CA2164299C - Indexing helical magazine - Google Patents

Abstract

An indexing helical magazine for use with delicate projectiles, such as pellets and paint balls. The magazine has a housing (14) wit h a helical rib (36) extending partially into the housing. A carrier (16) for the projectiles is rotatably coupled within the housing and guides the projectiles along the helical rib. An end cap (22) coupled to the housing feeds the projectiles from the housing into the gun. A ratchet (18) coupled to the drive member rotates the drive member via interaction with a camming member (20). The indexing magazine may also include a loading member (24) for disengaging the ratchet and the carrier so that projectiles can be loaded into the carrier. Finall y, the magazine may also include a stop member (108) for preventing reverse rotation of the carrier.

Description

095127182 2 1 6 4 2 q 9 PCT~S9SJ~2S

Patent Appli~ation for INDEXING HELICAL MAGAZINE

Field of the Invention This invention relates to an in~Ying helical magazine for holding and dispensing, in seriatim, a number of pellets or projectiles. More specifically, this invention relates to a magazine having a rotatable carrier which is indexed each time the gun is operated, such that a pellet or projectile is dispensed from the magazine to the gun each time the gun is operated.

2l 642~
VO95~7182 PCT~S95/03925 Backqround of the Invention Conventional magazines with h~l ;CA1 feed members are common. Such co,~ve,,Lional ~Agazines are designed primA~ily for use with co~lve,,Lional bullets and thus, most are not designed to handle delicate projectiles. Stated differently, most of these convelltional magazines place relatively large forces on the projectiles contAin~
therein and thus, must be used with durable projectiles.
Such magazines are not suitable for use with air guns and pellets or paint balls which are relatively fragile. For example, some of these conventional magazines rely on gravity and pressure or a belt system to feed the projectiles into the gun. Such systems will damage more delicate pro~ectiles such afi pellets and paint hAl 1 fi .
Examples of these convenLional magazines are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 213,555 i~sued on March 25, 1879 to Evans; U.S. Patent No. 84,685 issued on December 8, 1868 to Evans; U.S. Patent No. 1,285,263 issued on November 19, 1918 to Lohne; U.S. Patent No. 3,088,378 issued on May 7, 1963 to Boudreau; U.S. Patent No. 3,427,923 issued on February 18, 1969 to Meyer et al.; U.S. Patent No.
4,034,644 issued on July 12, 1977 to Hupp et al.; U.S.
Patent No. 4,166,408 issued on September 4, 1979 to Wetzel et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,384,508 issued on Nay 24, 1983 to Sullivan et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,676,137 issued on June 30, 1987 to Stockton et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,738,183 i~sued on April 19, 1988 to Miller et al.; U.S. Patent No.
4,766,800 issued on August 30, 1988 to Miller et al.; U.S.
Patent No. 4,888,898 issued on December 26, 1989 to Miller et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,945,664 issued on August 7, 1990 to Miller et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,947,572 issued on August 14, 1990 to Miller et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,962,604 issued on October 16, 1992 to Miller et al.; U.S. Patent --095n7182 2 1 6 4 2 9 9 PcT~s95lo3s2s No. 4,965,951 issued on October 30, 1990 to Miller et al.;
and West German Patent Nos. 2,010,554 and 3,809,319.
Other magazines have been developed for use with air guns and delicate projectiles such as pellets or pdint balls. Ho~_ve~, the~e maga~nes also have several vantages. ~or example, so~e of them also depend on gravity to feed the projectile into the gun. Others use a complicated belt arrangement which is not practical for air gun pellets. Still others are unreliable and easily damaged.
Examples of mag~7in~s designed for use with pellets and paint balls are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,819,609 issued April 11, 1989 to Tippman and U.S. Patent No.
5,166,457 issued November 24, 1992 to Lorenzetti.
In view of the above, it is apparent that a need exists for an im~roved helical in~eYi ng magazine for use with air guns and pellets or paint balls. This invention addresses this need in the art, along with other needs which will become apparent to those skilled in the art once given this disclosure.
A prior patent which addresses this need is U.S.
Patent No. 5,097,816 issued on March 24, 1992 to Miller.

