Empty chamber indicator for firearm

Abstract

An empty chamber indicator includes a chamber member shaped like a cartridge and sized to fit in a chamber of a firearm, and an ejection port member including a mounting provision for mounting on a hinged ejection port door of a firearm.

Description

[0001] EMPTY CHAMBER INDICATOR FOR FIREARM

[0002] RELATED APPLICATION / S

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority of Israel Patent Application No. 319167 filed on February 23, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0004] FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates generally to devices for indicating the chamber of a firearm is empty of any cartridge, and particularly to such a device that mounts on the hinged ejection port door.

[0006] Firearms typically include a receiver that houses several working components of the firearm, including firing components, with a barrel extending from the receiver. One type of firearm utilizes a bolt carrier, which is disposed in the receiver and which is moveable between a firing position, from which a live round of ammunition can be fired, and a retracted position, from which a spent casing is ejected. The movement of the bolt carrier and ejection of the casing can be accomplished with a direct gas impingement or indirect gas impingement system. Examples of gas impingement type firearms include the M-16 and AR- 15 rifles.

[0007] Firearms having the direct gas impingement system typically include an ejection port defined by the receiver. Direct gas impingement systems route exhaust gases back through the firearm to move the bolt carrier toward the retracted position. In particular, after firing the firearm, the direct gas impingement system routes exhaust gases, including any associated debris, from the barrel, back through a return tube to the bolt carrier, and out the ejection port of the receiver.

[0008] Many such firearms include an ejection port door (also called cover) for covering the ejection port to prevent debris from entering the receiver and fouling the firing components. The ejection port door automatically opens in response to firing the firearm and / or charging the firearm, for example loading a live round into a chamber of the barrel. The ejection port door must be manually moved to the closed position by a user to prevent debris from entering the ejection port and thus entering the receiver.

[0009] Additional background art includes International Patent Application Publication No. WO2025243293A1 disclosing a safety plug arrangement securable within a portable firearm, methods and kits thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement comprises a safety-plug releasably insertable into a firing chamber of the portable firearm; a plate-shaped cover having a perimeter thereof conformal with an ejection port of the portable firearm for mounting there within; and a link interconnecting the safety plug and the plate-shaped cover. The plate-shaped cover has outer and internal surfaces; configured by means of shape and size that when the cover is mountedwithin the ejection port, the outer surface looks out of the portable firearm while the internal surface faces a bolt or bolt carrier group and has a surface profile conformal with the bolt or bolt carrier group; the plate- shaped cover on the internal surface thereof has at least one arresting member being conformal with the ejection port frictionally securing the plate-shaped cover within the ejection port.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. US6785994B2 disclosing a firearm safety indicator that is spring-loaded, thus enabling self-ejection when a firearm's bolt is actuated. To attain this, the indicator comprises a main body and cantilever spring body joined together. A peg extends perpendicularly from the main body. In use, the peg is positioned inside the firing chamber of a firearm through the ejection port. The main body covers the ejection port and the cantilever spring body is therefore compressed to attain proper positioning. The rifle's bolt is then used to engage and hold the peg in place. When actuated, the bolt releases the peg and the spring body is released, thrusting the indicator away from the firearm. Alternately, a metal spring may be utilized in the place of the cantilever spring body.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Following is a non-exclusive list including some examples of embodiments of the invention. The invention also includes embodiments which include fewer than all the features in an example and embodiments using features from multiple examples, also if not expressly listed below.

[0013] Example 1. An empty chamber indicator comprising:

[0014] a. a chamber member shaped like a cartridge and sized to fit in a chamber of a firearm; and b. an ejection port member comprising a mounting provision for mounting on a hinged ejection port door of a firearm.

[0015] Example 2. The empty chamber indicator according to example 1, wherein a connector is coupled to a portion of said ejection port member and to a portion of said chamber member.

[0016] Example 3. The empty chamber indicator according to example 1 or example 2, wherein said chamber member comprises a lug that protrudes outwards from a proximal portion of said chamber member.

[0017] Example 4. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of examples 1-3, wherein said ejection port member comprises a locking mechanism.

[0018] Example 5. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of examples 1-4, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a housing.

[0019] Example 6. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of examples 1-5, wherein said locking mechanism is a locking spring tab.

[0020] Example 7. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of examples 1-6, wherein said ejection port member has a top surface and a front surface, and said front surface slants inwards.Example 8. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of examples 1-7, wherein said mounting provision is a groove formed in said ejection port member which is sized to receive therein the hinged ejection port door.

