Magazine biaser

Abstract

Firearm assemblies having a receiver, a stock, and a bottom metal with sidewalls defining a magazine well are disclosed. Magazine biasers arranged to adjust a dimension of the magazine well of the bottom metal assembly and to limit movement of a magazine within the magazine well are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 724,105 filed November 22, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure pertains generally to firearms and firearm components. In particular aspects, the present disclosure pertains to repeating firearms including, but not limited to, rifles and shotguns. In certain aspects, the present disclosure pertains to firearms configured to receive a detachable box magazine. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Many existing firearms are configured to receive a detachable box magazine (DBM). For example, certain bolt action rifles have a bottom metal configured to receive a detachable box magazine. Further, certain firearms may be either a short action or long action. There is a lack of consistency, however, in dimensions for certain firearms (e.g., bottom metals and / or detachable box magazines for bolt action rifles), especially where there are different manufacturers and / or different styles and / or sizes of cartridges. Thus, there is a desire for improvement in this field.

[0004] An exemplary firearm of the present disclosure has a forward (i.e., muzzle) end, a rearward end, an upper side, a lower side, a left side, and a right side. The firearm includes a barrel, a receiver, a trigger assembly, and a bottom metal assembly.

[0005] The barrel has a chamber end and a muzzle end. The chamber end of the barrel is attached to the receiver of the firearm and is configured to receive cartridges for firing.

[0006] The receiver at least partially contains and supports a bolt that can be reciprocated to load cartridges into the chamber of the barrel and unload spent cartridges from the chamber. In some firearms the bolt is reciprocated by hand (e.g., by operation of a lever) from a forward position (e.g., closed breach) to a rearward position (e.g., open breach). In some firearms, such as auto-loading firearms, the bolt reciprocates automatically rearwardly in response to the firing of a cartridge in the chamber—such as in a gas-operated, piston operated, and / or direct blow back operated firearms.

[0007] In many firearms, as the bolt moves forwardly towards the forward / closed position, a portion of the bolt (e.g., a lug) contacts a case head of a cartridge and pushes the cartridge forward so as to load the cartridge into the chamber of the barrel for firing. After the cartridge has been fired, rearward movement of the bolt from the forward position towards the rearward position may extract the spent cartridge from the chamber of the barrel.

[0008] The stock is configured to support the receiver of the firearm and, preferably, allow a shooter to comfortably support the firearm during operation. In many instances, the stock extends at least partially beneath and / or rearwardly of the receiver and may define a grip portion, a cheek comb, and a butt portion, The grip portion is configured for grasping by a hand of a shooter hand to support the firearm. Additionally, the grip portion can aid in retaining the hand of a shooter hand in relation to the firearm—e.g., such that a finger (e.g., the index finger) of the hand may reach and actuate a trigger of the firearm. The cheek comb is configured for contact with a cheek of the shooter, and the butt portion is configured to contact the body of a shooter so as to aid in stabilizing the firearm for aiming as well as transferring recoil of the firearm during firing to the body of the shooter. Some stocks may include an adjustable cheek comb and / or butt portion. In many instances, the stock has a portion that extends forwardly of the receiver (e.g., a foregrip).

[0009] The bottom metal assembly is positioned on a bottom side of the stock and can have a portion extending at least partially into the stock. The stock can have an upper opening for receipt of the receiver and barrel of the firearm and a lower opening (e.g., an inlet) for receipt of the bottom metal assembly.

[0010] In many instances, the bottom metal assembly sandwiches the stock between the bottom metal assembly and the receiver. For example, fasteners may extend between the bottom metal assembly and the receiver and pull the bottom metal assembly and the receiver towards one another with the stock positioned therebetween. In such instances, the fasteners may extend through one or more openings in the stock.

[0011] The bottom metal assembly may include a bottom metal body, a trigger guard, and / or a magazine latch (e.g., a slidable or pivotable latch) configured to selectively retain a magazine within the bottom metal. Preferably the bottom metal body is a monolithic piece. Preferably the bottom metal body comprises steel, stainless steel, aluminum, injection molded nylon and / or a similar material.

[0012] The bottom metal body has a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a rear end and a forward end and a length extending along a direction from the rearward end to the forward end. The top side of the bottom metal body faces portions of the stock and / or receiver when in the firearm assembly. The bottom side of the bottom metal body is opposite the top side and faces away from the stock of the firearm (e.g., faces downward during normal operation of the firearm) when positioned within the firearm. The rearward end of the bottom metal body is positioned further from the muzzle end of the barrel than the forward end of the bottom metal body.

[0013] The bottom metal body may comprise a rearward portion defining an opening configured to allow access for a trigger on the firearm to project downwardly from within the stock of the firearm. In some instances, the bottom metal may define a trigger guard that extends substantially around the trigger. The trigger guard may be monolithic with the bottom metal body or may be a separate component attachable to the bottom metal body.