SummarY of the Invention This invention provides an i n~Yi n~ magazine for storing and dispensing projectiles to a gun. The magazine includes a housing, a drive member, a release member, a rotating member and a c~mming member. The housing has a first end, a second end, a passageway exten~i ng from the first end to the second end along a longit~ n~ 1 axis, a h~ l mem~er exten~ing partially from the first end to the serQnA end and into the passageway and an end cap at the first end. The drive member is rotatably coupled within the housing and has a plurality of extensions or ~oss/27182 2 1 6 4 2 9 9 PCT~S95/03925 projections for guiding the projectiles along the helical member. The release member is coupled to the second end of the housing and to the drive member and feeds the projectiles from the housing into ~he gun. The rotating member is coupled to the drive member and rotates the drive member. The camming member is slidably coupled to the rotating member and movable between a first position and a second position. The rotating member slidably engages the cAmming member. When the camming member moves from its first position to its second position and the rotating member rotates in a first direction, camming member slides relative the adjacent extension. When the cAmming member moves from its second position to its first position, the rotating member rotates in a s~cQn~ direction, engages the extension and rotates the drive member.
In some embodiments of this invention, the magazine further includes a loading member. The loading member is coupled to the first end of the housing for disengaging the rotating member from the drive member so that projectiles can be loaded into the drive member.
In other embodiments of this invention, the mag~7-ine further includes a stop member which prevents the drive member from rotating as the camming member moves from its first position to its second position.
In yet other embodiments, the rotating member includes a first abutment surface ex~en~i ng parallel to the longitn~inAl axis and a first incl in~ surface ex~n~ing angularly to the longitl~inAl axis. The first inclined surface engages the adjacent extension as the camming member moves from its first position to its seco~ position and biases the rotating member such that it slides over the adjacent extension. The first abutment surface engage the extension as the camming member moves from its second position to its first position and rotates the drive member.
In other embodiments, the rotating member includes a second abutmeI.~. surface and a second inclined ~urface s im~ lar to the first ~nd second like surfaces discussed above.
In further embodiments, the rotating member includes a ratchet disk and a pin fixedly coupled to the disk and ext~n~ing outwardly from the disk into slidable engagement with the camming member. The first and second surfaces extend from the ratchet disc.
In further embodiments, the c~mming member includes a first end portion ext~n~i n7 parallel to the longit~AinAl axi~, a center portion ext~ ng angularly to the longitudinal axis and a second end portion exte~ing parallel to the longit~ A 1 axis.
In yet further embodiments, the center portion of the camming member pivots the rotating member in the first direction as the camming member moves from its first position to its second position and pivots the rotating member in the second direction a8 the cAmm;ng member moves from its first position to its 8-c~ po~ition.

Another aspect of this invention is as follows:
An indexing helical magazine for a pe}let gun, comprising:
a housing having a first end, a second end, a passageway exten~ing from said first end to said second end along a lonqi~ in~l axis, and a helical member extonAing partially from said first end to said second end into said passageway;
a carrier rotatably coupled within said housing and having a plurality of flutes ex~Dn~ing therefrom for guiding the pellets along said helical member;

216429g - 5a -a release member coupled to said second end of said housing and to said carrier for feeding the pellets from said housing into the gun;
a stop member extending into said housing from said release member having a biasing surface extending angularly to said longitudinal axis and a stop surface ext~n~ng parallel to said longitudinal axis;
a loading member coupled to said first end of said housing;

a ratchet member coupled to said loading member for rotating said carrier; and a cAmm;ng member slidably coupled to said ratchet member and movable between a first position and a second position and having a first end portion ext~n~ g parallel to said longit~ nAl axis, a center portion extending angularly to fiaid longi~ inAl axis and a second end portion extending parallel to said longitudinal axis, said ratchet member having a first abutment surface ext~n~ing parallel to said longit~ n -1 axis and a first inclined surface ext~n~ g angularly to said longitudinal axis, ~ aid ratchet member slidably engaging said cAmming member as said c~mming member moves from it~ said first position to its said second position, said center portion rotating said ratchet member in a first direction with said first inclined surface of said ratchet member engaging said adjacent flute and sliding over said adjacent flute at said first end snd said stop surface of said stop member engaging said adjacent flute at said second end and preventing said carrier from rotating, said ratchet member slidsbly engaging said camming member as said cPmming member moves from its said second position to its said first position, said center portion rotating said ratchet member in a second direction with said first sbutment surface of said ratchet member - 5b - 2164299 engaging ~aid flute and rotating ~aid carrier and said biasing surface of said stop me_ber sliding over said flute at said ~econd end, fiaid loading member releasably engaging said ratchet member from said carrier such that the pellet~ can be loaded into said carrier when aid loading member is disengaged from ratchet member.

The magazines according to this invention have many advantages over the prior magazines, including the following. One advantage of the magazines according to thi~ invention i~ that they minimize the force on the pro~ectiles contAi~e~ therein to reduce the risk of dPmage if fragile pro~ectiles are being used. Specifically, the helical rib, flutes and arms ~o~ and protect the pro~ectiles. The arms gently feed the pro~ectiles into the release member.
Another advantage of the magA7in?~ according to this invention is that they are very reliable since they are driven by the camming bolt.

2~ 64299 VO 9S/27182 PCI/US~S,'039~S

A further advantage of the magazines according to this in~ention is that they are sturdy and resist operator damage.
Yet another advantage of the magazines according ~
this invention is that they are easy to manufacture since they have only a few parts and are easy to assemble.
Other advantages and salient features of the magazines acccrding to this invention will become apparent from the disclosure.

