Non-lethal gas-operated pistol

Abstract

A magazine for a non-lethal gas-operated pistoi that includes a top portion defining a cannister receptacle that receives a gas cannister, a regulator that regulates pressure into an enclosed cavity that acts as an accumulator for regulated pressurized gas, and a poppet valve that controls release of pressurized gas from the enclosed cavity, the poppet valve including a spring biasing the poppet valve in a normally closed position, a bottom portion detachably coupled to the top portion via a twist-lock structure of slots and tabs, a channel extending through the top and bottom portions to store the plurality of non-lethal rounds, and a foliower and a follower spring in the channel that biases the follower and rounds toward the top portion.

Description

#3571575 077054-0000491NON-LETHAL GAS-OPERATED PISTOL BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to non-lethal pistols.

[0002] Conventional non-lethal gas-operated pistols that use paintballs as non-lethal projectiles are well known and have been in use for a number of years by individuals and the military (e.g., for training). Regrettably, most such non-lethal pistols are unrealistic in terms of look and feel compared to actual pistols that fire live ammunition such as the Glock 17, Glock 19, Sig Sauer P226, Colt 1911, and Beretta 92, to name a few popular pistols. Skills learned on conventional non-lethal gas-operated pistols are generally not translated and applicable when using real pistols.

[0003] Accordingly, considering the current state of the art and the drawbacks to current air pistols, a need exists for a non-lethal gas-operated pistol that provides the user with similar look-and-feel of a real pistol in many respects.

[0004] There is a need for a highly consistent non-lethal gas-operated pistol. This can be accomplished through a combination of several design features described below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a pistol.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a left elevational view of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a right elevational view of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0013] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol, including rounds and a gas cannister, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6.

[0014] FIG. 9B is the cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 9A with the rounds and cannister removed.

[0015] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0016] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a trigger assembly, a component of the FIG. 1 pistol.#3571575 077054-0000492

[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a magazine, a component of the FIG.1 pistol.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 12 magazine.

[0019] FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 12 magazine.

[0020] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the FIG. 12 magazine, including rounds and gas cannister.

[0021] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the FIG, 12 magazine showing a top portion of the magazine partially exploded.

[0022] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a poppet valve, a component of the top portion of the magazine.

[0023] FIG. 18 is a partially exploded perspective view of the FIG. 12 magazine.

[0024] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the top portion of the FIG. 12 magazine taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 13.

[0025] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a bottom portion of the FIG. 12 magazine.

[0026] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a follower, a component of the FIG. 1 magazine.

[0027] FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the FIG. 21 follower.

[0028] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a regulator, a component of the FIG. 12 magazine, taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 13.

[0029] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a pierce tip, a component of the FIG.23 regulator.

[0030] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a magazine release, a component of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0031] FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the FIG. 25 magazine release,

[0032] FIG. 27 is a rear elevational view of the FIG. 25 magazine release.

[0033] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a slide and a bolt, components of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0034] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the FIG. 28 slide and bolt.

[0035] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the FIG. 28 bolt.

[0036] FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the FIG. 28 bolt.#3571575 077054-0000493

[0037] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a hammer, a component of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0038] FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the FIG. 32 hammer.

[0039] FIG. 34A is a front perspective view of a barrel assembly, a component of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0040] FIG. 34B is a rear perspective view of the FIG. 34A barrel assembly.

[0041] FIG. 35 is an exploded view of the FIG. 34A barrel assembly.

[0042] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a spring assembly, a component of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0043] FIG. 37 is an exploded view of the FIG. 36 spring assembly.

[0044] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the FIG. 12 magazine with the top portion and the bottom portion separated.

[0045] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the FIG. 38 top portion and bottom portion with a gas cannister.

[0046] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 magazine with the FIG. 21 follower positioned at a top position,

[0047] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the FIG. 12 magazine including rounds,

[0048] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol, with the FIG. 25 magazine release separated, taken along line 42-42 in FIG. 2.

[0049] FIG.43A is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol taken along like 43-43 in FIG. 2, as the FIG. 12 magazine inserts into the pistol.

[0050] FIG. 43B is the cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 43A, with the magazine retained in the pistol.

[0051] FIG.43C is the cross-sectional view of the FIG, 1 pistol from FIG. 43A, with the magazine release pushed toward a left side of the pistol,

[0052] FIG. 43D is the cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 43A, with the magazine release pushed toward a right side of the pistol.

[0053] FIG.44 is a partially transparent view of the FIG. 28 slide and bolt, with the bolt in an extended position.

[0054] FIG. 45 is a partially transparent view of the FIG. 44 bolt in the extended position.#3571575 077054-0000494

[0055] FIG. 46 is a partially transparent view of the FIG. 28 slide and bolt, with the bolt in a retracted position.

[0056] FIG.47 is a partially transparent view of the FIG. 46 bolt in the retracted position.

[0057] FIG. 48A is a partially exposed view of the FIG. 1 pistol at a first instant in a sequence of loading a round in the barrel.

[0058] FIG.48B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 48A at a second instant in the sequence.

[0059] FIG. 48C is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 48A at a third instant in the sequence.

[0060] FIG.48D is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 48A at a fourth instant in the sequence.

[0061] FIG. 48E is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 48A at a fifth instant in the sequence.

[0062] FIG. 48F is the view of the FIG, 1 pistol from FIG, 48A at a sixth instant in the sequence.

[0063] FIG. 49A is a partially exposed view of the FIG. 1 pistol showing the FIG. 32 hammer at a first instant in a sequence of resetting after the pistol is discharged.

[0064] FIG.49B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 49A at a second instant in the sequence.

[0065] FIG. 49C is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 49A at a third instant in the sequence.

[0066] FIG. 49D is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 49A at a fourth instant in the sequence.

[0067] FIG. 49E is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 49A at a fifth instant in the sequence.

[0068] FIG. 50A is a partially exposed view of the FIG. 1 pistol showing a lockout arm from the FIG. 11 trigger assembly in a first instant in a sequence after the pistol is discharged.

[0069] FIG. 50B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 50A at a second instant in the sequence.#3571575 077054-0000495

[0070] FIG. 50C is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 50A at a third instant in the sequence.

[0071] FIG. 50D is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 50A at a fourth instant in the sequence.

[0072] FIG. 51 A is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 12 magazine taken along line 19-19 in FIG, 13 showing the FIG, 25 follower latched at the bottom of the magazine,

[0073] FIG. 51 B is the view of the FIG. 12 magazine from FIG, 51 A showing the FIG. 25 follower unlatched from the bottom of the magazine.

[0074] FIG. 52 is a graph showing trigger pull characteristics of the FIG. 1 pistol.

[0075] FIG. 53A is side elevational view of the FIG. 1 pistol at a first instant In a sequence of preparing the pistol to operate.

[0076] FIG. 53B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG, 53A In a second instant in the sequence.

[0077] FIG. 53C is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 53A in a third instant in the sequence.

