Magazine catch

Abstract

A firearm includes magazine catch assembly includes a magazine catch that has a magazine catch notch extending from one side of the magazine catch and a magazine catch extension that extends from a surface of the magazine catch. The magazine catch assembly also includes a magazine release button that defines a magazine catch extension recess that receives the magazine catch extension. When force is applied to a side surface of the magazine release button, the magazine catch extension contacts and moves along a camming surface of the magazine release button causing rotation of the magazine catch about a magazine catch pin. The rotation of the magazine catch causes the magazine catch notch to be removed from a magazine catch notch recess in a magazine of the firearm so the magazine may be released from the magazine well of the firearm.

Description

[0001] MAGAZINE CATCH

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention pertains generally to firearms and, in particular aspects, to a magazine catch for a firearm.

[0004] To prevent accidental release of the magazine from the magazine well of a firearm, firearm manufacturers have designed and implemented various mechanisms. There remains, however, a desire for new and improved safety mechanisms.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A firearm may include a frame defining a magazine well and a magazine removably insertable within said magazine well. A magazine catch notch recess may be defined in the magazine.

[0007] The firearm may also include a magazine catch assembly that includes a magazine catch that may comprise a magazine catch body and a magazine catch pin recess defined through said magazine catch body. A magazine catch extension may extend from a bottom surface of said magazine catch body. A magazine catch notch may extend from a rear surface of said magazine catch body. The magazine catch assembly may also include a magazine release button defining a magazine catch extension recess. The magazine catch extension may be positioned within said magazine catch extension recess of the magazine release button. In some embodiments, a magazine catch spring seat may extend from a front surface of said magazine catch body. The magazine catch assembly may also include a magazine catch spring. One end of said magazine catch spring may be coupled to said magazine catch spring seat of said magazine catch.

[0008] In some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly may also include a magazine catch pin positioned within said magazine catch pin recess defined through said magazine catch body. The magazine catch pin may include a first pin end segment and a second pin end segment and a pin middle segment extending between said first pin end segment and said second pin end segment. A cross-sectional area of said pin middle segment may be smaller than a cross- sectional area of said first pin end segment and said second pin end segment.

[0009] In some embodiments, the magazine release button includes a first release button side surface and a second release button side surface opposing said first release button side surface. The magazine release button may also include a rear surface. The rear surface may include a first camming surface that is angled toward a front surface of said magazine release button with respect to said rear surface. The rear surface may also include a second camming surface that is angled toward the front surface of said magazine release button with respect to said rear surface. The first camming surface and said second camming surface may form at least a portion of a perimeter of said magazine catch extension recess.

[0010] In some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly may have an engaged position in which said magazine catch notch is positioned within said magazine catch notch recess. The magazine catch notch may be configured to prevent removal of said magazine from said magazine well when said magazine catch notch is positioned within said magazine catch notch recess. The magazine catch assembly may also have a disengaged position. The magazine may be removable from said magazine well when said magazine catch assembly is in said disengaged position. When said magazine catch assembly is arranged in said disengaged position, the magazine catch extension may be in contact with at least one of said first camming surface and said second camming surface. In some embodiments, the magazine catch extension is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position by lateral translation of said magazine release button.

[0011] In some embodiments, the firearm may also include a trigger assembly including a trigger that has a rear surface. The rear surface of said trigger may, when the trigger is in a pulled configuration, be positioned to contact a front surface of the magazine catch and resist the magazine catch from configuring into a disengaged position from an engaged position. Additionally or alternatively, the magazine catch may resist the trigger assembly 10 from entering a pulled configuration sufficient to fire the firearm when the magazine catch is in the disengaged position (i.e., when the magazine may be removed from the firearm).

[0012] Some aspects also include a method of removing a magazine from a magazine well of the firearm. The method may comprise applying a force to the magazine release button of the magazine catch assembly. The magazine may then be released from the magazine well of the firearm. The force applied to said magazine release button may cause said magazine release button to move transversely with respect to the magazine catch extension extending from the magazine catch of said magazine catch assembly. The magazine catch extension may move along a camming surface on said magazine release button as the magazine release button moves laterally with respect to said magazine catch extension. The magazine catch extension may rotate upon movement of said magazine catch extension along said camming surface so that the magazine catch notch is removed from the magazine catch notch recess defined in the magazine.