Brief Descri~tion of the Drawings Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure:
Figure 1 is an exploded view of an in~Ying helic~
magazine in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a longit~ nAl cross-section of the cylindrical shell of the housing of the magazine of Fig. 1 with the other parts of the magazine shown in full and with sample pellets added for clarity, and depicting the magazine in the 10A~ i ng position;
Figure 3 i8 a longit~ cross-section of the cylindrical shell of the housing of the magazine of Fig. 1 with the other parts of the mag~7inç shown in full, and depicting the mag~7in~ in the 19-~e~ position;
Figure 3A is a transver~e cross-section of the magazine of Figs. 1-3 along line A-A of Fig. 3, illustrating the ratchet in its first position;
Figure 4 is a transverse cross-section of the magazine of Figs. 1-3 along line A-A of Fig. 3, illustrating the ratchet mo~ing from its first position to its second position;
Figure 4A is a transverse cross-section of the magazine of Figs. 1-3 along line A-A of Fig. 3, illustrating the ratchet in its second position;

21 6429~
~095~7182 PCT/u~s5~39 Figure 5 is a transverse cross-section of the mag~zine of Figs. 1-3 along line A-A of Fig. 3, illustrating the ratchet moving from itfi ~e~onA position to its first position;
Figure SA is a transverse crofi~-section of the magazine of Fig. 1-3 along line B-B of Fig. 3, illustrating the stop member sl i~ing over the carrier as it ifi rotated by the ratchet;
Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-section of the cylindrical shell of the housing of the magazine of Fig. 1 with sample pellets AA~ for clarity;
Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the cylindrical shell of Fig. 6;
Figure 8 i~ a right end view of the cylin~ l shell of Fig. 6;
Figure 9 is a side view of the carrier of the magazine of Fig. l;
Figure 10 is a left-end view of the carrier of Fig. 9;
Figure 11 is a right-end view of the carrier of Fig.
9;
Figure 12 i8 a right-end view of the ratchet disk of the mag~ine of Fig. l;
Figure 13 i~ a bottom view of the ratchet disk of the magazine of Fig. 1, partially broken away to illustrate the leg orgni n~;
Figure 13A is a cross-section of the ratchet disk of Figs. 12 and 13 along line C-C of Fig. 12;
Figure 14 is a left-end view of the plug of the magazine of Fig. l;
Figure 14A is a right-end view of the plug of the magazine of Figs. l and 14;
Figure 14~ is a cro~-section of the plug of Figs. 14 and 14A along line D-D of Fig. 14;

~O95/27182 PCT~Ss~ 2s Figure 15 is a side view of the detent of the magazine of Fig. l;
Figure 16 is a side view of the body of the loaAi ng assembly of the ~agazine of Fig. l;
Figure 17 is a right-end view of the end cap of the magazine of Fig. l; and Figure 18 is side view of the end cap of Figs. 1 and 17.

Detailed Descri~tion of the Invention Referring to the Figures, and in particular Figs. 1-3, one embodiment of an inA~Ying helicAl magazine according to this invention, magazine 10, is illustrated. Magazine 10 can be used with any type of projectiles, but has features and advantages which render it particularly useful with an air gun employing fragile projectiles such as pellets or paint balls 12. Magazine 10 includes housing 14, carrier 16, ratchet 18, camming bolt 20, end cap assembly 22, and loading member 24. Magazine 10 is in~Y~A via the interaction of ratchet 18, camming bolt 20 and end cap assembly 22, as discussed in detail below. Pellets 12 are loAA-~ into mag~7ine 10 by loAAing mem~er 24.
Housing 14, as illustrated in Figs. 1-3 and 6-8, is generally cylindrical and includes cylindrical shell 26, interior spiral or helicAl rib 36, and flanges 44.
Cylindrical shell 26 has first end 30, second end 32 and longit~lAinal axis 34. Cylin~ical passageway 33 is defined by the inner surface of cylindrical shell 26.
Cylindrical shell 26 has L_S~Ar~A slot 38 therein adjacent first end 30, cutout 40 therein at second end 32 and a pair of assembly holes 42 therein at each of first end 30 and second end 32.
Rib 36 projects into passageway 33 from the interior surface of cylindrical shell 26. In this embodiment, rib WO95/27182 2 1 6 4 2 9 9 PcT~s~s~ 32s _ g 36 extends partially from first end 30 to second end 32 (between L-~hAre~ slot 38 and cut-out 40, see Fig. 6) and spirals toward the secQn~ end 32. Rib 36 has a curvature such that individual pellets 12 fit relatively snugiy between adjacent walls thereof.
L-shaped slot 38 has first leg 46 and s~ronA leg 48 which intersect at intersection 50 to form an ~L~, as illustrated in Fig. 7. First leg 46 extends longitl~inAlly in cylindrical shell 26j parallel to longit~inAl axis 34.
Second leg 48 includes second end 52, opposite intersectior 50. From intersection 50, second leg 48 extends perrenAi~ularly to first leg 46 to second end 52. Second leg 48 is 1 Q~g~ than first leg 46.
Cut-out 40 is substsntially rectangular with an angular portion 54, see Figure 7.
Assembly holes 42 have the same diameter. Each pair of holes 42 at each end 30 and 32 is diametrically opposed, i.e., spaced 180 apart.
Flanges 44 extend outwardly from the exterior of cylindrical shell 26 parallel to longitn~inAl axis 34.
Flanges 44 are also spaced 180 apart. Each flange 44 extends in line with a psLr of assembly holes 42, one at each end of cylindrical shell 26, but is sp--~A inward from both of these assembly holes 42, see Figure 1.
Carrier or drive member 16 is substantially cylindrical and includes cylindrical core 61, a plurality of flutes or projections 60, shaft 62, hole 64 and arms 66, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 9-11. Carrier 16 is rotatably coupled within cylindrical shell 26, as discussed below.
Cylindrical core 61 extends along longit~ n~l axis 34 of cylindrical shell 26 of housing 14 when magazine 10 is properly assembled.