[0078] FIG. 53D is the view of the FIG, 1 pistol from FIG. 53A in a fourth instant in the sequence.

[0079] FIG. 54A is a partially exposed view of the FIG. 1 pistol showing a trigger bar and a sear from the FIG. 11 trigger assembly in a first instant of a sequence as the trigger is pulled.

[0080] FIG. 54B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 54A in a second instant in the sequence.

[0081] FIG. 54C is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 54A in a third instant in the sequence.

[0082] FIG. 55A is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6, showing the FIG. 11 trigger mechanism in a first instant in a release sequence.

[0083] FIG. 55 B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 55A in a second instant in the sequence.#3571575 077054-0000496

[0084] FIG. 56A is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6, showing a jet valve from the FIG. 28 bolt in a first instant of a closing sequence.

[0085] FIG. 56B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 56A in a second instant in the sequence.

[0086] FIG. 57 A is a cross-sectional view of the FIG, 1 pistol, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6, showing the FIG. 50A lockout arm at a first instant in an activation sequence.

[0087] FIG. 57B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 57A in a second instant in the sequence.

[0088] FIG. 58A is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6, showing the FIG. 50A lockout arm at a first instant during a stroke sequence.

[0089] FIG. 58B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 58A in a second instant in the sequence.

[0090] FIG. 59A is cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6, showing the FIG. 54A trigger bar and sear at a first instant during a firing sequence.

[0091] FIG. 59B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 59A in a second instant in the sequence.

[0092] FIG. 60A is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6, showing the FIG. 32 hammer at a first instant in a release sequence.

[0093] FIG. 60B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 60A in a second instant in the sequence.

[0094] FIG. 61A is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6, showing the FIG. 28 bolt at a first instant during a stoke sequence.

[0095] FIG. 61 B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 61 A in a second instant in the sequence.

[0096] FIG. 61C is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 61 A in a third instant in the sequence.

[0097] FIG. 62A is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 pistol, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6, showing the FIG. 11 trigger assembly at a first instant during a reset sequence.#3571575 077054-0000497

[0098] FIG. 62B is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 62A in a second instant in the sequence.

[0099] FIG. 62C is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 62A in a third instant in the sequence.

[0100] FIG. 62D is the view of the FIG. 1 pistol from FIG. 62A in a fourth instant in the sequence.

[0101] FIG. 63 is a side elevation view of a rifle according to one example,

[0102] FIG. 64 is a top plan view of a barrel assembly used in the FIG. 63 rifle including an inner barrel and an outer barrel.

[0103] FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 64 barrel assembly taken along line 65-65 in FIG. 64.

[0104] FIG. 66 is an exploded perspective view of the FIG. 64 barrel assembly.

[0105] FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a detent assembly used in the FIG. 64 barrel assembly.

[0106] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a barrel seal used in the FIG. 64 barrel assembly.

[0107] FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a top component in a hop-up cylinder used in the FIG. 64 barrel assembly.

[0108] FIG. 70 is a bottom component in the FIG. 64 hop-up cylinder used in the FIG. 64 barrel assembly.

[0109] FIG. 71 is an enlarged perspective view of the FIG. 64 inner barrel.

[0110] FIG. 72 is an enlarged perspective view of the FIG. 64 inner barrel with the FIG. 67 detent assembly attached.

[0111] FIG. 73 is an enlarged perspective of the FIG. 64 inner barrel with the FIG. 67 detent assembly and the FIG. 68 barrel seal attached.

[0112] FIG. 74 is an enlarged perspective of the FIG. 64 inner barrel with the FIG. 67 detent assembly, the FIG. 68 barrel seal, and the FIG. 69 top component attached.

[0113] FIG. 75 is an enlarged perspective of the FIG. 64 inner barrel with the FIG. 67 detent assembly, the FIG. 68 barrel seal, the FIG. 69 top component, and the FIG. 70 bottom component attached.#3571575 077054-0000498

[0114] FIG. 76 is an enlarged perspective view of the FIG. 64 inner barrel with the FIG. 64 outer barrel attached.

[0115] FIG. 77 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the FIG. 64 barrel assembly taken along line 65-65 in FIG. 64.

[0116] FIG. 78 is a side elevation view of the FIG. 12 magazine.FIG. 79 Is a cross-sectional view of the FIG, 12 magazine taken along line 79-79 in FIG. 78.DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

[0117] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the claimed 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 claimed invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the claimed invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the claimed invention relates. One embodiment of the claimed 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 claimed invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0118] 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 “left”, “right", "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.

[0119] Throughout the disclosure, references to Glock 19 or other conventional pistol or variants thereof are meant as illustrative, for convenience of example, and for discussion purposes only and should not be limiting. Further, for ease of understanding, throughout the disclosure, the variant Glock 19 will be#3571575 077054-0000499mentioned as the one, non-limiting, non-exhaustive example of a conventional weapon for Glock 19 and its variants instead of specifically mentioning each pistol design individually.

[0120] Throughout the disclosure the use of the term non-lethal projectile(s) is defined as a non-lethal object propelled through the air by the non-lethal gas- operated pistol, non-limiting, non-exhaustive listings of examples of non-lethal projectile(s) may include non-lethal round(s), BB(s), paintball(s), or the like.Throughout the disclosure, the term “round” is used interchangeably with “non-lethal projectile.”

[0121] Most conventional non-lethal gas-operated pistols operate at a lower pressure and as a result, require additional components for proper operation of the conventional non-lethal gas-operated pistols. Further, most are inefficient in their management and usage of the gas.

[0122] As detailed below, a non-lethal gas-operated pistol is disclosed that maintains the proper basic operation of the pistol by sufficiently pressurizing the chamber of the pistol and efficiently using gas. The disclosed non-lethal gas- operated pistol may provide users with similar look-and-feel and experience of use of a real pistol (such as the Glock 19) in most respects, however fires non-lethal projectiles instead of live ammunition.

[0123] The disclosed non-lethal gas-operated pistol uses pressure-regulated carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas, detailed below, to fire non-lethal projectiles facilitated by a gas operating system that moves sufficient mass when the pistol cycles so that users experience a recoil or “kick" motion similar to, for example, the conventional live-fire Glock 19. It should be noted that a gas operating system serves the purpose of simulating pistol recoil through moving mass, but most importantly, also cycles the pistol to chamber a new round through the pistol’s action.

[0124] Recoil in a conventional live-fire pistol is the reaction of the pistol to the expression of energy generated in the barrel of the pistol firing a round and expelling that round from the muzzle. Recoil is a result of conservation of momentum, i.e., the force required to accelerate the bullet evokes an equal but opposite reaction force exerted by the pistol. However, the mass and velocity, and thus the amount of energy, of a non-lethal round is substantially less than a conventional bullet accelerated to supersonic velocity. The disclosed non-lethal gas-#3571575 077054-00004910operated pistol simulates more recoil than is generated by accelerating the round by moving masses within the pistol.

