Water resistant container for storing and dispensing ammunition, mounting system, and methods of making and using the same

Abstract

A container is described that includes an ammunition storage compartment with a water resistant outer surface, and loading and dispensing openings covered by removable, water resistant closures. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A container for storing and dispensing ammunition, comprising:
 an ammunition storage compartment having a water resistant outer surface,   a first opening configured to receive ammunition into the ammunition storage compartment;   a second opening through which ammunition can be dispensed,   the first opening being covered by a water resistant, movable first closure and the second opening being covered by water resistant, movable second closure.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the ammunition storage compartment comprises a dispensing mechanism configured to control dispensing of the ammunition through the second opening. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the second closure comprises a discharge door. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the second closure comprises a discharge door. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the discharge door is pivotable. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the dispensing mechanism controls the pivotal position of a shell stop release allowing for the dispensing of shells through the discharge door. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the ammunition comprises a plurality of shells, and the dispensing mechanism is configured to dispense one shell at a time through the second opening. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the discharge door has an inner surface with a shell stop formed thereon. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the first closure comprises a loading door. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the loading door has a water resistant gasket formed around its perimeter. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the first opening has a water resistant gasket formed around its perimeter. 
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the discharge door has a water resistant gasket formed around its perimeter. 
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the second opening has a water resistant gasket formed around its perimeter. 
     
     
         14 . A system comprising:
 a container for storing and dispensing ammunition, comprising an ammunition storage compartment having a water resistant outer surface, a first opening configured to receive ammunition into the ammunition storage compartment, and a second opening through which ammunition can be dispensed, the first opening being covered by a water resistant, movable first closure and the second opening being covered by water resistant, movable second closure, and   a mounting device configured to removably mount the container on a support.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the ammunition storage compartment comprises a dispensing mechanism configured to control dispensing of the ammunition through the second opening. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the second closure comprises a discharge door. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the dispensing mechanism controls the pivotal position of a shell stop release allowing for the dispensing of shells through the discharge door. 
     
     
         18 . A method comprising:
 obtaining a container comprising an ammunition storage compartment having a water resistant outer surface, a first opening configured to receive ammunition into the ammunition storage compartment, a second opening through which ammunition can be dispensed, the first opening being covered by a water resistant, movable first closure and the second opening being covered by water resistant, movable second closure,   opening the first opening,   loading the ammunition through the first opening, and   closing the first opening.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 dispensing ammunition through the second opening.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 before dispensing, opening the second opening.