WO95/27182 2 1 6 4 2 9 9 PCT~Sgslo3s~

Preferably, six evenly spaced apart flutes 60 extend outwardly from cylindrical core 61, parallel to longit~in~l axis 34. Flutes 60 sre designed such that pellets 12 fit indiv~ y between adjacent flutes 60.
The outermost diameter of flutes ~0 is less than the innermost diameter of rib 36 so that carrier 16 can rotate within rib 36.
Arms 66 extend outwardly from the end of flutes 60 adjacent second end 32 of cylindrical ~hell 26. The ends of arms 66 are slightly curved in the direction opposite from the direction in which carrier 16 rotates (as depicted by arrow 63 in Figure 1). The curvature of arms 66 is such that arms 66 protect snd guide pellets 12 into end cap 22, as discus~ed below.
Shaft 62 extends outwardly from cylindrical core 61 along longit~ nAl axis 34 toward first end 30 and is cylindrical. Hole 64 is cylindrical and extends partially through the center of cylindrical core 61 at second end 32 of cylindrical shell 26 along longitudinal axis 34.
Ratchet or rotating member 18 includes a main body 70 and pin 72. Ratchet 18 rotates in a first direction 71 and a second direction 73, see Figures 4 and 5. Ratchet 18 engages flutes 60 and is rotatably coupled within housing 14 adjacent first end 30 of cylindrical ~h~l 1 26, as di~cussed below.
Main body or disk 70, as illustrated in Figs 1, 12, 13 and 13A, includes outer ring 75, raised leg bases 77, resilient legs 74, leg or~nings 76, center hole 78 and pin bore 80. Main body 70 is cylindrical.
Outer ring 75 basically forms the outer circumference of disk 70. There are two leg bases 77 which are diametrically G~OSe~. Leg bases 77 are integral with outer ring 75 and extend above or outwardly from the surface of outer ring 75.