[0125] Simulation of similar recoil to a conventional live-fire Glock 19 makes the disclosed non-lethal gas-operated pistol a more useful training tool, as the recoil generated by firing a conventional live-fire Glock 19 generally generates sufficient force to move the pistol, requiring the shooter to aim the pistol between each shot to stay on target. Simulating similar recoil is useful in training shooters using a less lethal tool that can be used with less risk of injury and potentially at a reduced cost per shot.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, a unique non-lethal pistol 100 has been developed. Pistol 100 is an airsoft, paintball, or other type of non-lethal pistol that generally mimics the feel of a traditional firearm. As shown, pistol 100 generally includes a frame 110, a trigger 132, a magazine 170, a magazine release 330, a barrel assembly 370, and a slide 410. Frame 110 includes a trigger guard 112 extending around trigger 132. Magazine 170 generally inserts into frame 110, Magazine release 330 secures magazine 170 in place in frame 110. Slide 410 is movably attached on a top side of frame 110. Barrel assembly 370 is positioned within slide 410.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10, the various parts of pistol 100 are illustrated. FIGS. 9A and 9B show a cross-sectional view of pistol 100. FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of pistol 100. In FIG. 9A, magazine 170 is illustrated with a cannister 290 and a plurality of rounds 292. Cannister 290 is filled with compressed air that is used to discharge rounds 292 from pistol 100. Frame 110 defines a magazine well 114 that receives magazine 170. In FIG. 9B, pistol 100 is illustrated without cannister 290 and rounds 292 in magazine 170.

[0128] Pistol 100 further includes a trigger assembly 130, a bolt 416, a hammer 440, and a spring assembly 480. Trigger assembly 130 is positioned in frame 110. Trigger assembly 130 transfers force from trigger 132 to other parts of pistol 100. Bolt 416 is positioned in slide 410 and is movable within slide 410.Hammer 440 is operatively coupled to trigger assembly 130 and interacts with slide 410. Spring assembly 480 is positioned in frame 110 and is operatively connected to slide 410. Further, barrel assembly 370 includes a barrel 374. Bolt 416 is aligned with barrel 374 within slide 410. Magazine 170 defines an exit flow path 212 to allow#3571575 077054-00004911gas to flow out of magazine 170 when discharging pistol 100. Bolt 416 defines an inlet flow path 214 to receive gas from magazine 170. When magazine 170 is fully seated, exit flow path 212 aligns with and seals against inlet flow path 214.

[0129] In certain embodiments, the barrel assembly 370 is configured to float relative to the frame 110 within a defined range of movement, rather than being rigidly fixed to the frame 110, The barrel 374 is retained within the slide 410 and permitted limited translational or rotational movement relative to the frame 110 during operation. This floating arrangement allows the barrel 374 to self-align during the firing cycle, reducing binding and stress concentrations that may otherwise result from manufacturing tolerances or repeated use. The floating design of barrel 374 may also simplify assembly and disassembly procedures and enhance consistency of projectile trajectory across a range of environmental conditions.

[0130] FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of trigger assembly 130. Trigger assembly 130 generally includes trigger 132, a lockout arm 136, a chassis 142, a trigger bar 144, a sear 150, a hammer lever 154, and hammer 440. Trigger 132 allows a user to discharge pistol 100. Trigger 132 includes a safety 134 that blocks accidental discharge of pistol 100, Lockout bar 136 is operatively coupled to hammer lever 154. Lockout bar 136 includes a pin 138 that engages hammer lever 154, Chassis 142 provides support for and partially encloses portions of trigger assembly 130, such as lockout arm 136, sear 150, and hammer lever 154. Trigger bar 144 transfers force from trigger 132 to sear 150. Sear 150 is operatively coupled to trigger bar 144 and hammer 440. Sear 150 engages hammer 440 when trigger 132 is actuated. Sear 150 includes a sear boss 152. Trigger bar 144 is configured to engage sear boss 152 on sear 150. Hammer lever 154 is operatively coupled to hammer 440 and lockout arm 136. Hammer lever 154 is used to control the release of pressurized gas from magazine 170. Hammer lever 154 defines a notch 155 that receives pin 138 on lockout arm 136.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15, magazine 170 is illustrated. Magazine 170 is optionally configured to replicate the size and shape of a live fire magazine. In the illustrated example, magazine 170 replicates the size and shape of a Glock 19 magazine. Magazine 170 includes a top portion 174 and a bottom portion 240. Top portion 174 and bottom portion 240 are detachably coupled to one another. Top portion 174 includes a top frame 176. Top frame 176 forms the structure of top#3571575 077054-00004912portion 174 and encloses parts of top portion 174. Top portion 174 further includes a lip 178 and nubs 182. Lip 178 is positioned on a top side of top portion 174 and is configured to partially retain round 292. Top portion 174 defines an opening 179 beneath lip 178. Nubs 182 extend from top portion 174 and interact with magazine release 330 to secure magazine 170 in frame 110 as described below. Bottom portion 240 includes a bottom frame 242. Bottom frame 242 forms the structure of bottom portion 240 and encloses parts of bottom portion 240. Bottom portion 240 further includes a bottom plate 244 positioned on a bottom side of bottom portion 240.

[0132] Top portion 174 further defines one or more slots 186. Bottom portion 240 includes one or more tabs 266. Tabs 266 and slots 186 interact to form a twist lock structure to couple top portion 174 to bottom portion 240. Bottom portion 246 further includes a lock pin 246 that selectively engages a recess in top portion 174 (not illustrated) to selectively block rotation of top portion 174 relative to bottom portion 240 (thereby selectively locking top portion 174 to bottom portion 240 via the twist lock structure).

[0133] Magazine 170 defines a channel 184 extending through top portion 174 and bottom portion 240. Magazine 170 stores rounds 292 in channel 184, Magazine 170 further includes a follower 250 and a spring 262 positioned in channel 184. Follower 250 supports rounds 292 within channel 184. Spring 252 biases follower 250 and rounds 292 toward the top of magazine 170.

[0134] Bottom portion 240 defines a recess 264. Recess 264 receives cannister 290. Recess 264 extends through bottom frame 242 to botom plate 244.(0135] FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 19 illustrate additional components of top portion 174. As shown, top portion 174 includes a regulator 192 and a poppet valve 198. Top portion 174 defines a cannister receptacle 190 to receive cannister 290. Cannister receptacle 190 includes threads 191 configured to receive corresponding threads on cannister 290. Top portion 174 further defines an enclosed cavity 188. Regulator 192 controls the pressure of gas that passes through regulator 192 from cannister 290 into enclosed cavity 188. Enclosed cavity 188 defines an internal volume that acts as an accumulator for regulated pressurized gas. Regulator 192 includes a pierce tip 194. Pierce tip 194 is configured to pierce cannister 290 and create a path for gas to flow into regulator 192.#3571575 077054-00004913

[0136] Poppet valve 198 controls the release of pressurized air from enclosed cavity 188 in magazine 170. Poppet valve 198 includes a button 200, a neck 202, a plug 204, a valve body 206, and a spring 208. Button 200, neck 202, and plug 204 are formed from a single piece in the illustrated embodiment. Plug 204 is positioned between button 200 and neck 202. Plug 204 has a smaller thickness than button 200 and a larger thickness than neck 202. Spring 208 biases button 200 and plug 204 against valve body 206 to keep poppet valve 198 normally closed.

