Magazine dump pouch assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a magazine dump pouch assembly, comprising: a rigid body having a first open end for receiving an empty magazine and an opposite second open end being connectable to a flexible pouch for storing the empty magazine.

Description

[0001] MAGAZINE DUMP POUCH ASSEMBLY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a magazine dump pouch and its method of manufacture. In particular, this invention relates to a dump pouch that is compact and which can be readily stowed when not in use. The magazine dump pouch of the present invention having a limited and rigid opening which enables ease of placement of the empty magazine into the opening thereof, and ensures secure storage of the empty magazine during battlefield operations. This invention is particularly applicable to the field of conventional firearms and battlefield operations, and to other applications including simulated gun combat.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The primary purpose of a magazine dump pouch, which is usually affixed to an operator’s belt or secured onto a tactical vest, is for holding empty magazines in battlefield operations.

[0006] Magazine dump pouches provide several key benefits. Firstly, it grants the operator access to empty magazines, crucially cutting down on reload time. This accessibility contributes significantly in high-pressure scenarios where swift actions are imperative.

[0007] Secondly, dump pouches significantly enhance mobility. By freeing the operator from the burden of holding or potentially dropping magazines, it allows for unrestrained movement, which is essential for tactical situations demanding agility and speed. It is invaluable asset, particularly when considering the limited availability of time to retrieve magazines after neutralising a threat.

[0008] Furthermore, a dump pouch fosters organised storage. By segregating empty magazines from loaded ones, it helps maintain a tidier and more efficient workspace and overall performance.

[0009] Lastly, the versatility of dump pouches extends beyond simply holding empty magazines. They serve as multipurpose storage units, accommodating an array of items such as small tools, gloves, provisions, or other mission-critical equipment. This adaptability adds to their practicality and utility in diverse scenarios, augmenting their value beyond mere magazine storage.

[0010] There are however a number of disadvantages with known magazine dump pouches, which can include increased bulkiness: a dump pouch adds bulk to the operator’s gear, which can be a disadvantage if the operator prefers a lightweight set-up, or needs to move stealthily without drawing attention. The challenge with all conventional known dump pouches in close-quarter combat situations lies in their accessibility and reliability. Depending on the placement and configuration of the dump pouch, access to the magazines may be limited or hindered.

[0011] The primary issue encountered lies in the difficulty in swiftly and securely depositing empty magazines into known pouches during combat scenarios. Their positioning, often located at the hip or back, can make it cumbersome for the operator to reach and deposit magazines, often requiring a shift in focus away from the immediate threat. In the heat of battle, fumbling to place an empty magazine into an open fabric pouch can lead to precious seconds lost, potentially endangering the operator and the mission.

[0012] In addition, the design of known pouches, often relying on an open-top or cinch closure, poses a risk of magazines falling out. In high-paced movements, or when changing positions rapidly, the magazines might dislodge or not stay securely retained within the pouch, risking noise, loss of ammunition, and compromising the operator’s readiness.

[0013] Operators in close-quarter combat therefore need a dump pouch that ensures swift and assured magazine deposits without the risk of magazines falling out or getting caught during critical moments.

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a magazine dump pouch and its method of manufacture which overcomes or reduces the drawbacks associated with known products of this type. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a magazine dump pouch having a rigid opening which enables ease of placement and provides a degree of registration when storing the empty magazine so that the pouch is always accessible. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a magazine dump having a dimensioned rigid housing which reduces the risk of empty magazines falling out or getting snagged. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fabric pouch under the rigid collar which can be stowed when not in use. The fabric of the pouch can be gathered and retained within the rigid housing when not in use. The present invention being particularly applicable to the field of conventional firearms and battlefield operations, and to other applications including simulated gun combat.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is described herein and in the claims.

[0017] According to the present invention there is provided a magazine dump pouch assembly, comprising: a rigid body having a first open end for receiving an empty magazine and an opposite second open end being connectable to a flexible pouch for storing the empty magazine.