[0013] In some embodiments, the force applied to the magazine release button may be applied to the release button side surface of the magazine release button. In some embodiments, the magazine catch spring biases said magazine catch to reposition the magazine release button so that the magazine catch notch is inserted within said magazine catch notch recess while said magazine is positioned in said magazine well. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with the frame and the slide removed.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with the frame and the slide removed.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a magazine catch assembly of the firearm of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a right side perspective view of a magazine catch of the magazine catch assembly of FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a magazine release button of the magazine catch assembly of FIG. 4.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a right side view of the magazine catch assembly of FIG. 4 arranged in an engaged position with respect to a magazine of the firearm of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a right side view of the magazine catch assembly of FIG. 4 arranged in a disengaged position with respect to a magazine of the firearm of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the magazine catch assembly of FIG. 4 in the engaged position.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the magazine catch assembly of FIG. 4 in the disengaged position.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the magazine catch assembly of FIG. 4 in the disengaged position.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional rear view of the magazine catch and the magazine catch pin of the magazine catch assembly of FIG. 4.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a left side view of the magazine catch assembly of FIG. 4 in the engaged position and a trigger of the firearm of FIG. 1 where the trigger has not been pulled.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a left side view of the magazine catch assembly of FIG. 4 in the disengaged position and the trigger of the firearm of FIG. 1 where the trigger has not been pulled.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a left side view of the magazine catch assembly of FIG. 4 in the engaged position and the trigger of the firearm of FIG. 1 where the trigger has been pulled. DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0030] Directional terms, such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, etc., are used in this description with reference to the specific embodiment shown and used for purposes of clarity. It should be recognized that these terms are not meant to be limiting. For the purposes of this description, the term “forward” refers to the direction moving toward the front end of the barrel, where a bullet exits upon being fired. The term “rearward” refers to a direction moving toward the grip end of the firearm.

[0031] A side view of a firearm 20 is shown in FIG. 1. Firearm 20 includes a frame 30 that defines a magazine well 35 for receiving a magazine 40. A slide 50 is positioned atop the frame 30 so that the slide 50 may move along the length of the frame 30. A barrel 60 is supported within the slide 50. The firearm 20 also includes a trigger assembly 110 that is housed within the frame 30. In some embodiments, the trigger assembly 110 may include a trigger 113 and a trigger safety 114 that is protected by a trigger guard 116.

[0032] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a right side view and a left side view, respectively, of the firearm 20 with the frame 30 and the slide 50 hidden to more clearly show the inner components of the firearm 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the trigger assembly 110 includes a trigger bar 120 that extends rearwardly from the trigger 113 and interacts with a sear assembly 130. The sear assembly 130 interacts with the firing pin 160 to allow release of the firing pin when the trigger 113 is pulled so that the firing pin may contact a loaded cartridge to fire the firearm 20.

[0033] A safety disassembly system 175 includes a safety disassembly lever 185 that is also capable of interaction with the sear assembly 130. The safety disassembly system 175 prevents accidental firing of the firearm 20 during disassembly of the firearm 20. In some embodiments, the safety disassembly lever 185 may also prevent disassembly of the firearm 20 when a magazine 40 is inserted into the magazine well. The safety disassembly lever 185 may also prevent insertion of a magazine 40 into the magazine well 35 when the safety disassembly system 175 is in aposition to allow disassembly of the firearm 20.

[0034] A trigger housing 200 may be fit within the frame 30 and may provide support for the trigger assembly 110 and may also provide additional support for the frame 30. In addition to supporting the trigger assembly, the trigger housing 200 may also support the safety disassembly system 175. In some embodiments, the trigger housing 200 may define opposed openings through which a portion of the safety disassembly system 175 may be inserted. The trigger housing 200 may also provide support for a slide stop assembly 240. The slide stop assembly 240 may include a slide stop lever and a slide stop pin. The slide stop assembly 240 allows the slide 50 to be held in a rearward position.

[0035] A recoil spring assembly 260 is positioned below the barrel 60. The recoil spring assembly 260 assists to return the slide 50 to a forward position after the firearm 20 is fired.

[0036] A magazine catch assembly 310 is found within the frame 30 and adjacent to the magazine well 35 and the magazine 40 when the magazine 40 is loaded into the magazine well. The magazine catch assembly 310 holds the magazine 40 within the magazine well 35, and operation of the magazine catch assembly allows the magazine 40 to be released from the magazine well 35. In some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly 310 is designed to be ambidextrous so it may be operated by a right-handed or a left-handed user from either side of the firearm 20. Further, in some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly 310 may operate to prevent release of the magazine 40 from the magazine well 35 when the trigger 113 is pulled.