[0137] Further, top portion 174 defines a slot 177. Slot 177 is an opening for part of follower 250 to extend through when follower 250 slides to the top end of channel 184.

[0138] FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 illustrate additional components of bottom portion 240. As shown, bottom portion 240 further includes a latch 248 positioned in channel 184 below follower 250 and spring 262. Follower 250 includes two prongs 252 that define a channel 254. Follower 250 is configured to support rounds 292 In channel 184 on prongs 252 and / or in channel 254 (depending on whether rounds are in a single stack or double stack configuration). Follower 250 further includes a push tab 256, a clip 258, and a slide stop 260. Push tab 256 allows a user to manually move follower 250 along channel 184. Clip 258 and latch 248 interact to secure follower 250 in place within channel 184 against the force of spring 268. Slide stop 260 limits movement of slide 410 when follower 250 reaches the top of magazine 170. When follower 250 reaches the top end of channel 164, slide stop 260 extends through slot 177 on top portion 174.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, regulator 192 is configured to filter air from cannister 290. Pierce tip 194 on regulator 192 includes a filter 196. Filter 196 partially includes a sloped surface on pierce tip 194.

[0140] FIGS, 25, 26, and 27 illustrate magazine release 330. Magazine release 330 includes multiple tabs 334 and multiple pads 342. Tabs 334 interact with nubs 182 on magazine 170 to secure magazine 170 in place in frame 110. Each tab 334 defines a sloped surface 338. Sloped surfaces 338 facilitate moving tabs 334 out of the way of nubs 182 when sliding magazine 170 into magazine well 114. Pads 342 are positioned on either lateral side of magazine release 330. Pads 342 provide a place for the user to push magazine release 330 to the side to disengage tabs 334 from nubs 182 to release magazine 170 from frame 110.#3571575 077054-00004914

[0141] FIGS. 28, 29, 30, and 31 illustrate slide 410 and bolt 416. Bolt 416 is received within slide 410 and is laterally movable withing slide 410. As shown, bolt 416 includes a pin 415, a bolt plug 418, a pin 419, springs 420 and 421, and a jet valve 422. Bolt plug 418 is slidable within the body of bolt 416. One end of spring 420 is secured to bolt plug 418 via pin 419 and the other end of spring 420 is secured to bolt 416 via pin 415. Spring 420 biases bolt plug 418 toward the interior of bolt 416. Jet valve 422 controls the flow of pressurized air in bolt 416. Spring 421 interacts with jet valve 422 and biases jet valve 422 away from a shoulder 417 (shown in later FIGs) on bolt 416 to keep jet valve 422 normally open. Bolt 416 further includes a protrusion 424. Protrusion 424 extends on a front side of bolt 416 and is shaped to assist in striping round 292 from magazine 170 as described below.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, hammer 440 defines a cam 442 and includes a knuckle 444. Cam 442 is operatively coupled to trigger assembly 130 and magazine 170. Knuckle 444 is shaped to Interact with parts of slide 410 as slide 410 resets hammer 440 during operation of pistol 100. As shown, knuckle 444 is configured to be selectively removed and replaced using a mounting screw as knuckle 444 may experience more wear than other portions of hammer 440.

[0143] FIGS. 34A, 34B and 35 illustrate parts of barrel assembly 370. As shown, barrel assembly 370 includes barrel 374, a barrel block 378, and a detent 382. Barrel block 378 attaches to barrel 374 and secures barrel 374 in place in pistol 100. Barrel block 378 Includes ramps 379 and breach 380. As discussed below, ramps 379 guide rounds to breach 380 during loading. Barrel 374 defines holes 376. Holes 376 are positioned on both lateral sides of barrel 374. Detent 382 attaches to barrel 374 with portions of detent 382 extending through holes 376 into the inside of barrel 374 to interact with round 292 during discharge. Detent 382 is configured to be selectively removed and replaced from barrel 376 as detent 382 may experience more wear than other portions of barrel assembly 370.

[0144] As shown, barrel block 378 includes a ramp 379 and a breech 380. Ramp 379 is positioned on the rear of barrel block 378 and on both lateral sides of barrel block 378. Breech 380 is positioned on the rear of barrel block 378 is configured to receive bolt 416 during the operation of pistol 100.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, spring assembly 480 includes a spring 482, a guide rod 484, a sleeve 488, a bumper 490, and a washer 492. Spring 482#3571575 077054-00004915extends along and around guide rod 484. Sleeve 488 fits around a portion of guide rod 484 and stops spring 482 from sliding off one end of guide rod 484. Bumper 490 is positioned around a portion of guide rod 484 and positioned between sleeve 488 and a portion of guide rod 484. Bumper 490 is made of a resilient material such as rubber or a similar elastomeric high durometer material. The system is configured such that washer 492 impacts bumper 490 each firing cycle, and the abrupt impact against bumper 490 increases the user’s perception of both recoil and resultant muzzle rise.

[0146] Washer 492 is positioned on an end of spring 482 that is opposite sleeve 488. Washer 492 defines an opening 494 that receives guide rod 484. As shown guide rod 484 includes multiple ridges 486 that extend along the length of guide rod 484. Washer 492 further defines multiple channels 496 that receive ridges 486. Washer 492 and ridges 486 interact to block rotation of washer 492 and spring 482 relative to guide rod 484 while moving along guide rod 484. In addition, ridges 486 limit side shifts of spring 482 during movement. This has been identified as improving the smoothness associated with racking the slide and improves shot to shot constancy.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, the assembly of top portion 174 and bottom portion 240 is shown. FIG. 38 illustrates top portion 174 rotated relative to bottom portion 240 such that tabs 266 align with slots 186. FIG. 39 illustrates gas canister 290 coupled to top portion 174 and extending into recess 264 in bottom portion 240. Gas canister 290 can act as an alignment pin, aligning bottom portion 240 with top portion 174 so that tabs 266 align with slots 186, while permitting twisting of top portion 174 relative to bottom portion 240 to lock tabs 266 into slots 186.

[0148] FIG. 40 illustrates magazine 170 with follower 250 positioned at the top of channel 184 with slide stop 260 extending through opening 177 in top frame 176.

[0149] FIG. 41 illustrates magazine 170 with rounds in channel 184. Lip 178 blocks the top round 292 from exiting from the top or side of the top of channel 184.

