J. Celona. The foregoing provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

0002The present disclosure relates generally to man-portable, large caliber multi-shot weapons and, more particularly, to a speed loader which provides fast and reliable loading of ammunition rounds. Although the present invention will be described herein primarily by way of reference to a speed loader for a grenade launcher, it will be recognized that the present invention herein can be adapted for use with all manner of weapons and projectiles, including without limitation anti-riot rounds, less than lethal rounds, flares, pyrotechnics, tear gas or like irritant canisters, and the like.

0003Large-caliber, multi-shot weapons employing a revolver-style magazine are generally known, such as the Milkor Multiple Grenade Launcher (MGL). These weapons offer an advantage over traditional single-shot weapons in that multiple rounds can rapidly be brought to bear on a target. However, the rounds must be manually loaded into the chambers <b>164</b> of the magazine <b>162</b> of a weapon <b>160</b> one at a time, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, a time consuming process. Because time is of the essence in military, combat, law enforcement and like situations, it would be desirable to provide a loading device for large caliber weapon that substantially reduces the time required for a user to load rounds into the weapon. Although speed loader devices exist for small-caliber firearm revolvers, there still exists a need for a speed loader for the rapid loading and reloading of multi-shot grenade launchers and other large-caliber multi-shot weapons.

SUMMARY

0004Apparatus and methods are provided for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine for holding cartridges.

0005An embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine. The apparatus includes a cartridge receptacle having cavities for accommodating the plurality of cartridges such that the cavities surround a central area. A retention wheel has a shaft extending from the rearward facing side of the wheel and inserted through an opening in the central area, wherein the shaft defines an axis for rotation of the wheel. A knob is rotatably attached to the rearward facing side of the receptacle by a fastener engaging the shaft, such that the knob is movable and has a locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the cartridges placed in the receptacle are engaged by the retention wheel, and in the unlocked position, the cartridges are released from the retention wheel. For example, the magazine is a part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon; a machine for shooting flares, tear gas or like irritants, or other projectiles.

0006In related embodiments of the invention, the retention wheel has a plurality of projections extending radially outward, the projections capable of engaging the plurality of cartridges. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus in which the projections of the shaft are capable of engaging the cartridges through a rim at the base of the cartridge. In other related embodiments, the fastener engages a complementary receptacle on the shaft. For example, the fastener is threaded and is capable of engaging a complementary threaded receptacle in the shaft. In further, more limited embodiments, the end of the shaft engaging with the fastener has a shape that fits into a complementary or keyed receptacle formed on the inward facing surface of the knob.

0007According to other embodiments of the invention, the retention wheel is received in the central area of the cartridge receptacle.

0008In various embodiments of the invention, the knob is notched, fluted, knurled, or otherwise textured to enhance the user's grip while rotating the knob.

0009In other related embodiments, the cartridge receptacle has an upstanding boss on its rearward facing side, which is received within a like sized cavity on the forward facing side of the knob. For example, the boss has a central opening for receiving the shaft, and a plurality of openings surrounding the central opening.

0010Other related embodiments of the invention include a plurality of springs, such that each spring has a proximal and a distal end, and is received into one of the plurality of openings in the boss through the proximal end.

0011Related embodiments of the invention further include a detent attached to the distal end of each spring of the plurality of springs, and, for each spring, a pair of complementary recesses on the knob, the pair comprising first and second complementary recesses corresponding to each detent. For example, in the locked position of the knob each spring detent is received in the first complementary recess and the plurality of projections of the retention wheel engage the plurality of cartridges. Also, for example, in the unlocked position of the knob, each spring detent is received in the second complementary recess and the projections of the retention wheel occupy a position between the cavities of the cartridge receptacle, and are thereby moved out of engagement with the cartridges. In related embodiments, the detents and the complementary recesses are rounded to facilitate the movement of the detents in and out of the recesses.

0012In a related embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a stopping mechanism for limiting the degree of rotation of the knob relative to the cartridge receptacle, the stopping mechanism having at least one pin on the forward facing side of the knob which runs in a corresponding arcuate groove or channel on the rearward facing side of the cartridge receptacle.

0013In various embodiments of the invention, the number of cavities in the cartridge receptacle of the apparatus is in the range of 2-12.

0014In preferred embodiments of the invention, the cavities of the cartridge receptacle are capable of accommodating cartridges that hold ammunition rounds having a caliber of about 30-40 millimeter, although other caliber ammunition rounds are also contemplated.