[0037] The firearm 20 also includes a manual safety assembly 340 which is positioned near the rearward end of the firearm 20. The manual safety assembly 340 may be in contact with and secured to a portion of the trigger housing 200. The manual safety assembly 340 may be rotatable with respect to the trigger housing 200, so that when the manual safety assembly 340 is rotated into an engaged orientation, the manual safety assembly 340 prevents rotation of the sear assembly 130. This prevents the firearm 20 from firing because the sear assembly 130 is unable to rotate to release the firing pin 160.

[0038] A backstrap assembly 360 is attachable to a rearward face of the frame 30. The backstrap assembly 360 provides a grip for a user firing the firearm 20. The backstrap assembly 360 may be designed to ergonomically fit within the hand of a user to increase comfort and make the firearm 20 more secure and easier to handle. In some embodiments, the backstrap assembly 360 may be designed to be attached and detached from the frame 30 without the need for an additional tool. Additionally, in some embodiments, the backstrap assembly 360 may include a lanyard assembly 390 that allows a lanyard to be attached the firearm 20.

[0039] An optical sight assembly 410 may be positioned on the top of the slide 50 of firearm 20. The slide 50 may include multiple mounting locations for the optical sight assembly 410 so that different varieties of optical sight assemblies 410 may be attached to the slide 50 as desired without the need for different mounting plates to be installed on the slide 50.

[0040] The magazine catch assembly 310 is shown in more detail in FIG. 4. The magazine catch assembly 310 includes a magazine catch pin 312 that extends through a magazine catch 320. A resilient element, such as magazine catch spring 318 is seated on a portion of the magazine catch 320. The magazine catch assembly 310 also includes a magazine release button 330 that partially surrounds a portion of the magazine catch 320 and is positioned below the magazine catch pin 312 and the magazine catch spring 318.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows a right side perspective view of the magazine catch 320 includes a magazine catch body 321 and a magazine catch pin recess 323 defined through the magazine catch body 321. The magazine catch pin recess 323 is sized to be able to receive the magazine catch pin 312. A magazine catch notch 322 extends from near a top edge of the magazine catch body 321. In the embodiment shown, the magazine catch notch 322 extends from the rear side of the magazine catch body 321. A magazine catch front surface 327 is arranged opposite the magazine catch notch 322.

[0042] A magazine catch extension 324 extends from a bottom surface of the magazine catch body 321. The magazine catch extension 324 has a flat rear surface and a front surface of the magazine catch extension 324 is rounded. The magazine catch 320 also includes a magazine catch spring seat 326 that extends from a front surface of the magazine catch. The magazine catch spring seat 326 is configured to receive and secure an end of the magazine catch spring 318 to the magazine catch 320.

[0043] A rear perspective view of the magazine release button 330 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The magazine release button 330 includes a release button side surface 331 and an opposing release button side surface 332. The release button side surfaces 331, 332 provide a surface on each side of the firearm 20 that is accessible to the user of the firearm 20 so that the magazine release button 330 is ambidextrous and may be operated by either the left hand or the right hand of the user.

[0044] The magazine release button 330 also includes release button top surface 333 and a rear surface 334 of the release button top surface 333. The release button top surface 333 defines a magazine catch extension recess 335 that is configured to be able to receive the magazine catch extension 324 of the magazine catch 320 when the magazine catch assembly 310 is assembled on the firearm 20. The rear surface 334 of the release button top surface 333 includes camming surfaces 336, 337 that are angled to form at least a portion of the perimeter of the magazine catch extension recess 335. In the embodiment shown, a front surface of the magazine release button 330 is rounded. However, in other embodiments, the front surface of the magazine release button 330 may be flat or textured.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows the magazine catch assembly 310 in an engaged position with respect to the magazine 40, so that the magazine catch assembly 310 prevents the magazine 40 from being removed from the magazine well 35 of the firearm 20. A front surface 41 of the magazine 40 defines a magazine catch notch recess 42. When the magazine catch assembly 310 is in the engaged position, the magazine catch notch 322 of the magazine catch 320 extends into the magazine catch notch recess 42. When the magazine catch notch 322 is positioned within the magazine catch notch recess 42, the magazine catch notch 322 helps to prevent vertical movement of the magazine 40 downward within the magazine well 35.

