Illuminated magazine assembly

Abstract

Provided are illuminated a magazine assemblies that include a magazine baseplate, having a chamber within the baseplate and an illumination source within the chamber. The illumination source may be selected and positioned within the magazine assembly, such that light emitted from the device may be seen within a limited range of sight, preferably such that only a person using the magazine assembly is able to see the light/illumination. The magazine assembly may further include a magazine attached to or integral with the magazine baseplate. Also provided are kits that include a magazine assembly as described herein and one or more additional components, such as instructions or a firearm. Further provided are methods of loading a magazine assembly into a firearm in dark or low light conditions using light produced from an illumination or light source in the magazine assembly.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A magazine assembly comprising
 a magazine baseplate, having a chamber within the baseplate and an illumination source within the chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The magazine assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the illumination source comprises an artificial light source. 
     
     
         3 . The magazine assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the illumination source comprises an infrared light source. 
     
     
         4 . The magazine assembly of  claim 1 , wherein illumination source is selected and positioned within the magazine assembly, such that light emitted from the device may be seen within a limited range of sight. 
     
     
         5 . The magazine assembly of  claim 1 , wherein illumination source is selected and positioned within the magazine assembly, such that only a person using the magazine assembly is able to see the light/illumination. 
     
     
         6 . The magazine assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a magazine attached to the magazine baseplate. 
     
     
         7 . The magazine assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a magazine integral with the magazine baseplate. 
     
     
         8 . The magazine assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the illuminated magazine assembly of the invention is configured to be attached to, or part of, an apparatus for which having a night or low-light reloading of a firearm may be advantageous. 
     
     
         9 . A kit including an illuminated magazine assembly according to  claim 1  and instructions for use of the illuminated magazine assembly. 
     
     
         10 . A kit including at least one firearm and an illuminated magazine assembly configured for use with said firearm. 
     
     
         11 . A method of loading a magazine assembly into a firearm in dark or low light conditions comprising viewing a self-illuminated magazine assembly, using light produced from an illumination source in the magazine assembly, and loading the self-illuminated magazine assembly into the firearm.