[0018] An advantage of the present invention is that the rigid body enables ease of placement and provides a degree of registration when storing the empty magazine so that the pouch is always accessible to the operator without the need to visually focus on, or gaze down at, the dump pouch.

[0019] Preferably, the rigid body is elongate having a longitudinal dimension between the first and second open ends.

[0020] Further preferably, the rigid body forms a rectangular-shaped hollow passage between the first and second open ends.

[0021] In use, the rigid body may comprise: a generally rectangular-shaped first side wall and an opposite second side wall; and first and second end walls extending between the side walls.

[0022] Preferably, radiused corners may be formed at the intersection of the side walls and the end walls. Further preferably, the rectangular-shaped hollow passage defines a slotted aperture with a loose clearance fit for receiving the empty magazine when inserted lengthwise therethrough.

[0023] In use, the rigid body may have a profiled shape achieved by cut-outs in the first end wall and second side wall which facilitates insertion of the empty magazine.

[0024] Preferably, the cut-outs in the first end wall and the second side wall are positioned to provide ease of access and tactile confirmation for an operator during the insertion of the empty magazine.

[0025] Further preferably, the cut-out in the second side wall is configured with a straight-line cut having an angle of elevation of approximately 45° between the first and second end walls.

[0026] In use, the magazine dump pouch assembly may further comprise a cut-out in the second end wall with a straight-line cut having an angle of elevation of approximately 18° between the first and second side walls.

[0027] Preferably, the magazine dump pouch assembly may further comprise an attachment means for attaching the magazine dump pouch assembly to an operator’s body -worn tactical gear, the attachment means being disposed on the outer face of the second side wall.

[0028] Further preferably, the attachment means comprises a pair of flexible arms being hingedly connected to the outer face of the second side wall, and each free end of the arms comprising cut-outs which interlock with corresponding projections disposed on an operator’s body -worn tactical gear.

[0029] In use, the magazine dump pouch assembly may further comprise a band which secures the flexible pouch to the rigid body at the second open end thereof, wherein the band abuts the neck of the pouch against a raised socket formed at the second open end thereof. Preferably, the magazine dump pouch assembly may further a deformable lid which can close off the rigid body at the second open end thereof and form a pocket into which the flexible pouch can be gathered and stowed when not deployed.

[0030] Further preferably, the flexible pouch comprises a means for retrieving empty magazines from the pouch.

[0031] In use, the flexible pouch may comprise hook fasteners disposed thereon which allow the pouch to be folded and gathered into the pocket when not deployed.

[0032] Also according to the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a magazine dump pouch assembly, the method comprising the steps of: supplying a polymer into a moulding tool which defines a rigid body having a first open end and an opposite second open end; ejecting the moulded rigid body from the moulding tool; and attaching a flexible pouch around the periphery of the second open end of the rigid body.

[0033] Preferably, the moulding tool includes a textured surface finish on the outer surfaces of the rigid body.

[0034] Further preferably, the moulding tool includes a polished surface finish on the inner surfaces of the rigid body.

[0035] In use, the polymer may be selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any of the following: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or a biobased polymer or blends thereof.

[0036] Preferably, the method comprises a step of admixing one or more dyes or pigment with the polymer. It is believed that a magazine dump pouch assembly and its method of manufacture in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above.

[0037] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view from the side and above of a magazine dump pouch assembly in accordance with the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 shows a side plan view of the magazine dump pouch assembly of Figure 1;

[0042] Figures 3a and 3b are front and side plan views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a magazine dump pouch assembly, and which includes a flexible closure into which the fabric pouch can be gathered when not in use; and

[0043] Figure 4 is an partial perspective view from the side and above in accordance with a third embodiment of a magazine dump pouch assembly, and which includes a deformable lid.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] The present invention has adopted the approach of holding empty magazines in battlefield operations. Advantageously, the present invention provides a magazine dump pouch having a rigid opening which enables ease of placement and provides a degree of registration when storing the empty magazine so that the pouch is always accessible. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a magazine dump having a dimensioned rigid housing which reduces the risk of empty magazines falling out or getting snagged. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a fabric pouch under the rigid collar which can be stowed when not in use. The fabric of the pouch can be gathered and retained within the rigid housing when not in use. The present invention being particularly applicable to the field of conventional firearms and battlefield operations, and to other applications including simulated gun combat.