[0046] FIG. 8 shows the magazine catch assembly 310 in a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the magazine catch 320 has been rotated about magazine catch pin 312 so that the magazine catch notch 322 is removed from and positioned exterior of the magazine catch notch recess 42. The magazine catch 320 may be rotated about the magazine catch pin 312 by applying lateral force to either of the release button side surfaces 331, 332 of the magazine release button 330 so as to articulate the magazine catch extension 324. This allows sufficient clearance for the magazine 40 to be removed from the magazine well 35 without interference from the magazine catch assembly 310.

[0047] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate the process of moving the magazine catch assembly 310 from the engaged position to the disengaged position from a rear view of the magazine catch assembly 310. In FIG. 9, the magazine catch assembly 310 is positioned in the engaged position, where the magazine catch assembly 310 prevents the magazine 40 from being removed from the magazine well 35. In the engaged position, the magazine catch 320 is aligned with the magazine release button 330 so that the magazine catch extension 324 is substantially centered within the magazine catch extension recess 335. While in this position, the magazine catch spring 318 rotationally biases the magazine catch 320 about the magazine catch pin 312 so that the magazine catch notch 322 fits within the magazine catch notch recess 42 of the magazine 40.

[0048] The magazine catch assembly 310 may be moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position by applying force to either of the release button side surfaces 331, 332. FIG. 10 illustrates the magazine catch assembly 310 in the disengaged position after a lateral force has been applied to the left side of the firearm 20, at release button side surface 331. As shown, the force applied to the release button side surface 331 causes lateral translation of the magazine release button 330 with respect to the magazine catch 320. The lateral translation of the magazine release button 330 causes the magazine catch extension 324 to move along the camming surface 336 of the magazine release button 330 as force is applied to the magazine release button 330. The angled orientation of the camming surface 336 pushes rearwardly on the magazine catch extension 324 and causes rotation of the magazine catch 320 counter to the bias of the magazine catch spring 318. The rotation of the magazine catch 320 removes the magazine catch notch 322 from the magazine catch notch recess 42, allowing the magazine 40 to be removed from the magazine well 35 when the magazine release button 330 is depressed. When the force on the magazine release button is released, the magazine catch spring 318 biases magazine catch 320 back to the engaged position where the magazine catch extension 324 is centered within the magazine catch extension recess 335, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0049] The magazine catch assembly 310 is ambidextrous, allowing the magazine catch assembly 310 to be operated by applying force on either the left side or the right side of the magazine release button 330. As illustrated in FIG. 11, a lateral force may be applied to the right side of the firearm 20, at release button side surface 332. The force applied to the release button side surface 332 causes lateral translation of the magazine release button 330 with respect to the magazine catch 320. The lateral translation of the magazine release button 330 causes the magazine catch extension 324 to move along the camming surface 337 of the magazine release button 330 as force is applied to the release button side surface 332. The angled orientation of the camming surface 337 pushes rearwardly on the magazine catch extension 324 and causes rotation of the magazine catch 320 counter to the bias of the magazine catch spring 318. The rotation of the magazine catch 320 removes the magazine catch notch 322 from the magazine catch notch recess 42, allowing the magazine 40 to be removed from the magazine well 35 when the magazine release button 330 is depressed. When the force on the magazine release button is released, the magazine catch spring 318 biases magazine catch 320 back to the engaged position where the magazine catch extension 324 is centered within the magazine catch extension recess 335

[0050] A rear cross-sectional view of the magazine catch pin 312 positioned within the magazine catch pin recess 323 of the magazine catch 320 is shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the magazine catch pin 312 is shaped to prevent accidental removal of the magazine catch pin 312 from the magazine catch pin recess 323. As shown, the magazine catch pin 312 includes pin end segments 313, 315 that have a maximum cross-sectional measurement, such as the diameter or area, that is larger than a maximum cross-sectional measurement of a pin middle segment 314. For example, the diameter of the pin middle segment 314 is smaller than the diameter of the magazine catch pin recess 323, allowing the pin middle segment 314 to fit within the magazine catch pin recess 323. Under bias of the magazine catch spring 318, a portion of the magazine catch is preferably positioned between inward-facing surfaces and / or edges of the end segments 313 and 315 and, thereby, resists removal of the magazine catch pin 312 from within the magazine catch 320. Alternatively, the diameter of the pin end segments 313, 315 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the magazine catch pin recess 323, thus resisting the magazine catch pin 312 from being removed from the magazine catch pin recess 323.