[0021] Example 9. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of examples 1-8, wherein said ejection port member comprises an extraction housing.

[0022] Example 10. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of examples 1-9, wherein said ejection port member comprises a protrusion so that if said chamber member has not been placed in the chamber of the firearm and the user tries to close the ejection port door, said protrusion of said ejection port member will contact a bolt carrier of the firearm and prevent closing the ejection port door, and if said chamber member has been placed in the chamber of the firearm, then the bolt carrier is in a position that does not interfere with said ejection port member and the ejection port door can be closed.

[0023] Example 11. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of examples 1-10, wherein said ejection port member comprises a holder on an outside surface of said ejection port member configured for holding said chamber member when said chamber member is outside of said chamber.

[0024] Example 12. A method of using an empty chamber indicator for a firearm, comprising: a. mounting an ejection port member of said empty chamber indicator on an ejection port door of said firearm;

[0025] b. inserting a chamber member of said empty chamber indicator into a chamber of said firearm. Example 13. The method according to example 12, further comprising opening said ejection port door before said mounting.

[0026] Example 14. The method according to example 12 or example 13, further comprising actuating a charging handle to a back position before said inserting.

[0027] Example 15. The method according to any one of examples 12-14, further comprising actuating a charging handle to a forward position after said inserting.

[0028] Example 16. The method according to any one of examples 12-15, further comprising closing said ejection port door with the mounted ejection port member after said inserting.

[0029] Example 17. The method according to any one of examples 12-16, further comprising, when wanting to operate said firearm after said inserting, actuating the charging handle to a back position until said chamber member said chamber.

[0030] Example 18. The method according to any one of examples 12-17, further comprising positioning said chamber member in a holder on said ejection port member, when said chamber member is not in said chamber.The present invention seeks to provide a firearm safety device, which is an indicator that indicates the chamber is empty of any cartridge, as is described more in detail hereinbelow. The empty chamber indicator has one portion (called the chamber member) which is inserted in the chamber; the fact that it is inserted in there means there is no cartridge in the chamber. The empty chamber indicator has another portion (called the ejection port member) which mounts on the hinged ejection port door, and which allows the ejection port door to be fully closed, thus preventing any debris from entering the chamber. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the empty chamber indicator is designed so that if the chamber member has not been placed in the chamber and the user tries to close the ejection port door, the ejection port member will contact the bolt carrier of the firearm and this will prevent closing the ejection port door. Only if the chamber member has been placed in the chamber (which of course means the chamber is empty), will the bolt carrier be in a position that does not interfere with the ejection port member and the ejection port door can be closed, thus providing visual indication that the chamber is empty and also preventing debris from entering.

[0031] There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention an empty chamber indicator including a chamber member shaped like a cartridge and sized to fit in a chamber of a firearm, and an ejection port member including a mounting provision for mounting on a hinged ejection port door of a firearm.

[0032] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention a cord is coupled to a portion of the ejection port member and to a portion of the chamber member. It is noted that the invention can be carried out even without the cord, if desired.

[0033] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention the chamber member includes a lug that protrudes outwards from a proximal portion of the chamber member.

[0034] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention the ejection port member includes a rear locking pin housing in which is disposed a locking pin.

[0035] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention the ejection port member has a top surface and a front surface, and the front surface slants inwards.

[0036] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention the mounting provision is a groove formed in the ejection port member which is sized to receive therein the hinged ejection port door.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and / or materials are describedbelow. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

[0040] In the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 is a simplified perspective illustration of an empty chamber indicator for a firearm, constructed and operative, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0042] Figure 2 is a front view of the empty chamber indicator, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0043] Figure 3 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the empty chamber indicator mounted on the ejection port door of a firearm, showing a version in which there is no extraction pin, according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0044] Figure 4 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the empty chamber indicator mounted on the ejection port door of a firearm, showing a version in which there is an extraction pin, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0045] Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 are schematic representations of an exemplary empty chamber indicator, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0046] Figure 9 schematically shows the chamber member positioned within the chamber, with the ejection port door open, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0047] Figure 10 schematically shows the chamber member attached to the holder of the ejection port member, with the ejection port door open, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0048] Figures 11 and 12 schematically show two views of the chamber member positioned within the chamber, with the ejection port door closed, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0049] Figure 13 is a schematic representation of an exemplary chamber member, according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0050] Figure 14 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of use, according to some embodiments of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The present invention relates generally to devices for indicating the chamber of a firearm is empty of any cartridge, and particularly to such a device that mounts on the hinged ejection port door. Overview