~OgS/27182 2 1 6 4 2 9 9 PCT~SgS/~n25 Preferably, there are two resilient legs 74 and leg oreni~gs 76. Each leg 74 extends from a leg base 77 and is located over a leg orening 76. Th~ two pairs of leg~ 74 and leg openin~s ~6 are identical and located 180- apart.
Leg openi~gs 76 are located and of a size greater than legs 74 so that each leg op~ni ng 76 can recei~e a leg 74 therein, as di~cussed below.
Each leg 74 extends arcuately around the center of main body 70. Each leg 74 includes a ratchet tooth 82 at its outermost end having abutment surface 84 and inclined surface 86.
Incline~ surfaces 86 start at the free end of legs 74 and slope outwardly to abutment surfaces 84. Abutment ~urfaces 84 extend outwardly parallel to the longit~i axis 34.
Each leg opening 76 extends through main body 70 arcuately around the center of main body 70. Center hole 78 is cylindrical and extends through the center of main body 70. Pin bore 80 is cylindrical and extends perpendicularly to longi~n~inAl axis 34 partially through main body 70, preferably spaced 90 from each ratchet tooth 82. Pin bore 80 is in alignment with L-~h~r~ slot 38 of cylindrical shell 26 when magA7in~ 10 is ~lo~e ly assembled.
Pivot pin 72 is preferably cylindrical. It is press-fit into bore 80 and extends outwardly from main body 70 through L-sh~Fe~ slot 38 of housing 14 when magazine 10 is p ope~ly assembled.
Camming bolt 20, as seen in Fig. 1, includes a preferably substantially rectangular ~hAreA gloove 90.
G oove 90 receives the lower end of pin 72. CAmm; ng bolt 20 can take many form~. For instance, it may be a trigger, pump or lever of a gun. When the gun to which magazine 10 is attached is operated, bolt 20 moves translationally and rearwardly toward first end 30 into a first position 98 and forwardly toward second end 32 into a second position 99.
Stated differently, bolt 20 reciprocates lin~Arly between positions 98 and 99 as the gun is operated.
Second end cap assembly or release member assembly 22 includes plug 101 and detent 109. Plug 101 includes, basically, inner wall 102, outer wall 104, and spiral side wall 106, as illustrated in Figs. 1, 14, 14A and 14B. End cap 22 is substantially cylindrical and is coupled to housing 14 at second end 32 of cylindrical shell 26.
~ hen magazine 10 is properly assembled, inner wall 102 is adjacent flutes 60 and arms 66 of carrier 16. Outer wall 104 forms the exterior end wall at second end 32 of cylindrical shell 26 and is substantially the same diameter as cylindrical shell 26.
Outer wall 104 has elongated slot 103 therein which receives detent 109, as discussed below. Inner wall 102 has feeding groove 108, hole 110 and hole 111 therein, and plug 112 ext~n~i ng inwardly.
Feeding groove 108 has a beginning point 122 and an end point 124. Fee~ing yloove 108 extends into inner wall 102 and, in this embodiment, is ~h~pPA triangularly in cross section. F~Aing yl~ove 108 h~gin~ at beginning point 122 and continuously deepens as it extends arcuately to its end point 124. End point 124 aligns with cut-out 40 of housing 14 when magazine 10 is ~o~e ly assembled.
Holes 110 and 111 extend from inner wall 102 to slot 103 in outer wall 104 (see Figure 14B~. Holes 110 and 111 receive legs 130 and 131 of detent 109, as discussed below.
Spiral side wall or flange 106 includes first end 118 and second end 120. Spiral side wall 106 spirals outwardly from its lowest height at inner wall 102 at its first end 118 to its greatest height at second end 120. Spiral side wall 106 has a diameter slightly smaller than the internal ~Yo gs/27l82 2 1 6 4 2 9 9 diameter of cylindrical shell 26 so that end cap assembly 22 is received within shell 26. Thus, spiral side wall 106 fit~ snugly withi n second end 32 of cylindrical shell 26 such that outer wall 104 forms an end cf housing 14~
The second end 120 of spiral side wall 106 angles inwardly to form a wedge-shape (see Figure 14B). Second end 120 of spiral flange 106 has a filot 121 therein adjacent inner wall 102 of end cap 22.
Spiral side wall 106 also includes buttons 114 protruding outwardly therefrom, SpA~ approximately 180 apart. Buttons 114 are located and are of a size to be received in a pair of holes 42 in cylindrical shell 2t to c~nn~ct plug 101 to cyl inAri~l ~hell 26.
Plug 112 is cylindrical and is received within h~e 64 of carrier 16 when magazine 10 is ~o~ ly assembled.
Detent 109 is received within slot 103 and holes 110 and 111 and includes head flange 125, coupling arms 126, and legs 130 and 131, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and lS.
Head flange 125 is substantially flush with outer wal~ 104 when magazine 10 is properly assembled. Coupling ar~s 126 extend outwardly from head flange 125 and snap-fit into hole 110. Legs 130 and 131 extend ~ubstantially perrDnAicularly to arms 126. The leg 131 includes ~top member 128 which is received within hole 111. Stop ~ember 128 includes stop ~urface 132 and inclined surface 134.
Leg 130 extends angularly outwardly from the innermost leg 131. When magazine 10 i8 ~erly as~embled and attached to a gun, a portion of the gun depresses leg 130 toward second face 104 and biases legs 131 such that stop member 128 is pushed through hole 111 into engagement with fingers 66.
T~ing assembly 24, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 16-18, includes body 140, spring 142 and first end cap 144.
T~A~ 1ng assembly 24 is coupled to first end 30 of VOgS/27182 2 1 6 4 2 9 9 PCT~SgS~

cylindrical shell 26 so that body 140 is pivotable 90 between a first unloaded position 146, as illustrated in Fig. 2, and a second loaded position 148, as illustrated in Fig. 3.
Body 140 includes head 150, middle portion 153, arms 152 and legs 151. Head 150 extends outwardly from ~ ddle portion 153 beyond first end 30 of cylindrical shell 26 when magazine 10 is properly extenA~ and can be grasped to pivot loading member body 140 between its unloA~eA and loading positions 146 and 148, respectively. Legs 151 extend outwardly from middle portion 153. Each leg 151 includes shelf 155 and retAining dog 154. Legs 151 together form a cyli nA^r with side slots for re~ n~y.
Slotted bore 156 is formed between legs 151.
Legs 151, when magazine 10 is ~ ~erly assembled, extend into first end 30 of cylindrical shell 26 and are rotatably received within hole 78 of ratchet member 18 via a snap-fit. Slotted bore 156 receives shaft 62 of carrier 16 and spring 142.
- Arms 152 extend outwardly from middle portion 153 and perpendicularly to longit~l~i n~ 1 axis 34 and are spaced apart from head 150.
Spring or biasing member 142 is preferably a common coil spring. Spring 142 is received within slotted bore 156 formed by legs 151, and spring 142 itself receives shaft 62 of carrier 16.
First end cap 144 includes end wall 157, collars 160 and buttons 162. First end cap 144 is coupled to first end 30 of cylindrical shell 26.
End wall 157 is substantially the same diameter as cylindrical shell 26 and has slot 150 therein. Collars 160 have substantially the same diameter as the int~rio~ of cylindrical shell 26 so that first end cap 144 fits snugly within first end 30 of cylindrical shell 26. End cap slot WO95~7182 2 1 6 4 2 9 9 PCT~S9~0~25 158 extends through end cap face 157 and receives lQa~i n~
member body 140 therethrough. End C2p slot 158 is designed such that arms 152 of l~A~in~ member 24 will fit through ~lot 158 when arms 152 are ~ubstantially in alignment with slot 158, but will not fit through slot 158 when out of alignment with slot 158. In f~rst unloA~eA position 146, i.e., when ~rm~ 152 are in alignment with slot 158, arms 152 of loading member body 140 are biased through end cap slot 158 by spring 142 acting on carrier 16. In the second loaded position 148, arm 152 of 10A~; ng member body 140 extends perpendicularly to end cap slot 158 thereby lo~kinq ratchet member 18 in engagement with carrier 16.
Buttons 162 extend from end cap face 157 and snap-fit into holes 42 at first end 30 of Q lindrical shell 26 to couple first end cap 144 to cylindrical shell 26.