[0051] An additional safety feature of the magazine catch assembly 310 is illustrated in FIGS. 13-15. As shown, the trigger assembly 110 is shaped so that the trigger assembly 110 may allow the magazine catch assembly 310 to be arranged in the disengaged position only when the trigger 113 is not in a pulled configuration. Therefore, the magazine 40 cannot be removed from the magazine well 35 when the trigger assembly 110 is in a pulled configuration. Alternatively or additionally, magazine catch 310 may resist the trigger assembly 110 from entering a pulled configuration sufficient to fire the firearm when the magazine catch is in the disengaged position.

[0052] FIG. 13 illustrates the trigger 113 in a position in which the trigger 113 is not in the pulled configuration and illustrates the magazine catch assembly 310 in the engaged position where the magazine 40 is held within the magazine well 35. FIG. 14 illustrates the trigger 113 in a position in which the trigger 113 is not in the pulled configuration, but the magazine catch assembly 310 has been moved into a disengaged position where the magazine catch assembly does not engage the magazine 40 and the magazine 40 may be removed from within the magazine well 35. As shown, when the trigger 113 is not in a pulled configuration, there is clearance between the primary trigger 113 and the magazine catch 320 to allow the magazine catch 320 to rotate with respect to the magazine 40, so that the magazine catch 320 no longer engages the magazine 40.

[0053] However, as shown in FIG. 15, when the trigger 113 is in a pulled configuration, a rear surface 117 of primary trigger 113 comes into contact with the front surface 327 of the magazine catch 320. This prevents rotation of the magazine catch 320 to disengage the magazine catch 320 from the magazine 40. This prevents accidental release of the magazine 40 from the magazine well 35 when the trigger 113 is in a pulled configuration and the firearm 20 is being fired. Additionally, the trigger 113 may act to prevent movement of the magazine catch 320 to reduce vibration and shock of the magazine catch 320 as the firearm 20 is fired, improving comfort and accuracy.

[0054] The following numbered clauses set out specific embodiments that may be useful in understanding the present invention:

[0055] 1. A magazine catch assembly for retaining a magazine within the magazine well of a firearm, said magazine catch assembly comprising: a magazine catch comprising: a magazine catch body and a magazine catch pin recess defined through said magazine catch body, a magazine catch extension extending from a bottom surface of said magazine catch body; a magazine catch notch extending from a rear surface of said magazine catch body; and a magazine release button defining a magazine catch extension recess and wherein said magazine catch extension is positioned within said magazine catch extension recess.

[0056] 2. The magazine catch assembly of clause 1 , further comprising: a magazine catch pin, wherein said magazine catch pin is positioned within said magazine catch pin recess defined through said magazine catch body. 3. The magazine catch assembly of clause 2, wherein said magazine catch pin includes a first pin end segment and a second pin end segment and a pin middle segment extending between said first pin end segment and said second pin end segment; and wherein a cross-sectional area of said pin middle segment is smaller than a cross- sectional area of said first pin end segment and said second pin end segment.

[0057] 4. The magazine catch assembly of any preceding clause, wherein said magazine release button includes a first release button side surface and a second release button side surface opposing said first release button side surface.

[0058] 5. The magazine catch assembly of any preceding clause, wherein said magazine release button includes a rear surface and wherein said rear surface includes a first camming surface, wherein said first camming surface is angled toward a front surface of said magazine release button with respect to said rear surface.

[0059] 6. The magazine catch assembly of clause 5, wherein said rear surface includes a second camming surface, wherein said second camming surface is angled toward the front surface of said magazine release button with respect to said rear surface.

[0060] 7. The magazine catch assembly of claim 6, wherein said first camming surface and said second camming surface form at least a portion of a perimeter of said magazine catch extension recess.

[0061] 8. The magazine catch assembly of any preceding clause, wherein said magazine catch further comprises: a magazine catch spring seat extending from a front surface of said magazine catch body.

[0062] 9. The magazine catch assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a magazine catch spring, wherein one end of said magazine catch spring is coupled to said magazine catch spring seat of said magazine catch.