[0052] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to providing a multi-use empty chamber indicator which also allows to avoid the entry of external debris into the chamber. In some embodiments, the device is configured to be mounted on the ejection port door, thereby securing the device to the firearm and enabling the reuse of the device when not in use. In some embodiments, the device comprises two parts, one that is inserted in the chamber and another that is mounted on the ejection port door. In some embodiments, the part that goes inside the chamber is connected to the part that is mounted on the ejection port door. In some embodiments, the two parts are connected, for example by means of a cord, for example to any location of the part that is mounted on the ejection port door.

[0053] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and / or methods set forth in the following description and / or illustrated in the drawings and / or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0054] Reference is now made to Figures 1-2, which illustrate an empty chamber indicator 10, constructed and operative in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] In some embodiments, the empty chamber indicator 10 may include a chamber member 12, which is shaped like a cartridge and sized to fit in the chamber of a firearm, such as an assault rifle. In some embodiments, the chamber member 12 may include a lug 14 that protrudes outwards from a proximal portion of the chamber member 12 (proximal referring to the portion closer to the ejection port, as opposed to distal which refers to the end further into the chamber). In some embodiments, the lug 14 is made of a flexible material so if the length of the lug 14 is beyond the space of the chamber, the lug 14 is configured to be pliable reduced by the ejection port door 18 with the ejection port member 16.

[0056] Referring now to Figure 13, showing a schematic representation of an exemplary chamber member 12, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, an exemplary chamber member 12 comprises an elongated body 42, comprising a proximal end 44 and a distal end 46. In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the chamber member 12 comprises a lug 14 that protrudes outwards from a proximal portion of the chamber member 12. In some embodiments, the chamber member 12 comprises a bullet-like bottom 48. In some embodiments, the bullet-like bottom48 comprises a geometry that is similar or identical to that of a real bullet, and is configured to properly engage with the bolt of the bolt carrier. In some embodiments, when a user actuates the charging handle of the rifle, which pulls back the bolt carrier, the chamber member 12 is ejected from the chamber in a similar manner as a regular cartridge would be ejected from the chamber during regular operation.

[0057] In some embodiments, the empty chamber indicator 10 may include an ejection port member 16, which mounts on a hinged ejection port door 18 of a firearm 20, as shown in Figure 3. Referring back to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the ejection port member 16 has a top surface 22 and a front surface 24 (seen in Figure 2). In some embodiments, the front surface 24 may slant inwards (that is, in the direction of the firearm). In some embodiments, the ejection port member comprises a mounting provision in the form of a groove 26 formed in the body of the ejection port member 16, in which the ejection port door is received when ejection port member 16 is mounted on the ejection port door 18 (as for example in Figure 3).

[0058] It is noted that groove 26 is just one example of a mounting provision for mounting ejection port member 16 on the hinged ejection port door 18. Other non-limiting examples include adhesive pads, spring tabs, clasps, and others.

[0059] In some embodiments, the ejection port member 16 may include a locking mechanism housing 28 in which is disposed a locking mechanism 30, such as but not limited to, a locking pin 30 (also seen in Figure 3) or a locking spring tab 40 (also seen in Figures 5, 8-10 and 12). In some embodiments, the locking mechanism, for example the locking pin 30 or the locking tab 40 are an integral part of the ejection port member 16 (not an addon to the ejection port member 16). For example, when the ejection port member 16 is name of plastic, the locking mechanism will be an integral part of the mold, together with the rest of the ejection port member 16. In some embodiments, when the ejection port door 18 is closed, the locking pin 30 locks the door in the closed position. It is noted that the locking pin 30 is just one example of a locking mechanism and other kinds may be used, such as but not limited to, a latch, a tab 40, detent, catch, and many others.

[0060] In some embodiments, optionally, the ejection port member 16 may include an ejection housing 32 in which may be disposed an optional pin 34. In some embodiments, a cord 36 (the term “cord” encompassing any slender element, such as a string, cord, wire, braid, etc.) may be coupled to ejection housing 32 and to chamber member 12 (such as to the lug 14 of chamber member 12). This is the version shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12. In some embodiments, the lug 14 is long enough to provide a sufficient area to connect the cord 36, while being short enough to not disturb the closure of the ejection port door 18. In some embodiments, the length of the lug 14 is from about 5mm to about 20mm.In some embodiments, alternatively, the device 10 can be made without ejection housing 32 and pin 34, and cord 36 may be coupled to locking mechanism housing 28, and this is the version shown in Figure 3. In the version of Figure 3, the bolt carrier will strike the locking mechanism housing 28 if the chamber member 12 is not inserted in the chamber and prevent closing the ejection port door.