0015Other embodiments of the invention are methods of using the apparatus of any of the embodiments above for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine. The method includes inserting a plurality of cartridges into the cartridge receptacle and turning the knob to a locked position thereby engaging the plurality of cartridges with the plurality of projections of the retention wheel. The plurality of cartridges is aligned with a corresponding plurality of chambers in the magazine and the plurality of cartridges is slidably inserted into the corresponding aligned chamber of the magazine drum of the weapon. The knob is turned to an unlocked position to disengage each of the plurality of cartridges from the plurality of projections of the retention wheel. The cartridge receptacle is moved away from the weapon, thereby fast loading the cartridges into the weapon. In related embodiments of the invention, the magazine is part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon.

0016In related embodiments, turning the knob into the locked position further includes receiving the detent on the distal end of each of the plurality of springs in the first complementary recesses provided on the knob. Also, turning the knob into the unlocked position further comprises receiving the detent on the distal end of each of the plurality of springs in second complementary recesses provided on the knob.

0017Another embodiment of the invention is a method for fast loading a plurality of cartridges into a magazine, the method including inserting a plurality of cartridges into the cavities of a cartridge receptacle disposed between a turning knob and a rotating wheel. Each cartridge has a base end and a tip end, the base end leading the tip end during insertion, such that the retention wheel is capable of engaging the base end of the cartridge. The knob is turned to a locked position, thereby engaging the plurality of cartridges by the retention wheel. The plurality of cartridges is aligned with a corresponding plurality of chambers in the magazine and the plurality of cartridges is slidably inserted into the corresponding aligned chamber of the magazine drum of the weapon. The knob is turned to an unlocked position to disengage each of the plurality of cartridges from the plurality of projections of the retention wheel. The cartridge receptacle is moved away from the weapon, thereby fast loading the cartridges into the weapon. In related embodiments of the invention, the magazine is part of a large caliber multi-shot weapon. In other related embodiment of the invention, engaging the plurality of cartridges by the retention wheel includes engaging the rim present at the base end of each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges by one of a plurality of projections extending radially outward from the retention wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0018The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an isometric view of an exemplary speed loader embodiment, taken generally from the rear.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is an isometric view of the embodiment appearing in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, taken generally from the front.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, taken generally from the front and side.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, taken generally from the side and rear.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an isometric view of the speed loader embodiment appearing in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, with rounds loaded and secured therein.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A</figref>, <b>6</b>B, and <b>6</b>C illustrate the speed loader embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with a round locked, unlocked, and removed from the speed loader, respectively.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A-7D</figref> illustrate the sequence of steps for loading a magazine of a weapon using the speed loader embodiment appearing in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a photograph illustrating the manual loading of a multi-shot grenade launcher.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0027Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref>, there is shown an exemplary speed loader <b>100</b>, which includes a cartridge receptacle member A, a retention wheel member B, and a knob member C. As used herein, the terms “front” and “forward” refer to the forward direction relative to the direction of travel of the projectile to be fired and the terms “rear” and “rearward” refer to the rearward direction relative to the direction of travel of the projectile to be fired.

0028The cartridge receptacle A includes a plurality of cylindrical cavities <b>102</b> on the forward facing side of the cartridge receptacle A for receiving the base ends <b>106</b> of the grenade cartridges <b>104</b> or other projectiles to be fired. In preferred embodiments, the rounds are preferably in the range of 30-40 millimeter caliber rounds, although other round calibers are also contemplated. The depicted embodiment illustrates a speed loader embodiment for use with a Milkor MGL, which has a six round cylinder or magazine. A “magazine” or “cylinder” as used herein refers to a rotating, revolver style cylinder or drum having a number of chambers for receiving munitions cartridges. Although the present invention will be described by way of reference to a six-chamber magazine, it will be recognized that the speed loader herein could be adapted for a weapon magazine having any other number of rounds, including 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and other numbers of chambers.

0029The cavities <b>102</b> surround a central area <b>110</b> receiving the cartridge retention wheel B. The retention wheel B includes a shaft <b>112</b> defining an axis of rotation and a plurality of projections <b>114</b> extending radially outward therefrom. The shaft <b>112</b> extends through a central opening <b>116</b> in the cartridge receptacle member A.

0030The knob C is rotatably attached on the rearward facing side of the cartridge receptacle A by a threaded fastener <b>120</b> engaging a complementary threaded receptacle <b>122</b> on the shaft <b>112</b>. The distal end of the shaft <b>124</b> has a shape that mates with a complementary or keyed receptacle <b>126</b> formed on the inward facing surface of the knob C. In this manner, rotation of the knob C relative to the cartridge receptacle A serves to rotate the retention member B. The knob C may be notched, fluted, knurled, or otherwise textured to enhance the user's grip when manually rotating the knob C.