[0063] 10. A firearm comprising: a frame defining a magazine well; a magazine removably insertable within said magazine well, wherein said magazine defines a magazine catch notch recess; a magazine catch assembly positioned within said frame, said magazine catch assembly comprising: a magazine catch including a magazine catch body, wherein a magazine catch extension extending from said magazine catch body and a magazine catch notch extending from said magazine catch body; and a magazine release button defining a magazine catch extension recess and wherein said magazine catch extension is positioned within said magazine catch extension recess; wherein said magazine catch assembly has an engaged position in which said magazine catch notch is positioned within said magazine catch notch recess, and wherein said magazine catch notch is configured to prevent removal of said magazine from said magazine well when said magazine catch notch is positioned within said magazine catch notch recess; and wherein said magazine catch assembly has a disengaged position, and wherein said magazine is removable from said magazine well when said magazine catch assembly is in said disengaged position.

[0064] 11. The firearm of clause 10, wherein said magazine catch assembly further comprises: a magazine catch spring seat extending from a front surface of said magazine catch body; and a magazine catch spring, wherein one end of said magazine catch spring is coupled to said magazine catch spring seat of said magazine catch.

[0065] 12. The firearm of any one of clauses 10-11, wherein said magazine release button includes a first release button side surface and a second release button side surface opposing said first release button side surface.

[0066] 13. The firearm of any one of clauses 10-1 , wherein said magazine release button includes a rear surface and wherein said rear surface includes a first camming surface, wherein said first camming surface is angled toward a front surface of said magazine release button with respect to said rear surface.

[0067] 14. The firearm of clause 13, wherein said rear surface includes a second camming surface, wherein said second camming surface is angled toward the front surface of said magazine release button with respect to said rear surface.

[0068] 15. The firearm of clause 14, wherein said first camming surface and said second camming surface form at least a portion of a perimeter of said magazine catch extension recess. 16. The firearm of any one of clauses 14-15, wherein said magazine catch extension is in contact with at least one of said first camming surface and said second camming surface when said magazine catch assembly is arranged in said disengaged position.

[0069] 17. The firearm of any one of clauses 10-16, wherein said magazine catch extension is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position by lateral translation of said magazine release button.

[0070] 18. The firearm of any one of clauses 10-17, further comprising: a trigger assembly including a trigger, wherein said trigger includes a rear surface.

[0071] 19. The firearm of claim 18, wherein when said trigger is in a pulled configuration, said rear surface of said trigger is positioned to contact a front surface of said magazine catch and resist said magazine catch from configuring into said disengaged position from said engaged position.

[0072] 20. A method of removing a magazine from a magazine well of a firearm, the method comprising: applying a force to a magazine release button of a magazine catch assembly; releasing the magazine from the magazine well of the firearm; wherein the force applied to said magazine release button causes said magazine release button to move transversely with respect to a magazine catch extension extending from a magazine catch of said magazine catch assembly; wherein said magazine catch extension contacts and moves along a camming surface on said magazine release button as the magazine release button moves laterally with respect to said magazine catch extension; and wherein said magazine catch extension rotates upon movement of said magazine catch extension along said camming surface so that a magazine catch notch is removed from a magazine catch notch recess defined in the magazine.

[0073] 21. The method of clause 20, wherein the force applied to the magazine release button is applied to a release button side surface of the magazine release button.

[0074] 22. The method of any one of clauses 20-21, wherein said magazine catch assembly includes a magazine catch spring that biases said magazine catch so that the magazine catch notch is inserted within said magazine catch notch recess while said magazine is positioned in said magazine well. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A magazine catch assembly for retaining a magazine within the magazine well of a firearm, said magazine catch assembly comprising: a magazine catch comprising: a magazine catch body and a magazine catch pin recess defined through said magazine catch body, a magazine catch extension extending from a bottom surface of said magazine catch body; a magazine catch notch extending from a rear surface of said magazine catch body; and a magazine release button defining a magazine catch extension recess and wherein said magazine catch extension is positioned within said magazine catch extension recess.

2. The magazine catch assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a magazine catch pin, wherein said magazine catch pin is positioned within said magazine catch pin recess defined through said magazine catch body.

3. The magazine catch assembly of claim 2, wherein said magazine catch pin includes a first pin end segment and a second pin end segment and a pin middle segment extending between said first pin end segment and said second pin end segment; and wherein a cross-sectional area of said pin middle segment is smaller than a cross- sectional area of said first pin end segment and said second pin end segment.