[0150] FIGS. 42, 43A, 43B, 43C and 43D illustrate the magazine release mechanism. Specifically, the interaction between magazine release 330 and nubs 182 on magazine 170. FIG. 42 illustrates a cross-sectional view of pistol 100 taken#3571575 077054-00004916through nubs 182 and tabs 334. FIG. 43A shows the configuration when inserting magazine 170, with sloped surface 228 interacting with the corresponding slope surface on tab 338. Vertically moving magazine 170 upward results in magazine release 330 moving to the right, allowing nubs 182 to pass around tabs 334. FIG. 43B illustrates tabs 334 positioned below nubs 182. In this condition, magazine release 330 secures magazine 170 in position within magazine well 114. FIG.43C illustrates releasing magazine 170 by a user moving magazine release 330 to the left so that tabs 334 are not aligned with nubs 182 and magazine 170 can be removed from magazine well 114. FIG. 43D illustrates releasing magazine 170 by moving magazine release 330 to the right so that tabs 334 are not aligned with nubs 182 and magazine 170 can be removed from magazine well 114.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 44-47, bolt 416 is illustrated in relation to slide 410. Bolt pins 428 retain bolt 416 in slide 410 while permitting limited linear movement of bolt 416 relative to slide 410. The position shown in FIG. 45 defines the limit of forward movement of bolt 416 relative to slide 410. This is also the only position in which bolt pins 428 can be inserted or removed. The position shown in FIG. 47 defines the limit of rearward movement of bolt 416 relative to slide 410. In each position, bolt pins 428 define hard stops for bolt 416 relative to slide 410.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 48A-48F, a round loading sequence is illustrated. In FIG. 48A, bolt 416 is illustrated in a retracted position beginning to accelerate toward breech 380. In FIG. 48B bolt 416 has moved to the right with protrusion 424 pushing round 292 against lip 178, which pushes round 292 down into opening 179 positioned below lip 178. In FIG. 48C, round 292 has exited through opening 179 and is being pushed onto ramp 379 by protrusion 424. In FIG. 48D, round 292 is being pushed up ramp 379. In FIG. 48E, round 292 is entering breech 380. In FIG.48F, round 292 is fully seating Inside barrel 374 against detents 382.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 49A-49E, these illustrate the resetting of hammer 440 by slide 410.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 50A-50D, these illustrate lockout arm 136 not being reset by slide 410 through the range of motion of slide 410 nearly to the end.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 51 A and 51 B, these images illustrate the use of clip 258 to retain spring 262 in a compressed condition to allow reloading magazine 170. In FIG. 51 A, clip 258 is engaged with latch 248, with spring 262 compressed under#3571575 077054-00004917follower 250. In this condition, channel 184 can be loaded with round 292 while follower 250 is retained in position. In FIG. 52A, clip 258 is disengaged from latch 248, releasing spring 262 to push follower 250 up channel 184 against any rounds located in channel 184. Magazine 170 can be reloaded by manually moving follower 250 down channel 184 against spring 262 until clip 258 engages with latch 248. Magazine 170 can then be opened using the twist lock mechanism described above. Cannister 290 can be replaced and rounds can be positioned within channel 184. Magazine 170 can then be reattached using the twist lock mechanism and follower 250 can be released to bias rounds 292 upward by releasing clip 258 from latch 248.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 52, in an effort to make pistol 100 as realistic as possible for training, the trigger puli characteristics of pistol 100 mimic the trigger pull characteristics of a Glock 19 pistol.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 54A, pistol 100 is shown at the state in which trigger 132 has been pulled to the point that the firing sequence is initiated. Referring to FIG. 54B, trigger bar 144 presses on sear boss 152, unlatching hammer 440 and initiating a firing event. FIG. 54C illustrates hammer 440 rotated to its fired position. FIG. 55A shows the same timeframe as FIG. 54B in that sear 150 is unlatched with hammer 440 illustrated at its starting, cocked position. In FIG. 55B, hammer 440 has completed its rotation and pressed hammer lever 154 against button 200, depressing button 200. At this point, poppet valve 198 releases the pressurized gas in enclosed cavity 188 and the firing process has begun.

[0158] FIG. 56A illustrates jet valve 422 in its initial, open position. Jet valve 422 functions as a check valve. Initial gas discharged through poppet valve 198 into barrel 374 both accelerates the round out of pistol 100 and pressurizes the rearward component to start moving the slide and bolt rearward. As the round accelerates down barrel 374, pressure on the right side of jet valve 422 reduces and pressure on the left side of jet valve 422 which moves jet valve 422 to the right to the position shown in FIG. 56B where jet valve 422 seals against shoulder 417 on bolt 416. Gas discharged through poppet valve 198 now accumulates to the left of jet valve 422, which results in additional rearward motion of the bolt and slide assembly as described below.

[0159] Referring to FIGs. 57A and 57B, the operation of lockout arm 136 is illustrated. FIG. 57A illustrates the condition of the trigger mechanism in the fired#3571575 077054-00004918position and hammer 440 depressing button 200. Pin 138 on lockout arm 136 is positioned outside of notch 155 on hammer lever 154. Approximately 2 milliseconds after the condition shown in FIG. 57A, lockout arm 136 moves upward positioning pin 138 in notch 155, which holds hammer lever 154 against button 200, with poppet valve 198 open, when hammer 440 is later reset.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 58A, this view is taken at a mid-point of the pressurized stoke. Note that lockout arm 136 and pin 138 are holding hammer lever 154 against button 200, with poppet valve 198 open and hammer 440 moving toward being reset.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 58B, this view is taken near the end of the pressurized stroke. Further motion will reset the lockout arm 136, removing pin 138 from holding hammer lever 154 against button 200, which will close poppet valve 198.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 59A, this view shows the trigger pressed and trigger bar 144 in a fired position with the sear rotated to a “ready to latch” position.

[0163] FIG. 59B shows the sear reset.

[0164] FIG. 60A shows lockout arm 136 securing hammer lever 154 holding poppet valve 198 open.

[0165] FIG. 60B shows lockout arm 136 released by slide 410. Hammer lever 154 is released and poppet valve 198 is in a closed, sealed position.

[0166] FIG. 61A shows after lockout arm 136 is reset by slide 410, bolt 416 moves reward, unseating inlet 214 from outlet 212. Any residual pressure is vented to atmosphere at this point. Momentum of the slide assembly carries the slide assembly through its full stroke.

[0167] FIG. 61 B shows the full stroke of slide 410 with bolt plug 418 fully extended from bolt 416.

[0168] FIG. 61C shows bolt plug 418 retracted into bolt 416 with bolt 416 fully retracted. Since internal pressure has been released, jet valve 422 returns to its open position, away from shoulder 417.

[0169] FIG. 62A shows pistol 100 with slide 410 in battery, with trigger 132 still depressed from the prior firing event.

[0170] FIG. 62B shows after trigger 132 is released, the trigger spring rotates trigger bar 144 upward back into its ready to fire position.#3571575 077054-00004919[0171 J F G. 62C shows after trigger 132 is released, trigger safety 134 moves forward into its “safe” position.