[0046] Referring now to the drawings, a magazine dump pouch assembly 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 2. Specifically, the magazine dump pouch assembly 10 having a rigid opening and forming a passage for receiving an empty magazine (not shown) when in use.

[0047] The magazine dump pouch assembly 10 is formed from two sections, namely a rigid elongate housing 12 which is affixed to a flexible, fabric bag or pouch 14. The rigid housing 12 is formed as a hollow unitary body. The rigid housing 12 is formed having a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above and comprises a generally flat first side wall 16 and an opposite generally flat second side wall 18. In use, the inner first side wall 16 would be proximal and adjacent to the operator’s body (not shown), and the outer second side wall 18 distal to the operator’s body. Generally flat first and second end walls 20, 22 extend between the side walls 16, 18. Although not shown in the drawings, external strengthening buttresses or ribs can also be in-moulded along the side walls 16, 18 and end walls 20, 22 to ensure that the rigid housing 12 is mechanically rigid.

[0048] As perhaps best shown in Figure 1, the intersection of the side walls 16, 18 and the end walls 20, 22 each form radiused corners 24.

[0049] As best shown in Figure 1, the rigid housing 12 defines a generally rectangular opening 26 in a top elevation. It is through the opening 26 that the empty magazine can be placed when in use. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the opening 26 defines an aperture which is dimensioned as a loose clearance fit for the magazine. This ensures that when the empty magazine has been placed lengthwise through the rigid opening 26 into the retaining pouch 14 the risk of the magazine subsequently falling out of the pouch 14 are significantly reduced.

[0050] The magazine dump pouch assembly 10 therefore has a rigid opening 26 which enables ease of placement and provides a degree of registration when storing the empty magazine so that the pouch 14 is always accessible. This is further achieved by the use of a profiled shape. Particularly, this is achieved by reducing the longitudinal height of one of the end walls, namely the first end wall 20 and cutting out a section along the second side wall 18. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, this is achieved by making a straight line cut along the line A- A’ such that an angle of elevation a is formed which is around 45°. A second straight line cut is also made along the line B-B’ in the second end wall 22 having an angle of elevation p of around 18°. The purpose of the cut-outs in walls 18, 20, 22 are to facilitate ease of access as described in further detail below.

[0051] Since the second side wall 18 would be distal to the operator when affixed to the operator’s tactical gear, usually a hip belt (not shown), it can be seen that an empty magazine can be inserted lengthwise into the rectangular-shaped opening 26 without the need for the operator to visually focus on the dump pouch assembly 10 at all. The magazine can be introduced through the first end wall 20 to the intersection of the first side wall 16 and second end wall 22. Simply by feeling this registration of the empty magazine against the rigid housing 12, the magazine can then be inserted lengthwise through the opening 26 into the fabric pouch 14.

[0052] Such a confirmation allows for effortless, and consistently repeatable actions, fostering muscle memory for flawless performance.

[0053] The skilled person will understand that the cut-outs in the first side wall 16 and second end wall 22 can be bounded by configurations other than a straight-line, an example of which is illustrated in Figure 4.

[0054] The magazine dump pouch assembly 10 can be attached to the operator’s tactical gear, which is usually a hip belt (not shown) using a number of different attachment means as would be known to someone skilled in the art. The present invention provides a magazine dump pouch that is affixed to the operator’s hip belt using an attachment means disposed on the the outer second side wall 18 and as described in further detail in relation to Figure 3. Figure 1 also illustrates a method for securing the fabric pouch 14 to the lower section of the rigid housing 12. A band 28 is utilised to sandwich the neck 54 of the pouch 14, effectively sealing the opening of the pouch 14 between a raised socket 30 formed in the lower section of the rigid housing 12 and the band 28.