[0014] A forward portion is positioned forwardly of the rearward portion. The forward portion includes a first upwardly extending sidewall and a second upwardly extending sidewall on the top side of the bottom metal body. The first and second upwardly extending sidewalls each have a length, a height, and a thickness. The length of each of the first and second upwardly extending sidewalls is measured along the length of the bottom metal body. The height of each of the first and second upwardly extending sidewalls is measured along a direction extending from the bottom side to the top side of the bottom metal and orthogonal to the length of the bottom metal body. And, the thickness of each of the first and second upwardly extending sidewalls is measured between an inner surface, defining the cartridge receiving area, and an outer surface of each sidewall, respectively.

[0015] Between the first upwardly extending sidewall and the second upwardly extending sidewall is an area configured for the receipt of cartridges. This area is accessible from the top side of the bottom metal body between the first and second upwardly extending sidewalls. In embodiments disclosed herein, the area is also accessible through a bottom opening of the bottom metal body where the magazine is received.

[0016] The bottom metal body may include a first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls. The first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls may extend along a direction transverse to the first upwardly extending sidewall and / or second upwardly extending sidewall. For example, the first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls may extend orthogonal to the first upwardly extending sidewall and / or second upwardly extending sidewall. Preferably, the first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls connect the first upwardly extending sidewall and / or second upwardly extending sidewall. The first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls may be positioned rearward of the cartridge receiving area and / or forward of the cartridge receiving area.

[0017] Top ends of the first and second upwardly extending sidewalls and the first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls may each have an upward-facing surface. Preferably the upward-facing surfaces of the first and / or second upwardly extending sidewalls and / or first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls are preferably spaced from opposing downward-facing surfaces of the receiver.

[0018] The magazine biaser may provide a biasing force against a magazine so as to bias the magazine in one or more directions within the bottom metal assembly. For example, the magazine biaser may provide a biasing force against a magazine from the rear end such that the magazine is biased towards the front upwardly extending endwall. Preferably, the biasing force extends only along a direction perpendicular to the first and / or second upwardly extending endwall.

[0019] The magazine biaser may be used to reduce at least one dimension (e.g., length) and / or volume of the magazine receiving area (e.g., the magazine well) available to receive a magazine. Such an arrangement may reduce the space available for longitudinal and / or lateral movement of the magazine in the cartridge receiving area.

[0020] Advantageously, the magazine biaser can allow for the bottom metal assembly to reliably store and feed cartridges from greater range of magazine dimensions and tolerances than existing bottom metals.

[0021] The width of the magazine biaser may approximates the width of the magazine well.

[0022] A trigger assembly is positioned within the stock, the receiver, and / or the bottom metal. The trigger assembly includes a trigger. When the trigger assembly is positioned within the firearm, the trigger that may extend downwardly through an opening in the bottom metal so as to expose a portion of the trigger for selective operation by a shooter. At least partially surrounding the trigger is a trigger guard. The trigger guard is configured to configured to resist inadvertent operation of the trigger (e.g., by the trigger becoming snagged on an object). Preferably the trigger guard is integral with the bottom metal. Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a right side view of a firearm of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a back right perspective view of the stock of the firearm of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a front left perspective view of the stock of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a top right perspective view of an exemplary bottom metal assembly.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a bottom right perspective view of the FIG. 4 bottom metal assembly.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the FIG. 4 bottom metal assembly.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a right side view of the FIG. 4 bottom metal assembly.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a bottom right front perspective view of a portion of the firearm with the stock and bottom metal assembly removed.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the FIG. 4 bottom metal assembly without a magazine biaser taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 4 bottom metal assembly taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 6.

[0033] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a magazine biaser of the FIG. 4 bottom metal assembly.

[0034] FIG. 12 is a side view of the FIG. 11 magazine biaser.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 4 bottom metal assembly taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6.

[0036] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 4 bottom metal assembly without the FIG. 11 magazine biaser and with a magazine received therein.

[0037] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 14 bottom metal assembly including the FIG. 11 magazine biaser with a magazine received therein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] 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.

[0039] With respect to the specification and claims, it should be noted that the singular forms "a", "an", "the", and the like include plural referents unless expressly discussed otherwise. As an illustration, references to "a device" or "the device" include one or more of such devices and equivalents thereof. It also should be noted that directional terms, such as "up", "down", "top", "bottom", and the like, are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader's understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use of these directional terms in any manner limit the described, illustrated, and / or claimed features to a specific direction and / or orientation.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a firearm 100 of the present invention. The firearm has a forward (i.e., muzzle) end 102, a rearward end 104, an upper side 108, a lower side 112, a left side, and a right side 118. The firearm includes a barrel 130, a receiver 136, a stock 140, a trigger assembly 146, and a bottom metal assembly 150.

[0041] The barrel has a chamber end 160 and a muzzle end 164. The chamber end of the barrel is attached to the receiver of the firearm and is configured to receive cartridges for firing.