[0172] FIG. 62D shows the final resting position of trigger 132 and trigger bar 144.

[0173] Pistol 100 is configured to use an 8g CO2 cylinder as cannister 290. Pistol 100 is configured to provide 15 high powered shots throughout an operating temperature range of 40 degrees F to 120 degrees F. Pistol 100 is also configured to move significantly more mass than other air pistols on the market. The combined mass of the slide assembly, the barrel assembly and the guide rod assembly (which all move each shot) is approximately 432 grams. Current airsoft pistols have a moving mass between 100 and 200 grams. Regulator 192 regulates a 550 psi operating pressure for pistol 100. Regulator 192 is important for providing stable performance across a broad temperature range, as the pressure in the CO2 cylinder varies both with temperature and percentage fill. Regulator 192 also provides consistent mass of gas per shot across different temperatures and different percentage fill of the canister. The disclosed pistol 100 is configured to fire 8mm rounds at between 300 fps and 333 fps.

[0174] The principles of the non-lethal gas-operated pistol 100 barrel assembly, particularly the detent-based round retention via detent 382 extending through holes 376 in barrel 374, can be scaled and adapted to longer-barrel platforms such as non-lethal gas-operated rifles. For example, in a rifle embodiment, the pistol's detent retention mechanism, which controls the initial position of round 292 within barrel 374 to provide consistent chambering and discharge, can be also be used to address challenges in rifle designs. This adaptation accommodates longer barrels typical of rifles (e.g,, 14.5 inches or more), providing a training tool that mimics live-fire rifles like the M4 or variants thereof

[0175] Referring to FIGS. 63 through xxx, an exemplary non-lethal gas- operated rifle 500 incorporates a redesigned barrel assembly 502 that incorporates some of the pistol’s barrel features described above. Rifle 500 includes a lower receiver 504, a bolt carrier (not shown for clarity), and barrel assembly 502 positioned within an upper receiver 506. Barrel assembly 502 comprises an outer barrel 508, an inner barrel 510, a hop-up cylinder 512, and a detent assembly 514 for round retention. Unlike some conventional rifle barrels that rely on crimping for#3571575 077054-00004920round support, which can increase assembly time and costs, barrel assembly 502 eliminates crimping by using a detent-based retention system analogous to the pistol’s detent 382. This can reduce part count and manufacturing complexity while fixing inner barrel shift, a potential Issue where the inner barrel moves rearward during cycling, leading to inconsistent alignment.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 64, Inner barrel 510 can be formed from seamless precision 6061 tubing optionally with anodization, such as a PTFE-infused Type III anodization, for low friction and durability. Inner barrel 510 features a control bore section 516 of approximately 8 inches (nominal inner diameter approximately 8.03 mm for 8 mm rounds) with a high surface finish, for example, 0.2 Ra, to optimize round stability. The remaining length of inner barrel 510 transitions to a clearance bore section 518 (nominal inner diameter approximately 8.30 mm for 8 mm rounds) with a less critical surface finish, for example, 0.8 Ra, which can be gun-drilled without reaming to reduce costs. This hybrid bore design limits tight tolerances to the essential proximal section, which can improve muzzle velocity consistency (e.g., reducing spread in longer barrels) while allowing tolerance expansion in the distal portion. Barrel seal 520, aligned with detent assembly 514, provides a gas-tight interface similar to the pistol’s barrel block 378 and breech 380,

[0177] The detent assembly 514, adapted from the pistol’s detent 382, includes two side detents 522 that extend through lateral holes 524 in inner barrel 510, to control the initial position of a non-lethal round 526 (e g., an 8 mm round). Detents 522 are snap-fit into place to prevent misalignment during assembly. This positions round 526 consistently at the detent interface rather than variably at a bucking or crimp point, which can enhance accuracy and reducing the variability seen in some prior rifle designs. In the detailed view of FIG. 66, hop-up cylinder 512 integrates with inner barrel 510 via top and bottom components 530 and 532, where toes 534 on bottom component 532 snap into recesses 536 on top component 530. This can improve the hop-up durability by distributing forces more evenly, extending component life during high-cycle training. An O-ring 538 installed radially around barrel seal 520 compresses behind detents 522, requiring greater force to push round 526 past the detent interface. Set screw 540 torqued against outer barrel 508 constrains movement of the assembly.#3571575 077054-00004921

[0178] Referring to FIGS. 78 and 79, the magazine includes an optimized feed system a feed opening geometry and a double-to-single stack transition region 172. The follower 250 is configured to promote reliable feeding of projectiles (i.e. rounds 292) such as spherical BBs, including both non-marking and marking variants. As shown, the bottom portion 240 is configured to retain the rounds 292 in a double-stack arrangement and the top portion defines the transition region 172 that transitions from the double-stack configuration to a single-stack configuration terminating at the feed opening. The transition region 172 includes internal guide surfaces 177 shaped to direct rounds 292 from the double-stack arrangement into single-file alignment as the rounds 292 advance toward the feed opening. As shown in FIGS. 20 through 22, the follower 250 includes a geometry configured to maintain consistent upward pressure on the projectile stack (i.e. rounds 292) and to interface with the guide surfaces 177 such that the lowermost projectiles are guided smoothly into single-stack alignment. The feed opening is dimensioned and positioned to present each projectile at an optimal angle and location for engagement during the feeding cycle, thereby reducing the likelihood of jams, double-feeds, or failure to feed.

[0179] While the present disclosure 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 a preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the claimed invention 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.

[0180] The language used in the claims and the written description and in the above definitions is to only have its plain and ordinary meaning, except for terms explicitly defined above. 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.

Claims

#3571575 077054-00004922CLAIMS1. A magazine for a non-lethal gas-operated pistol, the magazine configured to contain a carbon dioxide (CO2) cannister and a plurality of non-lethal rounds, the magazine comprising:a top portion including a top frame defining a cannister receptacle configured to receive the gas cannister, a regulator positioned within the top frame and configured to regulate pressure of gas from the gas cannister into an enclosed cavity defined by the top frame that acts as an accumulator for regulated pressurized gas, and a poppet valve positioned within the top frame and configured to control release of pressurized gas from the enclosed cavity, the poppet valve including a button, a plug, and a spring biasing the button and plug against the valve body to maintain the poppet valve in a normally closed position;a bottom portion detachably coupled to the top portion via a twist-lock structure including one or more slots defined by either the top portion or bottom portion and one or more tabs extending from other of the top portion or bottom portion that engage the slots upon relative rotation of the top and bottom portions;a channel extending through the top and bottom portions and configured to store the plurality of non-lethal rounds; anda follower and a follower spring positioned within the channel, the follower supporting the plurality of non-lethal rounds and the follower spring biasing the follower and rounds toward the top portion.

2. The magazine of claim 1, further comprising a lock pin positioned on one of the top portion or the bottom portion and selectively engaging a recess in the other of the top portion or bottom portion to block rotation of the top portion relative to the bottom portion and thereby selectively lock the twist-lock structure.