[0061] An exemplary purpose of ejection housing 32 is now explained. As seen in Figure 4, when the bolt carrier 38 is moved rearward, it contacts ejection housing 32 which causes ejection port door 18 to open. Alternatively, in the version shown in Figure 3, when the bolt carrier 38 is moved rearward, it contacts locking mechanism housing 28 which causes ejection port door 18 to open.

[0062] In use, the shooter first verifies that the chamber is empty. Then the shooter mounts ejection port member 16 on the ejection port door 18 of a firearm 20 and then places chamber member 12 into the chamber of the firearm. Upon closing the ejection port door 18, the front face of ejection port member 16 is visible and provides clear indication that the chamber is empty. Charging the firearm moves the bolt carrier rearwards, which contacts locking mechanism housing 28 (or ejection housing 32) to cause ejection port door 18 to open.

[0063] As mentioned above, the empty chamber indicator has a protrusion (which could be locking mechanism housing 28 or ejection housing 32 or some other dedicated protrusion) so that if the chamber member has not been placed in the chamber and the user tries to close the ejection port door, the protrusion of the ejection port member will contact the bolt carrier of the firearm and this will prevent closing the ejection port door. This can be seen in Figure 3: the locking mechanism housing 28 will strike the bolt carrier 38 and is not aligned to enter a recess 39 formed in the bolt carrier. If the chamber member 12 has been placed in the chamber, as seen in Figure 4, the bolt carrier 38 is in a position that does not interfere with the ejection port member 16: ejection housing 32 can fit in the recess 39 and locking pin housing 28 does not strike the bolt carrier, so the ejection port door 18 can be closed, thus providing visual indication that the chamber is empty and also preventing debris from entering.

[0064] Without limitation, the chamber member 12 and the ejection port member 16 may be made of injection molded plastics, which are brightly colored and which may be luminescent to glow in the dark.

[0065] Referring now to Figures 5-8, showing schematic representations of an exemplary empty chamber indicator 10, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the exemplary empty chamber indicator 10 is as shown in Figures 1-2, with some differences. In some embodiments, the exemplary empty chamber indicator 10 comprises a locking spring tab 40, which is configured to hold the ejection port door 18 closed, when the chamber member 12 is positionedcorrectly within the chamber and the ejection port member 16 is correctly mounted on the ejection port door 18. In some embodiments, when the chamber member 12 is positioned correctly within the chamber, there is a space generated between the bullet-like bottom 48 engaged with the bolt and the overall internal area of the chamber. In some embodiments, the locking spring tab 40 is configured to engage the firearm in that space. In some embodiments, when a user actuates the charging handle of the rifle, which pulls back the bolt carrier 38, the bolt carrier 38 meets the ejection housing 32, pushing out the ejection port member 16 and opening the ejection port door 18. In some embodiments, at the same moment, the locking spring tab 40 is pushed out of the chamber. In some embodiments, further actuation of the charging handle of the rifle will cause the ejection of the chamber member 12 from the chamber.

[0066] In some embodiments, an exemplary ejection port member 16 of an exemplary empty chamber indicator 10 comprises a dedicated holder 50 for the chamber member 12, as shown for example in Figures 6, 7, 9 and 10. In some embodiments, the holder 50 comprises a geometry that allows to passively hold the chamber member 12, without the need any additional component. In some embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 10, when the chamber member 12 is positioned and held by the holder 50, while the ejection port door 18 is open, the chamber member 12 is further held between the ejection port member 16 and the body of the firearm.

[0067] Figure 9 schematically shows the chamber member 12 positioned within the chamber, with the ejection port door 18 open. Figure 10 schematically shows the chamber member 12 positioned on the holder, also with the ejection port door 18 open. Figures 11 and 12 schematically show two views of the chamber member 12 positioned within the chamber, with the ejection port door 18 closed. It can be seen that the locking spring tab 40 holds the ejection port door 18 with the mounted ejection port member 16 close. It can also be seen that the length of the lug 14 allows to connect the cord 36 while not disturbing the closure of the ejection port door 18 with the mounted ejection port member 16.