[0042] The receiver at least partially contains and supports a bolt 170 that can be reciprocated to load cartridges into the chamber of the barrel and unload spent cartridges from the chamber. In some firearms the bolt is reciprocated by hand (e.g., by operation of a lever 174 from a forward position (e.g., closed breach) illustrated in FIG. 1 to a rearward position (e.g., open breach). In some firearms, such as auto-loading firearms, the bolt reciprocates automatically rearwardly in response to the firing of a cartridge in the chamber—such as in a gas-operated, piston operated, and / or direct blow back operated firearms.

[0043] In many firearms, as the bolt moves forwardly towards the forward / closed position, a portion of the bolt (e.g., a lug) contacts a case head of a cartridge and pushes the cartridge forward so as to load the cartridge into the chamber of the barrel for firing. After the cartridge has been fired, rearward movement of the bolt from the forward position towards the rearward position may extract the spent cartridge from the chamber of the barrel.

[0044] The stock is configured to support the receiver of the firearm and, preferably, allow a shooter to comfortably support the firearm during operation. The stock extends at least partially beneath and / or rearwardly of the receiver and defines a grip portion 190, a cheek comb 194, and a butt portion 198, The grip portion is configured for grasping by a hand of a shooter hand to support the firearm. Additionally, the grip portion can aid in retaining the hand of a shooter hand in relation to the firearm—e.g., such that a finger (e.g., the index finger) of the hand may reach and actuate a trigger of the firearm. The cheek comb is configured for contact with a cheek of the shooter, and the butt portion is configured to contact the body of a shooter so as to aid in stabilizing the firearm for aiming as well as transferring recoil of the firearm during firing to the body of the shooter. Some stocks may include an adjustable cheek comb and / or butt portion. In many instances, the stock has a portion that extends forwardly of the receiver (e.g., a foregrip 204).

[0045] The bottom metal assembly is positioned on a bottom side of the stock and has a portion extending at least partially into the stock. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate perspective views of the stock with upper opening 206 for receipt of the receiver and barrel of the firearm and a lower opening (e.g., an inlet) 208 for receipt of the bottom metal assembly.

[0046] In certain firearms, the bottom metal assembly sandwiches the stock between the bottom metal assembly and the receiver. For example, fasteners 210 may extend through one or more openings 212, 214 in the stock to pull the bottom metal assembly and the receiver towards one another with the stock positioned therebetween.

[0047] The bottom metal assembly may include a bottom metal body 300, a c 320 configured to selectively retain a magazine in the bottom metal assembly, and a magazine biaser 340 positioned at least partially within a magazine well 360 of the bottom metal body. Preferably the bottom metal assembly is configured for the receipt of a detachable box magazine. Preferably the bottom metal body is a monolithic piece. Preferably the bottom metal body comprises steel, stainless steel, aluminum, injection molded nylon and / or a similar material.

[0048] The bottom metal body has a top side 402, a bottom side 404, a left side 408, a right side 412, a rearward end 416 and a forward end 420 and a length extending along a direction from the rearward end to the forward end. The top side of the bottom metal body faces portions of the stock and / or receiver when in the firearm assembly. The bottom side of the bottom metal body is opposite the top side and faces away from the stock of the firearm (e.g., faces downward during normal operation of the firearm) when positioned within the firearm. The rearward end of the bottom metal body is positioned further from the muzzle end of the barrel than the forward end of the bottom metal body.

[0049] The bottom metal body may comprise a rearward portion 430 defining an opening 434 configured to allow access for a trigger on the firearm to project downwardly from within the stock of the firearm. In some instances, the bottom metal may define a trigger guard 440 that extends substantially around the trigger. The trigger guard may be monolithic with the bottom metal body or may be a separate component attachable to the bottom metal body.

[0050] A forward portion 450 is positioned forwardly of the rearward portion. The forward portion includes a first upwardly extending sidewall 460 and a second upwardly extending sidewall 464 on the top side of the bottom metal body. The first and second upwardly extending sidewalls each have a length, a height, and a thickness. The length of each of the first and second upwardly extending sidewalls is measured along the length of the bottom metal body. The height of each of the first and second upwardly extending sidewalls is measured along a direction extending from the bottom side to the top side of the bottom metal and orthogonal to the length of the bottom metal body. And, the thickness of each of the first and second upwardly extending sidewalls is measured between an inner surface, defining the magazine well, and an outer surface of each sidewall, respectively.

[0051] Between the first upwardly extending sidewall and the second upwardly extending sidewall is a magazine well configured to receive a magazine, such as a detachable box magazine (DBM). This area is accessible from the top side of the bottom metal body between the first and second upwardly extending sidewalls. In embodiments disclosed herein, the area is also accessible through a bottom opening of the bottom metal body.