[0055] This is achieved by utilising a band 28 to firmly enclose the fabric formed at the neck 54 of the pouch 14, thereby sealing the neck 54 of the pouch 14 open around the periphery of the housing 12. The sealing process involves positioning the neck 54 of the pouch 14 between a raised socket 30 located in the lower section of the rigid housing 12 and the band 28, effectively creating a secure fixing. There is a clearance or transition fit between the abutting face of the band 28 and the inner face of the socket 30, which sandwiches the neck 54 of the pouch 14 in place. This configuration ensures a secure attachment, forming a seamless passage through the housing 12 for accommodating the empty magazine in the pouch 14. Other ways of attaching the pouch 14 are entirely possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 2 shows detail of the flexible pouch 14 that is used with the magazine dump pouch assembly 10. As is shown, the pouch 14 is shaped as a rectangle with a chamfered corner. The long axis of the pouch 14 includes a zip fastener 32 and through which the empty magazines can be retrieved. The skilled person will appreciate that any form of fastener is possible, including, for example, buttons, press studs, ties, hook-and-eye fasteners etc. The above list is in no way intended to be limiting and exhaustive.

[0057] Figure 2 also shows that an area of hook fasteners 34 can be disposed on the pouch 14. This pad 34 can be used to attach to the pouch 14 material and secure it when the pouch 14 is stowed within the rigid housing 12. The hook pad 34 is one way to securely hold the pouch fabric 14 in place. In this way, the pouch 14 can be folded along the line C-C’, and then the line D-D’, such that the pouch 14 presents a much smaller folded area to be stowed when not in use. Alternatively, the pouch 14 can be easily gathered up and stuffed into the rigid housing 12.

[0058] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the magazine dump pouch assembly 10. The construction of the second embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a deformable lid 36 can close off the lower section of the housing 12. The pouch 14 is gathered and stowed within this lid 36 when not in use. The lid 36, featuring a series of lines of weakness or corrugations 42 with a dimensionally-reduced thickness that run laterally, exhibits flexibility, allowing it to bend as needed. To engage the lid 36, the free end of the lid catch 38 is inserted into an opening 40 formed on the socket 30. In use, the lid 36 is able to bend in a U-shaped manner and close off the lower section of the housing 12 where the stowed pouch 14 is gathered.

[0059] Figure 3 shows further detail of how the magazine dump pouch assembly 10 can be attached to the operator’s tactical gear, usually a hip belt (not shown). While various attachment methods are conceivable, the preferred embodiment includes a pair of connection arms, 44, 44’, each featuring defined cut-outs 46. These cut-outs 46 seamlessly interlock with corresponding projections on the hip belt (not shown). The arms, 44, 44’, are configured with a dimensionally-reduced thickness 48 acting as a hinge, facilitating a 180° foldback, and allowing the arms to snugly fit inside a catch 50 mounted on the first side wall 16.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the magazine dump pouch assembly 10. The construction of the third embodiment is very similar to that of the first and second embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that instead of the housing 12 being entirely open to the elements, a soft deformable plastic lid 52 seals off the opening 26 to prevent dirt and rain ingress to the pouch 14. The deformable plastic lid 52 includes a slot 56 that can be urged apart when the empty magazine is introduced through the first end wall 20 to the intersection of the first side wall 16 and second end wall 22 of the housing 12.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the housing 12 is formed from a polymer such as High- Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Alternatively, the housing 12 and parts thereof can be formed from a polymer such as Polypropylene (PP), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or blends thereof. Equally, the skilled person will appreciate that the housing 12 can be formed from any number of synthetic plastics or rubberised materials, such as a thermoplastic or thermoset material. The above list is no way intended to be limiting or exhaustive.

[0062] The housing 12 may also be formed from a biobased polymer or a bioplastics material obtained from renewable biomass sources, such as, but not limited to, any of the following: vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, sawdust, recycled food waste and the like.