3. The magazine of claim 1, wherein the cannister receptacle includes threads configured to threadably receive corresponding threads on the gas cannister, and the bottom portion defines a recess extending through a bottom frame thereof to receive a portion of the gas cannister extending from the top portion when the top and bottom portions are coupled.#3571575 077054-000049234. The magazine of claim 3, wherein the gas cannister acts as an alignment pin to align the one or more tabs of the bottom portion with the one or more slots of the top portion during coupling of the top and bottom portions.

5. The magazine of claim 1, wherein the top portion further includes a lip positioned on a top side thereof and configured to partially retain a topmost non-lethal round within the channel, and defines an opening beneath the lip through which the topmost non-lethal round is configured to exit the channel during loading into the pistol.

6. The magazine of claim 5, wherein the follower includes two prongs defining a channel therebetween, the prongs configured to support the plurality of non-lethal rounds in a single stack or double stack configuration within the channel of the magazine.

7. The magazine of claim 1, wherein the follower is configured to allow manual movement of the follower along the channel of the magazine, wherein the follower further comprises a clip configured to selectively engage a latch in the bottom portion to secure the follower against the bias of the follower spring for reloading.

8. The magazine of claim 7, wherein the magazine is configured to be reloaded by manually compressing the follower spring until the clip engages the latch, opening the twist-lock structure to access the channel, inserting the plurality of non-lethal rounds into the channel, re-coupling the top and bottom portions via the twist-lock structure, and releasing the clip from the latch to bias the rounds upward.

9. The magazine of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the magazine further comprises a slide stop configured to extend through a slot in the top frame when the follower reaches a top end of the channel to limit movement of a slide of the pistol.

10. The magazine of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the poppet valve is configured such that depression of the button by a hammer lever of the pistol releases#3571575 077054-00004924pressurized gas from the enclosed cavity through an exit flow path defined by the top portion, the exit flow path configured to align with and seal against an inlet flow path defined by a bolt of the pistol when the magazine is fully seated in a magazine well of the pistol.

11. The magazine of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the regulator is configured to regulate the pressurized gas from the carbon dioxide (CO2) cannister to an operating pressure of approximately 550 pounds per square inch (psi) in the enclosed cavity.

12. The magazine of claim 11, wherein the magazine is configured to deliver at least 15 shots of the non-lethal projectiles at a velocity between 300 feet per second (fps) and 333 fps using an 8-gram CO2 cannister.

13. The magazine of claim 11, wherein the regulator is configured to maintain the operating pressure of approximately 550 psi across an operating temperature range of 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

14. The magazine of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the magazine replicates the size and shape of a Glock 19 magazine.

15. A non-lethal gas-operated pistol that fires a non-lethal projectile, the pistol comprising:a frame;a slide movably coupled to the frame;a barrel assembly positioned within the slide;a guide rod assembly positioned in the frame and operatively connected to the slide;wherein a combined moving mass of the slide, the barrel assembly, and the guide rod assembly during a firing cycle is at least 400 grams to produce a recoil force and muzzle rise simulating that of a live-fire handgun; anda gas system configured to propel the non-lethal projectile from the barrel assembly using pressurized gas, thereby cycling the slide to simulate the recoil.#3571575 077054-0000492516. The pistol of claim 15, wherein the combined moving mass is approximately 432 grams.

17. The pistol of claim 16, wherein the guide rod assembly further comprises:a guide rod;a spring extending around the guide rod;a washer positioned at an end of the spring opposite the guide rod; and a resilient bumper positioned to be impacted by the washer during each firing cycle.

18. The pistol of claim 17, wherein the guide rod includes a plurality of longitudinal ridges extending along its length, and the washer includes a plurality of channels configured to receive the ridges to prevent rotation of the spring relative to the guide rod during the firing cycle.

19. The pistol of claim 15 or 18, further comprising a magazine detachably coupled to the frame and configured to supply the non-lethal projectile and the pressurized gas to the gas system.

20. The pistol of claim 19, wherein the magazine comprises:a regulator configured to regulate the pressurized gas from a carbon dioxide (CO2) cannister to an operating pressure of approximately 550 pounds per square inch (psi)21. The pistol of claim 20, wherein the magazine further defines an enclosed cavity acting as an accumulator for the regulated pressurized gas.

22. The pistol of claim 21, wherein the magazine further includes a poppet valve biased to a closed position and configured to release the regulated pressurized gas from the enclosed cavity upon actuation by a hammer of a trigger assembly in the frame.#3571575 077054-0000492623. The pistol of claim 22, further comprising a lockout arm configured to hold the poppet valve open while the hammer is being reset after firing.

24. The pistol of claim 23, wherein the lockout arm is configured to be reset and release the poppet valve from rearward movement of the slide.

25. The pistol of claim 23, wherein the hammer is operatively coupled to a hammer lever, wherein actuation of the hammer rotates the hammer lever to actuate the poppet valve, thereby releasing the regulated pressurized gas into an inlet flow path of a bolt positioned within the slide.

26. The pistol of claim 25, wherein the bolt defines the inlet flow path configured to align with and seal against an exit flow path defined by the magazine when the magazine is fully seated in the frame, such that the released pressurized gas flows from the poppet valve through the aligned flow paths to propel the non-lethal projectile.

27. The pistol of claim 26, wherein the bolt further comprises a jet valve functioning as a check valve, the jet valve biased to an open position and configured to close in response to reduced pressure after the non-lethal projectile accelerates down the barrel assembly, thereby directing subsequent pressurized gas rearward to drive blowback of the slide and bolt for recoil simulation.

28. The pistol of claim 27, wherein the jet valve is biased open by a spring and seals against a shoulder within the bolt when closed, accumulating pressurized gas rearward of the jet valve to enhance rearward force on the slide and bolt during the firing cycle.

29. The pistol of claim 25, wherein during the firing cycle, forward movement of the slide and bolt strips the non-lethal projectile from the magazine using a protrusion on a front side of the bolt, guides the non-lethal projectile up ramps on a barrel block of the barrel assembly, and chambers the non-lethal projectile in the barrel assembly against a detent.#3571575 077054-0000492730. The pistol of claim 29, wherein rearward movement of the slide and bolt during blowback resets the hammer by compressing the hammer against a spring, and the lockout arm maintains the poppet valve open during this reset to ensure sufficient gas flow for completing the blowback.

31. The pistol of claim 30, wherein after the blowback, the guide rod assembly biases the slide forward to cycle a new non-lethal projectile into the barrel assembly, and the lockout arm is reset by engagement with the slide to release the hammer lever and close the poppet valve, sealing the enclosed cavity.

32. The pistol of claim 22, wherein the trigger assembly further comprises a trigger bar coupled to a sear that engages the hammer, and pulling a trigger rotates the sear via the trigger bar to release the hammer from a cocked position, initiating the firing cycle by striking the hammer lever.