0031An upstanding boss <b>130</b> on the outward facing surface of the receptacle A is received within a like sized cavity <b>132</b> on the inward facing surface of the knob C. The boss <b>130</b> includes a central opening <b>134</b> receiving the shaft <b>112</b> and a plurality of openings <b>136</b> for receiving proximal ends of springs <b>140</b>. A detent <b>142</b> is attached to the distal end of each spring <b>140</b>. Four springs are shown in the illustrated embodiment, although other numbers of springs could be employed.

0032For each spring biased detent <b>142</b> on the boss <b>130</b>, there is a corresponding pair of complementary recesses <b>144</b><i>a</i>, <b>144</b><i>b</i>. When knob C is turned such that each spring detent <b>142</b> is received in the corresponding recess <b>144</b><i>a</i>, the spokes <b>114</b> of the retention wheel B engage the rim <b>108</b> formed at the base end <b>106</b> of the munitions cartridge <b>104</b>, such that the cartridges <b>104</b> will be locked into position within the receptacle A. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6A</figref> illustrate the speed loader <b>100</b> herein with the spokes <b>114</b> engaging the rims <b>108</b> of the munitions rounds <b>104</b> and securing them within the unit <b>100</b>.

0033When the knob C is turned such that each spring detent <b>142</b> is received in the corresponding recess <b>144</b><i>b</i>, the spokes <b>114</b> of the retention wheel B are moved to a position midway between the cartridge receptacles <b>102</b>, such that the spokes <b>114</b> move out of engagement with the rims <b>108</b> of the munitions cartridges <b>104</b>, to release the cartridges <b>104</b> from the receptacle A. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6B and 6C</figref> illustrate the speed loader <b>100</b> herein with the spokes <b>114</b> moved to a position disengaging from the rims <b>108</b> of the munitions rounds <b>104</b> to release them from the unit <b>100</b>. By providing spring biased detents <b>142</b> and complementary depressions <b>144</b><i>a</i>, <b>144</b><i>b</i>, the knob C will click solidly into the desired locked or unlocked position. In preferred embodiments, rounded detents <b>150</b> and complementary rounded depressions are employed to facilitate the movement of the detents <b>150</b> out of and into engagement with the depressions <b>144</b><i>a</i>, <b>144</b><i>b. </i>

0034A mechanical stop limiting the degree of rotation of the knob C relative to the cartridge receptacle member A is provided by pins <b>150</b> carried on the knob <b>130</b> and corresponding, aligned arcuate grooves or channels <b>152</b> formed on the cartridge receptacle A. The pins <b>150</b> run in the corresponding aligned grooves <b>152</b> to limit the movement of the knob C.

0035The operation of the speed loader <b>100</b> is illustrated by the sequence outlined in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A-7D</figref>. In operation, the knob C is rotated until the spokes <b>114</b> are at a position intermediate the receptacle <b>102</b> and cartridges are placed in each receptacle <b>102</b>. The knob C is then turned until the spokes <b>114</b> engage the rims <b>108</b> of the corresponding aligned cartridges <b>104</b>, retaining them in the receptacles <b>102</b>. When the spokes <b>114</b> engage the cartridge rims <b>108</b>, each of the detents <b>142</b> is aligned with the corresponding one of the depressions <b>144</b><i>a</i>. The bias of the springs <b>140</b> urges the detents <b>142</b> into the complementary depressions <b>144</b><i>a </i>to secure the knob C in the locked position.

0036As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>, the unit <b>100</b> with attached rounds <b>104</b> is then lined up with the magazine drum or cylinder <b>162</b> of the weapon <b>160</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>). The cartridges <b>104</b> with the speed loader attached are then inserted into the munitions chambers <b>164</b> of the magazine <b>162</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref>). The knob C is then manually rotated relative to the cartridge receptacle member A (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7C</figref>) and the munitions rounds <b>104</b> are released into the respective chambers of the magazine <b>162</b>. When the knob C is moved into the unlocked position, the spokes <b>114</b> are moved to a position intermediate the receptacles <b>102</b> and out of engagement with the cartridges <b>104</b>. The bias of the springs <b>140</b> urges the detents <b>142</b> into the complementary depressions <b>144</b><i>b </i>to secure the knob C in the unlocked position. The speed loader assembly <b>100</b> is then removed from the magazine <b>162</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7D</figref>).

0037The description above should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations to some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. In light of the above description and examples, various other modifications and variations will now become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.