[0052] The bottom metal walls include a first and second upwardly extending endwalls 600, 602. The first and second upwardly extending endwalls extend along a direction transverse to the first upwardly extending sidewall and / or second upwardly extending sidewall. For example, the first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls may extend orthogonal to the first upwardly extending sidewall and / or second upwardly extending sidewall. Preferably, the first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls connect the first upwardly extending sidewall and / or second upwardly extending sidewall.

[0053] The first upwardly extending endwall is positioned rearward of the magazine well. The first upwardly extending endwall has a rearward-facing surface 610 that may face a forward-facing surface 612 of the receiver defining the bottom opening of the receiver. The second upwardly extending endwall is positioned forward of the magazine well and has a forward-facing surface 620 that may face a rearward-facing surface 622 of the receiver defining the bottom opening of the receiver.

[0054] Top ends of the first and second upwardly extending sidewalls and the first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls may each have an upward-facing surface. Preferably the upward-facing surfaces of the first and / or second upwardly extending sidewalls 630, 632 and / or first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls 640, 642 are preferably spaced from opposing downward-facing surfaces of the receiver.

[0055] The bottom metal body may define a channel 702 to receive the latch for retaining a detachable box magazine. The channel may open into the magazine well. The channel may extend partially into the first upwardly extending endwall. The channel may provide space for the latch to rest while holding a magazine and / or for the latch to retract to allow the magazine to detach from the bottom metal assembly. The bottom metal body may include a ledge 706 that forms an upper bound of the channel. The ledge may be oriented in a transverse direction to the inner surface of the first upwardly extending endwall.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 9, the first upwardly extending endwall has a forward-facing surface 710. The second upwardly extending endwall has a rearward-facing surface 712. The forward-facing surface of the first upwardly extending endwall and the rearward-facing surface of the second upwardly extending endwall form part of the boundary of the magazine well within the bottom metal body. The space between the forward-facing surface of the first upwardly extending endwall and the rearward-facing surface of the second upwardly extending endwall corresponds to the maximum length of magazine that the bottom metal assembly can receive.

[0057] The bottom metal assembly includes a magazine biaser attached to the bottom metal body. The magazine biaser is typically removable from the bottom metal body. Preferably the magazine biaser is removably fastened to the first upwardly extending endwall and / or the first and / or second upwardly extending sidewall.

[0058] The magazine biaser may enable the bottom metal assembly to receive magazines having a size within a range of sizes. The magazine biaser may provide a biasing force against a magazine so as to bias the magazine in one or more directions within the bottom metal assembly. For example, the magazine biaser may provide a biasing force against a magazine from the rear end such that the magazine is biased towards the front upwardly extending endwall. Preferably, the biasing force extends only along a direction perpendicular to the first and / or second upwardly extending endwall. The magazine biaser may flex between a first position and a second position to accommodate such a magazine within the magazine well.

[0059] The magazine biaser can be used to reduce at least one dimension (e.g., length) and / or volume of the magazine well. Such an arrangement may allow for the magazine well to receive magazines of a different dimension (e.g., shorter length and / or smaller cross-sectional dimension) and reduce the space available for longitudinal and / or lateral movement of the magazine while in the magazine well.

[0060] Advantageously, the magazine biaser can self-adjust to accommodate magazines of various dimensions (e.g., various length and / or cross-sectional dimension). Accordingly, the magazine biaser may allow the bottom metal assembly to receive aftermarket magazines in a range of sizes. For example, magazines for the same caliber cartridge may have different sizes (e.g., length). Advantageously, the magazine biaser helps position magazines in the magazine well. The magazine biaser preferably can bias the position of the magazine in one or more directions without requiring a user to manually adjust the magazine biaser. For example, the magazine biaser allows a user to insert a magazine into the bottom metal body and bias the magazine in one or more directions without the user performing any additional actions.

[0061] Preferably, the magazine biaser does not prevent the magazine from being removed from the magazine well. Preferably only the magazine latch (e.g., a slidable or pivotable latch) prevents the magazine from being removed from the magazine well after a user has inserted a magazine into the bottom metal assembly.

[0062] Advantageously, the magazine biaser indexes the position of the magazine in a longitudinal direction along the length of the bottom metal assembly. Advantageously, indexing the magazine position in the longitudinal direction may prevent rattling of the magazine against the bottom metal assembly as the user moves the firearm. Furthermore, indexing the position of the magazine in this way can ensure reliable and predictable operation of the firearm and / or improve the user experience in other ways.

[0063] In some instances, the magazine biaser may limit the distance that a magazine may be inserted into the magazine well or resist movement beyond a certain point. For example, while the latch may limit or resist movement of the magazine toward the bottom side of the firearm, the magazine biaser may limit or resist movement of the magazine toward the top side of the firearm. In combination with the latch, the magazine biaser may index the position of the magazine relative to the bottom metal assembly in a vertical direction. Advantageously, by limiting and / or resisting movement at a certain point, the magazine biaser can aid the user in inserting the magazine into the bottom metal assembly and the receiver without impeding the operation of the firearm.