[0068] Exemplary methods

[0069] Referring now to Figure 14, showing a flowchart of an exemplary method of use, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0070] In some embodiments, an exemplary method of use of an exemplary empty chamber indicator 10 comprises one or more of the following actions:

[0071] 1. Opening the ejection port door 18 (1402) - if not already open.

[0072] 2. Mounting the ejection port member 16 on the ejection port door 18 (1404).

[0073] 3. Actuating the charging handle to a back position (1406).

[0074] 4. Inserting the chamber member 12 into the chamber (1408).5. Actuating the charging handle to a forward position, thereby causing engagement between the bolt of the bolt carrier 38 and the bullet-like bottom 48 (1410).

[0075] 6. Closing the ejection port door 18 with the mounted ejection port member 16 (1412).

[0076] 7. When wanting to operate the firearm, actuating the charging handle to a back position until the chamber member 12 exits the chamber (1414).

[0077] 8. Optionally, positioning the chamber member 12 in the holder 50 (1416).

[0078] As used herein with reference to quantity or value, the term “about” means “within ± 10 % of’.

[0079] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

[0080] The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”.

[0081] The term “consisting essentially of’ means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and / or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and / or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

[0082] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0083] Throughout this application, embodiments of this invention may be presented with reference to a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as “from 1 to 6” should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as “from 1 to 3”, “from 1 to 4”, “from 1 to 5”, “from 2 to 4”, “from 2 to 6”, “from 3 to 6”, etc.; as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0084] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein (for example “10-15”, “10 to 15”, or any pair of numbers linked by these another such range indication), it is meant to include any number (fractional or integral) within the indicated range limits, including the range limits, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “range / ranging / ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “range / ranging / ranges from” a first indicate number “to”, “up to”, “until” or “through” (or another such range-indicating term) a second indicate number are used hereininterchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numbers therebetween.

[0085] Unless otherwise indicated, numbers used herein and any number ranges based thereon are approximations within the accuracy of reasonable measurement and rounding errors as understood by persons skilled in the art

[0086] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0087] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0088] It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents and patent applications referred to in this specification are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is / are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its / their entirety.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An empty chamber indicator comprising:a. a chamber member shaped like a cartridge and sized to fit in a chamber of a firearm; and b. an ejection port member comprising a mounting provision for mounting on a hinged ejection port door of a firearm.

2. The empty chamber indicator according to claim 1 , wherein a connector is coupled to a portion of said ejection port member and to a portion of said chamber member.

3. The empty chamber indicator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said chamber member comprises a lug that protrudes outwards from a proximal portion of said chamber member.

4. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein said ejection port member comprises a locking mechanism.

5. The empty chamber indicator according to claim 4, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a housing.

6. The empty chamber indicator according to claim 4, wherein said locking mechanism is a locking spring tab.

7. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein said ejection port member has a top surface and a front surface, and said front surface slants inwards.

8. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein said mounting provision is a groove formed in said ejection port member which is sized to receive therein the hinged ejection port door.

9. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein said ejection port member comprises an extraction housing.

10. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein said ejection port member comprises a protrusion so that if said chamber member has not been placed in the chamberof the firearm and the user tries to close the ejection port door, said protrusion of said ejection port member will contact a bolt carrier of the firearm and prevent closing the ejection port door, and if said chamber member has been placed in the chamber of the firearm, then the bolt carrier is in a position that does not interfere with said ejection port member and the ejection port door can be closed.

11. The empty chamber indicator according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein said ejection port member comprises a holder on an outside surface of said ejection port member configured for holding said chamber member when said chamber member is outside of said chamber.

12. A method of using an empty chamber indicator for a firearm, comprising:a. mounting an ejection port member of said empty chamber indicator on an ejection port door of said firearm;b. inserting a chamber member of said empty chamber indicator into a chamber of said firearm.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising opening said ejection port door before said mounting.

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising actuating a charging handle to a back position before said inserting.

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising actuating a charging handle to a forward position after said inserting.

16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising closing said ejection port door with the mounted ejection port member after said inserting.

17. The method according to claim 12, further comprising, when wanting to operate said firearm after said inserting, actuating the charging handle to a back position until said chamber member said chamber.

18. The method according to claim 12, further comprising positioning said chamber member in a holder on said ejection port member, when said chamber member is not in said chamber.

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