AssemblY and OPeration To assemble magazine 10, carrier 16 is inserted through second end 32 of cylindrical shell 26. Spring 142 is then inserted into slotted bore 156 formed by legs 151 of lOA~ing member body 140, and legs 151 are inserted through center hole 78 of ratchet 18 and coupled via snap-fit to ratchet 18. More specifically, legs 151 resiliently bias inwardly until they fit through center hole 78. Legs 151 bias outwardly after dogs lS4 pass through center hole 78 of ratchet 18, such that dogs 154 and shelf 155 couple ratchet 18 to legs lSl. Ratchet 18 is rotatably coupled to legs 151.
Shaft 62 is then inserted into slotted bore 156 and spring 142. Ratchet 18 is oriented so that pin bore 80 i8 aligned with L-~h~pe~ slot 38 in cylindrical shell 26.
First end cap 144 is then co~rl~ to first end 30 of cylindrical shell 26 with head 140 of lo~ing member 24 ext~nAing through slot lS8 in first end cap 144.

/27182 PCT~S~5~9~

Specifically, buttons 162 are aligned with holes 42 at first end 30 of cylindrical shell 26 and couple end~cap 144 to first end 30 via a snap-fit. At secQn~ end 3~ of cylindrical shell, end cap 22 is COUpled thereto via a snap-fit alfio. Specifically, buttons 114 snap into holes 42 at second end 32 to couple end cap 22 to seco~ en~ 32.
Plug 112 of plug 101 is received in hole 64 of carrier 16.
Finally, one end of pivot pin 72 is pressed into pivot pin bore 80 of ratchet 18 through L-shaped slot 38 of ho-s; ng 14.
The loading of magazine 10 with pellets }2 is illustrated in Fig. 2. T~; ng member body 140 is positioned such that arms 152 are in alignment with end cap slot 158. In this position, spring 142, which has one end in abutment with carrier 16, forces loA~ing assembly body 140 outwardly to its outermost position, position 146, as illustrated in Figure 2. In this position, the top of legs lSl abut the area of end cap 144 immediately adjacent slot 158 (because the top of legs 151 will not fit through slot 158) and ~ evel,t further outward movement of loading assembly 24. When loA~ing member body 140 is in outermost position 146, ratchet 18 is disengaged from carrier 16 and pin 72 is located in first leg 48 of L-~h~r~ slot 38.
When ratchet 18 is disengaged from carrier 16, carrier 16 rotates freely within cylindrical shell 26 since abutment surfaces 84 of ratchet 18 are not in engagement with flutes 60 of carrier 16.
Pellets 12 are then loaded through cut-out 40 at second end 32 of housing 14 between each flute 60 as desired. Carrier 16 can be rotated such that all of the valleys between ad~acent flutes 60 can be filled with pellets 16, i.e., ew h valley is in alignment with slot 40.
During this rotation, arms 66 of flutes 60 at second end 32 bias or slide over inclined surface 134 of stop member 128.