[0064] The magazine biaser preferably comprises a clip 800 for securing the magazine biaser to the bottom metal body. The clip defines a wall-contacting surface 836 that contacts one of the side and / or end walls of the bottom metal body. For example, the wall-contacting surface can contact the rearward-facing surface of the first upwardly extending endwall. Preferably, the magazine biaser attaches to the first upwardly extending endwall and biases the magazine toward the barrel of the firearm. Such an arrangement can align the magazine toward the forward end of the firearm. As should be appreciated, the magazine biaser could be attached to bottom metal assembly using another type of fastener.

[0065] Preferably the magazine biaser attaches to the bottom metal body by sliding onto the first upwardly extending endwall from the top side of the bottom metal body. The receiver and the bottom metal body may sandwich at least a portion of the magazine biaser between each other in the assembled firearm. Such an arrangement may ensure the magazine biaser is fixed in position within the firearm. A portion of the magazine biaser may rest on the upward-facing surface of the first upwardly extending endwall. For example, the magazine biaser may be positioned partially above the top side of the bottom metal body. Alternatively, the first upwardly extending endwall may define a recess for the magazine biaser such that the top side of the bottom metal body and the magazine biaser form a uniform surface. As should be appreciated, the clip may be used to attach the magazine biaser to any of the first and / or second upwardly extending sidewalls and / or the first and / or second upwardly extending endwalls.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the magazine biaser may include a body 804. The body is preferably positioned at least partially within the magazine well when the magazine biaser is attached to the bottom metal body. For example, the body is positioned at least partially against the inner surface of the first upwardly extending endwall.

[0067] The magazine biaser may further comprise a spring 808. For example, the magazine biaser may comprise a leaf spring. Preferably the spring is biased toward the second upwardly extending endwall. The magazine biaser may use the spring to bias a magazine toward the second upwardly extending endwall. Advantageously, such an arrangement can allow a user to insert a magazine in a range of sizes and the magazine biaser bias the magazine towards second upwardly extending endwall. The body preferably comprises a spring. The spring may be a bow spring. For example, the body and / or the spring may be arc-shaped and resist being compressed into a flattened shape. Alternatively, the spring may be a separate part that extends from the body and / or the magazine biaser may include a different type of spring and / or biasing mechanism.

[0068] The magazine biaser defines a magazine-contacting surface 820. The magazine-contacting surface contacts a magazine when the magazine is inserted into the bottom metal body. For example, the magazine-contacting surface may face the second upwardly extending endwall. The magazine-contacting surface may be smooth and / or a consistent shape in one or more directions. Preferably, the magazine-contacting surface follows the arc shape of the spring. Such an arrangement may guide the magazine into contact with the magazine biaser as a user inserts the magazine into the magazine well. Further, the smoothness of the magazine-contacting surface may allow the magazine to slide into the bottom metal body without the magazine biaser impeding the movement of the magazine.

[0069] The magazine biaser may include an intermediate portion 812. The intermediate portion is generally positioned between the clip and the body of the magazine biaser. Preferably, the magazine biaser is a single monolithic part. For example, the magazine biaser may be formed from cutting and / or bending a sheet of spring steel. The clip, the body, and the intermediate portion may be formed from bending the sheet. The intermediate portion may define a length 856. Preferably, the intermediate portion length is comparable to the endwall and / or sidewall thickness. For example, the intermediate portion length may be within 1 millimeter of the endwall and / or sidewall thickness. Such comparable sizing may ensure that the magazine biaser tightly secures to the bottom metal body when sliding onto the endwall and / or sidewall. The intermediate portion has a downward facing surface 816. When the magazine biaser is attached to the bottom metal assembly, the downward facing surface of the magazine biaser may contact the bottom metal assembly. For example, the downward facing surface may contact the upward-facing surface of the first upwardly extending endwall.

[0070] The magazine biaser may define an aperture 840. The aperture may be configured to receive the first and / or second upwardly extending sidewall and / or the first and / or second upwardly extending endwall when the magazine biaser is attached to the bottom metal assembly. The magazine biaser may have an opening 844 (i.e., an open perimeter) so as to allow the first and / or second upwardly extending sidewall and / or the first and / or second upwardly extending endwall to enter the aperture. For example, the opening may allow the first upwardly extending endwall to slidably enter the aperture. The magazine biaser may define a first gap width 848 at the opening and a second gap width 852 within the aperture. The first gap width is preferably larger than the second gap width. The first gap width may be configured to guide the clip around the first upwardly extending endwall. The second gap width may be configured to secure the magazine biaser onto the first upwardly extending endwall. Such an arrangement facilitates attaching the magazine biaser to the bottom metal body. As shown, the clip forms a concave surface facing toward the aperture. The wall-contacting surface of the clip guides the bottom metal body along the concave surface and into the aperture when the magazine biaser attaches to the bottom metal body. The first gap width is preferably greater than or equal to the intermediate portion thickness.