33. The pistol of claim 32, wherein after firing, rearward slide movement rotates the sear to a ready-to-latch position, and releasing the trigger allows a trigger spring to rotate the trigger bar upward to re-engage the sear with the hammer for the next firing cycle.

34. The pistol of claim 25, wherein the poppet valve comprises a button, a neck, and a plug formed as a single piece, with a valve spring biasing the plug against a valve body to maintain the closed position, and the hammer lever depressing the button to overcome the valve spring bias and open the poppet valve,35. The pistol of claim 23, wherein the lockout arm includes a pin that engages a notch on the hammer lever approximately 2 milliseconds after hammer actuation to hold the poppet valve open, and rearward slide movement disengages the pin from the notch to allow the poppet valve to close under spring bias.

36. The pistol of claim 27, wherein the gas system is configured such that initial gas release from the poppet valve accelerates the non-lethal projectile and partially#3571575 077054-00004928pressurizes a rearward portion of the bolt, and subsequent gas accumulation behind the jet valve drives full blowback of the slide to simulate recoil without requiring a separate hammer reset mechanism.

37. The pistol of claim 33, wherein the operating system maintains consistent gas pressure across firing cycles via the regulator, providing at least 15 shots from an 8g CO2 cannister at velocities between 300 feet per second (fps) and 333 fps for 8mm non-lethal projectiles.38, The pistol of claim 30, wherein the operating system cycles the slide such that residual pressure in the bolt is vented to atmosphere upon unseating the inlet flow path from the exit flow path during rearward bolt movement, and momentum of the slide completes the full recoil stroke before forward return.

39. A non-lethal gas-operated firearm that fires a non-lethal projectile, the firearm comprising:a frame;a barrel assembly coupled to the frame, the barrel assembly comprising: a barrel defining a bore extending longitudinally therethrough and at least one hole extending laterally through a wall of the barrel and communicating with the bore; anda detent clip removably coupled to the barrel such that a portion of the detent clip extends through the at least one hole into the bore to selectively retain the non- lethal projectile positioned within the bore during operation of the firearm.40, The firearm of claim 39, wherein the detent clip is selectively removable from the barrel.

41. The firearm of claim 39, wherein the detent clip includes at least one resilient finger that extends through the at least one hole and into the bore to engage and retain the non-lethal projectile.#3571575 077054-0000492942. The firearm of claim 40, wherein the detent dip includes a snap-fit interface with the at least one hole.

43. The firearm of claim 40, wherein the detent clip includes two resilient fingers that extend through the at least one hole and a second hole laterally offset from the at least one hole and into the bore such that both resilient fingers simultaneously engage and retain the non-lethal projectile.

44. The firearm of claim 39, wherein the barrel assembly further includes a barrel block fixed to a rear end of the barrel, wherein the barrel block secures the detent clip in position extending through the at least one hole.

45. The firearm of claim 40, wherein the detent clip is clocked in a predetermined rotational orientation relative to the barrel to align the portion of the detent clip with the at least one hole.

46. The firearm of claim 40, wherein the barrel assembly further includes a barrel seal positioned rearward of the detent clip, the barrel seal including an O-ring that compresses against the detent clip to secure the detent clip in the predetermined rotational orientation.

47. The firearm of any one of claims 39-46, further comprising a hop-up cylinder positioned distal of the barrel assembly, wherein the detent clip retains the non-lethal projectile in a position aligned with the hop-up cylinder prior to discharge.

48. The firearm of any one of claims 39-46, further comprising a slide movably coupled to the frame, wherein the a barrel assembly is supported within the slide and wherein the slide is movable relative to the barrel assembly when the slide moves relative to the frame.

49. The firearm of any one of claims 39-46, wherein the frame defines a grip portion configured for single-handed operation, and wherein the slide reciprocates along a top of the frame during a firing cycle to simulate recoil of a live-fire handgun.#3571575 077054-0000493050. The firearm of claim 49, wherein the frame includes an upper receiver and a lower receiver, further comprising a bolt carrier group that reciprocates within the upper receiver during a firing cycle to chamber a new non-lethal projectile from a magazine.

51. The firearm of claim 50, wherein the barrel block defines a breech aligned with the bore and further comprising at least one ramp extending distally from the breech away from the bore to guide the non-lethal projectile into the bore.

52. The firearm of claim 51, wherein the at least one ramp includes a pair of laterally opposed ramps on the barrel block, and wherein the detent clip is positioned forward of the pair of ramps such that the non-lethal projectile is guided by the pair of ramps into the bore and retained by the detent clip.

53. The firearm of claim 50, wherein the barrel defines a control bore portion having a first inner diameter along a forward section of the bore and a clearance bore portion having a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter along a rearward section of the bore, and wherein the detent clip is positioned within the control bore portion.

54. The firearm of claim 50, wherein the barrel assembly is constrained by a set screw to prevent axial shift of the barrel relative to the upper receiver.

55. A firearm comprising:a frame defining a magazine well;a magazine configured to be received within the magazine well, the magazine including at least one nub extending laterally from a side thereof; anda magazine release mounted to the frame adjacent the magazine well, the magazine release comprising:#3571575 077054-00004931at least one tab configured to engage the at least one nub to retain the magazine within the magazine well, each tab defining a sloped surface facing the magazine well; anda pair of pads extending from opposite lateral sides of the magazine release, wherein the sloped surface of each tab is configured to contact the at least one nub during insertion of the magazine into the magazine well such that upward movement of the magazine displaces the magazine release laterally to permit the at least one nub to pass the at least one tab, andwherein depression of either pad of the pair of pads displaces the magazine release laterally in a first direction or a second opposite direction to disengage the at least one tab from the at least one nub, thereby permitting removal of the magazine from the magazine well.

56. The firearm of claim 55, wherein the magazine release is spring-biased toward a centered position in which the at least one tab aligns with the at least one nub to retain the magazine within the magazine well.

57. The firearm of claim 55, wherein the at least one tab comprises a pair of tabs extending from the magazine release, each tab configured to engage a corresponding nub on an opposite side of the magazine.

58. The firearm of claim 57, wherein the sloped surface of each tab faces upwardly toward an open end of the magazine well to facilitate displacement of the magazine release during insertion of the magazine.

59. The firearm of claim 55, wherein the magazine release is slideably mounted within a recess in the frame such that depression of either pad translates the magazine release linearly within the recess to misalign the at least one tab with the at least one nub.

60. The firearm of claim 59, wherein the recess in the frame includes a spring slot, and further comprising a spring positioned within the spring slot to bias the magazine release toward the centered position.#3571575 077054-0000493261. The firearm of any one of claims 55-60, wherein the magazine is configured to store a plurality of projectiles, and the at least one nub is positioned on a top portion of the magazine.

62. The firearm of any one of claims 55-60, wherein the pair of pads are ergonomically shaped to facilitate ambidextrous operation of the magazine release.

Images