wossn71s2 PCT~S95~39 _ 17 -Once magazine 10 is loaded with pellets 12, lo~Ai ng member body 140 is forced inwardly to innermost position 148 and pivoted 90-, as illustrated in Fig. 3. During this movement of loA~ing member body 140, end cap wall 157 is received ~ ~e,~ arms 152 and head 158 of l o~i ng member body 140 to lock loA~ing member body 140. Pin 72 is moved into first end or intersection 50 of seron~ leg 48 of L-5hArP~ slot 38.
Before inserting pin 72 of magazine 10 into cA~ming bolt 20, ratchet 18 must be pre-set. This is done by m~n-~Ally moving pin 72 from first end 50 of second leg 48 to second end 52 of second leg 48 as illustrated in Fig. 5.
As pin 72 is moved, ratchet 18 rotates in its secQn~
direction 73 (see Figure 5), and abutment surfaces 84 engage the next ad~acent flute 60 and rotate carrier 16 until pin 72 reaches second end 52 of seron~ leg 48 as illustrated in Fig. 3A. During this rotation, at second end 32 of housing 14, a flute 60 biases or slides over inclined surface 134 of stop member 128 of leg 131 of detent 109 as illustrated in Fig. SA. Pin 72 is then inserted into first end portion 92 of cam y~oove 90 of cAmming bolt 20 with c~mming bolt 20 in its first position 98.
In operation, camming bolt 20 starts in first position 98 with pin 72 received in first end portion 92 of cam g oove 90. When the gun to which mag~7ine 10 is attAch~
is activated, camming bolt 20 is moved from its first position 98 to its second position 99. This action moves yLoove 90 relative pivot pin 72 such that pin 72 moves from being received in first end portion 92 to being received in second end portion 96, passing through angled port~on 94.
Since camming bolt 20 is limited to lin~Ar reclprocal movement, this movement of c~mming bolt 20 relative to pin 72 causes pin 72 to rotate in an arc around longitl~inAl woss~7182 PCT~S95/03925 axis 34. Since cylindrical shell 26 is stationery, this movement results in pin 72 moving from second end 52 of fiecond leg 48 of L-~h~p~ slot 38 to first end 50 of leg ~8. Center angled portion 94 cams pivot pin 72. Since pin 72 is affixed to ratchet 18, this action of pin 72 rotates ratchet 18 in a first direction 71 as illustrated in Figs.
4 and 4A. When ratchet 18 rotates in first direction 71, inclined surfaces 86 of ratchet teeth 82 engage and slide over the next adjacent flutes 60 as illustrated in Fig. 4.
Carrier 16 is held in position and does not rotate due to stop member 128 at second end 32 of cylindrical shell 26.
Specifically, stop surface 132 of stop member 128 is in engagement with an arm 66 of flute 60 and prohibits rotation of carrier 16.
When camming bolt 20 is moved from its second position 99 back to its first position 98, camming bolt 20 moves relative pin 72 such that pin 72 moves from second end portion 96 to first end portion 92, through angled portion 94. This action rotates pin 72 in an arc around longitudinal axis 34. Pin 72 moves, in second leg 48 of L-s~reA slot 38, from the first end 50 to the second end 52.
This rotationAl movement of pin 72 also simultaneously rotates main body 70 of ratchet 18 in second direction 73 as seen in Fig. 5. When ratchet 18 is rotated in second direction 73, abutment surfaces 84 of ratchet teeth 82 engage one of flutes 60, and thus rotate carrier 16 with ratchet 18. Carrier 16 is preferably rotated a distance substantially equal to the diameter of one pellet. As carrier 16 is rotated, arms 66 at the second end 32 bias or slide over incli~e~ surface 134 of stop member 128 as illustrated in Fig. 5A.
Addi~i~n~lly~ as carrier 16 rotates, pellets 12 are driven along carrier 16 by spiral 36 of housing 14. One pellet 12 is guided by a flute 60, spiral side wall 106 of WO95~7182 2 1 6 4 2 9 9 p~"~ 39~

plug 101, feeding groove 108 of plug 701, and out of magazine 10 through cut-out 40 of housing 14 and into the gun to which magazine 10 is at~Ach~.
This process can be repeated, and ~nother pellet discharged from the magazine 10 to the gun, until magazine 10 is emptied of pellets 12. Then ma~ 7 ine 10 may be relo~ with pellets 12, as set forth above as desired.
Various modifications, im~ovements and other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art once given this disclosure. Such modifications, im~ ov~ment and other embodiments are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (24)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An indexing magazine for storing and dispensing projectiles to a gun, comprising:
a housing having a first end, a second end, a passageway extending from said first end to said second end along a longitudinal axis, a helical member extending partially from said first end to said second end into said passageway and an end cap at said first end;
a drive member rotatably coupled within said housing and having a plurality of projections for guiding the projectiles along said helical member;
a release member coupled to said second end of said housing and to said drive member for feeding the projectiles from said housing into the gun;
a rotating member coupled to said drive member such that when said rotating member is rotated in a first direction it rotates said drive member but does not rotate said drive member when said rotating member is rotated in a second direction; and a camming member slidably coupled to said rotating member and movable between a first position and a second position, said rotating member slidably engaging said camming member as said camming member moves from its said first position to its said second position and rotating in said second direction;
said rotating member slidably engaging said camming member as said camming member moves from its said second position to its said first position and rotating in said first direction, thereby rotating said drive member.

2. A magazine as in claim 1, wherein said rotating member includes a first abutment surface extending substantially parallel to said long_ dinal axis and a first inclined surface extending angularly to said longitudinal axis, said first inclined surface engages said adjacent projection when said rotating member rotates in said second direction such that said adjacent projection slides relative said first inclined surface;
said first abutment surface engages said projection when said rotating member rotates in said first direction to its said first position and rotates said drive member.

3. A magazine as in claim 2, wherein said rotating member includes a ratchet disk and a pin fixedly coupled to said disk and extending outwardly therefrom into slidable engagement with said camming member, said first abutment and inclined surfaces extending from said ratchet disc.