[0071] The magazine biaser may include a tab 824. The tab may be positioned on a lower end of the magazine biaser. Preferably the tab extends from the body of the magazine biaser. The tab may limit or prevent movement of the magazine biaser in a vertical direction when the magazine biaser is attached to the bottom metal body. For example, the tab may extend into the channel and contact a shelf on the bottom metal body. The tab may resist or fully prevent the magazine biaser from lifting off the endwall. The tab includes an upward-facing surface 828 and a downward-facing surface 832. The upward-facing surface may contact the ledge on the bottom metal body. The downward-facing surface may contact the latch and / or part of the magazine.

[0072] The width of the magazine biaser preferably approximates the width of the magazine well. In one version, the width of the magazine biaser approximates the width of a straight segment of the first and / or second endwalls.

[0073] FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of the bottom metal assembly receiving a magazine 900. FIG. 14 illustrates the bottom metal assembly and the magazine without the magazine biaser. FIG. 15 illustrates the bottom metal assembly and magazine with the magazine biaser. The magazine is preferably a detachable box magazine (DBM). As illustrated, the bottom metal assembly may secure the magazine in the magazine well using the latch. Specifically, the latch of the bottom metal assembly may contact recess (e.g., a notch) and / or a protrusion 904 (e.g., a wedge) that protrudes from the magazine to resist the removal of the magazine from the magazine well. The protrusion may have a sloped shape to move the latch away from the magazine during insertion of the magazine into the magazine well. After the recess and / or protrusion has moved past an upper end of the latch, the latch can move into the recess and / or beneath the protrusion to engage the magazine in a configuration to resist and / or prevent removal of the magazine from the bottom metal. Preferably, the wedge extends toward the rearward end when the magazine is positioned in magazine well. When the magazine is inserted, the wedge can extend into the channel on the bottom metal body. The wedge can contact the ledge and / or the tab of the magazine biaser, such as against the downward-facing surface.

[0074] As show in FIG. 14, with the magazine biaser removed, the magazine and the bottom metal body may define a gap 908. For example, the magazine and the first upwardly extending endwall may define the gap when the magazine is positioned against the second upwardly extending endwall. The gap may be the difference between a length defined by the magazine and a length defined between the first and second upwardly extending endwalls. Different aftermarket magazines may be generally compatible with the bottom metal assembly. However, the length and / or another dimension of such aftermarket magazines may vary slightly. Although the latch may ensure such a magazine remains in the magazine well, the gap may allow the magazine to move within the magazine well. For example, the magazine may shake, rattle, and / or shift within the magazine well. Such movement of the magazine may be undesirable and / or may inhibit the function of the firearm.

[0075] Further, the bottom metal may enable the magazine to be over-inserted into the magazine well without the biaser. For example, over-inserting the magazine may cause the magazine to sit outside of a desired position in the firearm, which may inhibit the function of the firearm and / or damage parts of the firearm. For instance, without the biaser, a user may over-insert the magazine to contact portions of the receiver that the magazine normally does not contact. Without the biaser, the gap may provide space for the wedge on the magazine to move vertically past the channel and the ledge on the bottom metal.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 15, the magazine biaser may fill the gap between the magazine and the first upwardly extending endwall. For example, the magazine biaser may extend away from the first upwardly extending endwall and into the magazine well to contact the magazine. By filling the gap, the magazine biaser may prevent the magazine from shifting, rattling, and / or moving in other ways within the magazine well. Preferably, the magazine biaser prevents the magazine from moving in a longitudinal direction along the length of the magazine.

[0077] The magazine biaser may flex between a first position and a second position. The magazine may be compressed and / or flattened in the first position. Conversely, the magazine biaser may be relaxed and / or extended in the second position. As illustrated, the bottom metal assembly may define a first length 912 between the second upwardly extending endwall and the magazine biaser when the magazine biaser is in the first position. Further, the first length may be comparable or equal to the distance between the forward-facing surface of the first upwardly extending endwall and the rearward-facing surface of the second upwardly extending endwall. The bottom metal assembly may define a second length 916 between the second upwardly extending endwall and the magazine biaser when the magazine biaser is in the second position. Preferably, the first length is greater than the second length. For example, the first length is up to 5 millimeters greater than the second length. In particular embodiments, the first length is less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm or less than 1 mm greater than the second length. The difference between the lengths may be the same as the variation in length among various compatible aftermarket magazines.

[0078] The magazine biaser can apply a force to a rear surface of the magazine toward the second end wall as the magazine is inserted into the bottom metal. To receive a magazine having a length equal to the first length, the magazine biaser can compress into the first position as the magazine is inserted into the magazine well. To receive a magazine having a length equal to the second length, the magazine biaser can remain extended in the second position to allow the magazine to contact the magazine biaser and the second end wall. The magazine biaser may flex slightly in the second position to apply a compressive force against the magazine. By flexing in response to a user inserting the magazine into the bottom metal assembly, the magazine biaser can secure a magazine having any length between the first length and the second length. As should be appreciated, the magazine biaser can be positioned on the second endwall to apply force to the magazine toward the first end wall. Additionally or alternatively, the magazine biaser can be positioned on the first or second sidewalls to prevent movement of the magazine in a lateral direction.