4. The magazine catch assembly of claim 1, wherein said magazine release button includes a first release button side surface and a second release button side surface opposing said first release button side surface.

5. The magazine catch assembly of claim 1, wherein said magazine release button includes a rear surface and wherein said rear surface includes a first camming surface, wherein said firstcamming surface is angled toward a front surface of said magazine release button with respect to said rear surface.

6. The magazine catch assembly of claim 5, wherein said rear surface includes a second camming surface, wherein said second camming surface is angled toward the front surface of said magazine release button with respect to said rear surface.

7. The magazine catch assembly of claim 6, wherein said first camming surface and said second camming surface form at least a portion of a perimeter of said magazine catch extension recess.

8. The magazine catch assembly of claim 1, wherein said magazine catch further comprises: a magazine catch spring seat extending from a front surface of said magazine catch body.

9. The magazine catch assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a magazine catch spring, wherein one end of said magazine catch spring is coupled to said magazine catch spring seat of said magazine catch.

10. A firearm comprising: a frame defining a magazine well; a magazine removably insertable within said magazine well, wherein said magazine defines a magazine catch notch recess; a magazine catch assembly positioned within said frame, said magazine catch assembly comprising: a magazine catch including a magazine catch body, wherein a magazine catch extension extending from said magazine catch body and a magazine catch notch extending from said magazine catch body; and a magazine release button defining a magazine catch extension recess and wherein said magazine catch extension is positioned within said magazine catch extension recess;wherein said magazine catch assembly has an engaged position in which said magazine catch notch is positioned within said magazine catch notch recess, and wherein said magazine catch notch is configured to prevent removal of said magazine from said magazine well when said magazine catch notch is positioned within said magazine catch notch recess; and wherein said magazine catch assembly has a disengaged position, and wherein said magazine is removable from said magazine well when said magazine catch assembly is in said disengaged position.

11. The firearm of claim 10, wherein said magazine catch assembly further comprises: a magazine catch spring seat extending from a front surface of said magazine catch body; and a magazine catch spring, wherein one end of said magazine catch spring is coupled to said magazine catch spring seat of said magazine catch.

12. The firearm of claim 10, wherein said magazine release button includes a first release button side surface and a second release button side surface opposing said first release button side surface.

13. The firearm of claim 10, wherein said magazine release button includes a rear surface and wherein said rear surface includes a first camming surface, wherein said first camming surface is angled toward a front surface of said magazine release button with respect to said rear surface.

14. The firearm of claim 13, wherein said rear surface includes a second camming surface, wherein said second camming surface is angled toward the front surface of said magazine release button with respect to said rear surface.

15. The firearm of claim 14, wherein said first camming surface and said second camming surface form at least a portion of a perimeter of said magazine catch extension recess.

16. The firearm of claim 14, wherein said magazine catch extension is in contact with at least one of said first camming surface and said second camming surface when said magazine catch assembly is arranged in said disengaged position.

17. The firearm of claim 10, wherein said magazine catch extension is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position by lateral translation of said magazine release button.

18. The firearm of claim 10, further comprising: a trigger assembly including a trigger, wherein said trigger includes a rear surface.

19. The firearm of claim 18, wherein when said trigger is in a pulled configuration, said rear surface of said trigger is positioned to contact a front surface of said magazine catch and resist said magazine catch from configuring into said disengaged position from said engaged position.

20. A method of removing a magazine from a magazine well of a firearm, the method comprising: applying a force to a magazine release button of a magazine catch assembly; releasing the magazine from the magazine well of the firearm; wherein the force applied to said magazine release button causes said magazine release button to move transversely with respect to a magazine catch extension extending from a magazine catch of said magazine catch assembly; wherein said magazine catch extension contacts and moves along a camming surface on said magazine release button as the magazine release button moves laterally with respect to said magazine catch extension; and wherein said magazine catch extension rotates upon movement of said magazine catch extension along said camming surface so that a magazine catch notch is removed from a magazine catch notch recess defined in the magazine.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the force applied to the magazine release button is applied to a release button side surface of the magazine release button.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein said magazine catch assembly includes a magazine catch spring that biases said magazine catch so that the magazine catch notch is inserted within said magazine catch notch recess while said magazine is positioned in said magazine well.

Images