[0063] The housing 12 can be manufactured using techniques such as injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum forming, rotational moulding, compression moulding, rim moulding, powder impression moulding or any other form of plastics or rubber manufacture, as additive manufacturing or 3D printing.

[0064] The skilled person will appreciate that different variations or densities of materials could also be provided. The housing 12 can be supplied in a number of different colours.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, an outer surface finish can be formed on the housing 12 by ensuring that the injection moulding tool includes a textured finish for aesthetic reasons and to reduce reflections and glare. The inner surface of the housing 12 being moulded with a smooth surface to better receive empty magazine.

[0066] The pouch 14 being formed from a fabric material with ripstop properties.

[0067] The housing 12, pouch 14 and band 28 being glued together in the final manufacturing step.

[0068] Therefore, a magazine dump pouch assembly 10 is provided having a rigid opening 26 which enables ease of placement and provides a degree of registration when storing the empty magazine so that the pouch 14 is always accessible.

[0069] When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0070] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, separately, or in any combination of such features, can be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0071] The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described herein, which are described by way of example only. It will be understood that features described in relation to any particular embodiment can be featured in combination with other embodiments.

[0072] It is contemplated by the inventor that various substitutions, alterations and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A magazine dump pouch assembly, comprising: a rigid body having a first open end for receiving an empty magazine and an opposite second open end being connectable to a flexible pouch for storing the empty magazine.

2. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rigid body is elongate having a longitudinal dimension between the first and second open ends.

3. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the rigid body forms a rectangular-shaped hollow passage between the first and second open ends.

4. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid body comprises: a generally rectangular-shaped first side wall and an opposite second side wall; and first and second end walls extending between the side walls.

5. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein radiused corners are formed at the intersection of the side walls and the end walls.

6. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rectangular-shaped hollow passage defines a slotted aperture with a loose clearance fit for receiving the empty magazine when inserted lengthwise therethrough.

7. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rigid body having a profiled shape achieved by cut-outs in the first end wall and second side wall which facilitates insertion of the empty magazine.

8. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cut-outs in the first end wall and the second side wall are positioned to provide ease of access and tactile confirmation for an operator during the insertion of the empty magazine.

9. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claims 7 or 8, wherein the cutout in the second side wall is configured with a straight-line cut having an angle of elevation of approximately 45° between the first and second end walls.

10. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a cut-out in the second end wall with a straight-line cut having an angle of elevation of approximately 18° between the first and second side walls.

11. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claim 4, further comprising an attachment means for attaching the magazine dump pouch assembly to an operator’s body-worn tactical gear, the attachment means being disposed on the outer face of the second side wall.

12. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the attachment means comprises a pair of flexible arms being hingedly connected to the outer face of the second side wall, and each free end of the arms comprising cut-outs which interlock with corresponding projections disposed on an operator’s body -worn tactical gear.

13. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a band which secures the flexible pouch to the rigid body at the second open end thereof, wherein the band abuts the neck of the pouch against a raised socket formed at the second open end thereof.

14. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a deformable lid which can close off the rigid body at the second open end thereof and form a pocket into which the flexible pouch can be gathered and stowed when not deployed.

15. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible pouch comprises a means for retrieving empty magazines from the pouch.

16. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claims 14 or 15, wherein the flexible pouch comprises hook fasteners disposed thereon which allow the pouch to be folded and gathered into the pocket when not deployed.

17. The magazine dump pouch assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a deformable seal positioned at the first open end of the rigid body.

18. A method of manufacturing a magazine dump pouch assembly, the method comprising the steps of: supplying a polymer into a moulding tool which defines a rigid body having a first open end and an opposite second open end; ejecting the moulded rigid body from the moulding tool; and attaching a flexible pouch around the periphery of the second open end of the rigid body.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the moulding tool includes a textured surface finish on the outer surfaces of the rigid body.

20. The method as claimed in claims 18 or 19, wherein the moulding tool includes a polished surface finish on the inner surfaces of the rigid body.

21. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any of the following: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or a biobased polymer or blends thereof.

22. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a step of admixing one or more dyes or pigment with the polymer.

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