[0079] The magazine biaser can further prevent over-insertion of the magazine into the firearm. By eliminating the gap, the magazine biaser resists the wedge on the magazine from moving vertically past the channel and the ledge on the bottom metal. Further, the tab on the magazine biaser can extend below the ledge and further into the channel of the bottom metal body. The tab may contact the wedge to limit vertical movement of the magazine when the magazine is inserted to the desired position within the magazine well. In one example, the distance between the tab on the magazine biaser and the latch can approximate a height of the wedge on the magazine. Advantageously, the magazine biaser can resist over-insertion of the magazine by contacting the wedge at one or more points. By resisting over-insertion of the magazine, the magazine biaser can promote proper function of the firearm.

[0080] The magazine biaser can be made of a resilient flexible material that can deform under force and return to an original shape upon removal of the force. The magazine biaser can have one or more fulcrum points or points of flexion, such as in a spring and / or a lever as examples. Alternatively, one or more sections of the magazine biaser can be made of a resiliently deformable material, such as rubber and / or foam as examples. As should be appreciated, the magazine biaser can bias the magazine through additional or alternative ways to using the spring. For example, the magazine biaser can include a resilient and temporarily deformable padding within the magazine well, such as a foam and / or rubber pad. Further, the magazine biaser may include a plunger and / or a pin or other structure through which the spring and / or another device provides a biasing force to the magazine. For example, the magazine biaser can be positioned outside the magazine well, and the spring can bias a plunger / pin to extend into the magazine well to contact the magazine.

[0081] 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.DEFINITIONS

[0082] The language used in the present disclosure is to only have its plain and ordinary meaning, except for terms explicitly defined below. Such plain and ordinary meaning is defined here as inclusive of all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recently published (on the filing date of this document) general purpose Merriam-Webster dictionary.

[0083] As used herein, the following terms have the following defined meanings:

[0084] The term “bottom metal” as used herein shall mean a firearm component that defines an opening (e.g., a magazine well) for receiving a magazine of ammunition (e.g., a detachable box magazine). The “bottom metal” may serve as a floor of the action of the firearm and / or attach to a stock of the firearm. The “bottom metal” may help secure a receiver of the firearm to the stock. The bottom metal assembly may include a trigger guard and / or a magazine latch (e.g., a slidable or pivotable latch) for selectively retaining a magazine. For firearms that do not have a “bottom metal”, such as AR style firearms, the term “bottom metal” as used herein may be construed as a lower receiver or frame.

[0085] The term “magazine” as used herein shall mean a container for storing and feeding ammunition for firing in a repeating firearm. When attached to the firearm, magazines may be positioned entirely within the volume of the gun or may project outwardly from the gun.

[0086] The term “repeating firearm” as used herein is a firearm that can be fired repeatedly before having to be manually reloaded with new ammunition.

[0087] The term “detachable box magazine” as used herein shall mean a container capable of being loaded with cartridges, while being detached from a firearm, and then selectively inserted into the firearm to present those cartridges to the action of the firearm. Detachable box magazines may be removable from the firearm without removing the bottom metal assembly from the firearm.CLAUSES

[0088] The following numbered clauses set out specific embodiments that may be useful in understanding the present invention:

[0089] 1. An assembly for a firearm comprising: a bottom metal body including a first end wall and a second end wall, wherein the bottom metal body defines a magazine well for receiving a magazine between the first end wall and the second end wall; a magazine latch configured to retain the magazine within the magazine well; a magazine biaser separate from the magazine latch and attached to the first wall and configurable between a first condition and a second condition; wherein in the first condition the assembly defines a first length between the second end wall and the magazine biaser; wherein in the second condition the magazine biaser is configured to apply force to the magazine in a direction toward the second end wall; and wherein in the second condition a second length is defined between the second end wall and the magazine biaser, the second length being less than the first length.

[0090] 2. The assembly of clause 1, wherein the second end wall is closer to a muzzle end of the firearm than the first end wall.

[0091] 3. The assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the magazine well is configured to receive a magazine having any length out of two or more lengths in a range between the first length and the second length.

[0092] 4. The assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the magazine biaser comprises a spring.

[0093] 5. The assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the magazine biaser has portions on opposing sides of the first end wall.

[0094] 6. The assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the magazine biaser includes a tab and the bottom metal body includes a ledge, and wherein the tab is configured to engage the ledge to resist removal of the magazine biaser from the first end wall.

[0095] 7. The bottom metal assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the magazine biaser includes a bow spring.

[0096] 8. The bottom metal assembly of claim 7, wherein the bow spring is positioned within the magazine well.