4. A magazine as in claim 3, wherein said rotating member includes a second abutment surface extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis and a second inclined surface extending angularly to said longitudinal axis, said second inclined surface engages said adjacent projection when said rotating member rotates in said second direction such that said adjacent projection slides relative said second inclined surface;
said second abutment surface engages said projection when said rotating member rotates in said first direction to its said first position and rotates said drive member.

5. A magazine as in claim 4, wherein said second abutment and inclined surfaces extend from said ratchet disc.

6. A magazine as in claim 5, wherein said first and second abutment surfaces are directly opposite one another and said first and second inclined surfaces are directly opposite one another.

7. A magazine as in claim 1, wherein said camming member includes a groove having a first end portion extending parallel to said longitudinal axis, a center portion extending angularly to said longitudinal axis and a second end portion extending parallel to said longitudinal axis.

8. A magazine as in claim 7, wherein said first end portion, said center portion and said second end portion form a continuous cam groove.

9. A magazine as in claim 7, wherein said pin engages said first end portion when said camming member is in its said first position and said pin engages said second end portion when said camming member is in its said second position.

10. A magazine as in claim 7, wherein said center portion pivots said rotating member in said first direction as said camming member moves from its said first position to its said second position and pivots said rotating member in said second direction as said camming member moves from its said second position to its said first position.

11. A magazine as in claim 7, wherein said housing includes an L-shaped slot formed adjacent said first end through which said pin extends from said rotating member to said camming member.

12. A magazine as in claim 7, wherein said housing includes a cut-out formed at said second end through which the projectile are loaded into the gun.

13. A magazine as in claim 1 further comprising a loading member coupled to said first end of said housing for disengaging said rotating member from said drive member so that projectiles can be loaded into said drive member.

14. A magazine as in claim 13 wherein said loading member moves between a first unloaded position and a second loaded position, said rotating member being disengaged from said drive member when said loading member is in said first unloaded position and being engaged with said drive member when said loading member is in said second loaded position.

15. A magazine as in claim 1 further comprising a stop member extending into said second end of said housing from said release member and having a biasing surface extending angularly to said longitudinal axis and a stop surface extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, said biasing surface of said stop member engaging said projection at said second end when said rotating member rotates in said first direction such that said projection slides relative said biasing surface, said stop surface of said stop member engaging said adjacent projection at said second end when said rotating member rotates in said second direction and prevents said drive member from rotating.

16. A magazine as in claim 1, wherein each of said projections has an arm extending outwardly and arcuately from said projection adjacent said second end of said housing, said arms guiding the projectiles into said release member.

17. A magazine as in claim 1, wherein said release member includes an arcuate groove for guiding the projectiles into the gun.

18. A magazine as in claim 1, wherein said drive member includes a substantially cylindrical core which extends along said longitudinal axis, said projections extend outwardly from said cylindrical core.

19. A magazine as in claim 18, wherein said drive member includes arms, one of said arms extending outwardly from one of said projections at said second end.

20. A magazine as in claim 19, wherein said drive member includes six said projections spaced evenly apart.

21. A magazine as in claim 14, wherein said loading member includes a body and an end cap, said end cap receiving said body therethrough and allowing said body to move between said first unloaded position and said second loaded position.

22. A magazine as in claim 21, wherein said end cap is coupled to said first end of said housing.

23. A magazine as in claim 21, wherein said loading member includes a biasing member for biasing said body from said second loaded position to said first unloaded position.

24. An indexing helical magazine for a pellet gun, comprising:
a housing having a first end, a second end, a passageway extending from said first end to said second end along a longitudinal axis, and a helical member extending partially from said first end to said second end into said passageway;
a carrier rotatably coupled within said housing and having a plurality of flutes extending therefrom for guiding the pellets along said helical member;
a release member coupled to said second end of said housing and to said carrier for feeding the pellets from said housing into the gun;
a stop member extending into said housing from said release member having a biasing surface extending angularly to said longitudinal axis and a stop surface extending parallel to said longitudinal axis;
a loading member coupled to said first end of said housing;

a ratchet member coupled to said loading member for rotating said carrier; and a camming member slidably coupled to said ratchet member and movable between a first position and a second position and having a first end portion extending parallel to said longitudinal axis, a center portion extending angularly to said longitudinal axis and a second end portion extending parallel to said longitudinal axis, said ratchet member having a first abutment surface extending parallel to said longitudinal axis and a first inclined surface extending angularly to said longitudinal axis, said ratchet member slidably engaging said camming member as said camming member moves from its said first position to its said second position, said center portion rotating said ratchet member in a first direction with said first inclined surface of said ratchet member engaging said adjacent flute and sliding over said adjacent flute at said first end and said stop surface of said stop member engaging said adjacent flute at said second end and preventing said carrier from rotating, said ratchet member slidably engaging said camming member as said camming member moves from its said second position to its said first position, said center portion rotating said ratchet member in a second direction with said first abutment surface of said ratchet member engaging said flute and rotating said carrier and said biasing surface of said stop member sliding over said flute at said second end, said loading member releasably engaging said ratchet member from said carrier such that the pellets can be loaded into said carrier when aid loading member is disengaged from ratchet member.