[0097] 9. The assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the magazine biaser is configured to limit the distance the magazine can be inserted into the magazine well.

[0098] 10. The assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the magazine biaser does not prevent the removal of the magazine from the magazine well.

[0099] 11. A firearm, comprising: a receiver, a barrel, and a magazine biaser; wherein the firearm defines a magazine well between a first wall and a second wall, the magazine well configured to receive a detachable box magazine containing cartridges; wherein the magazine biaser extends at least partially into the magazine well and is configured to contact the magazine when the magazine is inserted into the magazine well; and wherein the magazine biaser is configured to force the magazine in a direction between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein the magazine biaser is not configured to prevent the magazine from being withdrawn from the magazine well.

[0100] 12. The firearm of claim 11, wherein the magazine biaser comprises a spring having at least a portion positioned within the magazine well.

[0101] 13. The firearm of any one of claims 11-12, wherein the magazine biaser is configured to limit the distance the magazine can be inserted into the receiver.

[0102] 14. The firearm of any one of claims 11-13, comprising a magazine latch separate from the magazine biaser, the magazine latch configured to retain the magazine within the magazine well.

[0103] 15. The firearm of any one of claims 11-14, wherein the magazine biaser extends from the first wall and biases the magazine toward the second end wall.

[0104] 16. The firearm of any one of claims 11-15, wherein the second end wall is closer to a muzzle end of the barrel of the firearm than the first end wall.

[0105] 17. The firearm of any one of claims 11-16, wherein the magazine biaser is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration; wherein in the first configuration a first length is defined between the second wall and the magazine biaser; wherein in the second configuration, a second length is defined between the second wall and the magazine biaser; and wherein the firearm is configured to receive a magazine having a length between the first length and the second length.

[0106] 18. The firearm of any one of claims 11-17, wherein the magazine biaser includes a bow spring.

[0107] 19. The firearm of claim 18, wherein the bow spring is positioned within the magazine well.

Claims

1. An assembly for a firearm comprising:a bottom metal body including a first end wall and a second end wall, wherein the bottom metal body defines a magazine well for receiving a magazine between the first end wall and the second end wall;a magazine latch configured to retain the magazine within the magazine well;a magazine biaser separate from the magazine latch and attached to the first wall and configurable between a first condition and a second condition;wherein in the first condition the assembly defines a first length between the second end wall and the magazine biaser; wherein in the second condition the magazine biaser is configured to apply force to the magazine in a direction toward the second end wall; and wherein in the second condition a second length is defined between the second end wall and the magazine biaser, the second length being less than the first length.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end wall is closer to a muzzle end of the firearm than the first end wall.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the magazine well is configured to receive a magazine having any length out of two or more lengths in a range between the first length and the second length.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the magazine biaser comprises a spring.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the magazine biaser has portions on opposing sides of the first end wall.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the magazine biaser includes a tab and the bottom metal body includes a ledge, and wherein the tab is configured to engage the ledge to resist removal of the magazine biaser from the first end wall.

7. The bottom metal assembly of claim 1, wherein the magazine biaser includes a bow spring.

8. The bottom metal assembly of claim 7, wherein the bow spring is positioned within the magazine well.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the magazine biaser is configured to limit the distance the magazine can be inserted into the magazine well.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the magazine biaser does not prevent the removal of the magazine from the magazine well.

11. A firearm, comprising:a receiver, a barrel, and a magazine biaser;wherein the firearm defines a magazine well between a first wall and a second wall, the magazine well configured to receive a detachable box magazine containing cartridges; wherein the magazine biaser extends at least partially into the magazine well and is configured to contact the magazine when the magazine is inserted into the magazine well; andwherein the magazine biaser is configured to force the magazine in a direction between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein the magazine biaser is not configured to prevent the magazine from being withdrawn from the magazine well.

12. The firearm of claim 11, wherein the magazine biaser comprises a spring having at least a portion positioned within the magazine well.

13. The firearm of claim 11, wherein the magazine biaser is configured to limit the distance the magazine can be inserted into the receiver.

14. The firearm of claim 11, comprising a magazine latch separate from the magazine biaser, the magazine latch configured to retain the magazine within the magazine well.

15. The firearm of claim 11, wherein the magazine biaser extends from the first wall and biases the magazine toward the second end wall.

16. The firearm of claim 15, wherein the second end wall is closer to a muzzle end of the barrel of the firearm than the first end wall.

17. The firearm of claim 15, wherein the magazine biaser is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration;wherein in the first configuration a first length is defined between the second wall and the magazine biaser;wherein in the second configuration, a second length is defined between the second wall and the magazine biaser; andwherein the firearm is configured to receive a magazine having a length between the first length and the second length.

18. The firearm of claim 11, wherein the magazine biaser includes a bow spring.

19. The firearm of claim 18, wherein the bow spring is positioned within the magazine well.

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